06-6-2011 at 9:58 PM

Personally, I couldn't do a new riddler image with great quality if I tried.<br /> The one thing I like so much about the old one, is how the dog looked daring and mischievous. Something this new one doesn't have. With a change to the facial expression, I think that the riddler image would look much better then the old one.

06-6-2011 at 8:35 PM

I think the image is wonderfully done, I don't care about anatomy and I can not draw so I feel guilt when judging art.<br /> <br /> My only opinion, the image does not fit with the riddler. When I go to the riddler page, it just isn't as exciting now. He needs to look more menacing and then I'd have been 100% happy with it.

06-6-2011 at 6:00 PM

I honestly think that if anyone believes that the riddler image is terrible and needs a lot of changes, then they might as well do it themself. Artists on ala go through a lot, with thousands of people critiquing their art, and they have to hear the good and bad. <br /> <br /> I like the new riddler and I'm glad that there is in fact an image for the riddler.

06-5-2011 at 7:38 AM

it matters that the drawing anatomically correct? why? (not being sarcastic, asked innocently) i just thought it needs to be a beautiful picture that everyone could agree on. i had no idea people were upset with the accuracy of the drawings. interesting.

06-5-2011 at 3:21 AM

I actually like the riddler image. I'm sure a lot of time when into it, and I don't like to have people waste their time. Even though we did have that suggestion thread, here really wasn't a follow up thread to REALLY see what the users wanted, or a poll of some sort to vote.<br /> <br /> I think that, yes, while I did like the previous one, this one is a lto more sphosticated. The previous one wasn't drawn by the staff now (correct me if I'm wrong) but was a part of a contest, almost like the fanart contest for the two mascots of ala.<br /> <br /> we needed a new image and I like this one a lot. :)

06-5-2011 at 1:30 AM

<img src="http://lovethepets.com/Pets/6-australian-shepherd-thumb-334x250-333.jpg"><br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.mydogbreed.com/images/train-australian-shepherd.jpg"><br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.alacritysim.com/images/riddler.png"><br /> <br /> The crits saying the legs are too thick, that Aussies are "petite" animals, etc. etc. don't make sense to me. Looking at photo reference, and the fact I own a mini-Aussie, the dogs are built thick and sturdy.<br /> <br /> I can agree, comparing photos to the drawing, that the lower back legs might be a tad too long, but could easily be fixed by adding a buffer of fluff between the thigh and ankle areas. The elbows, when looking at photo reference, look, to me, to be in the correct position. Aussies also have fairly thick, boxy paws, and while the drawing may not have them 100% anatomically accurate, they do convey the boxiness of actual Aussie paws. As can also be seen in the photos, Aussies do have fairly rotund skulls, which is also conveyed in the drawing.<br /> <br /> The neck, when compared to photos, does not look too long to me, but the head could possibly do with being just a smidge larger, which I can attempt to edit and see how it looks.<br /> <br /> Also, on the white vs. black whiskers, my Borzoi has black whiskers on one side of his face, and white whiskers on the other, but his muzzle's fur is totally white. So it's not impossible that black whiskers would grow from white fur.<br /> <br /> However, these are very minor things, and nothing I would say discredits the image as a "bad" image, which I'm sure isn't what anyone means to say. :}<br /> <br /> Just wanted to point those things out. It may also be worth mentioning that Xylax did a heavy redline of the original sketch, and he owned an Aussie for years and was very familiar with how they look. This doesn't mean it's totally devoid of mistakes, but those that do exist are extremely minor.

06-4-2011 at 8:28 AM

Don't you think it's Fascinating how shortly after this thread began, we got a miniupdate saying this "negativity" is Disrespectful? What i wish to know is how is an opinion disrespectful? and the fact that they showed us the Correct way to say our negative opinion. I Hate Sugarcoating, no matter how many fancy words you throw in there, it means the Same thing.

06-3-2011 at 9:20 PM

I do like the shading and colors of the riddler, but, I don't remember many members voting for regular dogs to be the riddler. The members obviously see it as being something wise, tricky, or crazy. Whereas a normal dog is just...normal.<br /> <br /> Though many may not know or remember, the original riddler was a fox with branches growing out of it's back. That riddler belonged to a member, hence why it was taken down and replaced with a picture of Karma, the old mascot, which was one of the winners of the mascot contest.<br /> <br /> I also agree that the riddler should be something unique, with a tricky look to it, and a certain aura that just says riddler.<br /> <br /> As for anatomy, I completely agree with Inno. I wouldn't have known it was an aussie until someone said so. The paws, in my opinion, are also far too detailed for the breed. Aussies have very fluffy paws, and they aren't so defined.<br /> <br /> Other then that, inno pretty well pointed out most of the issues I can see.<br /> <br /> I just think it'd be much better for a shop mascot or something, instead of the riddler.

