Honest question...

[cymry]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?
2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?
3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?
4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

 

[bluerains]

I truly believe...

tis all about INTERACTION...I have been on other sites at times and its not friends really the point ..but ...INTERACTION...folks like to feel they are involved and the poet shows involvement..I don't re reply to a poet who does not honor a comment after a few times...say like la bronz...he always takes time to thank those who take time to read..things like that impact ...reads...sure ..we build resonation with the same ideals...but...tis all about...INTERACTION...IMHO...

 

[Liar]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?
2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?
3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?
4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

Pretty simple to answer.

1. No. Sometimes the opposite. I hold them to a high standard becasue I know what they can write when they get it right. So a less-than-great poems might make me dissapointed that it wasn't as good as the last one.
2. No.
3. I'm too ignorant of who ppl associate with. But if I knew...no.
4. Less honest. I don't dare to be honest when I have negative things to say, because some people would take it all personal when it's not. On the other hand, I don't comment much at all, cuz I just never get around to it. Which maybe is worse.

With the hopes that this doesn't turn into another mudslignging fest (it kinda has the potentional...let's keep the leaches on, folks), that's my 2c.

 

[bogusbrig]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?
2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?
3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?
4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

You can pretty much assume all your questions have a 'yes' answer which is why the smart people disregard votes and appreciate critical comments more.

There are petty jealousies and rivalries I'm sure (Ssssh there is a current argument on the threads). I've noticed the eleventh vote I'd get for a poem was almost always a one or someone would come along and give all my poems a one. Again, the smart people rise above it and concentrate on poetry.

annaswirls doesn't allow voting on hers so you can only leave her a comment which is probably the smart thing to do. I haven't been that big yet but I don't post new poems anymore.

However as for favourites, I have my favourite poets on Lit but one of the pleasures is to be surprised by someone elses poems.

 

[bluerains]

I REALLY...luv this view...we are really pleasured and surprised by poems...but...still if there is no interaction...an average person would think they are not valid...a little kindness goes a long way ...

However as for favourites, I have my favourite poets on Lit but one of the pleasures is to be surprised by someone elses poems.[/QUOTE]

 

[Lauren Hynde]

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

No, not at all. If anything, I'm more demanding with people I'm friends with and whose work I know well. If we're friends, it's because we share a passion for poetry and we want each poem to be better than the previous. Familiarity means higher expectations.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

No. I may not feel like reading that person's poetry unless I have to, but if I do, I'll vote on the poem's merits, not the author's.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

No, of course not.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

I tend to say what I think in all public comments, positive or negative.

 

[Tzara]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

No. In general, I only vote on poems that I particularly like, so it is kind of an irrelevant question. The few times I have voted something lower is because it was by someone I have tremendous respect for and I felt the particular work wasn't up to their standard.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

No. Whether I "like" someone or not has nothing to do with their writing. There are writers I don't read, but then I don't vote on their work either.

Ezra Pound was a racist jerk, but he was a pretty good poet. I would not have liked him personally, but I do like and respect his poems. That little bit I can understand of them, anyway.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

No. That would be silly.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

In the comments I put on the posted poems, I usually try to say something funny or clever--at least what I consider to be funny or clever, which is not to everyone's taste--but not usually critical (constructive or otherwise) in nature. There are exceptions to this. I think in the comment I made on your "Birds of a Feather" poem, which I liked, I said I didn't like the title.

I don't consider the comments left on posted poems to be of much use as analysis or opinion. They are usually of the nature "liked this a lot" or "you can do better." Where people have posted poems specifically for comment, I try to be honest. There is no point in not being honest there, if the author is sincere about wanting useful feedback.

And I agree with Liar. Let's all behave ourselfs here. Put those matches away. This is a flammable topic.

 

[Rybka]

Lit Vote Scale

I have posted my scale for voting at least twice before:

5 = a poem I wish I had written
4 = a better than average poem (for the poet if well known to me; for Literotica if not)
3 = average (for poet or site)
2 = below average (for poet or site) with few errors
1 = a “2” that is full of errors (spelling, grammatical, etc.)

Unfortunately I find fewer 5s than 1s.
I read most new poems every day and I vote on every one I read. I do not comment unless requested. Instead I send feedback about the poems I really like or to some poets whose work I think has promise, but might (IMO) be strengthened.

I no longer comment in public because I found that if I did not praise a poem unquestionably, I often got hit with a spate of “1 bombs” on my work. – That is one reason I stopped reviewing for awhile and pulled all my poems a year or so ago.

