Do you love Creative Spark?

[LizC]

I like it, the people there are nice, but sometimes it gets quiet with not much going on.

 

[Balaji]

I like it, the people there are nice, but sometimes it gets quiet with not much going on.

I think that this is true of many online art communities today. I have been a member of many such communities since 2002. Almost every community was vibrant with activity then. But, as the years went by, the traffic slowed down on almost every forum that I was part of.

 

[Hannah]

Just in the name of Truth... I post on WC but visit CS sometimes... [...] Moderators did not have to read the private messages, I believe [...] do not blame Doug, the ban was a reaction to active complains, and it was probably not him anyway. He does a terrific job...

Speculation and belief "in the name of truth." Lovely. We definitely live in a post-truth world, don't we? These people who have been absent for years, coincidentally arrive out of nowhere to bless us with their truth! How fortunate are we?

Doug (Yorky) was the problem, along with other moderators, but most definitely, and without a doubt, Doug (Yorky). I have private messages corroborating Ayin's unpleasant experiences at the hands of the wet blanket mod squad. If you think it was just Ayin, that they were singled out, and you'll be okay, think again.

The attempted gaslighting in this thread is a perfect example of why an alternative is always needed. To everything. Even to Creative Spark.

The truth will set you free!

 

[E.J.H.]

My negative experience was not just about the crappy interface/forum software. It was also the attitude of the moderators.
As this was at the time the site was in the beginning stages of going tits up (remarkably that proces seems to be ongoing) I chalked it up to the stress they were under and moved on. I am getting the impression it wasn't the only reason. I can do without that kind of drama, so I won't give WC another go.

Anyway, I hope this site will continue (I'm just getting my art mojo back after a bit of a slump). I vastly prefer the forum format over facebook groups and related social media.

 

[john]

My heartfelt thanks goes out to Ayin, Hannah and all the others who modded and helped out here, and that includes all the contributing members. Thank you. It's been a wonderful part of my life and a great inspiration for me. I hope that somehow it will continue here.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose............

 

[Rich53]

Speculation and belief "in the name of truth." Lovely. We definitely live in a post-truth world, don't we? These people who have been absent for years, coincidentally arrive out of nowhere to bless us with their truth! How fortunate are we?

Doug (Yorky) was the problem, along with other moderators, but most definitely, and without a doubt, Doug (Yorky). I have private messages corroborating Ayin's unpleasant experiences at the hands of the wet blanket mod squad. If you think it was just Ayin, that they were singled out, and you'll be okay, think again.

The attempted gaslighting in this thread is a perfect example of why an alternative is always needed. To everything. Even to Creative Spark.

The truth will set you free!

Don’t be shy, Hannah! Tell us what you really think! (Just teasing you, so please don't get upset!)

I wish you and Ayin all the best in the future!

--Rich

 

[Pine Cone]

Hannah, is there any hope for Creative Spark to continue???

I guess what I’m asking [begging] is if you and Ayin might be willing to reconsider??? Maybe with additional help, but with your vision intact???

TRULY this site is the best. This forum gives opportunities for creative interaction that other social media can’t begin to equal.

Sorry for bold type but the alternatives… well there aren’t really any equivalents…

Yet, you must have your reasons, and I respect that… just… talking out loud…

May you both be well and happy and healthy

 

[pcj]

I'm getting really worried that Creative Spark is going to close. I would take it on
right now except that I don't know how to manage the software. Perhaps I could
partner with someone who does. They could manage the software and I could do
all the other work .

Creative Spark is absolutely the best forum . Nowhere else even comes close.

Please, can we work something out to keep it going.
Cheers,
Patricia

 

[Terri]

To all: I know it's really hard to wait to learn more, but that's where we're at, for the moment. There was some interest expressed, and some behind the scenes testing going on, but beyond that there's been no news one way or the other as to whether we're moving forward or not.

Keep posting as you have been, and when there's something definite to report, it will be!

Your comments and ongoing support are nothing short of beautiful. Thank you all!

 

[Ayin Es]

Hi all. I've been meaning to write something for a while now but I'm still not fully myself since the surgery. I'm sorry for that and for disappointing everyone. I wish I could say that it was a matter of reconsidering, but it's not. It's a matter of someone else taking over the forum. That's really all we can offer before March 5th or 6th. So far there's only been one person that's interested in trying to learn the software but I don't think Hannah has heard anything from them in a little while. We will keep you updated if anything changes or what the status is as soon as we know. In the meantime, please know that I am honored to have helped to create such a wonderful community, but all of you are more responsible for that than I'll ever be. Thank you so much for all your warm wishes and love.

 

[PaintBoss]

Wishing you a full recovery Ayin. I understand. Please take good care of yourself.

 

[snoball]

Hi all. I've been meaning to write something for a while now but I'm still not fully myself since the surgery. I'm sorry for that and for disappointing everyone. I wish I could say that it was a matter of reconsidering, but it's not. It's a matter of someone else taking over the forum. That's really all we can offer before March 5th or 6th. So far there's only been one person that's interested in trying to learn the software but I don't think Hannah has heard anything from them in a little while. We will keep you updated if anything changes or what the status is as soon as we know. In the meantime, please know that I am honored to have helped to create such a wonderful community, but all of you are more responsible for that than I'll ever be. Thank you so much for all your warm wishes and love.

Ayin, I've known you were still having problems after your surgery, but was hoping the healing would be quicker and more thorough. This forum has been a testament to your and Hannah's devotion to art and we have all benefited from that. I wish you both all the best in the future, no matter what happens.

 

[john]

FWIW I asked Gemini about this....

What would be involved in managing a website like "Creative Spark" and could it be mostly done with an AI tool.

