Smashing Mag is a web design blog. Not a porn site. If you were a designer who had a spouse, how would your partner feel about you looking at porn, in "the name of design"? And "inspiration"? That's completely ridiculous.
There are many reasons for not having this, I'm sure the biggest reason for most of you would like to avoid being fired if you're at work, and you stumble across an article or album like this. It's completely pointless to have galleries like this.
Also, think of the way graphic designers will be viewed. Every good designer knows that relationships matter, and designers affiliated with SM will be viewed as a bunch of sex-starved males who look at porn for a living, instead of making websites or logos for their clients.
What about child protection? It's a design magazine, why should there be any sort of material like this on your site?
The most important reason for me would be for the sake of morals. I don't know how many of you would care, but morally, what's the point? Don't tell me that you would look at this gallery JUST FOR inspiration.
It's disgusting that SM would even think of posting this article. It's disappointing that so many other designers would even accept an article like this.
I will unsubscribe from the website, RSS, and your Twitter feed if the decision is made to keep this article.
trwired - 15 years ago
I would love to see such post! It's just that I would like to see it on a different website. It just doesn't fit into SM profile.
While you may have an temporary influx of traffic because of the post, I think you'll lose some long time, dedicated readers, even if for no other reason than they can't read SM at work. Inspiration posts are great, but if poorly planned they run the greatest risk of losing readers (anybody remember the blowup on SM after that "Horror Artwork" inspirational post?). This is a webdesign blog, right?
John - 15 years ago
For those of you complaining and speaking out against the showing of nude photography you are showing your ignorance of art and photography. Nudity in art is as standard as nudity at birth and while there are any number of sites containing pornographic material there are also many sites containing tasteful nude photography showing off the form of the human body in all its elegance.
Having said that (and I feel that it was important to point out peoples ignorance and I couldn't care less if you want to tear me apart for my comments) I don't feel that SM is necessarily the best place for a post on nude photography. There are a number of sites out there that contain nude galleries (both men an women so stop complaining about the objectification of women) that present photography at its best.
Possibly a better post would be to discuss the nature of nude photography and what it means to the art world then provide links to sites that users have the option to visit if they so desire.
Based on the results it looks like the majority by a long way would like a nude photography post, either way SM is one of the best design blogs I have come across and anyone who is willing to let a little nudity put them off following SM will only be doing themselves a disservice.
P.S. for those who are pointing out that nude photography has nothing to do with web design or development, did you also complain when the Rain photography, Macro Photography, HDR photography, Underwater Photography etc. were posted?
Let me think bout it ... and the the simple answer comes quick: NO! There's so much pr*n and stuff like that overall and everywhere - and honestly - there is absolutely no need for SM to do so ;)
Azizur - 15 years ago
For those seeking inspiration from nude photos here is my advice: go to your wife/husband or girlfriend/boyfriend look at her/him, s/he has what every other nude person has.
Also for those very keen to see nude photos would you look at you own mom or your sister naked? I rest my case with you!
For all in general: would you go and tell your other half that you watch nude photos for work! No matter how much someone loves you, they would not look @ you the same way after you say something like that.
@SM: Have some respect and decency! Don't be just another porn gateway like may of the others on the internet.
Fryguy451 - 15 years ago
Only if you have a section dedicated to photography.
Having said that: All of you commentators that equate "Beauty of Nude Photography" to merely a collection of men or women being photographed without clothing need to get a grip..
Smashing has been posted good articles the entire time I've been visiting the site. I would think that other people that visit regularly would have known without being told that it would not have been simply a pr0n redirect.
I personally would be more interested in design trends and conversion techniques in porn website design.
It fits the mission of SM and might provide some valuable insights (particularly regarding conversion in a field where so much content seems to be free).
In general I do not find the photography trends articles, in any subject area, very helpful.
I think yes ,within reason, because nudity is an very important eyecatcher and therefore very useful for designpurposes. I am not talking porn of course. and let us be honest ; it is beautiful .
Matt - 15 years ago
I agree that this idea (and much of the recent content) has shown SM trending away from what I thought was it's goal.
