Goodbye to Jark?
Major upheaval on DeviantArt!
Friday, July 29, 2005 by CerebroJD | Discussion: WinCustomize News
There is much speculation as to exactly what has occurred at DeviantArt in the last day or two.
No one seems to be able to talk about it very much, but its clear that there has been a shift in who exactly runs what on DeviantArt. Jark, the co-founder of DA, appears to have been demoted and/or fired from that position. There are many indications of this, the foremost being his member symbol prefix, no longer the $ of the past. Could this be happening to such a honest and driven individual? Jark has given so much to the community of both DeviantArt and many other art communities around the internet.
Several critical policies on DeviantArt were broken in this restructure, including the near-sacred rule of never removing comments. This freedom of speach and action formed one of the core foundations of DeviantArt: The ability to speak up in all situations and have your opinions heard. Deviations were removed, comments edited, and people banned in order to keep something quiet. No rock-solid details are available, but Jark himself seems supportive of the measures taken by fans to lend their shoulders to his cause.
Updating as info and sources are found.
Onestar's DeviantArt page. Onestar proposes a one-day hiatus on the uploading of all files to DA.
Jark's DeviantArt page. Some interesting reading here, but not much detail. Check his deviations.
Deviation/article by leliathomas. Speculation and theories and many facts pertaining to the event.
Jark's other page, off of DeviantArt. Snoop around... some VERY interesting stuff there.
Bookdiva's personal crusade! She's adding everyone who supports Jark to a massive list in her DA Journal.
Important! Actual semi-official statement from higher-ups. Jark responds too! (Caution, huge image file)
No one seems to be able to talk about it very much, but its clear that there has been a shift in who exactly runs what on DeviantArt. Jark, the co-founder of DA, appears to have been demoted and/or fired from that position. There are many indications of this, the foremost being his member symbol prefix, no longer the $ of the past. Could this be happening to such a honest and driven individual? Jark has given so much to the community of both DeviantArt and many other art communities around the internet.
Several critical policies on DeviantArt were broken in this restructure, including the near-sacred rule of never removing comments. This freedom of speach and action formed one of the core foundations of DeviantArt: The ability to speak up in all situations and have your opinions heard. Deviations were removed, comments edited, and people banned in order to keep something quiet. No rock-solid details are available, but Jark himself seems supportive of the measures taken by fans to lend their shoulders to his cause.
Updating as info and sources are found.
Onestar's DeviantArt page. Onestar proposes a one-day hiatus on the uploading of all files to DA.
Jark's DeviantArt page. Some interesting reading here, but not much detail. Check his deviations.
Deviation/article by leliathomas. Speculation and theories and many facts pertaining to the event.
Jark's other page, off of DeviantArt. Snoop around... some VERY interesting stuff there.
Bookdiva's personal crusade! She's adding everyone who supports Jark to a massive list in her DA Journal.
Important! Actual semi-official statement from higher-ups. Jark responds too! (Caution, huge image file)
 |
|
Page 1 of 3 | |
|
|---|
-xino
Reply #2 Friday, July 29, 2005 11:27 PM
Reply #2 Friday, July 29, 2005 11:27 PM
I'm sure he'll come back better than ever, but I am suddenly rethinking my membership of that "community" as it is now.
BX
Reply #3 Friday, July 29, 2005 11:30 PM
Reply #3 Friday, July 29, 2005 11:30 PM
from his page
| # Status: Former Staff Member # Deviations: 189 # Scraps: 15 # Deviation Comments: 9,526 # Deviant Comments: 2,789 # Deviant Comments Received: 10,931 # News Comments: 1,911 # Forum Posts: 5,532 # Journal Entries: 475 # Shouts: 1,145 # Favourites: 770 |
Jafo
Reply #4 Saturday, July 30, 2005 12:32 AM
Reply #4 Saturday, July 30, 2005 12:32 AM
Scott's currently rubbing his chin in wonderment.....
It is clear that those who 'know' the truth and agenda are saying nothing, and from what I've gathered so far Scott's equally in the dark.
With all the current info available I'd say someone really made a mistake 'removing' Jark.
Sure, no individual is bigger than his community...but with DeviantArt.com 'his' is the important part of that statement. He created it....nurtured its direction, but like with any 'child' it is likely to grow too big for its own boots and usurp its head.