***************************************************

Gemini said​

Running a community forum for artists adds a layer of complexity because you aren't just managing data; you’re managing personalities, intellectual property, and inspiration. In 2026, managing a community like "Creative Spark" can be roughly 75% automated, but that remaining 25%—the "human soul" of the site—is what will determine if the community thrives or dies.

---

1. The Manager's Workflow​

Managing an artist community involves three main pillars:

Moderation & Safety​

• Copyright Protection: Monitoring for "AI scraping" bots or users posting work that isn't theirs.
• Vibe Check: Ensuring critiques remain "constructive" rather than "destructive." Artists are often sensitive about their work; a toxic environment kills participation.

Engagement & Growth​

• Weekly Challenges: Organizing "Prompt of the Week" or "Style Swaps" to keep users coming back.
• Showcasing: Highlighting top-tier talent on the homepage or via a newsletter to reward active members.

Technical Administration​

• Database Health: Managing high-resolution image uploads without slowing down the site.
• Integration: Connecting the forum to tools like Discord or portfolio hosting services.

---

2. The AI "Staff" for an Artist Forum​

You can use a "Human-in-the-Loop" model where AI acts as your front-line workers:

[td]Task[/td][td]AI Tool Capability (2026)[/td][td]Human Role[/td] [td]Moderation[/td][td]AI can flag "low effort" posts, NSFW content, or aggressive language instantly.[/td][td]Reviewing "gray area" bans and handling appeals from users.[/td] [td]Content Curation[/td][td]AI can analyze engagement metrics to automatically "feature" trending art on the front page.[/td][td]Setting the editorial "theme" for the month (e.g., "Cyberpunk September").[/td] [td]Onboarding[/td][td]AI chatbots can welcome new members, explain rules, and suggest relevant sub-groups.[/td][td]Personally welcoming high-profile artists or influencers.[/td] [td]Newsletters[/td][td]AI can summarize the week's top discussions into a personalized email for every user.[/td][td]Approving the final "voice" and tone of the outreach.[/td]

---

3. The "Creative Spark" Risk: The AI Paradox​

Since this is a community for artists, there is a unique hurdle: The AI Stigma. In 2026, many artists are protective of "human-made" spaces. If the management of "Creative Spark" feels too automated or clinical, the community may feel it lacks authenticity.

• Tip: Be transparent. Use AI for the "boring" stuff (spam filtering, server optimization) but make sure your personal "voice" is present in the community announcements and high-level disputes.

---

4. How to Start Small​

If you wanted to launch this today, you wouldn't build it from scratch. You'd likely use an AI-compatible community platform like Circle.so, Bettermode, or a specialized Discourse setup.
Would you like me to generate a set of "Community Guidelines" or a "Weekly Challenge Calendar" to help you structure the forum?

 

[Terri]

I honestly don't even know how to respond to this.

As per usual, this bot is spitting out what already exists. Human moderators, enthusiastic members, weekly/monthly Challenges - humans here are already well engaged. No one's looking for a bot cheerleader.

All that's needed here is someone willing to take the reins and have enough technical skills to learn some background on Xen Foro (the software platform here) and be able to chat with the technical folks over at Xen Foro when there's any kind of hiccup.

(As an aside, Xen Foro, the company that sells this forum software, have their own forum for their customers/forum owners, for troubleshooting and support. It looks a lot like this one. Anyone who has a Xen Foro forum can participate.)

We're still hoping someone can make the commitment, and have the time, to invest for the inevitable learning curve. On a daily basis, this place largely runs itself - but having tech support to interact with is also part of it. It's simple but not-simple at the same time.

AI sounds like a bizarre thing to try. Maybe the community members over at Xen Foro have an opinion, I don't know.

 

[Hannah]

For what it's worth, the forum will never be turned over to anyone who plans to use AI to operate it. The rise of the bots should stop at the door of art, despite the desires of the tech bros of the world.

Better no Creative Spark than Creative Spark run by bots!

 

[PaintBoss]

I find AI sorely lacking. I don’t think it’s all what it’s cracked up to be. I find it making bad mistakes all the time. I was reading something about how AI is not working as well as they thought it would when it replaces humans.I am not at all surprised!

 

[TK H-H]

AI is honestly trash in my opinion.
It's bringing standards way down too. All these awful commercials and other material, clearly made by AI. They look absolutely terrible, yet it's now acceptable. Meanwhile, if a hired artist or programmer put out that kind of quality, they'd immediately get an earful about it.

 

[john]

OK so I guess using an AI tool is bad idea. Sorry I mentioned it. I don't know how these things work. I thought if it could help in the background with somethings. We certainly would not want to be talking to an AI bot. The human connection here has always been the thing.

I think I've found a place over on Reddit....... https://www.reddit.com/r/oilpainting/ ....... It doesn't have the same cozy feel as here of course but it is quite active. One can see a lot of art. There are other subgroups for other mediums also. I don't know how we would identify each other over there. Maybe include "ofcreativespark" in our posts? Should it come to that and is OK. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

 

[PaintBoss]

Thanks JOHN. No worries, I wasn’t offended by your post. Just brainstorming.

 

[Terri]

OK so I guess using an AI tool is bad idea. Sorry I mentioned it. I don't know how these things work. I thought if it could help in the background with somethings. We certainly would not want to be talking to an AI bot. The human connection here has always been the thing.

I think I've found a place over on Reddit....... https://www.reddit.com/r/oilpainting/ ....... It doesn't have the same cozy feel as here of course but it is quite active. One can see a lot of art. There are other subgroups for other mediums also. I don't know how we would identify each other over there. Maybe include "ofcreativespark" in our posts? Should it come to that and is OK. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

No worries - I know you're coming from a place of caring, so it's all good. Sorry if I sounded otherwise. Can you tell I'm not an AI fan?