It is with sadness that I must announce that until further notice, I will be pulling the free faeries from my website and they will BE NO MORE. I'm not going to engage in a battle of wits with unarmed opponents, I don't have to. It seems that some rather perverse minded individuals here can't see any thing beautiful and innocent without it bringing to their sick little minds some despicable horror, and being the lowest common denominators that they are, must protest noisily their ignorance for all to hear. Funny how these little overblown egos with mouths never seem to contribute anything at all except complaints. I apologize to the many, many fine people who have created some amazing and beautiful works with my models, and to the many friends I will be letting down with this announcement. We faeries at Thorneworks love our friends a lot, and try to show that to them as much as we are able. Perhaps in the future the faeries will return, and I will make a few available in the various stores around as I find the time to do so. If anyone thinks it's about money- well, it's never been about money with me and there are many who will attest to that fact. I make a VERY good living from my job and don't need to sell or give away anything. But most importantly I have a wealth of friends, which is wealth that money cannot buy, nor naysayers and loudmouthed fools ever take away from me. Thanks to everyone for all the support and kind words that you have spoken. Thorne =};-}>

This is a sad day for the community, and an ever growing unfortunate trend. While I don't make many comments about peoples work or contributions, I'd just like to thank you Thorne. Yours was on of the first sites I found when I began seriously playing with Poser almost 3 years ago. Thanks for everything.

tis a shame my friend.. but I think I understand. I wish you and your's only the best. perhaps the detractors will mature a bit.. and realize their follies.. take care

It's a shame that it has come to this. I only hope that the people you speak of will one day see the error of their ways. Best Wishes, Cookie

My heart is breaking...

Thorne, my friend, a sad day indeed. Though not entirely surprising given the latest wave of hysteria. I don't give much on the odds of people coming to their senses and realising the error of their ways, their hearts and minds are entirely closed. At least you are not pulling out of the Poser Community, that loss would be too much to bare. You have shown your mastery over the polygon mesh time and again. With a sprinkle of your magic faerie dust, the ugly P4 woman was transformed into a flock of beautiful slender faeries. We can, at least, look forward to you continuing to work your magic on the form and features of Victoria and the Mil Girls. Some will post pictures of faeries crying (as indeed they must be at this news), but I prefer to recall the happy times, when I and thousands like me waited eagerly for your next free faery release. So above is a picture I made a short while ago, featuring some of your faery gifts and your wonderful new Faery Wagon -thanks again ;) (A larger, higher res version is available at my website for those interested: www.isaacnewton3d.com) We all owe you a great deal for your gifts to the Community, and I personally acknowledge you as a major inspiration in my own slow progress in using Poser. I for one will continue to scour the websites for all your forthcoming goodies. IsaacNewton

Hey man this is tragic. Is it only hysteria prevalent in the states, or all over, cos I'm UK based you see. I love your stuff, and like Angel Michael your site was one I found early on, before I started playing with Poser, I just searched for fairies. I use your wings all the time, and I thing its sad that some people just can't see what is art and what is not. est wishes for the future. Pam

The greatest part of wisdom is learning to develop  the ineffable genius of extracting the "neither here nor there" out of any situation...."

I can't quite decide what is worse about this: That conservative attitudes about--oh, just everything--should transform into oppression, rationalized in the name of morality. That pleasurable images, sexual and not, should suddenly become viewed as "nasty"--or worse--illegal. That Thorne should have bowed to the oppressive, conservative forces. That such bowing should be blamed on the oppressor. Just can't decide how to think about this. Of course child abuse is a bad thing. Of course woman abuse is a bad thing. But the overzealous application of censorship in the name of the above is abuse also. And surrendering to that abuse, as a creative adult, is, in a very real way, contributing to it. Children and adolescents are very sensual and quite lovely in many ways, artistic, engaging, and amazingly beautiful, both in and of themselves, and as a metaphor for our own beginnings, our own futures. Which, of course, has no more to do with child abuse than the average Shirley Temple movie. eng

Oh this is indeed a sad day... :( So many will not see the wonders of your creations.. I support your decision... as you are right, friends are of more value.. Whispering softly, an almost silent sigh, Stretching upward to the sun, Swaying is anticipation, The forest wakes to face the dawn, Wait! There is no music, No sound of merriment; laughter No fluttering of gossamer wings. Silence.... The fairies are now extinct.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Senior MarketPlace Tester

If anyone sees a mind wandering aimlessly around..... It is mine.  I want it back.

This is a sad day for me indeed. You have been a great inspiration to me, in fact, it was after seeing renders of your fairies that I decided to buy Poser. My first online purchase was Valentine Hart. After that I either purchased or downloaded from your website every single fairie that I could get my hands on. I used to look forward (like a kid at Christmas) to each month's calendar fairie. I remember writing you an e-mail way back then with a lame newbie question and was pleasantly surprised by your prompt and helpful reply. Thank you for everything!

thorne, that's very sad! it was always pleasure to read about faeries on your site and to work with them. i hope you and they will come back soon!

Stand up for what you feel is right... you have my support, too. -Heike-

L'ultima fòrza è nella morte.

Thats very sad notice, no words. Thorne thanks for all..

OH Dear!! That is sad news indeed! :-( Not so much for the withdrawal of your friends... But, for all this censorchip nonsense coming!! Living in Canada, makes me worry that we will feel all this histeria from the U.S. even more... I would like to thank you again for your great GENEROSITY Thorne!! You have influenced this community in a great way!! Until, i found your "realm", i thought Fearies were just for kids... But, you found a way with your little friends to awaken the sleeping child in me! :-) May your Journeys be filled with Love & magic... Marco

Thorne... if I clap real loud will the fairies come back? It worked in Peter Pan. I am VERY sorry to hear your decision. I know how tough it is to deal with brainless oafs who have no appreciation of art... some of my public galleries get stomped by talentless "critics" who, as you said, seem to contribute nothing but complaints. So I understand how frustrating it can be. I do hope your beautiful fairies available in the store as it would truly be a crime if I never got to see those beautiful creatures again! =) But regardless, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my imagination for sharing those wonderful fairies with everyone here! Truly, fairies and leprecauns everywhere observe a moment of silence at their passing. Good bye and good luck my friend!

Sorry, Thorne, but I can't agree with your decision. I've posted my reason on the C&D Board, but I think you're dead wrong to punish everyone because of the actions of a very few. Yes, it's your work, and you have the right to do with it whatever you wish, but this "solution" isn't going to help. Reconsider, friend.

Sorry to see yet another resource withdrawn - but your creations are yours to do with as you wish. You have my support (for what it is worth) for your decision & my thanks for your many contributions to the community!

