de Corbin
Head Administrator
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Registered: 09-2008
Posts: 421
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
OK, confession time. I’m sitting here in my jammies, typing, before even opening this board to the public. Not only have none of the questions actually been asked frequently, they’re never even been asked here at all. It isn’t like people are stopping me on the street and asking “So, Corbin, do I have to be a pagan to be a member of your site?”
But I’m trying to imagine what kind of questions people might have, and answer them prior to being asked. I’m weird that way.
So here goes…
1. What do you consider a pagan?
Well, there are so many types of pagans, and subgroups of those types, and sub-sub-groups, and independents, and people following their own lights, that it would presumptuous for me to offer any definition.
One of the things I like about “paganism” is that it is kind of Wild West of the spiritual world, where each person is carving out their own particular little niche. The freedom to determine our own spiritual path should be one of the fundamental rights of each human, and I have no interest in dictating any aspect of your path.
So - to answer the question - if you say “I am a pagan,” in Corbin’s Big Book of Legitimate Paganism, you qualify as a pagan. If you are a hard core Hellenic Revivalist, or you worship the Great Green Glass of Mystical Water, you are equally welcome here.
I also make no distinction between the so called “fuzzy bunnies” and strict traditionalists. You are welcome to discuss such things in The Absintherium Café, but do not expect any support from me for any exclusionist viewpoints. And if anybody gets overly belligerent, I’ll step in with both fists swinging.
2. Do I have to be a pagan to be a member?
Uhhhh… no. Nor do you have to be a pagan to post your art. If you think that your work will fit in with the general tone of what is done and shown here, please feel free to join in.
Also, your comments and criticisms are just as valid, and your tips and techniques are just as good, and you may learn things just as useful whether you are a pagan or not.
Please feel welcome!
3. Then why have an art site specifically for pagan artists?
Well now, this is a pretty good question, and I’ll try to answer it as best as I can.
I really don’t know if there are any commonalities between different pagan artists. Part of my reason for setting up this forum is to see if any commonalities turn up. I’m a curious fellow.
Speaking personally, I know that my aesthetic sense is tied up very tightly with my spiritual feelings. And I happen to be a pagan, which influences my art. I suspect that that is true for others as well - how many others, and how important it is to them, is something I don’t know. But, again, I’m curious.
Finally, if artists can form associations based on their geographic location (East Coast/West Coast artists, New Mexico Artists, Midwestern Artists, etc., I don’t see why they can’t also form associations based on their spiritual inclinations.
Pagans are, after all, a somewhat maligned minority. We’re accused of everything from worshipping the devil to being brainless twits. Let’s show people that, whatever else we might be, we are also serious, thoughtful, and talented.
So, to make a long story shorter, I would like to try this out and see what develops.
4. Can I post work which isn’t specifically pagan themed?
Oh please, please yes!
If everything in here has some kind of big pentagram plastered on it, even I will loose interest and go watch TV. Actually, now that I think about it, I’ve never actually done ANYTHING with a pentagram on it. The closest I’ve ever come are a few triskies.
Pagan artists, I would like to imagine, have all kinds of interests and artistic concerns other than making pagan stuff. Please post whatever you like (as long as it doesn’t violate one of the rules - see the “Rules” sticky).
5. Do you mind if I promote my own website, gallery, etc.?
No - in fact, I would like you to do so. But don’t be obnoxious about it.
You should DEFINITELY put a link to your website in your signature line. Everybody will know it is there, and will use it if they are interested your work.
You should also DEFINITELY post a description and link to yourself in the “Here There Be Monsters” section. But please don’t fill it with spam in an attempt to keep bringing your post back to the top. When you update your website, or add something new, make a new post and let us know so we can go check it out!
Please remember, also, that people are much more likely to go check out your site if you are a regular poster, and if you make posts of substance. Most of us can smell blatant spam from a mile away, and find it distasteful. Please use this forum for networking, but not for spamming.
6. What do all the different categories and sections of the board mean?
I’ll post a short description of each section on a sticky in the section it’s self.
If you are unsure exactly where to post something, make the best determination you can, and don’t worry. If I end up moving your post, it will just be so that people who I think might be interested in the topic will be better able to find it, in my subjective opinion.
7. How do I…
Check out the posting tips to see if it isn’t already been explained. If it isn’t, post your question. I’m not much of a techy, but hopefully I can help, or find the answer for you. If I can’t maybe somebody else will jump in and save me.
Be sure to make your question clear in the subject line so others who might have the same question can locate it easily.
More FAQ’s to follow as needed.
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