Hello Everyone,
We do not have poetry competitions on this forum! We NEVER have and I can't imagine that we ever will. This forum is not about trying to judge the work of other poets, giving it some sort of passing or failing grade, some "better than hers" or "not as good as his" kind of rating. We just don't do it. As a matter of fact, negative criticism of poetry is not welcome. If you don't have anything kind to say regarding a poet's work, don't say anything!
Competitions undermine the very heart of this forum, which is to provide a place where we can be ourselves, sharing our thoughts without worrying about being judged, ridiculed, or made to feel our contribution is less than another's. We show equal amounts of love and encouragement to the seasoned as well as beginning poet.
Bishop (and others) has occasionally suggested "Scenarios" that the poets could write about. It's always just for fun and no poet is required to participate. Matter of fact, it has always been fun, I don't know what happened this time.
Kemetstry proposed this Valentine Challenge, I was surprised to see him do so, he even threw in mention of a $5.00 prize (in fun I'm sure). Anyone who has had 5 minutes of interaction on this forum with Kemetstry knows that if there is a "contest" between men and women, and Kemetstry is the judge, the women will lose. Yes, our Brother has issues, but we love him just the same. His post regarding the Valentine Challenge was meant to be a fun change of pace ... ALL IN FUN!.
This Valentine Challenge has gotten out of hand. Please, if we are going to continue it ... it must be done in the same loving manner that all other things are done on this forum, embracing everyone, judging no one, and flowing freely. If we can't do that, let us end it now.
Every Poet, Every Peace is a Winner, Every Day. Bottomline.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns you may post them here.
Destee
We do not have poetry competitions on this forum! We NEVER have and I can't imagine that we ever will. This forum is not about trying to judge the work of other poets, giving it some sort of passing or failing grade, some "better than hers" or "not as good as his" kind of rating. We just don't do it. As a matter of fact, negative criticism of poetry is not welcome. If you don't have anything kind to say regarding a poet's work, don't say anything!
Competitions undermine the very heart of this forum, which is to provide a place where we can be ourselves, sharing our thoughts without worrying about being judged, ridiculed, or made to feel our contribution is less than another's. We show equal amounts of love and encouragement to the seasoned as well as beginning poet.
Bishop (and others) has occasionally suggested "Scenarios" that the poets could write about. It's always just for fun and no poet is required to participate. Matter of fact, it has always been fun, I don't know what happened this time.
Kemetstry proposed this Valentine Challenge, I was surprised to see him do so, he even threw in mention of a $5.00 prize (in fun I'm sure). Anyone who has had 5 minutes of interaction on this forum with Kemetstry knows that if there is a "contest" between men and women, and Kemetstry is the judge, the women will lose. Yes, our Brother has issues, but we love him just the same. His post regarding the Valentine Challenge was meant to be a fun change of pace ... ALL IN FUN!.
This Valentine Challenge has gotten out of hand. Please, if we are going to continue it ... it must be done in the same loving manner that all other things are done on this forum, embracing everyone, judging no one, and flowing freely. If we can't do that, let us end it now.
Every Poet, Every Peace is a Winner, Every Day. Bottomline.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns you may post them here.
Destee