Oh well, I was hoping that I could direct the mag to my work on my personal site at ameliag.com but I guess I can't have the actual link as my website URL. Which is awfully weird as the site only launched in July. Maybe Akismet is old skool and likes links with a 90's pedigree better.
I'll repeat as many other comments here have already said. What has Nudity has to with Web Design and Development ? Are you taking this too as a trend eh !?
I think there is enough nude photography websites out there and although you would be getting a lot of traffic in response to this Photography, which don't get me wrong is an art form, I think it would cheapen what Smashing Magazine is.
I think the bigger question is, "Is Smashing Magazine really about to lose a bunch of readers on the account of one post?"
I think there are more innovative posts that SM can write, as it has done in the past.
Catrina - 15 years ago
It wouldn't take long for the Corporate Internet Nanny Service to find it, flag Smashing Mag as inappropriate due to nudity, and block me from ever seeing it again at work. (It took weeks to get access to Getty Images back when it got flagged for nudity. Boing Boing was blocked for a year because of a book review.)
I agree with Dom about creating an affiliate site for artistic inspiration, which I would happily look at from home.
boobsonmahscreen - 15 years ago
i'm surprised at the number of responses by people who find nudity "offensive". "inappropriate", based on where they may be viewing your site from, i can understand. but, seriously... offensive? that's... sad.
unfollowing SM because they run *an* article that you don't like?
TPOL - 15 years ago
If you have a good reason to do it, do so.
and surely most of the people objecting to this know the difference between porn and art? Porn is what you pretend you don't look at.
No... if there's one thing anybody knows how to find on the internet, it's nude women. Does Smashing really need it? Yes, if your goal is driving up traffic. Inspiration lists are never as useful as tutorials (your recent switch in focus has been great!) I've got no problem with the nudies, but it is so out line with what I would expect to find at Smashing
Hrcnfloyd - 15 years ago
I get it. Really, I do. I took every drawing and figure drawing class available in art school. I understand the inspiration and profound connection between the human from and fine arts.
While I expect you will treat the medium with taste and respect and create an inspirational post I say don't do this. Content filter don't car about your intentions or how "tasteful" it is. You'll just get blocked.
I agree with Robert K and Gerard. Besides being offensive it is completely unnecessary for your site. You have been such a great resource it would be a shame for you to go down this path. Keep doing the great posts you have been doing recently, please.
@playfuleye - 15 years ago
Angel, I loved your response. It made me laugh. :)
Smashing, I agree with some that this may be a little out of your web design area. However, you post great examples of photography all of the time, and I believe this Beauty of Nude Photography would be an excellent addition to your collection. If there were links to lighting or composition tutorials, even better. Just be sure to post it with the proper SFW or NSFW tags so your twitter followers don't get in trouble.
Post the beauty of nude collection and I'll never follow Smashing Magazine again, nor view another one of its articles. I don't view your photography articles by principle. But now, if I happen to say that I read Smashing Magazine and its had nude photography on it, whether or not it is pornagraphic, I'll feel dirty and compromised just by saying that I read the site. I don't see why "nudity is okay so long as it isn't porn" is some kind of unspoken rule with design sites, as a Christian I blacklist all sites that push this envelope.
By the present statistics SM will lose some 70 or more readers, of those who participated in the poll, if not more. Are you sure you want to put yourself into this category, SM? There are already more than enough semi-nude, nude, pornographic, etc, photographs showcased and/or available on the internet!
Viewer - 15 years ago
Stop and think just for a moment...I work for myself and I don't have any sort of content filter; but no doubt many of your users do. Without a doubt, you will loose viewers to these filters. However, you will not pick up anyone because of it. (People who are looking for nudes are not going to wade through everything else.)
I RT your Tweets fairly often. Most of my followers are other pros, but I've got a few clients who follow me. You could have the most amazing Tweet; but I can never RT you if one of my clients MIGHT see a nude on your site. I simply can't risk it.
Don't jump the shark. You've got a real good thing going. I feel so smart and connected when I RT your posts. Please don't take that away from me.
Karina - 15 years ago
I know that are great photographers out there and do great art with nudity but I don't come to SM to look for that, I want the great techniques and advices I 've been finding here for my development. I appreciate if you don't bring those articles to SM.
