Reminder for myself - Nothing will ever change unless you start now.

Chapter 1 .......... Some general do's & don'ts on comments [link]
Chapter 2 .......... Difference between a good comment and a poor one

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2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD COMMENT AND A POOR ONE

Ok, this section is for people who either comment for a lot of people (quantity over quality), may not have a lot of free time to leave well thought-out comments, or may not even know much to say. Well the difference is as simple as this.

- A good comment is when you

1) Speak about something an artist did well on (such as the coloring, the detail, the anatomy, etc.)

and/or

2) Speak about something you liked about what the artist did (such as style, how they did it, the creative idea, etc.).

The more specific you are the better and preferably, it's better to do at least one of each. It may also be helpful to give constructive criticism, but only when applicable and only if you have the knowledge to do so.


- A poor comment is when you are too general or vague about something. One-worded comments are examples of this, like "Cool" or "Awesome". Although you may mean well, saying something like that is too vague and well, half-assed on your part to do any serious good. Other examples are when you talk about yourself or other topics without expressing at least one of the factors that makes a good comment good. (see above).


Initially though, it is up to you whether you decide to leave a well thought-out comment, a decent one, or even one at all. But understand that if you love art and the work of others, you need to say something. I guarantee you that the more time and effort you spend on your comments for others, the more appreciated it is and the more likely that you will be appreciated yourself, (given time and other factors as well.)

And if you think one person alone can’t make a difference, then know this. There was one artist whose art I commented on with well thought-out comments that she appreciated a lot and it helped her a great deal. Then came a time when this artist decided she couldn’t stay on DA anymore and was about to leave, but she didn’t. She told me in a journal entry that because of me, she felt it was worth staying.

Now I don’t say this to toot my own horn, but rather to give an example that each comment matters in determining whether an artist will stay and continue posting their art, or will stop creating new art and may even leave altogether. You, the people, give artists their strength and appreciation and without you, what reason do they have to continue posting their art? Just think about it…

So for the love of art, say something. Preferably something helpful over something poor…

Some general do's & don'ts on comments = [link]

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If anyone has any questions, or perhaps even tips of their own they feel might be helpful, please feel free to speak your mind. Thank you for taking the time to read this.