EDIT: I've seen a lot of symbol hate going around lately. Plus since the symbols changed I figured it's time to update this journal
also my writing skills have vastly improved & articles weren't very editable back then.
We are...
a diverse group of individuals brought together by a common interest: ART. We come from all corners and crevices of the world joining together in one common place forming a community, identifying ourselves and nothing more or less than what we are; artists.
We are not...
symbols. Each username followed by a symbol is no more or less than another. We are all individuals and people behind screens and usernames. Some of us with symbols, some of us with none. Strip away the symbols and we find deviantART: a community. Individually we are people: people with different ideas, thoughts. People with feelings, creativity and a mind. Stripped away; each one of us is a human being with the requirements of oxygen, food and sleep to continue - and with something; if only one thing in common with you. They came for the art and to become part of this community.
A problem arises...
when we fail to remember these simple facts. Members hold expectations of fellow deviants at a higher standard than that is [if any] required. We are judging based on a little text symbol rather than the people whom they are. Here's some things we all need to know and realize.
also my writing skills have vastly improved & articles weren't very editable back then.
deviantART: A community of artists and those devoted to art. Digital art, skin art, themes, wallpaper art, traditional art, photography, poetry / prose.
We are...
a diverse group of individuals brought together by a common interest: ART. We come from all corners and crevices of the world joining together in one common place forming a community, identifying ourselves and nothing more or less than what we are; artists.We are not...
symbols. Each username followed by a symbol is no more or less than another. We are all individuals and people behind screens and usernames. Some of us with symbols, some of us with none. Strip away the symbols and we find deviantART: a community. Individually we are people: people with different ideas, thoughts. People with feelings, creativity and a mind. Stripped away; each one of us is a human being with the requirements of oxygen, food and sleep to continue - and with something; if only one thing in common with you. They came for the art and to become part of this community.A problem arises...
when we fail to remember these simple facts. Members hold expectations of fellow deviants at a higher standard than that is [if any] required. We are judging based on a little text symbol rather than the people whom they are. Here's some things we all need to know and realize.& no symbol - Regular Members
All of these are regular members; not a single one better or worse. The only difference between the first four and no symbol is a premium membership & beta testing abilities. That's it, there is nothing more special, outstanding or given to to any deviants with these symbols.
- Seniors
Senior members have earned their seniority through various ways. Unless seniors were previously CVs and have earned a 'til hell freezes over subscription, like us they continue to pay for the premium memberships.
While becoming a senior does provide a few perks - they are not given much more than your average member and a medal. They are not CVs, they are not staff. They can't do anything about deviantXYZ trolling you, report them. They can't take down your stolen work - report them. And they can't tell you why there's a glitch when you're submitting, contact the helpdesk
Seniors have worked for their medals as recognition for volunteering, community involvement, artistic endeavours and other such reasons. Anybody is welcome to suggest deviants they feel deserve seniority status by noting fourteenthstar
While becoming a senior does provide a few perks - they are not given much more than your average member and a medal. They are not CVs, they are not staff. They can't do anything about deviantXYZ trolling you, report them. They can't take down your stolen work - report them. And they can't tell you why there's a glitch when you're submitting, contact the helpdesk
Seniors have worked for their medals as recognition for volunteering, community involvement, artistic endeavours and other such reasons. Anybody is welcome to suggest deviants they feel deserve seniority status by noting fourteenthstar
FAQ #29: How do I become a Senior Member?
- Community Volunteers
Community Volunteers are just that. Deviants who have volunteered their time and effort into helping create an awesome space for us artists together by featuring Daily Deviations, hosting contests, chat nights, projects and other wonderful events. They strive to bring our community together and bring us and our art to the forefront.
One thing we all need to understand is they are not paid to be here and are not under any obligations or owe us anything in particular. Everything they do is run on their own free time. Many of them have actual jobs, families and lives where dA just falls into something they have come to love and support therefore volunteering to make it a better place for us.
They [like seniors] are not here to cater to you - they do not have to help you, promote whatever you want or give you anything. As you would with anyone else: be polite. Acting like a decent human being is probably going to help you a whole lot more than acting like a self-righteous jerk, having a good attitude will probably get you further with them [and everyone else] if you avoid acting like an asshat. And again, they aren't the helpdesk either.
One last thing to remember- they, like you, me, seniors and everyone else could also use help from time to time. Make sure to take time out of your life to help them if they need it, it will make both yours and their dA experience a little brighter.
The dA Staff are here to keep this site running, keep us all on track and help make our experience great. They keep our community going, squish the bugs, handle those pesky glitches and keep the monsters at bay... and between all the community spirit, glitter, bug squishing and monster fighting they're still here creating art with the rest of us.
I think we've all seen this posted somewhere, yet we all fail to realize, we ARE part of this. We should think of these things and keep them within ourselves as well. Not just as members of deviantART, but as human beings also.