I thought a few years ago that Devart was getting too 'big' and losing 'soul'.....looks like I was right....particularly with 'newbie' admins there saying they have as much 'heart' for Devart as Jark...afterall they'd been there for 2 years [DA is 5].
Whatever transpires.... Scott's importance/relevance to the online skinning and graphical art community remains eternal.
....AND he's a good bloke, too....
xxZeroVirusxx
Reply #5 Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:54 AM
Reply #5 Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:54 AM
This is all so weird, so sketchy. Something is obviously going on, and I certainly hope that it's some sort of misunderstanding or something. However, I do think that before we go ranting about this and that and why we'll miss Jark and who will miss him the most, we first need to acknowledge what it is that has caused him to be "removed."
Also--and, please, take no offense by this, as I mean absolutely none--onestar's mission seems sort of...pointless. If you want to argue with that because I'm not doing anything while onestar's at least trying to do something, go ahead, it doesn't matter. I'm just trying to say that it isn't going to solve anything. It's not something that hurts DA nor her administration in any way. Mass e-mail, mail, mass ridiculous uploading, even, some sort of boycott--I don't know! I agree with onestar's point, to a degree. I think that DA is still and will continue to be about the community. Internal DA problems shouldn't be allowed to hinder that.
A few final notes:
First of all, I'm not exactly certain of what onestar is trying to accomplish, so perhaps all of what I said is just rubbish. Secondly, the truth needs to come out first. Don't be so unreasonable and rash before you even know what you're dealing with.
Also--and, please, take no offense by this, as I mean absolutely none--onestar's mission seems sort of...pointless. If you want to argue with that because I'm not doing anything while onestar's at least trying to do something, go ahead, it doesn't matter. I'm just trying to say that it isn't going to solve anything. It's not something that hurts DA nor her administration in any way. Mass e-mail, mail, mass ridiculous uploading, even, some sort of boycott--I don't know! I agree with onestar's point, to a degree. I think that DA is still and will continue to be about the community. Internal DA problems shouldn't be allowed to hinder that.
A few final notes:
First of all, I'm not exactly certain of what onestar is trying to accomplish, so perhaps all of what I said is just rubbish. Secondly, the truth needs to come out first. Don't be so unreasonable and rash before you even know what you're dealing with.
Madam GoodMorphing
Reply #6 Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:59 AM
Reply #6 Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:59 AM
I have said it before ... any community needs its 'elders'. They are the heart and soul and memory of the place (and they are an essential seed of the future) and to lose one changes things badly.
DavidK
Reply #7 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:09 AM
Reply #7 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:09 AM
Does anybody know what's actually happening over there?
I noticed the search feature is disabled.
GM - I agree.
George Rogers Jr
Reply #8 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:38 AM
Reply #8 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:38 AM
I don't like the entire idea of this "removing comments", "heavy editing", et al.....the complete change of policies over there seems ominous!!! I agree with xxZeroVirusxx about not making snap decisions, but ALL of this REALLY doesn't sound good regardless - BAD DEALINGS no matter how you put it!!! 
c242
Reply #9 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:42 AM
Reply #9 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:42 AM
rabidrobot
Reply #10 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:51 AM
Reply #10 Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:51 AM
I just don't like the hush-hush atmosphere. After seeing this article, I followed the links for over an hour and didn't get anywhere as to what is actually going on.
But, as long as folks are speculating, my journal has some links I found contrasting. Link
But, as long as folks are speculating, my journal has some links I found contrasting. Link
RTWright67
Reply #11 Saturday, July 30, 2005 4:37 AM
Reply #11 Saturday, July 30, 2005 4:37 AM
I've been in retail since 1989, since then I've grown to love some of my jobs, as well the people that worked with me. I held high respect for one manager in particular, as he was a great role model and a fabulous leader. He was honest, supportive and expected nothing out of you that he himself wouldn't do first. Of all of these managers, from many different companies, that one mentioned was the ONLY one to ever hold my respect. None the less, he was moved to a different location leaving behind a store that he had built up sales in and as well the level of customer service needed to achieve such success. Losing him to another store did kinda make us sad, as we all enjoyed working with him. Regardless though, we moved on, continued to pick up where we left off. Life does not give you much of a choice.