Allan Thornton

Im not very articulate nor well known here but I have to put in my 2 cents. If some people think Thorns work is perverted what do they think about naked Barbies...Kens or any of the other life like anatomically correct dolls. If this is a sample of what this world is coming to God help us all. Its not Art or creativity thats dirty or perverted, its the minds of the ignorant that view it. Maybe we should start removing all the paintings in churchs that show some nudity. Remove all the books....movies....everything. I believe all the artists and creative people should take a stand...and soon. Before its to late. Thorn....your work will be sadly missed by all...myself included :O(

Sorry to be clueless, but just what the heck is going on that you're pulling your stuff? From what I have seen the best I can figure out is someone is yelling "child porn" somewhere, and presumably at you in particular. I have had my head pretty much buried in day job and getting the V2 stuff done so I haven't been able to watch other things but as far as I know there's nothing going on here on this site that would cross the line of what is currently regulated and legislated. The Renderotica site could theoretically be attacked but they are at worst in a gray area, at least until the Supremes start making rulings. As far as I know the depiction of "Faeries" would not be illegal. Unless someone is physically serving you with paperwork don't pull your stuff. They way they win is if you quit without a fight. Fight. Go to the matresses. If you give them a cheap win here they will only be back for more the next time. Also, many of these "protectors of civilization" work best in the shadows. Scream and yell. Make a Federal case of it. Pull them out into the light. Start a paper trail of what you and they are doing. Eventually it will curl around and choke them. The bigger a noise you make the more people will notice and you will get help. I for one am more than willing to make noise and scream over this. Confused but Riled

Thorne, I do not know what this current hysteria is that everyone is talking about...but I am sad to see you withdraw your beautiful works. I am still fairly new to the community (half a year or so) , but you have been one of the key people to inspire me. Your kind words have always been welcomed.

It is wise to seek cover from the coming storm, particularly if you have a family to feed. It is sad comfort to know that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. It is easy to say to Thorne to stick it out in the face of the winds of Intolerance. It's quite another thing to stand up to either 15 years in jail, put there by over reaching zealotry. But to withdraw the products isn't going to change the nature or extent of the problem. We might as well put up thirty foot walls around our school yards and playgrounds, regulate the images of children in clothing catalogues and advertising. And for certain, ban children's beauty pageants!

Gordon

You and your works will be missed Thorne, do what you feel is right for you and them. And once more thank you, for all you've done.

ENGELKEN, that was beautifully put.

"Your work is to keep cranking the flywheel that turns the gears that spin the belt in the engine of belief that keeps you and your desk in midair."

Annie Dillard

Thorn, do what feels right. If you look around very closely, the same ignorant attitudes prevail everywhere. Most people don't require much from their fellow man, but at least they could MYOB if what you do doesn't suit them. Take smoking, for just one example. People continue this disgusting habit in the face of mountains of evidence. Disgusting taste, smell, side effects, disease, 2nd hand smoke effects, etc. Ditto for religous zealots largely responsible for flaming people such as you. Like they have some monopoly on ethics. They haven't even examined there own history, to which they've handed over their life. Ever gone to a torture device exhibit? Ever notice who in about 90% of the cases were turning/controlling the turning of the thumbscrews??? Priest. They got away with murder for almost 2000 years. My spokesmen for God? I don't think so. Talk to the hand. It's a long sordid list of human atrocities as any group in history bar none. The thought police throughout known history. People should try thinking things through for themselves, more subjectively. The condom issue- whoa. Overpopulation, STD's & AIDS- not a problem. Abstinence is the answer. Looked at the #1 instinct in the animal kingdom - the sex drive. Try supressing that one they advise. I am not reading this thread any more, so please don't respond to me here. Thank you thorne, for you efforts.

Attached Link: http://www.falange.org/wewant.htm

This outfit is likely defunct ... probably having been co-opted by the Religious Right. Read for yourself. In matters concerning Poser, the Far Left also views Poser in a bad light. In fact, those behind USC 2256, Title 18 were out to abolish Poser and other computer programs capable of rendering an anatomically correct human image.

Gordon

Ohh damned, that's a really bad day. But if i would be you, i wouldn't close the site. If you feel you're on the right side, then fight. No more excuse, face their names. Tell em the truth. Don't give up. There where allways people which had other opinions, what happens if you feel your on the right side. Let em speek, don't give em the interest they want. And shure not along, they will shut their mouth. That's just what i would do. Robert Egli aka SHARKEY Switzerland

I loved your little poem Helen. Is it original to you? Very nice. jon

 
~jon
My Blog - Mad Utopia Writing in a new era.

Again, I ask who is going after Thorne. Is there a real legal effort being mounted against him, or simply the threat of it? If so, by who? Is it a private individual, a private group or a government or law enforcement agency?

Well , very sad news for the whole comunity....Well miss your work....

So they win...we loose...so sad...:-(.......

Like jbrugion, I don't know what's going on. Like everyone, I side with Thorne, who's done more than most to advance the pictorial and artistic potential of Poser. Thorne - duck! Don't stand up against whatever zealots are playing moral McCarthyists. That kind of people love picking on symbolic, preferably defenseless, targets. They have as little integrity as intelligence - show you have both, and keep your opinions and yourself intact. Watch and wait - we'll wait, too, and hope. We all know your stuff's worth waiting for ;-)

I find it amazing that during the Renaissance(sp?), which occurred during one of the darkest times in human history (in terms of religious persecution/political persecution etc), the thick minded individuals that ran things were at least able to discern the difference between art and life. The majority of the artwork of the time contained nudity, of men and women and children - yet no one mistook it for any form of pornography. In these enlightened times, however, we are more and more often finding the human body, no matter the age, to be a thing of disgrace rather than beauty. Oh to have been born hundreds of years ago! sigh

well... for once in my verbose life I am at a loss for words... (don't worry though, I always think of some!) Helen your poem is beautiful. Don't think me toooo cheesy here, but I actually think I'm going to cry! Isaac's image is just outstanding. To everyone else who has replied here, all I can say is a very, very humble thanks for your thoughts and for this overwhelming show of support. It was not a decision I made quickly, or at the spur of the moment, or in reaction to any single forum thread or post. Quite honestly I had been considering it for some time now. in the however many years since I first opened ThorneWorks, I have had many, many more letters of thanks and support than I have criticisms or flames. In fact, as relates to this very issue of screaming "FIRE!" (child-porn) in a crowded theatre (Renderosity, and the internet at large), I have received exactly ONE complaint in my email- in the form of some misguided soul in France asking me "how old" one of my models was. ...Oh, I don't know, a month or two I suppose since she came into the world.... As my english itself is atrocious, and I was BORN here, I would NEVER make fun of anyone else's brave attempts at it, but we obviously had a language barrier there. So I forwarded his letter on to my friend Vincent in Belgium, who could set him straight in his own language. ;o) ah... good times. In my time online (NOT a Johnny Cash song), I have also been ripped-off, free-drived, hacked unsuccessfully, accidentally deleted, and caught in the middle of some hellacious forum politics with flame bullets flying fast and furious. I have somehow, with the support of my very dear friends, been able to survive all that, which without them, I most assuredly would NOT have survived. I put one helluva lot of work into the models I create. That's prolly 'cause I'm very slow and deliberate- these things just can't be rushed. But when I see that hard work attacked as being some despicable thing that, before coming online, I would never even have DREAMED it to be associated with, and then I myself being placed right alongside with that association as though I WAS or even COULD BE responsible for the sick minds of a very few others... "I'm taking Ford Motors to court because my kid got run over by a crazed drunken driver in a Ford..." Well, that was about the ol' proverbial straw that broke it. The ridiculousness of it is only surpassed by the fact that anyone would even fall for it. You guys are so great and you are making this very difficult to do... I'm not chickening out of a fight; I've fought this one. So then please consider this a time-out to regroup and consider options, of which there ARE some... even I am not always sure what those mischievous faeries over at my place might have up their little faerie sleeves for the future. Thorne, down but not OUT (big tongue out at you perverts! :oP) P.S. (Did I mention, you guys are GREAT! Thank you, deeply.)

