Nature of Participation in Poetry Forum

[William Haskins]

just out of personal curiosity, how would you describe the nature of your participation in the poetry forum?

[Writer???]

I voted other, so here's my explanation.

I feel I am a combination of several.

I try to be an active critiquer because I feel it should be a give and take function. If I am going to post a piece, I generally try to crit at least three.

Some days when I have nothing to post, I will crit or comment and spend more time trying to understand the pieces I don't get, to see if I can grasp the meaning, metaphore and meter and such. Then I try to crit about what I see.

There are many times I would like to ask a fellow critiquer a question on how they gt something I couldn't see, but that has been poo-pooed so I don't do that any more. I must say that is one of the stifling aspects of this forum, but one I am willing to live with for now.

And finally, some days I do just come here and read hoping to learn from others grasp of meter, rhyme, sentence structure, word use, etc. I really miss Kie, I can't think of anyone who's topped him in word choice, yet.

The rest of the time, I'll post a funny comment or try to join in some thread, take part in some of the games or exercises, or try to help out if I can.

Probably more than you wanted to know, but that's my life here on the forum.

[Pat~]

I picked I mostly read, but sometimes post work and critique. Maybe I should have picked "other" in that it varies from day to day how much I participate; I've been more active recently with the poetry workshop. But I don't critique most of what I read, and I don't post most of what I write, so that seemed the closest match.

[MacAllister]

I'm an incurable lurker. Once in a great while, I'll take a stab at a cinquain train post, or some such. :) Mostly, I try not to embarrass myself when I do -- but I think it's invaluable to stretch ourselves, and try our hands at writing we're not entirely comfortable with.

[William Haskins]

thanks for the responses.

[Stew21]

I post and crit pretty regularly, though I sometimes wonder at the value of the feedback I provide. I rarely do a line by line and settle for the "general impression" types of responses, try to help where I can if I see something that needs help,
A lot of times I think I come across more "cheerleader" than critter. It isn't my intention, but how the piece as a whole makes me feel earns my (at least initial) response.

[William Haskins]

There are many times I would like to ask a fellow critiquer a question on how they gt something I couldn't see, but that has been poo-pooed so I don't do that any more. I must say that is one of the stifling aspects of this forum, but one I am willing to live with for now.

example?

[Meerkat]

I mostly read and sometimes post and sometimes critique. But my critiques are not based on experience, just casual observations. Everything I ever learned about poetry has been in the last two months in this forum. You folks are incredible!

[Sarita]

I went with I mostly read, but sometimes I post or critique. It just all depends on my time and how the poem resonated with me. As far as my own posting, I haven't worked on any poetry for a stinkin long time...

[NeuroFizz]

Because of my day job, and my family time, I go in spurts. However, when in the forum, I try my best to give several crits for every piece I post. I also try to read many of the ones I can't get to. I apologize to everyone who has critted one of mine without a return crit from me. I appreciate the generosity of time and energy. It helps me. I also learn from all of the posted poems and crits. This is an added value for me--to see how colleagues react to the poems of other colleagues, to see what works and doesn't work for others. I also appreciate the diversity of style seen here.

[Stew21]

As far as my own posting, I haven't worked on any poetry for a stinkin long time...


and don't think we haven't noticed your absence, Missy!

[William Haskins]

and don't think we haven't noticed your absence, Missy!

no doubt.

[BBShopMom]

I post and comment, but dont crit much. Mostly because I am very, very new and am not sure what kind of crit I could offer.

Someday maybe!

[Perks]

I read more than I post, but given how little I produce, that's not too difficult. I'm lousy at critiquing poetry, but I offer comments whenever I'm moved to do so.

[Magdalen]

Like Neurofizz, I try to crit several for every one I post. I'm making an extra effort to crit, prose and poetry, because I'm new and want to pay my dues. And because I think that crits are a very big part of the value of a forum such as this. When I read something that makes me have a lot of immediate and lucid impressions, I try to share them; those are the "easy" crits. If I read and re-read something several times and just can't find the words to express my impressions, I wait to see if the next day or next re-read moves me to comment. If not, I just skip it. Life is too short. But, sometimes, I read something that is really moving or important and I kinda make myself comment; as if it is my duty or honor or something. I think I am going to pace myself a little slower now, though. One thing I didn't expect to get from this forum that I am getting in spades: Stimulation to write more, and more beautifully and more frequently, both prose and poetry. And that is a very good thing!!! Thank you, every one.

