Around the block and back to dA

I've been on other art sharing sites. But in the end I always come back to dA.

Why? I don't really think dA offers anything special in terms of browsing features, options, or other amenities. Its forums are just like any other forums. Frankly its journal and news system has become a machine for spewing out drama.

But there's something special about its people.

Somehow dA has managed to bring together people from all around the world who share a common appreciation for art; people who show their appreciation for art either by faving, watching and supporting other artists or by contributing their own artworks and striving towards improving their art.

People here don't have a concept of a "repost." To us, it's simply art theft. If you didn't make it from scratch from your own two hands, don't even attempt to put your name on it and pass it off as your creation here.

People here don't obsess over front page. We don't give thank you speeches for getting on front page as if it's some life changing award. We simply thank those who've taken the time to fav and comment on our work. We also don't ask for pity favs with lame spiels like "I know this won't get on front page but...". And we would never think of accusing someone of lying about a tragedy such as a photo of a dying relative or story about a cancer patient as a means of tugging at the heart strings just to get on front page.

Yes, these are some of the things I've seen on other sites but luckily not on dA.

People here create and take pride in their creations. People here support one another and help each other get better at their craft by giving critiques or even by just offering a kind word here and there to provide emotional support. People here are just doing what they love: creating and/or looking at art.

Of course when I talk of the "people here", I speak of the general person I see on dA. There are always drama llamas, camera whores, pornographic material, kiribans, and other crazy stuff. But this is what I see and this is what I hope will remain.

Hope.