Thorne I am saddened by all of this, as your faires are truly a work of art. I have purchased them and also gotten the free ones. I agree this will be a sad day, if you no longer enlighten us with your beautiful creations! But I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for what you have given to us :) Sallie

Poser 9 SR3  and 8 sr3
=================
Processor Type:  AMD Phenom II 830 Quad-Core
2.80GHz, 4000MHz System Bus, 2MB L2 Cache + 6MB Shared L3 Cache
Hard Drive Size:  1TB
Processor - Clock Speed:  2.8 GHz
Operating System:  Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 
Graphics Type:  ATI Radeon HD 4200
•ATI Radeon HD 4200 integrated graphics 
System Ram:  8GB 

I think it's a smart move by Thorne. Who knows what's going to happen in the courts these days. Better safe than sorry.

Dear Thorne, There are some heavy hearts in this household. But even though, I will forever be indebted to you! I can remember the many joys you have brought into our lives here. The many times my wife and myself were like little kids at Christmas, as we awaited your new coming characters, or how about the joy of using your great characters. Alot of us less talented folks (like myself), found we too could put together some nice art, due to you sharing your talents with us,art that we never would of known much less made, if it were not for you Thorne. Thanks a million ! Thorne you have already contributed way more then any ones fair share. May the light, love and happiness you have shared with so many come back to you , many times over. I also hope that you never stop using the great gifts God has given you. But what ever path you choose we will wish you nothing but the very best always ! Your Friend Stoney :-)

I was one of the people who saw the latest stupidity before it could be yanked. It was a private debate in the Vendor forum - not accessible to regular members, but it was posted in a public forum anyway, against Renderosity rules. Although the actual post was yanked, the reactions to it are still posted publically, so I believe a summary is acceptable as the post could be gleaned from the replies still on the site. If not, please feel free to yank this post. One or more of the admins at Renderosity expressed concern that some idiot will scream child porn because the kid textures are anatomically correct and the models are shown without clothing to show off the full textures. Naturally, the vendors are upset because they don't feel that they are promoting child pornography and are insulted that their hard work would be considered as such. (Please understand, the admin(s) never said that any of the vendors were promoting child pornography, the fear was others would do so.) Someone took this private debate on the issue, copied it into one or more public forums and declared that the vendors were in favor of child pornography. A few weeks earlier someone sounded the child pornography charge at Thorne, then later recanted, stating that they meant that they feared what others would do with Thorne's fairies, not what Thorne himself was doing with the models. To be fair, the person publically apologized to Thorne, but I think the damage had already been done. Between that and this latest McCarthy attack, I'm not surprised that Thorne feels sick about the whole thing and is pulling his stuff. Even if you stop creating more fairies, please don't stop bringing beauty into the world. It needs all the beauty it can get!

So sad to hear this for alot of reasons. I hope, at least you will offer your faeries for sale. I personally don't do images with children or faeires, be they sexual, violent or PG rated, but I do believe that people have the right to do whatever they want with what they own, download, make, etc... You also have the right to do as you please with your models. This is your decision and that is that. So be it. I wish you all the success the community and market has to offer. I think your models are wonderful, as I suspect many of those that are making images that you disapprove of do. One has to remember that once out there on a public highway like this is, anything can happen (be they free or purchased). One has to consider that from the start and get past it or...not. I personally, do not believe in censorship. I don't hold any grudges or ill will towards those that do on a personal level either. I respect individuals' rights to choose, whatever the issue. On a political level...well, we might butt heads! Good Luck with whatever you decide to do in the end...

This is so sad. Thorne, I've seen some of those flamewars, so I completely understand where you're coming from, and I can't help but suport your decision. I wish the world were a different place...like maybe the one you've created at Thorneworks, full of beauty and innocence. But the world isn't like that. I am confused by one thing though. How will selling the fairies rather than giving them away resolve the problem? This isn't an accusation of capitalism, honestly. I'm just confused by the idea that that's the answer. I too, hope you'll reconsider. But I understand your situation, and support it. yours Eirian

Attached Link: http://irenes-place.com/index1.htm

I must add my thoughts to all these wonderful messages. Being fairly new to Poser, I found your site and thought it was the most beautiful site I had seen, with all those wondrous faeries, it was like Heaven! I do so hope you will consider all the options. You have given us so much! "Every time a child says 'I don't believe in faeries' there is a little faerie somewhere that falls down dead.'

An amen to Irish's post. Your stuff is beautiful and has an artistry I for one will never be able to attain. In whatever guise, come back soon.

Hi Eirian, I posted an answer to you question but it seems not to have made it here. I don't know why. I'll try again. IsaacNewton

Eirian, In answer to your question: I don't know if this is in Thornes mind but it may have made it easier for him to continue giving his characters away if there were more positive measures by Renderosity to alieviate the unfounded concerns of certain misguided individuals. Renderosity wishes to impose a blanket ban on any nude figure in the MarketPlace advertising pictures that appears to be less then 20 years old (teens, children and babies) - I don't think I'm giving any secrets away by saying that. Think about that for a moment, is it reasonable? If you wished to you could go to a store and buy a magazine or video showing real live 18 year olds having acutal sex!! So, what can Renderosity do that would support Thorne and others like him who provide us with such beautiful characters, and hopefully help to persuade him to change his mind. How about a public statement of support saying that they find nothing wrong with his work? How about dropping this ban in place of sensible vetting of images according to existing legal guidelines not some half wits opinion of what we as a community should or should not see? Perhaps if the Community adopts a mature attitude to these issues, we will yet again see more of Thornes wonderful work being given away. So, write to your Senator/Representative/Forum Moderator... whoever.... who knows, we may yet see the beginning of a new era. IsaacNewton

Eirian, That seems to have made it OK. Isaac

Isaac, There are new laws being considered here in the US that will effect the whole Poser community. I haven't looked at all the details yet, but it's been said that even adult figures who just "look" like children will not be allowed by law. So a scantilly clad adult Poser figure with ribbons in her hair may be a dangerous thing to have very soon. I hope people with more sense prevail. -JH.

I'm here to just making a statement/point, not so much a flame (no its not against Thorne). What I don't understand is that Thorne is getting all the flak. I mean, I suppose i can see why, and why hes doing what hes doing, but I dont understand it. Why dont they focus attention more on someplace like Renderotica? Here, yes, there is nudity, but one can still see it as art. Renderotica is well, straight out porn. It doesnt matter what characters are used there does it? Its all the same in the end. Thats like going to a porn site and saying, "shes a blonde, shes seen more often, lets go after the company who hired her to get her fired." Okay, maybe not the best analogy, but you get the gist. I personally have not used any faeries in my art (no real rhyme or reason, i just havent shrug), but I've seen some incredible works posted here with them. Some so viberant and real, that you want to tap the monitor to see if they'll blink. I just dont see it. Maybe I'm ignorant, maybe I've said something logical for the first time in my life. Regardless, we'll miss your work.

