Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

GREETINGS ALL

I have within the past few days gotten back on line due to a computer crash and find that I need to make a couple of announcements.
1. Due to personal problems beyond his or our control Jess (weirdelf ) has had to step down as director of workshops. His contributions in this capacity will be sorely missed and his past work as such is greatly appreciated.
2. As a result of his resignation the AC had to appoint an interim workshop director. Despite my lack of qualification the other workshop leaders an the AC thrust the job on me. Let me emphasize this is meant to be an interim job only and will only last until we can find a better person to fill the vacancy in an ongoing capacity. (Beware, we might be calling on You! lol)
3. In my capacity as interim director I am requesting suggestions and ideas from all site members about what shops you would like to see run here in the future. This can be either technical in nature or dealing with almost any aspect of writing. This is Your site and it is our goal to serve members as well as we can so just send me any suggestions . You can do this by posting them here on this announcement of by sending me a private message.................stan (scribbler)

Comments

no wonder
no one has yet read my
Tribute for him
not even he ..
It's a pure coincidence I suppose
I didn't know
Jess goes

Hope he will stay with Neo's

One of these days I'm gonna run a shop on making commentary in plain prose instead of in verse lol. I think you'll check and see that your tribute Has been remarked upon. I'll leave mine when I become free to make a full remark. ...........stan

author comment

Ian
when will Jess read it?

You are one of the few people on this site that can run as Workshop director, I will help in any way I can, you just have to ask,
Jess has been a great addition to Neopoet and his stepping down will be a loss to us all.
As part of the AC you will know the reason, I am glad that you are OK with the position, Yours Ian.T

.
There are a million reasons to believe in yourself,
So find more reasons to believe in others..

I'm not really OK with filling the position. My computer skills are not as complete as the position really needs and my tendency to be too weak in critique is another negative. However I Am OK with pretending to be qualified until somebody who IS qualified is put in my place.

At the moment the easiest help I can get in this new position is ideas for workshops. It will take me a minimum of 2 weeks to fully put together the next shop I've been thinking about running and it would be great if somebody could come up with a quick idea for a fairly unambitious shop to fill in any dead time before I can get mine up and running.................stan

author comment

It is true that your computer skills need improvement, but you can do something about that.
It is also true that your critique could be more harsh ( I would say honest).
It is also true that your humanity, empathy and compassion make you one of the best workshop leaders we have ever had. I have no qualms whatsoever about you holding this position.

Not to put any pressure on you or anything [grins] but the workshops and mentorship are the basis of what makes Neopoet the best poetry site on the web, bar none. Nothing else even comes close. The only reason we don't have a much larger membership is that most self-styled poets are not at all interested in improving their craft, they just want to see their words in print .I'm also pretty sure that membership will grow when word gets around that I am no longer in a "position of power". Yes, I've read things on Facebook and elsewhere warning people off Neopoet because of that arsehole, weirdelf.

I believe you will do a better job than I ever did by encouraging rather than disparaging.

I have one request for you, and everyone, really, get a hold of Stephen Fry's "The Ode Less Travelled" and read it. Far the best, and most readable text on the art and craft of poetry I have ever read. The only things that have taught me more about poetry was doing an MA in poetry and eight years as a member of Neopoet.

I'm not gone, I'll still be around to piss people off [teeehee], I just find myself in the position now where I must constantly have to censor and edit every word i write. It makes it a slow and tedious process and even then I can't quite trust what I have written. An example of my predicament is that it took me an hour to write this.

All is well though, "the nature of Monkey is irrepressible".

You have my complete faith and belief in your ability to do this job. Neopoet needs you.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Good to hear from you. What you call self disparagement I call being honest about my shortcomings. I Am aware that I have some strengths to help counter balance these weaknesses but only weaknesses can be improved upon by people so I tend to concentrate on them I guess lol. Another few things also come into play as far as my taking the position on a permanent basis. One of the worst things anybody can do is over obligate themselves by taking on more than they can handle. By trying to do too much a person will often find themselves doing it all but doing it badly. And they also tend to burn out and become no use to anybody. The position of AC chair is on a day to day basis not that time consuming. But when it Does consume time it eats up a lot of it and it does so quickly. Being workshop director steadily uses up time although usually at a bit lower rate but the rate is pretty constant. And I can easily see that it, like AC chair , likely has short periods of time when the rate becomes high due to having to deal with problems which pop up and have to be dealt with quickly.

