I won't lie. This is a semi-counter-Journal to lionus's Journal. Now I have nothing against the guy. I just respectfully disagree with his notion of +fav counts being adequate feedback for artists who are looking for it.

+fav counts aren't really good indicators of anything aside from popularity. And that popularity can stem from anything. Generally in this corner of the fandom, I think it's more indicative of relative exposure than it is of artistic skill. (I could name names, but I don't roll like that.)

Now there could be many different sources for that relative exposure. Subject matter is a big one (which is why "Heavy Lifting" has twice as many +favs as "At The Office" despite the fact that the latter is a better piece in every way - compositionally, anatomically, color-wise, concept-wise...) Also how name-worthy someone is within the overall makeup of this site plays a big part.

But I'm getting off track.

The mistake many artists on here make when relying on +fav counts and watch counts as "feedback" is that it encourages them to stagnate. They get stuck in the mindset that they have to do work that will attract the most +favs because that is an indicator of a successful piece of art. And in that regard, they begin to sabotage their own artistic growth and development. They stop challenging themselves. They stop experimenting. They stop taking risks, because they see any sort of dip in +fav count as an indication that they are doing something "wrong".

I know this sort of mentality is the one that makes artists feel good about themselves because they can simply filter out any notion that there is room for improvement in their work ("Well 250 people think otherwise!"). But honestly, it does nothing to benefit their artwork in the long run. If they get 250 faves on a piece of mediocre, derivative artwork, it will only encourage them to produce more of the mediocre, derivative artwork.

Part of the issue lies with the prevalent "group think" mentality, often called "family" on FA. ("Well my muscle furry family likes it, so there can't be anything wrong with it.") Most of the time, those groups aren't formed around an attitude of artistic development, they're formed as a collective group of common interests. Once again, subject matter comes first. There is hardly any accountability in terms of providing honest feedback or stimulating change.

But what is so wrong about change? All growth requires change. All improvement requires change. And although there is comfort in what is familiar, you start to settle for less than what could be. What really pisses me off is when artists talk about "I wish I could draw like ______" or "I wish I could color like ______". It shows an unwillingness to devote one's self to change and growth. Don't wish you could draw like them, go out there and practice. Grow. Think. Change. Evolve. Become better.

All of you Digimon nerds out there, could you answer a question that has been plaguing me for some time?

What the fuck does Gomamon's "Marching Fishes" do?

Also can someone explain to me who the fuck Gomamon's "mega" is? Is it Plesiomon or is it Vikemon? And if it's Plesiomon, how the fuck does a walrus turn into a sea serpent?!

Why the fuck am I still on about Digimon? I stopped caring about Digimon in 2003.

This is what I get for hanging around FA too much. ಠ_ಠ

Does anyone want a walkthrough tutorial on how I paint the Painterly Portraits?

Anyone at all?

ಠ_ಠ

SforzSanta is gearing up for the holiday season. He plays Santa Claus at the local mall. Nothing gets kids to behave quite like "Be nice, or Santa will put you in a Camel Clutch."

I missed it last year, but I will make absolutely certain to get a picture of him up this year just in time for the holiday season.

Wyatt still lives close to his parents. He gets together with his whole family (they are all pretty tight-knit). For someone of his build, he has a surprisingly massive appetite. (His metabolism makes it tough for him to gain muscle mass; he's what bodybuilders refer to as a "hardgainer".)

So... yeah. ANSWERS!

Cub porn. It's gone for good. Stop arguing about it already.

And no, just because ad services feel uncomfortable about the fact that FA allows used to allow the furry equivalent of child pornography, that does not make them "racists". Get over yourself.

That is all.

Stolen from  leucrotta

1. What is your sign?
"Next Rest Stop: 10 miles"

2. Where were you born?
Washington, DC

3. Describe 3 facts about yourself.
- I have perfect pitch.
- I'm really not as anti-social as I come across on this site, but I have little patience for what I perceive as injustice and intolerance.
- I wear my VCU baseball cap almost everywhere.