Hans - 15 years ago
If you want to see beautiful nudes, they are all over the web. If you want Smashing Magazine; there is only one. Don't dilute the exceptional with the mundane.
Anon A Mouse - 15 years ago
I don't see what the fuss is about, it's hardly going to be Porn is it.
But then, even if it is, you can choose to close your browser, and also don't forget, if it wasn't for Porn the Web wouldn't how it is today and most of us wouldn't be doing what we love doing.
KVN - 15 years ago
Objectifies women - please! Nude photography spans both sexes, save your biased preaching for where it belongs.
The human body is wonderful and should be served for inspiration where appropriate. I am quite sure SM would present quality, inspirational work wether it was NSFW or not. It's all about context and art.
If your mind can't see past it, don't look at it, but don't stop other creatives who can explore all avenues for inspiration, including that of nature. If a pic is not of a persons taste or us a little gratuitous in their eyes, move to the next one. Simples. I am open minded enough to accept that it may serve to inspire something in others.
Since when you need permission to show a human body? Thats insane! As much as I love the US, my dear American fellows you have serious issues... @SM: Go ahead show us some great photos of the most natural thing!
(incidentally - given the question asked and the answers proposed, I wouldn't take the results of this poll too seriously) - BTW - I voted No, rather not.
It's a difficult area - because it crosses the line between work and personal - like so many pure or fine art references. You need to ask yourselves (or us, your audience) which way you want to go. SM is a wonderful resource for so much which I value in work - design, development, inspiration - and it never fails to deliver - God knows there's enough inspiration out there and you guys never fail to sort the wheat from the chaff. From a purely selfish perspective I say don't do it - I'd love to see it, but I just know my work web-filter will block it, and ban SM, meaning I'd miss out on so much more. Why not put it up on an "affiliate site", which you promote and advertise from SM - so you get the views, you get to promote this quality artwork, possibly create a new outlet yet don't risk losing any viewers. Bring on SM*ART Magazine! (you can have that one for free, but good luck registering the domain)
josh - 15 years ago
I don't feel it necessary, but that's your decision. I would be for it if it was done as art and not pornography. However, if you do choose to use it, please use a tactful image and not scream NUDE PHOTOS in the post headline. I often check this as a designer at my workplace - the YMCA - and that would probably not fly too well with our internet filters!
Azizur - 15 years ago
If you do that I'd never ever visit your site. To top that I'd block you on all the social media so that I don't get any update from you.
Its totally not required. Today "Beauty Of Nude Photography" tomorrow GOD knows what. This is kind of gateway to everything unethical and immoral.
We live in 21 century where we're suppose to respect women rights but we seems to treat women like some kind of sex object. Ask those are being used and abused by this kind of immoral business for sake of money!
YES: if and ONLY IF it is tasteful, artsy and SOMEHOW ties into web design, then it MAY be appropriate. After all, inspiration comes in from all angles.
Chris - 15 years ago
Considering that a) nearly every designer has taken a life drawing or photography class at one time or another, and b) the human form is the basis (either directly or indirectly) for 90% of all art through human history, why the hell not?
I take it that you probably mean female nudity, in which case I reckon it would be geared towards a tasteless approach to women objectification to please our male ego. I don't see why not.
Joe - 15 years ago
There is absolutely not enough nudity on the internet. Show us some titties!
What does nude photography have to do with webdesign or -development?
Inspiration my friend, inspiration! :D
Gerard Klomp - 15 years ago
I believe it is absolutely not needed for Smashing Magazine to post such content. When looking at the vision of the organisation, it does not fit:
"Founded in September 2006, Smashing Magazine delivers useful and innovative information to Web designers and developers. Our aim is to inform our readers about the latest trends and techniques in Web development."
What does nude photography have to do with webdesign or -development?
Absolutely Not.
Smashing Mag is a web design blog. Not a porn site. If you were a designer who had a spouse, how would your partner feel about you looking at porn, in "the name of design"? And "inspiration"? That's completely ridiculous.
