Public apology to Mirage

[DukeNukem 2417]

I'm sorry for trying to give advice that came off as mean-spirited. I have a tendency to be brutally honest with my opinions, and in some occasions, brutal honesty isn't the way to go---this case being one such occasion. Again, I was only trying to offer my advice, and I had no intention of belittling you or claiming that your work was subpar.

[PowerDroid5000]

An opinion was asked, an opinion was given. I don't think this is a reason for an apology :3

[ministrations]

You know what Duke? You shouldn't have to have done this.

Mirage, he gave you constructive criticism, apologized as he was giving it, and you still wrote a "big FU" to not just him, but all your readers. I think you should be the one apologizing to him. Why the hell can't we be honest with each other without starting a fight?

In any event, I don't agree completely with Duke's commentary but I do have constructive criticism of my own. The words on the images are very distracting to read. It has an almost Basquiat or Perez Hilton quality to it, and sometimes that can add to the humor, but more often than not it obscures the images you spend a lot of time making. I suggest that the writing might be better expressed in text underneath each image, or typed in a white box in a corner. And that's my criticism. They're lovely comics; please keep making them; the text just overwhelms me sometimes.

[Mirage]

First, I think there is more to this, than meets the eyes. He asked me to be friends on facebook 2 days ago, being a nice guy, I accepted him, as I rarely use Facebook myself. I think, after, seeing my personal pics and my life, got somewhat jealous, and then decided to post his wonderful comments on me and my comic. If he didn't like my stuff, then why ask to be friends, and go on a rant like he did? Something simply doesn't add up to me. He could have posted this anytime, but the day after he see my personal life. Yay. Lesson Learned.

Well, let's disect Duke's comments :

Quote: ...no. I don't like Comic #2, nor have I liked any of your previous comics that you've put out over the past few weeks.

In my years here, I never seen anyone write a comment to anyone like this ever. This is very negative to say to anyone here. I never dreamed of writing something this negative to someone, even if I didn't like it myself. But that's me.

Quote : That's part of the problem right there---oversaturation. Each of your comics has at least seven or so topics for it, with all the images in just one or two posts; my advice to conquer this is to make .cbr files out of each "issue", and then post links to them so that forum members can download them and read them at their leisure.

I am confused, as why It's so hard to scroll down to see the pages? Also, the reason, I divide the pages, it would be huge and long to posts. Also, it happen to me a few time, that the computer crashed while posting. I lost a few times almost an hour of my time doing this. So, I fragment them to avoid it this now. Also, we don't post a tons of posting here. Anyones posts are barely moving anyway most of the time. We are not a big posting community, if you didn't realise this yet.

Quote : Now, my other big complaint is that---and this is CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, by the way---every comic you've done tends to feel...really, really similar. Hell, if I didn't know any better, I might even think you were recycling plot elements from your previous work and just changing one or two words.

I don't know if you been reading my comics of Emma, but I am really proud and I think the story in it is somewhat original and new. I never wrote about Human skin being used, past father's secrets, Emma's reasosn for being created and such. Like mentionned, I have hundreds of followers at other sites and I get daily comments on how much they like my stories and such. Sadly, this community is quite the opposite. But I post it here, because I do know many do enjoy it too.

And yes, like Devil mentionned, It's a MIRAGE story, so, of course it will be have some simileraty. I myself was not happy with my last quicky comics I did before Emma, but I was mostly learning how to draw on my 3DS and doing digital for the first time in my life. But for EMMA comics, I am very happy and proud how the story is coming out. So, to say to me my story sucks, I know this is pure BS, because I and many people know this is not the thruth.

Quote : the art is good, but pretty pictures don't mean jack shit without a halfway-decent story.

Again, I think my characters are very good, as I am even gaining a small following of artists that are also drawing Emma and Scott. This is so cool for me to see other people drawing my characters. I know some people don't like my stuff, and I am totally fine with this, but saying my art means jack shit too also shows that this comment was more a personal attack than a logical one, as the art plaaaayss a huge role in the story,as I am so happy how the emotions plays a big role. That kissing scene in the first comic, I didn't need to add any words to it, I thought it was perfect the way I drew it, as many other did too.

Quote : My advice: Take some time to come up with some fresh ideas once Comic #2 is finished, and maybe take a month-long break to fully flesh out an original story. Churning out the same thing with a new coat of paint may keep you from getting writer's block, but after a while, it WILL get stale.

