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Masked Intruder
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since 1999-05-23
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Near golden sunsets

0 posted 1999-07-09 07:03 PM


I so don't know how to respond to any of the poems posted here. I'm used to the straight up criticism with a little witty remark now and then. But here all I've seen is those congradulatory types and pats on the back and tear-jerker responses. So, should I stick with the mainstream or keep with my own little way of doing it?
© Copyright 1999 Philip Zemler - All Rights Reserved
Nan
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since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
1 posted 1999-07-09 07:10 PM


You should stick to your own way of doing it - You silly raccoon.......

doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
2 posted 1999-07-10 09:56 AM


I agree, MI. After reading so many of the pat-on-the-back responses, it's made me leery of posting any real critique. But, you know what? I'm starting to do it anyway.... because the Mutual Admiration Society ain't gonna get anybody anywhere. I *LIKE* when I get constructive criticism. And I assume others appreciate my constructive criticism, too. At least I hope so. But if they don't, so be it.

My guess is that many of those posting at these new forums haven't visited some of the other poetry websites you and I have visited and aren't aware that the whole purpose of this is to learn from each other... (well, having an audience is pretty nice, too, but learning and honing our skills is a little more important, don'tcha think?)

Swim upstream.

Btw, and where's your "lost" poem that ended up in the archives?

dp


Ron
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669
Michigan, US
3 posted 1999-07-10 11:03 AM


Gee, I think we have a couple of crossed threads here. Earlier this morning, I responded to Mia's question in the Philosophy forum and one of the points I tried to make is that I think our forum can expect to grow not just in size (as it has certainly done), but also in diversity. And I think that's exactly what we're talking about here.

Oh, btw Doreen, I do disagree on one minor point, though. Constructive criticism is great, but a Mutual Admiration Society isn't totally useless. I learn as much about our craft from reading a wide array of poetry as I would ever learn from critiques. I think every poet here, and certainly the core group (and certainly YOU), have taught me new ways of approaching a poem. Just the exposure to this much poetry is valuable. I think...

What makes this "crossed thread" so really coincidental is that, in that same response to Mia, I too make a reference to MI's poem. Weird stuff here!

Red Letter
Member
since 1999-05-24
Posts 85
Allentown, PA
4 posted 1999-07-10 02:06 PM


Glad this subject has been brought up because I, too, have felt leary about critiquing others' work, especially when there is a long list of "this was great!" responses before mine.

But, now that this has been discussed, I think I may start making the comments I think may be useful, as well as the comments of encouragement. A pat on the back is certainly great for the ego and reading others' work is terrific exposure to other kinds of writing but it's always been the critique that has really taught me the most...


doreen peri
Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812
Virginia
5 posted 1999-07-10 03:33 PM


How about an entirely separate forum, Ron, called "Critique"???

You must have a bunch of moderators in the wings--

just an idea

Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
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Hurricane Alley
6 posted 1999-07-10 06:12 PM


I like the idea of a separate forum for critique fans. If I don't like something, I don't leave my mark..I read and move on. I don't feel qualified to critique someone's work since we all have different styles. I get concerned with capitalization and spelling when reading a poem. If you can't spell - look it up! Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine.... If someone asks for advice/critique, I think the poem should be critiqued. (BTW sometimes I wish I could just respond with 'huh?' when I don't get a poems intent!)
azblond
Senior Member
since 1999-07-01
Posts 637
The Steamy Desert
7 posted 1999-07-10 06:47 PM


For real...what You said Miss Devine...I have wanted to just write in..."I don't get it" but am sometimes afraid to insult the author. Then again, sometimes with my own work, I just don't get it. I write too late at night when I should be sleeping...(hee hee)...but seriously, I would welcome constructive criticism to anything I write...the purpose is to become better, right? I think we really should have a forum for critics, as long as I don't find out that I am a really bad writer!
Masked Intruder
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Near golden sunsets
8 posted 1999-07-10 07:05 PM


Wonderful Idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I emphasize that enough?

*grins* and *winks*

Elizabeth
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since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
9 posted 1999-07-10 07:43 PM


I often think my poetry could be better with a little improvement, and so I will ask. There is a difference between constructive criticism and just ripping a poem (and the author) to bits. I think having a forum for criticism would be a good idea.

Oh, and Poet deVine-does that mean that if you haven't commented on a poem, you don't like it????

Alwye
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Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850
In the space between moments
10 posted 1999-07-10 11:17 PM


I must say, I agree with all of you about having a criticism forum. I for one, would not mind getting constructive criticism, just as long as me and my fellow poets weren't being bashed on for no reason. I think that a lot of people here are afraid of criticism, and they shouldn't be. Its a good way to learn. They also should not feel obligated to take that person's advice and value their opinion over their own. After all, its your poetry and what someone else thinks doesn't neccessarily mean that it needs to be changed. Okay, now I am rambling, so I will finish up by saying that criticism is a good idea.

------------------
*Krista Knutson*

Poet deVine
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
11 posted 1999-07-12 08:17 PM


Elizabeth - There are so many new poets out there that I like to welcome them into the family - it takes FOREVER sometimes to get just the new members poetry read..sometimes I have to think about a poem for awhile. Believe it or not, I've waited days to respond to Balladeer because I want my reply to be as thoughtful as his poetry...
Ladycat
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since 1999-07-05
Posts 782
At the edge and a doorway,TX
12 posted 1999-07-13 03:30 PM


I'm not new, but I'm still listed as a new member and I can wait.. But MI I liked the way that you critique.. Don't change.. Maybe more people will follow in your footsteps.. You never know..

Love,
Lady

------------------
Live in my world just once and you'll find yourself enraptured.



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