Oh, I give up.

Warning:
Rant ahead. Read at your own risk! D:

I don't know.
It's so hard for me to fit in with this community.
I was looking at some of the really old blogs, from, what, January of last year? So much has changed. Yes, changes do take place, but not always for the better.
Members used to be so welcoming, there weren't yet any groups or cliques, simplistic biographies, everyone was welcomed with arms wide open...
Didn't have so many of the frickin' updates that are like spam to me, and that cover the diaries page like an infestation.
Or the players who feel the need to update them multiple times in one day, just to add one little detail or fix errors. It doesn't even have to be for those reasons.
I don't know where I'm heading with this. Maybe if you go back-way back-and read some of those blogs, you'll see what I mean.
I love my character, Sapphieal (Sgro), and I won't delete him; he's only staying for Emiva and Gweneth, if they ever decide to come back.
I'm leaving this site. Yeah, I'm one of the thousands of others who complain, and who'll keep complaining. As far as I'm concerned, we're not making any progress in fixing this site.
And while I'm complaining, I laugh at the members here who take what they have for granted. Some of them are oblivious to the ridiculous amounts of attention they receive.
It seems like people are selfish here to. What, because someone has good art they're automatically better than someone who's still practicing, and may not be as skilled. This applies with artwork and biographies.
Here are some example of what I'm getting at.
Example 1;
Bio. 1
Bio. 2
In other words, what makes Bio 1 so much better than bio 2? They both seem like pretty interesting deer, so why didn't bio 2 get any comments? Yeah sure bio 2. is a work in progress, but did anyone leave a nice little comment, like 'Interesting character! Hope to meet them in the forest!' 'Welcome to the forest!' or 'Nice biography! It's coming along great!' ?
Example 2;
Pic. 1
Pic. 2
I'm sure both artists spent a good amount on time on both pics, so why didn't Picture 1 get ANY comments at all? It's just as nice as picture 2.
I'm sorry, I'm not picking on anyone, those are just some examples I pull off the pictures/diaries page. I swear, I don't hold anything against these players.
I don't want a huge debate on this page, just making some people aware..
And I know some members actually do read and don't comment, or don't have the time to comment. Believe me, I'm perfectly aware we all have lives separate from TEF.
The forest seemed a much better before I found out about this community.
^ My own personal opinion.
Really, I loved running around in groups with random deer I didn't know, not really hesitating to approach them. Now I feel like I can't approach anyone because:
1. They notorious on the website because of their art/writing/ etc and I'm to timid to approach them
2. They're in a group of other players there close with and I don't want to interfere
3. They're alone and I don't want to disturb them
4. I'll feel like I'm getting in the way of their fun
Others feel this way to, and I know I'm not the only one either. You don't have to tell me that.
This was more of a blog to get this off my chest. Dunno whether or not I'm 'relieved'.
-Is prepared to get flamed-
Verycrazygirl's picture

... <333333 _____ The Noble

... <333333

Mm.. I have no input.. but

Mm.. I have no input.. but I'm going to track and see what others have to say, hmm..


{Click to view Nine's bio}

{Click to view Nine's bio}

Another reason for me to

Another reason for me to stop posting and comment more.
Tracking.

Well said. Although I admit


Well said.
Although I admit you've covered some pretty good points, I don't whole-heartedly agree. This community isn't as bad as it seems.
I was going to argue with you on some topics, but I see you're able to comprehend some other members situations/ and how they can't always be on the site, commenting on every little thing.
It'll be sad to see you leave the community, though. You have a nice strong opinionated voice, something this community might need.
Hmm. I didn't completely think this through, so I'll comment more on this later.
Snowrift's picture

I agree so friggin much. I

I agree so friggin much.


I NEVER get comments on most of my art that I am proud of...it makes me really sad.
Heres what happens...

* I get my tablet and start to draw
*Drawing turns out good, I color
* I get really happy because I think the community will like it ^^
* I take the time to upload and transfer to my desktop
* Post it and sit waiting for a comment happily
* No comments, whatsoever.

So my question. Do you guys even care?


Thankyou. Thankyou. Thankyou. Thankyou.


XxBlackSoulxX's picture

well i hav to agree with

well i hav to agree with you...this community doesnt seem like the place everyone thought it used to be =C im sorry you feel that way D': everyone started leaving! its terrible! this isn't the same forest...it sucks to leave before the halloween festival, it would be nice if u stopped by once in a while Smiling but yes, the biographys and such do ruin the diary page (sorta wat i also thought for a while now) Sad i try to comment on every uncommented art piece to let the artist know that they did a great job Laughing out loud well, i guess this is goodbye?.... ='''((((

© Rell
ToxicCreed's picture

"This community to me allows

"This community to me allows me to write it allows me in a sense to be free. I have posted art on my page before also just to note. I've seen beautiful and amazing art. I have read stories that capture such emotion and detail that i will read again an again.

