Hallo all. it has been quite a while . . .

Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lack of updates. The explaination is quite simple, really . . . I only load fanart to this page. Having discovered my work art-thieved twice on the 'net, I don't take risks with my original works. Lately, I haven't had time to complete any fanart. Nothing worth your time, at any rate.

Secondly, I'd really like to thank anyone and everything who has faithfully stuck with with me through me stagnance and also to the newcomers, and anyone who was kind enough to drop a few words on my work here and there. Comments and notes really do brighten my day and encourage me onward. Really, everyone, thank you. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.

That said, I will come to my third point . . . I am going to go out on a limb and tell anyone to whom it may concern . . . Asking me for comments will get you nowhere. In fact, it will make me want to comment even less. And this is saying something, considering . . . I've had bad experiences with giving feedback before. I've been told that my comments are patronising, condescending, and generally "too nice." I have also been told that my constructive criticism is too harsh. I've hurt a lot of feelings when I've tried to help . . . One person was too afraid to try writing again for nearly a year after I proofread her work. In other instances, my feedback has been dismissed, ignored, unwelcome or it leads to large-scale arguments. In short, more often than not, I find my attempts to help are either pointless or hurtful.

I'm already shy about commenting, but outright fishing makes me all the more averse to it. If you have a specific request that you think I could be of help with (i.e. "Do you think Kurt is out of character in this pic?" or "I want to make Todd look skinnier, could you help me with that?" or "I want to draw Freddy, but bigger boys are hard for me to draw," et cetera) then by all means, ask and I would be very happy to be of whatever help I can ^_^ However, when you're just angling for attention, that is simply offputting.

Don't get me wrong, I do comment. Bear this in mind, however; A good general rule for artists to follow (especially fanartists and illustrators) is that when your art speaks for itself, it is a successful piece. When you have to speak for your art, then it is not successful. I comment on someone's art because it catches my interest, not because I was asked to. And really, how would you feel, knowing you got a bit of praise only because you asked for it? Wouldn't you appreciate it more if people commented because they liked your art enough to praise it?

We all want to feel good about what we do and create, but we have to remember that having talent does not entitle us to the appreciation of all. Asking for comments makes you sound like a brat. Again, let your art speak for itself.

When I comment, I will do it on my own terms, not anyone else's. That's really what it comes down to.