Here are a few concise guidelines for members. Please read them - they will make your experience here much more enjoyable.
What is this site? We can be thought of as a poetry workshop. We are here to share poetry, ideas, and improve as writers. We also like to meet new people and make friendships. We are a democratic, member-ran community.
Consider your audience. We’re not a place to “dump” every piece of work you’ve ever written. Please post in moderation. Post a range of your work. But mostly, post the work you’d like to improve. Update: in late March 2008, the AEC voted to impose a publication limit of one poem per day. You can red about the motivation behind this decision on the forum.
Grow. Neopoet is a place for growing poets. Some new members seem almost insulted when fellow poets suggest there’s room to improve. An isolated critique or two might be dead wrong, of course. But when you hear a chorus, listen.
We believe that every person who joins us can improve their writing. If you feel discouraged by a chorus of criticism, you might consider asking one of our mentors to help you with your writing.
Be respectful. You aren’t going to love every poem on this site. That seems obvious. But there’s a writer behind every work - so be respectful. If a poem isn’t your favorite, feel free to share constructive criticism. But keep in mind the scope of criticism requested by a poet. We allow poets to communicate their preferences - everything from, “this is a sensitive subject for me” to “I want the raw truth”. But no matter what’s asked in terms of critique - be diplomatic. Keep a cool head. This is not a place for the mudslinging and flaming found on internet forums. Personal attacks and the like are not allowed.
Critique, don't comment. Neopoet is a workshop environment. You are not going to like every comment you get. This does not mean that you can take every little comment personally. If you hear your poem needs work, it's not an attack -- it's an opening to improve yourself as a writer. Comments, however, about a member's race, sex, sexual preference, religion (or lack of religion), disability, or other personal, immutable status are not allowed. Critique must be about the poem, not about the poet. If you do receive a comment that veers into the personal, report them to the AEC along with proof so that they may take appropriate action after an investigation. However, critique about poetry is certainly allowed and encouraged -- not everything you receive will be complementary, though hopefully all feedback you receive will suggest ways you can improve.
Play fair. Be honest. Avoid conflicts of interest. Do not try to rate other poems in a way to give your poetry a competitive edge, or try to "game" the system. Don't specifically ask others to rate your work. If you have a substantial connection to a person outside of Neopoet, avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest -- do not vote on their work, and ask them not to vote on yours.
Contribute. Be an active member. Read. Comment. But go beyond that - if you are an experienced poet, offer to mentor rising talent. Consider joining the Advocate program. If you have any ideas to improve the site, let us know - tell the member coordinator or the technology team.
Help build our culture. The one thing that sets Neopoet apart is our culture. It’s not just the words on our site - it’s the people here. If you see a new member that might need help, help out. Be warm, friendly, diplomatic.
This site - is - and always will be - in motion. Everything can grow and change and improve. Even this page you are reading now. If you have an idea, discuss it in the forum, with other members, contact the AEC or the Trustees and we’ll help you make it happen.
