Recently in PFFA, one new member posted his/her first poem in the “C&C’ forum, a bad decision, he/she should have posted it in the “General Poetry” forum instead. Moreover the posted poem wasn’t really that good. (You have to reach certain standard to post in “C&C) In fact, it was filled with bad grammar, poor spelling, forced rhyme, etc. (Just like mine)
I expected it will be torn to pieces within the next few hours. And true enough, it attracted the “attack” from the most ruthless super moderator known in PFFA’s history. He told this particular poster to “Learn how to fucking spell.” Yes, I am uncomfortable with the word “fucking” appearing in a poetry forum especially if it was made by a moderator. You can fuck here and fuck there in your blog, many “famous" bloggers do that, but please avoid using it in a poetry forum. (However I don’t mind words like “fuck” or “fucking” in poems provided they are there for good reason.)
Actually harsh criticisms are expected in PFFA. It is one of the main reasons why PFFA is so popular to those are prepared to leave their pride outside the door. We stick with PFFA despite knowing our poems might received comments such as, “This is a worthless piece of crap!”, “Do you read poetry?”, “What you've written is the lowest common denominator of poetry … for the love of poetry, stop writing.”, etc. These comments are heart-breakers, but they make you think, make you want to prove them wrong, make you want to improve. I usually took a few deep breaths before clicking the “Submit” button.
Despite the risk of being treated like the village idiot, PFFA is STILL one of the best online poetry forums around. I do understand the frustrations of running an online poetry forum, since I am a moderator myself. I also admire their determination to maintain the “no nonsense” image of PFFA. However, using vulgarities in my opinion is totally out of line. “Learn how to spell” will be sufficient, please leave the fucking in the bedroom.
Just for info, that particular poem has been moved to the “General Poetry” forum.
7 comments:
The mod must be really pissed off. Or he had a bad day in the office.
maybe the mod feel insulted to see such stuff in C&C... 1st it show the poster nvr read the "must read" instructions, 2nd it's not thoroughly thot thru, really shows how serious u take ur own poems.... if u can't even respect ur own stuff, why would others? 3rd it's a serious poetry forum, wat else would u expect?
i took many deep breathe also dare not venture in... :P
btw "please leave the fucking in the bedroom", tat is not necessarily confined in the bedroom wor.... hahahhhahahahaha....
dsnake1
It is still inappropriate mah. :)
panda,
I am really surprise. How thoughtful of you. :)
Yah, you are right, can do it in the kitchen, in the living room, in the bathroom, in the park, in the car, etc. so adventurous hor?
tat's y i think think think, think better not post there... heheheee.... unless i wanna commit suicide lah :P
u also very adventurous mah, can list out all those places.... *evil chuckles*
Good grief, no wonder you're afraid to write! I have done many workshops, and sarcastic comments like "Do you read poetry?" or lazy, brutal comments like "Learn how to fucking spell" would never be allowed. I have no problem with someone telling me a poem is no good, but I want to be told, sincerely, why.
It is too easy in online forums to see the other participants as less than human because we can't see them. We all have feelings, for cryin' out loud. The best workshops are honest but supportive.
Hello Amy,
So glad you stopped by. I am also very very surprise to receive an email from you. Thanks for your encouragement.
I do agree that PFFA is a bit harsh. Hehe.
Do you know any honest but supportive online poetry forums? Thanks. :)
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