Oh, how long has it been since I stepped through this doorway? Recently, I have found myself on deviantart a lot less for the following reasons:

There is an incredible abundance of unnecessary commentary from people. When I say that I am not speaking of the comments people leave on deviations. I am in fact speaking of the sheer amount of complaining that people collectively do about things that are borderline petty. Perhaps, it is just my own opinion. I do not, however; believe that things like comments(or a lack of) and the connection "fav-bombing" is that big of a deal. The world wide web is all about social networking sites that people use for attention as opposed to actual networking. It's a real shame but it seems to be reality for now.

Maybe what I'm trying to say is that I do not understand why people cannot just make a profile and be an artist on here. Why must there be such conflict in the world of art? Is it due to the amount of conflict in our minds that tends to inspire our work? Or is it simply a cry for help or maybe even a deep desire to vent frustrations without fear of consequence? How long until we as an art community can share our ideas with each other and be nothing more than constructive?

Why would any true artist concern themselves with anything other than maybe art theft? Even then why bother? Art is something meant to be shared, interpreted and reinterpreted through different perspectives from now until eternity. Unless I am in fact mistaken...

I have never known true artists to deface their own work with watermarks for the sake of preventing art theft until DA. I believe there is no way anyone can truly steal the work of another without repercussion. Therefore, I see no reason to be concerned. Everyone gets their karma. And if you have the original there is nothing to worry about, anyway.

If I could tell you the last time I logged into DA I would. Unfortunately it has been that long that I can only say the last time was today. I noticed when I went to fav someone's deviation there was a little speech bubble that popped up from the artist's icon saying "Don't Forget To Add A Comment!"

Why is this even necessary? I had no intention of doing a "hit and run" without commenting in the first place. So, why must I have such an eyebrow raising experience after not logging into DA for so long? It just seems like a step in the wrong direction to me. I personally believe that those who deserve commentary will receive it regardless of little "reminders" like that being in place. I wish for a more mature community.

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Another great issue that I am dealing with is the incredible abundance of similar deviations.

When I say this I am speaking of the incredible lack of originality. I refuse to accept that idea that there is no more to the world other than crystals, dragons and overly elaborate swords. I have a hard time believing that almost every single hero and villain is Asian or Caucasian while the other races of the world are swept under the rug or portrayed in stereotypical forms. And I dare not think of how narrow-minded the artists of the world must be if everyone must always make a character who uses a samurai sword or wears Asian clothing.

I would like to believe that one day I might login and see a lot more "color" in some of the characters drawn on here(let alone the rest of the outside world). I cannot contribute very well myself due to a lack of skill which makes me even more disappointed. Having the desire to help make a difference without the means is very torturous sometimes.

Perhaps someone will read this and understand my concerns. I only wish for a more open-minded world. At least in the art community.

-CoryCow