Hello. I've enjoyed this site for about a year now. I've read a lot of the tuts and trying to apply them. I'm using Gimp (because I am poor), but it seems to work for now.

Having watched lots of contests and reading many forums over the past year - I sort of feel like I "know" a lot of the regulars here. Finally I am brave enough to create an account and say hi. My photoshop skills are quite basic, but it's so damn addictive I can't help but try and learn. Not to mention spending entirely way to much time with it.

Any advice is greatly welcomed.

hey there im tom. my advice is to learn what gets votes FAST or ull be slaing away over a chop for hours and it only getting 10 or so votes
weve all done it

Hey another GIMPer! Talk to Azionite and you'll get lotsa answers. I'm using GIMP too but I'm no expert [yet].

Here is a great tip : Unless you can make an amazing, awe-inspiring daytime chop, its better to just make it a sunset or nighttime scene with nifty lighting. That gets votes.

Fun first chop! Welcome to our addiction! Now say goodbye to your friends & family!

Thanks everyone!

Welcome fellow Tennesseean!

Right on! Thanks!