08-1-2011 at 6:46 PM

I personally don't think this new art rule is okay in the least.<br /> <br /> If you don't want crits, then I guess you don't have to post it. Other than that, ask to not have any crit posted.. But I'll tell you that you won't get many comments at all. I swear it's easier to talk about the things that need improvement rather than the stuff that's good about a picture.<br /> <br /> I also believe that site art should be completely open to crits, the artists on here should be mature enough to handle what the users/community have to say about what's being added to the site without attacking the users. I personally don't give a crap if the art 'is what it is, and it's not changing', I want to crit the stupid thing to get it off my mind. Don't really care if people read/understand it at all, it'd be nice if they did but oh well.<br /> <br /> I agree with everything Ehm said, that makes me not have to write a story about this.

08-1-2011 at 5:36 PM

<b>I am in full support of this opposition.</b><br /> <br /> The site art is, essentially, public art. Not everyone is going to like it. The only purpose this rule serves is to stop the site artists from getting their <i>feelings hurt</i> because some members of the userbase don't like things they've drawn, or (god forbid) think that they could be improved.<br /> <br /> The userbase is what keeps the site running and provides a job for the site artists at all. They should not be made to feel like they should be grateful to be receiving the art that <i>they pay for</i>.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, this rule is ludicrous from the pure standpoint <b>of an artist</b>, and I can't believe that any artist worth their salt would agree to something like this. No, it's not the funnest thing in the world when people left and right are complaining about flaws in your art. But you know what? It's part of the whole deal of showing your art publicly to people. It happens. And the people who support the site that commissions you for your art should have more right than anyone to speak up if they're not happy with the product. Most importantly, critique is necessary. You're not always going to be able to fulfil the expectations of everyone, and you don't have to. But critique and the viewpoints of others is vital on the road of growth and improvement.<br /> <br /> It was bad enough when critique was frequently discourage and ignored by some of the artists. Now this.<br /> Where's it going to end?

08-1-2011 at 4:45 PM

Support.<br /> <br /> <br /> I see the point of the rule as it is now but I just don't agree with most of it.<br /> Critique should always be constructive, yes. But it's not helping anyone if it's only allowed to say 'Wow! Your art is so totally awesome!'<br /> How could you ever improve, if you don't know what people *really* think about our art? And if no one tells you what could be better?<br /> <br /> <br /> Especially for site artists I think critique is necessary. As a site artist I do my art for all players and want them to love it. But if I don't know your true opinion about it - what Ala players like and what they don't like - I can only guess what satisfies them and will never really know.<br /> (Plus I think it's just not right to want the player's money but not their opinions)<br /> <br /> If you post something out there for everyone to see be ready for some critique - or just don't post it. <br /> However, the critique should always be constructive and never mean. Therefore, I love the example Roo gave and the idea of always adding something positive.

08-1-2011 at 4:33 PM

Support!

08-1-2011 at 3:56 PM

well said, Éireann

08-1-2011 at 3:50 PM

Eireann, you took the words from my mouth. I can't believe a rule like this is added. :\

08-1-2011 at 3:46 PM

I'm not an "artist" per say, but I am a writer, so criticism is an important subject to me.<br /> <br /> Personally, (and I will say this as tactfully as possible), I think that if you can't handle constructive criticism, then posting your art or writing (on Ala or anywhere online or off) is not for you. Alacrity is a website for users ages 13 and up. By the age of thirteen, most people should have the maturity to be able to graciously accept and even use the criticism given to them by their online peers. By putting this new rule into practice Alacrity, which prizes being a site based on reality, has eliminated one of the most integral parts of human life. Without criticism, humans have nowhere to go and nothing to strive for. History has already shown us what happens when no one has opinions or suggestions or individual responses to actions and events. They call it the Dark Ages. (Granted, I doubt Alacrity will suddenly break out the feudal system of government - I just simply wanted to make a point.)<br /> <br /> I do understand that there are those on the site who are younger and have joined with a parent's permission. I don't believe that they should be penalized for feeling over-criticized, but I don't believe we should baby them for it either.<br /> <br /> <i>However,</i> I also believe that if criticism ever turns from constructive to destructive, that Alacrity users should immediately put a stop to it. No one deserves to be mocked on account of their art or writing, which is something in and of themselves.<br /> <br /> This is my opinion. Do with it what you may. (And feel free to criticize me, hee hee!)<br /> <br />

