A few days ago I went to my AAW gallery to see if any comments had been left about a new piece I posted. I noticed someone had left what I thought was a comment on an old piece in my gallery. When I opened the old photo, I was horrified. Someone rated this plain simple bowl with a "1" but did not say why. What kind of mean person does such a thing? I could not imagine why anyone would be so cruel. The least he could have done was say why. I was so embarrassed I immediately deleted the photo which now I'm sorry I did.
The interesting thing is that this person leaves a signature with every post and a link to a web site where his personal photos can be seen. Now I'm starting to get angry. I want too know who he is and see his work. I went looking for his AAW gallery and could not find one picture. Did I do something to anger him? I seldom comment here and never have had any conversation with him. What exactly is going on?
I decided to take the bait and follow his link to the picturetrail web site. Along with personal photos were photos of his work. I understood why he didn't have a gallery here. I decided to just let it go and move on.
After reading his posts on the why so little critiquing subject, I further understood why he doesn't have a gallery here. I can't be quite any longer. Why does he use this forum to punish others who have the courage to put their work out for critique? In his own words, "I could care less what anyone else thinks of my "artwork"......and my satisfaction in what I do isn't based on any group think mentality."
Quite frankly, I think he does care what others think but doesn't have the courage to put his work on the line for critique. No guts, no glory!
I have no problem with ANYONE critiquing my work. I don't believe in ratings because they serve no purpose. What does serve a purpose are words describing why someone likes or dislikes a work.
I have a problem with a rating system that allows this to happen. I think the AAW should remove the rating system and encourage critiques.
Ed Koenig