Hello! It's been a while since I've been on this account, but I wanted to rant about something without possibly getting backlash on my main (which pretty much everybody knows by now). So here I am! This is a message for "popular" Scratchers, specifically artists/animators. If you have a sizable following for drawing stuff on the internet, you should take a look at this. I've noticed many (NOT ALL) "popular" artists create a "bubble" for themselves at some point. They only do trades with other "popular" artists. They only join "popular" MAPs. They only let other "popular" artists into their MAPs. In some cases, they even only TALK to other "popular" artists. You may think it's harmless, but in my opinion, it is INCREDIBLY selfish. If you are a "popular" artist, chances are a lot of people who are less experienced than you look up to you. It would make them so happy to have art from you, to have you join their MAP, to have you even TALK to them. And if you only talk to other "popular" artists and only give them chances to get ANYTHING from you, you are letting those people down. Sure, I understand if you are too busy for trades or if their MAPs don't interest you. But don't say "I'm too busy for trades" and then turn around and accept a trade from a fellow "popular" artist. I have seen that happen before and it is SO selfish! It's basically making an excuse just so you don't have to do artwork for less popular people, because it won't "benefit" you as much, which is super scummy. Also, HOST MORE BEGINNER FRIENDLY MAPS! You know what all "popular" and very good animators once were? BEGINNERS! And how are beginners going to learn how to make great MAP parts if they aren't given any chance to practice? Besides, many "experienced only" MAPs are just thinly veiled popularity contests, with only well-known animators getting in. And I've heard people complain about nobody joining their MAPs, when TONS of people have applied and only like 5 have been accepted. They could have accepted all the applicants and had all the parts taken, but their "standards" were too high. I can't believe I have to explain why only talking to other "popular" artists is wrong, but here goes. I understand that some people aren't that social and don't like talking to a bunch of people. That is fine. But replying to all "popular" artists' comments while ignoring less popular artists' ones? Scummy. Saying "thank you" when "popular" artists compliment you but not when less popular artists say things that are just as nice, if not nicer? SCUMMY. It doesn't hurt you AT ALL to talk to non-popular artists who would probably do anything to be your friend, even if it's just a "ty :)", it's better than ignoring them while kissing up to the big names. In short: Have some respect for less popular artists. Don't ONLY interact with and do things for other "popular" artists, because that is scummy and selfish. Okay, now time for me to get some sleep. Peace!