Reason I bring all that up, what happened to Jark is far different as he was treated rather unfairly from all that I've read. I fear no one other than those directly involved can answer exactly what happened. Even if they did, it sounds questionable as to who we could honestly believe. Still, I find myself thinking of all the ones that I've seen treated with similar actions in the different business encounters I've been a part of and sadly this kind of thing happens all too often.
Jark, if you're reading this? Please know that even though I personally do not know you, I do know of you by way of many of artist that frequent DA. Through them I've gotten a very strong impression of your character, as well from what I've personally read myself in the past. You're a good person, don't let this stop you from doing what you do best. There's always room for another DA. Those that respect you and believe in you the most will come. Keep up the good work!
Reason I bring all that up, what happened to Jark is far different as he was treated rather unfairly from all that I've read. I fear no one other than those directly involved can answer exactly what happened. Even if they did, it sounds questionable as to who we could honestly believe. Still, I find myself thinking of all the ones that I've seen treated with similar actions in the different business encounters I've been a part of and sadly this kind of thing happens all too often.
Jark, if you're reading this? Please know that even though I personally do not know you, I do know of you by way of many of artist that frequent DA. Through them I've gotten a very strong impression of your character, as well from what I've personally read myself in the past. You're a good person, don't let this stop you from doing what you do best. There's always room for another DA. Those that respect you and believe in you the most will come. Keep up the good work!
craeonics
Reply #12 Saturday, July 30, 2005 6:59 AM
Reply #12 Saturday, July 30, 2005 6:59 AM
I was going to post something similar, but I was waiting for some official announcement. Surely one does not kick out ones creator just like that?
Jafo
Reply #13 Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:20 AM
Reply #13 Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:20 AM
For anyone wondering who jark is, and why something 'over there' is of import/relevance 'over here'... jark is the co-founder of the biggest and most successful online art community called Deviantart.com ..... and over here, where we have about one and a quarter million registered 'users'...jark's ID is '28'....
c242
Reply #14 Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:25 AM
I fear there will be close to nothing.
Reply #14 Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:25 AM
| waiting for some official announcement |
I fear there will be close to nothing.
Hammerhead78
Reply #15 Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:55 AM
Reply #15 Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:55 AM
I was checking `splat's journal at http://splat.deviantart.com/journal/6066915/ and clicked on the link named "DELETING COMMENTS IS HYPOCRISY" http://www.t52.org/.
What I found is quite disturbing. The page features a mail from one of the co-founders of deviantART; °matteo. According to the mail one of the other co-founders of deviantART, $spyed (Angelo), had over a longer time gained power until he could kick °jark (Scott) out of the company to gain even more power. I don't know who was the reciever of the mail or even if it's true but if it is it would explain all the secrecy and the unwillingness among the staff to bring light to this.
What I found is quite disturbing. The page features a mail from one of the co-founders of deviantART; °matteo. According to the mail one of the other co-founders of deviantART, $spyed (Angelo), had over a longer time gained power until he could kick °jark (Scott) out of the company to gain even more power. I don't know who was the reciever of the mail or even if it's true but if it is it would explain all the secrecy and the unwillingness among the staff to bring light to this.
thomassen
Reply #16 Saturday, July 30, 2005 10:19 AM
Reply #16 Saturday, July 30, 2005 10:19 AM
I'm really feeling uneasy about the future of DA now. I'm allready getting peoples IM and email adresses so I can contact people of DA.
BruB
Reply #17 Saturday, July 30, 2005 10:39 AM
Reply #17 Saturday, July 30, 2005 10:39 AM
Being an older member of the online-Skinning-community (although silent) I beleive that 2 things can happen. Like Jafo said, it could be the beginning of the end and it is showing that DA is becoming too big for it's own self, a skinz.org of some sort. Or, since the crowd over there are really, well Devious, most of them won't even notice and the site will keep going.
I've been a member of DA since the start and i've seen it grow to a point where I left and never looked back, but i'm still worried on how this action. DA is now without Matteo and Jark, the two original founders and it seems like the third one (added after) got gready.
