Ok, I was perusing some of the works and some author's galleries when I noticed that I was making similar comments on pieces that are in no way related to one another. Not genre, not anything.

The comment or comments were along this line ... "I wish I could ask you some questions about this piece (of yours)."

Sooo, how about ... just that, a night, or time when we, the viewers, could get a chance to question the artists in an open and moderated forum about a singular work of theirs or their body of work. Perhaps, the selected author would be the result of a vote, monthly as a suggestion and of course with their blessings and availability. (This could take place in IRC chat.)

It could be an option that they could subscribe to, initially, when becoming a Caedes member. "Would you be willing to participate in a discussion and answer some questions about your art?" Yes or No?"

Besides seeking an interpretive answer or two, I am sure there are some technical questions that others would like to enquire about as I have seen numerous commentaries include these types of questions as well.

Well? Good idea, or should I really ... really try and get some sleep?

This is actually not really needed. If you have any questions about a certain artist's work you can just PM your question to them. They'll be more than happy to answer any question you might have.

I was thinking of perhaps having a "Featured Artist" once in a while. My idea was slightly different, simply that people could elect an artist that they would like to focus on and people would visit their gallery and leave comments on their images that they may have otherwise missed. This idea could tie in nicely with your suggestion.

Point(s) taken.

I understand Crusader what you are saying, however, if you look at what Samatar says, it points back to the reason I mentioned the idea in the first place. To generate more discussion, more questions, more viewings and so on.

I have as yet to PM an artist, being new here ... hmm, seems like a bit if an intrusion on my part. I am trying to learn the flow and protocol ... in time, in time. To date, I, in turn, have received feedback on my feedback and I appreciate the time it takes in formulating a reply.

So, centralizing a chat (as an example for a forum) on an artist would not only increase the amount of exposure for that artist and their works, it would also reduce the time in responding to posts. A 'one stop shop and talk and ... er, write, comment,' so to speak. I hope I have made my point clearer.

I think you will find everyone in here will answer your questions and help you if you PM them, I know I personally would rather PM's because of the time difference (i'm asleep usually when everyone is awake on the otherside of the world).. =)

To me it sounds like a good idea. ..............Why not? it's certainly not going to do any harm. It will add another element of interest to the site and definately generate more discussion. It would also be really beneficial to the artist in question.
Why keep it to one artist, why not the "artists of the week".............
It will boil down to whether people take part though. It could be a huge sucess or just crash and burn, but why not give it a go?

Cheers............

This reminded me of a thought i had today. You know what would be an awesome prize to a contest? Thats right having the chance to go out and take some shots with someone like photoimagery or mayne or something. Have them flown to where you live (all expensive covered by the contest:P) and then hang out for the afternoon getting tips and such. Now that would be an awesome talk to the artist time:P.

I do see the time differential as something to be considered, certainly not insurmountable though. Events or forums held on the weekends could alleviate some of the time zone disparities.

And by the way, as an aside, thank you Jacqueline for posting your comments on PM's.

Milo's idea opens up all sorts of great possibilities beyond the humble origins of this discussion. Lunch in Paris it is ... kidding??

Here, look at this ...

"User Stats
189 total users online
131 guests online
7204 users active today
150693 total members"

Pretty imprsessive I'd say, and maybe Milo's idea, is not that far off as a distinct possibility. Who knows ... any other suggestions or thoughts?