Breeze 03 Aug 2008

Dear AW

I liked being in the Top Ten, now and then. Good for my Ego, you know. But then ... what is a rating system's TRUE value if it can be - by being connected to the amount of comments - so VERY easily be used as a mere marketing tool?

The salesman in me says: Such a rating system is of excellent value. And the idealistic artist in me? That is a different story. It is telling me:

"Hey, look, for the first time, no more pure calculated sales pitches, done only to further the senders profile. Much more of a chance for true appreciation of the subect, e.g. : your ARTWORK.

And how about that: an honest, friendly exchange as an all out pleasant form of advertising. Was not THAT the idea of the comments to begin with? Do you not like that?"

YES, I do like that. A lot.

So ... just to make this perfectly clear ... I have no argument against promoting my or anyone's artwork.

My only itch is with a system that uses a tool for honest appreciation (comments) as a tool for calculated self-profiling.

So, my opinion, good riddance to the TOPTEN as they were.

And, for whom it may concern: I have been working in advertising for the last 20 years. I know the system inside out. So, please do not try and tell me I am hitting at shadows and that the TOPTEN have never been abused. I know a sales pitch when I see one.

Nuff said.

Breeze

ArtWanted.com Staff 03 Aug 2008

We appreciate all of the feedback we are receiving, both positive and negative, for the Top Ten and other issues on our site. We benefit from hearing why members are for or against certain features. This is what helps our designers make improvements and adjustments to our site. Thank you.

Tracy L Nicholson 03 Aug 2008

A decline in the number of hits....? Yeah, you weren't kidding were you? I can usually post new pics and expect well over a hundred hits PER NEW PIC. I posted three today, as per usual, and my entire portfolio has still received less than 75 hits. Were the stats before THAT outrageously overstated???? Yes, I prefer to know how many real hits I'm getting but now I'm almost feeling that the entire past year I've been lied to with the stats. Ohwell. Probably we should all pay less attention to stats and comments and much more attention to the simple building of a portfolio.

bert cortes 04 Aug 2008

I agree with what Judy, Minerva and John said. No need for me to say more. Happy with the way the new site is now, and since I don't sell my paintings, care less about the number of hits I get. If you're selling your work, that's what counts, a true indication that your work is great. Glad the infamous Top 10 is gone.

Leo Da's Artistic Promotions 04 Aug 2008

AW, do you count random displays as hits?

ArtWanted.com Staff 04 Aug 2008

As long as the "Random" hit displayes the full image and not just the thumbnail. Then yes it is counted as a hit.

craynewhope 05 Aug 2008

Answer to bert cortes. I never say a thing as a comment I don't mean. so perhaps now we can believe those comments we get that sometimes seem insincere. I say tell it as it is some people just muddy up the water with flatteries and at times it would help to get constructive criticism instead. So please don't lie just to get a comment. Or did you mean some other type of comment?

bert cortes 05 Aug 2008

Hi Craynewhope (You have one strange name!!) - Obviously you did not read my last post regarding this subject, but if you are one who comment in a very sincere way, I congratulate you.

Shahram S. Nahavandi 06 Aug 2008

OK..., GOOD..., now lets find some buyers please...!!??

donald laube 08 Aug 2008

I will miss top 10 to bad we had fun with it, and the bragging rights there of. By 10- welcome zero.

terry sloan 19 Aug 2008

The original reason I came to this site was not only to show others what I can do (even though sometimes I feel it isnt up to what others can do) but it was to get crits and comments from people who either like what I do or not. As to the selling I am not quite sure how that works I just did it with some of my more recent ones to see what happens. Thanks for all the comments they are apprecaited.