4. Describe 3 dislikes.
- Narrow-mindedness
- Sleep deprivation
- People who "pop" their gum

5. If you had a chance to meet your idol who would it be and why?
I'd have to say James Gurney, because he's an amazing artist and an amazing person

6. Finish this sentence: My life is like a...
Coiled spring. It's uncomfortable right now but it definitely has the potential to ascend to great heights.

7. Morning person or Night person?
Morning, surprisingly

8. What did you want to be when you were little?
A professional football player

9. What superpower would you like to have?
Regenerative properties, so I wouldn't have to spend a dime on health insurance

10. What would you do with 1 million dollars?
Buy my mother a nice house so I wouldn't have to complain about how she hates the one she lives in right now.

11. Character that bests describes you?
Dr. Gregory House

12. Name one thing you cant live without:
Barbecue

13. I wish I would of invented this:
The personal computer. Then I'd be rich.

14. Do you collect anything, if so what?
Misery, squandered opportunities, and paintbrushes

15. If you can cure anything in the world what would it be?
Intolerance

Not that anyone will take me up on my offer...

But I'm offering them on art. Anything. Anything at all.

Yeah. That's what's up.

Lemme know if you'd like to do one.

Favorite Color: Forest Green
Favorite Food: Jalapeno Peppers (He can eat them raw without flinching)
Favorite Type of Music: Classic Rock
Favorite Time of Year: Tie between Selection Sunday* and late Spring

- Wyatt has never broken a bone in his life or had surgery. He's quite resilient for someone so wiry.
- Despite his build he is rather athletic. He played intramural sports in college and still stays in shape.
- He currently holds the record for his college's annual hot wing eating contest with 14 wings consumed in 5 minutes.
- He is an avid fan of fighting games.

More when I think of more.

* If you don't know what this is you need to watch more college basketball. ಠ_ಠ

In other news, Radrab thinks he's all that cause his Eagles beat the Redskins after the Redskins beat the Eagles. Please remind him that his basketball team, the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens, haven't won a road conference game since 2008.

Thanks.

Oh wait, no I'm not. ಠ_ಠ
Virginia Comic Con is this weekend, in Richmond, VA. I'll probably be attending. Let me know if you're planning to be there so we can meet up or something.

Yeah.

It seems my lack of a designated fursona makes certain folks uncomfortable. Again, the terms "prude" and "furry hater" get thrown around here and there. I try not to concern myself with it. Personally I am comfortable as myself. I have said before, if I had a fursona, he would not be like my other characters in appearance or demeanor. He wouldn't be what a lot of you all consider "fap fodder".

Chyeah. I'm still working on it.

ಠ_ಠ

McYoinked from  meddlerinc

65 Questions You’ve Probably Never Been Asked

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
-Armpits

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
-Black and white plaid

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
-Yes.

4. Do you plan outfits?
-No.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
-Loathing early class

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red
-Paintbrush handle

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
-Stuck in an elevator with my high school algebra teacher...

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
-Nope

9. What are you craving right now?
-A week-long vacation

10. Do you floss?
-Yes

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
-Cabbage patch kids

12. Are you emotional?
-Only on the inside.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
-What?

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
-Lick, like a giraffe.

15. Do you like your hair?
-No. It needs to be cut. If it was emo, it would cut itself.

16. Do you like yourself?
-Meh.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
-Depends on where it was we were going to eat.

18. What are you listening to right now?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2z8V2yL5P0
Friggen song is stuck in my head.

19. Are your parents strict?
Kinda.

20. Would you go sky diving?
Yes.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
No.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes.

23. Do you rent movies often?
No.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Vampires. Or not.

25. How many countries have you visited?
US, Costa Rica, Canada, England, Austria, Germany, Barbados, Jamaica. So that makes 8.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
No.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes. It's how I get from DC to Richmond.

