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

[Cleo_Serapis]

Anyone else care to chime in?

[Alan]

Dear Lori,

What I like about any site I am comfortable on, hence tend to stay, is the interaction of the people on the site, which usually stems from the character and activity of the leader. One feels one has friends.

Hence my delight in being able to return to MM (one of the best!) a few months ago.

It also helps if the quality of argument is high, but not too intellectual/snobbish. A like-minded group.

I also favour sites which do regular challenges and competitions, some of my best writing has been sparked by these.

Love
Alan

[Peterpan]

Hi Lori~

This is a very fast response...waiting in reception for a meeting...

Sorry, I have been a bit hectic. Thank you for the link, nudge! I think there are troubling times in the world? I appreciate your energy. I have been here when MM was buzzing. I was also a mod on another board years ago which was also buzzing and now I see things are a lot more sober. It is hard to make people commit. Most of us are working. I would love to write 24/7. Perhaps one day. I think for a lonely person the internet is a wonderful friend. I hope we all can buck things up and keep the MM wheel moving, make friends with the other boards.

I have tried to contribute every time I log in for a brief viewing! Perhaps we have to make that our motto? Log-in and make a remark. Perhaps we think of a more appropriate buzz phrase?

I will give it some thought over the weekend. I dont even have time for the word challenges! And I love the stimulation. Life is a bit fast.

Take care and you have my support!

Bev

[JLY]

Lori,
Although activity has waned from its peak of a few years ago, the atmosphere has never changed. MM is a site that invites people of all poetic abilities and offers varied forums that can appeal to many different genres.

I particularly enjoy the warm and positive comments and crits that are offered by the readership and staff. Very rarely if ever, is there a caustic, mean-spirited comment posted as a response.

We all get brain-dead from time to time; its hard to be fashionably creative all the time. The demands on our free time are always lurking and like anything else, when family and career are tugging at our heartstrings, our hobby takes a back seat.

For me, the weekly challenges are the most enjoyable aspect of MM. They nudge me to take time to write a response and provide me with a theme and motivation that I need from time to time.

If there is one weakness here it's one that we are all quilty of, in that we may not be as diligent as we could be in providing critical responses to newly posted poems. I understand that free time is a commodity in short supply but if at all possible we need to respond more frequently to our peers. A sincere and honest peer review is what many of us desire and it helps us to improve our craft.

All in all, the feeling I get at MM is one of friendship.

JLY

[jgdittier]

Dear All,
What do I like best about MM?
For me, it's the same as for any poetry site.
I prefer to post where I feel closer to my fellow posters. I enjoy knowing about the folks whose comments I'm reading and I hope they care more about my poetic thoughts and style than simply how it compares with currently accepted style.
As one neither strongly committed to pure poetry nor to modern poetic style, the greatest benefit I might find at any site would be a few like minds.
Another feature I look for is enthusiasm and commitment for this poetic hobby
and when it wanes, as it seems to be doing most everywhere, I wane too.
Cheers, Ron jgd

[Aphrodite]

Hello Lori and all,

Mosaic Musings is a great poetry site with many forums to appeal to every type of writer and writing style. Also, the many appealing details incorporated into the site, which separates it from others, such as beautiful skins to choose from, makes MM unsurpassed and estetically pleasing.

I am going to add an additional comment in knowing Lori personally and having a relationship with her. She pays incredible attention to details of every aspect of her site, and cares deeply about member's likes and dislikes, going out of her way to appeal to all. It is nothing for Lori to spend hours every weekend to incorporate additions, or make changes to her site. The quality of MM is by far at the "top of the heap" and there are truly no comparisons that come close.

I have not been as active in the poetry scene the last couple of years, but hope to have more time and energy again soon. Meanwhile, I am very happy to be part of MM and appreciate how hard Lori and Peter work to keep this site running, for so many of us to enjoy. There are very few sites that have so much to offer, from every style of poetry to great contests!

Blessings,
Lindi

[Psyche]

Hi All! (again, in 10 mins.)

I wrote what I thought was a great commentary just now, and suddenly Internet Explorer informed me of some "error" and cut me off, it all disappeared!!!

One should really write in Word and then copy and paste, only I never remember....

Before this happens a second time, I'll say something that wasn't in the vanished comment.

When I first joined MM, most members didn't login as "invisible", and it was fun to see who was around at the same time as oneself. Then I began to do the same, I became "invisible", but a couple of days ago I decided to materialize myself once again, as far as is possible in virtual space. So for a while, as a trial period to see how it goes, I shan't do the Cheshire Cat act anymore. Hope others will join me!!

Well, I'll send this now, and try to repeat the other stuff after lunch, or whenever. I'm hungry!!
Cheers to all, Sylvia ***

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thanks so much all for your feedback!

Keep your thoughts coming!

~Cleo

[Psyche]

Hi again, Lori & all!

I notice that I said on April 12th. that I'd login again 'after lunch'....LOL.... I've had lots of lunches since then!!

