Message to Isobel

Monday 8th July 2013 12:50 pm

Hi, Isobel,

I don't how how much response you finally got from the 52 Hertz 'competition'. I wasn't able to find the time needed to read so many entries and to be even reasonably fair to each poem. But it is the second point that is really my problem: I hate 'judging' other people's work. I thought your topic idea was brilliant, and I enjoyed all the different interpretations very much. For me, the shared participation was mission accomplished.- a highly successful WOL contribution on your part, and ours. Do we have to have 'winners' in this venue?

I hear groans already. But subjective opinions skew 'art' competitions; and the majority mind does not always mean that the 'best poem' has been selected. I hope you realize I'm smiling, almost laughing right now, at the idiocy of my own words on a carousel argument.

Regards,

Cynthia

◄ The Bath

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Comments

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Fri 12th Jul 2013 18:32

Isobel, 'the fanfare of competition' and 'having an excuse for a party' are great ways to put the desire to participate in a poetry 'event'. I totally get it, and will continue to join in. And to 'vote' whenever I can. I'm still looking forward to going through all the entries which have been included in this past 52 Hertz-themed exercise. The scope of interpretation intrigues me. I did expect counter-reaction as my second paragraph clearly states. It's a very thorny subject, and has been, since - forever. Opinions will always run strongly. Thanks for getting back to me.

Isobel

Thu 11th Jul 2013 13:14

And thank you Dave, Larisa and Alex xxx

Isobel

Thu 11th Jul 2013 13:11

Thanks for your contributions, Francine, John, Ian, everyone!

I can totally understand Cynthia's line of thought, which I think is inspired by the dislike of judging other people's work, rather than dislike of competition. I feel the same way about judging in slams - have done it once and didn't much like the experience, particularly as it was so public.

I can also say that in some past competitions, there were much fewer voters, which made the end results less meaningful - and certainly the difference between 1st and 2nd almost insignificant.

I think people tend to like the fanfare of a competition though - I do - even when I know I've no chance of winning. In fact I can remember entering a really weak piece for the Olympic comp, just to be a part of things.

I think for now I'll stick to current procedures for futures comps - but hope that we all hold uppermost in our minds the point that we all agree on... that this is a bit of fun, a coming together community thing and that we are all winners by making it happen.

x

Francine

Thu 11th Jul 2013 08:11

The poetry competitions are meant to be fun, inspire and encourage a spirit of community participation through a given theme.

l also feel that anyone who takes part gains something positive from the experience - it is after all about reading, writing and sharing!

And as with anything in life - if you don't like it - don't be a part of it :-)

John Coopey

Wed 10th Jul 2013 22:19

I'm with you, Ian. If you don't like the idea of competition, don't enter. Simples.

Dave Bradley

Wed 10th Jul 2013 21:23

I've run a couple of these competitions. With rare exceptions, the response from the writers has appeared to be "that's interesting" and enjoying the challenge as their imagination got in gear. I've sensed very little raw competitiveness. From those who vote, I've picked up a lot of genuine appreciation, and no concern ever about who wins. The competitions have been a few pegs to hang a challenge and a lot of appreciation on. With no winners, less pegs.

Ian Whiteley

Wed 10th Jul 2013 13:47

disagree with Cynthia wholeheartedly
there is nothing wrong with 'competition', far from it - it encourages and promotes a healthy will to win. 99.9% of blogs posted on the site are done so at the bloggers risk of criticism - that's the nature of the beast - but every one of those blogs stands there naked in its own limelight.
A competitive element is a different beast and may only attract a small percentage of the overall traffic on the site - but to not have it because some people are not interested in competitive writing seems to be catering for one type of writer only - surely there is room for both!
If you are not competitive and feel uncomfortable in any element of this type of activity - don't enter - it's not a requirement of being part of the WOL community or mean you are less capable than those who do. Everyone will still read and assess your blogs and may or may not comment.
All types of poetry activity should be encouraged here. Not all of it will suit everyone. Be selective people.

Isobel

Wed 10th Jul 2013 13:18

I'm sorry Cynthia - I've just come across this whilst trawling through blogs and on re-reading it, realise that I hadn't got the proper drift of what you were saying. I think I was just so run ragged after the week-end that I wasn't firing on all pistons mentally.

You raise some very valid points there. Do we have to have winners? Is the outcome of any competition meaningful? I'd certainly agree that results cam be affected by any number of factors - age of voters being a major one. If the voters are predominantly young, you will find contemporary poetry coming out on top. If the voters are older, they will favour a more classical, traditional feel. I've also noticed how humour never stands a cat in hell's chance of winning anything, no matter how well written it might be...

I'm happy to go with a no winner, just participation rule, if that's what the majority want. My only fear is that it might put people off writing. People seem to like the element of competition, they like a dead-line and they like a fuss. It's a bit like having an excuse for a party.

I think the real winners are the poets who felt inspired to write something - especially if they hadn't written for a while. These themed comps can inspire some really great stuff and when you're going through a dry spell, that can only be good.

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this one Cynthia. It's obviously something that others agree with. Maybe we should have an experiment with the next themed poetry exercise.

Whaddya think folks?

Isobel x

Isobel

Mon 8th Jul 2013 17:15

Sorry I've come late to this - life horrendously busy at moment. There is a formal winner - but as you say - I think we are all winners, in that we've all got together to makes something terrific - and we've managed to communicate our feelings to others - communication runs right through the 52 hertz theme - so for me that thought is special.

Will post the results later tonight - have dinner/tea and then a lot of taxying around to do for now...

Larisa Rzhepishevska

Mon 8th Jul 2013 14:20

Alexandra! You are another one with whom I completely agree. Every poem, every word in it comes from the poet's heart and soul. So! Is it really possible to judge? They say that tastes differ. I also hate judging and when I vote it's not judging but giving preference to the poem I like most of all. Love you all! Regards and best wishes, Larisa

Larisa Rzhepishevska

Mon 8th Jul 2013 14:08

How right you are, dear Cynthia!

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