Now we might get upset when we post art or a beautiful story and don't receive comments. But then again think you wrote the story not just for other people but for yourself. We are all different in many ways but each of has talent. Each member on this community has their own talent thats special , but sometimes I don't think people recognize how special their talents are. No two humans are exactly alike. Ive said this a couple times to some people on here so they might recognize it.
Reach for the stars even though your feet are on the ground.

I've said my bit now you can either comment and give me your opinion. But i would like you all to write something positive whether it be about the forest or something in your life. I'll update this blog .

You are you and nothing can change that."

Quoted from one of the most wonderful journals that was ever posted on this site. As much as I don't mind reading rants, I just think this is blowing way out of proportion and causing Drama that does not need to happen. I post my stuff because I want to share it with others and because I want to post it myself, I could care less about the fact that people might or might not comment on it. To me, comments don't matter. If a comment means you're popular then by god, everyone on here should be popular because I'm sure everyone at some point has gotten a comment one time or another. If a lot of comments means you're 'better' then others... something is wrong? No one, and I mean NO ONE is better than someone else regardless of talent, skill or personality. Hammering into others, posting these rants... to me, is nothing but a childish act.

I am not trying to step on anyone's toes, but really for me... and this is my opinion, all I am seeing is a bunch of children whining in the terms of "Wah, I'm not as popular as such and such, and so I'm going to throw a hissy fit about it."

In the end, look at it this way. Do you REALLY want to start drama over something so SMALL as a picture (No matter how good, or bad it is) getting a lot of comments? Or a Bio that's getting a lot of comments where yours isn't? I don't, and I don't think anyone else does either. Everyone is entitled to their opinions I know, and you have points that are good. But really... I think this is going to get too far out of hand and then everything will blow up.

Be mad at me, hate me, I don't care. Just look at the reasons why you post your stuff, and why you keep your characters before you go on about other characters or anything of that sort.

~*~*~ My Deer: King Iviran, Toxic Creed, Imperial Claudia and Maliran's Ghost ~*~*~
Toxic Nightmare - The Nightmare's End
Main Deer: Nightmare & Sintharia
Aera's picture

You know, I totally

You know, I totally understand what you're saying.
Last night I drew a picture of Talor (of which I love to death) and I loved how it came out. Photobucket wasn't responding well and so it took quite a while to upload, but when it did and I posted it on the website.....

Nothing.

Is it that bad? Should I give up drawing?
Should I leave too if no one even cares if I'm here to begin with?
I don't know.

/tracking

Kytte's picture

Are we really turning to a

Are we really turning to a world were a comment determines an artists worth...
Seed's picture

You know what I say? Do

You know what I say?
Do something about it.
Just ranting about what you don't enjoy only creates drama: it actually solves absolutely, positively nothing.
---

Join Nelle Rovine, my unicorn RP
Ookani's picture

Well said

Well said parrotspinapple.

This happens all the time on dA. Pages move quickly, and sometimes they just get lost. Par exemple, picture 1. Now, you see, I saw picture one and thought it was adorable!

If you're proud of a picture, be proud of it no matter what. Even if it doesn't happen to have any comments.

If you're desperate for critique, or review, put a note in the post title- "Critique Desired" is sometimes enough.

I'm sorry to say but this just sounds like nit-picking. Sorry that you feel the need to leave, Phobic, but like Seed says- ranting does no one any good. Be proactive, not destructive. You'll only come off worse for it.
============================================
~Zelig~
Aera's picture

Quote:If you're proud of a

Quote:
If you're proud of a picture, be proud of it no matter what. Even if it doesn't happen to have any comments.


It seems that I have forgotten that I can be proud of my art by myself.
Thank you for reminding me Smiling
/shotandburnedforbeingsonearsighted

You said everything I've

You said everything I've wanted to say and more. I only ever get comments from the people I consider close friends on here. And I hardly ever get random fanart. It's a little discouraging, especially for me who has been here over a year and some people who have only been here a couple of months gets way more attention. Maybe it's just my upbringing. I was praised a lot on my artistic ability. That is nearly gone now for me. Some would say it's because I'm too shy. I've tried opening up to more people. Each time the same result: I get shoved back into my place on the popularity food chain. That's why I don't really try as much anymore.

