For furry at least it's more about getting an audience for a customer base, people to pitch in for a patreon or buy commissions (or both) or buy folios or whatever they're trying to sell. For some its side income, for others its their main income, so they try to push themselves and advertise as much as they can.

For the people just trying to be popular. That's just sad, popularity shouldn't be a goal in and of itself.

Do your thing, if that meets your needs then you're good to go.

I actually do just want to be popular, but I'd prefer that to be a natural thing. Money would be nice but I'm really uncomfortable asking for it. Which is why I'm glad Inkbunny gives you a donate button whether you ask for one or not.

It's fine to desire popularity, it's just not a great idea when it becomes an end goal in and of itself.

And its not necessarily 'asking' for money if you're selling a product (like a commission) it's a business transaction. You're absolutely worth paying for your work.

The other thing that's become hot as of late is the constant barrage of YCH and "OMG JOIN MY PATREON OR YOU WON'T EVER SEE SHIT!!!"

The patreon thing has really started to get to me.
I don't mind the occasional notice, but when a large portion of your FA submissions become "look at this on Patreon!", that's when I consider unsubscribing.

Same here.

I would guess it's because a lot more people are trying to monetize their furryventures, yeah! Myself included.

There is nothing wrong with making money with your talents and hard work, but using FA art submissions as an advertising platform is annoying.

Usually I open the journals that I want to read in a new tab and press the nuke journals button. Too many people that want milk their "art" that parteon site and this made me just remove them from my watchlist.

For popularity just do art, I even get watchers for my occasional doodle (!). I suggest you give form and expand your world.

Streaming soon! Also now I'm on Weasyl! Also you should support my Patreon! Also doing YCH! Wow, has anyone else noticed these site-wide updates? I'm leaving! I'm back!

Your Character Here bugs me. But it feels weird to be a pornographer telling other pornographers that their pornography lacks artistic integrity. So I'm not going to.

I tried a promotion once. Gave away a handmade shirt to the winner, too. It caused a whole uproar with a subset of furries because they kept seeing other people promote me. I never tried a promotion ever again.

I figure now I'll get a slow trickle of people coming in who say "that's cool" or "I want one of those." Better than having somefur create DRAMA just because they didn't like my promotion. Plus, I can't do YCH or Paetron with my art, so I have no fear of pissing off furs on that front. :p

Now it's just my big mouth that'll get me in trouble. ;p

So, yeah, focus on your art, do what you do, and the accolades and customers will come without the gimmicks.