So, saying my writing is stale and I should dissapear for a month of more, for me is quite an insult also. Imagine someone writing this to you, I don't think you would see it nicely, especially, I know my Emma comics are some of my best work I did in a long time, in my personal opinion, of course.

I won't accept the appology from Duke, as he doesn't need to, everyone as their opinion. And I will not appoligise to no one too. He said his opinion, I told mine, end of story.

BUT___ I'll explain Why I took it very personal? Because I never dreamed of ever myself writting such a negative post to anyone ever here. I am sure if this was written to any of other great other talents we have here, they wouldn't taking it very nicely too. I am always encouraging people with their talents in life, and I saw zero positive in Duke's posting. For me, this what was so wrong with it. Seriously, I read nothing from it that was actual logical advices to me.

And "ministrations", I totally agree with you with the clumsy lettering. But again, realised, everything you see, I draw it on my little bitty screen of my little regular 3DS, with a total of 7 inch of space to work with. I did what you mentionned in the past comics, and it was hell to syncronise everything. So, I rather just write on the art directly. Trust me, I hate doing it most of the time.

And that big FU to the complainers, be happy people like me are contributing. It's not easy, you know. Especially here, when you get almost zero feed back.

So, like I mentionned a few weeks ago, I did get myself a drawing PC Tablet and will someday use it. I will finish Emma comics on my 3DS, as It's still an amazing tool to use.

I want to end this BS, as I hate drama and if you don't like my stuff, don't read it or look at it then. I also recently dealt similar BS lately on another board, totally different subject and talent I have (I multi taks in talent) , but same pattern. I got trashed by a few people, about some other things I do, and I told them a big FU, and the next day, I discovered I was featured (a second time, actually) on one of the best and popular website on that subjects.

So, when someone say I suck or something I creat, I know they are mostly full of shit.

Yes, I can be somewhat arrogant , but I proove it all the time to myself and others that I do have some real talents.

Mirage

[PowerDroid5000]

" I also recently dealt similar BS lately on another board, totally different subject and talent I have (I multi taks in talent) , but same pattern."

Same situation, different group of people, directed at the same author. Ever occurred to you that these people might... I dunno... HAVE A POINT?
....................................................................................................................................................................................

This, my friends, is why I chose to go into lurking, and decided to NEVER vocalize my opinion, despite logging on FC at least twice a day :/

People ask for opinions, and are simply not mentally prepared to have their work seriously analysed.

I don't post stories, I don't appear often and I don't contribute, therefore my opinion is probably invalid. So I better leave before I get shot at. Back to lurking, deeply sorry if I offended anyone, Bye Bye!

[Lithorien]

This, my friends, is why I chose to go into lurking, and decided to NEVER vocalize my opinion, despite logging on FC at least twice a day :/

People ask for opinions, and are simply not mentally prepared to have their work seriously analysed.

I don't post stories, I don't appear often and I don't contribute, therefore my opinion is probably invalid. So I better leave before I get shot at. Back to lurking, deeply sorry if I offended anyone, Bye Bye! :)

That's an unfortunate state of affairs, but it's all too common amongst artists. For example, I'm not a fan of a couple people's work on here - not because it's fundamentally poor, but because the execution doesn't seem well put together. However, to actually offer criticism would only result in venom, so I do what you do - remain silent and ignore them. This, in the end, hurts everyone - it's impossible to grow in talent past a certain point without being able to accept criticism, after all.

Good luck, DukeNukem. I'm sorry your opinion was ignored and attacked, and your apology trashed when it was genuinely given. I guess this is where people show their true colors, right?

[Hayley Anachronism]

I knew there was a reason I deleted my Facebook account.

While I admit I'm curious about some people here, I think I'm better off taking things at face value. I don't mind sharing some personal information. I work in a job where my personal and private lives have to be very separate. I didn't witness any of this so I wouldn't personally comment, but as a general rule it always pays to be cautious about personal information on the internet. Especially with a place like this. It just gets complicated.

I do admit, though, that I often feel intimidated about posting things here. I am an easily frustrated artist, and I confess I am frightened about posting something that was a very personal experience here and having a bunch of people either crap on it or ignore it because it doesn't feature a sex bot with open panels malfunctioning. Things like this make me feel a little less comfortable about sharing my work.

