Originally Posted by
Thee Wolf
I sort of want to argue the contrary, though I understand completely where you're coming from. As mentioned, this rank really has become a circle jerk, though one covered in dust from neglection and disinterest from its current members. Encouraging activity within the section should always be a priority, especially for those of us who are passionate about design. As it currently stands, the only real incentive for doing so is the rank. True criticism really only is provided by a few of us, and even then quite sparingly, so I think it's fair to chalk up most member's interest lies in pursuit of the rank.
Because we've both possessed the rank for so long, it's a safe argument to say it's lost any true concern or interest to us. It's tough to argue that same point from the self-appointed perspective of everybody though. There's still members around who uphold the rank to a status it arguably did once hold, and those are the members who're still interested in attempting to acquire it for themselves. The Designer rank has become less means to showcase appointed members in their artistic talent and passion for design as a whole and instead become a relic held onto those of us who thrived in the past. I'd gladly give my spot up for someone deserving if it means it'd encourage them to continue posting and contributing to a section I once held quite dear. I'm not saying I'm no longer interested in the section as I still swing by from time to time and give critiques, but there is members who still post their work daily, provide feedback, and in general contribute in an active and positive manner; it's those members who deserve to hold the rank. You could argue they're not up to par, which may even be true, but it's been so long since we've made a change to the standings of the Designer rank that the bar once held has arguably become archaic, much like the practices of most ranks within this forum.
@Cael - You're not an official Designer, so unfortunately your nominations don't hold water given the current established process of bringing members into the ranks. That being said, I fully agree with you on both of them and would like to see them be given the rank, or at least a fair chance in receiving it.