Then there's the totally selfish reason...I like writing poetry. And I need some time for that. Also within the next few months my real world work load is going to increase substantially.

Could I do the job of workshop director acceptably? Probably. Can I do a decent job as AC chair? Apparently I can because nobody yell at me too much about it. BUT will time constraints allow me to both as well as they need to be done? THAT'S the big question isn't it? But I've taken it on in an interim capacity and I think AC elections are coming up before too long. Perhaps another will become chairman and thus leave time for me to seriously consider director's job on a more permanent basis. Sometime the passage of time allows things to work themselves out. When I accepted the director job as interim I did so thinking "interim" would likely be at a minimum of 3 months. So I'm not on the verge of bailing out on that responsibility just yet lol.

I've seen you talk about the ode less traveled previously. It must be pretty good. Maybe I can scratch together a few bucks before long and buy it. I've about worn out Norton's Poetry Anthology. Good to know you're still in the fight and I look forward to arguing with you for some time yet.........stan

author comment

I've done it often enough with bad consequences for myself and Neopoet.
i think anyone who reads "The Ode Less Travelled" and can make the time and commitment could run the Workshop Committee. Ask for volunteers. The task is not odious, the committee members come up with the ideas and run the workshops. The director just needs to oversee and make sure that at least one short term workshop is running at a time., with different concepts from technical structure to concepts. I am starting to re-think the "pools" idea. Most workshops should be accessible to most members.
The long term workshops need a kick in the arse, they are stagnating.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Which brings us to the shop you have running at the moment. Do you intend to keep it going long term or shutting it down soon? OK either way. And if you need help with it just holler and I'll do what I can to help.
Now the Pools thing. I agree that having so many pools is both confusing and might make people hesitate joining because they're uncertain of their own level. Perhaps condensing the pools to only 2 would be a good idea. Technical and thing not technical. If done right any shop should be of help to all levels of poets, especially the shops which deal with non tech things.

Let me know your intentions for your shop as soon as you can. I've got a preliminary idea for a short term shop but since you have one going now and Barb's renga shop is still going there will be not much rush about throwing together a quickie shop unless you need to end your quickly so you can concentrate on your battle.

Apparently you missed my note about whether you want the reason for your stepping down to be made public and how specific you want the announcement to be.

On a personal note, My brother had non Hodgkins lymphoma and fought it using chemo therapy which was a tough row to hoe. i understand radiation therapy is no bed of roses either. So I'm a little familiar with how much these things take out of a person so if you need to shut the shop down quickly there will be absolutely no shame involved in doing so. I'd much prefer you be around longer at a reduced or even sporadic capacity than to have you push yourself too hard and thus deplete your reserves.........stan

author comment

to give a chance to critique the critiques. This is possibly the most important part of the workshop and I plead for all participants to go through all the submissions and crit the crits. Don't be she shy to ask for more or to point out disagreements with crits given.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

it a little more time than one week . How do you feel about 10 days from today?

author comment

10 days minimum however if the discussion moves back to the workshop main page thread it could go on a little longer.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Sad to see you go Jess but glad you'll still be here to piss us off (grins). I'm here though, I'm not so outspoken for good reasons.. I am willing to volunteer where I'm needed.
Jess based on what you said about what ppl around the internet are saying. A public announcement on the site might be of help to get ppl to come back or participate more on the site. We here, I hope are willing to keep your passion for the sight in mind, but with less force (grins).

I don't think the world needs to know the details of your departure just that you resigned. You being behind the scenes with us is important. Those of us who love and care about you will hold you dear I think.
Since your passion for the site is cantered around critiquing not commenting, maybe some praiseworthy honour in you name might be an incentive for poet's who feel ineffective critiquing as I was when I came here and still am at times.

A workshop with outlined suggestions on how to be more effective at critiquing seems appropriate. Research is my friend so I don't mind writing a article to help, 500 words (grin)s.
For example your signature line " Critique not Comment" is what neopoet is all about. "Constructive Criticism not Undiluted Praise is how we help each other. These two would make great workshops topics in my opinion. One I think is good too is How to Give Constructive not Obstructive Criticism . . Illustration—If I don't get your point the critique is obstructive.

All the different pools may not be necessary but I think the Wading Pool a workshop all it's own for beginners is good. Renga a workshop all it's own. Critiquing a workshop all it's own for those who want to be more effective and gain high honours for completing the workshop skillfully. I'm sure there are workshop titles others may have in mind.