[ddgryphon]

If I comment on a poem--or critique a poem, it means that it has affected me in some way and that I care about it (like a foundling). If I feel I can offer something constructive I usually do.

I have been participating a good deal less because of some things going on here, but I hope that the situation changes soon for me.

[Angelinity]

i crit/comment more than i post, lately -- not writing much poetry right now.

there's no correlation between quantity of posts/crits -- i will crit/comment if i feel i have something to say. or if a piece has touched me in a special way.

i can be rather 'direct', or so i've been told -- so now am trying not to put foot'n mouth too often... apologies to those who may have been victimised by my unruly martian nature!!

[skelly]

I had to go with mostly read, sometimes post and crit. I figure I average three or four crit/comments and one or two posts a month. I can't really consider that as "active." I'd like to do more, but time is a factor.

I like that you draw a distinction between "comments" and "critiques." If I feel a particular piece has some real potential, or if it is obvious that the poet has really put forth some effort, then I will do a full-blown line-by-line critique. I tend to concentrate on commenting on/critiquing poetry by people who have done the same for me, but I do try to click on some "strange" every once in awhile.

Cuz everybody needs some "strange" every once in awhile.

:)

[WackAMole]

I only read it. I absolutely love poetry, it's just that any poetry I write is BAAAD poetry and I would be terribly embarassed to post it LOL

I have been looking more at the poetry section as of late so that maybe I can learn more about the correct formats etc.

[P.H.Delarran]

I picked the 5th option, but I do comment and crit and participate in discussions fairly often in high proportion to the work I post, which is minimal.

[P.H.Delarran]

William, I'm curious, what is your motivation for posting this poll?
Personally, I appretiate the poll because I think it's good for us to be aware of our participation here.

[William Haskins]

William, I'm curious, what is your motivation for posting this poll?
Personally, I appretiate the poll because I think it's good for us to be aware of our participation here.

i want to know if there's a balance of experience between poets, critics and readers. if it were to emerge that everyone who visits this forum is either a poet/critic or a critic/poet, then i think it's an unhealthy place to hang out, incestuous and too sequestered from the pure audience for my taste.

[P.H.Delarran]

i want to know if there's a balance of experience between poets, critics and readers. if it were to emerge that everyone who visits this forum is either a poet/critic or a critic/poet, then i think it's an unhealthy place to hang out, incestuous and too sequestered from the pure audience for my taste.
What's a pure audience?
Are there virgins involved?
Is it legal?

Hmmm, the quest for balance could make a good worksop theme.
Are you planning on participating in any workshops?

[P.H.Delarran]

i can be rather 'direct', or so i've been told -- so now am trying not to put foot'n mouth too often... apologies to those who may have been victimised by my unruly martian nature!!
Martian or otherwise, directness should be appretiated by anyone trying to hone their work.

[William Haskins]

What's a pure audience?
Are there virgins involved?
Is it legal?

a "pure audience" is a subset of people who simply read poetry for pleasure. i have no real interest in writing only for other poets or for critics. in my estimation, it's a large reason why poetry is a dying art form.

Hmmm, the quest for balance could make a good worksop theme.
Are you planning on participating in any workshops?

no, it's a solitary endeavor for me. i don't do well with the workshops and the exercises and the games. no knock on those who enjoy them; i'm just not wired that way.

[Angelinity]

a "pure audience" is a subset of people who simply read poetry for pleasure. i have no real interest in writing only for other poets or for critics. in my estimation, it's a large reason why poetry is a dying art form.



now that you mention it, i too wonder whether poetry is a viable form of expression for new generations.

although it's good to see that AW has a few talented young poets on board -- so maybe there is some hope?

i would be curious to learn how many of these young poets' mates read and enjoy poetry?

[Pat~]

a "pure audience" is a subset of people who simply read poetry for pleasure. i have no real interest in writing only for other poets or for critics. in my estimation, it's a large reason why poetry is a dying art form.

It's an interesting question. But I wonder how much the results will be skewed by the fact that the polling was done in the Poetry Forum's discussion thread, where the pure audience might not venture as frequently...the people that respond to the poll are likely going to be the people who regularly participate in the poetry threads. Too bad there's not a way to get at least 80-90% response from AW's membership.

