I know this site is based on poetry and critiques. I realize I'm fortunate to have a "free" membership. And unfortunately I probably would have this "free" membership for a long long time (should I stay). I liked this site from the very start. It was different than the rest and I loved the freedom it gave me in posting my poetry, and expression.1
The longer I stayed however, the more I picked up on trivial, petty and hypocritical things. I tried to put them aside and carry on in my own way, since I valued this site.2
But the more I involved myself, the more I noticed... It started getting frustrating... Annoying, irritating.. etc...3
So at this point, I just feel like speaking my mind, no different than speaking my mind about anything else I have spoken on. But I think it's a bit foolish to REQUIRE that we comment. And/or limit us to a specific number of poems because:4
1)we can't for whatever reason afford a preferred or uber membership.5
2)we may not want to comment, but we value the site for posting purposes.6
I just don't think it's all that fair. I went back and read my "greeting" and all it said was "commenting is encouraged". Never said it was a requirement. And I realize things are "subject to change" but i think it's only fair that you realize - some people have joined this site for a more sole purpose. I try to read and comment often, but for my own liking. Not because "I have to (or else)". Not because I want to better anyone else's poem. But because I WANT TO. One of the main things I enjoyed about this site (over the rest) was the freedom. And I feel (the longer i've been here) that my freedom is slowly being taken away from me.7
I've started picking up on your typical "cliques" and petty acts of immaturity (from adults mind you) that it sickens me people continue to act this way. And most are paid members... So where does that leave someone like me? BANNED?? maybe?8
All the rules on commenting, critiquing, reading, writing.. is starting to get out of hand. (for me). Yea i know i can leave at any time, and i'm considering it. I also know I have the freedom of speech, and to everyone's surprise you even offer an ADULT category.. amongst other things.. How can you be so flexible and then create rules around it all? Yea i realize some people need boundaries, and some need rules in order to "play nice" but I've seen in more ways than one - certain members that have been around LONGEST and may even be a moderator or someone "higher" up on this site act as if they have forgotten some of the rules they so want to exist. and that pisses me off too..9
I think I see where this site is going. and eventually (probably sooner rather than later) it'll be a strictly PAID site altogether. And maybe that's your goal. It's just ashame some of us fell for it.10
I just want to mention again, or at all - that commenting is a bonus (in my opinion). Sometimes I read a poem and i really have nothing to say.. Does that mean i have to continue looking for one just to get my "comment" in to post another of my poems.??? Sometimes I really don't have much time at all for my own poetry, let alone four other poems plus mine... Or maybe some people are just anti-social but they love the fact they can post their very personal private writes... Shouldn't they be entitled to just that, and that alone? I never ever took it too personal when one didn't comment on my poem even if i featured it. yea it sucks... but so what... I never got upset over someone writing a "one liner" "yea i liked it" .. good.. maybe they liked it and that's all.. that should be good enough for any writer to hear as compared to a more thorough comment. I also, don't get all pissy over someone spamming in my comment box (or trying to steal points).. is there a limit on points??? that i should be aware of??? Will the points run dry - is it a fight to the death for points here? If so, i think that, along with "commenting" being a requirement should be in the registration of this site...11
I just think it's a crappy realization... and takes away from the beauty of this site. And with all the "funny business" going on - you know who you are... KNOCK IT OFF... power trippin' fools.. GROW UP.12
there.. i think i'm done...13
maybe.. for now.14
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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i am 13 and have been on this site for a over 2 weeks. I think it would suck if we had to pay because some people don't have money or other things. I think if it changed then that would be horrible because the people who aren't paying will be kicked off. Some of the people who don't pay are very good writers. I agree with you in some of the things you were talking about.
