A Challenge To The 'Ruder' Critics
You Know Who You Are
Wednesday, December 28, 2005 by PoSmedley | Discussion: Community
It has been posed in the form of a question in these forums.."Is skinning an art?" Many have replied, and it would seem the overwhelming response is "Yes, it is."
"There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun."
Pablo Picasso.
I think this best describes the ‘art’ of skinning. It’s not just a matter of having a command of the ‘software or program’ you choose to create with, but having a vision to begin with, and the ability to execute it, to be able to bring it to realization, to life. How long did it take for photography to be truly considered an art form by the artists who toiled in ink, paint, and other mediums?
"Back in the earlier part of the 20th century, there was a group of now-famous photographers that called themselves the "f64 Club," who prided themselves on the fact that they shot pictures at f64 to get the sharpest possible photos possible. Why was this unique? Because in those days, photography wasn't considered an art form unless photographers manipulated their photos in the darkroom to "blur them up" so they would look more like paintings. Photography, it seemed, was "too perfect" for the critical art world, so to be considered valid, your photos weren't allowed to be too sharp. The f74 club was a small group of mostly San Francisco photographers that challenged the idea and went against the grain by making incredibly sharp photographs. And, well, the rest is history."
Dan Heller- Photographer
How long did it take the critics to acknowledge photography as an art form? I would guess as soon as they realized they ‘could’ voice themselves on it- and people would listen.
Which brings me to the subject of criticism, particularly criticism in WC. I have noticed a rash of rather ‘harsh’ criticism being thrown about like rotten vegetables at a rowdydow. Something of note is that, a lot of these remarks are made by individuals who have made no contributions of their own, in the way of skins or wallpapers.
"Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship"
Zeuxis (400BC)
You could spend hours trying to define ‘art’ in any form or medium. Defining some other things, are a little easier.
Criticism- function: noun
1 a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably b : a critical observation or remark c : CRITIQUE
2 : the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature
3 : the scientific investigation of literary documents (as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history
Meriam Webster Dictionary
I especially like the part.."usually unfavorably". If you look up 'review' and 'critique', you will find that they eventually refer back to ‘criticism’. Now , let’s try another word, as it may apply.
Constructive- function: adjective
1 : of or relating to construction or creation
2 : promoting improvement or development
The question this poses to me is this. Should comments made on ‘skins, etc’ be only that of a constructive nature? Of course, if we followed this, would something like ‘Nice work." be out of context? If we allow one, do we allow the other? (Example; This is garbage.) Then there is that whole freedom of speech thing.
It is difficult for a lot of people to take/accept criticism in any form. I feel for the ‘first- time artists’ who have chosen to put themselves’ out there’, as it were, and find harsh and sometimes hurtful criticism discouraging. As a community, I have seen many members at WC rise in defense of these ‘artists’ and it feels good to be part of such a community.
As for those that choose to continuously assault whatever work they see fit to on a whim, all I can do is offer my sincerest condolences. I can only assume it’s your inability to appreciate anything that may be different, beautiful, or just expressive that frustrates you to such lengths that you have no alternative than to unleash a swill of unconstructive, unsupportive, and unintelligent criticisms.
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain- and most fools do.
Dale Carnegie
To the artists that continuously brave these ‘fools’, I admire your determination and constant effort and willingness to put yourselves ‘out there’. To those who would assault these artists without having contributed…
"Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it’s done, they’ve seen it done everyday, but their unable to do it themselves."
Brendan Behan
Though I believe ‘everyone’ is ‘able’, it’s just that some are to caught up to realize it.
"Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow that talent to the dark place where it leads"
Erica Jong
I challenge you to find your courage. Put yourselves on the line. And discover for yourselves the ‘agony and the ecstasy’ of being an artist. Even when my work is not found appealing to some, or just plain rejected, there is a reward. Whether it be in satisfaction of having created something that only one person likes or frustration that forces me to re-examine what I was trying to say or do, and try again.
Criticism is prejudice made plausible
HL Mencken
You don’t have to hide behind such a transparent ‘plausibility’. The ironic thing is, you might find how quickly any effort you made would be accepted, welcomed, and appreciated. You may succeed, you may fail…but at least you could say you tried. It seems to me, saying you tried is much more intelligent and noble than the harsh and rude things you have chosen to say so far.
