certainly a heartfelt and moving commentary, and i stand shoulder to shoulder with you on this one. there's artists who better their art and those who simply click and submit. the latter ones aren't annoying as much in their complete lack of talent, but in the fact that they set a bad example to the rest of us, telling us that their work is indeed what we should strive for. and that's absolutely wrong. - mihnea

Thanks bro for sharing your thoughts about the issues raised by Leann and me lately. You are basically right about the different kinds of groups. The latter is the one we're not interested in meeting, hence no comments. Yes, our favs lists are filled with those artists whose works have a special appeal to us, regardless of skills, but with an undeniable search for excellence. If honesty prevailed, the commenting and ranking business would be doomed. We would be looking at much more of the great art being posted here, which we otherwise miss. Comments would be less but more relevant. After all, these should be telling us what others see in them, same goes for the ones we write. This is the main reasons we should be here for, sharing, inspiring and be inspired. Imitate within our styles and be imitated, in like you well said is a compliment. Is this so difficult to understand?. WOW Stephen, you put to great use that Bryce thingie that always puzzled me about how to use it, and is translucent too!. Hummm, think an imitation is forthcoming!.lol. Very nice dreamy compo and colours, love it!. Best regards from another Universe - WP

@argiebooze: Ach So? Glad you see my point-wasn't sure I clarify some topical issues, ja ja ja, WP I'm having a 'duh' weekend. LOL

I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. I put you on my favorites list because your art is refreshing and a much needed break from those who drop a few characers into poser, add a light or two, and hit "render". I seriously appreciate your efforts and look forward to your future posts. I spent 22 years in the US Navy. Commenced my career by providing gunfire support for the marines in Viet Nam, and retired after providing gunfire support for the Marines in Lebanon after the Marine barracks were blown up. Semper Fi my friend.

Stephen, You know, after reading your rave of the week, and the other comments, I realize to my embarrassment that I have been guilty of glib comments a lot of the time, myself! I just saw an image in the Bryce gallery that I commented on and it was a heartfelt comment. This artist has taken an amazing amount of time to create what has been posted as a work in progress. It is evident from the image itself that this artist has spent many hours working to attain a goal for self-satisfaction, pride, for the love of art itself. This artist has shown a passionate commmittment to excellence and I realized as I finished writing the comment that it was the kind of comment I should always give. Being from the fractal gallery, thus far, I see many beautiful fractals and flames. Many are exquisite, stunning, outstanding, etc, etc. It is unfortunate that there are not more ways of saying something is beautiful. I use a thesaurus too, so I know what I am talking about! LOL Art is often times about beauty, but I also found an image in the Shade gallery that affected me in such a way that I had to tell the artist. The image was compelling, yet at the same time, repelling. In my opinion, when an artist can reach into you like that, fascinate and repel at the same time, that takes talent! Art to me mainly is about life, and many times life isn't beautiful. Sometimes it is just downright ugly! Art is a very powerful form of communication. Communication demands honesty, I think. So from here on out, my comments will be worthy of the art and the artists, not some glib and repetitive phrase. My biggest problem is that I love to comment, and to receive comments as well. I love knowing that I can reach inside a person to make them think and consider, to look at things from a different point of view, to blindfold their prejudices. I just have to be more selective in the art and the comments. Cool image, by the way! Leann

well what can I say. I know I do not comment but with two or three words sometimes and other times a lot. Depent on how I feel and many times I have no words to say. So sorry if I did leave a word or two. I like to leave a comment down on a image I open just to show them I was there and looked at they work. Many times I know they spent days on something or a super click with a camera at the right time. You doing better on your images I see some growth and I understand what you doing too. and if I see something wrong I sent them a IM telling them on what I see is wrong. [not too often I do this; must be careful]

Well, this is a grogeous design. I love the way it spirals and then turns to flames. Wonderful image. Now about your rant... I just like you to peices. smooch, smooch. This reminded me of a little something I read at Deviant Art that someone made. I think it could be changed to Rendorosity instead of DA. I thought it was funny and in a lot of ways so true. Anyway, It's not the Qauantity of friends but the quality. One good friend is worth more than gold. I like most art and look at other kinds. I think deverisity is such a wonderful thing and that we all could benifit from looking at every kind of art that is posted at Rendo. Heck we can feed off of others creativity. Now here's that link. I thought this was really sort of funny in a truthful way. http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/5720958/ Hugs and Smooches Maria

I am truly honored, Stephen! No one has ever dedicated a piece to me before. Well, guess what? I am speechless!...I can however, reply to your commentary, as well as everyones replies. Yes even those who comment are making a creation, a form of expression, so that I feel compelled to read them all. Sazzarts Rant: Is mine as well. The same thing happens at AllPhilosophy.com; topics that anger the community, un-leashing arguments, instead of debates of opinion, etc. Brigadiers reply: something I have wished to vent myself, but stayed silent as a courtesy; I have Poser4, but find it un-rewarding and un-challenging, so I almost never use it. Which brings me to my reasons for loving your artworks; The models are real! the art is thoughtful and magnetic. How could I resist?! Just as Leanndra says; I keep a thesaurus nearby, but have found I do not use it, when I feel passionate about the art I see. Words from the heart, eminate the truth. Even simple comments, can show our honest feelings, when we are emotionally moved, or provoked to thinking. So, to sum this up: If the art doesn't come alive, then we will just stay silent.-----Notice, for being speechless, I say an awful lot. Again, Thank you for the acknowledgement, friend.