I think everything has been said by all. I agree with everybody. Kinda strange! Or perhaps it's proof that MM is a friendly place to be in, so that each in our individual fashion, basically have similar goals and dreams....ah, dreams!

Dreams reminds me that I think we should strive to reach out to the general public, not by being less strict with ourselves regarding the basic 'rules' of poetry, but by observing what goes on around us, what happens to us & our friends, the world and so on, and then writing about it. Trying not to be too hermetic in our style, which is OK too, but doesn't attract a wide audience. Natch, most poets here at MM do that, I just wanted to point it out.

Rus's point 1. is important, I agree with him. We are communities, and as such should encourage support and exchange of some personal news (though not too much...LOL...in the forums). Trouble is, writing one's Bio & posting it is a drag for me, I don't feel I have anything interesting to say, except in flashes, here & there, in a post or a poem. Shame on me, I've only just seen that I NEVER replied to any of the comments on the bit of Bio that I wrote long ago....about my childhood!! Soooooorry, folks! Hope to make belated replies asap...

Bev's comment about the Internet being great for lonely people is SO right. Since my husband's internment, I live with my cat Scarlett... I do get out and do quite a lot of things, but the Internet is a blessing. Bless you all!!

Challenges and comps are also important. I don't do the challenges for the moment, coz I bring my husband home on weekends, and he keeps me busy. And then the week starts, and other stuff crops up....but I'll try to join in again!!!

I wonder about a forum with "Theme" poetry? Nature, Life, Love, Death, Humor, War, etc... It may not be advantageous in any special way, except that in my case....LOL... it would help me to organize my poetry better. It could be for people to post their poems AFTER they've been critted & revised in the forums. Just a thought, probably because I've been helping a disabled friend to organize her LOVE poetry, since she's been offered publication in France, in a bilingual collection (Spanish-French, each poem alongside the other). She's thrilled but can't copy & paste all her stuff in one Word.doc to send to the publishers, who want only this theme, got me? So I'm halfway through this job of picking out LOVE from her jumble of work, and the deadline is April 29th.!

As I continue thinking along these lines, a theme poetry showcase would help disabled people a lot, since it would allow them to post their poetry neatly, even if they can't participate in the forums. At least they'd join a community, and be included....

Well, I'll stop waffling on. Need my lunch again!
Cheers to all,
Syl *** .... and I apologize for my rather unprofessional way of posting my ideas. Bye!

[Peterpan]

Hi Syl

It is so great to hear you chat so freely that we are certainly not critical of anything you may think we should be!

Wonderful to hear from you and your ideas.

Bev

[Psyche]

Hi Bev!

Thank you! Trouble is, probably for lack of time (as with a lot of people), if I don't just login and start writing, I'd never post any of the ideas Lori is seeking for the IBPC group.

I notice that you also post things in a rush...LOL... Thank goodness, Bev, otherwise nothing would get done.

I'm quite enthused with the Theme Showcase Forum that I thought of while I was writing... don't know yet what Lori and the others will say. Experience in different areas of life helps to give one ideas, they just pop up. I've had a LOAD of trouble sorting out my disabled friend's Love poems. She works (and talks) with an on-screen keyboard & other gadgets. She can only use ONE finger, with a specially sensitive Jelly Bean Button attached, just imagine... It takes her about an hour to write about 10 lines, even with this technology.

Nonetheless, she's had two poetry books published, and this one will be her third. She would probably be able to post her poems, maybe with help, if there were a Theme Forum, not for crits, but maybe for comments? What do you ALL think? We tend to forget disabled people, who are often highly gifted....María Lucía writes in English, too, BTW.

Of course the Theme Showcase would be for EVERYBODY who cares to organize their work into categories. The idea cropped up because of the task I was doing. I know it would also benefit me!!

That's all for now, thanks again for reading me, Bev!
Love & hugs, Syl ***

[JLY]

Sylvia:

I think your idea of a "Theme Forum" has a lot of merit. I think broad-based topics like Love, Summer, Family, Life, etc might attract the most attention. Topics that everyone could identify with would maybe be the most popular.

I thought of you and your country this week as I entertained business associates from Peru. We talked at great length about South America and particularly the increased development in Lima and its countryside.

JLY

[Cleo_Serapis]

I thought I'd post in some interesting tidbits that are being discussed in another MM thread: Board Stats by Month, a downward swing which I recently sent out an SOS questioning the downturn in posting stats. There is a definite collaboration of why our poets enjoy MM. I'll excerpt the appropriate bits of the comments here.

Peggy Carpenter Harwood wrote:

Hi Cleo,

As far as web poetry sites go, MM is of inestimable value and offers and fosters a love of poetry which is difficult to measure with facts and figures. Oh, and indeed be assured that your time and expertise and encouragement are deeply appreciated!!!!

Peggy

Rus Bowden wrote:

MM is booming compared to other forums. You have quality here, even if quantity is on the downswing. MM is therefore very important to online poetry, especially with the hammer forums that are out their, designed to drive poets away.

