These are the good old days!

[Angeline]

Hi Cordie my dear friend! I came to these boards at what I guess would be considered the tail end of the "good old days." I was quite intimidated (especially because after posting a few poems, I was getting some pretty ugly feedback--not from the players here, but still...). I have a degree in English and I think I know poetry fairly well, but some of these posters were just so good. And it seemed like a closed community.

Of course it was not. And I found the writers here, once approached, to be more than willing to give time and effort if they thought I was sincere. Daughter especially emailed me some wonderful suggestions. Wicked Eve, JUDO, and Smithpeter have all been supportive. And karmadog, that flirty canine wit, made me laugh. (Also, I'm not sure, but I think I had some virtual wine with UP once.)

I understand that many of these people have their own sites and so aren't here much anymore. It would be wonderful if they were back as regulars, but we who remain or have since joined ain't half bad either.

Anyway, in thinking about what you said, I went back and looked at the archives on this board to determine what was different then. And guess what--not much. As a group, those folks were maybe more formally committed to critique (there were daily new poem reviews, Unmasked Poet--a wonderfully critical reviewer--was here on a pretty oftern as was Daughter and other "serious poets," and there were collaborations, interviews.

I don't see how that is so different from now. We still do a lot of critique (and it really is a great way to learn how to think about poems, so if you haven't tried folks, please do), we still collaborate; I think Senna Jawa gives very insightful critical reviews, and I've got a few ideas for interviews myself. And as far as feeling "serious" about writing poems, well I do and I know you do Cord--we're far from the only ones.

I think the best way to keep our focus is to keep talking like this, and be bold in submitting ideas or starting threads that support our growth. C'mon poets! I know you're out there lurking. Get those ideas and challenges on here!

 

[Rybka]

Changing Board

The one thing I miss most is the demise of the "New Poems" thread. I would like to see it be a daily event again.

(Even though I personally must admit that there are days when there are no new poems worth recommending. - Perhaps at such time we could high light (low light?) the worst of the verse?
Probably not. That would be very mean to many new posters.)

I have brought the old thread forward several times when new talents have appeared (like Xtaabay - except for her lava lamp fixation; maybe she does too many "magic mushrooms? ), or when one of the regulars posts something that I consider one of their better efforts. I judge the people whose works I admire more stringently than new or casual posters.

Most of what I now post is trivial, examples of humor that I try to minimalise. But even humor has been recently criticized, not just on this board, but in feedback and P.M.s. Perhaps I should just fade away and only lurk.

Pax vobiscum,                       Rybka

 

[_Land]

Some of us are very serious, and some time as a serious poet, I post in other forums, but i come here to be playful there are many faces to poetry, and to poets........ The critique thread is a little more serious, consider visiting it, or the challenge thread, offer a challenge and be prepared to have one to answer yourself....... This time of year is very busy for us all...we have less time then normal to spend on the boards.....I spend less time on here and more time writing and submitting poetry.

Feel free to PM me if you need a good crit, I am on every day even when dont post........... If you are serious about your craft Let me know, and I will point you in some directions fo some other forums as well




_N

Hi Cordie my dear friend! I came to these boards at what I guess would be considered the tail end of the "good old days." I was quite intimidated (especially because after posting a few poems, I was getting some pretty ugly feedback--not from the players here, but still...). I have a degree in English and I think I know poetry fairly well, but some of these posters were just so good. And it seemed like a closed community.

Of course it was not. And I found the writers here, once approached, to be more than willing to give time and effort if they thought I was sincere. Daughter especially emailed me some wonderful suggestions. Wicked Eve, JUDO, and Smithpeter have all been supportive. And karmadog, that flirty canine wit, made me laugh. (Also, I'm not sure, but I think I had some virtual wine with UP once.)

I understand that many of these people have their own sites and so aren't here much anymore. It would be wonderful if they were back as regulars, but we who remain or have since joined ain't half bad either.

Anyway, in thinking about what you said, I went back and looked at the archives on this board to determine what was different then. And guess what--not much. As a group, those folks were maybe more formally committed to critique (there were daily new poem reviews, Unmasked Poet--a wonderfully critical reviewer--was here on a pretty oftern as was Daughter and other "serious poets," and there were collaborations, interviews.

