This article is dedicated to the overwhelming negative response to CEA UPDATE 20090130; Issues Involving Copying.

Before I begin my stance on this issue, I am well aware of the majority's opinion (at least everyone who has openly expressed theirs) regarding direct tracing i.e. superimposing a layer or sheet over an original image and copying it. This is the most basic form of tracing and is frowned upon- with good reason! But what I believe is causing the most commotion, and confusion, is understanding (and accepting) what practices fall into the category of tracing and the gravity of each one.

Similarity

It's impossible to peruse all of deviantART's submissions and determine exactly what is original, derivative and/or an all-out imitation. If you've ever browsed the Pin-Up gallery (with its signature poses) or done definitive searches, you have undoubtedly come across a pile of near-identical images. Such marked similarity with sometimes little to no deviation makes it even harder to discern what is original or copied.


Growth and Guidance

I refuse to believe that no one here has ever tried to emulate the style of an artist they admire. It's so common that it's widely accepted as a phase artists go through at least once while they develop their own style. Every artist has a mentor or someone they look up to. The result of this is work that reflects elements of the works of those we admire- be it in colors, styles, poses, etc.


Personal Experience

There are countless rejections on CEA UPDATE 20090130; Issues Involving Copying and hateful comments but I've yet to see one mentioning any instance of an actual incident involving their ownwork and an accused party. There are, however, countless jabs at instances involving fan art and an accused party who coincidentally happens to be very popular- which brings me to my next, and last, concern.


Popularity and Cheating

Truly brilliant artwork will always shine brightest among those that were traced or made by other ill methods. If cheaters and tracers really are as worthless as you say they are, then why are you treating them as if they were a threat to your presence here on deviantART?

Worrying about possible incidents just makes it harder to control what already was from the beginning, given all the composites of cheating, justification and proof.

My last piece of advice is to simply do what you do, and do it well.