What do our poets enjoy the most at MM?, Central theme for IBPC boards Options

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hello and thanks for reading this thread!

The participating boards of the IBPC (InterBoard Poetry Competition) have been asked to raise discussion around the question, "What is at, or what is it about our forum, that the poets enjoy most?"

To quote part of Rus' email, he mentions that this question comes from two places.

"1. There were 7 forums that did not enter poems this month, some that would have wanted to (and two that withdrew from future comps, The Maelstrom and The Writer's Block). What if they could create activities or formats, something got sparked, that would attract or keep poets at their sites, or would help them rebuild after personal calamities and illnesses and such? If we can learn from each other, perhaps some forums might develop cliques and buddy up with reps who find themselves on the same visionary wavelengths.

2. This a bit more involved: If we all come to a place of keen understanding of what it is about the sister boards that is best for the poets, then the upcoming IBPC blog, Voices in Synergy, succeeds as we all will come to know how to put our best feet forward--and in unison, come from a keen, informed, communal understanding.

To reinterate Rus' closing remarks:
"No matter whether we want growth, or just want to make a place better for our poets, or get some ideas for new features and such, this e-mail loop is to make us all the smarter. It works if we make it work, and the more the merrier and the better we, and ultimately the poets of the community, are for it.

It is only through IBPC that internet poetry forums are truly able to consider themselves part of a larger community. Let's do this thing we have."

I look forward to your feedback - I will be sharing the responses with the IBPC and its forum reps.

Thank you!
~Lori

[Cleo_Serapis]

I'll start by reiterating our mission:

Mosaic Musings is a writers’ workshop for those seeking genuine commentary and criticism on their works. By offering friendly, yet thorough, critiques, we will support and encourage members to polish their work in a setting that is relaxed, fun and challenging. No matter what stage you have reached in your writing, if you have the motivation, you will be heartily welcomed here at MM providing you: (1) Have a desire to improve your writing and a willingness to help others improve theirs, and (2) Follow MM’s simple rules - designed to make membership comfortable, respectful and beneficial. This interaction is an integral part of our continued growth and evolvement as confident and competent writers.

One of the things I enjoy most about the interactions here is that we repect each other and what it means to critique a work posted here, in a friendly way so as not to harm the poet by our words if said work is in need of serious, in-depth commentary. We play off each others needs and desires, and in learning each other's goals, we are able to fine-tune and tweak our responses to fit those goals.

I understand that not all share the desire to get published, (and possibly become famous someday) through our written words and that is perfectly fine. What makes us unique is that we are inquisitive and share our goals, and our reactions to them, so that all can learn and appreciate the qualities that drive each of us to expressions through the art of poetry. We cater our style and level of critique to each individual based on their goals, and ultimately come out the better for it, on both sides.

~Cleo