Well, chalk up another "Damn, I'm late with reading and replying to a very important post..."
I have to very strongly agree with everyone that has posted in that EQFA. I do apologize sincerely and immensely on my absence, and even worse, failure to complete art for the past two calendar projects. Without dumping on everyone, the greatest problem for me has been a severe decline in health. Overall I'm quite healthy, but the injuries sustained from my car accident back in 2011 have taken a toll and I may be facing surgery in the next couple of months. I am often in too much pain to do much of anything. It has impacted my ability to focus, not to mention my emotional state. And when one is extremely depressed, one has little motivation to do much of anything.
I have also been involved in a lawsuit. I was NOT the defendant; in fact, it was to recoup money lost due to the accident. But on the plus side, I just purchased my very first house and the move consumed what little time I had not keeping my legs elevated. The new house is great, but my computer armoire was destroyed in the move, so my desktop computer is lying on my floor in pieces.
I completely understand the frustration and, quite possibly anger, you must feel, Maggie. As a holt leader running offline holts that publish, it's rare I don't have to chase after my members and beg, plead, and threaten for submissions. The concept of "no newsletter/fanzine without contributions" is often elusive. And I'm just too computer/technology stupid to run a website beyond the generic yahoo.
So, ultimately, I apologize for my absence profusely. I haven't done much art in so long, but, Maggie, it's been this website that's encouraged me to get back into it. I have picked up pen and pencil again and I've been working hard on material. As soon as I can, I will try and connect my scanner to my computer and start posting some art. A call for comments? You got it! Sure, I can ramble like anyone else, but most - if not all - artists LOVE to have some sort of critique, especially if it's positive. I will try and post a few comments and keep at it whenever I get the chance at work (work has seriously picked up in the last month).
I admit I'm one of the rare ones that actually prefers to see non-cannon characters; I really enjoy seeing other interpretations and the vivid imaginations people dedicate to their own characters. Of course the original EQ elves are the reason we're here and I love them all, but for some reason, I just enjoy seeing other people's elves posted (but I do like seeing cannon characters, do not misunderstand me). For me, try as I might, I just can never do Wendy Pini's gorgeous creations justice. I'll give it a try, though, but I'm never happy with what I ultimately end up with. Anyone else feel that way?
Count me in as one that is grateful and thrilled with all the hard (and expensive) work you've put into this website. I am a diehard fanatic of Elfquest; have been for many years and will be to the moment I keel over dead. The pointy ears have a hold on me that'll never let up. It's rare I'm NOT thinking of them. I don't bother with the other EQ websites, so this is it for me. I prefer the look of it and the community that inhabits it as well. If you need more interaction, I'm in.
Thank You Again to all that have done so much for this community!
Amberfox