anotherronism

How would everyone feel if I started posting satanic images all over the place? Or Wiccan images? Or Druid? Or Egyptian Gods? Or Roman? Or Greek?

I am not a religious person.

But I don't judge anyone.

But there's a serious flavor of Sunday School cropping up around here.

Seriously; would it be offensive if I posted satanic images?

If so - then how do you all justify the sheer volume of Jesus images?

I don't mind one iota that you believe whatever it is that you wish.

But I'm about to leave this site forever. There's a church on the corner I could attend if I wanted.

Just think, think for a minute, about my initial question.

yahoo

Wow Ron, glad you said it.

I've been trying to work out how to say that I don't like the Jesus pictures without offending anyone. I don't vote on them because I can see all the work that goes into them (especially Matthew's) but they just don't do it for me. If you take away the religious significance, it is just a pretty unpleasant image.

yahoo

Also this wouldn't be a problem, but then people seem doubly upset if any of these pictures are given less than a 5, without understanding that some people might just not think they are great.

Ernie

Yes, thankyou ron for saying what i'm sure others have been thinking. I thought it was an american thing, cos i see on the tv that americans are more openly religious than what i am used to, so i didn't say anything, cos it is an american site, but, yeah, I'm glad someone said sumthing, because I have considered leaving too.

Luna

Ernie, I don't think this site is based in America. I am American, spiritual, but not religious, and I have thought the same thing. My last two images could be taken as religious, but were not intended to be.

lynnspotter

Go ahead & post whatever pictures you want~ I appreciate the effort & thought that goes into a picture. I've done a Shinto Shrine, & an Egyptian tomb. I really hope I didn't OFFEND anyone! I've gotten pretty discouraged over much of the talk that goes on hear~ seems no one is happy any more. I used to be lifted up by pictures, & laugh at the jokes and banter between many of us. Now I just get more DEPRESSED. Is everyone so thin skinned? If a religious pic does nothing for you, pass it by! For many, their faith is what gets them through! They would naturally depict this . For some it's nature. The only thing I DON'T want are explicate(sexually) because children play here. I did NOT think Matthew's pole dancer was offensive as it was just outline. I've quit voting for awhile, and don't feel much like commenting. I'll just enjoy in silence for awhile.

yahoo

Lynspotter, I agree with posting (more or less) whatever you want, my point is don't expect everyone to love it as much as you do.

I also agree about the humour having gone, it makes me miss the days of Dr. Bear!

For example early in the Peace challenge there were a few funny pics (including your brilliant whirled peas) but then the second page:

http://www.thinkdraw.com/forumPosts.php?topicId=84&s=20

is so full of proselytizing that it put me off joining in at all.

anotherronism

Let me clarify this.

It's NOT the images.

I used an example of posting images but my point is the overall mood of the entire site.

Everyone has become so serious, angry and somber. I think the spate of these images, with the numerous posts across all manner of forum topics, the seething anger about the ratings system, etc... is all adding up to making TD a place I just don't want to be.

I feel a few people's moods have hijacked this site.

I came here to have fun and be challenged creatively.

In my 1st month I don't recall seeing a single religious icon or missive anywhere except in a specific Forum Topic called Prayer Requests (which I have no problem with whatsoever).

But suddenly it seems wherever I turn I see an image of a murdered man or am reading latin or am being told how much Jesus loves me.

When I write poetry I often use it as an outlet for my frustrations with life and, specifically, death.

I have gone out of my way to try to NOT let that corner of my brain spill onto this site. Not because I don't have these thoughts or feelings but because the character of this site was, I thought, just good clean fun.

In the words of The Joker: WHY SO SERIOUS!?!?!?!

marg

for what it's worth..

I think that everyone in the close TD community had better start thinking about what's going to happen as it becomes a more open site - we're just coming up to 4,000 users - who is going to police it when you have 10,000 users (what sort of pictures / comments are going to be appearing every day) ?

Up until now, TD has had a predominantly white/Christian/American user-base, and the sentiments and ratings have followed this bias - and if anyone wanted to get accepted by the community, or get a pic rated, they really only needed to post something 'holy' [and I am NOT talking about all the really great, sincere people on this site who really think & feel that way - I'm talking about people who just see a quick 'sale'].

If you really have faith, it's part of your life (and humour - as in 'whirled peas').. but if you've only got 'religion', then maybe TD can set up a separate area, so that you can post your 'religious' pictures there [any religion, of course !] ?

I love TD, and most everyone who contributes to it, and these days I rarely even get a chance to draw anything - but I still love looking at all the great pictures other people do (esp. newbies !).