A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinions than anything else in the world.
Edmond D Concourt
I think most artists can agree with that last quote. It doesn’t mean we like it. It’s just a fact. Like the existence of the ‘fools’ mentioned by Dale Carnegie. But we do not need to exist together in such a hostile an unconstructive way. You know who you are. I challenge you to find your own creativity. Explore it. Express it here. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t like some of the things you saw. Be a part of it.
If in the end, you can’t or won’t, then I challenge you to find a more constructive way to express you opinions. A more encouraging way to voice what you feel. You may not…will not..like everything you see…but shouldn’t your goal be to encourage the artist in the end to keep trying, in hopes that something you like will come forth?
I look forward to seeing if you have the courage and/or the class to accept my challenge.
"There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun."
Pablo Picasso.
I think this best describes the ‘art’ of skinning. It’s not just a matter of having a command of the ‘software or program’ you choose to create with, but having a vision to begin with, and the ability to execute it, to be able to bring it to realization, to life. How long did it take for photography to be truly considered an art form by the artists who toiled in ink, paint, and other mediums?
"Back in the earlier part of the 20th century, there was a group of now-famous photographers that called themselves the "f64 Club," who prided themselves on the fact that they shot pictures at f64 to get the sharpest possible photos possible. Why was this unique? Because in those days, photography wasn't considered an art form unless photographers manipulated their photos in the darkroom to "blur them up" so they would look more like paintings. Photography, it seemed, was "too perfect" for the critical art world, so to be considered valid, your photos weren't allowed to be too sharp. The f74 club was a small group of mostly San Francisco photographers that challenged the idea and went against the grain by making incredibly sharp photographs. And, well, the rest is history."
Dan Heller- Photographer
How long did it take the critics to acknowledge photography as an art form? I would guess as soon as they realized they ‘could’ voice themselves on it- and people would listen.
Which brings me to the subject of criticism, particularly criticism in WC. I have noticed a rash of rather ‘harsh’ criticism being thrown about like rotten vegetables at a rowdydow. Something of note is that, a lot of these remarks are made by individuals who have made no contributions of their own, in the way of skins or wallpapers.
"Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship"
Zeuxis (400BC)
You could spend hours trying to define ‘art’ in any form or medium. Defining some other things, are a little easier.
Criticism- function: noun
1 a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably b : a critical observation or remark c : CRITIQUE
2 : the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature
3 : the scientific investigation of literary documents (as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history
Meriam Webster Dictionary
I especially like the part.."usually unfavorably". If you look up 'review' and 'critique', you will find that they eventually refer back to ‘criticism’. Now , let’s try another word, as it may apply.
Constructive- function: adjective
1 : of or relating to construction or creation
2 : promoting improvement or development
The question this poses to me is this. Should comments made on ‘skins, etc’ be only that of a constructive nature? Of course, if we followed this, would something like ‘Nice work." be out of context? If we allow one, do we allow the other? (Example; This is garbage.) Then there is that whole freedom of speech thing.
It is difficult for a lot of people to take/accept criticism in any form. I feel for the ‘first- time artists’ who have chosen to put themselves’ out there’, as it were, and find harsh and sometimes hurtful criticism discouraging. As a community, I have seen many members at WC rise in defense of these ‘artists’ and it feels good to be part of such a community.
As for those that choose to continuously assault whatever work they see fit to on a whim, all I can do is offer my sincerest condolences. I can only assume it’s your inability to appreciate anything that may be different, beautiful, or just expressive that frustrates you to such lengths that you have no alternative than to unleash a swill of unconstructive, unsupportive, and unintelligent criticisms.
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain- and most fools do.
Dale Carnegie
To the artists that continuously brave these ‘fools’, I admire your determination and constant effort and willingness to put yourselves ‘out there’. To those who would assault these artists without having contributed…
"Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it’s done, they’ve seen it done everyday, but their unable to do it themselves."
Brendan Behan
Though I believe ‘everyone’ is ‘able’, it’s just that some are to caught up to realize it.
"Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow that talent to the dark place where it leads"
Erica Jong
I challenge you to find your courage. Put yourselves on the line. And discover for yourselves the ‘agony and the ecstasy’ of being an artist. Even when my work is not found appealing to some, or just plain rejected, there is a reward. Whether it be in satisfaction of having created something that only one person likes or frustration that forces me to re-examine what I was trying to say or do, and try again.
Criticism is prejudice made plausible
HL Mencken
You don’t have to hide behind such a transparent ‘plausibility’. The ironic thing is, you might find how quickly any effort you made would be accepted, welcomed, and appreciated. You may succeed, you may fail…but at least you could say you tried. It seems to me, saying you tried is much more intelligent and noble than the harsh and rude things you have chosen to say so far.
A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinions than anything else in the world.
Edmond D Concourt
I think most artists can agree with that last quote. It doesn’t mean we like it. It’s just a fact. Like the existence of the ‘fools’ mentioned by Dale Carnegie. But we do not need to exist together in such a hostile an unconstructive way. You know who you are. I challenge you to find your own creativity. Explore it. Express it here. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t like some of the things you saw. Be a part of it.
If in the end, you can’t or won’t, then I challenge you to find a more constructive way to express you opinions. A more encouraging way to voice what you feel. You may not…will not..like everything you see…but shouldn’t your goal be to encourage the artist in the end to keep trying, in hopes that something you like will come forth?
I look forward to seeing if you have the courage and/or the class to accept my challenge.
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PoSmedley
Reply #82 Saturday, May 6, 2006 10:49 AM
Me, too.
Reply #82 Saturday, May 6, 2006 10:49 AM
| I'm glad people are continuing to bump this |
Me, too.
Fairyy~
Reply #83 Saturday, May 6, 2006 12:17 PM
Reply #83 Saturday, May 6, 2006 12:17 PM
Giving " demerits " for dumb comments is probably not the best idea. Then your entering that fine line of censorship.
But a feature that allows the person ( skinner ) to chose if they want comments or not is a good idea. Then its their own choice.
The only problem i'd have with no comments is id miss out on the helpful comments that have been written with a sincere gesture to help.
I've seen more people here that will offer assistance and the negative comments come from people that more or less just take from the site and think its their job to pick apart every piece of someones work.
Just recently there was the infamous comment on a wb " this is awful " and of course written by someone that thinks it was their duty to critique something even though they have made nothing themselves. I wonder if they realise they only make themselves look pompous and silly.
The fact that a wb takes weeks to make and is given to everyone for free should really be respected even if the blind is not to your liking. Most the time I say nothing . It doesnt mean I dont like that particular skin..it means its just not my style. But I dont need to say that in their comment section .
I also do not expect the male population to be " goo goo " eyed over some of the pastel and frilly type skins. But that shouldnt be your basis for rating or commenting on it. I dont expect a man to wear a lacy dress ....but im sure they can look at one and admire it. Just like a man in a tuxedo..I can admire how nice the suit looks and fits but I would never wear one.
Hopefully I made some sense. I do believe most of the men here can do exactly what I just said, as do the women on the skins that the men prefer. And of course there are tons of skins that just fit everyone.
But a feature that allows the person ( skinner ) to chose if they want comments or not is a good idea. Then its their own choice.
The only problem i'd have with no comments is id miss out on the helpful comments that have been written with a sincere gesture to help.
I've seen more people here that will offer assistance and the negative comments come from people that more or less just take from the site and think its their job to pick apart every piece of someones work.
Just recently there was the infamous comment on a wb " this is awful " and of course written by someone that thinks it was their duty to critique something even though they have made nothing themselves. I wonder if they realise they only make themselves look pompous and silly.
The fact that a wb takes weeks to make and is given to everyone for free should really be respected even if the blind is not to your liking. Most the time I say nothing . It doesnt mean I dont like that particular skin..it means its just not my style. But I dont need to say that in their comment section .
I also do not expect the male population to be " goo goo " eyed over some of the pastel and frilly type skins. But that shouldnt be your basis for rating or commenting on it. I dont expect a man to wear a lacy dress ....but im sure they can look at one and admire it. Just like a man in a tuxedo..I can admire how nice the suit looks and fits but I would never wear one.
Hopefully I made some sense. I do believe most of the men here can do exactly what I just said, as do the women on the skins that the men prefer. And of course there are tons of skins that just fit everyone.
seldomseen
Reply #85 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:00 PM
Reply #85 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:00 PM
Po', How do you snap these out so fast!? I'm amazed.