[skelly]

Too bad there's not a way to get at least 80-90% response from AW's membership.
There is. Mac could threaten to make everybody who doesn't participate have to wear one of those fugly-ass kitty avatars for a year.

:)

[kdnxdr]

After months of being with no computer access, I am finally able to return to the AW forums. I've missed all of you terribly and hopefully will be able to find time to participate as was able in the past.

It's so nice to return to AW and see all you're little avatars and all the cool stuff you've been doing.

kid

[alanna]

I put "I mostly read put sometimes pos and critique," because over the past year I've been so gosh-darn busy i haven't normally had time to do anyhting but lurk! But I usually try to visit the forums at least once a week, often more like 10 as it's part of me "checking all the e-mails" routine. Normally I only have 2-4 minutes though, and can't really put htought into a post. especially in the poetry forum, i like to have time to think before I type.

[poetinahat]

now that you mention it, i too wonder whether poetry is a viable form of expression for new generations.

although it's good to see that AW has a few talented young poets on board -- so maybe there is some hope?

i would be curious to learn how many of these young poets' mates read and enjoy poetry?
This reminds me of something in the liner notes for Miles Davis' "On the Corner" -- an album originally panned by critics, and for which Davis was vilified by some. (I don't listen to it very often; it's hard work. But there's no denying it was a big departure for jazz music.)

He said essentially that the people he really wanted to reach with his music were the young black kids. He wanted them to say, "Yeah, I dig Miles Davis". What he got was jazz aficionados loving his work, but he aspired to a broader audience.

[pconsidine]

I put myself down as "mostly read, but sometimes post/critique," though these days, it's almost exclusively reading. I find that my creative spirit moves very fluidly these days and can't often be corralled into producing a poem, even though I still have just as many poem-worthy thoughts as I ever had (I'll leave you to judge for yourselves how many that might be).

Though, now that I think about it, I do find that the photographs I've been taking lately seem to be almost visual poems, so perhaps the poetic urge isn't completely gone after all.

[sunna]

I've mustered the courage to post a few times, and to comment when moved to do so, but I just don't feel like I know enough about the art to crit.

I confess, I mostly lurk and read. And learn.

[WackAMole]

Now first off, Im totally uneducated when it comes to poetry, but if I can just put a couple thoughts in here;

Most of my experience with poetry growing up, was from a poetry book my grandmother had. I grew to love "Flanders Fields" and "Not In Vain". To me, though the verse was lyrical, it made sense and I could understand it.

I think, of course, that there is an audience for abstract poetry, but I find it frustrating to read something that is way over my head in terms of language and/or symbolism. I have seen people write poems that other "self proclaimed poets" have called garbage that I found I liked and I just have to sit back and shake my head and wonder "what is it that makes poetry garbage?"

It seems the days of Emily Dickinson style poetry, words rhyming, etc is too childish for the likes of todays intellectual audience. I say the reason that poetry is a dying art is because too many "simple" folks like myself can't understand a word of it.

Is it just me that feels this way?

[laurel29]

I voted other.

I like to post in the games section because I am not asking for anything there. I don't post much for critique anymore since I feel off balance with what I am asking for versus what I am giving.

I have posted poems for critique in the past and I do actively read poems here. When I have time I write a response to what I have read, but they are brief and not very insightful. Since I know nothing of the mechanics of poetry I don't feel capable of giving a line by line critique. I often feel sad that I am unable to contribute more with my limited understanding.

I like to read poetry, it gives me an ahh moment that prose doesn't usually give me. I twiddle with it myself trying to work on the economy of the words I use to portray an idea or image.

[aruna]

I couldn't write a poem to save my life and don't even try.
So I am exclusively a reader: one of Haskins' "desirables", one of the pure!!
If this board continues to allow me access I will continue to read.

[Rich]

Poetry is an enigma to me. I don't like most poetry, but I sometimes write poems. I don't read or write in the poetry threads. I think most poetry sucks.

Yet, there are a few diamonds to be found, (don't ask me where.)

I think too many short poems are written by folks who can't sustain a complete thought, and too many long poems are written by folks who can't understand when to stop.

[Unique]

I play in the poetry games. I rarely post my own, nor do I like to critique others.

Why? Because poetry is too personal. It's too close to the bone and who am I to presume to know another's thoughts.