J. P. 22 Aug 2008

People often ask me how do I get my drawing to look so smooth and life-like and the answer is a simple one if you pay attention and concentrate. Try matching the values on your artwork as close as possible as the photograph you are using as reference. For example, the dark shadows and highlights are the main factors that will give your piece the richness and depth they need to stand-up and look real, so concentrate on the black and the mid-tones as carefully as you can. To give a professional finish to your drawings, always bring your artwork to the very edges without leaving spaces or unfinished areas. If you leave areas un-done this will make your drawing look like is floating instead of achieving a solid "anchored" result. Cordially, JP

Susan Cherry 24 Aug 2008

Hi, I joined ArtWanted sometime last spring. I've enjoyed showing my work and yes, I admit it , I enjoyed "the top 10", gave me a chance to kind of zero in on some dif artists and check them out. Yes, I agree that sometimes the same people were in the top 10 all the time. I , myself, was in there twice. But there were different artists too. So I do miss the infamous "top 10". That being said, before AW changed its format, when I posted a new painting I got alot of hits. Not as much as some others , but alot. Its like applause for a job well done. Also gave me a chance to see who liked my work and I could check theirs out. More often than not I was surprised that some of the other artists who commented had work that was totally different than mine. Now , when I post a new painting , I've noticed maybe 2 or 3 hits. I do like the new format, good job AW, but I think theres some kinks that need to be ironed out! When I go to my page, theres one painting, and underneath it , it says 1 of 1, and I can't go forward or backward to access any of my other paintings. hmmmm...might be me and I need to figure out how to navigate this new format. Theres got to be a happy medium! I tend to be a "fluffy" painter anyway, but the new icons bug me. (they shouldn't, because I tend to do "light, happy" work). It just looks like a kid's site to me. With all the wonderful artists at AW disposel, I would expect to see a more "Artsy" site. Here's hoping for some more changes........suzi

bert cortes 25 Aug 2008

The one I really miss is the famous "TOP 11-1/2" - the one you comment all day long without stopping...!! I really miss this one!

Lynda Lehmann 28 Aug 2008

I always miss this site those weeks or months when I'm not able to be here. I've met so many nice people and love the community aspect.

I think the Top Ten took a lot of the quality out of our interactions, and made them just a shallow numbers-game. Glad to see it gone.

I appreciate the changes and upgrades to the site and the energy that goes into this. I think that overall, your software has been very functional and continues to be.

Thank you to the staff for your time on all of this!

Diane Duran 12 Sep 2008

I am new to the website. I just want to say Thank you Artwanted. Some people don't realize what they have until it is gone. Yes! this site is fun! Yes this site is rewarding! Yes this site is a tool and a learning instrument for those of us that are new and or want credit for our work. What's wrong with that? For you professional painter hoory you are sucessful and talented. but there is always room for improvement in everyone. Even if it is to make money or want to be appreciated. Guess what you can display your art for minimal fee. Thanks to you professional artist that are giving advise to others, because if we were all that excellent we sure wouldn't be here. Right!

Philippe Nault 20 Sep 2008

Wouldn't it be better to count the amount of comments from non-members? I mean, it's all good that we comment each other's work, but I feel like most comments are there simply to link back to the commenter's page.

While I enjoy positive (or negative) comments, I'd rather have constructive criticism from somebody off the website, or a fellow member who actualy has something to say.

Just my 2 cents...

Judy Minderman 21 Sep 2008

It's funny, those people who were always high on the list on the top ten, in all categories and such, I notice I do not get one single comment from them anymore! Just a thought lol. Goes to prove what the top ten was all about! I will comment on your work if you comment on mine! Sorry guys, the top ten was just a scam.

bert cortes 02 Oct 2008

Judy, You could not have said it any better. Not only a scam but a joke. Glad is gone and hope it will never come back.

Marja-Leena Landry 06 Oct 2008

NOW,WAIT A MINUTE...I AM HERE TO TRY TO SELL...of course I appreciate all the nice and gracious comments and hope people mean what the say...but..I am tired of beeing' a "starving" artist so,I am HERE to SELL...:) !!I also agree with the comments that no comments should be made just because of getting comments....Thank You!!