[RoxxyRobofox]

I remember when I posted the first part of a story I was writing a while back called Children of the Forge. On the boards I got some nice responses but I remember showing one friend my story and they pretty much went through and pointed out every bad thing about it. Sometimes, that's what happens when you make something and then you choose to share it with others. It's one thing to disagree with the comments someone made on your story, but to tell everyone who doesn't like your work that they can go fuck themselves is incredibly immature.

I think this whole situation has blown out of proportion and that one artist's unwarranted negativity towards another person should not discourage constructive criticism of the works of other artists. I also do not think Mirage's behavior is typical of the writers/artists that share their work on this site. If you're not mentally sound enough to handle all forms of criticism on what you've created, good or bad, then don't post your stuff where everyone can comment on it. Just put it on a private library on photobucket, tell your close friends and get all the ass-pats and good feels you need that way.

And while I'm at it I don't want anyone to be afraid of criticizing anything I write for the boards. Seriously, I enjoy negative critique as much as positive stuff because it means I am discovering new ways to improve my work and becoming better as a writer. And if the person is just opinionated and wrong, they still cared enough to read our stuff and share their opinion, which is weirdly positive in its own way.

[body]

I consider that an earnest criticism and praise are an equivalent opinion.
I think that this problem does not need to get entangled or does not need to blame someone.

[Mirage]

Well, today, I just received an very special email that comfirm my own belief that my EMMA COMICS is actually pretty good (and why I went on a warpath on anyone who said other wise).

Last week, I was at the comic book shop, and realised that my stuff is quite better than most of what I was seeing. So, on my break at work, I decided to test my own reasoning and emailed some comic companies to a link to my EMMA COMICS on youtube. I explained that was all done quickly on my 3DS.

Less than a week from it, I justngot emailed by a comic company that want's me to work for them as soon as possible.

SOOOOooo...

Bitchas! MIRAGE IS GOING PRO! (L)

I should have done this long ago... I am an idiot.. SEE, if you know your stuff, go fot it! I always didn't thought I was good enough, but just to proove to myself maybe I am, and bang, in less than a week, someone want to me work with them on real comics.

Same shit with my other talents, been in newspapers and TV multiple times, prooving again to myself, when I do something, I do it well. Many times, people quoted about me 'Go big or go home, like Mirage'. (L) true story!

[Gorgo]

I'll add my congrats to that as well, Mirage! Hope all goes well for you.

[Devil]

Congratulations Mirage! Remember us little people!

[RoxxyRobofox]

That's interesting. What's the name of the comic company? That way we can all watch for when it publishes your work.

[DollSpace]

I'll add my congratulations to the crowd; it'll be nice to see more fembots in comics, too. I hope you're a great success; I've always had a soft spot for your stories, and you do draw well, so I'll be awaiting their publishing!

P.S. It may be best to move this news to a new thread considering its character has changed.

[DukeNukem 2417]

*slow clap from the back of the room*

Well, well, well.....don't I look stupid now.

See, I was honestly trying to offer constructive criticism with the post that started all of this, and when you lost your cool with me, I honestly meant every word of that public apology.

Now.......

You've taken MY apology thread, where people were actually agreeing with me, and used it as your springboard to announce that you MIGHT be going pro, thus turning everyone's attention to you once again and trying to make me look like the biggest douchebag in the world.

Congratulations. You now have my undivided attention.

A mutual acquaintance suggested that I try apologizing again, via PM....but I think it's moved far beyond that. What started as me trying to give some strongly-worded advice and constructive criticism has now become an incredibly stupid feud over something so pithy, it doesn't even need to be described. If you insist on belittling me and taking over MY THREAD to launch your "career" in comics, consider my apology at the start of this thread retracted, rescinded, redacted and expunged.

[PowerDroid5000]

Last week, I was at the comic book shop, and realised that my stuff is quite better than most of what I was seeing. So, on my break at work, I decided to test my own reasoning and emailed some comic companies to a link to my EMMA COMICS on youtube. I explained that was all done quickly on my 3DS.

Less than a week from it, I justngot emailed by a comic company that want's me to work for them as soon as possible.

Wow, congratulations! So you manage to draw better than Simon Bisley, Todd McFarlane, Brian Bolland and Moebius... on a 3DS. Awesome! And all that, less than 24 hours after having your work criticized on a robot fetish site! Incredible! It's amazing! How could we be so wrong?

