More than ever, I agree with the principle of only giving positive feedback as a commentary on a poem, unless the poet specifically asks for a critique, and even then, I would not advise anyone to do this particularly with my latest Machiavellian experience.
I put on a 100 Wordle competition. A vindictive person posing as a blog friend sent me three comments telling me her poem was absolute rubbish and that she was not prepared to put it on her regular poetry blog. I found this extremely insulting but chose to ignore it and deleted the comments, as finding 100 words takes some time. I could not imagine why anyone would want to submit a poem they thought was such rubbish,that they were too embarrassed to put it on their regular blog site. I do understand now. I am very naive when it comes to being set up.
She persistently sent a 4th comment so I stupidly went to the site where she prefaced her poem with a statement saying it was rubbish and shame should prod her to remove it. I could only agree with her. Since then she has removed the poem with the preface and left my comment which has provoked personal attacks. I walked right into this. So the moral of this tale is don't be coerced into giving a negative comment. Poets are not above viciousness and character assassination, whatever their motivation.
When I was a student I was supposed to read 'The Prince' by Machiavelli. I never did. That was also a mistake.
I did read "The Prince" in college, but I might have wandered into that trap anyway. I've generally learned to keep my negative opinions to myself... generally :).
ReplyDeleteI am hard at work on the wordle, but at the rate I'm going, it's looking like it's going to be short-story length.
Oh no!...a short story length:)Well, I wont say anything negative about that,just in case you summon a bad bitch Rall meeting over at your blog:)
ReplyDeleteOh, I am sorry to hear about that nasty experience, Rall! I have discovered that a great many people are not prepared to accept any form of criticism. I appreciate criticism but must preface that by saying, it depends who is giving it. I have belonged to writing groups where the sole purpose of the group was to give and get criticism. Those experiences helped to make my writing better and stronger.
ReplyDeleteI was mightily impressed with your appealing (and seductive) 100 word wordle challenge. I managed to get all the words copied down and attempted to make them into a poem. So far, my success has been limited. I will give it another go this weekend.
Many thanks for viewing my photo blog. Very generous of you!
I have no interest at all in critquing anyone's work. This blogging business is supposed to be a fun diversion for me.When I had POW my intent was to offer something on a slightly more elevated intellectual plane with an edge and humour attached.However insurgents in the ranks were determined to ruin that so I have retreated somewhat but I am not going to allow any nastiness to ruin my wordle competition or my day!At some stage I may resurrect POW . It will be invitation only and you are definitely on the guest list Marianne.
ReplyDeleteYou have all of October to do the 100 wordle.It does seem a lot of words.I'm glad I didn't put the 200 one on:)I enjoyed looking at yor pics.
What a miserable experience, Rall. I agree blogging should be a fun diversion, and I did enjoy your POW when you had it, even though I participated only once. I did take a look at your 100-word wordle competition, MIGHT even give it a try. YOURS was wonderfully done. I am 'sort of' getting the hang of wordles, I think, not taking them as seriously as I initially did.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed POW before it passed away and also my wordle. If you decide to give it a go... great.. and if you don't... that's fine too!It's all supposed to be fun.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed POW, too, and regretted its demise. And would (must) add that Rallentanda's kindness during the competition wordles was very much appreciated. (Rall . . the book was in fact penned by an Oz journalist pretending to be an Italian immigrant! How very naughty! I think googling the book's title will find the story for you.)
ReplyDeleteAll good wishes.
Thank you Footsie. Will ye no cum back agen?
ReplyDelete