Steve, I didn’t see it either and was assuming the worst. The key word here being “assume”. I wondered also, due to some of the posts where the thread was heading. I just stayed away except for a “[:O]” because I didn’t know.
Your intentions were good. Just uninformed. Thanks for looking out for the forum. Just know what you post about next time. You were only trying to be righteous, for good reasons.
Jarod
Everyone’s hung up on the potential prudish/sexual connotation (I did see the original photo before it was pulled) but I would guess that some of the complaints may also have been aimed at the religious/sacrilegious aspect as well…but that’s just a theory. Religion (especially this time of year) is something that stirs up quite a bit of passion (also evidenced by some of the comments in this thread apparently [:-^] ) so could be the larger reason in play here. Either way, FSM/Kalmbach has the right to police this forum as they see fit and I have no problem with them responding to people’s complaints and dealing with them accordingly. This isn’t a public space so the usual “1st Amendment” type of outrage doesn’t really apply here.
The fact that in the “2008 in Review” thread the pic of of the Russian female tanker who’s naked from the waist down is still up and has been for some time would seem to indicate that something else is at work in the complaints department this time around…either that or not enough people viewed that thread and complained accordingly one of the two…[;)]
That is one of the most pithy comments I have heard in a very long time. Bravo Manny!!! [bow]
I’m almost tempted to stick that in the signature line…
Bill - I agree with your comment and the fact that he was singled out shows “someone” has an eye on Manny and keeps him on a short string or has it in for him. The problem is he is so good at creating figures his femaile figures envoke a sexual connotation with some viewers who want to see that, though from Manny’s standpoint I’m sure it is just great art.
Many of the great masters of art did nude women and today we applaud them. I understand the “family” concept of the forum but I put it to you that it is not Manny who is the “dirty old man” but the viewer who sees more that great artwork.
I saw the photo and there was nothing IMHO wrong. I do realize I am not the moderator and that is their decision. In a forum which shows figures killed, dismembered, etc., and the fact that we all do armor which for the most part is war related, are we worried about children getting violent ideas from our builds?? Violence is OK but a provocitive (not nude), female image will cause a problem. I would agree if she was nude but, as I said, it was the “minds” of the complainers who have a problem.
I suggest we get back to model building, have fun and stop concentrating on this type of trivia. To those who complained, think of the great master’s of art, nude statues and paintings, some at the Vatican, next time you see one of Manny’s women and applaud the art! This is a site that applauds and models the implements of violence. Enjoy the hobby!
The above is MHO and may not be the views of some here. It is not intended to offend anyone but is just an expression of opinion. I do understand the right of the moderators to police the site and have no problem with that practice
Go to the bench and build
Rounds Complete!!
In Europe, where their teen pregnancy rates are FAR LOWER than the USA’s, soft-core pornography is available at night from 12:00 to 6:00 AM (or so I’ve been told? [:-^])
Women’s breasts are shown freely in magazine ads, and story headers in fashion mags, and catalogues. It’s "no big deal"for kids. They’re not all running around fearing (or forming obsessions about) the dreaded “boobies”!
You can’t, and WON’T “protect” kids from sexual imagery by trying to extirpate it and stamp it out. It only makes them MORE curious, and more ignorant about it, as the veil of silence that goes along with its suppression only adds to its “forbidden appeal”.
I find it very sad that the USA is not more progressive and mature about the whole subject.
I agree that “someone was out to get Manny”.At least that makes me hope that someone actually wasn’t truly “offended” by such an innocuous image.
I have always felt that the “Report Abuse” button is the most over-used/abused function on this entire forum. See a picture you don’t like or a point of view you don’t agree with? No problem, just mash that button for all you’re worth…
That may well be. Especially lately. I have never used it except for troll posts. I know it’s been used on me and some of my threads from a year, two years ago. Alot of us guys posted some silly and fun threads. One member took an issue with one of “us” and then another and basically became a “member troll”. He is gone now. Many of you know who he is/was. But alot of good members left before his little game finally got him canned.
Be respectful. We’re all in this together. Let’s treat each other right.
60
I normally try not to get in the middle of disputes, as I see it rarely serves a purpose. I did feel, however, that perhaps if I spoke, it might help folks understand how some may feel about the image Manny posted.
I personally do not care to look at nudity, but that is simply based on my own convictions. Each person makes their own decision in that, and other matters, certainly.
However, in this instance, that was not what bothered me.
What did bother me- … perhaps the right word is “grieved”… was the presentation of something that stands for conviction of belief presented in the way it was. Though I am not Catholic, it still represented to me a disrespectful image.
I know others do not hold my beliefs, and that is fine. I truly care for every one of you no matter what your beliefs are. To stand on what I believe, “Love thy neighbor as thyself” is something I take very seriously. I hope the testimony of my past actions has demonstrated that. Each and every one of you have great value, and I am blessed to know you, and enjoy the fruits of your friendship, and your wisdom of modeling.
But please know that just as many of you may not see how such an image can be offensive, others may have a perspective that cannot allow them to see it any other way.
I say this not to judge anyone… it is not my place to judge anyone. I simply hope this will at least provide perspective on why someone may have a view contrary to any that you have. And again, I apologize for getting into the middle of this.
And simply to answer the question some may have in their minds, I did not send in a complaint, though I do not begrudge anyone who did.
And I am not out to get Manny. Manny, you are an incredible talent, and your skill and techniques have been a tremendous inspiration to my modeling. I thank you for sharing your work, I truly do.
I hope that in this season of peace, we can set aside our differences, and celebrate in friendship, respect and brotherhood this wonderful hobby we have as common bond.
Now, as my dear friend Tom Myers would have said… “Go build something.” And may peace and blessings follow you, friends.