It seems like most graphics sites related to RPGs are run exactly the same way. People are ranked, and supposedly with more 'practice' you move up the ranks. I've seen indications that a lot of people are unhappy with this system, but I'd like to test that theory.

Please make a choice, and then state why you feel the way you do.

<sub>I voted 'Sometimes I use them, but I'm not active because I don't really like them.' The reason I don't like them would be 'I don't like them because I don't like the way people are ranked or because it seems no one helps new people.' It's usually as simple as that. They favor those of high ranks and everyone else gets ignored. It's almost like you have to kiss up to the admins with that whole 'hun, luv ...' talk just to get them to talk to you. That's just my opinion. I just sort of fade out into the background, therefore, I get skipped for those promotions and whatever awards they have. o_O Since I said something about those other awards, I'd like to mention that they only give those to the same people almost each month. Besides that, I don't really credit graphics board for my graphics ability and how it's grown over the past year, though I did join up when I first got my program, hoping I would benefit from it.

I think you're better off learning from livejournal tutorials and your own abilities than by the help of a graphics board. I'm sure people think differently, but I've been forced to believe this from my own experience, so I doubt it will change anytime soon. =/</sub>

I'm sure they serve a purpose and people like them and good for them. But in my opinion, I don't see anything too fantastic about them.

I compare them with bad writing groups: people only judge based upon what they think is good; thus everything else is crap. So if someone comes in with a new style, there's no hope for them to progress. And it's so subjective that you can't really argue it.

Meh. :/

EDIT: *looks around suspiciously* Oookay on the 'poll forum' page it says that the last post was in December . . . now I'm realize that they meant that the last vote was in December. Curse it all.

Well, I think we've shown pretty conclusively that a lot of people don't like them, which then brings up the question as to why most graphics forums follow the exact same pattern every time?

I make a lot of graphics, and people tell me they're good, but I don't go to graphic forums to post my stuff or get ranked. I go if I'm bored or to request things I don't feel like making on my own or that I can't make using Photoshop Elements. I do think ranking is pretty dumb, especially since the two most popular ones I am thinking of have admins doing the ranking. IMO, start everyone off at the same level, and move them up from there after seeing how they improve or how their work is received on the board. Or just categorize them differently, like let members give them a rating? IDK. Doing things ilke that is silly, since art is so subjective. That's why I stopped joining writing forums.

I joined those two most popular graphics communities one day to see what the whole hype is about... and I must say I never returned lol. I never went there with the intention of posting my graphics, nor ask for their opinions because the opinions that matter the most to me are from my fellow admin and members, but even if I had, the elitism, kissing up and whatnot I've seen there would've surely changed my mind.

As long as I get my graphic I requested I don't care.

They come in handy all right, plus give people ideas and help in case they are not to sure on what to do or just don't feel right about a graphic they are making. Very helpful.