Jason, this is one of the subjects that we're hoping we can help flesh out, so to speak, by discussing our photographs and why we take them...along with how to learn to see or find one's own artistic vision. One of the main goals that I have in mind for Serious Compacts is to hone in on this very sort of thing within Image Works, and I know that Don feels the same way. I also think it's safe to say that quite a few members are interested in this kind of subject as well - and this is why we're working together to create an atmosphere here which will allow us to look more deeply into the image processes, in order be able to go out and not just "take" pictures but to make them. So, you're in the right place for this kind of learning, at least I think so.
We've been making a lot of changes here on the site...different forums and subforums, we've now got the Photo Critique forum, Bill's Pub and the Groups...and we have a few more things we're working on in order to arrange the place to be more conducive to these kinds of discussions and really get down to some serious "how to's" whether they be technical, so as to be able to achieve one's goals by making one's pictures look the way one wants them to, or learning to allow oneself to "see" better so as to let what each is after in photographing to evolve, clarify and grow.
All good thoughts Jason. I appreciate so much your writing about them here and think that there's going to be all sorts of things happening that will help in your own goals for yourself...and for the rest of us, as well.