Feral Heart

Game & Forum Discussion => Game Discussion => Topic started by: FateofHearts on July 17, 2013, 12:51:11 am

Title: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: FateofHearts on July 17, 2013, 12:51:11 am
I like seeing colorful characters, but most would disagree. We've all seen what a real wolf and lion look like, so why is it that when some people try to show some individuality, they are outcast. I can understand if there's no color coordination at all, but the question remains:   Why do people dislike sparkledogs and glittercats because they are different? :-\
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Silhouette on July 17, 2013, 01:22:52 am
Well, to be quite honest, I don't think it has to with "being different." I think it has to do with a small cluster of the unrealistic and "colorful" characters (or "sparkledogs and glittercats" as you called them) disdainfully referred to as "Neons."

Whether their colors coordinate, or not, neon colored characters tend to hurt the eyes of the player looking at them. Let me ask you this, why would most people rather write with a pen or pencil instead of a highlighter marker? Because it's clearer and easier on the eyes to read pen and pencil writing than strain with the bright colors of a highlighter, much like a neon critter.

Now I personally have a vast amount of unrealistic colored characters however, the mass majority of them would not class as "neon" and if they did, it would only be a portion of their design. That's just my personal preference. However, I have no issues with roleplaying with someone who has a vibrantly colored character but they will have to understand if it starts bothering my eyes the RP will either have to end or they may have to temporarily adjust the tones to be a little darker and less "in your face".

In another thread I explained my dislike for rejection from RP's based on an unrealistic appearance (although that was more about subtle things rather than your typical bright green "sparkledog")  but I would not make the request of someone to adjust their character's looks unless the looks of them really does start to make my eyes physically hurt.

But there is also the general trend online for hating "sparkledogs" and "glittercats" and I think it very much exists in the real world too. I guess it stems from the idea that animals must be depicted as realistically as possible or else if they're not then they are classed as "for children." [How "werewolves and "dragons" earned a free pass from this, I will never understand] That just seems to be the general opinion of most people I know, because most of them will automatically class anyone depicting anything with an animal that is unrealistic as for children, silly, or "furry" type stuff. I am not a furry, but I do know that group of people  does tend to receive a lot of hate because of a small portion of them (though not all) is thought to do things I won't mention on a family friendly forum, if you catch my drift.

Though if we are all playing on a game where the main characters are animals, that kind of hate is  less grounded because the people who hate furries that much would more likely than not, NOT be found playing this game. So I really think it does just come down to the fact looking at such bright colors for too long can hurt people's eyes and they would rather avoid it or that some people have the perception that it is "immature" and "child like" somehow. Still, it gives them no right to treat you rudely out of character.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: F a t a l on July 17, 2013, 01:45:57 am
Whether their colors coordinate, or not, neon colored characters tend to hurt the eyes of the player looking at them.

