Can whispering campaigns really be the only answer? I personally feel they are not conducive for the Bay or for any individual on the Bay.




An open post to all on Poetbay

I have to say I am a little dismayed to find that one of Poetbay's members has been subjected to a whispering campaign. I have been a member myself since 2006 and I have seen a wide range of diveristy on the Bay from comments to works posted. One thing that I have always liked about the Bay has been its tolerance for all.

 

Now for sure people do not always see eye to eye. So the Bay has an option for people to block writers from their page. Although a polite message can always be tried first. On that note, on the profile of the particular member in question, it clearly states this as an option. Ok in a satirical manner but then this writer is satirical.

 

I also understand that there are members on the Bay who are more serious about their work than others and hence may not appreciate satirical comments on their own work. That is perfectly fine too. The Bay has a Critique option for those who wish to ensure more formal comments are always received.

 

Many people on the Bay have differing ways to comment. Some people write indepth and insightful comments, some poetic, some brief, etc, etc. Should the Bay discrimate about the style of a comment. Personally I think not. For are not comments just another form of creative writing. For this particular member I feel a great deal of effort is put into what is written and I applaud that.

 

For me I am more than happy for the member in question to comment on my posts as I infer no malice in them at all. I enjoy them for what they are. I also understand that others may not be content and that is why Poetbay has mature ways for this to be managed.

 

As I said I fully support the member in question and I am also happy to listen to those who have a point to make in contrary to my own thoughts. So to all those it directly concerns, you are more than welcome to leave a comment against this post. However if you wish to remain anonymous, that is fine also as you can send/whisper me a private message.

 

I am also more than happy for anyone else to leave a comment concerning whispering campaigns and or anything else mentioned in this post. Of course the comment can be contrary to my thoughts and for sure sartirical too.

 

Ulitmately the Bay is for all to enjoy. No individual and or inner group should feel they can decide what best suits everyone on the Bay. As creative people can we not appreciate each other's journey and be magnanimous when considering conflicting and maybe controversial ideas. Many ideas in the past which were at first deemed controversial, now find approval. Maybe one day even satirical comments.

 





Words by Rik The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 1019 times
Written on 2013-04-27 at 08:21

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Very well said, Rik. And I second, jenks' motion, FREE THE ILL!
2013-04-28


F.i.in.e Moods The PoetBay support member heart!
I agree with what you express here. Those who engage in such behavior (whispering campaigns behind the scenes instead of being upfront) says a lot about their character!
2013-04-28


jenks The PoetBay support member heart!
Free the ill!
2013-04-27


jenks The PoetBay support member heart!
A whispering?
Was there mist too?
2013-04-27



Basically I agree with most or all you say. I for one am just an amateur writer who is still learning and comments of various kinds are often helpful to me.

I do think, though, that this particular site has always had a certain gentleness (there's probably a better word than that) that makes a lot of people who normally would be afraid to put their writings 'out there' feel more comfortable to do so. I've put some godawful badly composed stuff out there and everybody in general is supportive and tolerant of my shortcomings.

I've been to other poetry posting sites, though, that are more 'tough love' sites where contributors attack each other's work mercilessly--but voluntarily. These sites can also be helpful if some of the 'critics' are professionals (or who have at least an eye and and ear for such criticism. I've seen some comments on those sites that were nothing more than vitriole and was hurtful and unproductive.

I also agree, though, that the comments we are discussing here (if I'm on the right one) don't really seem deliberately hurtful--they're just witty and a little rough. And, as you point out, there are various tools on Poetbay that allow users to block or control unwanted comments.

My own comments, for example, probably irritate the hell out of a lot of people, because they go on and on like this one does.

William
2013-04-27


Commentally Ill
my comments are ever in jest (ingest? indigestible? yes, that's the one) - my comments are ever indigestible. might explain why some folks are more constipated than your poor pet goldfish.

perhaps now is a good time to explain where i'm coming from. perhaps now is a good time to hit the deck. perhaps now is a good time for a margarita and some skynyrd. yep, the last one has my vote. won't do much for the situation, but it'll do worlds of good for me.

my offer to simply not comment on those who don't appreciate my style is a selfish one, i'll admit. i don't like wasting my time and energy to make someone angry as opposed to getting a laugh or at the very least, a roll of the eyes.

okay yes, usually a roll of the eyes and maybe an audible groan for good measure, realistically speaking.

but anger should be reserved for those who actively try to antagonize (i.e. little brothers and sisters, politicians, grammar nazis or gilbert gottfried, to name a few), not those who come along and offer a wink and a nudge in the form of an irritating comment.

it's a way of signing each work that i read, assuring the author that their work has been read, noticed, and thought about in at least a shallow manner.

and it's purely indigestible (ingest? in jest? yes, that's the one) - it's purely in jest and a spirit of fun. too bad it's not all that fun anymore.

*flowers for your goldish*

c.i.
2013-04-27