This is something I've noticed for a while and will usually point out despite getting largely ignored by the illogical circle-jerk this community has about animation. We are not a community of pro or even objectively 'good' animators. The hard truth is that the majority of content that this community puts out is crap. A stroll through the flash section turns up such content like, speedbattle: an labelled invitation to not finish an animation, 5-10 second 'tests' and 'shorts', works in progress, and RHG "demos."

Why is this acceptable? This self-deprecating mindset is driving this community down. We have allowed the "norm" to become a focus on pointless tests and shorts with literally no value other than periodically a one-off demonstration of the principles of animation, and for what? Instant gratification. We want respect and admiration for no effort. Almost everyone in this community is guilty of this at one point or another, including myself. You know the feeling, the one you get when you start a new animation and it's turning out pretty well so you just HAVE to share it with everyone as you're working on it. This is a bad thing. Because you shared that animation, you are less likely to actually complete it.

Why is that? Take 3 minutes to watch this interesting TED talk about why it's better to keep your goals a secret. It accurately explains that talking about our goals to others satisfies your brain in a manner that is similar to having actually completed the goal. This is why we have so much crappy content. People aren't finishing their projects because they've already satisfied themselves and their lust for attention by showing their work as soon as they can. This has been going on for so long that it's become standard practice, and seriously lowered the bar for what is considered "good" or "pro." Too often do I see people called good animators when all they have EVER made are tests, speed battles and collab parts.

This is not acceptable. If you truly wish to be good and become a professional animator, then you need to shed this silly mindset and just focus on yourself. It sounds selfish, but other people don't need to know shit about what you're doing. If you are more focused on completing your animation than showing it off, you will get much better and the world beyond our community will start recognizing you. That is a proper and more realistic way to garner attention than appeasing the same set of people over and over again with sub-par content.

Unfortunately I am actually anticipating being ignored. Aside from the above, this community also has a childish and stubborn mindset. Many people will dismiss this and continue doing the same shit because of the very same mindset that desires satisfaction. Someone who continues to produce crappy content truly doesn't care about their longevity and probably is literally only doing animation for the feeling they get when people tell them how good they are. These people are scum. Do you really think your 5 second garbage dump is going to be remembered in the years to come? When someone asks someone else what the best stick animations are, do you honestly think anyone is going to bring up your work and your name if all you never made anything worth remembering? Absolutely not.

So you can really choose: are you going to be someone who tries for immediate gratification with no quality content, or are you going to actually put in effort and become someone who solidifies their place in this community long after they've moved on?

TRUTH
This is all true.

Damn Jeff, that's a very strong post.

Maybe you should sticky this thread, some people here could actually learn from it. Including me, since I always show off my unfinished shit and then end up wondering why I didn't finish it.

Thank you Jeff, learnt something new today that will actually help me this year. No posting in the my progress section :D and I have to start making more than 5 seconds animations.

This has inspired me to finish some projects I had in mind, thanks Jeff n_n

This.
I agree with this.

Jeff is right, Ive seen alot of unfinished work recently

Once again you touch me in places I have never been touched before, Jeff.

The idea isn't just about unfinished work only. It's also about posting things worth watching. I think there should be a thing that gives you a specific number of animations too post per a specific amount of time. Like that people will be more encouraged too post finished/worth posting stuff.

I totally see your point.
So many people make threads about their "Upcoming work". Then 3 weeks later, "srry i had scool :("
typical.

Quote from Pox

I totally see your point.
So many people make threads about their "Upcoming work". Then 3 weeks later, "srry i had scool :("
typical.

Jeff....I swear you preach better than Jesus....You are an inspiration to us all.

ya I totally agree with this. And this has happened to me numerous times and I wonder why I have not finished my anims. Great post Jeff.

Im glad you finally pointed it out

This makes alot of sense, but If I may point out one thing. The "tests" and "Shorts" that are made by the actual dedicated people actually do it to exercise a part of their animation skills whether it be easing, flow, gravity, anticipation, force. And if this is how you think. I can see it fully, the people who don't ask for CnC are basically saying: "Don't tell me my animations flaws so I can work on them, I just wanna know if its good" And that's true. But then again their is a majority of the community that is the complete opposite of this. People who actually would listen to posts like this and take them into account, people who actually posts test because their looking for feedback whether it be good or bad. So they can work on what needs improvement. I don't think that people pump out test anims and shorts because they think they will become famous for it. I think this only applies in some cases.

Now, as for "Focusing on yourself" This is also true. But at the same time we are in a community, are we not. The purpose of this community was so people could share their animations with everyone and get feedback so they can work to their goal. People will eventually make a full-length, but its good to show shorts and tests not because of sheer laziness but for improvement purposes. Wouldn't they want their future full length to be as good as can be so they will leave a mark on this community when they leave.

I can see were you're coming from Jeff. I just don't think this applies for the entire community. More for the newcomers or the egocentric attention whores.

Setting all that aside, thanks for the post Jeff. It was a good brain exercise and opened my eyes.

EDIT: The thought just occurred to me, people can get all the attention they want on an animation easily by making a WIP thread. Or by making a promo. But definetly not for their shorts or tests.