C O M M U N I T Y
We believe that our community is our most important resource and we strive to act in ways that nurture and encourage its growth, development and ultimately its ongoing success. We err on the side of the artist.
R E S P E C T
We treat each other with respect, as we believe that every deviantART employee, volunteer, and member is a contributing factor to deviantART's success. We acknowledge that even those that challenge our patience offer important lessons we can learn from and strive to do so.
E X C E L L E N C E
We share a passion for excellence, quality and creativity in everything we do and strive to instill these values in our community.
A R T I S T S
We are artists and we reserve time for creative expression. We recognize the importance of nurturing our inner artist, as not only beneficial to ourselves, but also integral to our connection with the community.
T R U S T
We build trust among ourselves and within the community by being true to our word. We speak honestly and with integrity and hold ourselves personally accountable to deliver on commitments we've made.
E M P O W E R
We believe in a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, and maintaining open, positive communication that encourages and fosters creative genius.
In conclusion...
One thing we all need to understand is they are not paid to be here and are not under any obligations or owe us anything in particular. Everything they do is run on their own free time. Many of them have actual jobs, families and lives where dA just falls into something they have come to love and support therefore volunteering to make it a better place for us.
They [like seniors] are not here to cater to you - they do not have to help you, promote whatever you want or give you anything. As you would with anyone else: be polite. Acting like a decent human being is probably going to help you a whole lot more than acting like a self-righteous jerk, having a good attitude will probably get you further with them [and everyone else] if you avoid acting like an asshat. And again, they aren't the helpdesk either.
One last thing to remember- they, like you, me, seniors and everyone else could also use help from time to time. Make sure to take time out of your life to help them if they need it, it will make both yours and their dA experience a little brighter.
FAQ #85: Can I be a volunteer on DeviantArt?
You an also read more about community volunteers in this Did You Know? Community Volunteers article.
You an also read more about community volunteers in this Did You Know? Community Volunteers article.
Finally, we come to deviantART Staff - these people actually can help you. However - you should still contact the helpdesk if you're having problems or report violations. Sending these people notes because you're mad about something isn't likely to help your situation.- dA Staff
The dA Staff are here to keep this site running, keep us all on track and help make our experience great. They keep our community going, squish the bugs, handle those pesky glitches and keep the monsters at bay... and between all the community spirit, glitter, bug squishing and monster fighting they're still here creating art with the rest of us.
Core Values of the Community Relations and Operations Department
I think we've all seen this posted somewhere, yet we all fail to realize, we ARE part of this. We should think of these things and keep them within ourselves as well. Not just as members of deviantART, but as human beings also.
C O M M U N I T Y
We believe that our community is our most important resource and we strive to act in ways that nurture and encourage its growth, development and ultimately its ongoing success. We err on the side of the artist.
R E S P E C T
We treat each other with respect, as we believe that every deviantART employee, volunteer, and member is a contributing factor to deviantART's success. We acknowledge that even those that challenge our patience offer important lessons we can learn from and strive to do so.
E X C E L L E N C E
We share a passion for excellence, quality and creativity in everything we do and strive to instill these values in our community.
A R T I S T S
We are artists and we reserve time for creative expression. We recognize the importance of nurturing our inner artist, as not only beneficial to ourselves, but also integral to our connection with the community.
T R U S T
We build trust among ourselves and within the community by being true to our word. We speak honestly and with integrity and hold ourselves personally accountable to deliver on commitments we've made.
E M P O W E R
We believe in a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, and maintaining open, positive communication that encourages and fosters creative genius.
In conclusion...
We are NOT symbols! -
we are people
We are artists, that come together with a common passion and drive.
We are not the same, we are individuals. There will always be somebody we don't get along with, we don't see eye to eye with and that quite simply, we probably just don't like. That's not deviantART, that's life.
Behind the computer screens and key strokes - behind the data we transmit flying through wires and hubs we are people. Every last one of us - breathing, living, thinking, creative people. We have hearts, ideas, inspiration and dreams.
Each one of us unique, each one of us a little different than the other... each of us with something amazing and fantastic to offer.
Each one of us coming together as a whole to make this community.
Each one of us matter, regardless of symbols.
we are people
We are artists, that come together with a common passion and drive.
We are not the same, we are individuals. There will always be somebody we don't get along with, we don't see eye to eye with and that quite simply, we probably just don't like. That's not deviantART, that's life.
Behind the computer screens and key strokes - behind the data we transmit flying through wires and hubs we are people. Every last one of us - breathing, living, thinking, creative people. We have hearts, ideas, inspiration and dreams.
Each one of us unique, each one of us a little different than the other... each of us with something amazing and fantastic to offer.
Each one of us coming together as a whole to make this community.
Each one of us matter, regardless of symbols.