I don't see how that is so different from now. We still do a lot of critique (and it really is a great way to learn how to think about poems, so if you haven't tried folks, please do), we still collaborate; I think Senna Jawa gives very insightful critical reviews, and I've got a few ideas for interviews myself. And as far as feeling "serious" about writing poems, well I do and I know you do Cord--we're far from the only ones.

I think the best way to keep our focus is to keep talking like this, and be bold in submitting ideas or starting threads that support our growth. C'mon poets! I know you're out there lurking. Get those ideas and challenges on here!

 

[JUDO]

I agree with Rybka. Wait. Did I just say that? Anyway, I believe the 'new poems' thread is one of the most important conduits for our forum. It would be often the one and only place where new poets could be encouraged. Encourage to write more poetry and encouraged to join our little group from time to time.

Now, the unfortunate part of this is commitment. To keep something like the new poems thread alive every day is a HUGE commitment for most of us. The only way I could see it working would be to have a 'sign-up' thread where each of us who are interested would volunteer for days to critique the new poems thread.

The 'sign-up' thread would simply be a calendar where a poet could volunteer in advance to critique on certain days. Say, I might volunteer to do December 18, 19 and 20. Angeline might sign-up for the 21st and 22nd. Rybka might take the 23rd, 24th and 25th. Kdog might volunteer for 26th, then the 30th, and _Land and WickedEve would figure out how to fill in the rest.

The reason for all of this volunteering is simply that maintaining that thread every day is a big job. One that no matter how exciting it is to see it living everyday, does burn you out.

I really don't know how well this might work.

Another idea might be to volunteer to do certain days: I might volunteer for all the Mondays, someone else Tuesdays and so on. If I were to miss a Monday and knew it in advance, it would be up to me to get someone to cover for me.

Maybe that might be another way to make it work.

* * *

Now, the big issue with doing this stuff is that -- we don't control the site. We are not in charge. This is not our place.

I believe that it was this kind of work done by daughter, UP and others that eventually drove them to try and open up their own places. After all, with their own site, they have control and can do whatever they have time for -- whatever they want.

BUT...

If we limit our endeavors and keep them simple, perhaps we could make limited progress here. I like the new poems thread idea. Anyone else?

* * *

As far as missing "the good old days," the only thing that I miss were more pointers to great references items and books by daughter and UP, as well as the fairly frequent Poetry Form Challenge Thread that would inevitably start up.

Before I came here I never heard of all the terzanelles, villanelles and other-nelles. I'd like to see them and information about them pop up in challenges from time-to-time. Even if I was never good at writing them.

My thoughts.

- Judo

 

[Angeline]

Serious

In spite of what I said i my previous post, I really do not wish to make a distinction between myself and anyone else as a "serious" poet. I know what you are saying _Land, and I feel as you seem to, that creating poetry is not just something I like to do, or even something "fulfilling," but something I need to do to express myself. I guess that is what serious means to me. I know there are other sites (like Lotus Blooms), where there are more poets than here who take the time to give full reviews. But if we all go there and come here only to be playful or banter, we further weaken what this place can be. Sure it's good to explore and find the places best for each of us. But I really hope we can be as serious here as we would be anywhere else.

 

[Angeline]

New Poems

JUDO you sexy AV woman, you and the scary fish AV just articulated what I was too chicken to say. Revive new poems! I'll sign up!

And Rybka? If you go back to lurk mode, I'll learn how to fly cast just to hook you and drag you back in!

 

[Guest]

LOL..........

Ah.....the good old days. Like the unmasked poet. He actually "liked" one of my poems..........LOL.


I remain,

 

[JUDO]

Re: New Poems

JUDO you sexy AV woman, you and the scary fish AV just articulated what I was too chicken to say. Revive new poems! I'll sign up!

Okay, what does everyone think about taking days for now?

I start out by taking MONDAYS! This means I will review the new poems list and comment upon them every monday. If I can't, I'll ask one of my friends to do it for me. Deal?

