Animation Source Forums

This is something that's been bothering me. Not only is it on Balto Source, but it's on every site (I've encountered it most on BS), in every town, and in every school. Being as I've been involved in several arguments involving the "real" meaning of something and someone's personal interpretation, I've finally decided to 'rant' about it.

First and foremost, posting something (e.x., a malamute character that looks like a wolf) that is inaccurate makes the poster(s) look like a fool. Especially if they post the wrong information (height, weight, personality, whatever the case may be). Of course, this is not meant to insult anyone. But, in my eyes, it's the same case as using constant SMS; it shows one doesn't absorb their education properly, or ignores it.

I'dlike to point out that it's not that laborous to do a little researh. (Like schools, I suggest you don't use Wikipedia. Use a dictionary, or a website for that topic.) Don't trust that wolves cannot be tri-toned because someone on Balto Source said so, or you've never seen one with more than 2 colors. It's possible.

Also, don't create a breed/attribute without research. It's going to be your best asset. Where does it live? (This will help determine what it looks like.) What does it eat? Is is supernatural? Made up, or branched off of existing legends and myths? (This will also help -- READ something.)

For example -- if you're making a nosferatu vampire, research the legends of what they're like. Look in the dictionary, in books, on Vampiric websites. If you can't find extensive information, e-mail the creator of the website or a "vampire expert," and ask them questions. They could probably stir something up for you.

So you see? Things aren't that hard; you don't have to "wing it," or even guess. All you have to do is a read a little. Given no one really likes to do research (even IN school), but it's a must. And by doing this, you can brush up your skills and help someone else who may have a similar (if not the same) problem.

I'm just growing rather ere of seeing people make fools of themselves because they haven't done proper research. It's degrading to YOU, especially if you argue that you're right to come and find out you're wrong. So I ask, please-please-please, do a little bit of research. Check the local library, the online library, and websites. It'll be well worth your time. (Especially if you're making a work of literature, or drawing something realistically-based.)

I totally agree! Of course there's always exceptions but your right... there are a few (unamed) members (who I think you know anyway) that mess up breed profiles and attitudes. I usually do my research here:
[url]
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/index.htm[/url]

It provides pictures, height, weight, body shape, attitude and more. And it's easy enough that you don't need to spend forever or completely avoid it to look like and idiot.

I totally understand where you're coming from, it bothers me sometimes too. But I see that its okay to have mutations or abnormalites to a breed/species but under certain circumstances; genetics, environmental, etc. If they don't want to be true to the breed/species, make up your own, right?

Given. However, I've noticed a lot of people make mutated/evolved wolves, and they look... like... regular... wolves! It's pretty painful, because this also ties with lack of creativity and imagination.

• As animals evolve, they change. So why "evolve" a breed if it'll look the same?
• "Mutations" are abonormal traits or attributes. Such as turtles with two heads, cows with 6 legs, etc. If it's a mutant, I doubt it'll look and act "normal."

Yes yes yes, I cannot seem to understand why characters have wings? Especially wolves/canine ones. Or like something silly like that. As with crazy colored pelts and hair...I'm guilty of the hair. I feel it makes my female characters more feminine or defines personality. But I don't like the lime green, neon pelts...bothers me when theres too many colors. And the iratic patterns.

I have to agree with that. THey should think out bios and attributes more. Maybe they should get a warning about it, or comment on their character page and explain it to them. Or just a nice PM would help. I don't mind the wings, those are technically 'evolved' but after seeing to many, it does get tiring. THe patterns are confusing and don't make any sense, and I hate the neon colors. THey sometimes literally hurt my eyes, and make the poor wolf/dog look ridiculous.

Oh for the love of everything YES.
I can't express how much I facepalm when I see "This is my 'whatever breed other than wolf' character <:" and it looks nothing like it. Even huskies! They are not the same as wolves. |:

I guess I fall into one or more of the categories mentioned here. I am writing a book about wolves (not realistic), and I have very little knowledge of wolf interactions, stances, gestures and etc. I started off roleplaying wolves and I just kind of caught onto the gestures that others used to express emotion and employed them myself.

I don't think you meant that as a hint GU but I have some very good links to learn about wolf behaviour:
http://www.wolfpack-management.com/
http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/ ... about.html
http://www.everythingwolf.com/
http://www.wolfweb.com/
http://www.wolfcountry.net/
http://www.alaska.net/~wolfsong/wolf_menu.html --OR-- http://www.wolfsongalaska.org/
http://www.wolf.org/wolves/index.asp

And if you need some information about dogs, here is a link.

http://dogbreedinfo.com/

Education is a must. If it's crap, you learned something: How to spell.

Some level of education is needed for everything. I just like seeing effort, not some half-donkey attempt to make a husky that's puke green.

I honestly don't believe you thought your answer out thoroughly, Tink. You fail to provide sufficient evidence to mark your point. See? Education required.

Some teachers can be mean, but all they are trying to do is make sure you get a good job in the future. *shrugs* School IS important.


Oh, and I agree with your rant muchly.

That is ridiculous. Education is essential for pretty much everything in life.
Unless you want to end up sitting in a council supplied apartment living off government money you need it. Not to mention that's just the general example.
When it comes to art or stories knowing what your subject is is essential for making it believable and creating a good picture/story. Rather than something people don't like and looks badly constructed.

You may not like school teachers but education itself is a very good thing, personally, I love learning new things and learning as much as I can about the things I am most interested in.