Hello there dear users! Long time no see I guess. I have had a lot of different reasons as for why would I post another entry, but never really followed them since they seemed quite trivial. But one thing ticked me off to a point in which I had to ensure myself that people understand what 'respect' is. This entry is spawned by numerous events I've witnessed during past few months on various forums.

I didn't stick to MLP because of the show. Gosh, no no. The show itself is a nice addition. But what kept me around the fandom is the community and, most importantly, artists. I'll tackle the second case this time.

The amount of artsy stuff which this fandom creates is tremendous. Ranging from all kinds of sketches, digital art, vectors, through movies, music, traditional paintings and cosplay, going into knitting, sewing, beading. There seem to be no limits here. In extreme cases I've witnessed sculptures or even this custom Fluttershy doormat.

A lot of those have their price. But let's face it, vast majority of such things are done purely because the fandom, including the artists, loves the show. They'd still do it even of nobody paid them a broken cent. Why? Because they love what they do and they simply can. Perhaps they have other reasons to do that? Who knows. Still, quite often these people are generous. They'll offer their work for free to others simply to practice their skills while at once providing some gifts to the others.

They'll create things and share them with fandom, and at certain point they may start taking free requests and commissions. While commissions are quite obvious service (YOU pay = YOU get what YOU want. There's no hard logic here.), requests are vastly different. You may put up a request, but that doesn't mean you'll ever get it done. Mark down that it is the artists' good will to do it in the first place. It is not a privilege for them to be able to do your requests, you're not doing them a favor. See that image which serves as an "Entry Image"? It's been done by Dilarus, a really fine guy who accepted the request in the livestream. He could have said no, he could have ignored it. But instead, he just fulfilled it. And I really enjoy the outcome.

But let's hypothetically say that I would not like it. My rights to say anything remain unchanged. I could say it's not what I was searching for, but that's about how far I can go (do NOT mistake it with 'constructive criticism', since it has nothing to do with it). Because every artist has his/hers own style. If we made an open request, every single answer should be appreciated. Some of the outcomes would not please us most probably, but it would still mean somebody spared his/hers time to make US pleased. After all, we could have been left with no responses at all. Exaggerating this: If I made a request for a magnificent surrealistic painting, but instead earned a magnificent cubism one for free, I wouldn't complain. Because in end, I'd still end up with a magnificent piece of art while I could have been stuck with nothing. I could be dissatisfied with the outcome, but that doesn't give me any rights to say that their art sucks. More than that, I cannot expect them to put their hearts in it when all they gain in return are words and praise. Would YOU want to work for free while all you get in return for your talents is kind words and gestures? Wonder if that would help you feed your family, eh? Be REALISTIC with your expectations. The less you give, the less you get. I once saw a nice comic presenting this attitude:

Mom - Have you already written your letter to Santa?

Kid - I've already sent him an e-mail.

*Somewhere at Santa's place, Santa is sitting in front of PC*

Santa - Then in this case, you little wise guy, you'll also get your presents via e-mail.

If you cannot be satisfied with free things, go for commissions or, guess what?, learn to do art by yourself and do it the way YOU want. Perhaps when you do some requests for your friends or others and you'll experience such forms of arrogance by yourself, you'll understand.

But what in case when we're artists ourselves or we're altruistic/generous on our own? In this case, I feel obliged to say: You should be ashamed of yourselves then. Knowing the second side of the coin and still not being able to pay respects to one's work should be a crime, and I have nothing more to add on this topic.

That's how I see it. Or maybe I'm wrong?

Still, with all due respect, learn to show some respect.