Thanks for the reply Jeff. I understand your concern and the fact that you (Renderosity) may have to take appropriate action. But oh, how I wish more thought had been put into this before announcing, out of the blue, a blanket ban. Perhaps you could modify it to a temporary moritorium until such time as the law is clear one way or the other. Better still, just warn people that a ban may have to be put into effect if the law changes. Perhaps then we may see a change of heart from poor Thorne who has taken a lot of unjustified flack on this issue. Isaac

Let me apologize in advance, as I sometimes have problems expressing exactly what I mean, but I hope this reaches who Thorne, as I am very curious if you are pulling everything, or if you will remain in sales for the time being. I had been working on some various Sci-Fi scenes, and was not terribly impressed with the current winged creatures of fantasy until I came across various models from ThorneWorks. I was amazed at the detail and realism incorportated in the models. I immediately began searching out different resources on other faerie props and backgrounds, intending to incorporate some of them into my work. But then I saw this post, and before I even clicked on the link, my heart fell. I am new to Poser and it's possibilities, and I have never yet had the pleasure of working with any of your models, although it's an understatement to say I was quite looking forward to it. The general public (unfortunately, Americans in particular, and yes I'm an American, born and raised, so this isn't a foreigner pointing the finger) is artistically illiterate it seems, and I couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until people started ranting about the anatomically-correct detailing on the available models, especially the children. However, look at all the current and old art that currently portrays human nudity, in both adults and the young. So the nude body is now to be considered pornographic in nature? Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is what I believe. I see a naked child, that's natural. I see a posed naked child, non-erotic in style, and that's art. I see a naked child in an erotic or sexually-intended pose, that's child-porn. It's all about how it's used. As has been thoroughly pointed out in this thread, nudity in art has occurred for thousands of years. Look at ancient Greek and Roman art and statues, or Renaissance paintings and sculptures for examples. Does anyone cry "child-porn" when this depicts forms of a nude child? Of course not, it's not intended to be erotic in nature, and if some perverse individual(s) see it as such, does that mean that society as a whole must also see it as such and now it must be declared inappropriate or even illegal? While growing up I don't know how many times I've heard "the one ruined it for the many" from my parents or teachers, and now even as adults we endure it - the minority creating strife that ends up ruining it for the majority. What's wrong with nudity? My entire life I been in love with the nude figure - it is so pure and delicate, yet so complex. I can just sit and admire it for hours, taking in every detail, thinking to myself, "How did God do it?". I see past the nudity itself, and see it for what it truly is - the most complex machine and creature in the world. Yet someone else can see it for simply a naked body and the sexual drive in their brain apparently overrides the intellectual side, and it instantly transforms into "porn". Too many see the human body as a sexual object I fear, something to be hidden behind locked doors, instead of a living, breathing work of art. Nudity will always be considered one of two things - art or porn. It more or less resides in the mind of the viewer, and the intentions and styles of the artist can either encourage it one or the other. So I suppose one day, we'll all live in a world where nudity in any form is completely prohibited. Well I certainly went a bit further than I intended, but in summary, I am sad to see the effect of the artistically-disinclined and the perverse on works such as those produced by a truly talented individual. I cannot say whether the decision is wrong or right, for surely we cannot know all the circumstances he/she may be facing. But I can say I will miss the opportunity to work with the models if all of them are being removed, not just the free ones.

jonchristopher, you said something very important. Some among us do not see god/God in a nude body (child or adult), only filth. I find this incredibly sad. Even worse, those who see with these jaded eyes are now telling artists that they cannot paint God's most wonderful creation, unless it is covered (with a poly-cotton blend perhaps?) pam

Deleted my earlier post as I thought Thorn found people using his fairies "in peverse" situations. But now realize that Thorn 'is being accused of peversities', well that's just insane! As rediculas as those who once wanted to put clothes on farmer's cows and sheep and those who no longer allow Romeo & Julliett to be read in schools.....what's this world comming to??!! This is really sad as I love fantasy and Thorn's and FairyWoods were my favorits, I had hoped one day to learn your skills ;-( (I never even got a chance to read FairyHeaven's comic) Just like a sad ending story, all the Magic in the world (wide web) is vanishing or running for it's life. And here I am at the door wondering where everyone went..... Thorn, I wish you the best, please don't let these fools take the magic from your heart and wheather you ever plan to post again or not, always keep your wonder creations alive, the world needs more magic! (and for the record, I am from the US)

I was just going to check your site when I ran into this horrible piece of news! I was so sorry to hear this, words fail to express my dismay. Why? Because the same idiots who are trying to silently erode our freedom to think for ourselves, are trying to take over the world with their sick-minded attitudes, and seem to be succeeding bit by bit to do so. This is not, I repeat NOT a theocracy. Soon they'll want the people to give up all their rights as individuals, and turn back the clock and turn this country into a Right-Wing Fascist country where the only freedom, if any, is in the privacy of your own mind, if that. If I sound incensed, I am. Every time someone is forced to yield to the opinions of some perverse-minded, non-tbinking individual. Our freedoms die a little more(I'm in the USA). The necessity to close such a beautiful, artistic and unique site as yours, is totally uncalled for. HOW DARE THEY,whoever they may be.

I can NOT believe that anyone would EVEN consider the thought of blaming Thorne for what people do with his Characters! I can't PHATHOM the thought that anyone would look at a pretty beautiful little fairy and see pornography in it. Thorne I told you what I would do. Flip the Whiners off and go on creating beautiful magic!

Mel

Suppose what we call "evidence' (the things we believe to be true) is only what we see because it is the only thing we know to look for?

To me this is as sad as it is angering. I for one have never been devotely religious, and now I see why. I love the human body, and no offence, the female body in particular. Reason being is thus: We males(yes I am male, along with being an American, though its more of a disgrace anymore. Those vets that fought for us are turning over in their graves now)are essentialy simple. All of our genitalia is exposed, and its not hard to see when one of is... well, for lack of a better word, aroused. ANY way, to the female body is near perfection. Within her body, the miracle of life can happen, she can beguile us males with a mere look. I've long hated the religious right, and now my hate is ever more justified. I've taken heat and guff for being an artist in a largely Southern Baptist community. I was even thrown out of a church by a pastor for being "an advocate to the devil". Well if art is of the devil, give me a pitch fork, a tail and some horns and look out. I personally I hope that those people that have made these alegations towards you thorne, rot in hell for their stupidity. I urge every american on this board to write your senators condemning this law as nothing more then communistic opression. My 2 cents. Blade

Welcome to the next wave of the inquisitions! I guess I'll be burning for believing in things more magical. But then again a priest did call me the anti-christ when I was five years old. So much for a Catholic school education. Every morning when the mists are thick around here I tell my kids to look for the faeries, if the missinformed few are found just and true then perhaps I should tell my children to look for the dirty, naked, little people. Imagine explaining that one to a four year old. My youngest son once asked me why the faery folk hide from humans and I had to explain to him how they were driven out by nasty people long ago. Now it would seem that those days are being revived. Will we never see the wee folk again? Will my children be forced to grow in times of fear and persecution? Should I remove all the faeries from my daughters bedroom? With every peice of magick that dies, so does our humanity.

Geesh a person comes here to kick back and instead gets smacked in the face with idiocy! This type of hysteria is detrimental in so many ways to anti-pedophilia. It makes those who fight it look like zealots and no one takes a zealot seriously. I saw at the C&D jokes about id cards and disclaimers regarding ages. Geesh these aren't even real models and no one has control over how the models will be used in the future. If this law is passed (and that is still an "if") and is so avidly pursued (as admins here seem worried about) then museums will have to clear out Victorian and raphaelite images of innocent children and cherubs. Mothers will be prosecuted for photographing their little naked bottomed babies (and what mother doesn't have several naked tushy pics?). If museums don't clear the paintings out anyone brought up on charges will have them as a defense in regards to liberal allowances. So we all lose Thornes fairies due to paranoia when all the admins have to do is request pixel distortion of any genital areas. No big deal I guess if it keeps them out of legal trouble. Thorne, the lose of your fairies will be greatly felt by those who loved them.

