Hoo Boy... ArtFight Rule Changes
I have got a LOT to say about ArtFight's considerations to the new rules now that their feedback form is open.
First off, I'm glad they're actually asking what makes our work transformative, because it's a lot of things, actually! Basically everything you draw on that skeleton or traced 3D model counts as transformative. It's not that hard to explain. You are taking that 3D model and adding a unique face to it, unique hair, clothes, features that literally make it into an entirely different character. On top of that, you're putting it into a scene with its own scenery with its own context and artistic expression. Two people can use the same exact 3D model with the same exact pose and the resulting artworks will look completely different. You know why? ART STYLES EXIST, ARTFIGHT.
YES, I think guidelining and tracing 3D models and self-taken/free-to-use photos SHOULD be allowed, because I'm a slow artist who takes her quality very seriously, even if it's gift art! With the amount of attacks I've seen people churn out every year, it's so damn hard to keep up with the flow of traffic. I've seen some people put up 100+ attacks every single year and there's no way they aren't using models or bases in some way. Be realistic here. Either that, or they actually are that fast and/or spend every minute of their day drawing, which is time that a majority of people don't have.
No, you shouldn't deduct points off of people who trace/guideline models and photos! Same reason as to why tracing/guidelining should be allowed in the first place!
Second, their rules about DNIs leave me mostly indifferent. Hot take here, but I genuinely believe DNIs are redundant. Most DNIs have basic lists like, "DNI racists, transphobes, sexists, (etc.)" which, OBVIOUSLY YOU DON'T WANT PEOPLE LIKE THAT INTERACTING WITH YOU AND THOSE PEOPLE BEING HATEFUL TOWARDS OTHER GROUPS GOES AGAINST ARTFIGHT'S RULES, and do you really think those people who are morally corrupt and inconsiderate will listen to a list? No! They're going to ignore it and they're going to interact with you anyway! Those kinds of people don't respect boundaries. They never have and they never will.
DNIs are mostly childish and I've seen DNIs that specifically do not want people who have played a certain game or watched a certain show to interact. I'm sorry, but people are allowed to like things that aren't bad. If you don't like someone for liking a certain media (that isn't problematic) THAT bad to the point you don't want any contact with them, then you genuinely have a problem and need help. You are practically spreading hate to a specific group. There are bigger fish to fry right now! Life is hard enough already with bigger problems in it. This is childish behavior and frankly I don't see the logic behind it. People are entitled to have preferences and *gasp* opinions! That's right! The things that make human beings unique are allowed to exist! Shocker! We shouldn't hate or ostracize people for liking a movie, show, videogame, or fandom.
I know I got carried away in the last paragraph and I do not mean to come off as mean-spirited. I'm just tired of people being so petty with the silliest of things while there's bills to be paid, a job to be done, and food to be bought all so you can keep yourself alive. I don't care if you use a DNI. I'll try my best to respect it, but just know that I myself will not be using one (basic criteria still apply, though).
Those are my thoughts on why certain rules should not be allowed or should be allowed. Of course, everyone has different opinions and have the right to express that! I ask that you guys keep the comments civil. I know there's a lot of controversy around this and a lot of people (including me) are fired up. With that in mind, I will try my best to be respectful to you if you want to share your opinions on their rules.