I doubt that they actually hurt the players' eyes. Sure, people complain all the time about how the neon characters 'burn their eyes', but I somewhat doubt that they do. Sure, they stick out a bit more, but I've never had a character actually burn or hurt my eyes. I think when people say this that they may be exaggerating a bit. And if it does, they can just turn down their screen brightness.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Raxoremys on July 17, 2013, 07:53:18 am
Could just be me with my sensitive eyes, but the worst offenders of sparklyness really do hurt a little. Especially when they're suddenly all up in your grill, like if you're a pup at the AC and you accidentally look in the host character's direction. I don't have anything against a character simply because of their colours, I mean it's up to the player who made it, not me.
Though you can't deny, the "sparkledog" or "glittercat" look is the go-to for most people up for a spot of trolling. This has created the stereotype we are so familiar with today. As for characters who only have a little sparkle as an accent, I suppose those snubbing them simply assume they are less "literate" or a worse roleplayer because their look isn't perfectly realistic. An unfair judgement in most cases, though I must admit it's occasionally accurate. Nothing like having a "semi-lit" member covered in blue swirls barge into your "literate", realistic roleplay halfway through.
But of course, judging a character purely on appearance alone isn't a good thing. Some people whose character designs I initially sniffed at turned out to be lovely people, and better roleplayers than me. All we can do is observe and give others a chance I suppose, and try to make educated decisions.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Vespian on July 17, 2013, 08:35:38 am
Well, to answer your wonderment, the only reason I don't exactly prefer glittercats/sparkledogs is because, like most have stated before me, they tend to hurt my eyes. I honestly have nothing against them nor do I purposely stroll up and shun them. However, it tends to catch me off guard to turn my camera around to take in the bright neon hues of one of these individuals. Sometimes it even hurts, with my pupils constricting so rapidly and everything. However, when I do spot one, I just sit idly by and let them have their fun. It isn't like there's a rule against neons but everyone has their own opinion on things.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Killian on July 17, 2013, 10:22:25 am
I think if someones eyes are hurt by neons they need to see an optician because no ones eyes should be hurt by a bit of bright colour, how do you cope when going out on a sunny day? If I liked having bright coloured characters I would hate having to put up with people whining at me, claiming I'm melting their faces with my sparkle. Bright colours are everywhere, get over it! 
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: unnbrellas on July 17, 2013, 10:32:24 am
Well, I think that it depends on the sparkledog/glittercat. I dont mind the sensible ones - Their colors match well. But the ones who have crazy markings random neon colors, chances are they are a noob who knows no better or a troll. One of my main characters is considered a sparklecat (look at my sig), but I only use her to chat and hang out with friends. And for the " They're melting my eyes!" Complaint, turn you screen brightness  down, it's not rocket science.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: hellensilverwolf on July 17, 2013, 11:20:30 am
You know what hurts MY eyes? completely white characters. I tried to download preset pack or whatever, but too lazy and all in all, you can't download every preset that exists! I don't like so called "neon" characters but I never show that to them. You know, some people are always looking for reasons to tell other people what they are doing wrong. But those white characters just ruin my virtual life. Ingame, I try to be as realistic as possible and I do not mean looks. I mean acting like I'm really there, and that what I mentioned above simply destroy it. It's not their fault, I know most of them do look unique and faar better than me because of presets. I think something just needs to be done about it. I wish I could see presets instead of completely white shapes.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Vespian on July 17, 2013, 11:35:53 am
You know what hurts MY eyes? completely white characters. I tried to download preset pack or whatever, but too lazy and all in all, you can't download every preset that exists! I don't like so called "neon" characters but I never show that to them. You know, some people are always looking for reasons to tell other people what they are doing wrong. But those white characters just ruin my virtual life. Ingame, I try to be as realistic as possible and I do not mean looks. I mean acting like I'm really there, and that what I mentioned above simply destroy it. It's not their fault, I know most of them do look unique and faar better than me because of presets. I think something just needs to be done about it. I wish I could see presets instead of completely white shapes.

It's not presets. It's Mass Markings. If you so wish, feel free to PM me and I'll guide you step by step into getting rid of those 'white' characters so you can see everyone accordingly.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: hellensilverwolf on July 17, 2013, 11:40:47 am
oh believe me, I'll be grateful

oh nevermind, I tried myself and it wasn't even hard a I excpected. Can't believe I'm finally going to rest from this
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Tension on July 18, 2013, 07:20:06 am
i dislike them because honestly, they're kind of dumb and ridiculous. most sparkle-creatures have uncoordinated colors, or are simply too overloaded with colors. i don't like entirely black characters, either, i.e. #000000 black.

if you're going to have a neon character, be low key (and coordinated) about it. i have sparkle-creatures, myself, however they're not magenta with cyan stripes & yellow spots. the worst i have is a charcoal cat with chartreuse eyes, pawpads, eyebrows, and tongue.

however, this is just how i feel about it. some people don't like cherry lollipops, while others do. it's just not my thing, and it's certainly not because i don't like those who are 'different' - that's totally absurd.


edit removed the bit regarding neon colors hurting eyes - forgot about those who wear prescription lenses/those who have vision issues, my bad!!
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: YouheiSunohara24 on July 18, 2013, 10:53:41 am
Derp... I kinda agree with most peeps here. Neon hurts meh eyes bro.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: TheFourLinks on July 18, 2013, 10:57:16 am
I believe the reason some people claim that neon characters hurt their eyes is because the colors are so vivid, and just... do not mix well together. Such as, a very bright neon green wolf with neon purple spots, a neon pink or yellow underside, and purple over and above eyes. Because of the vivid, vibrant colors all on the same character, it's kinda all over the place, making it tough on the eyes. So for some people, it really does hurt. ~Vio
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Warrior4ever on July 18, 2013, 11:15:01 am
What do I think of neon characters? I think they show the creativity of our community, all the imaginative minds out there who simply like those brilliant hues. There is no law against neon characters, and why should there be? It is their choice to have such a striking color pattern, and if those colors weren't meant to be used then the color sliders would not contain the codes for such.
i dislike them because honestly, they're kind of dumb and ridiculous. most sparkle-creatures have uncoordinated colors, or are simply too overloaded with colors. i don't like entirely black characters, either, i.e. #000000 black.

if you're going to have a neon character, be low key (and coordinated) about it. i have sparkle-creatures, myself, however they're not magenta with cyan stripes & yellow spots. the worst i have is a charcoal cat with chartreuse eyes, pawpads, eyebrows, and tongue.

however, this is just how i feel about it. some people don't like cherry lollipops, while others do. it's just not my thing, and it's certainly not because i don't like those who are 'different' - that's totally absurd.

and to those saying it 'hurts their eyes' to look at neon colors, then you should indeed visit an optician. it may cause you to squint for your eyes to adjust (and even then, a small little neon character running about in-game shouldn't cause that - perhaps if you're staring at a wall painted with lime green), but it shouldn't hurt.