There are many reasons for not having this, I'm sure the biggest reason for most of you would like to avoid being fired if you're at work, and you stumble across an article or album like this. It's completely pointless to have galleries like this.
Also, think of the way graphic designers will be viewed. Every good designer knows that relationships matter, and designers affiliated with SM will be viewed as a bunch of sex-starved males who look at porn for a living, instead of making websites or logos for their clients.
What about child protection? It's a design magazine, why should there be any sort of material like this on your site?
The most important reason for me would be for the sake of morals. I don't know how many of you would care, but morally, what's the point? Don't tell me that you would look at this gallery JUST FOR inspiration.
It's disgusting that SM would even think of posting this article. It's disappointing that so many other designers would even accept an article like this.
I will unsubscribe from the website, RSS, and your Twitter feed if the decision is made to keep this article.
I would love to see such post! It's just that I would like to see it on a different website. It just doesn't fit into SM profile.
While you may have an temporary influx of traffic because of the post, I think you'll lose some long time, dedicated readers, even if for no other reason than they can't read SM at work. Inspiration posts are great, but if poorly planned they run the greatest risk of losing readers (anybody remember the blowup on SM after that "Horror Artwork" inspirational post?). This is a webdesign blog, right?
For those of you complaining and speaking out against the showing of nude photography you are showing your ignorance of art and photography. Nudity in art is as standard as nudity at birth and while there are any number of sites containing pornographic material there are also many sites containing tasteful nude photography showing off the form of the human body in all its elegance.
Having said that (and I feel that it was important to point out peoples ignorance and I couldn't care less if you want to tear me apart for my comments) I don't feel that SM is necessarily the best place for a post on nude photography. There are a number of sites out there that contain nude galleries (both men an women so stop complaining about the objectification of women) that present photography at its best.
Possibly a better post would be to discuss the nature of nude photography and what it means to the art world then provide links to sites that users have the option to visit if they so desire.
Based on the results it looks like the majority by a long way would like a nude photography post, either way SM is one of the best design blogs I have come across and anyone who is willing to let a little nudity put them off following SM will only be doing themselves a disservice.
P.S. for those who are pointing out that nude photography has nothing to do with web design or development, did you also complain when the Rain photography, Macro Photography, HDR photography, Underwater Photography etc. were posted?
Let me think bout it ... and the the simple answer comes quick: NO! There's so much pr*n and stuff like that overall and everywhere - and honestly - there is absolutely no need for SM to do so ;)
For those seeking inspiration from nude photos here is my advice: go to your wife/husband or girlfriend/boyfriend look at her/him, s/he has what every other nude person has.
Also for those very keen to see nude photos would you look at you own mom or your sister naked? I rest my case with you!
For all in general: would you go and tell your other half that you watch nude photos for work! No matter how much someone loves you, they would not look @ you the same way after you say something like that.
@SM: Have some respect and decency! Don't be just another porn gateway like may of the others on the internet.
Only if you have a section dedicated to photography.
Having said that: All of you commentators that equate "Beauty of Nude Photography" to merely a collection of men or women being photographed without clothing need to get a grip..
Smashing has been posted good articles the entire time I've been visiting the site. I would think that other people that visit regularly would have known without being told that it would not have been simply a pr0n redirect.
I personally would be more interested in design trends and conversion techniques in porn website design.
It fits the mission of SM and might provide some valuable insights (particularly regarding conversion in a field where so much content seems to be free).
In general I do not find the photography trends articles, in any subject area, very helpful.
I think yes ,within reason, because nudity is an very important eyecatcher and therefore very useful for designpurposes. I am not talking porn of course. and let us be honest ; it is beautiful .
I agree that this idea (and much of the recent content) has shown SM trending away from what I thought was it's goal.
Oh well, I was hoping that I could direct the mag to my work on my personal site at ameliag.com but I guess I can't have the actual link as my website URL. Which is awfully weird as the site only launched in July. Maybe Akismet is old skool and likes links with a 90's pedigree better.
Is my personal site in some kind of database, so I can't post if it is the website URL? Just testing now to see if it works with a work site URL.
Yes - but not for the nudity's sake.
There better be something other in pic to be on SM.