06-3-2011 at 5:37 AM

Well, I feel like I should get this off my chest. After I post this I'm not going to reply to anything else involving this unless it's the artist asking me to elaborate more on it. So here's an okay critique, I hope.<br /> <br /> I think the shading is very nice, I like the almost lineless look to it but people seem to be mistaking that for 'realism' when actually this image is very cartoon-looking in the long run. Sorry if you were going for that realistic style, but it wasn't met. At best this is semi-realistic, which fits the site better but still the piece stands out from the site due to this semi-realistic quality.<br /> <br /> The thing that hugely bothers me, because I look directly at them first, is the back legs and the elbows. <br /> <br /> The back legs are not right, the hock/foot is too long, meaning the tibia of the back leg is also too short. The femur and tibia should be about the same length while the hock/foot should be shorter. With the animal standing normally you should be able to draw a line from the middle of the hip and down and hit the hock joint straight on.<br /> <br /> The front legs, the elbows, are not where they should be. The elbow, when standing, should be located 'under' the rib cage. In this case, the humerus of the dog is too short.<br /> <br /> The leg thickness for this breed is far too thick, these dogs are fairly petite. Also the paws are not of the breed either, they're structured completely wrong. Aussies appear to have fairly long paws, they're also not very thin but they're not too thick either.<br /> <br /> The neck is too long and I personally think the dog is holding it's head too high.<br /> <br /> The face is not an Aussie face.. The muzzle is not long or boxy enough, and as a rule whiskers are white as long as the dog's white coat touches that section of whiskers. The eyes are wayyy too big and are not far enough apart. The ears are not equal in size, and that bothers me as well. One might be folded and the other sticking up, one might be farther away than the other but there isn't that much of a size difference in either excuse.<br /> <br /> The head also seems too round for the breed, should be more of a blocky head. I would also vote that the head is too small for the body and that the neck or mane is far too big, but this might be the cause of the head being too small.<br /> <br /> I hope this is good enough... Enjoy.

06-3-2011 at 1:01 AM

Opinion: No like :P <br /> <br /> Why: Look, no offense to anyone, anything, or site site, but the picture looks boring. The last riddler was crazy looking that was like 'Wahaha! I'm the riddler and no one can beat me!' and it was like in a little pose. The new image is... like kinda expressionless it's saying 'Hi, I'm passing through to go play some more fetch. Ahh!! Something got in my eye!' and it's just standing there, not really doing anything. And an Aussie?? In my opinion, that's not really a 'crazy riddler' breed. GSD was much better :) True, the old one was more cartoon y, but it's way better. If the old one could be more realistic, I'm sure everyone would be fine with it :) <br /> <br /> Just my opinion, and again no offense

06-2-2011 at 3:57 AM

I must admit, I liked the old riddler better. I liked that derpy face on him, with the frog. Plus, it doesn't really match the, "Bwahaha, I am the Riddler..." thing. The artists did do a good job on it, but, I'll miss the old one. :c<br /> <br /> Maybe if they added a derpy face or other animal to express the emotion of the riddler, it may get more positive comments. Only my opinion.

06-1-2011 at 7:42 PM

Art is one of the MAJOR draws to Ala. <br /> Honestly, I would not be here if it weren't for the amazing art. <br /> (see, I DO appreciate the art :P)<br /> <br /> <br /> Also, I'd like to point something out.<br /> <a href="http://elementalspirits.deviantart.com/art/Treefox-172339017">Here's the old Riddler image.</a><br /> It's not our Riddler anymore due to copyright claims because it was a commission. <br /> But you can see how much more unique and interesting that is. <br /> It's not just the expression either, it's the pose and just the whole setting he's in.<br /> It's just kind of disappointing when the Riddler image finally DOES get updated and it's....boring.<br />

06-1-2011 at 7:27 PM

I first off don't want to insult anybody. I think the artistry is great, and it's a cute little dog that seems to represent Ala. But at the same time it doesn't seem to have a "Riddler" image. The Riddler to me, no matter what the art is, he'll be a prankster. I think the old art was perfect, but I do agree that art needs to be update to fit the "new" style of the site. Despite what others say, (and my personal opinion), I think we should accept it, and even if there's no art at all for the Riddler, we can still have the mental knowledge of what the Riddler is to <i>you</i>. Personally, I think we're overreacting to a small game that doesn't even really need art. :)

05-31-2011 at 12:07 AM

Never Mind I can't say anything that I won't regret

05-30-2011 at 11:29 PM

When people got into more lengthy criticism of it, yeah, it ought to go to the forums, but it just sounded more like you were chastising everyone who didn't like it. I understand that you didn't want to single people out, but when you're that vague it ends up sounding more like you're telling everyone what they have to say is invalid. That's not what you intended, that's just what it came off as to a lot of people. I'd have said something more like "you're entitled to your own opinions, but some of the critique here is getting too lengthy and you might want to take it to the Debate forum" or whatever, something that makes it clear that you're really only referring to the people who got too wordy with their criticism. <br /> <br /> I think people are afraid to message the artists more directly if it's someone they've never talked to before. At least for me, I'd feel a bit like it isn't my place to go directly to them and pester them rather than just putting it out there on the news comments for them to take or leave. That's just me, but it could also be what some of the others are feeling, I don't know :P <br /> <br /> "I don't understand why you guys are going after the staff, if you don't like what they try to do for this site maybe then all you guys should leave (just my opinion don't hurt little wolf puppy!)"<br /> <br /> Nobody was really going after the staff. Originally people were only saying what they liked or disliked about the image (with a few exceptions). I don't think most people "didn't like what they try to do for the site" or anything, just didn't like that particular image.