Please tell us the name of the company that called you to work for them as soon as possible, so we can continue following your work!

[Lithorien]

Well, today, I just received an very special email that comfirm my own belief that my EMMA COMICS is actually pretty good (and why I went on a warpath on anyone who said other wise).

Last week, I was at the comic book shop, and realised that my stuff is quite better than most of what I was seeing. So, on my break at work, I decided to test my own reasoning and emailed some comic companies to a link to my EMMA COMICS on youtube. I explained that was all done quickly on my 3DS.

Less than a week from it, I justngot emailed by a comic company that want's me to work for them as soon as possible.

SOOOOooo...

Bitchas! MIRAGE IS GOING PRO! (L)

I should have done this long ago... I am an idiot.. SEE, if you know your stuff, go fot it! I always didn't thought I was good enough, but just to proove to myself maybe I am, and bang, in less than a week, someone want to me work with them on real comics.

Same shit with my other talents, been in newspapers and TV multiple times, prooving again to myself, when I do something, I do it well. Many times, people quoted about me 'Go big or go home, like Mirage'. (L) true story!

So what's the company, if you don't mind us asking? After all, it was less than 48 hours since you were criticized here, and now you might be going pro? I mean, that's very impressive - a relatively new artist like yourself beating out many professionals who have been doing the work for years, focused, refining their skills. I mean, this shows that you're better than people who have senses of proportion, balance, a knack for putting only the needed color and line work into a picture... it's a most unusual circumstance that you have here, you have to admit. And the speed at which you were replied to is amazing - even professional artists don't usually get replies back about their portfolios without months of consideration and debate!

You have inspired me, though. I mean, my dabbling in writing (where I don't even have the most basic concepts down) has to be better than a majority of authors, right? So I'm sure a huge publishing company - that usually takes months to reply to entry level writers - would be willing to take a giant risk on me after almost no time to consider my work! And I get bonus points because I do all my work in notepad, which no self respecting writer would be caught dead using to create works they want to show to professionals!



All sarcasm aside, you expect us to believe that your 3DS work really got you a job with a self respecting comic publisher? Sorry, but I'm calling bullshit - at least have the respect not to lie to us, even if you're angry at things said to you.

[dale coba]

Going "all in" as he has, Mirage has put himself inside Schroedinger's box.
Making ultimatums with the world is a dangerous business.
Skeptics having beaten me to the point, I want to float my second reaction out there.

If his were a manic, boastful act of desperation, I would be frightened for Mirage.
As one of the hottest hot-heads here, I'd rather hear he was right about his deal, or letting off steam like a minor dick, than find out he's coping very poorly with real-world issues we know nothing about.

A move like this is always a self-checkmating ploy, when it is actually a ploy, mind you.
(tip over... clack)
I resign, not that I'm an opponent who matters in this game;
I just feel it's possible we're all being led into a trap where no one wins, and Mirage loses much more than the rest.

- Dale Coba

[Lithorien]

I'd rather hear he was right about his deal, or letting off steam like a minor dick, than find out he's coping very poorly with real-world issues we know nothing about.

Amen. I'd wish him the best of luck if what he said was really true. I hope it is. I just don't believe it.

[Mirage]

I know, life can be sweet sometimes (L). This makes it even more ironic and sweeter. I won't deny, I love the timing of it, it's so perfect!
Beleive me or not, only time will tell. It's was just yesterday I got the emails, so, It's going to take some time. And yes, in the email, they indicated they were inpress that what I manage to do this only my 3DS. They understand that my art is pretty good, no matter what I use to draw with.

And If you think I'll give out more info, yay... I think not.
Some of you, I don't know...
seem unfriendly toward me.

Anyway, Thank you for everyone who does support me here, you know who you are.

For my haters, choke on it, and to the mods, lock or even nuke these posts, they have done nothing positive to this community. Even someone posted this is exactly why they don't post stories or art, due of not wanting to received negative crap like DUKE did to me.
Proving my point, keep your negative comments or critic to yourself.

I just want to go back at posting my comics for the ones who likes them. Again, I still feel there is more to this than a simple negative critic. This was a personal attack for mentoward me and my EMMA comics. and Obviously, the same 2-3 friends of DUKE keep posting crap too, defending him. you can choke on it too.

mirage