I want to say thank you to all of the wonderful, caring and sharing people that make up the community of Deviant Art. There are so many people on here that so willingly offer encouragement and support to one another. There are so many who are willing to offer guidance and direction, and share of there vast experience with those who are just starting, or seeking to grow further in there work and execution of there talents. It really adds to the quality of life when such a great world of friends, teachers, and givers of encouragement become available, and often grow to become friends, leaving an impression that will last a life time.
   I would always prefer to choose to seek to find the positive in others, and offer my support toward building on that as a foundation toward growth. There may be times when we would prefer to choose the lazy way, and point out the negative in others and then discard them as worthless. But just as a miner often seeks through tons of earth to find that thing of value, if we offer patience and kindness to others then we too may discover the nuggets of worth and beauty in others, that many thought unworthy to spend the time searching for.
   If I were to declare a negative quality as seeming almost hopeless. I suppose it would be the attitude of arrogance that some people would display. Those who can only see the faults of others, and derive pleasure in seeking for and trying to point these out. But usually if they were to stop and take a true look at themselves, or the things they consider so perfect in their own lives or work. Then the things that give them the feeling that they are such a perfect judge of others. Might wake them to reality, and It is possible that they could learn to correct their own faults and flaws, before stepping into the seat of judge over others, or at least learn to do so with an attitude of truly being fair and just.
   I would have to admit, that in nine months of being a member here that the few times I have encountered very many examples of this sort though, is usually with those who judge a photo worthy of acceptance into the gallery's of some Groups. I can't really speak offensively about those who clearly state that they only accept photos of perfection, and if they reject, they are usually willing to give a reason for the lack of technique or proper exposure. These things are usually beneficial in helping someone grow, and develop a desire to improve.
   But then there are the example of the groups, to where they have grown so large in members, that either they are too overwhelmed to really make a decision on merit, or just choose and pick on a whelm, which photos to include or reject. But when comparing the rejected photo to many of the others, that they decide to accept there is no real apparent lack in the rejected photo. But even this practice is fine if it is clearly stated that those who judge only do so in accordance with their personal taste, or whatever mood they might be in at the time of making their decision.
    I don't really have a personal problem of dealing with this, if I see that I am dealing with someone who has allowed their ego to explode, because they have found themselves in a place of judgement over others. I don't have to value there empty opinions. One of my mentors once ask me, who should you ask to judge your photos, to tell you if they were good or not. Well since I was speaking to a very well seasoned and knowledgeable photographer at the time, I said, I guess someone who knows a lot about photography. He replied and said that this is not always the best evaluation, of how good a photo is. But rather how appealing the photo is to everyone else, is usually the best evaluation. He said another photographer will give you their opinion on technique, framing, lighting and exposure, but the real value is, if it is a photo that is moving or stirs something within everyone, and not just a professional.
   So what is the harm, that is inflicted by the arrogant judge? It can become an obstacle to those that are just beginning, and perhaps have not perfected all aspects of photography yet. Or to those who may hold great talent but have yet to find someone to encourage and help them to become more passionate in their dreams and desires. It is so important how we as humans, treat and interact with one another. We should always try to be a builder in other peoples lives, instead of the wrecking ball of their hopes and dreams.
   But before I end all of this and seem to only be striving to point toward the negative. Let me say that for every some what lacking Group, there are several dozen to even the balance toward making Deviant Art, the great community that it is.
I suppose I was just trying to express, how so often something that should be a joy and a pleasure, such as photography, can be forced into becoming a chore when we have to work to please everybody. I would rather just enjoy it, and if others enjoy it with you that is so wonderful, but if others think you should try to obtain to their standards of perfection, that is a choice that may sometimes be worthy of consideration, but should not be an intimidation. Another DA member named Mutt2000 has really hit every nail on the head concerning the subject. [link]