Thanks so much for posting this.

Now watch this comment get ignored.

----------------------------------------------
A Silly Haiku:

Haikus are easy.
But sometimes they don't make sense.
Refrigerator.

Stupid double post

Stupid double post T_T

----------------------------------------------
A Silly Haiku:

Haikus are easy.
But sometimes they don't make sense.
Refrigerator.

It's not a popularity

It's not a popularity contest, here.. people do need to be more consistant, but don't fret, don't fret..
Half the reason I took my little break was because I was getting TOO MUCH attention.


{Click to view Nine's bio}

{Click to view Nine's bio}

I look at/read a lot of

I look at/read a lot of things that I don't comment on. And it's not because I don't like it. Okay, I don't look at everything, but I look at a lot of things, and I read a lot of things on here. And I like most of what I see. But I don't comment much, for a few reasons...
1. I don't know what to say a lot of the time.
2. I'm shy...which is why I tend to comment more on stuff by people I know...I'm not trying to play favorites, but it's easier if it's someone I know well enough...if I don't know someone, or don't know them very well, I have more trouble when it comes to commenting.
3. I admit, sometimes I'm just lazy. -_-; But it's more often one of the other two cases (or both).

Also, sometimes when it comes to rants/drama/whatever, I just prefer to stay out of it.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks at stuff, likes it, but doesn't comment for whatever reason. So, even if something doesn't get any comments, that doesn't necessarily mean no one sees it or no one likes it.
Also, stuff does get bumped down a lot on this site, so it can be easy to miss things.
Also, sometimes you see a lot of comments on someone's bio or updates or whatever, because people are carrying out conversations or roleplaying there.

~Paz
main deer: Amary, Melinoe, Sheen
Snowrift's picture

Its hard to be proud of

Its hard to be proud of something that nobody seems to like :\

Anyways, I think this community just needs a clean up and start over.

Hey xD


Ookani's picture

You can't ask a bunch of

You can't ask a bunch of people you don't know to look at your art and praise it just because you say so.
Like I said, in the title, you could put something like 'Critique needed' or 'Budding artist, what do you think?'. This community is based around artists. We're not here to bangity bang or stabbity stab. By the nature of the game we're playing, we're helpful and sociable. Chances are that if it's artistic, or literature, and related to TEF? People will look, and want to help you.

But going around saying that the ENTIRE COMMUNITY, every single person, needs to suddenly look at every single piece of prose, artwork, or diary entry, based around the inevitable fact that some people, by chance, have been overlooked due to the sheer size of our number? Please. Be realistic.

I have only been in the TEF community for a year and 38 weeks, according to my account details. I've only started posting recently. No one knew me before now. But I did something about it, became more active, more sociable, more approachable. Now I get one or two comments, I get people interested in me, where before I was nameless and faceless. I don't want to be a celebrity, I don't want to be followed or constantly praised. I wanna play a game about deer in a forest.

============================================
~Zelig~
trigger_mortis's picture

I just wanted to say, I had

I just wanted to say, I had never seen you before on the site before today, but it makes me sad that you're considering leaving. You seem like an intelligent person with interesting deer, and I would have loved to meet them in the forest.

If you'd like to consider that the Forest isn't all bad, please consider my offer of friendship. I'd like to talk to you more. If you are still disheartened though, I understand, and I wish you well in all future endeavors.

Emiva's picture

-sigh- I wish I had seen and

-sigh- I wish I had seen and commented on this earlier... and all I can say is,

I couldn't agree more. I know. And I have been tempted to leave so many times. Go through all my blog entries and you'll find about 5 that say I am seriously consider leaving the community site.

M&A should never have created this site.

It took the magic away from me. And also, it becomes a second highschool. A popularity contest. To be at the top, you need to be on 24/7. Those of us who have lives cannot do this. If you aren't at the top, you are somewhere in the middle or near the bottom. Ignored. And gosh. I've gotten so depressed over such little things on this. I would wait for comments to show up... refreshing the page. And some art would have so many comments based on the player's popularity. Some amazing art would never be commented on. Including my work, which made me very sad over numerous occasions. This site is a killer. I keep leaving, and I keep coming back.

But, I still do believe.

This website was a mistake.

All of the above, half of it is probably mindless ranting. Some of it probably doesn't even make sense because I am much too lazy to go over it for mistakes and grammatical errors etc etc. |D But please do not put me down for my beliefs and values. Thank you.
Reyy's picture

We aren't perfect, you know.