28. Brown or white eggs?
Green. And ham.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes.

30. Do you use chap stick?
No.

31. Do you own a gun?
Do nerf guns count?

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Yes. (I had a roommate from Korea in high school.)

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
My stuffed Kangaroo. Bow chicka wow wow.

34. Are you too forgiving?
Yes.

35. Ever been in love?
Possibly.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow (or the next soonest week day)?
Friends? What are those?
I have no idea. My friends do what they do.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
No.

38. Last time you cried?
2003

39. What was the last question you asked?
"Did I show you "cute Brox" yet?"
(By the way, kokorodm did it for me. You can see it here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4761267 )

40. Favorite time of the year?
First week of March. MARCH MADNESS!!!

41. Do you have any tattoos?
Nope.

42. Are you sarcastic?
No, you think?

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Yes. Ashton Kutcher should just stick to comedy.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
Once.

45. Favorite color?
Brown.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
No.

47. Is your hair curly?
Very.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Jay-Z The Black Album. Since then, MP3 downloads > CDs.

49. Do looks matter?
They shouldn't, but they do.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Yes.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
The only numbers I call are carry-out places and my mom. My bill is like $2.40 a month.

52. Do you like your life right now?
No, but it has potential. I like the possibilities.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No. I can't sleep with it on.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Yes.

55. Do you have good vision?
I'm legally blind in the state of New Hampshire

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Yes.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Rarely.

58. The last person you held hands with?
No one off the top of my head.

59. What are you wearing?
Fleece shirt, blue jeans, socks.

60.What is your favorite animal?
Coyotes. They're just so flipping resourceful.

61. Where was your favorite picture taken at?
I don't like photos of myself.

62. Can you hula hoop?
No.

63. Do you have a job?
No.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A birthday card for someone.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes.

And you'll get an answer.

ಠ_ಠ

+ = http://www.ustream.tv/channel/dc-s-.....cken-scratches

Yeah. Don't fuck with the walrus.

EDIT - M2AF: Do not update MSN Messenger to 2011. MSNM 2011 sucks worse than the University of Delaware Men's Basketball team. No display name changes, no blocking, and no simple video chat. It is a gigantic pile of FAIL.

EDIT 2:



Which fits Sforzando better? Sitout or kneel-out?

MOM YOU'RE MESSING ME UUUUUUUUUUUUUP!!!!!

Also trying to figure out just how many people here would be interested in more character profiles or whatnot.

MBTI is a classification system for personality types. There are sixteen basic categories based on four separate criteria.

You can take the test here:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

I am a textbook ISTP. Apparently I am adventurous, spontaneous, fearless, and averse to commitments, among other things. I'd be best suited as a mechanic, professional athlete, or marine biologist.

WUT R YOU?!

If you have beef with someone on this site, please do not bring it up with me. Not on my page, not in messenger, not anywhere. Three times in the past three weeks there has been drama between two (or more) of my friends on this site and it has been brought to me. I'm not a "mediator", or a "courier", and I sure as hell am not going to bad-mouth friends of mine behind their backs.

Say what you want about me not being "nice", but one thing I am is unquestionably loyal to people who have been willing to give me the time of day - however few of them they are. If those people have not treated you in kind, then that is an issue for you and them to deal with. Do not try and get me to "turn" on them just because you have a personal grievance.

Part of what differentiates FA from DA is that FA is a very closed, sheltered community. That means the community as a whole is tightly knit but it also means that drama here spreads like wildfire. And given the number of overly sensitive and volatile personalities here, it's bound to happen more often than not.

So do the site a favor, and keep personal grievances personal.
*SMOKEY BEAR* Only you can prevent drama fires.

Also tell Dineegla and/or MW to post that pic they did of Shamus. It's really awesome.

ಠ_ಠ

Someone just asked me about commissions.