Like Liar, I tend to be harder on poets whose work I respect, so in a sense I have two scales: One for writers whose poems I generally like - here I am judging a poem against his/her own work. And a general scale where I rate a poem against all other poems posted on Literotica. - The "5"s are equal on both scales and I have never given a "1" to a respected poet, but the midrange values are more lenient on my 'general' scale.

 

[bluerains]

fear factor...ouy...

I have posted my scale for voting at least twice before:

5 = a poem I wish I had written
4 = a better than average poem (for the poet if well known to me; for Literotica if not)
3 = average (for poet or site)
2 = below average (for poet or site) with few errors
1 = a “2” that is full of errors (spelling, grammatical, etc.)

Unfortunately I find fewer 5s than 1s.
I read most new poems every day and I vote on every one I read. I do not comment unless requested. Instead I send feedback about the poems I really like or to some poets whose work I think has promise, but might (IMO) be strengthened.

I no longer comment in public because I found that if I did not praise a poem unquestionably, I often got hit with a spate of “1 bombs” on my work. – That is one reason I stopped reviewing for awhile and pulled all my poems a year or so ago.

Like Liar, I tend to be harder on poets whose work I respect, so in a sense I have two scales: One for writers whose poems I generally like - here I am judging a poem against his/her own work. And a general scale where I rate a poem against all other poems posted on Literotica. - The "5"s are equal on both scales and I have never given a "1" to a respected poet, but the midrange values are more lenient on my 'general' scale.

another fact of this site...the fact that as few as 2 people voting a zip...
makes an old Native shudder...and yet..I am..I am...we are..
life is balance and when balance is not....we shall make it so...damn I luv capt.picard for that phrase...

 

[cymry]

Not intended to start trouble...

I have seen the erm...debate...that is currently going and this post really has nothing to do with it. I was just curious as I saw some interesting answers to similar questions in the AH. I would ask that it not be turned into something else.

That said, I see a lot of valid points here already...

On bluerains post about interaction, I agree to a certain extent but have to admit I don't always follow up on a public comment. I tend to keep to myself, just a personality trait, so if I seem anti-social I apologise though it probably won't change.

Like Tzara I tend only to vote on poems I particularly like. I have for the most part shied away from critical comments all together. My general practice is just not to comment or vote at all unless I am strongly motivated to do otherwise by what I read.

I don't know whether I would be considered "smart" or not, as bogusbrig puts it . I do look at the votes I recieve on my submissions (can't help it) though I don't take them personally. They don't motivate my writing.

 

[annaswirls]

Much of this was covered in a few threads a few months back, but no problem going over it again.

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

I have "fallen in love" with people's writing at first sight. Before I might have known them I gave high scores. If I am fortunate to get to know them better, I will still love their writing, that I loved in the first place. It is not favoritism, it is taste. I do not care if it is wonderful but not as wonderful as yesterday, I will give them a 5 if it deserves a 5. If it does not, I am not blinded by love, I can give out a four with the best of em.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

My time is limited, if I do not have a lot of time, I will not even read people's poetry if I do not usually like it at all. As far as not liking people here? It is easy for me to like and not like poetry, but people? that is rare.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

nope. I can NEVER keep track of who what where with whom, like, people were married or something and I did not know, or whatever-- even when I spent a LOT of time here, I was clueless.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

I used to be so cautious of social ties or hurting people's feelings that I would leave a comment on every single poem every single day. It was not easy, and not easy to be honest if a "friends" poem stunk. That did not last long, thank God. and when I comment I just try to be honest.


VOTING: I did turn off voting because I did not like thinking about numbers. Someone said -- turn them back on! I want to give this a 5! But if anyone wants to let me know what they think, they can leave a number with the comment.

I feel SO MUCH BETTER since turning off the voting. ahhh.....

it is so freeing--

like Rybka said, if he would say things people did not like he would get the one bomb. If you do not have your votes on, you do not need to have that form of self-censorship to worry about.

I am not smart. I just do not have the willpower to not check votes all the time and whimper and be sad if they go down, even though I know they are pretty meaningless anyway. I just know my weakness. It is like not buying potato chips and ice cream.



as

 

[My Erotic Tale]

I know I get in trouble every time I state this...but it is just me <grinn>

I read the poem and if I finish it, I leave a 5 and a comment <I feel alot of work went into an emotional write> a poem! If I do not finish the poem, then I neither vote nor commnet.

