Where is the love??

I have seen quite a bit of nastiness in our internet art world lately. Some are accusing others of copying their style (even tho to my eye it didn't appear to look the same at all.) And some are platently copying others work. Some are using other's to 'get ahead'. Some are overly pimping themselves or their sites to the point of being annoying.. Or pretending to be a friend just so you'll join or follow their site or blog, or whatever. Some are saying mean things to or about other artists. Some have forgotten the value of true friendship. Some have no clue what friendship really means. Some are all about the gossip and drama. Some are all about just themselves. The list goes on and on..and well it just makes me truly sad. What happened to encouraging and supporting each other? Not because ya want something but because it's the nice thing to do? What happened to courtesy and respect for another's bounderies, site, or art even? I am really starting to feel like I am back in high school lately. There are cliques and groups that judge, talk meanly, or push other's around or push them out. It wasn't like this in the beginning..Or maybe I just hadn't witnessed it yet? I am not sure. Maybe it's the economy that has everyone so afraid that it's bringing out the worst in some people? I really don't know. All I do know is that I came here into this online art world looking for other women artists I could make friends with. I came here hoping to find kindness, understanding, respect, support and encouragement. I came to hopefully find like minded people. I have seen nice chicks get walked all over or bullied. I have seen not so nice chicks pick on and gang up on another. I have seen a lot of hurt, fear, misunderstandings, and sadness too. Don't get me wrong I have also witnessed a lot of good too. And I have made some amazing and wonderful friendships as well. It just seems that lately there's been a bit more negativity going around..and it troubles me. It saddens me. This was once my place of refuge, my sacred santuary, my tribe of art sisters. I miss that!! I truly hope that this tide of negativity, competivness, drama, etc..is going to soon pass..In the mean time the only words of wisdom I can offer are : When you have the choice to either be right or be kind, always choose kind"....Blessings and love to all and may the warmth, and understanding return soon....Namaste