Ugh.
I'm not the best poet out there, nor am I the worst. But I put all I can into my poems. I really think of every word, every line break, every association. Sometimes I don't find the best way to say what I have to say. Sometimes I think I do.
I try.
Which means I really consider poetry an art.
Which means I really want to do well and touch people, but I want to improve.
I want my poetry to get read.
& I only value honest opinions. I value a negative, but honest comment over a positive one that sounds like those rosy-glass cliche things you tell everyone so that you protect their mimosa of an ego and hopefully get on their good side.
Granted, I won't lie; I like positive feedback more than negative feedback. It makes me feel better about myself ... if honest.
There are some people on here whom I know to be honest and critical and as devoted to improving as I am (probably more, in fact.) This does not apply to them.
but honestly? If your comment sounds something like, "Great job. This is amazing. Keep it up. I love this. Wonderful." don't bother typing it. If your comment sounds as if you may have written it without even reading the title of my poem, unless you're one of my favorites (whose opinion matters to me and I know them to be honest), don't bother typing it. If your comment sounds exactly the same as all the comments you give everyone no matter what they wrote, don't bother typing it.
Simple as that.
I don't expect huge comments or detailed arguments. I don't mind it if I enter your contest and you don't comment on my poem. I don't mind it if you say my poem isn't your cup of tea.
I mind faking. I mind it when people think gratuitous flattery is better than the truth or better than nothing.
Okay, I'm done. Now I'm worried some of my favorites will think this is about them, because, ironically, it's honest and talented people who actually question what they do, not those I'm in fact writing about. I am only writing about a general issue here.
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