Art? is subjective but...

Photo.net is generally very open about content and is not likely to restrict anyone's efforts. Your argument that you always defend freedom of speech is somewhat undermined by your suggestion that this content should be removed - you might consider simply ignoring this 'genre' of image rather than suggesting that it be prohibited.

Art is, after all, in the eye of the beholder, and while these images don't appear to have any artistic (or aesthetic) value to my eye (lacking line, form, shape, etc) someone else might feel that this sort of image is indicative of the times and therefore is indeed art. Or there might be something of value that I'm missing - they certainly garnered a lot of comments... Either way, I have to say that you are indeed overreacting, since you asked...

- Randy

I don’t completely disagree with you that by suggesting this content should be removed is not abiding to "defending freedom of speech and art" but I feel that maybe for this forum in particular (Photo.net) it should be controlled. I do agree that it is best to just ignore the users who post this type of photo.

But I thought it an interesting debate and was curious as to others opinions and views, that is all. Thank you for yours. :)P

You can always choose not to look at them. Given what is available at a <cr> on a Google search, I doubt that Photo.net is going to ruin anyone's morals.

Jay Leno had a joke just last night about porn watching on the internet having slipped (right word?) to second place in web viewership.

I never had any concern over someone’s morals being corrupted. You control your own morality. I happen to enjoy porn as much as the next person (weather or not they will admit it!) I just think this is not the proper place to exploit it, just my humble opinion. Thank you for your input.

How is this a debate, much less an interesting one? I don't see anything to debate: he (or she I suppose) is an amateur photographer who has found amateur exhibitionists and the world is full of amateur voyeurs. No one ever said all photographs, statues, paintings, music, writing, drawings, or dance have to be art.

An honest, intelligent and direct opinion; thank you

To appreciate an artistic vision it's often essential to review not only an entire body of work, but other artistic criticism. If you regard the work and criticism received for the photographer in question over a period of time, a certain vision begins to become almost tangible that defies easy interpretations and labels, such as "porn", "morality" and "exploitation".

Out of context, certain photos, like certain words and statements, appear to be one thing. Within context, they become something else. Even within context, you may not necessarily like or agree with the statement.

It's interesting that most reactions to that portfolio - negative and positive - have centered on the nudes. Where is the outrage over the photographer's travel and street photography, which are arguably just as incompetent? Yet, again, within context, I've found his portfolio to be among the most enjoyable I've seen in a long time. His vision is refreshingly untainted by pretension.

In general, the line that photo.net draws is (in a tongue in cheek fashion) "If it would be in playboy, it's probably okay. If it would be in Hustler, it is probably not okay." Now, of course that isn't accurate 100% of the time. But it is a good guideline to think about when deciding what nude images to upload.

From time to time, images get uploaded that are over the "porn" line that we as photo.net admins draw. Users are given a chance to remove those images if they wish to continue to be active on photo.net. Most do not upload problem images to be jerks, it is just that the "porn" line is so different for so many people.

One person's "porn" is another person's "art" and another person's "JC Penny bra sale flier".

Very well put Josh, thank you. I think that I may have come across stronger then I meant to in my original posting. I was just a bit surprised to see such a collection. He does have some interesting photos and a few non nudes that IMHO are good. To Lex, I admire you very much and am happy to see that you wanted to throw your few cents into this "discussion". I know this may not seem an interesting topic to some but I do find it interesting. As an art student I am thoroughly intrigued by the fine line of "art" I was hoping to hear some introspective views about it. I will look closely at how I am putting myself across the next time.

To Mr or Mrs Atkins, I mean no disrespect. I just wish that members like this might more closely edit the photos they post as to keep closer to the objective of this forum. Or maybe that is the point of this forum, to show what they feel is their art.

I thank you for your input, :)P I will shut up now…..