Animation Source Forums

As many of you already know, I have deleted 99.9% of my fanart gallery. And many of you want to know why. Now, keep in mind, I don't give a rat's tail about what anyone thinks (especially a certain someone, you can probably guess who) But I just want to point out a few things that have had some misunderstanding.

I have originally come to this Balto Sorce site because I figured my Balto fanart would get more appreciation than on any other fanart site. All I originally wanted was a little pat on the back, a little recognition, that I was great at mimicking the original Balto style. I acheived my goal, and coninued to post, thinking that all Balto fans would respect my art and not steal it. Art theft, honestly, never even crossed my mind when I created an account on this site. I was that trusting.

It has sent me on a journey, that taught me that people don't care about the respect of good artists (keep in mind that I am not narcissistic, nor modest because I know that I'm good, I'm not in denial) But I have also learned that people will do anything to try and help artists get respect (even if some ways are very forceful)

Now, I am not leaving the site completely. I am still going to post fanfics, and comment on others' galleries, and maybe the occasional forum. But I will no longer post fanart here. I really don't believe that punsihing everyone is fair, but I have no other choice. I'd like to thank all of those who I have met who're very respectful to me, who have drawn me wonderful gift-art, and stood by me till the end. Each of you are very nice and deserve the utmost respect and should never let anyone think otherwise.

For those who have stolen my art, but were very cool about it (meaning that they fulfilled my wishes by giving me credit or removed my art in some way) I would like to thank you for being understanding, and to just give credit where it's due, in the future. Trust me, if you do, you will be applauded.

As for those who have stolen my art and were complete ******** about it, and those who have betrayed me in any way and continued to be a jerk, you get a very big F*** YOU!!!! And I happen to think that that inappropriate language if VERY appropriate for that particular situation. I again state that I don't care what anyone thinks.

Now, I am not giving up on art (people here aren't that convincing to try and get me to do so) I am going to continue to draw, but should I continue to post it, I will be on a site where no one will find me. Should any of my worthy fans find me, I request that you tell no one that you have.

I'd like to thank those who deserved my kindness again. You all were great, and I hope you continue to draw and to not let me influence you in any bad way.

And now I end this topic with a "buh-bye."

BUH-BYE! *waves carelessly*

Jeez...That bad, huh? Aaahh...I really admired all your art, and used many of them as reference pics, due to the simplicity of their design. It's gonna be hard trying to find another person to look up to.

But I respect your decision. Art theft has become a major problem here, and seeing that you are one of BaltoSource's top artists, I can't say I blame you. Good-bye, cat. I shall miss you dearly...

Aw, that's a shame, i really looked up to you as the best artist i've ever met. I put you as one of my heros on my myspace too x3 I really will miss your artwork, and understand why you're leaving. Like what suka said, i don't blame you, and respect your decisions too.

It's a shame what people do just to get credit and attention. Oh well, hope to see you around though :3

Goodbye Cat's art *cries eyes out* I will miss your art. That little speech you gave really was a 'fine farewell'. It was a great speech, tho you didn't exactly speak it, you know what I mean, anyway it's a shame people didn't respect your art.

As Suka said, I respect your decision. I will miss your art dearly cat, I checked it every single day to see if you had anything new. I hope to see you around, I'll still read your fanfics. too bad there won't be anymore teasers to go with them.

I will now say farewell, I will miss that beautiful art dearly......

I will miss you sooooo much cat... you helped me out on everything i do now. thank you so much for your help, and i hope to talk to you soon. *huggles for you* ^^

Hmm, obviously a misunderstanding has happened. When I posted to you I think I came of too harsh or something and now I’m being blacklisted. Really I wasn’t trying to be snobby, rude, or attack you. So I apologize, didn’t meen to sound harsh. I really do like your art and hope, (hope not force), you do bring it back so you choose.

And I’m glad you posted something about it too. Leaving us less in the dark and what not. I meen, I came out of lurk-dome for you. And now that everyone hates me, (well not everyone), I think I can finally start posting. Thank you muchly.

Also glad that you aren’t giving up on your art. It is good enough for people to want to steal.

Ghosting, she is probably referring to me. I'm going to ignore the subsequent arguments that come up, but I will say this much (below), and hope everyone understands (because there's been a LOT of, as you say, "misunderstanding" - and worse, going on...and sides being drawn in some ridiculous battle of wits and stubbornness).

Cat does, in fact, do good work (I'm not too fond of her fan fiction, but that's just a matter of opinion). No one ever disputed that. It is a shame that she's decided to do what she's done, but if she feels she's been left no choice, then she has to do what she feels she must. I tend to see her closing remarks as a bit on the egocentric side. However, that again is a matter of opinion. It is NOT an attack (this comment isn't directed at you).

A lot of misinformation and attacks have been tossed around between people as a result of this, and a lot of damage has been done. In plain fact, as Steet and a few others have rightfully pointed out, a large part of this "theft" was perpetrated by people who simply didn't know that they were doing anything wrong. And, without going into details which could lead to a flame war on this thread (which I don't want to be responsible for), some members of MySpace (which is her beef) removed her work when asked (actually, more like when confronted), and others stood firm because they didn't like Cat's tone, or that of her friends. You can see the anger, and the use of profanity, and the unrepentant approach she takes. That, and little else, led to the subsequent and on-going conflict. And little else. As someone else wisely said, in another thread (I forgot which now), a person who is confronted with aggression and profanity is unlikely to respond with kindness and cooperation. They're gonna get defensive and return the hostility. That is the plain truth. And the other plain truth is that THAT is where this started to fall apart. I was approached about a month ago, by one of her friends on MySpace, with a request to remove a piece of her art from my profile, which someone forwarded to me (they had, apparently, downloaded it from this site and put it on theirs, and wanted to share it with the rest of the MySpace role-playing community. How that hurts Cat I do not know...but she's entitled to her feelings on it). I removed it that day. Cat says, in her post (above) that she thanked anyone who removed her artwork, and appreciated it. I have only, however, been met with hostility and vitriol ever since I tried to come here and help sort things out...because I am a MySpace Balto character role-player, and there are some people here who don't like that. They think it's weird. And yet, these same people role-play here the same way. Somehow, they see that as qualitatively, and quantitatively, different. I see no difference, except in the particular forum of choice.

I don't really know whether or not anyone tried to blacklist you...maybe they have. And I know how that feels. Some of Cat's friends have been watching for every post I've made, whether or not it mentions her or the conflict, and they've flamed me there. So I do sympathize if you are faced with that. I am sure you have friends here, and cannot really be "blacklisted". The same is true for me. And yet, like me, you probably have faced harrassment for standing up for yourself or someone else, or offering a counter opinion. That's unfortunate.

As far as Cat leaving? Well, it's a shame that the members will no longer be able to enjoy her art. However, with what I see as an egocentric attitude, and an unrepentant foul mouth (in type), I can't say I'm mourning.

I hope I get to see your art again. It pains me to think of the art...since it's gone. I hate those stupid art theives! They disgrace us all!

Weeellll, actually BaltoSeppala, the whole blacklisted thing was a joke. I have this unfunny humor you see, and I’m a lurker so I don’t have any friends here. But thanks for the niceness anyway! ^_^

And I hope your misunderstanding gets sorted out. Good luck.

Oh no, that's such a shame, I always loved your art Cat, I'm sorry that it's come down to this, I really am, I really respect your desicion though, it's much better that your wonderful art is'nt stolen so thinking about it your desicion is very wise, *bows*, good luck Cat.

-Frolics after Cat-