[goo goo eyed...
]
Good to hear from BoXXi again, too!
"Illegitimici non corborundum"
[Don't let the *!@#*^!s wear ya down"]
[goo goo eyed...
]Good to hear from BoXXi again, too!
"Illegitimici non corborundum"
[Don't let the *!@#*^!s wear ya down"]
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #87 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:30 PM
Reply #87 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:30 PM
I also do not expect the male population to be " goo goo " eyed over some of the pastel and frilly type skins. But that shouldnt be your basis for rating or commenting on it
Well said. I don't let my personal opinion of a skin affect the rating I give when moderating. 'Girly' skins get exactly the same treatment as any other (even though I wouldn't use them myself).
| I dont expect a man to wear a lacy dress |
I prefer gingham myself
Fairyy~
Reply #88 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 8:13 PM
You really need to be careful what you say around 'Po - he probably will put you in a Gingham dress with goo goo eyes before tomorrow.
Reply #88 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 8:13 PM
| I prefer gingham myself |
You really need to be careful what you say around 'Po - he probably will put you in a Gingham dress with goo goo eyes before tomorrow.
starkers
Reply #90 Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:09 AM
Why not? Some men have a feminine side. Take Fuzzy, for example....
Seriously though, you're spot on with your comments there, Fairyy~. To many, Paris Hilton is a true beauty, but to me she's average...a plain Jane, so to speak, but I do not call her ugly or criticise those who see more in her than I do.
The same applies to wb's and other skins, I do not rate or comment on that which does not necessarily appeal to me. If I have nothing constructive, positive or encouraging to say about a skin, then I feel it's better to I reserve my comments for something that is useful and aesthetically pleasing to me at the same time.
I don't see skinning/customisation as a male or female thing and enjoy contributions from both genders. My wife and I share the same PC/account, and many a time I've downloaded frilly, lacy and pastel wb's and themes, largely with my wife in mind, but at the same time, while I mostly prefer dark skins, they have greatly appealed to me also.
Ooooops, my feminine side is showing here (where's my ball-room gown and dancing shoes?)
OK, Po'....see what you can do with that one, and please don't forget the makeup!
Reply #90 Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:09 AM
| I also do not expect the male population to be " goo goo " eyed over some of the pastel and frilly type skins. |
Why not? Some men have a feminine side. Take Fuzzy, for example....
| I prefer gingham myself |
Seriously though, you're spot on with your comments there, Fairyy~. To many, Paris Hilton is a true beauty, but to me she's average...a plain Jane, so to speak, but I do not call her ugly or criticise those who see more in her than I do.
The same applies to wb's and other skins, I do not rate or comment on that which does not necessarily appeal to me. If I have nothing constructive, positive or encouraging to say about a skin, then I feel it's better to I reserve my comments for something that is useful and aesthetically pleasing to me at the same time.
I don't see skinning/customisation as a male or female thing and enjoy contributions from both genders. My wife and I share the same PC/account, and many a time I've downloaded frilly, lacy and pastel wb's and themes, largely with my wife in mind, but at the same time, while I mostly prefer dark skins, they have greatly appealed to me also.
Ooooops, my feminine side is showing here (where's my ball-room gown and dancing shoes?)
OK, Po'....see what you can do with that one, and please don't forget the makeup!
Fairyy~
Reply #92 Thursday, May 11, 2006 6:35 AM
O...M...G .......lol
Well I did warn him......psssst ( you forgot the goo goo eyes )
Reply #92 Thursday, May 11, 2006 6:35 AM
| You had to spoil the surprise, didn't you? |
O...M...G .......lol
Well I did warn him......psssst ( you forgot the goo goo eyes )
Fairyy~
Reply #93 Thursday, May 11, 2006 6:43 AM
I know most of the men here will download stuff for their wives or g/f's etc. Usually the snitty remarks are from younger ( under 25 ) young men that don't understand this concept yet.
One day they will understand ...admiring something " frilly " isn't a bad thing...
