If I recall correctly, I think Des was okay with how Martin drew
the character. She had pointed out several differences between the
two, but I honestly can't remember what they were, or even what post
it was.
Personally, I have no problem with the character of Jade. Let's
face it, there're only SO many ways to draw a lizard female. I've
seen numerous lizard fems online who resemble Desiree, but the same
argument could be said for _my_ rendition. After all, it's possible
someone could make the argument that I was copying another lizard
character, drawn by some artist a few years before I drew Desiree's
character. I think the only thing that might've had folks arguing in
the first place was the fact that Jade's middle name is the same as
Des's last name. Or maybe it was the similar hairstyle. But who
cares? It's an entirely different character, and should be respected
as such.
Martin, I'd like to apologize for any problems this unfortunate
turn of events may have caused you. I do not recommend throwing in
the towel, because you may regret it deeply in years to come. If an
individual has a talent, they've got it for a reason, and it is their
right to nurture that talent as they see fit.
Scrapper, kudos to you for trying to keep things logical and fairly
flame-free. Your views are often quite introspective and down-to-
earth. It is never wise to start an argument based upon one's
feelings, because that means the perspectives will be forever skewed,
or at least until the involved parties are able to examine the
situation logically.
James, I was hesitant about stating this online, but I feel it
needs to be pointed out. Before I go any further, the following
statements are not meant to stir anger or anything of that sort. You
know I tend to be coldly unemotional about arguments, because getting
angry or upset just isn't going to solve anything.
You must realize that what you say online, good, bad or otherwise,
will follow you like a shadow if enough people know of it. Going off
on tangents, whether deserved or not, will not paint a good picture
of you. Remember, man, you can catch more bees with honey than
vinegar.
As a webmaster of a popular website, you should want to attract
folks and make them feel welcome. After all, you want people to
visit the site, right? A bad disposition can hurt your credibility
and popularity, and that, in turn, can have negative effects on the
artists who are going to be on the Archives site. And I'm quite
certain you don't want to hurt this project, now that it's finally so
close to completion, right?
A public apology to Martin may not be something you feel "right"
about, and that's understandable. I'm not asking for such. But if I
were the one who started the argument, and realized what my petty
words had accomplished, I would at least contact the opposing party
and apologize via private e-mail. It would be the right thing to do,
and it's not that painful. I have done it many times in the past; I
don't like it, but if I'm guilty, then I must make repercussions.
I hope that this will lend a better perspective on the situation,
and that the ridiculous, and wholly unimportant, flame-war stops now.
Thank you to all parties involved who tried to keep things on a low
simmer, and apologies to those individuals on the group who had to
read this crap in their inboxes.
--James M. Hardiman
--- In SkunkworksAMA_at_yahoogroups.com, Scrapper Black Dragon
<scrapperbd_at_y...> wrote:
> --- James La Bella <cheetah5_at_b...> wrote:
> > I wouldn't put words in Jim or Des's mouth (unless) you
> >don't want their honest opinions.
>
> James, this has unfortunately taken a downward turn. I've
> heard Martin is considering leaving the fandom entirely.
> Finger pointing is useless as it does not resolve the
> underlying problem.
>
> This a request for a BIG favour; can you PLEASE ask James
> Hardiman to spare a few minutes to give his opinion on this
> subject - Is Martin Gerlach's character, Jade Lee Green, a
> rip-off of his character Desiree Lee and does he have any
> objections to the way Martin draws her?
>
> That way this issue can be closed once and for all
> (hopefully). I know JMH is really busy, but this will
> probably mean the 'life or death' of a furry artist.
> Martin is unfortunately very serious about throwing in the
> towel, deleting his VCL archives and withdrawing entirely
> from the fandom etc. If you believe his drawing skills are
> any good, I implore you to please approach JMH and present
> this request.
>
> Scrapper, Black Dragon, bearer of bad news.
>
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Received on Wed Oct 15 2003 - 20:00:34 CDT