UE Updates March 2012

Standard Whites

For those of you who have been members for a while, you will remember that some months back we had raised our standards in regards to what we would accept into our group as a unique equine.  It turned out that it caused both us moderators as well as the members many headaches trying to uphold those standards so they were dropped not long after implementing them, but still wanting to give those members who asked for some higher standards from us to begin with a bit of a compromise when the higher standards clearly failed, we thought not allowing standard whites, which are all too common, into our group was a good idea.  While the standard white rule hasn't caused any problems for us moderators and we haven't had any complaints from the members (thank you, you are all wonderful!) we have been feeling strange and a bit uncomfortable about not allowing standard whites into our group.  So after a few months of saying no and cringing each time we have had to reject such a piece we are finally going to start saying YES again!  Let's face it, the idea of allowing all other unique equines into the group but not standard whites is just silly!  If you have any Standard Whites which we rejected because of the rule in the past, you are more than welcome to resubmit it now.  

Mutant Genes

I think the time has come where we should discuss this. Via our guidelines we don't accept equines that could occur in nature so in a technical sense it would allow submissions of what I would consider mutant genetics that still look like normal horses into our group.

When I originally created this group the intent was based on fantasy equines, to be very specific, my intent was based on extreme fantasy equines, so I cringe very hard at the thought of allowing these mutant genetic horses into the group.

The other thing in regards to those horses is that I don't know squat about equine genetics. So if a horse looks normal to me I will just assume that it can and does occur in nature. We are lucky that we have our mod LittleKirara to help us with the genetic side of things, though in all honesty I don't think we should be relying on genetics and rather on what some n00b like me would consider a natural horse.
I don't want to get picky or pissy but I really don't want to lose the focus of this group either and to me allowing those submissions would be moving away from what this group is all about over a technicality. So, this is where I'd love to hear what our members think about this?  What are your thoughts and or opinions on this matter?  

Features

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Chat

While our group does have its own chatroom :#UniqueEquines:, I'd like to take a moment to let you know about :#equinecommunitychat: as well.  This new chat has been fairly active as of late with several of your fellow EC members so if you enjoy chatting and have some free time I suggest you stop on in.

Equine Community News

Ashzoi has taken over writing the Horsin' Around articles for MichelleWalker you can find the most recent article here Horsin' Around Vol. 16

Nikkayla is thinking about holding a photomanipulation contest and wants to know if people would participate and or donate prizes.  Find out more here.

EarnestlyEquine is a brand new group aimed at helping equine artists with their craft as well as giving those of us who have been around these parts for some time a place to experience the old soul of the EC again.  

KaxantheDragon is looking for some help and has lowered her commission prices, for more info read here.