Unpopular Opinions

[Nicolas Cage]

Got a point of view that you think most others probably wouldn't agree with? Feel like having an open discussion about it, or just wanna get it off your chest? Go ahead. I'll still love you.

-

I don't think artists of any sort should actively ask for donations.

If you've tried to make art your profession, fine. But you did so knowing that your skillset was not only limited in its scope, but that you were attempting to break into a field that's extremely oversaturated. A lack of customers is to be expected at times, and it's no one's responsibility but your own to see to your personal upkeep. When I commission you, I am giving you money as part of a transaction in exchange for a specific good or service. Coincidentally, this is the same with any other profession! I don't just give away money to anyone offering a service so they can support themselves when they've done nothing in return. That's charity. And if they have the means to practice art as their primary source of income, they don't need charity. What about the people who haven't made art their primary source of income, but ask for donations so that they might be able to do so? I feel like this is covered by patronage, which I'll discuss in a minute.

Let me be clear. I don't have a problem with unsolicited gifts, and I don't have a problem with patronage to an extent. An unsolicited gift is just that: it's a no-strings-attached way for someone to say, "Hey, I think you're cool, and I like what you do. Have some money." Or a fancy dinner and a gift card, or whatever. The artist doesn't try to initiate this process directly. It's a natural occurrence in response to someone liking them or their content. And that's fine. Patronage, to an extent, is fine too. My only stipulation is the artist committing to a specified schedule that's clear to everyone, so that any would-be consumers make an informed decision based on guaranteed content. Then it's up to them whether or not to settle on a price, and to continue supporting the artist in the event that they deviate from their schedule.

When patronage isn't fine is when artists ask for a definite amount of money for an indefinite amount of work, or manipulate their relationship with their fanbase to get free stuff. Sure, you could argue that old saying about a fool and their money, but in any other situation with pretty much any other job in the place of "artist", this sort of behavior would be scrutinized. In some cases, it would be punishable. And I think it's important to hold others accountable for their actions.

But that's just me.

[anoni]

I don't think people should complain on youtube or anything like that about quality of videos. You're getting something for free, you get what you paid for.

[Ryan Naismith]

I think that people shouldn't deify people that kill themselves. We shouldn't go "oh, he was such an angel this was such a tragedy!" Say they were an idiot. Tell them, that by ending their lives, they did the most absolutely moronic thing possible.

[Trixsie Vixen]

Gay marriage.  Not a step forward, just perpetuating a bad idea for a wider group of people.

[Nicolas Cage]

Gay marriage.  Not a step forward, just perpetuating a bad idea for a wider group of people.

THANK YOU.


Marriage is, and always has been, a legal joining of two person's estates and assets. And so many people give it this connotation of deeper commitment, as if your relationship with someone isn't as meaningful if you aren't married. It's just dumb. If you plan do something legal with the license, whatever. Your business. If you just want a big, stupid ceremony, have one! But there is absolutely no reason to legally mix your private resources with someone else to prove that you "love them".


In the case of gay marriage, though, it's more about pointing out a social issue, so make of that what you will.

[White Wolf Guardian]

California is the worst state, period.

[George]

0bsession with a geographic location can only end in disappointment.

[White Wolf Guardian]

Yes, I'm sure the superciliousness will survive the exodus

[George]

Just like last time.

[Angder]

American views on the morality of sex and violence = fecking dumb.

Blowing heads off in full view of the camera -- OK sure!

Humans have *ahem* body parts *ahem* that you can see in this image -- HOW DARE YE!

[NautilusWolf]

I think that people shouldn't deify people that kill themselves. We shouldn't go "oh, he was such an angel this was such a tragedy!" Say they were an idiot. Tell them, that by ending their lives, they did the most absolutely moronic thing possible.

I'm sorry, but that is a bit insensitive, yet true. Sure, we glorify the person because we mourn them, and yes suicide isn't the best option. But here's the dark truth. Those who commit suicide feel that all other options are hopeless. They are shrouded by sorrow and hatred. They want it all to end, and that's their way out. While your opinion is valid (as it is your opinion), we fail to realize the pain that drives them there. People have limits, and some people reach theirs and don't have the best of support systems. How often do you hear about people who are suicidal, but turn themselves around and make their lives great? The true difference is that those who succeed are the ones with no one to support them. They didn't have anyone to help guide them through the fog of desperation. The problem lies in us. The bystanders. It is our DUTY to be kind and be the person to help them navigate that fog. Because you never know when you'll need help when everyone else has abandoned you. On that note, if anyone has any problem they may need help with, you always have me. An anonymous (unless you want to be friends! ) person who just wants to help.


I totally just ranted... Sorry y'all. I just saw this post and had to set some things a bit right.

[Ryan Naismith]

I think that people shouldn't deify people that kill themselves. We shouldn't go "oh, he was such an angel this was such a tragedy!" Say they were an idiot. Tell them, that by ending their lives, they did the most absolutely moronic thing possible.

I'm sorry, but that is a bit insensitive, yet true. Sure, we glorify the person because we mourn them, and yes suicide isn't the best option. But here's the dark truth. Those who commit suicide feel that all other options are hopeless. They are shrouded by sorrow and hatred. They want it all to end, and that's their way out. While your opinion is valid (as it is your opinion), we fail to realize the pain that drives them there. People have limits, and some people reach theirs and don't have the best of support systems. How often do you hear about people who are suicidal, but turn themselves around and make their lives great? The true difference is that those who succeed are the ones with no one to support them. They didn't have anyone to help guide them through the fog of desperation. The problem lies in us. The bystanders. It is our DUTY to be kind and be the person to help them navigate that fog. Because you never know when you'll need help when everyone else has abandoned you. On that note, if anyone has any problem they may need help with, you always have me. An anonymous (unless you want to be friends! ) person who just wants to help.


I totally just ranted... Sorry y'all. I just saw this post and had to set some things a bit right.

I mean I respect your opinion and all, but still, I'd have to say that I don't think that suicide is for as dark a reason as you think it is most of the time. Quoting my mother, who worked as a nurse in a pediatric intensive care unit for over seventeen years, "most of it was petty manipulation tactics, most of them were trying to get their parents to get out of something" (she is one of the sweetest people I know guys, she genuinely cares for the children that were under her wing)

Now I'm not saying that people who kill themselves are always petty liars, but the fact of the matter is, they are quite a bit. And we CANNOT support people Like that, at all.

[NautilusWolf]

^True, true.


But my experiences were with the genuine dark places.

That leads me to human nature. We as a species always need to be better than someone. We will even manipulate people we view inferior just to prove it, and get what we want (we being a relative term to those that do such consciously).

[Teiko]

I think whether or not something is "moronic" or not doesn't matter. I don't look at things as "stupid". I look at things as "is this person imposing him/herself on others?" If not, then who cares if it's stupid. We are all entitled to our opinions, but in reality, our opinions don't matter one bit. So, no, I don't think we should celebrate suicide, but I also don't think we should look down on it necessarily. Just let it be what it is. I don't see it being your business what other people do anyway.

[White Wolf Guardian]

Due to the potential for this thread to cause drama, this thread is being locked.