05-30-2011 at 11:23 PM

I don't understand why you guys are going after the staff, if you don't like what they try to do for this site maybe then all you guys should leave (just my opinion don't hurt little wolf puppy!)<br /> <br /> Who said we didn't like what they do with the site? We disagree with them on some things so we should leave? In that case to use your own logic since you disagree with the current topic you should just leave as well.

05-30-2011 at 11:21 PM

I LOVE the new riddler! I think it was done very well! I am artist myself so I am no complaining. Some people just seem to over exaggerating just because it wasn't what everyone expected. OH WELL!!! It will changed again down the road. It always changes. Also, there's been several discussions about what the new riddler should be and mostly everyone agreed upon the Aussie as far as I know. I also find it disrespectful calling someone's art boring. You could say. "It wasn't what I expected," or "I don't really like it but it is nice looking." <br /> <br /> I am stating my opinion, and I know everyone has their own opinion u.u

05-30-2011 at 11:16 PM

I think you were reading too much into what I was saying, Pelo. I had no intention of saying that anyone who disliked it was being ungrateful, I've never had a problem with someone having their own opinion. However, there were people who seemed to be getting sincerely irritated and who really didn't appreciate the change at all. While they have a right to how they feel, I don't think it was the most tactful thing to say it on the news page.<br /> <br /> In no way did I intend to refer to absolutely everyone who had a suggestion about making the Riddler image better. But I was trying to avoid singling anyone out and making them feel attacked or targeted.<br /> <br /> A lot can get lost in translation, and I am sorry to those who felt like anything I said was out of line. But I feel that a lot of assumptions are being made, and misunderstandings are spiraling out of control.<br /> <br /> I've made fixes to the image. If I didn't care an ounce what anyone thought, I wouldn't have bothered. My only point was that there is a proper time and place for offering critiques or suggestions, such as what's here right now. In the forums, or even in private messages where you can bring your concerns directly to the artists. I had people who IMed me about the husky art, pointing out a few things that could easily be fixed, and I did so. But when you respond to a news post saying "Here is something the art team has done for you, we hope you like it!" with critiques and judgements that weren't asked for, it comes off as rude, abrasive, and unappreciative, even if that's not the intent. You don't have to pay for the Riddler image, it's free and was done as a site improvement. While you have every right to your own opinion, it isn't always socially polite to pick that thing apart and critique it out in the open, where it will encourage others to express their dissatisfaction. Like I said before, you're allowed not to like something, and to have your opinion, but you also need to be mindful of where you are putting that opinion and how you are going to come across. We're not art machines and we won't always get everything absolutely perfect, and there will always be people who don't like it no matter what we do. But we're still human beings who, I feel, deserve common courtesy and social etiquette. I've personally always found it to be a rude gesture when I see people on other sites just saying things like "meh, I don't like it" or "they shouldn't have changed it, the old thing was better" and so on, as well as people who offer very cutting critique rather than being mindful of their tone and the execution of what they're trying to say. But maybe that's just me.<br /> <br /> In any case, that's all I have left to say on the matter. :P

05-30-2011 at 11:01 PM

It was more implied than directly stated. Thanking the people who <i>support the change</i>, saying it's good that it's <i>appreciated by some</i> as if don't support the artists if we don't like the picture. Basically it felt a lot like Carni was telling us that if we don't like the image and say so, we are hating on the art team and being ungrateful and we should just shut up. That's not what she literally said, but it's what it felt like to a lot of people. I didn't see a lot of people being especially tactless, just a lot of "well I like the old one better because _____ and the new one needs more ____" or "I think the expression is ____". And yet people were chastised as if they'd barged in screaming OMG IT SUX!!1. Everyone was told they were "smearing the work across the front page" and "art is unappreciated" and whatnot. And now everyone's being told that the news is an inappropriate place for that. But for what? For saying "I don't like this new version"? I was unaware that the news comments were required only to be positive. If someone doesn't like it, they ought to have the right to say so. No, they shouldn't run in yelling "omg i hate it it's terrible it sucks", but I didn't see anyone doing that. Yes, when it turns into an argument it should be taken to the forum, but if we're not allowed to simple say we dislike something in the news, I find that kind of unfair.<br /> <br /> The thing is, the vast majority of people said it was good art, just that they didn't like something about it, made it clear that it was just their opinion and so forth. The only people I saw being rude were the ones implying that anyone who dislikes the image doesn't appreciate the artists and doesn't support the staff and should feel bad about it. If someone doesn't think the new Riddler picture is suitable, that doesn't mean they don't appreciate the staff's work. All it means is that they didn't like that one specific picture. It bothers me that people would take that and spin it into people directly hating on the artists' work and being unappreciative. <br /> <br /><br /> (I have to say, though, the new face is rather adorable. I'd still give him a silly hat or something but that's just me.)

05-30-2011 at 11:01 PM

Well I take back what I said before about it being just a dog, the new face is adorable :D<br /> <br /> Thank you Carni!