At the moment, we can all still post whatever pictures we want to.. but maybe we can (politely) ask some of the devout guys to leave Jewish crucifixion pics until somewhat closer to Easter ?

anotherronism

I'm trying to be clear: Sorry about all the posts.

I am NOT offended by the images. Faith-inspired imagery is some of the most beautiful art created by man. I cannot imagine a world without faith-inspired music.

But I am worried about the oh-so somber mood that SO MUCH of this imagery and text seems to bring with it.

Ron's just wanna have fun...

And Marg: I hope this site is never policed or fragmented, no matter the number of users. I just hope people use good sense and contribute in a responsible and fun manner.

I know this... We'll never get to 10,000 users at this rate. I don't know what the picture count is but lately I've looked into the gallery, seen a picture at the top, come back four or five hours later and still the same image is in the top row.

It's already slowing to a trickle.

And I believe it's due in part to the somber mood of late.

I hope I win the Peace challenge so I can call the next one. I'm going to call it "Make Me Laugh" or "What Have You Got In Your Pockets-ss?"

marg

Oh no.. I've been meaning to do Gollum for ages, but trust my luck that you'll get in first with some mind-blowing pic !

lynnspotter

yahoo~ I went to '2nd' page twice, & the only 'proselytizing' I see is Matthew's explanation of what he believes. The prayer I wrote is generic,& prayed around the world. Matthew is going through a very trying time, & may need to express his belief. When faced with death we all tend to explore/voice our beliefs. That or stick our head in the sand! Maybe we should, as in any relationship, enjoy what we enjoy about each other & overlook the part we don't like or agree with!

yahoo

Thanks for your answer lynnspotter. There has been a lot of it recently and I just felt that was one example of it being in the wrong place.

But you give excellent advice about appreciating the good and overlooking the bad - and there is more good than bad on this site. So thank you.

Ron - I hope we see one of your humourous subjects on here soon.

matthew

...Why would a satanic pic bother me??? I believe hell is real... I believe satan is real... & he believes in Jesus...

...I am not a saint... FAR from it...

...That said... If you don't like my pics & comments, go elsewhere where you can feel all warm & fuzzy...

...I am not leaving...

...I am a Jesus Freak... When I want to express that, I will.

...I Love funny... When I want to express that, I will.

...If the mood strikes me, I am going to do it.

...I am opinionated & express myself bluntly. Often offending others though my intent is not to be offensive. That is who I am. I will not change.

...I did 1 pic of Jesus & thought it was pretty good. It was voted down so I worked on a 2nd, trying to put more facial features on the small face. I accomplished that, but did not like the pic as much so added the message.

...I received a lot of lip over my more risque pics & I thought they were quite funny & good...

...I deleted every one of them because it seemed to offend so many...

...I will not do that ever again...

...I like my pics... If they offend... Deal with it...

matthew

...Do you think some could be offended by your alien pic? Your exploding space shuttle where real lives were lost?

...As far as it's not the pic it's the message & somberness, sounds like backpedaling...

...This thread seems to be bringing more somberness than my pic...

...Now back to our show already in progress...


******* W I N K *******

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Hey folks! We all have different beliefs and opinions ... lets not fight over them. The religeous drawings and comments do not offend me ... I just by-pass them and move on. 'Trouble was, the valentine showcase was so boring (with a handful of exceptions) that I was turned off for a while. Now we have Machinery Showcase ... the scope is unlimited and there are already some fun pictures in there. Look back to some of the VERY early drawings in Gallery ... there were some great machines / vehicles in there ... truly inspiring. Lets put the fun back into this site.

Qsilv

I like Lynnspotter's relationship advice.

It may indeed be worthwhile to spend some time and energy doing more drawings that bring balance to what IS currently a preponderance of strong Christian messages.

But people can act as door-openers or door-closers.

Me, I'm greedy -- I want all the doors opened, not closed. Then I and the people I love can walk around freely into all aspects of the world.

And the world's a more workable place for all of us and our children when we defend to our utmost the rights of kind people (like Matthew) to express themselves in fun, in sorrow, in fear, and in faith... yes even in a place like this.

candr

I look at it this way...

Faith expressed a person's art is kinda like salt.

Some food has salt, some doesn't. We all like ice cream, right.

For a person of faith, it flavors their work. Kind of like salt flavors your food. You don't see it in the food, but if it's not there, it wouldn't be quite right.

Of course there are those who are kind of like potato chips with salt all over. Even though that's not my style, I can appreciate it, too! After all, what would the world be like without potato chips.

candr

:-)
:-)
:-)
Hey, maybe if I put a few more 's, everyone will be happy again and go make some more great pics!

:-)
(...is it working???)
:-)

lynnspotter

Thank~you for your candor, candr!! !!! Is your screen name so similar on purpose? It fits WELL!!