As a general rule I am very selective with commissions. That's not to say I reject every proposition I receive, but I do have some parameters.

1) No nudity.
I've tried bending this rule before. The result was me nearly clawing my eyes out. There are plenty of artists here who will gladly take your money and give you porn. I am not one of them.

2) Have a concept.
This one should be simple.

3) Communicate.
I'll try to keep communication open as much as possible. I think it's only fair to ask the same of a commissioner.

4) Don't bitch about prices.
Prices are high because quite frankly, my time is worth that much. It takes anywhere between 11 and 15 hours of work for one painting. That doesn't include the time it takes to come up with a concept... hence number 2.

Prices for a Painterly Portrait range from $25 to $50, depending on the complexity of the image.
Full watercolor paintings start at $100 and can cost up to $500, depending on complexity.

5) Don't bitch about workflow time.
I'm not [REDACTED]. If I say I'll get a commission done, I'll get it done. I am a full-time college student, and assignments for class must take priority over commissions. Rest assured I'll have the piece done in a timely manner.

6) Fuck you, Pay me.
You'll get a sketch before I work on the final. I don't work on the finished piece until I receive at least 50% of payment. This is just how I operate. Since I do put so much time into painting, it's a buffer to make sure I don't put in a dozen hours of work and end up not getting paid a dime. This is doubly important for the furry fandom.

What you will get from me is something you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the fandom.

Commissions are currently CLOSED. I generally only work on one at a time, as I like to give each piece of artwork my full attention.

Gotcha.

Man, that never, ever gets old. I'm sorry, FA. Not really, though.

"What should I do for FA today?"
"Hmm"
"I'm kinda busy, so no art today. Not for FA at least."
"I still have that thing for that guy on FA."
"Oh yeah that one. Lemme get to work on that."

*work*

"That's enough of that for one day."
"It's taking longer than I expected, but thankfully there isn't a hard deadline."
"Let's make the FA rounds, shall we?"
"Poorly drawn crap, poorly drawn crap, overuse of the 'love' emote in comments, more poorly drawn crap..."
"There's this Journal that brings up interesting points about being 'popular' or 'prominent' on FA"
"Really? Hmm..."
"Yeah, aren't I glad I'm not 'popular'?"
"There's a reason for that. I suspect if FA found out about that alternate account where..."
"Shh!"
"Ohh, right..."

"Funny how this site works, eh?"
"I love how people post pictures of themselves flexing or masturbating in real life and they end up getting more attention than well-drawn artwork."
"Yeah. It's a shame."
"No, it's FA. I should know that by now."
"So how do I go about becoming more 'prominent' without sacrificing my dignity?"
"That's like asking how to go swimming without getting wet."

"There's so much more to Brox than just the whole not-wearing-clothes thing"
"Well yeah, that's true."
"There are definitely subtleties to his personality that make for intriguing interactions between himself and others."
"But oh god, not on here."
"That's also true. One-dimensional characters are the order of the day."
"Probably why I don't roleplay with folks from FA much anymore. They can't appreciate the full breadth of his character."
"Ohh murrrrr bull cock <3"
"Stop it, I'm starting to get a migraine."

"Discussing my everyday life with FA, huh?"
"That's apparently one thing that 'nice people' do. At least according to that jackass who found my alt account, added me to messenger, and proceeded to assume I was suddenly his 'friend'."
"So what should I tell FA? My classes are all unfulfilling, Fable 3 was a disappointment."
"Yeah it was. I pre-paid for that game too? I thought I learned my lesson from 99 Nights 2."
"Apparently not."

"I wish my roommate would stop singing like he was auditioning for American Idol."

"None of my friends seem to come on Skype much anymore."
"Burned bridges?"
"Heaven only knows I've done enough bridge-burning to last at least a dozen lifetimes."
"Some of those deserved burning, though."
"I demand two things from my friends - honesty and respect. That's why bridges must be burned. I refuse to respect people who are incapable of respecting me."
"Maturity doesn't hurt either."
"Kinda hard to find maturity on a site infested with lonely, horny teenagers."
"And lonely, horny adults who act like lonely, horny teenagers."
"The sad part? Most times I can't tell the difference."