I'll repeat as many other comments here have already said. What has Nudity has to with Web Design and Development ? Are you taking this too as a trend eh !?
I think there is enough nude photography websites out there and although you would be getting a lot of traffic in response to this Photography, which don't get me wrong is an art form, I think it would cheapen what Smashing Magazine is.
I think the bigger question is, "Is Smashing Magazine really about to lose a bunch of readers on the account of one post?"
I think there are more innovative posts that SM can write, as it has done in the past.
It wouldn't take long for the Corporate Internet Nanny Service to find it, flag Smashing Mag as inappropriate due to nudity, and block me from ever seeing it again at work. (It took weeks to get access to Getty Images back when it got flagged for nudity. Boing Boing was blocked for a year because of a book review.)
I agree with Dom about creating an affiliate site for artistic inspiration, which I would happily look at from home.
i'm surprised at the number of responses by people who find nudity "offensive". "inappropriate", based on where they may be viewing your site from, i can understand. but, seriously... offensive? that's... sad.
unfollowing SM because they run *an* article that you don't like?
If you have a good reason to do it, do so.
and surely most of the people objecting to this know the difference between porn and art? Porn is what you pretend you don't look at.
Nude photography is art. SFW or NSFW doesn't matter.
No... if there's one thing anybody knows how to find on the internet, it's nude women. Does Smashing really need it? Yes, if your goal is driving up traffic. Inspiration lists are never as useful as tutorials (your recent switch in focus has been great!) I've got no problem with the nudies, but it is so out line with what I would expect to find at Smashing
I get it. Really, I do. I took every drawing and figure drawing class available in art school. I understand the inspiration and profound connection between the human from and fine arts.
While I expect you will treat the medium with taste and respect and create an inspirational post I say don't do this. Content filter don't car about your intentions or how "tasteful" it is. You'll just get blocked.
I'd hate to see that happen.
I agree with Robert K and Gerard. Besides being offensive it is completely unnecessary for your site. You have been such a great resource it would be a shame for you to go down this path. Keep doing the great posts you have been doing recently, please.
Angel, I loved your response. It made me laugh. :)
Smashing, I agree with some that this may be a little out of your web design area. However, you post great examples of photography all of the time, and I believe this Beauty of Nude Photography would be an excellent addition to your collection. If there were links to lighting or composition tutorials, even better. Just be sure to post it with the proper SFW or NSFW tags so your twitter followers don't get in trouble.
Please don't... Some people look at Smashing Magazine at work, and would for sure get in trouble stumbling into nude photos.
It's a good way to get SM blocked at the workplace. They already block enough stuff here for god's sake.
I love Smashing Magazine, but I will probably unfollow if you do this. Women in this field don't need any help being objectified and marginalized.
Unless you were planning to post an equal number of male and female nudes?
Do it and I will promptly unfollow you, never to RT you again.
Post the beauty of nude collection and I'll never follow Smashing Magazine again, nor view another one of its articles. I don't view your photography articles by principle. But now, if I happen to say that I read Smashing Magazine and its had nude photography on it, whether or not it is pornagraphic, I'll feel dirty and compromised just by saying that I read the site. I don't see why "nudity is okay so long as it isn't porn" is some kind of unspoken rule with design sites, as a Christian I blacklist all sites that push this envelope.
By the present statistics SM will lose some 70 or more readers, of those who participated in the poll, if not more. Are you sure you want to put yourself into this category, SM? There are already more than enough semi-nude, nude, pornographic, etc, photographs showcased and/or available on the internet!
Stop and think just for a moment...I work for myself and I don't have any sort of content filter; but no doubt many of your users do. Without a doubt, you will loose viewers to these filters. However, you will not pick up anyone because of it. (People who are looking for nudes are not going to wade through everything else.)
I RT your Tweets fairly often. Most of my followers are other pros, but I've got a few clients who follow me. You could have the most amazing Tweet; but I can never RT you if one of my clients MIGHT see a nude on your site. I simply can't risk it.
Don't jump the shark. You've got a real good thing going. I feel so smart and connected when I RT your posts. Please don't take that away from me.
