I was just recently talking to someone about the concept of community as it relates to art. We were particularly talking about getting in were you fit in. It is no secret that I am NOT a fan of the mercenary mentality as it relates to art. Guys who do art as a vocation who are not about adding anything to the community, just their own pockets. Lately, as I have been working with my buddy on solidifying Detroit Trade Craft, I have finally begun to understand that people do, indeed, have their places.

Talking to artists who are very passionate about what they do, I find money takes on a totally different role. People who are passionate about what they do, see money as a means t an end and not the end itself. These artists, while they respect money's power within the society, typically view it as a means to get cool stuff done. Sure, these people are human and enjoy the creature comforts but they are at heart just about putting out cool stuff and helping the artist community thrive.

The mercenary types, that I spoke about earlier are useful in that they can be used to help carry the workload. It's kinda like prostitution. You know exactly what you are paying for when you go after it. You know that this person is selling sex for cash, No LOVE, NO Tenderness. Clarity is good.

But then their is a different type of Merc that you guys should all watch out for. The guy who feigns community but is really only about his bottomline. These people will get close to you and use you as a resource time and time again. However, they really don't care about your moving forward as an artist or helping you to do so, they just want to make sure that you are their to aid in their development and financial gain.

I have, personally, experienced this for years. People I have aided for the sake of fostering a better community, who ultimately didn't contribute shit to the community other than some aloof condescending piece of advice or otherwise. Being a computer support guy, I have even had artist blow my cell phone up when they had computer problems. These same guys won't pick up a pencil for FREE, but these cat's have the NERVE to let me leave after I have saved their asses with nothing more than a "thanks man, I really appreciate it."

I have been kinda naive as it relates to other artists, due to the fact that I am pretty much an idealist but I am glad that I am finally learning to pick and choose who I allow to use me as a resource.

In otherwords, watch your back the users are out there ladies and gentlemen.

1.If you find yourself giving a lot of your time or some other resource and ultimately
don't feel any tangible reciprocation you are probably being used.

2.If you find yourself being the "go to guy" on issues that would cost people huge money to take care off and you not getting anything other than a "thank you", you are probably allowing yourself to be used.

3.If people come to you with projects and they are making money, but expect you to do them for exposure you are probably being used.

4. Watch people who are overly concerned about their bottomlines, and readily let it be known that this is their primary concern. They are probably users.

Community is one of the most important aspects in art. That's why DA and a million other sites exist. Make sure we are helping them grow and not just pilfering them only for what they can do for us. It's reciprocity baby.