This is just some ideas popping off my head.

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

but a public announcement "it's safe to go back in the water, the weirdelf is gone" might be a bit much don't you think? Besides, I'm not going anywhere, just not leading the workshops any more. I've had 3 seizures in the last fortnight resulting in a concussion, cracked ribs and a bad burn.

All your ideas are good and I think you have built a valuable ongoing thing with Renga.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Yeah maybe too much. I don't know. What y'all come up with is fine by me. . Glad you will still be here. Was just thinking some things. I'm on board with what's decided.
Thanks

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

I think periodic workshops dealing with different aspect of critique are a must. They keep us from becoming lazy(er) in our helping others along. This might be the wrong time to discuss any type memorial type thing though. That damn elf is everywhere and might read it thus swelling his head up which would be unhealthy lol.Jess's critique shop is just now winding down so perhaps it's best to not immediately start another. But you are invited to begin work on a syllabus on such a shop which could crank up in a month or so. Most of the past critique shops have been general in scope and of fairly long duration. You might consider a shop dealing with a single or just a few aspects of critique. This would result in a shorter shop which might encourage more participation and also be easier on the shop leader. Keep them ideas coming!.........stan

author comment

I wasn't thinking memorial type thing. Lol. In my creative arts class in college was a guy who graduated and wouldn't be apart of the creative arts club anymore. So upon our year end Artcon talent show he was award this award which honours his name. I thought it was a bit much but I concede to the majority. Bc of the tireless time and volunteer work he did the group voted to do this for him. It wouldn't necessarily need Jess name so much just a critique title are something.

As for cranking up a workshop, I'm for it. The simpler it is the better. Sticking to a ending time is better. I'm doing with renga might work. Before taking on such a task would require me to research and create workshops with maybe one aspect at a time.

Simple—Short—Fun—Effective.

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

A periodic award (likely just a formal site announcement) which recognizes somebody for their contributions to the site? Not a bad idea. We'd need to have a way to select the ones who deserve it. I think a vote by all members won't work. It would be too unwieldy to do and also would have people involved in the process who haven't been here long enough to make an informed decision. Maybe a vote by All the folks who are already holding some type position would work. Something to think about. ..........stan

author comment

That's great, just what I was thinking. I agree those on the workshop Comittee should do the voting would make it simpler.

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

I was actually thinking of those holding Any position should have a vote. Greeters, mentors, AC members, workshop leaders and any other position. They are All likely to have been here a while as well as be involved in what's going on and who's contributing........stan

author comment

I think anyone who pays for a subscription should have a say

Scott

But that would give new folks who haven't been here long enough to be cognizant of who has or hasn't been contributing a lot a vote. Plus there's the detail that get the vote out for elections already held is pretty hard lol. But I think that this idea is Still in the infant stage and the decision on how to go about it is neither mine alone nor close to being hashed out. So all input is welcome and appreciated..........stan

author comment

I think that would make things more complicated for the workshop. I think workshop leaders shoud do the voting for a workshop thing within the workshop itself. Not everybody with a position participates in the workshops. Having a vote whether to have the award thing, yeah all have a vote. Who gets it, only workshop leaders I think. What yall think.

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

In the comment where you first proposed an award you didn't make it clear (at least to this old dunderhead lol) that you were wanting the award to be given to only those who had contributed time and energy to workshops only. I read it as being for the person who had made great contributions to the site overall. Jess would qualify either way both as a receipient as well as naming the award after.

Then there's the problem that if the award is limited to workshop involved people only , what about other areas of volunteer work? Are we then not obligated to come up with different awards for outstanding contribution for mentoring and another for exceptional work as greeter and yet another for excellence in AC leadership?..............stan

author comment

I tend not to make my self clear though I'm getting a little better. Lol. Awards for other contribution is fine with me.. I'm simply focusing on workshops for this award specifically to members participating to "critiquing not commenting" idea which would include Jess or any here who participate in this particular workshop.

Just as the trustees member of separate Comittee, AC members separate Comittee, Advocate is mostly any member here I think though I'm not sure, Mentor separate Comittee, Greeters separate Comittee though comittee members hold more than one position. Then you have chat etc. Giving awards or recognition can be something a workshop leader may use if he she wants to, though not necessary. As for premiums members they have more privilege than non premium already which is good.

*Collaborative Poetry Workshop* American Version of Japanese Poetry ~ Renga ~ Haiku, Senyru, Tanka.

Neopoet Community

(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.