I really enjoy being on DA. I enjoy the conversations, the camaraderie, the discussions, and the different opinions we all have about various aspects of art.
My particular chosen field opens me up to a host of reactions from the sublime to the ridiculous. I get comments that are way over the top in how effusive they are and I get comments that take the opposite stance. I have a thick skin and am not at all bothered by someone outright hating my work.
I LIKE to hear different views about lighting, form, line, movement, texture, f-stops, shutter speeds, exposure level, contrast ratios, etc etc etc. While we all like a nice pat on the back, I'm a VERY secure person and even if no one on DA liked or even looked at my images, it wouldn't effect me in the least. I have no investment and make no money here. I do it because I enjoy it. I do it because I want to share what I see, how I see the world, and what I perceive as beautiful.

Recently, though, I have grown completely exhausted with the childish flaming of my models. This past week I sent a note to one such person asking her why she would call someone she didn't know, had never met, and had no idea whatsoever about her life… "a hooker". Another person seemed to think one of my models "should be shot like the dog she is". Another said he wished "she'd get cancer and die…"
I could go on and on listing the vitriolic, hate filled, and mean spirited comments but I won't. When I confronted one guy about his filthy and disturbing comment about "what he'd like to do to…" my model, his response was,"Lighten up Dude… it was just a joke!"
Well… saying hurtful things to people from the chicken shit anonymous safety of a computer screen is NOT a joke. Not only will I NOT lighten up…I am going to get VERY hard lined on this issue.
I am VERY VERY protective of my models. I adore them and guard their comfort in any and every way I can.

As I see it, I have two options.
One: to block all comments.
This doesn't seem like a fair option to all those who want to discuss the things that interest us ALL as artists, so I won't do that.
Two: Adopt a new policy regarding comments.
Here's the deal… from now on, I will not tolerate ANY comment that I think might even VAGUELY hurt my models feelings. I will block the user and hide the comment. NO ONE will get a second chance…DONE. NO ONE will get a chance to "explain" what they "really meant". No one will get a chance to apologize. This is MY gallery so I am judge and jury about what and who stays or goes. Harsh? Maybe, but I'm no longer interested in getting phone calls from models crying asking me if I could hide juvenile nasty comments.

I have a very hard time keeping up with all the comments here and SOOOO wish I could respond to all who enjoy and interact with me and my work. What I WILL ask is for your help. If you see a questionable comment on ANY of my images…PLEASE PLEASE note me and I will take care of it.
I will block the person and hide their comment.

Please feel free to continue to comment and feel free to say you don't like a particular shot. It's OK to say the model isn't your favorite…but comments that involve anything of a personal nature will result in being blocked and comments being hidden. If you have ANY question in your mind about whether or not the comment you are about to make is appropriate…DON'T risk it.
Those who have been my watchers for years now know and understand how I feel about all this. Help me keep the haters away!

All I am saying is, help me spread love and peace.