Sta.sh
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Watch me IF you like my art~ ;v;
.......... The design MUST HAVE ONLY 2 COLORS; BLACK AND WHITE
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However, I recently heard from a group of artists whom I greatly respect, that to critique someone's work who had not asked for critique, was a rude thing to do. If this is the case, then I have been a most despicably rude person.
There are situations in which I understand critique may not be appropriate. Say for example you have an actual gallery show, in an actual building with walls. That is a formal setting in which you may not want me to walk up to your framed artwork... and proceed to point out your shortcomings in front your admiring fans.
Now if we relate online art galleries, such as DA, to brick and mortar gallery shows, then I suppose I can understand why posting a public critique may be considered rude. It's effectively the same 'rude' act, only I can't physically see the look of disapproval on your face.
I would like to hear what you all think of this matter. Is it rude to openly critique someone's artwork when they did not specifically ask for it?
I feel that an honest critique of my art, is one of the most valuable things that I can receive. It is also the best I can give to other artists. If I take the time to critique your art, it's because I care!
Or... perhaps I truly am a despicably rude person. 
You guys let me know! 
The reasons are pretty much common sense, if you tell someone to merge characters before its written, you personally don't know if the characters are boring or not, because the work was not written yet.
I know it sounds like common sense, but it's the internet of course.
I hardly ever critique anybody's work unless they specifically ask for one from me. Otherwise, I feel that it is rude. The person may not be prepared to take critiques and may regard them as an attack on their work and not a friendly recommendation on how to improve. The person's response to the critique may not be pleasant.
Critiques are less expected in dA because the site is built for simply enjoying other people's art, which isn't a bad thing. The culture is different in other art focused sites such as ConceptArt.org or CGSociety.org, as critiques are expected.
Great post btw! It gets folks thinking.
I do only do them if people ask.
I did one the other day for quite a 'well-known' artist on here.
I always loved his work when he started but now it's got too 'hectic.'
I wavered about doing this but thought 'what the hell' and did write what I thought about the changes he implemented since he started out.
He wrote me back and said thank you for the Critique, replied to something I had asked, then said he wouldn't be 'posting' it with his work because he only posted 'nice' critiques!!!!!
I wrote back and asked him 'why' he asks for Critiques................answer came there.......none!
Why I am pointing this out is obvious, ask and you get what you asked for!
All the Critiques I have had, good or bad, I post them with my pic.
IF one can't accept bad Critiques the I presume an artist is not serious about his/her work.
If someone is clearly content with their own work, why burst their bubble of happiness? Maybe it's just a hobby, something to relieve stress. They don't need nor want that extra burden. And let's be honest, most people on dA aren't here to do professional quality work.
Not to say that you should stop doing what you're doing. In this case, "being rude" is way too subjective and I, for one, think you're providing a great service.
If someone wants it to be more like a formal gallery like you mentioned, and doesn't want critique at all, they can use a personal website or turn off comments.
I don't mind my art being critiqued though, I'm harsh on my self so it doesn't bother me when someone else is too.
When I saw this, I remembered your journal.
And to reply on the point of your journal without rambling on, I don't see how it can be rude to critique when it is not asked for. I feel it is one of the main reasons for an art community, and maybe the most essential. I'd love to be critiqued any day over a pretty compliment because I want to grow. Flattery won't help me, except for my esteem I suppose. Too often I think it may rather be ego. I think posting ones art on deviantart specifically, the artist should be prepared. I like to think of it as an extended classroom, I hope my peers will help me and I hope I can help them too.
But sadly, I find, many people are online for attention. I mean, look at Facebook; why do all those people keep shouting things out to the world that very often should be kept private? Or that many are emboldened on the internet and begin to act a bit narcissistic. But I wonder too if some are offended because they are unschooled (in art education) and, not that they don't understand that its meant to learn, but perhaps the critique itself is misunderstood. On the other side of course, I am not sure many people know how to critique. So perhaps its part of why this issue of critiquing has arisen. Personally, I've never run into a deviant who calls it "rude" so perhaps its not a popular sentiment.
All in all, I do completely agree with you. Ah, but look, I did ramble on
(Btw, I just have to say, but you truly have the most profound and/or significant journals that I read. So just, thanks for something refreshing.)