I have been taken to task twice by Sage for writing critical comments to two of her poems, though they contained nothing offensive.
Sage said :
"I didn't ask you to critique my poems and stop doing it." Or words to that effect any way. Note well that she did not say the same thing to the other posters who thought her poem was great and all was marvellous and perfect. To them it was sonnets of love and thank-yous and nice smilies, to me it was all the worst smilie icons she could find in the lower part of the posting screen.
Then, to my utter and complete surprise, I discovered there is a special section here for poems to be "critiqued". That must an International First Innovation I thought, and I am sure it is.
That is the first time I see this special kind of section and any poetry forums, and I have been to many and write in many and even moderate one.
I have posted some critical comments to other poets, but no one but Sage took offense. She gives me the impression that unless the critique is favorable, I have to ask permission from her ladyship to add critical comments.
I find that totally unacceptable and undemocratic.
This is the rant forum, so I am ranting, that is complaining (that is how I understand the word "rant" at least).
I further wonder how can a forum expect its writers to improve when criticism, usually well-meant and constructive, is not allowed.
I have no need of recognition--neither from this forum or any other in the web. I have my publishers in 4 countires and my own public already, and have had them for 35 years or more. I only write to communicate what I feel. My poetry is me.
And I came into this forum by accident, as a result of an email I got in its campaign to get new members. I love the friendly interface of this forum and its warm colors--I happen to be a painter too, so I am sensitive to visuals. And I have already established a good rapport with one member here and have contributed some of my work.
But I know one thing: this forum will not retain any professional members for long if they cannot express their views. Who on earth wants pampering and constant bravos and pats on the head with comments like "wonderful poem" and the like all the time?? That would bore me to tears.
I love criticism, and, regarding my own work, you can hit me with an axe till I bleed and I will not complain but will discuss the issues and learn from the comments of others. All criticism, favorable or non-, is constuctive to me, without exception. One learns from wrong criticism too at times, and I have seen comments by 14-year-olds that stunned me with their insights.
I dislike hypocrisy. If I see what I think is a flaw I will point it out without being offensive to the writer. Most writers understand and react properly and in a civilized manner. That is called good manners and proper breeding, or "etiquette" to use the very old but fashionable French word.
I would like some feedback on this. What do you think? What do the moderators think about this issue? Can one post critical comments only in that one section mentioned above or elsewhere too? Can I be so wrong after all and do we live in an age where no one can speak freely?
CRITiQUE IN THESE FORUMS
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