Apparently I struck a nerve.

While browsing the "Artistic Nudes" category today I encountered an image of a nude man masturbating - an image that clearly violated dA policy.

FAQ #565: You prohibit the submission of 'pornographic imagery'; what do you consider this to be?

When I visited the artist's page I was astounded. Astounded because their gallery features some extraordinarily beautiful images. This image - with its ridiculous "Artist's Comments" designed to "justify" its placement on dA seemed unbelievably out of place. I commented the image, pointing out to the artist that regardless of their intent, some people on dA were always going to view it as "just another image of a guy masturbating." The image shortly thereafter disappeared (I can only assume the artist realized I was right) and then they posted the following on their page...

"If you see my work and don't like it, I feel you cannot and should not judge me and write comments if you yourself have nothing to contribute to DA. Listing yourself as an "art appreciator" does not entitle you to be an authority. If you don't like it, keep going. I see things on here I don't always like, and you know what, I do the adult and professional thing and just keep going. I don't spend time and effort blasting their work in a comment."

A few points here...

This has nothing to do with whether or not I "like" an image. I encounter plenty on dA that I don't particularly like and don't comment on because I figure to a certain extent people have the freedom here to explore their inspirations. But violate dA policy? Yeah, I'm definitely going to have something to say about that.

I never claimed to be an authority, just one that appreciates art. By agreeing to dA's terms and conditions you've said you'll follow policy. You've also given me the right (and every other subscriber) to comment on your images. Get over it.

I have plenty to contribute to dA, which includes my comments, which fall completely within what I agreed to when I signed up. I have another page on dA of my photography which stays within the policy guidelines. You may even be shocked to find out you've faved some of my images.

I'm sorry... sorry if you don't like policy or if you think you're above it. You're not. You want to post what dA deems as porn? Do it on YouPorn or start your own website and do whatever you like. More power to you. Just remember: this is not your website - it belongs to deviantArt. You want to be a part of this community? Follow the rules. It's that simple.