deviantArt: a website that declares they "proudly show 180 million pieces of art to over 18 million artists and art appreciators". Joining three years ago, and being unaware of how popular it was, I wanted to have a chance to improve my own artistic talents, share it with others, and start some friendships. I was able to do all three to some regard.
However, I have noticed the way dA is run by its heads such as who ends up on top of the popularity ladder, what is acceptable on the site, and what is considered "art". They are pandered by the 90% while the remaining 10%, who put so much time and effort into their work, go unappreciated. Meanwhile, most of the 90% take the shortcut to popularity through tiresome Internet memes, countless art bases, art related to the "fandom of the month", ad nauseam.
I came to the realization that if you don't have the right connections, share the same views as one of the heads, or kiss-ass on a regular basis, you won't get anywhere. Not only that, it seems that everything regarding social sites like deviantArt is a dick measuring contest. It doesn't matter what your gender or orientation is, if you have gigantic number of pageviews and watchers, then you are a big fucking deal and should act like one!
The moderators and other top brass of deviantArt, along with those who wish to keep the site from being watered down, are quick to remove anything that violates its art policy. But it seems that what the heads constitute as art can be called into question. There are some pieces of "art" which clearly violate the policy of the site and yet these don't get reported. In fact, they may even get a free pass!
Now I can agree that the moderators cannot filter through all the reports that come to them very quickly. But it seems with even that being the case, maybe more moderators should be brought in to help out with the filter.
For a website that prides itself on equality, it only applies to those who can relate to the top brass the most. Intolerance is dealt with as quickly as possible by moderators. But sometimes there are cases of intolerance that are left alone because, as long as it is against someone or something that the higher-ups of deviantArt feel deserve to be treated like this, then there is no reason to fret about it. So you can be different, just make sure it is in the boundaries of what the heads approve of otherwise you are shit out of luck!
Let's face, when it comes to being online, you can toss equality right out of the window. Special treatment that is given to a select few is the only form of "equality" that is seen on this site. If you don't fit the bill, don't expect to be pampered with sympathy. You just might get the opposite in fact. The thing about being anonymous is that you can be hostile as much as you want and get away with it. Well, as long as it meets approval from the brass.
The more I think about it, equality seems to be a difficult goal to achieve. This is because when you push for a certain group to have equal rights and these rights begin to take shape, the thought police follow shortly after. Anything that doesn't show a hint of conformity will be called out instantly as intolerance.
Creativity and originality no longer matter on deviantArt. What the 90% crave is popularity, a higher position on the site's caste system, and unwarranted self-importance that will never end. Pretty soon this will be what 100% of the population will be like on deviantArt, and chances are, I will be long gone by then.






































It means a lot to me when my writings are liked
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And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted nevermore!
( Edgar A. Poe: "The Raven" )
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And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted nevermore!
( Edgar A. Poe: "The Raven" )
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And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted nevermore!
( Edgar A. Poe: "The Raven" )
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And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted nevermore!
( Edgar A. Poe: "The Raven" )
You've been tagged in my journal!
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"The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous." -V
"Thank you, Rukia. You're the reason the rain has finally stopped falling." -Ichigo<3