I don't know how many read my journals, but I know I've got a small following, so even if only a couple read this and it makes some impact then I'll be happy.

Every now and then I get an invite for some piece of mine to go into a group, and most times I accept them. I'm quite pleased when someone likes my work enough that they want to display it among others. It's a real boost to morale and overall helps spread my vision of things.

Sometimes though, I get an invite I'm not pleased with.

I always check the groups that want to add me, or any group I might wish to join myself, because I'm finding an increase in groups that take in any piece of work, no matter the level of it.

I'm not trying to have an ego with this entry, but I'm honestly insulted and annoyed when I find these invites to have some of my best shots with images that aren't up to the same caliber.

There's a real problem with groups that take everyone's work, and it's the fact that they take everyone's work.

A person gets their piece in a group and feels special because they get an increase in others looking at it and maybe more comments than they would have originally, but they aren't special. There's no standard of what qualifies as an outstanding piece to earn that spot, and that is a very, very destructive process. If we don't have any sort of challenge to be good enough and mediocre is just fine then we ourselves do not learn and progress to better our art.

Imagine if right next to the Statue of David you saw a clay figure made by a third grader. By the ratings of these new groups I see they're both of equal value and should be treasured just the same.

Now, no offense to our fictitious third grader, but I'd rather my museums be filled with the likes of Michelangelo and Rodin, not little Sarah.

I really don't have a huge speech to make on this matter, and I do want to make it clear I know that a support is always good in helping someone to really grow in what they do, but sometimes, being told what you've made isn't good enough just yet, but will be in time, is a right path too.

That's just my thoughts on this matter. If you read this and it means something to you, pass the idea on. If you don't care and just want to keep being taken in by accept all groups... well, that's your choice but see how you've progressed in time compared to those that take on being challenged instead of the the easy way in.