Ahem. We do not say in public what we think or say to our pals or allies.
Stephen's unintentional post to the list was, to say the least, unfortunate.
He has apologized for it. But I must say I found the following, posted to
the list, uncollegial:
"Candice, you clearly like to respond to much and often. It's curious that
you never put any of your work up here. I realize that is not a requirement.
But it would permit folks to know what you are about and how how your poems
may or may not inform your critical sense and/or if you are looking for
input or not. Otherwise you are always on one side of the plate. Which,
frankly, seems a bit awkward. And I think we are mostly poets here."
It is difficult for me to construe this as anything but a personal attack.
And if we are going to spend our limited time on earth challenging each
other's credentials as poets . . . well, let's just say it seems we could
spend our time more productively. However, both Stephen & Candice are
long-time members of this community (though Candice was away for a while, as
was I) & both are fine poets. I want them both to continue to be members of
the community.
As for posting or not posting poems, this is completely a matter of personal
preference. You do not have to be a poet to be a member of this list & even
if you are a poet there is no requirement you share your work here. (The
term "poet" is an honorific best bestowed by others, as I think Robert Frost
said.) Post or don't post, as you will. But if you post a poem, I think you
should assume it may get critical responses, both positive & negative.
--
Joseph Duemer
Poetryetc List Manager
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