You're right iron maiden. They aren't mine. So what is the point of making any comment aside from the "Very nice work" standard. The end. I wasn't trying to be cruel. I simply pointed out those things that didn't sit right with me, which is what I thought was the REAL purpose of a critique, not mere lip service. One can't improve without feedback, even if it isn't all Hip-hip HOORAY!!!

And Derek, there is a GRAVE difference between my light-hearted hyperbolic piece (which contains a humorous disclaimer, by the way) and one that comes across as a seriously morose work with images that don't seem to mesh, IN MY OPINION. Terribly sorry, but MY opinion is the only one I have to offer./ Capiche?

By the way Iron Maiden, it strikes me as an ego trip for someone to say
"It's because of responses like Ben's that made me hestitant towards posting my work."
If one only posts to hear accolades for their pieces, what's the point? Write to your heart's content, without fear of a critical word, since the true purpose is for, as you say....

"I've always written for me, it was a way to release emotions in a healthy way rather than let them eat me up."

If that seems harsh, so be it. I would gladly explain my work, defend my work, OR agree with someone if they found some faulty reasoning/wording, et al in something I wrote. The LAST thing I would do is go off half-cocked. Most of us have far more important things to do than spend time offering opinions, but trust me, I won't be on either of yours in the future.

Ben