Thanks for the link. Beautiful lifeforms. I especially like the COCCOLITHOPHORIDS. Marion

Well, I give in. I guess what I said originally was stupid, to say the least. In all truth, I really don't care one way or another whether anyone says what they do to their fractals. And I don't care what they do to their fractals either. I simply enjoy looking at artworks in many of the galleries here, comment on the ones I like, and am on my way again. Marion

Maybe I chose the wrong words. What i meant was that I believe that sometimes artists do minimal changes in graphic programs to their fractals and simple forget to mention them when they post their image. Sorry!!! Marion

Welcome to the fractal gallery. It sure is nice to see new artists here with new ideas and creations. Have fun. Marion

Guess no solution has been arrived at yet. So many opinions. What I would like to see is for the artists to be COMPLETELY HONEST and state what post work has been done on the images they post, no matter how slight it may be. Even a small description of their technique might be nice. I wonder if some of us don't take our images into another program and maybe use 'unsharp mask' and never give a second though about it being post processed as it has become a habit and accepted. One artist very nicely states that the images posted are sharpened. I like that. I don't do much post work, mainly because I am not very good at it. I use PSP for borders and for my signature and once in a while to recolor stray pixels in the image. And sometimes I use unsharp mask and when I post, I forget all about stating this. I saw one image posted recently in the fractal gallery and for the life of me, I could not find the fractal portion of it. It had lovely post work done on it, however. Now that is the kind of image that I think should go in the 2D or mixed medium gallery. It seems that I remember some time in the past, when we could post more than one image per day, that some images were posted in two different galleries; as if the artist was aware that the image could be in either category. That doesn't happen now that we can only post one image per day. Arend makes beautiful mixed medium images that could fit into maybe 3 different galleries and be acceptable in each. But he posts them in only the fractal gallery and the fractals are clearly evident. So I can see why he posts them here. Just some more of my thoughts on the subject. Take care, Marion

Yes, I see what you mean, Keith. Guess when we use PSP or PS for massive postwork, then it should go in the 2D gallery. Is that what you mean? Anyway, I think that all artists in all the galleries use various programs to enhance their art in some way or another. The borders are very blurred these days, I think. Don't know if this will ever be resolved. It will simply evolve into something different as computer technology evolves. Marion

I have a lot of mixed feeling about this subject. I do not know where anyone would draw the line to decide if an image is more fractal or more some other program. Seems that since so many have drifted away from the idea that a fractal needs to be 'pure' (whatever that is), there is more and more postwork done on fractals and that has included combining various graphic software with fractals. I actually think UF is somewhat a graphic program, rather than a pure fractal program. So, it seems the debate will continue. Also, I have thought we need to have an Apophysis gallery. But then, what about those who take an Apo image into UF for a background? Same problem, I think. As for comments: Yes, it is nice to get comments, but sometimes I find the comments a burden as I feel compelled to respond with a 'thank you note'. I often think it would be nice if there are no comments, only votes, and no one knowing who voted. But on the other hand, this would be a rather sterile community. Many online friendships have blossomed here on Renderosity. It is rather fun to communicate with others of like interest. Keith, I am glad you mentioned asking for constructive comments. I shall have to do that. I have noticed a few do that already. Oh well, life goes on, and Renderosity goes on. Guess we should make the best of what is available. This venue is far better than the newsgroups IMO. Marion

Congratulations Karine on winning first place in the June challenge. Your image is EXCELLENT and very beautiful.

CarolSassy--I guess I thought you had an opinion about this competitive thing. But then, you did state that you were not very competitive when you were young and that some people are naturally more competitive than others. Guess that is a good enough opinion. Thanks. Marion

I really don't know much about anything, but if you know a little about a lot of things which makes you dangerous, then I REALLY want your opinion! Let me have it right between the eyes! Marion

Message edited on: 06/24/2004 20:08

Yes, I agree with you CarolSassy about how each of us have our own way of doing things. But as far as age goes, I do disagree. Now that I am a senior, and look back over the years, I find that being competitive is not to important to me any longer. Yes, it is fun to compete, but the results are not so earthshaking any longer. I do believe that when we are younger, stiving to be and do the best is much more important. Just my opinion. Marion

Interesting opinions. I don't care for the ratings and have not checked to receive them for a long time. I love to view art and hence, go to many other galleries besides the 'fractal gallery'. I post comments frequently, both to encourage newcomers, and to comment on certain aspects of particular images such as detail, color, design, presentation, etc. I do not vote very often. An image must be really 'mind boggling' for my vote. I rarely go to the Hot 20. Now that I am retired and older, I just make fractals to please myself and hope that they may give some small measure of enjoyment to whoever looks at them. Yes, there seems to be this 'I'll comment on yours if you comment on mine' thinking. I guess that is human nature! Marion

Message edited on: 06/24/2004 07:22

I don't get many fractals made as I spend so much time looking at the artwork in many of the galleries here at R'osity and leaving comments. I have a slow dialup connection too, so it takes me much of my morning just looking and commenting. Also, I rarely rate anyones artwork as it really has to be 'spectacular' in my book to get a rating. Also, I don't very often vote on images either as they must be really 'mind boggling' to get a vote. I rarely go to the Hot 20 either. It is all so subjective. I have even contemplated not allowing comments on my images. It seems that there is this psychology that 'if I comment on yours, then you will comment on mine'. That kind of thinking doesn't give a very accurate assessment of whether or not an image is 'really good' as far as art goes. Maybe being a senior citizen has effected my view. Hope I haven't offended anyone. Marion

I have never counted. I have all mine in folders by the month that I created them. Then each month I put them on disk, but still leave them on my hard drive. Most of my images which I like are in my Webshots albums. http://community.webshots.com/user/_marion70 I also have all my par files in separate folders by the month. Marion

Thanks, thanks, for your starter flames. This is a very nice and great effort on your part. It is much appreciated. Marion