08-1-2011 at 3:44 PM

Honestly, i like this new rule.<br /> <br /> I do draw occasionally and i know i am not that good. When i am finally happy with something and want to show some people, i would rather not just get "this and this and this are wrong." Granted thats not really a critique per say but still. Sometimes i really don't want to hear that my art sucks xD<br /> <br /> What happened with the Riddler (and brought about this rule) i think should never have happened. Yes you have problems with the art. I just think a little bit of respect should have been show and it should not have been torn apart in the news post. It should have been done else where and i little kinder i think. Good or bad art the artist still thinks it's good enough to show the public and that should be respected. If you have a problem and a suggestion, go to the artist and let them know you'd like to offer some help.<br /> <br /> Tearing someone art apart with out them asking or even expecting it hurts. Yes, they should have a tough skin and take it but honestly, i find it immensely rude and mean. Besides, any half decent artist usually has someone they go to for help while they draw it, some one to red line, or they ask for a critique or suggestions.<br /> <br /> I think this rule is more directed at the people who took one look at the image, have very little art experience and just went into the comments and said it was ugly. This isn't saying critique isn't allowed. =/<br /> <br /> Granted "If you have nothing nice to say about a piece of art, then please don't say anything at all." This could have been phrased a bit better. <br /> <br /> I just find that most people do not know how to critique well or to what degree to do it. Maybe a site wide rule wasn't the best way to go about this but still, i don't see what the big problem with this is. If you want critique ask for it. =/

08-1-2011 at 3:36 PM

Support:<br /> <br /> I am not an artist but I would think it would be common sense that if you put something out there - be it art or simply your opinion - you do so knowing somewhere someone will not like it or disagree or whatever and will comment as such. <br /> <br /> Since we are throwing around idioms how about "You learn more from your failures than your successes" why disallow constructive criticism? Seems counter productive and well "if you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen."<br /> <br /> Grant it there are a few people who have yet to learn tact when it comes to providing their input but overall Ala members seems to be pretty grounded.

08-1-2011 at 3:34 PM

I agree Roo! The rule could be changed to "Give constructive critique, if you do at all!"

08-1-2011 at 2:54 PM

I do support the idea of critisizm being allowed I don't post art here but on other websites I do. My parents say my art is "Amazingly good" and all that stuff,but they sorta have to live with me so I guess they see the flaws,but just don't tell me. I want to be criticted on my art,because at this state now,I'm only getting posotive opinions about my work,when I KNOW there has to be somthing wrong with it. Criticism as a whole has helped me finalize details and grow as an artist,so I think to help site artisits it should be there. It has never hurt me,even when it was bad like "I hate that thing,it's sloppy and not correctly proportioned." But,things like that I let buld me up. :)

08-1-2011 at 1:36 PM

that i love, Roo! i feel that's how all critiques should be &lt;3

08-1-2011 at 1:29 PM

I'm with you all the way on this. And like Stacy said, true critique is always constructive. If your critique is negative and discouraging, you're doing something wrong and should not continue to critique. Rather than make a rule banning all critique unless it's specifically asked for by the artist, why not make a rule that all critique must contain something positive? "I really like that item, but I feel like the fur could use a little bit of work. It looks like it needs to be smoothed out or something. But it's adorable otherwise!" That's not mean, that's not negative, it's constructive.

08-1-2011 at 1:22 PM

I understand that it applies to all art. Just saying that other artists do have a choice in whether we see their work and ask for critiques. Site art, well.. is out there and should be up for it, period. I truly think it's us not being able to share our thoughts and opinions on site art that perturbs me the most.

08-1-2011 at 1:17 PM

Good Idea Gamzee!<br /> <br /> I am an artist at home, with traditional arts, and only when I receive a bad critisism, does it ever upset. Bad meaning "Oh it looks terrible! The face is ugly, and I absolutely HATE the feet"<br /> <br /> I like the idea of a fine, but I had no idea about this either, and I really don't like this. I enjoy being critiqued. I really do, it makes you a better artist to know what you are doing wrong.

08-1-2011 at 1:17 PM

Stacy, it applies TO ALL artists and ALL art, not only site artists. But I agree.

08-1-2011 at 1:16 PM

I support =)

08-1-2011 at 1:14 PM

I support this 100%! (even though it doesn't really need any.) <br /> <br /> First of all, a true art critique is never "mean".. so this rule shouldn't even exist. If it's mean, you're doing it wrong. >.&lt; <br /> <br /> To be honest, if you don't want your work critiqued, should you really be a site artist? At least when a typical member shows work, they want to know what others think. LIke mentioned before, even since now we can't share our opinions, it's not going to stop us from having them. Which makes me actually wonder.. can we even say we do or do not like an item.. since that isn't technically a critique? Or is that just too much for these "sensitive" folks to handle?<br /> <br /> I'm sorry, but while I agree that we should always be nice and polite here, if you're going to have your work for all to see, you NEED to understand that people are going to have an opinion about it. If you don't like that, maybe you should rethink your position.<br /> <br /> They also need to stop and think that it's because of us, the users, that this site is still going strong. Wouldn't you think that would warrant want of our opinions? We send in donations.. but now we have to shut up and take it because someone's feelings got hurt? I'm sorry, but I can't see the rightness in this.<br /> <br />

08-1-2011 at 1:07 PM

I agree with Gamzee!

08-1-2011 at 12:24 PM

I support.<br /> <br /> does the question "what do you think?" count as a request for criticism? Whos to say? It's a question a lot of artists ask when displaying their art, even when not seeking criticism. if this rule stays, it means those of us asked this question will be forced to lie if we don't like the art in question. There is no black and white about what is or isn't a request for crit. besides that, I don't know any mature artists who would get upset over criticism, its almost on par with being a sore looser.