You shouldn't call another person's character dumb, by any means. How would you like it if people called yours hurtful and/or offensive names? We're all friends here, so hopefully this will not happen. However there is nothing wrong with being different, because technically, we're all different in our own ways. Just because there may be a neon character in a group of realistic wolves does not mean they're absurd.

I believe what people are referring to when it is said that neon colors 'hurt my eyes,' is that the colors are not as soft and blended together as much as a realistic character would be. I'm sure you've all seen a neon sign at least once, yes? They're that color to attract attention from people passing them. The same goes for neon characters, all they want is a little more attention, nothing more.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Eviny on July 18, 2013, 11:46:51 am
I think besides the truth that it easily hurts peoples' eyes it also might not be only because of the look.
  you see, as far as my own experience goes, most people who make these characters give their characters Mary Sue or Gary Stu features. The colors easily match up with their ''magic powers'' or other elements such as this. It can also be considered as cliche, and some people including myself do not like these features that much. Maybe it is just overused by now?
  On the other side, though, I don't see more reasons than the ones listed above for the hatred they get. I understand it is painful to look at especially if adjusting your screen's brightness doesn't help, but then there is of course the way to block them as well. Understanding it might not be the first option to come into mind if you want to roleplay with a person who has a neon character.
  Everyone has their opinions. Some like sparkledogs, others don't.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: meowool on July 18, 2013, 03:47:28 pm
I believe the reason some people claim that neon characters hurt their eyes is because the colors are so vivid, and just... do not mix well together.
No it's because they do physically hurt my eyes. I do wear glasses. (In truth they do hurt with them on so I probably need a stronger prescription but I have my 2-yearly appointment  that I get reminded on somewhen this summer. (Also I'm short sighted, so I don't need them for the computer.)
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: darkknight on July 18, 2013, 04:33:53 pm
I do not mind the sparkledogs and glittercats mainly for what they look like, especially for the purpose of being unrealistic and what-not. If it wasn't for the colors themselves, I believe they wouldn't be a turned away. Of course as stated times before, it does do harm to other peoples's eyes and in rare cases, those kinda of mixture of colors, like all neon mixed at once could cause seizure-like vision. Almost as if you're seeing double of something else or having your vision temporarily blurred by the color you were looking at, only brighter.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Tension on July 19, 2013, 05:49:53 am
You shouldn't call another person's character dumb, by any means. How would you like it if people called yours hurtful and/or offensive names? We're all friends here, so hopefully this will not happen. However there is nothing wrong with being different, because technically, we're all different in our own ways. Just because there may be a neon character in a group of realistic wolves does not mean they're absurd.
i apologize for being harsh with my opinion, and honestly, if people referred to my characters hurtful or offensive terms, i would understand that some may just not like my taste and that's fine. i'm not trying to be snide here, because i know that others can be a bit rude with how they state their opinions, and that's just how people can be - me being one of them from time-to-time.

however, at no point did i say there was anything wrong with being "different", as i was saying that it's absurd to think the reason why people dislike sparkle-creatures is because they are "different". there is absolutely nothing wrong with being different. i am afraid you were misunderstood there.


however, on another note, i have nothing against sparkle-creatures, it's only that i simply do not prefer them.
not my cup of tea, as it was.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: TheFourLinks on July 19, 2013, 07:29:47 pm
I believe the reason some people claim that neon characters hurt their eyes is because the colors are so vivid, and just... do not mix well together.
No it's because they do physically hurt my eyes. I do wear glasses. (In truth they do hurt with them on so I probably need a stronger prescription but I have my 2-yearly appointment  that I get reminded on somewhen this summer. (Also I'm short sighted, so I don't need them for the computer.)
That's what I meant, the vivid colors and such causes strain on the eyes, making it painful.
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: peete on July 20, 2013, 06:36:35 am
I don't really care about sparkledogs/cat, but I think one reason people hate them is because its kind of different maybe? I mean what would be the first thing to pop into your head if you saw a group of neon pink midgets while you're recruiting at Stone Bridge? Maybe some people find them as a distraction, and the neon colors making them very noticeable.

Now, when I see sparkles in Mate Centers....
Title: Re: Why do people dislike Sparkledogs and Glittercats purely because of looks?
Post by: Mewwn on September 05, 2013, 09:31:12 am
I cannot say I favor neons, but I do not shun them. I am more of a warrior cat person anyways, and when I see a neon, I like that they are creative with their character. The only time I am a neon is never... xD But I cannot say I look down to neons.