In the past 6 days since I've been browsing all the Icon sections assiduously, I've noticed a disturbing trend: the download to comment/fave ratio for icons is insanely disproportionate. It's not uncommon to see figures like 2000 downloads, 5 comments, 2 faves.

That means literally thousands of people like the art enough to snag it for themselves, but not enough to express a word of appreciation. Granted, many of those downloaders may be visitors, but I'm sure there are at least hundreds of dA members among them.

I suspect it's the eternal battle between art and artisanship at the heart of this. If you use it, you're less inclined to comment on it as art, less inclined to notice the artist, less inclined to thank him or her for beautifying your daily routine.

So, this is my appeal to all y'all icon lovers out there: say something! Support the artist, show your love, reject the hoary old distinctions between art for use and art for viewing. You don't have to wax poetic. Even an "Oo! Cool! Using it." would be a vast improvement over the eerie silence that reigns now.

To get a feel for some of the gorgeousness you might have missed out on in the Icons gallery, check out Skin Deep, an article by ^abe-x and =ipholio which showcases customization gems.

Oh, and don't be shy about noting me any suggestions you have for DD's anywhere in the Icons gallery. This is an equal opportunity operation here.


^{Border emotes courtesy of =brokenboulevard}