* * *

A little quick note about doing the 'new poems.' I think that any new poet we find that does not frequent our little Poetry Forum should be contacted through 'Feedback' as we build the new poem reviews and told they are included there. And invited to come see.

This is the easiest way I know of to get new blood to our little paradise.

Plus, I think commentary is somewhat necessary, but it's content should be left up to those who post. 'Nuff said?


- Judo

 

[WickedEve]

I loved doing the new poems until it got to be too much. At one time I was doing it, and Judo, and I think Angeline... and others. We were taking turns. That's the only way to keep up. Anyway, I'll take a day or something... or fill in when someone misses a day.

 

[Cordelia]

Thanks, Angeline!

Wow!

I didn't mean to start anything by commenting on the "good ole days" comment. I was just expressing my intimidation and anxiety, which are my responsibility....not yours!

But thanks for the comments.

I don't consider myself a serious poet because I am an accountant and a mathematician not at all trained in the poetic arts. I read a lot of it and study what I can, but I enjoy it and I love helping others learn to write and appreciate poetry.

You guys have all been great helping me feel welcome and I have also enjoyed the light non-poetry related banter as well.

Count me in as a help on critiquing, but know that January and February are hellish for me (the accountant thing) and my computer is currently getting rehauled. So I may be scarce at times.

Feeling all warm and welcomed,



Cordelia

 

[OT]

RE: Reviving the New Poems thread

A few thoughts...

If/When you start the "new poems" thread, I'd recommend a very clear first post that encourages ANYONE who sees a new poem or something in a poem that they liked to go ahead and post. The sign-up sheet is fine in that it will guarantee at least some activity, but make it clear that others are welcome to add their thoughts as well. The designated reviewer is just a person. What floats her/his boat is not the final word. What we want to avoid is setting the reviewers up as "the poets".

Another thing to stress is that at least a one liner, either something about the poem that struck you or quote a good line from the poem. It is sorta silly to just list the new poems on the new poems thread. This might also help when on some days, as we all know -- there are no good poems.

And yet another thing, which I think Judo mentioned, send a feedback to the poets you mention. I think I contributed poems for a few months before I even knew the "forum" side of this site existed.

And while I'm here, the reviewer of new poems should not look at the author. While I sort of agree with the sentiment that "experienced" posters need not be mentioned in the new-poems thread, -- the down side to that is that if a newbie comes in and browses the thread looking for good stuff, if only the best of "new poets" are listed, it gives an incorrect impression of what the site has to offer.

If "you" are reviewing new poems, then review them all. (unless of course, we start a "new poets" thread.)

I'll go now.

Oh, and finally, if you need someone for Wednesday, I'm raising my hand.

 

[WickedEve]

Good suggestions OT. I used to list a link to the poem, 1 stanza, and a comment. I listed poems that were by the regulars on the board and new poets. One thing I rarely did was send feedback to the poets whose poems I reviewed. That's an excellent idea. I'm sure some of them have no idea their poems are being mentioned on the board.

 

[WickedEve]

I just remembered something I wanted to comment on, OT. You mentioned the fact that others should post their comments on new poems if they like - and not just the reviewer of the day. That's when you get the best reviews. It's interesting to see the difference of opinions.

 

[Angeline]

Good Suggestions here

And as for new poems, I'll take Fridays. So that means we have:

Mondays the very lovely JUDO
Tuesdays open
Wednesdays the equally lovely OT
Thursdays open
Fridays the very red-nosed Angeline
Saturdays open
Sundays open

And on standby filling in as available:

the wickedly gorgeous Eve and
the beautifully bardlike Cordelia

And just to summarize:

If you know in advance that you can't do your assigned day, find someone here to swap days or pick it up for you.

New poets also get a feedback telling them there is a brief review of their poem here.

And to anyone new to all this, you only comment on those poems you feel you want to recommend. If it's your day and there are no poems you want to recommend, so be it. The corollary of this is that anyone is welcome to put their two cents in, bearing in mind that we should try to keep the new poem thread focused on new poems.