I know that are great photographers out there and do great art with nudity but I don't come to SM to look for that, I want the great techniques and advices I 've been finding here for my development. I appreciate if you don't bring those articles to SM.
If you want to see beautiful nudes, they are all over the web. If you want Smashing Magazine; there is only one. Don't dilute the exceptional with the mundane.
I don't see what the fuss is about, it's hardly going to be Porn is it.
But then, even if it is, you can choose to close your browser, and also don't forget, if it wasn't for Porn the Web wouldn't how it is today and most of us wouldn't be doing what we love doing.
Objectifies women - please! Nude photography spans both sexes, save your biased preaching for where it belongs.
The human body is wonderful and should be served for inspiration where appropriate. I am quite sure SM would present quality, inspirational work wether it was NSFW or not. It's all about context and art.
If your mind can't see past it, don't look at it, but don't stop other creatives who can explore all avenues for inspiration, including that of nature. If a pic is not of a persons taste or us a little gratuitous in their eyes, move to the next one. Simples. I am open minded enough to accept that it may serve to inspire something in others.
Challenge me, that's what I say. Inspire me...
How about showcasing web pages with good design using nude photopgraphy ?
That sounds like it relates to Web Design..
no. noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Thats all i can say.
Hell yes, why not?
Since when you need permission to show a human body? Thats insane! As much as I love the US, my dear American fellows you have serious issues... @SM: Go ahead show us some great photos of the most natural thing!
(incidentally - given the question asked and the answers proposed, I wouldn't take the results of this poll too seriously) - BTW - I voted No, rather not.
It's a difficult area - because it crosses the line between work and personal - like so many pure or fine art references. You need to ask yourselves (or us, your audience) which way you want to go. SM is a wonderful resource for so much which I value in work - design, development, inspiration - and it never fails to deliver - God knows there's enough inspiration out there and you guys never fail to sort the wheat from the chaff. From a purely selfish perspective I say don't do it - I'd love to see it, but I just know my work web-filter will block it, and ban SM, meaning I'd miss out on so much more. Why not put it up on an "affiliate site", which you promote and advertise from SM - so you get the views, you get to promote this quality artwork, possibly create a new outlet yet don't risk losing any viewers. Bring on SM*ART Magazine! (you can have that one for free, but good luck registering the domain)
I don't feel it necessary, but that's your decision. I would be for it if it was done as art and not pornography. However, if you do choose to use it, please use a tactful image and not scream NUDE PHOTOS in the post headline. I often check this as a designer at my workplace - the YMCA - and that would probably not fly too well with our internet filters!
If you do that I'd never ever visit your site. To top that I'd block you on all the social media so that I don't get any update from you.
Its totally not required. Today "Beauty Of Nude Photography" tomorrow GOD knows what. This is kind of gateway to everything unethical and immoral.
We live in 21 century where we're suppose to respect women rights but we seems to treat women like some kind of sex object. Ask those are being used and abused by this kind of immoral business for sake of money!
I feel offended when there's little to no nudity.
My answer goes both ways.
NO and YES.
NO: it has nothing to do with web design.
YES: if and ONLY IF it is tasteful, artsy and SOMEHOW ties into web design, then it MAY be appropriate. After all, inspiration comes in from all angles.
Considering that a) nearly every designer has taken a life drawing or photography class at one time or another, and b) the human form is the basis (either directly or indirectly) for 90% of all art through human history, why the hell not?
I take it that you probably mean female nudity, in which case I reckon it would be geared towards a tasteless approach to women objectification to please our male ego. I don't see why not.
There is absolutely not enough nudity on the internet. Show us some titties!
Well, the request was to feature some excellent artists and photographers - the showcase of nude photography is supposed to serve as inspiration.
What does nude photography have to do with webdesign or -development?
Inspiration my friend, inspiration! :D
I believe it is absolutely not needed for Smashing Magazine to post such content. When looking at the vision of the organisation, it does not fit:
"Founded in September 2006, Smashing Magazine delivers useful and innovative information to Web designers and developers. Our aim is to inform our readers about the latest trends and techniques in Web development."
What does nude photography have to do with webdesign or -development?