Line breaks and maybe a title. If a poet doesn't understand his own work, no one else will either.

[Rich]

Mac, did you start that green medal stuff up again?

[dolores haze]

I'm exclusively a reader. I love poetry, and have read every poem posted since I joined AW. I haven't posted any critiques, because I read them purely for pleasure. I don't mind working a bit to figure out something I don't understand, but I'm not interested in laboring over a critique - mostly because I'm not qualified. Do you (the poets) want to hear a reader's reaction to your poetry? Or do you prefer to hear from other poets? I'd be happy to post my opinion, if you thought it helpful - I'm going to be reading them all anyway.

[davids]

Do you (the poets) want to hear a reader's reaction to your poetry? hear from other I'd be happy to post my opinion, if you thought it helpful - I'm going to be reading them all anyway.

Me? For sure I would like to and enjoy hearing from folks like you-be a pleasure to have a person reply who simply enjoyes reading poetry-yup as far as I am concerned it'd be great-you can always post a reaction on the poems in the Chapbook as well

[P.H.Delarran]

Do you (the poets) want to hear a reader's reaction to your poetry? Or do you prefer to hear from other poets? .
Absolutely. I'm interested in any reaction, from any one who reads. Even i you can't give the reason for the reaction like if you just want to say hmmmph after reading ... well, that's something, to me.

[Priene]

I voted <i>other</i>, so I'll explain.

I read and critique, but I don't post, as I don't write poetry any more. Although, now I think about it, that graveyard contest is waving to me provocatively...

[nerds]

'a "pure audience" is a subset of people who simply read poetry for pleasure.'

Cool. I didn't know I was a type of audience. I once was in that magic 18-40? tv marketing demographic but left that some time ago. I've been feeling lonely and marginalized ever since. Now I learn I'm in the pure poetry audience. Is that anything like Pure Prairie League?

Just kidding, sorry. I have a nice time coming here to read, it's pretty simple for me. Out in the world, there is poetry which is meaningful to me, or makes me laugh, and there is some which seems like seriously dense dreck, but it's all purely subjective on my part. I'm no poet, nor do I know from meter and all the other stuff. The other day Unique posted a poem which I found to be beautiful, but it also happened to have a personal meaning; I let her know that, and I would do so again when I feel that strongly in a positive way. Critting etc., never would I, but I do like letting someone know when their words have mattered to me.

It's nice to just come here and read.

[Cleveland W. Gibson]

I've been locked out due to a computer blip,etc.
Started to look at the site again.

[plnelson]

I only participate in the discussion forums - I don't post poems in the critique forum because I've had editors of magazines tell me they regard such work as "published", and therefore I don't critique poems there. (but if someone posts a poem in the discussion forum I'm happy to discuss it.)

I'm fortunate to be in a regular weekly poetry group in New Hampshire, and I also workshop a lot, so I get plenty of critiquing that way.

[poetinahat]

I only participate in the discussion forums - I don't post poems in the critique forum because I've had editors of magazines tell me they regard such work as "published", and therefore I don't critique poems there.
Peter, this is why we have a password on the Critique forum -- so that web crawlers don't pick it up. The idea is that this forum is a closed workshop for poems in progress. So far, I don't know that anyone has run into problems, although some people do delete their poems when they are submitted.

In your experience, would the password not make a difference? Are you able to mention the magazines you refer to? I'm sure others here would be glad to know.

[plnelson]

In your experience, would the password not make a difference? Are you able to mention the magazines you refer to? I'm sure others here would be glad to know. They were just personal conversations I had with editors. Both magazines are nationally distributed and have full-time professional staffs - you can buy them on the newstand of bookstores with well-stocked literary magazine sections, e.g., Barnes and Noble around here anyway - one magazine is based in the Pacific northwest and one is based in the south. I have no idea whether they're representative of the publishing industry but I suspect that the average little circulation 600 literary quarterly published by part-time volunteers, that most of us have better luck in anyway, couldn't care less. But why risk it, since no one really knows the answer for sure?

As I said, it's not a big deal because I'm happy with the critiquing, and especially the close-readings, I get at my weekly poetry group and in workshops. Often I or the other participants will bring a poem back a few weeks later with all sorts of changes and have it re-critiqued.

My goal on AW is to try to talk ABOUT poetry.