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that
friendship?

I give them all the same <5>

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

If I am not happy with some one I don't read them, unless they are really good, I gave out 2's to poems that had DRUG related or Rape <I was appauld that lit allowed that poem, but I do not know the rules of what is allowed and what is not. I don't give a low vote becasue the poem had grammar problems, I figure they will get enough of those.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

I use to read every poem every day, lately I have been busy so I read friends and those mentioned in the reviews on some days, I still read most and admit a lot of poems don't do anything for me, so I don't comment, I don't vote, it is a response system I have become use to.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

I don't read from the technical aspect but for the feel of the persons write or thoughts, I have been ...mmm... coined as leaving 'superficial comments' because they generally state nice write or good poem, if I really like it I can not contain myself from telling why and if the poem has technical problems that are obvious even to me <the worst speller here> I send a feedback with an encouraging( 'great poem' I noticed your <i's> and I think they are suppose to be capitolized and that literotica offers a great list of 'How to Writes'...nice poem, write some more)

I hope and relay that I hope people do not write for votes or comments, I know when I sit and write I do not think what votes I will get or what comments I will get...but I write what I feel like writing for the enjoyment. I probably get more one votes than any one, <grin> I have detached myself from ratings and I am not going to make a new name to get better votes on poems, what is ...is, that and my poems are not all that good and I know it. but practice makes perfect regardless of votes.<grin>

 

[LeBroz]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

No, but I do tend to first read poems submitted by friends or those whose writing style appeals to me and I'm familiar with. Later I'll go over the list and read those I passed on the first read. In either case, I judge each on its own merits.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

No. Each poem is like a new window into a person's soul and a new perspective on the universe. Voting down because you don't like a person is like closing your eyes so you can hear the waves crashing and refuse to be distracted by the brilliant fire of the sunset or the seagulls flying crazy cartwheels overhead.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

Again, no. Each person has his own unique tastes. If a friend or admired poet praises another poet, I admit that I will be more inclined to look at what that poet has written. But if it doesn't "click" with me, it doesn't "click," no matter who writes it or who praises it.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

The way public comments are given, just as the way people write, differs greatly. I once got feedback on a comment that alluded to my not having yet submitted anything, so how could I dare criticize the poem? I've modified the way I comment so that now I prefer to be positive in my public comments, sometimes tactfully pointing out an obvious typo (or worse). Even in private communications I find I get more positive feedback by being tactful in pointing out what I feel are the shortcomings as I perceive them. And getting a thank you communique is almost as satisfying as getting glowing comments on something I've submitted.

One other point. I know that some contributors have more than one pen name. The most sensible reason for doing that is that if the poet writes mostly dark brooding pieces. he's developed an audience that expects that style. What happens if he suddenly springs a light, romantice piece or a satirical piece on his unsuspecting audience? It would be like a betrayal to some of his followers. So I don't go by the "brand name" approach.

So that's my take on your questions. That's the way I prefer to do business. That's not to say that's the way everyone should conduct themselves. The most horrifying prospect I can imagine is a world filled with people just like me.

 

[WickedEve]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?
2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?
3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?
4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

1. Yes. I high vote my friends and leave praise. I usually send gifts, too.
2. Yes. Then I drive to my cousin's house and log in on her computer just to vote another 1. I'm such a bitch.
3. If they don't associate with me, then it's a 1!
4. If I like you and your poem sucks, I'll lie! If I don't like you, then you get, "You suck!"

Ahhh, I feel better now. I think I'll go read the new poems.

 

[cymry]

1. Yes. I high vote my friends and leave praise. I usually send gifts, too.
2. Yes. Then I drive to my cousin's house and log in on her computer just to vote another 1. I'm such a bitch.
3. If they don't associate with me, then it's a 1!
4. If I like you and your poem sucks, I'll lie! If I don't like you, then you get, "You suck!"

Ahhh, I feel better now. I think I'll go read the new poems.

PMSL!

I deserved that.

 

[twelveoone]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?
2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?
3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?
4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

1.I have no friends... well maybe one or two
2. that is a factor, I probably am the only person honest enough to admit it.
3. Don't care
4. I am honest, blunt.

