35 Comments (Page 2)

Terry Bassett 14 Mar 2006

Thanks for the explanation AW. It makes quite a difference to my attitude towards the site, now that I finally know what's going on. I have to admit that a paid membership of around 700, from the large number of artists here, is a tad sad. I find myself wondering if the free package might be a bit too generous, particularly in light of the annual subscription being under $40.00. It's an interesting thought that if nearly 13,000 free members each paid a $2.00 registration fee, you'd have the needed money and change. Anyway.. no more complaints from me, now I know what's happening.

Edward Said 14 Mar 2006

bo does have a point. I know your sick of hearing about it. but your revenue would increase.

Hanna Stawska 14 Mar 2006

Thank you for the explanation, AW!

Barbara Kaplowitz 14 Mar 2006

I just re-upped for another year in february! Hope that helped out a bit... though I'm sure all of us wouldn't mind some sales! We need money too!

Thanks AW!

Rusty Woodward-Gladdish 14 Mar 2006

Thanks for your timely and useful explanation AW. Perhaps we'll all try to be a bit more patient now we know the problem. It's a very popular site so it's natural that it gets overloaded from time to time. You're doing great work. I love this site. You can count on my support. (unless you need a wheelbarrow full of money that is.....)

Mi MItchell 14 Mar 2006

Thanks, It seems to be working really well lately.. Funny how Psycho Bo has nothing to say now ;)

Loree Harrell 15 Mar 2006

I will be maintaining premium membership - haven't been here long, but from where I stand, you're doing it right (I haven't run into the downtime, and I'm usually on in the overnight hours).

david bass 15 Mar 2006

well i agree with bo and edward. if you allow artistic nudes they will come. maybe you could have a "holding tank" where new submissions could be reviewed and accepted in order to weed out those who would abuse or taint the site with tasteless images. of course the those selecting would need to be unbiased or open minded enough to let the good nudes in. however this may also need to have a review committee to select the jurors. then we would need a committee to choose the committee... oh screw it

Kelly Barrett 16 Mar 2006

Give the artist the responsibility of labeling his "artistic nude" as over 18 when he uploads the work, if it contains any of AW's offending contents (bare nipple, exposed genitalia, etc). Or create an "Over 18" section and make it premium members only.That would certainly increase paying members, if one could only view or upload work into that section.

"Artistic nude" spans a wide range of perceptions. I know this has been discussed repeatedly on the message boards. so I wont repeat my entire 2 cents worth here. Banning something as natural and normal as nipples, however, does leave the impression that AW is puritanical in its censorship. I've seen some art here that did indeed conform to AW's guidelines, but was sexually suggestive in what might be an offensive manner equal to *gasp* a bare breast.

The prem. level membership is regrettably low. The annual fee is reasonable and I am a premium member. I'll be honest that, outside of more uploads of images per month, the other extras in the premium membership don't seem like much of an incentive to draw paying members. The free account gives just as good looking portfolio layout as the premium templates.

To the point of the thread: I've had no trouble logging or uploading pix in this week. Thank you, AW!

Bo Fransson 16 Mar 2006

Very sensible and true statement! I agree with you completely. The suggestion about a special section for adult material has been presented to the management several times but so far with no reply. I think it's a dead end unfortunately; to the disadvantage of the entire site of course.

Tree Pruitt 26 Mar 2006

I have faith in this site. It's been rough but I think it's because things are just starting to rock! I had to spend some time away from here for a bit and am really pleased with the number and quality of changes. I've checked out many portfolio sites and none give as much freedom for the artist to settle in and get comfy. It's frustrating when images won't upload and it's a real bummer when I can't comment on the portfolio of pals but patience usually does the trick. I for one think a few hang-ups and buggers here and there are small additional prices to pay for growth. HAZAA AW! My family and friends will hang through with you and keep passing the word.

Scott Browne 22 Apr 2006

Thanks for addressing the problem guys! This is still one of the best sites on the WWW for art and art communitys!

bert cortes 22 Apr 2006

AW, Your site has gotten a bit faster lately, and I agree with you, it takes money to make the site faster all the time. My advice to you is to allow one posting per month for non-paying members instead of three, or give them 30 days to become paying members. Tell me, why should I pay if it's free! Your site is the very best and one of the reasons is the fact that you don't allow nudity or porno, if you do, you're going to see your site disappear. Cannot understand why some people cannot pay $5.00 a month or $39.00 per year. They buy a hot dog and it cost $5.00. Your site is the very best and keeps getting better all the time. DON'T RUIN IT BY ALLOWING NUDES OR PAINTINGS that convey vulgarities. KEEP IT CLEAN, that's all.

Bob Schmidt 09 May 2006

I am a new Premium Member. Hope that helps.. :-) Bob

Marty Yokawonis 09 May 2006

I will get shot down on this I know but there are partially nude images all over the place on AW. I have a painting, Abby and Gloria that show Abby from the back and she's nude. It's not censoring nudity to ask people not to post playboy pinup type paintings ala Vargas or to ask them to cover sensitive parts of the anatomy. I've done life drawing for years and still have to patiently explain to people that painting or drawing someone with no clothes on is not pornography. Unfortunately it isn't just church going people that are offended by racy images it seems to be pretty universal and I have encountered the prejudice in all age groups and both sexes. I personally understand AW not allowing strongly sexual imagery because it tends to unnerve so many people. It doesn't bother me at all to see nipples, penises, cracks etc. but I have gotten used to it after so many years of drawing and painting unclothed people plus I think the human form is absolutely wonderful and I want to celebrate it's goodness.

I love being on AW and I am a premium member paid ahead by at least a year. It's the most fun I have in my life. All the rest of the time is devoted to work because I'm self employed and now helping raise my two nephews so I tell every artist I meet about AW.

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