So, I'm sure you've noticed a steady lack of activity over the past two years.  There's a reason for this -- my friends have mostly left dA.  I don't have as much reason to be active.  I'm not leaving dA -- not yet anyway.  This is where I get critique on my work (as rarely as I do get it) so I'm still here.  However, I will be looking for another artist community that focuses more on amateurs and self-improvement than dA.  That's why I joined in the first place (two accounts and seven years ago).  I'm not an artist, but I love art.  I'm an amateur nature photographer at best.  So I don't think this is the place for me.

At any rate, I'm still here for now and maybe I'll be reinvigorated to the community at some point, but after seven years the drama, the whining, and the popularity contests have taken their toll on me.  I never came here to be popular, to act like a pre-teen going through PMS, or to appeal to anyone.  I just wanted to meet some people who, like me, weren't pro-artists but love to dabble.

I appreciate all that dA has done for me over the years, but I can't see myself becoming much more active in the community (I can see myself leaving).  I'm staying for as long as I can, but active won't be a word to describe me.

Thanks to all who've stuck with me (the few that there are, you are all amazing and I'm lucky to have you in my corner).

Ollie