3-D Arena | Instagram | Facebook

I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
-Galileo

Thorn, I'm not happy with this turn of events either. I don't like the sword of the law turned on our virtual world by those who would tell us what we can and cannot view. I have always thought that was no one's right to say but my own. I don't like the sword of accusation being turned against you dear friend, another of those so friendly souls who welcomed me when I was new two years ago. Heh, if not for the Nikki figure, I wouldn't have the basis for my Incandessa figure featured in my Vampire Novel, Shadowclash--the Awakening. I love your work and I love you as a person and understand completely why you are doing this. I hope, hope that saner minds will prevail and you and your lovely faires can again reside among us! Liz Pope Dreamspinner Inc.

Again it is I who am awed and humbled by the overwhelming response here. Yes, I thought I would get maybe a few pro and con responses, and perhaps even a "good riddance you pervert" thrown in for good measure. Instead all I see here are very wonderful, caring artists who even if they don't agree with my statements, step up to defend my rights to make them. I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but thank you all very much. As far as the difference between selling and giving away models, let me give you an analogy, which will give me a chance to draw pictures with words, which I might be better off to just to come out and say and which might not make any sense in the end, but I like doing that. (Drawing pictures, not NOT making sense in the end!) Okie, say I was to set out a large bowl of sunflower seeds for the little birdies in my backyard on the stump, which I actually do pretty often, so that's not farfetched. It's in my wide open backyard; I'm not looking out the kitchen window every minute; so here comes the flamboyant cardinals with their bright red hats on and they get some sunflower seeds. YUM! Their FAVORITE! Then Mr. argumentative BlueJay hops down off his branch and grabs him a few bites and tells everyone to back off, he's eating now. Then as the day goes on, the Robins, the Doves, the chickadees, and the wee little Nuthatches all come down, and all share some of the lovely sunflower seeds I have put out for them. Suddenly, here come the nasty ol' Grackles who fight over, make messes, and spill the food, and not only that, they poopie in the seed bowl. Hey, Grackles really do this, I'm not kidding! Disgusting! Now when I comes outside later after all done been said and done, I finds Grackle poopie in the seed bowl. GRRRR!!! Those sicko Grackles! Now I know it was some Grackle done poopied in the bowl because that's what Grackles do. But which ones? Maybe there are a few decent, upstanding Grackles out there who honestly think that pooping in your seed bowl is for the birds! (sorry, couldn't resist) To beat it all, we got ol' Mr. Crow sitting up there on his limb, screaming at the top of his lungs at ME, somethin' about "It's all your fault! If you hadn't put those seeds out here, there wouldn't be any poopie in the bowl! I just think that inny-body who puts out seeds KNOWS he is just askin' for Grackles to come poopie in the bowl! Therefore it is YOU who are responsible for all that poopie, you bad, bad man!" Good grief, what next? There have been all kinds of birds coming here to the wide open seed bowl all day getting seeds, but only a certain one or two have poopied in the bowl! Now myself not being currently or even having any desire whatsoever to ever be an expert on bird poopie, how do I know whodunnit? Maybe it was a perverted BlueJay for all I know? Geez, will you SHUT UP, Mr. Crow? But just maybe then I gets this plan see. Yeah, maybe it's a bird-brained scheme that won't work for poopie; well then I'll hafta do sumthin' else. But anything at this point is better than having all this POOPIE EVERYWHERE! Also... Maybe I do artwork for fun or sumthin', but maybe I really has me a degree in Robotics and works on computers for a living all day while those vile Grackles are out doin' their business all over everybody elses business! So my plan is simple: I'll just set the seed bowl up in the window sill behind the screen, and I'll cut me a little flap in that screen beside the seed bowl. and when a bird, whatever kind of bird it is, whilst I remembers that even some Grackles is fine upstandin' bird citizens, comes along to get some seeds, he or she will have to push open the little flap in the screen to get them, and THEN see, here's the big-time-engineerin'-genius part: that will trigger my little digital camera to take a snapshot of that bird. Wha...? Yeah yeah, I know, Big Bird Brother is watching you and all that, but this is an analogy for pete's sakes so lets just get on with it, it's long enuff as it is... If one of those birds, be it Grackle, BlueJay, Cardinal, or even Robyn Ravenhair (sorry honey) decides they are going to poopie in the seed bowl... well, lo and behold we has us a nice little snapshot of every bird done came and got some seeds that day. And if there be poopie in the bowl, well, there again we just looks through our pictures and then we see.... why, if it ain't ol' Mr. STARLING been sneekin' over and pooping in the seed bowl. Gotcha you little prevert! Well, hopefully that will give you the idea. Pleas don't ask for further explainin' as I'm not sure I understand all the ins and outs of it muhself. But it becomes a darn sight easier to ban Mr. "Poopie-In-The-Seed-Bowl" Starling when we got 'im dead to rights than sittin' out there trying to figure out what kind of poopie is this, anyway? Well, reckon who left it here?

...and all the while that dad-gummit loudmouthed Mr. Crow, all the live-long day just a squawkin' and a carryin' on 'bout whose fault it is for all this poopie and if we let this kind of stuff get started then all the little baby birds will be exposed to POOPIE like as if baby birds themselves never poopied at all and blah blah blah caw...caw......caww......... Just want to say again, thank you all for this tremendous show of support. You are all fine faerie friends to be sure. Mr. rwilliams, I just LOVE that image! I know you to be one of the few that has them all, and you have brought them all out, and that is very cool and very touching. I swear I don't mind sayin' this right in front of everybody, then I'll shut up: your concern and your kind words here have affected me greatly, and now I'm gonna fly on outa here before I get all carried away and silly about it. Thank you, my friends. =};-}>

Renderotica is well, straight out porn. It doesnt matter what characters are used there does it? Its all the same in the end. Amp 3, as an artist who posts here AND at Renderotica, I have to say - no, it's not all straight up porn. Then again porn, like art, is in the eye of the beholder. The majority of porn is only considered porn by those who are too uptight to step down off their moral high horses. To use a cliche - one man's trash is another man's treasure. No, I do not condone child pornography in any way, shape or form. But, where do we draw the line? Now, to Thorne - this decision saddens me. I am glad I had the opportunity to get a couple of your lovely faeries before they disappeared.

Thorne, it is indeed a shame that you'll be closing down due to some of your detractors. I'm sure you know that one of your faeries (Mikki) is probably my favorite Poser model to work with. I have probably done more pictures with Mikki than with any two other models by anyone combined. In the course of making these pictures, I have placed Mikki in some situations that would not be pleasant for anyone to be in. Quite frankly, she is usually portraying a damsel-in-distress in one of Moraxian's twisted little Games. She always seems to escape somehow, since there is always a next picture of her. And I know you have seen the pictures, since you commented on many of them. Your talents are many, your ideas are wonderful, your models are easy to work with and at the same time create beautiful imagery. You will be missed. I do respect your decision and stand behind it 100% percent. No one in this forum (or indeed any of the other 3D forums) has to give back to the community (and goodness knows I have taken more than I have given, at least directly) but you have given us so much. And for that, you have earned my thanks, and my respect. Good luck in all your future endeavors, be they in 3D modeling, or any other field you choose. Moraxian

My deepest regreats go out to you Thorne, as I have to agre with many fans here you work is that of one fine artist. I looked upon your work as a masterpeice. You brought out some of the a bit of reality in many a kids dreams. After all if it weren't for kids I think the farries would never exist., and you of all the masters in the world of poser have mastered such a wonderfull job in bringing your faries to life , in which no other has even achived. your work is unique, and shall always be treasured. Maybe the evil shadows have passed over your wonderfull kindom and sadness has filled the hearts of many, I do hope to see you return to the magical kindom that you have created for us all. Who could be so rotton to condim such a great artist and his wonderfull work then that of the evil minds that are ever so possesed with jelliousy.