*plays Blood Bowl Legendary Edition*

"This game also gives me a migraine."
"Skaven are tough to play. They get squished too easily."
"My ISTP State of Mind seems ideal for playing them, though."
"That, or all-Beastman Chaos plus Minotaur."
"Minotaurs are large piles of FAIL. Unless you roll doubles on skill-up to give them Block."
"Grumpy Goats."

"No really, what should I tell FA?"
"I sound like LeQuit James from that Nike commercial."
"Do I? Ewww..."

"My ISTP State of Mind tires of putting on facades to appease FA's expectations of how furries should act."
"I don't have the energy to keep it internalized anymore."
"Didn't that guy ask me to send him that note with some 'detailed observations' of his artwork?"
"Yeah, he did. And I sent it, like, a month ago."
"And he still hasn't replied?"
"Well he just did..."
"Hmm."
"I tried my best to put things in a way that didn't come across as an attack on him or his artwork."
"There's only so much I can do. If artists can't accept their work is not perfect, there is no way they will be receptive at all to my observations. I tell them what is imperfect about their work."
"Another reason why I don't have many friends on FA. For the vast majority of 'furry' artists, anything that isn't blatant ass-kissing is seen as a personal attack."

"Talib Kweli is a beast."
"Fuck yes."

"Maybe I should write a Journal. Here's what I'll say..."

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/.....ck-performance

How many Eagles have their jerseys in Canton?

Better yet, how many Lombardi Trophies do the Eagles have? What? 0? Aww, too bad.

I know a lot of people on here view me as a pessimist and a cynic, but that's really not the case. I'm an optimist. Too much of an optimist for my own good.

I thought to myself, "Hmm maybe I shouldn't post the Brox ref pic on here, because it will just get a lot of dumb comments". Then somehow I talked myself into doing it anyway.

Guess what?

Two dumb comments. And one watcher who I blocked because his comment was just so trivial, inane and banal that I could not fathom the thought of having him comment on any other pieces I may decide to post here in the future.

I know it's going to happen, but yet I go ahead and post anyway. There's a part of me that hopes and prays that maybe FA will prove me wrong. But inevitably it happens just like I expect and predict it to. I can read the fandom like a book.

What the fandom sees as "being cute" or "being playful" or "acting like a furry" when someone asks for a bit of maturity, I see as making an idiot out of one's self. As my friends know (the few of them I have left on here, it seems), I'm not "up tight" or "bitter", I'm just someone who doesn't subscribe to the whole notion of acting like a complete moron to get attention.

If you want "attention" from me, there are ways to go about doing it. Introducing yourself in a coherent, legible manner (I'm not a grammar or spelling nazi, mind you - but at least make an effort) goes a long way. Understanding that I may not be able to devote my full time and attention to conversing with you right at that moment goes a long way too. Lurking helps - the fact I'm a college student who is a sports fan, a barbecue addict and a casual gamer is relatively common knowledge. Also having a topic of conversation helps too. I don't want to spend an hour on messenger going "*snuggles* *cuddles* *licks your cheek* ^.^" Again, do your homework. I don't know why people message me trying to do that when I have made absolutely no indication that I am the type of person who would like to spend several hours of his spare time doing something like that.

I tend not to be very open and forthcoming to people I am unfamiliar with, so I do apologize in advance if I've never seen you or met you and would prefer not to spill the contents of my soul for you to pick through.

And I know... I just know someone is going to stumble on my Brox character file, leave another stupid comment, add me to messenger, and make a complete ass of himself to try and either "get into Brox's pants" or to get free art out of me. Or free art of their character-boi "getting into Brox's pants".

Stop taking advantage of my undying optimism!