Allow non-Pokemon art in #art-showcase

[errant basalt]

#art-showcase is a channel for the artist community in the server to share their art with others. It is primarily used by a relatively small group of consistent participants, whether as artists or as spectators participating in art discussion.

Historically, while most art has been Pokemon related, occasionally folks post non-Pokemon art. The recent restriction on this was poorly received. Considering that this channel has become more of a smaller "server art community", I think it's worth noting the general sentiment that the artists in there have towards this restriction.

There's already a separate channel for sharing Pokemon-only art in #poke-art. Because the amount of pieces posted in #art-showcase is limited to the pieces that we as artists on the server actually make ourselves, I don't think that it would get particularly flooded with unreasonable amounts of non-Pokemon art. Besides, channels that allow non-Pokemon topics do already exist on the server (#1025828482627940412, #main-plaza ) so there is a precedent.

From a moderation perspective, I understand that if there is non-Pokemon art, the mods may not be as familiar with everything posted; that being said, it should still be fine to catch any art with topics that might break the rules (eg. NSFW) without any knowledge of the source fandom or other origin.

Thank you for your time!

[fair maple]

I hope it's alright if I just copy paste what I sent through modmail!

Hello and I apologize if this is any bother to the mods.
I would like to write down some ideas regarding the Art Channels, because I do have some thoughts.
First of all I want to thank for the clarifications that Zeen posted.

If the moderation choices for the art channel were set in place due to the ties with DeNa, then I absolutely understand, but I personally feel that stiffling the creativity of artists isn't a good choice and I think that as long as people adhere to the rules in general then things should be okay.
Having a dedicated mod only for the art channels to keep an eye on things daily would be an idea to keep everything in check and also potentially check whether or not people share art by artists who might've drawn inappropriate content before.
I would even personally volunteer to send an application if a art mod is needed and I'm sure there would be others who would send in applications as well to keep the atmosphere in the art channels positive.

Another concern (and somewhat of a personal grief) is that I would appreciate if AI generated content gets banned without compromise, or at the very least heavily moderated without compromise. Aside from all of the negative points that Gen AI brings one of them specifically related to the server would be that it could have a negative impact on the DeNa ties, as Gen AI is generally seen as inferior "slop" that greatly decreases trust in brands.

[acoustic stratus]

Hey there, thanks for your suggestion and your thoughts on the matter! The staff team is actively discussing the future of #art-showcase as we speak and we appreciate seeing your opinions. Thank you for being patient and polite with us while we discuss!

[leaden ruin]

I agree with the point that AI generated content should be banned in every channel, not just the art channels

It’s already not allowed on the subreddit so I find it a little odd that it’s allowed here

[smoky flare]

I don't really have a ton to say that hasn't already been said better (aside from the fact that I heavily agree with Winston on the AI thing) but if this rule is going to stand I want to know the exact reason behind it rather than just being told other media isn't allowed anymore, especially because #art-showcase has been super close knit for my entire time on the server, at least

I just don't think it's fair that all of us be left in the dark on this ruling when there's neither precedent nor any indication that there was even a conversation about this from my perspective

[fierce gazelle]

What an interesting announcement :o

personally, I don't see the harm of allowing non-pokemon art that people draw. if its not suitable for pg13, it shouldnt be in this server regardless of whether its pokemon or not.

when i try to think of reasons why you might disallow art, there rly is nothing that comes to mind. artists tend to be the soul of a community, and this sudden announcement just seems to be hurting some of the goodwill of artists. it feels weirdly restricting.

if youre gna stick with this change then it would be best to be transparent with the reasoning. how its been done rn kind of just leaves a sour taste.

i think having more options is a good thing, it gives people a greater ability to bond and connect. its fun finding out other interests you share with your friends, and this is a good place to share art with your friends. i really dont know why you would restrict it in such a way.

[dusky frigate]

I understand the concern that maybe posting random art of non-Poke or even non-PMEX may be confusing or making the viewers lose interest in this channel. But such curiosity for the art could engage a better environment for an art channel, I think.

Also asking the artists to maintain/manage their post moderately so it could be less "off-topic" could help. And I believe each artists here also know that in this Pokemon-based channel, they will immediately give context for each art they made. If any viewers aren't familiar with it, they can just ask for more info regarding that matter. Like maybe other relevant links or images.

[outer halo]

I also would like to understand why such an announcement was made all of a sudden. it's being received poorly because there was never any indication of non-Pokemon art being restricted until yesterday. The inconsistency in rules sticks out in particular because the subreddit already disallows AI so I'm not sure if there was already a rule on this server... If nothing else, couldn't we make a new channel that is more dedicated to non-Pokemon related art posting? It seems already the standard in other servers (gacha and not), so I'm unsure why it might be different here.

[earnest pond]

Give us the freedom we deserve
(Of course still applying the rules)

[errant basalt]

Thanks mods for addressing this! :)