Nothing like the fringe element to get a couple of folks worked up here. There's a very simple question you folks need to ask yourself before you get bent out of shape about these people: Are these folks likely to be home schooling their kids? If your answer is yes--you should feel obligated to disregard any suggestions or flaming coming from such a source. As for the "art vs pornography" statements many of you have made above. I'm glad there are so many folks that are willing to make that distinction. I find that works of "art for art's sake" have a much briefer shelf life than art as popular entertainment--a category that pornography falls into. All of the most highly prized and highly praised classics of our culture were written and performed as entertainment first. "Deep Throat" will be remembered (fondly) long after "Heaven's Gate." "Heaven's...what?"

Y'know, I don't get round these parts very often (at least now out of "lurker" mode) and I've been following this thread very closely. I didn't feel like responding because it's really all been said, but after reading Thorne's birdie analogy, I was moved to un-lurk myself. The analogy was right on the money and extremely well told. I think there's money in that there analogy because it applies to so many things in this crazy world today. It also gave me a nice insight to Thorne, the man. Which is very refreshing in this cyber world of faceless, unknown people. Nice work Thorne and thanks for contributing so much of yourself to complete strangers, now it's time to stand up and take a bow!

I believe it's all being said very clearly, yet still want to post my support for Thorne's art and gifts of his time and knowledge. GrayMare

NOOOOOOO! This is terrible news. It's a real shame that the actions of a few have driven you to this, Thorne. I'm sure many of us were eagerly awaiting the arrival of your latest creation - Dazzyl. Does this mean you won't be selling her anywhere? Ah well, thanks for all your creations and hope to see you back at it real soon!

I really hate to hear this as I Love Thorne's faeries. I think the overwhelming majority of people here feel the same way. Please Thorne, Calm down and reconsider.

Thorne, I have been, and always shall be your friend. (Even when we are fussing and squabbling ;p) Together, we have created something of great beauty, in Wysteria. I too know how it feels to have one's work looked askance at by some, and can understand how you are feeling. Discovering your work on the internet drove me to discover Poser. Discovering Poser brought me here. Wishing to learn to be as good as you were in your art, drove me to accomplishment beyond my ordinary talent. Sometimes when feeling whimsical about our strange symbiotic development style that we seem to have between the two of us, I have thought we are like Nimue and Merlin ;) So listen Master Magician... you cannot retire into that dark goodnight in the heart of an oak yet, since I have not yet overcome you and locked you there! ;p

And again. Damn. I can't fault you four your decision here Thorne. I do wish that you wouldn't let a minority provoke you to withdrawing your work, but I understand the choice. One gets tired of fighting the crap sometimes. All the best, and I hope that at some point you decide to reopen your work so that future artists will have the opprotunity to enjoy your craetions as I and so many have had. Even though I haven't used a lot of your creations in images, I've learned a lot about poser, morphs and modeling from studying how they were made. Would I have learned those things without those creations to study? Probably... but I wouldn't have had nearly as much fun in the process, and I'd have missed out on having your creations grace my character library. This storm will pass. Ride it out and come back stronger. I don't know you well enough to call you friend, but you'll be missed nevertheless.

"I am a good person now and it feels... well, pretty much the same as I felt before (except that the headaches have gone away now that I'm not wearing control top pantyhose on my head anymore)"

• Monkeysmell

This is just so sad... and such a crazy situation. Its absolutely ridiculous for anyone to criticise Thornes outstanding work in such a lowlife way. Im just too outraged by these morons to write. Thorne - Ill miss your wonderful faeries so much ;-( All of us who comprise this awesome creative force that is the Poser community stand firmly behind you. Good luck.. and fare ye well...

Wow, this thread gets longer and longer. Thorne, thanks for the analogy. I get what you mean: selling something rather than giving it away gives you a (limited) traceability and it's a lot less likely therefore that your creations could be misused. It's horrible to think such things can happen, against the wishes of the creator, but of course they can. That's the world we live in. All the very best, Thorne, whatever you decide to do. I hope to see your fairies return in some form, someday soon, as this community will surely be a poorer place without them. Blessed be Eirian

Dear Thorne...forgive me for being so late in this reply, but the first I heard about any of this was from a friend last night, and I was shocked!!! I guess I really need to get out more, see what's going on in the world. The first Poser art I ever remember seeing was a render of your Robyn Ravenhair, by Jen...and right then and there I decided I just Had to learn Poser. The fact that anyone could in any way see your beautiful creatures in any kind of perverted way is.....well...Perverted! After reading all that has been written in the various forums, I can understand your feelings, but it is still a very sad day indeed when someone of your stature and talent is made to feel the way they have made you feel. And the fact that you can joke about it (poopie in the bowl? LOL) is just another testament to your fantastic nature. God Bless you and please know you will always be loved by this community.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! But Thorne, please reconsider your descision!!! Its not fair to the amount of fans you have vs. the few lame heads that caused this.. Please please..!!! Zrincx

I think I'm going to become violently ill. I used buttercup on a couple of my last pics I posted and just fell in love with the model. Beauty and innocence. Thorne your work in some of the best art I've ever seen. This news truly makes me sad.

You will be missed , please don't let the fairies die. Remember " God created love and beauty..it took preachers to create SIN. skee

NOTE: No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large
number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

Thorne I respect your decision, as it is only yours to make. I too am saddened by it and the actions that prompted it in the first place. I just wanted to add my voice to this thread and thank you for all the beautiful quality models that you've so generously offered to everyone. I hope future events will prompt you to change your mind, but if not, I understand.

My idea of rebooting is kicking somebody in the butt twice!

Thorne, I am so sad. I have a couple of your fairy models tucked in my poser folder, waiting for inspiration to do a render that will do justice to your marvelous characters. I cannot blame Thorne for his decision considering the current nature of US leadership and the way the US Supreme court is leaning these days.....or Renderosity for taking steps to protect itself against the coming storm if those zealots have their way. Child porn is sick, degrading, and should be stomped out of existance. But some people have such a twisted view of the world. And those people control the presidency, one house of congress, and the Supreme Court in the US right now. Sex, sexuality, erotic imagery, etc. OF ANY KIND are a 'curse' to be supressed by these people. Belive me, I grew up in a fundamentalist church, and know with full horror what these people are like. They are excellent at pyschologically neutering people, especially women. Anything sexual is sick to them. 'Victorian' times ten. They are modern-day Pharisees who have supressed the Gospel and extolled the Law. They are a blight to the Christian church with their hate. Thorne, I hope the day comes SOON when your fairies can return safely to this world. They will be sorely missed till that day. "Please help my people, the poor and downtrod I thought we all were the children of God." Ezmerelda, "God Help the Outcasts" from Disney's "Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Your website was the first poser websites I found, Thorne. I spent hours looking around at everything that first time. And I downloaded all the fairies from that day on. They are just so sweet. And while this is very sad, I'm still laughing at that story about the birds. You are also one of the best storytellers I have run across on the web. I hope you will reconsider, but understand if you don't. Just don't disappear on us.

