2,000 followers are getting closer

Last time I reached out at 500 followers, and I think I’ve earned the right to say a few words to you at this milestone :) There won’t be any gimmicks to get to 2,000, but I must admit I’m a bit proud to have reached so many people here. :)

First and foremost, I would like to thank borges_b, SimianHose, and Jost4Fun, who have been accompanying me on this journey for some time, enduring my moods, bringing smiles to my face, or just being welcome conversational partners.

I would also like to thank Djoji, skyger, OliviaRossi, and reijlita, who all create fantastic models. I especially want to highlight OliviaRossi, who has also helped me greatly with many answers to my questions. You have helped me advance significantly :)

Not to forget all the other wonderful people with whom one can always have a nice chat and, last but not least, all you followers who sometimes drive me to distraction (why don’t they like this picture?!) and sometimes leave me amazed (why do they like this picture!?). Without all of you, I might have quit long ago. But you continually motivate me anew. Thank you for that :)

So what’s next?

For my images, I currently still prefer Pony the most. But I also like playing around with Illustrious because the prompts are so beautifully implemented. I’m still a big fan of semi-realistic images, though I’m currently more inclined towards 2D. So, I’ll mix both. Sometime in 2025, I’ll also start exploring FLUX; right now, I’m not quite ready yet. Plus, I’m thrilled that my bounties have been so well-received, and your great submissions will continue. They are always a lot of work, though, with preparation, evaluation, and post-processing.

In recent weeks, I’ve started my gallery to show you images that I really like. It’s important to me to display as much diversity as possible. So please don’t be surprised if I add one of your images one time and maybe not the next. Or I might have shown an image similar to yours before. I want to stress that these are subjective decisions, and I’m aware that my choices might not always be right. But I try to give everyone a chance to get more support for their images, especially those who may not have many followers yet. Nevertheless, more established users should not be overlooked, as they have earned their recognition with their great images. I also want to renew my offer that you are always welcome to reach out with your images if you believe you’ve created something great. Or perhaps you’d like to see more images in a different style or theme. I’m always open to your suggestions.

So, thanks again to all of you. You are amazing! And finally, I have a small request for 2025. Let’s try to treat each other respectfully. I admit, it’s not always easy nowadays. But don’t argue over things with others that you cannot change anyway, and don’t expect from them what you are not willing to give. If we all could be a bit more willing to engage with each other and accept different opinions or lifestyles, we could all live better. :)

So, here’s to a great 2025. May your wishes come true!

Your Roxin