 

[WickedEve]

Well, I got the ball rolling with posting the new poems for today.
Where's land? He used to do the new poems. Land, sign up for a day! And how about Lauren? Where's Lauren? Didn't I read something about computer problems? And Senna and Rybka both have lots to say! lol I'd love to see a Senna review. Hey, I wonder if poets will start choosing days when certain reviewers are scheduled? Hmmmm....

 

[Rybka]

Re: Good Suggestions here

And as for new poems, I'll take Fridays. So that means we have:

Mondays the very lovely JUDO
Tuesdays open
Wednesdays the equally lovely OT
Thursdays open
Fridays the very red-nosed Angeline
Saturdays open
Sundays open

And on standby filling in as available:

the wickedly gorgeous Eve and
the beautifully bardlike Cordelia

And just to summarize:

If you know in advance that you can't do your assigned day, find someone here to swap days or pick it up for you.

New poets also get a feedback telling them there is a brief review of their poem here.

And to anyone new to all this, you only comment on those poems you feel you want to recommend. If it's your day and there are no poems you want to recommend, so be it. The corollary of this is that anyone is welcome to put their two cents in, bearing in mind that we should try to keep the new poem thread focused on new poems.

Well, since I started this renovation, I will take tomorrow (12/15/02) as a trial run, since no one else has volunteered. But I warn you, even on busy days like Sunday I may not find much to like.
I would have chosen only two of those that W.E. picked, and them only by default.

Regards,                       The mostest beautiful (but Grinch-like) Rybka

 

[WickedEve]

Re: Re: Good Suggestions here

Well, since I started this renovation, I will take tomorrow (12/15/02) as a trial run, since no one else has volunteered. But I warn you, even on busy days like Sunday I may not find much to like.
I would have chosen only two of those that W.E. picked, and them only by default.

Regards,                       The mostest beautiful (but Grinch-like) Rybka

only two!? lol Well, I like to bring attention to as many as possible. I'm so darn nice. (rybka is a stinky fish) I look forward to seeing what you do tomorrow, rybka.

 

[Angeline]

LOL

I can't believe you called Rybka stinky. Is that nice? Rybka, are you going to let Eve get away with that?

Angeline the Instigator

 

[WickedEve]

Re: LOL

I can't believe you called Rybka stinky. Is that nice? Rybka, are you going to let Eve get away with that?

Angeline the Instigator

Hey! He's fish and fish smells!

 

[Angeline]

He?

Are you sure? I think we should have a poetry challenge about Rybka's gender.

Man or woman
Human or fish
One question's loomin
I have one wish

Whatever that thing is
that swims cyber seas
with no clue for poets
but finny AVs

Can somebody tell me
I've wanted to know
for rather a while now
since some time ago

In Yinglish* I'd say
if anyone asked
it's evasive though doesn't
tell fibka**

Cmon now!
Someone must know
What the hell is a Rybka?

* Weird combination of Yiddish and English to form new word
** Ok I made it up, but you find something that rhymes with Rybka.

 

[WickedEve]

What is a Rybka?
I must go somewhere and ponder this.

 

[_Land]

I am willing to do Sundays, yes i did it for a month or two, but doint it every day was a lot of time requirement, and i still needed to work and focus on other things
Sunday will be my pleasure....

_Land

Well, I got the ball rolling with posting the new poems for today.
Where's land? He used to do the new poems. Land, sign up for a day! And how about Lauren? Where's Lauren? Didn't I read something about computer problems? And Senna and Rybka both have lots to say! lol I'd love to see a Senna review. Hey, I wonder if poets will start choosing days when certain reviewers are scheduled? Hmmmm....

 

[Rybka]

Re: LOL

I can't believe you called Rybka stinky. Is that nice? Rybka, are you going to let Eve get away with that?

Angeline the Instigator

I smell no more like fish than she does, or you do, and I am always fresh!

Regards,                       Rybka

 

[Rybka]

Re: LOL

I can't believe you called Rybka stinky. Is that nice? Rybka, are you going to let Eve get away with that?

Angeline the Instigator

There are even at least two countries named after fish!

Regards,                       Rybka

 

[Angeline]

Rybka?

I never said you were stinky, lol. And where's Eve anyway? How come I'm taking the rap for her misbehavior?

And what countries? Is Finland one? (just a thought)