Ah, I see now what a later posting was refering too, bugger! Oh well, "all good things must come to an end" I guess. Thorne's Nikki was the first model I ever bought, when it was on sale here, and I was hoping that some day I'd be able to aquire the rest of her extended "family" it been a really crap day today, Tivoli is being a complete git, but it's Monday, so, no change there... :) But you go and stick your nose in "the sims" for a week and this is what happens. Bum! Good luck to you Thorne, I hope you and yours live a happier and quieter life for it, though those of who can't (build characters) will always dream of your return, hopefully once the religious right is put out of it's misery by one scandal too many... "live long and prosper" :) later jb

Does anyone have a daughter? Does their daughter play with dolls? If so, it is usual for her when getting a new one to remove all of its clothes. I often visit friends who have a young daughter and there is often a doll lying on the floor with the other toys and with no clothes. If this is you, you're next. Not all dolls are depicting adult females and all have a degree of anatomical correctness, so look out if youre caught with an Auto Crying-Wetting-JuniorBarbie in your living room. Another thing, when this form of censorship comes in, censorship of violence goes out the window. Stand by now for a new wave of inquisition and a flood of Hamburger Hill pro-violence films (and cartoons).

Hi, That was the one thing that always amazed me about American culture, (I'm a Brit :) I watched a copy of "Robocop" that was aired on American TV, and besides the ad breaks every 15-20 mins, the think that really amazed us, (and provoked quite a lot of laughter/bafflement into the bargain) was that compared to the version that was eventually cleared for distribution in the UK. The American TV version had left all the violence in, (including the one really gory shot, where he gets his hand blown off with a shotgun...) and taken the swearing out! Which was fairly suprising, because I figured you'd have done it the other way around, certainly in the UK, the left the swearing, (and hence many of the jokes :) in, and cut out some of the violence, (like the had scene for one) So if Hollywood feels the need to create more violent films, they'll proabaly get away with it, provided the characters/actors don't swear while they're doing it... ;P later jb

The true magic and inspiration you've brought to Poser and this community makes it a better place. It could never be the same with out your passion for the art. I wish I had the magic to free all minds of ignorance and share the kind of joy I've felt from you through all the works you've shared with this community. Your web site is my escape from this world when I realy need to get away. It's my start page. All that said it is best to take care of your self as you see is needed. I believe this country is about to go through a great period of struggle do to ignorance that has been building for decades. Thanks you for all the beautiful magic you've shared.

Attached Link: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~meridian/av6T.mov

Its not so much that moralists are a particularly violent lot, the big problem is they see situations that dont exist. I had a Video camera at a party and one of these loonies objected to me pointing it at a girl in tight shorts going down nearly to the knee wearing a mans shirt. He thought she was missing a skirt. He didnt say how long the missing skirt should have been but doubtless hed not seen female underwear for many decades, and he was in his thirties. If they were not taken so seriously they would be able to get cured on the National Health! Actually I dont know how hed seen the underwear, they didnt have clothes lines in those days. Anyway the 2.5meg download on this link has my favorite animation of Peri, its a work-in-progress, you can tell by the legs. also 2 more at http://members.optusnet.com.au/~meridian/thisweeks.avi and http://members.optusnet.com.au/~meridian/2.avi

"Mr. Government-Type-Person (heretofore known as 'Bob')....would you be so kind as to take a look at this image, and briefly explain what you see????" Bob takes a gander. "A young teen, maybe 13 or so, prancing about in what might as well be nothing and cavorting with animals. It's obscene and perverse." "I see. Tell me, Bob....how long have you been a pedophile?" Bob becomes flustered. "I beg your pardon!" he responds, quite indignant now. "Sir, when I look at this image, i see a faery. A mythical creature that I've always pictured as being slender and child-like, even in the prime of their lives. You see a faery, and the first thing that pops into your head is a naked child. Then come the possiblities of what acts this naked child could be depicted as partaking in. As far as wearing next to nothing, what do you propose that faeries, creatures of the wild who live in the forests, should wear???? Polyester leisure suits, perhaps???? Y'know, the kind with the big pockets???" Bob is quite uneasy now. He's slowly beginning to realize that legislating morality to retard the growth of perversion is like urinating into a sock. You'll catch some of it, but for the most part, you'll end up wet feet. is this the part where we call God a perv for creating them li'l nekkid people in Eden???? remember "The Never-Ending Story"???? Fantasia was being consumed by The Nothing as more and more people lost sight of things magical and mythical. This is no different, eh??? remove the magic from my life and mind, and there'll be damned little left of me....... maybe it's just me.....yeah, i see where someone might misuse Thorne's creations in the absence of a child figure......but the bare naked fact (no pun intended) is that this isn't the first thing that comes to mind when i see them........Thorne's faeries perfectly portray my vision of the little peoples, but not my idea of potential child pornography......... the aforementioned Bob and those of his ilk call attention to those things that they find perverse so that no one will notice that it's giving them a stiffy......it's a damned shame when someone is so frightened of what gets them off that they sound the alarm, saddle up the high white horses and ride the Offenders down like tall grass.........and why???? for fear of someone seeing their woody........"GET RID OF IT!!!! THROW IT OUT!!!! IT'S TURNING ME ON AND NO ONE MUST KNOW!!!!!!! -------the previous statement refers to those things considered offensive in general, and not necessarily to things specifically mentioned in this thread--------------- am i the only who thinks of the government as a strict, authoritarian Dad with dirty magazines under the mattress????? anyone who poops in the seed bowl should be made to clean it up and stop screwing things up for those who appreciate the free seeds.......but human nature dictates that the one who put the seeds out is to blame......and that's truly pathetic......

