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Originally Posted by Unregistered
The reason - well, one of the reasons - why this place is so slow, is that people who aren't registered aren't allowed to post. Some of us would like to ask questions and join in some of the discussions. I know, I know, this is a place for professional portrait painters only, and members don't have time to help others - perhaps that's another reason why the place is slow.
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There are many members and moderators who over the years and despite their busy schedules have given untold hours helping others. If you look back on the history, you would see that there are a shameful, but appreciated few who have made huge contributions. But, everyone has their limits on time and contributions that don't put food on the table - unless they are independently wealthy.
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Even though I've just started a portrait class with live models, I'm not sure if I will register, because of the elitist attitude here and the taste it's left in my mouth.
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I'm sorry you feel that way.
Do you have a bad taste in your mouth when the Portrait Society has a competition and makes awards? Or when the old American Society of Portrait Artists had Signature status for the more accomplished artists? Don't the most prestigious universities have requirements for entry? If this were a Forum for professional nurses only, how would you feel about being rejected if you were just a nurses aide?
The difference with portrait painting is that there is no formal program of certification to say that one has studied, learned, been tested and earned the right to practice as a portrait painter. Anyone who wants to hang out a shingle and say they are a portrait painter can do so. So, if you had seen some of the portraits that were posted for critique before the requirements were instituted, you would understand why we needed to do this.
All organizations that address the professional have requirements for membership. But, our requirement for a certain level of competency is not elitist. Rather, it's defining the purpose and scope of the Forum. As has been said many times before, this Forum was never created to be all things to all people.
And, if you had met some of the talented and generous artists here who have contributed greatly and spoke to them face to face - you would probably change your mind.
Unfortunately, the Internet has led many to a sense of entitlement - anyone should be able to post anywhere and it should all be free. Yet, most of these people have little clue as to the huge investment in maintaining such a Forum.