I've been avoiding the controversy around here lately but I thought I would share my recent thoughts and feelings about this place. First and foremost, I have to say that Nick and Barb have done an outstanding job of turning this place into a respectable fractal art gallery. I wish that there was a moderator of the year award, or something that would give them the recognition that they deserve. This place is still a giant popularity contest, but the new showcase and weekly window galleries do a great job of filtering through the popularity and finding the gems. Add to that all of the crap that Nick and Barb went through to define the guidelines and I just don't see how they could have done a better job. These are top notch people that we are lucky to have around here. About that giant popularity contest... I, once again, became frustrated with that game, wondering why this image and not that one, or why this person and not that one (or me). Sorry, I'm just a human. It's so easy to get caught up in it all. It's so easy to try to second guess or to try to put together an image that might be popular. I decided to step out of the game for a few images and I have to say that it felt pretty good. I didn't feel cheap or like I was bowing to peer pressure. Please, don't get me wrong. I appreciate the comments and the supportive community aspects of this place, but dang, it's so easy to get caught up in the stuff that doesnt matter. These are just my thoughts. I'm not complaining or asking for any changes. It's just what I'm thinking. Thanks for everything, everyone. Keith