I came a hair's breath away this past week from taking away the privilege of commenting on my photos. Instead, I am writing this journal to explain how it's going to be.

Romeo and Juliet loved each other and could not understand why the Montegues and Capulets hated each other without reason. In the end the Prince says to the mixed crowd, "All are punished!" because, as a result of their family feud the two "star crossed lovers" die. When Romeo and Juliet looked at each other, they didn't see or ASSUME anything....they just LOVED each other. They set aside preconceived notions about what a Montegue was or what a Capulet was not....they just loved each other as two human beings.

We are very fortunate to live in a democratic society. I have issue with our country pushing "democracy" in the faces of others all over the world, but that's another topic.
I defend anyone's right to hate, blaspheme, and protest America and all it stands for. I defend a person's right to burn an American flag. But here's the deal.....if you wanna burn an American flag and blaspheme MY COUNTRY, you'd better do it on public land or in your own back yard, because if you try that shit on MY little half acre slice of American pie, I will exercise MY right to bear arms and come out and shoot your ass. Isn't that WONDERFUL how it works!! You can have all the free speech ya want, you just can't invade other people's PRIVATE space to do it.

I really enjoy DA. I've made a lot of on line friends and have met some truly gifted artists. I had wonderful discussions and tons of fun banter with some very intelligent individuals.
BUT....I have had some very rude and inappropriate comments also. I have therefore adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for comments of this nature. YES....everyone DOES have a right to their opinion...but guess what....this is MY little slice of DA property and if you make rude or inappropriate comments about my models or about me....I'm gettin out my little cyber shotgun and blow your ass away.

"Your work is porn" is not a comment that will get a person blocked.
"You are a pervert" will.
"She's too skinny" is childish but WON'T get a person blocked
"She's a skinny slut" will.
"I don't like this photo.....it's too light"..... no problem.
"You're an asshole"....ya get blocked.

I am AMAZED at the comments people have made about me PERSONALLY when the fact is they don't even know me! Just because I am a Montegue and you are a Capulet, is no license to unleash vitriolic and venomous commentary. If you are conservative and my liberal ways bother you...then spew your venom on your own page or chat with friends about it because if I see it here, I will block you and hide your comment. And here's the REALLY fun part! You know who gets to decide if it is PERSONAL or not? ME!! YAY 'Cause it's MY gallery!

So basically DA'ers....let's just have a little bit of maturity here. If you see a shot that pisses you off....then SAY THAT. "Hey, Michael, this shot pisses me off because I feel it demeans women" ......whatever....I'm NOT saying people have to make ONLY kind and supportive comments. What I am saying is, if you make it personal.....You're outta here.

And honestly, I am adopting this policy to save you all from the wrath of a certain little fiery redhead who WILL come after you. :cough:Shy:cough". And just FYI....if you make rude comments on HER gallery, I'LL come after you.

One last thing.
What an AMAZING and wonderful bunch of people I've met here on DA. Some young people who show the marvelous maturity of people many times their age. You know who you are! AND other artists.
I encourage you all to look through my "Friends" list and look at the work of those I admire. I am SO inspired and awed by these artists! I feel honored to be in their company. It is THIS that keeps me on DA.

I'm gonna go sit on my patio under my new umbrella and have a Heineken.