A Yuletide Apocalypse

Something I wrote at DeviantArt inspired by a discussion I happened upon “here”:http://coxi.deviantart.com/journal/5874311/.

Finally enough drive to write how I feel about this topic
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So. I implore you to comment.
Otherwise, DA will never be great.

I came to DA in the hopes that other artists would be able to provide me with useful critiques with which I could improve as an artist (photographer).

My critiques may not be long, but I try to fill them with meaning and — at the least — thought. If I do not feel sufficiently inspired, or I simply enjoy a photo and cannot bring myself to write, I may simply fav or write a short “very nice”. This is not meant to take the place of REAL critique.

If I receive good critiques, I am happy to give back, although those that know enough to critique well may not be able to benefit from my lesser knowledge. If I receive short well-meaning but ill-informed critiques, that is ok, since not everyone can be an expert. I still will appreciate, and reciprocate.

But if, in return for my hours of trying to give others meaningful feedback I don’t have the opportunity to grow as an artist, (except through my own personal explorations) What will keep me submitting to DA? Surely I enjoy sharing my art, but apathy is a potent force that feeds on feelings of pointlessness.

We can’t comment everyone, nor can we all give profound advice, but I have found it easy to point out things I see as places to improve in others’ work, even those with more experience than I.

posted @ “my DA Journal”:http://sidetracked.deviantart.com/journal/5940243/

Oh, and an aside/rant:

WHY IS THERE NO plugin to auto-form LINKS?!
I don’t WANT to have to do stupid textile or markdown syntax! I want http://BLAH to become http://BLAH automatically! Alas… maybe I will learn php after all

/Aside