We aren't perfect, you know.
Bayleen's picture

I think Phobic has a good

I think Phobic has a good point. I totally agree...Escpecially about the art thing...Well, actually anything really. And someone stated their thing about taking the time to draw art and post it and to barely get any comments. I feel like that all the time, but not just here, on DA too. So, I understand how people would be upset about that too. Some people don't even pay attention to others accept for their own friends.

But I don't think this community is ALL that bad as some say it is. I mean, we all have friends and our friends are supportive of each other. We can get advice from others on even personal, daily problems in real life. There are a lot of other things that makes this community fun.

Although I must say the majority of this site is not too great.
Again, just my opinion of it.
mainpage
Ookani's picture

I still think labeling titles

I still think labeling titles with 'Critique desired' is a great way of getting people to take a look if you want people to notice your art. Even if it doesn't need critique. I'm sorry- the site runs fast. Not everything gets looked at. That's life, guys.

I also noticed a behavioural trait- I look at threads if I see them pop up a lot. Like regularly updated bios and things. I click because I keep seeing it there and I go "Oh, hey, what's this all about" rather than a one off picture with an obscure title.

So, if people could put their art into a picture post so it shows up on the pictures section, then again onto a big blog entry with all your art on in a big group together? One way or another you'll generate interest.

Anyway this particular thread is a bit of a downer...

idk i think its more of a

idk i think its more of a problem if you're revving it up in your head to be one.
Really, is it the communities decision for you to feel so anxious to walk up to a group of deer one day? Perhaps if they all bluntly shun, reject or threaten you, then they are creating a strong negative impact. Your perception of the forest and of the community has changed, not just the community itself; who has more control in there, in the end?

You do bring up quite a few issues that I reckon probably a lot of people feel somewhat at some point or another.
The post above mine has some good points also, and constructive suggestions.

As to feeling angry or w/e regarding whether or not everyone receives the same amount of comments on drawings..
Sometimes I wish I got a lot of great response to my pics too... buuut I also think about it and consider that actually I don't comment on things very often myself - only when something really inspires me to comment. To me it doesn't matter how long and hard someones worked on a picture - firstly how would i know that anyway, and secondly if it doesn't make my brain tingle enough to comment, then i'm kinda just too lazy.. I don't LIKE giving critiques and advice unless people ask for it and even then only when it might not be something that I'd consider obvious. And I'm the sort of person who is rather frank~ I don't LIKE spinning up dazzling yarns of saccharine flattery just to buddy up to people and actually I'd prefer to avoid people who desperately crave that sort of thing entirely.
Yes , most if not all people need and thrive on encouragement in some shape or form.
I draw pics for the individual deers that I gift them to, and first and foremost I receive encouragement in that they're happy when they receive it (hopefully). To me anything extra, such as a comment or a few views, is just a bonus. Seeing the person above me with a hundred extra views and comments.. I spose it makes me feel a bit jealous? but it'd be nothing for me to crack the shits and have a big whinge over. lol. Doing that would just make me feel worse about myself. (I've received happiness from the person I made a picture for, thats enough and I wasnt expecting more in the first place). I just try to think "damn. good for them~!". But thats just my view.

EDITAGAIN oh the person below me made a comment i do like partiuclarly. At least you are saying what you feel i spose, its probably better for yourself out than in in many ways.
phantomhelsing's picture

heh it's funny...I was around

heh it's funny...I was around still in January, that's when it all went downhill for me.

To me the summer before that, that was the BEST time this site ever saw. We all knew each other, everyone commented on other people's things, and there wasn't any real drama that got stirred up. If it did, it passed pretty quick.

I keep trying to come back, but there's few of the oldies left who recognize me and give me the time of day. So I just resigned to lurking. I pop out at random intervals.

I miss getting comments on my stuff for the random conversations we started. I can't count how many random and hilarious things we did that had nothing to do with the post.

I remember always bumping in to random people in the forest, and inviting them to come play. Now, I can't bring myself to do it. That summer keeps going through my mind and I know I can't get it back, so I stick to lurking.

Sometimes it actually physically hurts to come back here and look at this place, I miss my friends, i miss all of the fun we had. I'd like them back, if only to say sorry and farewell, I didn't like where we left off.

I agree with you whole-heartedly.
Except I seem to have this almost masochistic desire to remain. Like there's one last bit of hope for this place. Or I'm just too stubborn for my own good.

but maybe from now on I won't lurk so much, and where others fail to get the recognition they deserve, I'll take five seconds to post a little comment. Or if I ever get Atiq back up and running again, randomly play around with strange deer.