Yours,
Rus

Xanadu wrote:

I enjoy MM a great deal. Mosiac exhibits a class that is seldom found in other forums. You have my utmost respect in keeping a "hands on" approach; something certain other boards should be paying more attention to. I find I am posting less and less to any boards for numerous reasons:, in fighting, slow responses if any, no follow up or workshopping and board running. Mosiac Musings does not suffer these ills and you are the one to be thanked that it does not! So, thank you.

jgdittier (Ron) wrote:

Dear Lori and All,
I've found MM to be a leader amongst the many poetry sites I've frequented. One truth seems to be that loyalty to poetry sites is minimal and that on the perception that activity is diminishing, many feel the urge to transfer. Perhaps a month is necessary to determine the true MM status now that we are facing it. May we all thank Lori for all her tremendous efforts. She deserves better!

Cheers, Ron jgd

Ephiny (Lucie) wrote:

Hello Lori and everyone,

I joined MM in 2003 and of all websites I have ever visited/joined/frequented, it has so many good memories and positive learning experiences for me and that's why I feel bad that I have so lax about it in the past year. In that time, of course, MM has changed a lot. I do continue to visit quite often and don't recognise so many faces or haven't yet caught up with all of the different forums. I don't see many of the people I remember from there, although there are still quite a few I know. This is no excuse..I know all I have to do is start posting and I will get to know everyone again; MM has always been so friendly. Maybe there are things that those of us who get involved could help with? What I've always enjoyed so much about MM is that there was always something new each time I visited. Perhaps a collection of thoughts in a survey or discussion form might shed light on things or be useful in some way?

I've probably lost track of quite a lot going on at the moment, and maybe plenty of this is happening already but another thing I always thought was great in MM was the challenges, like members choice etc. where people voted, and the Pandora challenges when they worked that way as well..they all created a gerat atmosphere, not of competitiveness (is that even a word!!) but of fun and participation.

I think it's important that you know what a brilliant place you have created and continue to create, and at the same time, please don't feel bad for wanting to do your own stuff as well; that is completely understandable and as things pick up, which I have every confidence they will, more participation might take the pressure off you as well.

Lori, again I send huge apologies for not being around more and I will do my very best now to "re-discover" MM and am looking forward to it! I hope you are well and that everything is going well for you; despite this small set-back. If we all pull together, I'm sure things will be back on track in no time.

Take care and let me know anything I could do to help. :)

Hugs,
Lucie xx

4rum (Sam) wrote:

Dear Lori;

I think that the proliferation of vanity sites has given many the urge to visit site after site looking for recognition or prominence without really putting forth an effort. You have put a great deal of yourself into MM. It is a work that you can be proud of. The standards here have not faltered as they have on many sites. My advice is, as long as you get ANY reward for your effort, keep it open even if you have to spend less time. The quality may suffer... or the membership may step up and give something back to this wonderful site. I feel that you are very capable of many things, the drive involved in keeping this site at this level of quality for this long is proof of that. I hope that as you sort through these sincere thoughts from caring hearts that you will find some resolution and peace. I know that the burden here has weighed heavily on you. Ultimately the decision is yours. I assure you, I will honor whatever it may be and cherish the friendship that you have afforded me.

Sam

JLY (John) wrote:

Lori,
I think people are always hesitant to make suggestions, particularly the newbies. The atmosphere here has always been open and friendly and I think it is a good, positive step to once again remind the members that all suggestions and comments are welcome.

JLY

[Guest_ohsteve_*]

Lori and other posters, I think what has been said here is very true, I have roamed a lot of poetry sites and still post in numerous places, but guess where I always go first? Right to MM, Having been a moderator on another site I understand how hard Lori's job is and have immense respect for what she does. I know that I am a very bad critiquer I don't know enough to tear things apart and show people a better way. But I am trying to learn. I spend a lot of my day alone, I am not too lonely because I have freinds here and other sites, I think a place where people could post and just have comments would be nice, like Sylvia said a place where someone can post under some sort of theme... I also want to say that I have lax in my participation of the challenge spots, but sometimes just a set of words or titles don't alway inspire me, may be we could add pictures, or write to a themed title taken from a well known poet, like 'Birches' by Frost, or a poem based on a book title itself, its hard to say what can inspire one to write. And sometimes people just need an ear to listen to them or vent there frustration on, if that is so then let me say that I have a good ear, and have vented my own frustrations many times... it helps to have some one listen. Email me if you feel that need or send me a IM/PM here at MM.
I like Sylvia ramble on... MM is a great place.
Steve

[Peterpan]

Hi Lori~

First and foremost MM is about poetry and prose - creative writing, which is the sharing and learning part. Then along the way we support each other and cry across the sea for the passed-on, sick or the sad. MM is more than just a forum for posting, it is a host of angels, who in their own time take a peek and post...and send hugs!

When I have been way, one of the first things I do when I get home is look at MM to see what has been going on, and who has been posting and what is news. (If I told my late Granny that the Internet forms part of my network of friends she would think me crazy... :) )

So keep the interesting poetic forms flowing. (One day I will participate.) Keep posting and supporting.

Have a good weekend.

Bev