Hi, Well I though the "urinating into a sock" bit was funny :) later jb

I was really very sad to hear this. :-( It was finding Thorneworks on the web that got me interested in Poser and computer art in general. I wish you luck for the future and especially - peace of mind. The magical beings that grew & lived on your website will be sorely missed. I'm mostly sad to see that people have such closed minds that they cannot see past their little noses... What can Faeries possibly have to do with child abuse or pronography, I wonder? They're just virtual creations that live in our hearts & minds, so we choose to give them a human body - did God not create us in his image? Should our creations not ressemble us also? Besides, no matter how young they look, I always thought Faeries were hundreds of years old - then again, maybe I'm just completely loony all together! There is an exhibition here this summer of Picasso's works. It's called "Picasso Erotica". They're beautiful and very insightful works of Art - yet they are also very sexual, of course. Would anyone ever think of calling it pornography? Would anyone label the paintings as "dirty images"? Of course not, Picasso is one of the greatest artists that ever lived! But I do wonder, had he been living now and had his creations been done on a computer and circulating on the Internet - what would they be viewed as?? What would people thik if the paintings were made days ago, instead of years ago? Same goes for any other great painter, sculptor - noone thinks of it as anything but art. So why would they judge computer art differently? Can't great artists of today use computers to create their work? Strange thing about evolution, once you get too evolved you tend to regress a huge deal... Just the other day I was browsing the website of Le Louvre museum in Paris and I came across a wonderful painting by Raphael (right here if you want to see it too: http://www.louvre.fr/francais/collec/peint/inv0602/peint_f.htm) now, this is a madonna with two beautiful babies at her feet - nude babies, might I add. Should this be labelled as child pornography? Of course not!!! But "duplicate" this on your computer, post it on the Internet and some closed-minded uneducated dweeb flames you for showing it off. Please!!!! I'm sure noone even thought of covering children's eyes when they saw paintings by Rubens, many centuries ago - yet now, any little piece of flesh is obscene and can't be seen, the poor things might be offended! They won't be offended if you use it as an opportunity to teach them to love their bodies, to appreciate what a wonderful thing they are -- they probably wouldn't turn out to be anorexic either, but that's something else altogether... Of course, there are people coming to this site looking for pictures of nakes women with big breasts (and other things I don't even want to think about) - probably because some people here are more than happy to give it to them, whatever their motives for doing so is. I guess that's part of the problem.... What really annoys me is that people will suffer because of other's narrow-minds. Why shouldn't we be allowed to render artistic images that envolve nudity? We can draw pictures of roses and birds (are we going to have to put clothes on them too?) but unless we cover it from head to toe, any image of a person envolving nudity automatically falls in the lines of pornography.... Mother Nature greated the greatest work of Art, it's called the Human Body, why should we not be allowed to honor it in our artwork, as so many artists have done since the beginning of time, simply because we have access to a medium that allows for images to be easily available to anyone. That's what bothers them really, it's that what we create can be made avalable to so many people in a matter of seconds... God forbid it should open other people's minds to a new and growing artform! ...Just my 2 cents. Sorry it's taken the lenghts of a novel! (and please excuse any misspellings, I still do not master English 100%)

Caroline (laetia)

• MarketPlace Tester, Vendor Support Forum Moderator, and Mac Goddess.
  
  ** Je parle français; n'hésitez pas à me contacter si je peux vous être utile!
  

Attached Link: http://www.thorneworks.com/goodbye.html

Thank you all so very much for all these beautiful sentiments and the show of support that has just totally overwhelmed me. I think that now the question that should rightfully be in the forefront of everyone's minds is:

"Where did this originate?"

We have heard enough speculation to float a few battleships around here in recent days, yet not a single one of the administration of this forum has seen fit to come forth and give any kind of rational explanation to the many, many people who have been indirectly affected by it. Rather, we have been told simply to "LIVE WIH IT." I want to know who is responsible. Anybody in charge here got any balls? Stay tuned also for my CONTINGENCY PLAN that I think is going to be much better than even the old way we did things at ThorneWorks. All my very dear friends, THERE IS HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. (dear TheWolfWithin, that has always been exactly what I thought the detractors were afraid of, too. HA!)

Hang tough Thorne! You have more friends here than you know. Some of us are not as good at expressing our thoughts with this keyboard thing but we are here and support YOU!

Okay, lemme see if I have all the pieces here: 1. I take Victoria 2, give her wings, place her in a setting full of oversized mushrooms and flowers, call her a fairie, and she can cavort how she pleases... 2. Take SAME model, wings, and settings, reduce the breast size to say, oh, an A-cup, adjust hips and buttocks to a more slender proportion, face a bit younger looking...still ok...but eyes are narrowed... 3. Take same setting, change model to a Thorne fairie, or gods forbid the Millenium pre-teen I PAID GOOD MONEY FOR, and all of a sudden I'm bordering on child pornography???? I only have one question: What meds are these people on, and can we get the dosage increased for them, please? Shortly after the Columbine High School shootings, I wrote two editorials on video-game violence, and how easily the public at large points a finger at any convenient scapegoat, rather than looking in a mirror to find fault. Again I see the same scenario, with only a different topic, and different players. I have several of Thorne's free fairies, and planned on purchasing Wysteria (still do). I can, and will, use them and any of my other purchases or downloads as I see fit, and no legislature can stop me. Freedom of expression is just that...FREEDOM. Anything less is just that...less. However, this doesn't mean that I (or anyone else) should be allowed to distribute 'artistic works' that portray the kind of unsavory situations this whole hubub is about. Doing so isn't good for a community, but it's the communities responsibility to watch out for it, not the government's, and not the legislators who are older than dirt and have no grasp of anything past their next pay increase vote. The restrictions and reactions I've read of here and elsewhere are not a solution...they're a knee-jerk response to a gunshot of an issue. Persecuting Thorne for creating his wonderful fairies would be like persecuting Xena for creating Paloma to promote necrophilia ("A woman that pale must be dead! PERVERT!"). The solution is actually simple, cost-effective, and changes nothing of the status-quo...all it takes is a little more effort from each and every one of us. If you see an image that is patently graphic and/or offensive, report the creator of the IMAGE, not the creator of the TOOLS. If you don't believe that legislation such as this should get one step towards ratification, take the time to make the phone call to your state legislator. And above all, if you feel the view you have is right, STAND UP FOR IT...don't let anyone make you back down. Your principles are one of the few things you have that only YOU can throw away...and you can only do it ONCE. Thorne, if I may make a humble suggestion: You stated you don't want to stop releasing your Fairie magics to us all...nor should you. You also stated you'd like a firmer grasp on who is adopting your lovely sprites...a wise idea. Therefore, I suggest a free registration form. Fill it out, download a fairie. New fairie, new form. All IP's can be logged, and the download URL can be sent to interested parties via return email, meaning a valid email address would be required. Not much extra work on either end, and in the event of an 'incident' the IP's can usually be back-traced. Just my thoughts on the matter...I felt I had lurked too long. Now if you'll excuse me, there are several small winged ladies waiting for me to assist them in their own thoughts on the matter...it should be in the Gallery sometime soon. Respectfully, David 'ChromeTiger' Hebbe Webmaster/Creative Director Nexus http://nexus.telefragged.com PS: My mother has more naked tushy pictures of me and my brother than I can count...anyone tries to arrest her, they'll be dealing with a VERY angry Tiger...they have been warned...

You know, Wolf really hit it on the head. It's about time we started seeing who the real pervs are. And chances are, most of them live within the DC Loop.

Heya ChromeTiger, actually, I am the co-creator of Wysteria ;) And as a part of the license included with her, it is stipulated in an addendum that she not be used in child pornography renderings, due to her vulnerable apparent age. Has been that way all along ;) It (the addendum to the license) does not seem to have inhibited anyone so far who bought her from fully enjoying her, or creating wonderfully creative works that literally fill the galleries here ;) So many creative works I have run out of time to try to go hunt them all down and thank them for their renders of her :/

Thorne has been my main inspiration too, a part of me has been gleefull that he's doing this, standing up to this wave of irrational hysteria and unfair characterization of certain types of characters here. Kind of makes me feel like I'm in an old Capra movie. But at the same time I keep waiting for that 'It's a Wonderful Life' bang up Capra ending where people suddenly realize the error of their ways and attempt to do the right thing. I guess since it's a pooka faerie we're talking about here I should be making 'Harvey' analogies instead.;-) Right then. See, we ALL know pooka faeries are really real so why are we pretending to be rational psychiatrists, instead of just admiting that magic is real? Hmm? Afraid of our peers? What that means is- why are we letting what's sacred be called profane? You really DO see that 9 foot tall pink rabbit in the corner there right?

"Your work is to keep cranking the flywheel that turns the gears that spin the belt in the engine of belief that keeps you and your desk in midair."

Annie Dillard