I've seen and been involved in about as much drama as you can find in the forest, they can't do anything to me that hasn't already been done C:

Glad you got that off your chest though, feels liberating doesn't it? For bad or worse, expressing your feelings is usually the right thing to do. A lack of communication is what killed me, I learned my lesson.

Feel free to ignore me, guess I'm just letting it out too. It's not like i post anything else anyways XD
phantomhelsing's picture

@Aeskan - lol the infamous

@Aeskan - lol the infamous lurker down here actually said something semi-sensible? I guess I still do have some of my old fire in me after all XD

Eh, I sometimes find myself thinking the way you do. I feel too lazy to comment most of the time as well, and never really feel like complimenting the person who made the post, I don't know them, their actions don't affect me, so why should I bother. I guess why I do give feedback at all is that I remember that that was how I met most of my friends, and i hope that on the off chance, I can get back in the loop. Once you get tossed out, it's damn hard to get back in.

I guess this post we're in right now is mostly for those who find it hard to fit in here. We're all human, we want to connect with people and get acknowledged for what we do. It's the funny thing about human nature.

I ramble again, I have to stop that XD your post makes me happy though, that some people know the value of what they get, and that actually giving something is worth the effort no matter the feedback. I miss that kind of attitude.

Apparently, I need to also get off the fence. My point I guess is, be happy for what you get, but at the same time, give a little to those who get nothing. We all want to fit in just a little.

Wow.....another rant...

Wow.....another rant...
Sapphieal's picture

Quote:I don't want a huge

Quote:
I don't want a huge debate on this page, just making some people aware..
And I know some members actually do read and don't comment, or don't have the time to comment. Believe me, I'm perfectly aware we all have lives separate from TEF.


^Quoted from blog.
Hmmph.
I can't believe this is still getting attention.
Eh, I'll probably regret bumping this thread later, but...
No. I don't 'hate' anyone for posting their own thoughts; everyone is entitled to an opinion: you took the time to listen to mine, and I appreciate your 'two cents'. Nobodies perfect; quite frankly, you don't need to tell me that. I was hoping I didn't offend anyone with this old blog, because, well, I thought that some of the semi-newer members would think that their new ideas and other things they brought to this site 'ruined' TEF.
Personally, when I look at this thread, I don't consider it a downer: it's more like a reminder (beleive it or not) of all the good times I've had in the forest, and not only what others try to do, but what I can do to try and give other players the same, magical expierience that I first had when I joined the forest. Yes, I was seriously ticked when I typed this, and I announced that I was leaving and such, (which was a silly thing to say when I constantly come back) but I'm pretty sure we all have those 'This was the last straw' moments. (I honestly didn't/don't have the time to read through everyone's post; I mostly just skimmed through, so pardon me if my assumptions are wrong) From what I'm getting at, people are seeing this as a negative thread, thinking 'well, if you don't like sopmething, change it'. I honestly thought for awhile that this thread would bring 'awareness' to the TEF community, not 'drama', However, I can see how some people felt that way. I don't exactly know where I'm going with this. Honestly, it was intended for this thread to bring about drama, so I'm sorry if thats how you took it. Of course, this was just a vent; something to get off my chest; we all have one of those moments, right? If you don't like this thread, well, you don't have to like it, but if you feel compelled to comment, feel free to.
ahh, I'm sorry; it's Christmas in my timezone (12:32 p.m), so my apologies if this doesn't make the best of sense, and if their are any typos. As I may or may not have said before, I appreciate everyone who took the time to comment on here.
ookani: I must admit, you struck some very good points that make me think about my views; thank you for your feedback.
kaitlyn: Honestly, I didn't appreciate that comment; it didn't really contribute to the blog in any way; it was just a really negative comment to me.
Tally's picture

If you would open your eyes

If you would open your eyes you'd see the beauty in this community.


Sapphieal's picture

Obviously my point didn't get

Obviously my point didn't get across when I specifically said this wasn't intended for drama and thanked everyone who took the time to read this for their feedback. I'm not sure if my post was skipped over or not.
kovah's picture

The internet at the end of

The internet at the end of the day is just a popularity contest, i've accepted this and moved on.

I get abit annoyed sometimes when my pictures dont get attention - not just here. Deviantart, conceptart the other 5 websites i network extensively on but at the end of the day does it matter in the long run? Why get overly angry about it, we are just typed words to each other for the most part which is one of the reasons why so many of us social rejects feel COMFORTABLE expressing ourselves here.

If you want to play the game without any of the community connections dont come on the site. Simple as.

Or have the confidence to walk up to deer and play with them, give the people here the respect that they dont take ingame stuff seriously enough to rage at you for it. (provided you arent trolling them ofc)