Now can we fire Frogboy? (just a joke now don't kill me)
That DA happening is becoming a Soap Opera for skinners
I've been a member of DA since the start and i've seen it grow to a point where I left and never looked back, but i'm still worried on how this action. DA is now without Matteo and Jark, the two original founders and it seems like the third one (added after) got gready.
Now can we fire Frogboy? (just a joke now don't kill me)
That DA happening is becoming a Soap Opera for skinners
lilstarfish
Reply #18 Saturday, July 30, 2005 11:18 AM
Reply #18 Saturday, July 30, 2005 11:18 AM
Since I have not been a member of DA, only visiting the site now and then,
my words may weigh less than those of a member. Nevertheless, my personal
observations from reading the various links and comments posted above
follow below.
1. Why?
Elementary my dear Watson. Politics.
A big "open" community such as Deviant ART where people can speek their minds
without being censored is considered a "threat".
The first goal of the operation we are witnessing now is "freedom of speech".
Or more correctly the removal of it.
Ousting all people who can counter that goal is therefore vital to the success.
When the person/s behind the operation have succeded in that, the site is
theirs to control and use for their purposes.
2. Who?
The link: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29420581&size=o
tell you more than enough.
The feigned surprise ("I was quite troubled and shocked when I was told.." (really?))
of the person calling himself "liquisoft" point to him being one of the "string pullers".
He expose himself feigning empathy in one sentence then coldly trying to dismiss
the whole deal in the next.
The person behind the nic "spyed" also give a high reading on my cointelpro meter.
As does "mccann" since he is likely responsible for the newly introduced censoring,
even if he only(?) takes orders from "liquisoft" and "spyed".
3. What?
What to do about it?
There's only one thing that can give you back the open Deviant ART again and
that is to get active in finding and exposing the truth.
In today's fearmongering climate, being able to speek the truth is no longer
possible as readily as it once was and now the turn has finally come to the members
of Deviant ART. Will they fight for the core values of their community or will they
silently bow their heads in fear of their "master's" whip?
Or in the words of Orwell:
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"
my words may weigh less than those of a member. Nevertheless, my personal
observations from reading the various links and comments posted above
follow below.
1. Why?
Elementary my dear Watson. Politics.
A big "open" community such as Deviant ART where people can speek their minds
without being censored is considered a "threat".
The first goal of the operation we are witnessing now is "freedom of speech".
Or more correctly the removal of it.
Ousting all people who can counter that goal is therefore vital to the success.
When the person/s behind the operation have succeded in that, the site is
theirs to control and use for their purposes.
2. Who?
The link: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29420581&size=o
tell you more than enough.
The feigned surprise ("I was quite troubled and shocked when I was told.." (really?
))of the person calling himself "liquisoft" point to him being one of the "string pullers".
He expose himself feigning empathy in one sentence then coldly trying to dismiss
the whole deal in the next.
The person behind the nic "spyed" also give a high reading on my cointelpro meter.
As does "mccann" since he is likely responsible for the newly introduced censoring,
even if he only(?) takes orders from "liquisoft" and "spyed".
3. What?
What to do about it?
There's only one thing that can give you back the open Deviant ART again and
that is to get active in finding and exposing the truth.
In today's fearmongering climate, being able to speek the truth is no longer
possible as readily as it once was and now the turn has finally come to the members
of Deviant ART. Will they fight for the core values of their community or will they
silently bow their heads in fear of their "master's" whip?
Or in the words of Orwell:
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"
CerebroJD
Reply #19 Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:43 PM
Reply #19 Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:43 PM
Well, if he has been removed from DeviantArt, I hope he might be willing to become more visible here on WinCustomize. I know its a totally different machine from DeviantArt, but he sure knows how to work with people. I find his articles to be quite a read, and I think he'd be a positive contributor! 
Attila
Reply #20 Saturday, July 30, 2005 5:31 PM
Reply #20 Saturday, July 30, 2005 5:31 PM
This is an ugly situation that is far from 'clear' to any of us. But what's apparent is that Scott Jarkoff "Jark" was involuntarily removed from his position, but he'll ALWAYS and forever be the co-founder and co-creator of deviantART with Matt Stephens "Matteo" and has the undying allegiance from a community of supporters.
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 1 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Reply #1 Friday, July 29, 2005 11:13 PM