If I don't leave a comment, I don't vote. That being said, I once always gave new (to me) poets a 5, as encouragement. I have since abandoned that. The exception being, multiple and repeated submissions. It shows me they don't care for editing. I mark down if I feel the person has done a walk through (takes it to a four) I give reasons. I also mark down on pretentiousness - nothing kills poetry more than that, and I tend to mark down people that make pompous (although I have seen it spelled otherwise) remarks or those that object to criticism.
I do not mark down much for spelling errors, sometimes I will point it out.
I do not mark down for grammar, unless it is so fucked up, I can't make any sense of it.
I do not even consider meter, although I may mention flow.
What gets marked down is forced rhyme, excessive cliches and boring content, question becomes, why are you writing this shit, and why do you expect people to read it? ? And I have a tendency to be ruthless if you have a fan club, if you have four or five people telling you how great you are, but not mentioning why (technicals) your precious ego can afford to take the hit, and probably deserves it.

Once upon a time, I was generous, even arguing for it, to encourage people to write, some people never will be able. Some don't care to write better, really I was at fault here by this blanket encouragement. The general trend here has been downward, time to do my part to raise it. I once would go no lower than a fifty (Average) now it has been lowered to 25. It is what is known as balance (a zen concept). A zero is a waste of my time, hopefully those people will realize they can't write and go away. (it is known as self awareness, another zen concept) Don't like it, read #1,2,3,4.

Now notice, I did not mention style, form or content.
Content, regardless of what it is about, if done well enough, becomes Art.
Form, the tighter the form, the better you should make it, otherwise don't do it.
Style, I actively try to overcome my prejudices.

 

[Angeline]

I rarely vote or comment on poems here anymore, mainly because I don't have time like I did in the past. I've always hated voting anyway because I think the numbers are too subjective--people have different criteria for what constitutes "good" or "not good," so they (the numbers) seem meaningless to me. I almost never vote less than a 5 (and never less than a 4), but that's because I don't vote or comment on a poem unless I think it's really good. I also think there can be "flawed" 5s. A poem can be wonderful, but still need some sprucing up. I'd be more likely to point that out in a comment.

I've also never cared how people vote on my own poems here. Comments are always welcome though--those I can learn from, potentially.

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

No, but most of the people I've been palsy with on this forum tend to be pretty good poets to begin with, so unless they write a real clunker, I'd give the poem a high score on it's own merit.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

No. Liking or not liking someone has absolutely nothing to do the the quality of their writing.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

Nah. That's just crazy, imo.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

Not less honest, but more discreet. I don't comment on a poem unless I think it a) is really good or b) is really good but flawed and has potential. In the latter case, I've pmed or sent feedback to say how, imo, I think the poem could be improved.

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

 

[Curiouswife]

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

No, but I am more likely to read their poems - and therefore I am more likely to vote on them.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

No.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

Nope. I hardly ever come to this forum, so I haven't a clue as to who hangs out with who.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

I don't ever give negative public comments, whether I have social ties to the person or not. If I can't find anything nice to say I usually just don't say anything at all. I don't want to smoosh anyone's feelings. Having said that, I do like when people critique my work.

Julia

 

[Guest]

I'm stealing this thread from the AH. It touched on a sensitive subject I believe and I'm curious to know what reaction it will get in this forum.

I understand that friendships are formed here. It is inevitable really. Knowing that:

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

I don't read as much poetry here on the board as I used to due to my own writing slump/block/what have you. Previously - The friendship I had (have) with an individual poet has no reflection on how I view their work. I either like or I don't. I said so if I did and when I didn't, I didn't vote or comment on the poem.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

No, that's lame and petty. I just don't read their poems.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

Repeat: No that's lame and petty.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

I commented on a poem when I enjoyed it. It's easier to be honest that way.

 

[champagne1982]

1. Do you give those whom you consider a friend a better vote because of that friendship?

The whole point to anonymous voting is that you don't have to tell anyone how you voted. With that in mind, I tend to vote on the poem, not on the poet who wrote it.

2. Do you tend to vote down other poetry because you don't like the person who wrote it?

Again, this is judging who rather than what.

3. What about associations? Do you base your votes on who the poet associates with in the forum? who they don't associate with?

Well, unless those associations have resulted in better (or worse) poetry for me to rate, I can't see a correlationship to who you know effecting what I think about your poetry.

4. Do you tend to be more or less honest in public comments because of social ties?

I rarely make public comments, unless I have time to read every new poem on that day's list or every poem that poet has written. I rarely have the time.

Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what I could reel in.

I'll nibble the bait, but be damned if you can set the hook.