Why do you keep posting messages and deleting them...I go to read em coz I'm worried you seem upset...and the bloody things are gone!? Oh well, I hope you're OK! I gotta go to bed.... :-)>

He is upset.....very much so. And I can see he really needs to get it off his chest. However at the moment he is probably right in deleting them. For some here emotions may be high because of the "Contest" thread....And stirring up those emotion further would not do any good. My feelings on this whole escapade are completely neutral....locking the thread was not my decision, however it was probably for the best. This forum is probably the most tame forum on the whole site....how often do we have problems? While the Photography Forum is not the reason Renderosity is here, we are a very active group, both here and in the gallery....the under-current sentiment that we "don't matter" has always been there. I don't think it will ever go away...that being said, you take what you want and leave the rest. I personally enjoy being here. I love the people, the talent. Are there things I would change if I could? Of course! But you get what you put into it. By leaving or pulling your gallery you do not hurt Renderosity, it will go on without any us. But by staying and sharing your joy and passion and knowledge with the rest of us you make this part of the site a richer and better place. Rork if you read this.....I understand.....completely. Take some time to cool off, I really think that's what you need. I think I've said enough for now....I could go on and on but I won't....

I'm amazed how well Michele knowns the people on this forum ;) You managed to describe it exactly....you're a very wise person, Michele =) Indeed, I tried to write some stuff twice, but I think it missed the point of what I was trying to say and that'll probably make more people upset or annoyed, and that's not what I was after anyway - or start a whole new discussion, etc :) I guess the whole idea is that when you try to be honest about how you really feel about things (not about persons, but just things in general) the last thing I care about is how this or that rule exactly was written down. But I wasn't sure how to put it and what I exactly wanted to achieve with it, so I might as well delete it :) And thanks for the concern.....that's really very nice - it's appreciated =)

I locked the thread because, as I've said, it seems that the main point of contention was resolved and acted upon, and it won't do much help if flames started all over again. (We're not used to this kind of thing happening here, you may have noticed.) As for the other stuff, I can only echo what Mich has already said. (*

Sometimes, it's better to clinch one's fists and move on. Some things are just the way they are. Several people made good points and I think Starry was right to close off the thread because I feel all the explanations were given that could be and to allow it to continue would be so like what happens in the Poser forum...a rendered horse gets beaten to death over and over. And I gotta go with what Michelle and Starry have pointed out, this is one of the nicest forums.

Thank you, 'Chelle. [I just finished my year-end performance review at work, and I can verify first hand, when you are angry about something, NEVER say how you honestly feel!] Keep this a nice place to come home to.

Thanks Chelle, and Rork...I'm glad you are ok. I will always be concerned about my friends here. This place (the photoforum) was a home to me long before I became a moderator in 2D, and I always try and keep tabs on what goes on here. I echo what Michelle said too, I love the people and the talent here...and I would change things too, but all things take time...and not surprisgly a bit of effort. One thing I never want to see change however is the friendly, positive nature of this forum. It is the people and their attitude that makes it what it is, which is a pretty wonderful place...and most of the time we can feel safe in being honest with each other and not be taken the wrong way...but as Misha wisely stated above there are times when it is best to keep things to yourself! (Although I'm still learning that lesson sometimes...)
Take care and stay well all.
:-)>