Too idealistic?

[monotone_ink]

The idealistic answers that you mention here occur because people who pose topics such as "My work isn't being noticed and it's frustrating," create the impression that they are looking less for critique and moreso for reassurance and motivation to continue their work (which in itself is not a bad thing).

For example, here are two variants of a similar forum topic:

1. Why is my art so crap? Should I even keep going?
2. How do I improve the detail of my line art?

While both questions regard the notion of having 'bad' art, the first question is vague: it's emotively charged and non-specific, thus calling for more non-specific and emotionally cautious answers. Questions such as this indicate that the creator in question is distressed and unsure of things, which is something most people here go through.

On the other hand, the second question calls for specific answers and practical solutions. It differs from the first question, in that it seems less a product of distress but more so an inquiry for a tangible problem. The first question does not necessarily pin point areas for improvement, while the second is asking for a specific solution.

tl;dr - Critique does occur within these forums when the person asks for it. The positivity is there to keep everyone in high spirits--being an artist/author/creator is already a lot of suffering as it is.

[Draconic]

Critique does occur within these forums when the person asks for it. The positivity is there to keep everyone in high spirits--being an artist/author/creator is already a lot of suffering as it is.

Thank you!

I was trying to find a way to do a reality check in this topic without being a jerk.
I feel like this topic is just for the sake to complaint anyway.

You've done a good job to sum it up!

[joannekwan]

I read most of the replies in the first half and then skimmed the rest, didn't think there'd be so much!

BUT I think why most of the advice is encouraging with positive tones IS that it all boils down to:

1. We don't know everyone personally. We don't know what they've gone through to get to this point, we don't know their current life situation, we don't know what their ultimate life goal is (and even if they do, it can change with time anyway).
2. We don't wanna come off as assholes. Since everything is typed out, there are no tonal cues, no inflections, no body language, just words. Words are taken at face value.

[KoreanTacos]

I've honestly viewed the over positive responses to critiques of the sorts to the fact that generally all of us who are on this forum have a comic or novel, and we all want people to read our works. So if we say something negative there's a chance that no one will look at our work because of that. Something I usually notice when it comes with people being overly critical in the forums, is they usually don't have comic or novel of their own, so there's nothing to lose, but if you have some kind of work and the person on the other side feels offended by your words it probably means they won't even bother looking at your comic at all. I know personally I don't give a person the chance if they're generally making a public ass hat of themselves.