Although..i'm finding Spock is looking quite " My Fair Ladyish " today
Reply #93 Thursday, May 11, 2006 6:43 AM
Starkers : I don't see skinning/customisation as a male or female thing and enjoy contributions from both genders. My wife and I share the same PC/account, and many a time I've downloaded frilly, lacy and pastel wb's and themes, largely with my wife in mind, but at the same time, while I mostly prefer dark skins, they have greatly appealed to me also. |
I know most of the men here will download stuff for their wives or g/f's etc. Usually the snitty remarks are from younger ( under 25 ) young men that don't understand this concept yet.
One day they will understand ...admiring something " frilly " isn't a bad thing...
Although..i'm finding Spock is looking quite " My Fair Ladyish " today
starkers
Reply #94 Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:48 AM
Yeah, I try to cater to my missus' tastes, but some of the 'frilly' stuff I D/L for me.
I suspect quite a few of the young uns do admire frills.....my fascination with lingerie and lacy knickers began when I was quite young. Wouldn't be able to squeeze my big butt into 'em these days, tho. 
Reply #94 Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:48 AM
| I know most of the men here will download stuff for their wives or g/f's etc |
Yeah, I try to cater to my missus' tastes, but some of the 'frilly' stuff I D/L for me.
| One day they will understand ...admiring something " frilly " isn't a bad thing... |
I suspect quite a few of the young uns do admire frills.....my fascination with lingerie and lacy knickers began when I was quite young. Wouldn't be able to squeeze my big butt into 'em these days, tho.
Jafo
Reply #95 Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:54 AM
Reply #95 Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:54 AM
| my fascination with lingerie and lacy knickers began when I was quite young. Wouldn't be able to squeeze my big butt into 'em these days, tho |
Ugh.....me burns out eyes with a red hot poker....the vision....the horror...the horror....
ZubaZ
Reply #96 Thursday, May 11, 2006 11:21 AM
Two demerits for a stupid comment.
I had lost track of this post
Thanks again Po'
Reply #96 Thursday, May 11, 2006 11:21 AM
| Giving " demerits " for dumb comments is probably not the best idea. |
Two demerits for a stupid comment.
I had lost track of this post
Thanks again Po'
sandpiperw
Reply #97 Thursday, May 11, 2006 11:23 AM
Reply #97 Thursday, May 11, 2006 11:23 AM
Great post PO, I agree with you, we aren't all great
artists but an A for effort is always appreciated
artists but an A for effort is always appreciated
starkers
Reply #98 Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:19 PM
Maybe I should clarify. Lingerie appreciation at a young age was not in the wearing but more in fighting for a seat in the front row at fashion shows
Didn't get into the Tim Curry cross dressing thing....but when my hair was really, really long (about 5 years back), I went out shopping with pigtails and bows My stepdaughter liked playing hairdresser and bet me that I wouldn't go out in public like that.....so I did and saved myself $20 pocket money 
Not really....she eventually got it, after making her sweat for it an hour or two.
Reply #98 Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:19 PM
| Ugh.....me burns out eyes with a red hot poker....the vision....the horror...the horror.... |
Maybe I should clarify. Lingerie appreciation at a young age was not in the wearing but more in fighting for a seat in the front row at fashion shows Didn't get into the Tim Curry cross dressing thing....but when my hair was really, really long (about 5 years back), I went out shopping with pigtails and bows
My stepdaughter liked playing hairdresser and bet me that I wouldn't go out in public like that.....so I did and saved myself $20 pocket money Not really....she eventually got it, after making her sweat for it an hour or two.
ZubaZ
Reply #99 Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:40 PM
So explain this:
"'em" = front row seats?
Reply #99 Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:40 PM
| Maybe I should clarify. Lingerie appreciation at a young age was not in the wearing but more in fighting for a seat in the front row at fashion shows |
So explain this:
| Wouldn't be able to squeeze my big butt into 'em these days, tho |
"'em" = front row seats?
PoSmedley
Reply #100 Thursday, May 11, 2006 2:12 PM
Thank YOU. I'm glad this thread still see's some action and for the input everyone has offered.
Reply #100 Thursday, May 11, 2006 2:12 PM
| Great post PO, |
| Thanks again Po' |
Thank YOU. I'm glad this thread still see's some action and for the input everyone has offered.
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Reply #81 Saturday, May 6, 2006 9:40 AM
Great thread, Po' Smedley...very well written.