Alright guys, this isn't targeted at anyone in particular, so please no one take offense. I've noticed a growing trend, and I think saying something about it is long overdue.

I feel like too many people are showing a lack of respect on the site these days. `adonihs and I have discussed it on numerous occasions, and it's a source of much annoyance and every so often it forces us to rethink our participation in the site. It's often based on misunderstandings, or people just not fully thinking about how they're saying something.

And just so everyone knows, I'm not angry or upset, with you or anyone else. I just wanted to bring this to everyone's attention to make dA a more fun and hospitable place. If you're guilty of any of the following things, please don't feel like I'm targeting you or pissed at you, just make sure you read it and reconsider the way you comment.

So, let me lay down some general guidelines for when you comment on someone's journal or work:

BE RESPECTFUL

When you comment, read it to yourself as if someone were saying it to you to make sure it's not coming off wrong.

If you're going to critique, say something positive as well as things that you think need to be worked on.

If something reminds you of something, be sure to state what else you like about it, or give a compliment. No one likes to feel like they're being accused of stealing ideas. Even if inspiration is evident, it's okay to state it, just don't let it be the only thing you say.

(99.9% of you aren't guilty of this, but try to avoid comments of the "Reminds me of ______" nature, and having it be the only thing you say. You may think it's complimentary, but more often than not it comes off as rude or accusatory.)

Respect the journal space. Everyone is entitled to say what they like in their journal, there's no reason to attack someone or get upset if they say something you don't agree with. You wouldn't walk into someone's house and throw a fit because of what they're serving for dinner, would you?

If a journal is inviting you to start a conversation, then obviously it's okay to disagree or start some dialogue, but don't attack, belittle, or come off as rude. Respect their opinion, and they should respect yours.

If you're not interested in a journal based on the title, the preview, or the first few sentences, don't read it, simple as that. A lot of people simply complain about subject matter in journals, and I seriously don't get it. Just don't read it.

If you're going to state your subjective opinion in a negative way, don't bother. An artist doesn't need to know if you personally don't like the colors or some minor detail. It's good to know if an overwhelming amount of people dislike a certain aspect, but critique respectively and don't let the entire thing be subjective.

As touched on above, try to keep things objective when you critique. Remember, it's their work, not yours.

Have some fun, be friendly and outgoing. That's often how misunderstandings start, when something comes off as too serious when it's meant to be friendly.

So in respect to most of the points I've made, simply follow the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Otherwise, one day you'll experience it yourself and realize how disheartening it can be sometimes.

Again, please don't don't feel like I'm upset with any of you. A lot of the stuff I've stated is trivial in a lot of ways, but when it adds up, it can become bothersome. I know you guys enjoy my work, and I'm grateful for it. Just try to put yourself in the artist's shoes from time to time so we can avoid misunderstandings, which is what a lot of this stems from.

Take care everyone, hope you have a great weekend.