~Becca~
Edited on Aug 12, 5:40 p.m. because ''. -
thanks for readin' mikey ;O)
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sorry, but I just dont want to comment! lol, well said.x
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Well, I think this is a rather silly thing to get heated over. First of all, it's not going to affect hardly anybody. How many people CONSISTANTLY write and post three or more poems a day? The way I'm looking at it, it's more like it's pacing you when it comes to posting pieces. And the reason I think it's reasonable, even if everybody did write three or more poems a day, is something you pointed out. Many of us like to post our work - but I see no other reason to like to post your work other than for feedback. It might be the smallest bit of feedback, like somebody telling you they liked it or relaying a favorite line...but we do it for feedback, nonetheless. AllPoetry has grown so much as far as numbers go...and most of those users want feedback but A.) don't have time or B.) are too lazy to give others feedback. This creates a problem, do you see it? And it would appear that it has created enough of a problem in Kevin's eyes for him to feel that action is necessary to try to encourage interaction between poets. So no, I think the new enforcement of the rule is totally reasonable, regardless of the fact that I don't really think it's going to affect that many people.
I have no comment on the 'power tripping' moderators, paid and older members. I have had no problems with moderators, but anything human is subject to human flaw. Sometimes we fail to remember that.
Love, Amy -
OK, I've not read ALL the comments, so sorry if I repeat anyone here.
I agree with some of the things you've said, but not with others. I support the rule about posting four critiques for every poem. If you want a place to post poetry so badly, surely that means you want other people to read it. Otherwise, why not just keep them in a note book at home? If you want other people to read them then presumably you want them to say what they think, even if it's just a few lines. But if no-one ever critiqued, no-one would ever see each other's work, which would defeat the point of having this site entirely. Furthermore, limiting the number of "free" items you can post per day stops people from "emotionally vomiting", ie posting loads of poems which they haven't paid any attention to, which tend to be a chore to read. Again, if they are only writing these for release then why post them on a site and ask for a critical review?
OK, now for the part where I agree- I think that it is unfair not to place these restrictions on people just because they're preferred members. Some people are too young to own credit cards, or as you say don't have the money to pay for it anyway. I would have no problem with preferreds being able to put pictures and stuff in, but I think it's stupid that you can't start groups unless you're preferred. I also think that preferreds are capable of emotional vomiting as well!
I appreciate your opinion, it's interesting to read. -
I am like LadyUnique. I don't have an opinion either way. I hope the site never goes strickley paid it would cut out a lot of the younger talent and even though it's not that expensive it's not something I can afford right now. I don't even pay for internt service. I post on my lunch break at work or at my sisters bf's house.
peace
Lizzie -
Thank you LadyUnique. I completely and wholeheartedly appreciate your comment. I hope my "rant" doesn't misconstrue who I really am (where this site is concerned) I never had a problem and still don't with commenting and keeping the communication a factor in this site (if i'm saying that right anyway).. but it's those little restrictions and rules that begin to eat away at me.. especially when.. emotionally disturbed (pms).. i get touchy about dumb things. Anyway, I consider myself one that plays by the rules (here) and my point is more just to say I dislike being forced into something, when it wasn't an issue to begin with.. or something. i know i didn't have to explain myself again, just can't help it. it's in my nature. but i appreciate what you said.
And I don't have a problem with all moderators or paid members either. I'm jealous sometimes 
anyhoo, thanks!
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i've been on both sides of this fence, paid membership and free that is.
i truly don't have an opinion either way but i did want to compliment you on how you've expressed your opinion. it's done maturely and intelligently and i respect that.
i for one would prefer the site didn't switch to paid only. that would close out a lot of talent and i'd miss that -
Hey mike thanks for reading and commenting and being honest. I'm not saying I mind either.. (for what it's worth) and I'm not even saying I don't do this stuff for any reason. I'm more or less speaking for the one's that don't really want to comment. And sometimes I don't even post any poems for days.. But I know I also go through phases where I have one night where I add a bunch and do other things like addlines or etc.. And I just think it's ridiculous to have to sit here and count four comments for each thing I feel like participating in, even if that includes a poem of my own. If i just so happen to add two poems and one addline and then one contest that's 8 comments I have to go and search and do when I may or may not have the time or mood.. then what? i get behind... and come one tomorrow, and have to do the count all over again, so ok.. 8 yest. and 16 today hahaha i just think it's a silly way to make people communicate AND,OR buy paid memberships - JUST TO POST PICTURES AND USE BACKGROUNDS and do things like italicized.. i just don't think it's all that worth it.. (just ranting here). like i said up there, i know i can leave.. but i don't think i should have to. i enjoy this site for what i do on here. I just think there is exceptions to every rule and no one said on the main page what the outcome would be if you didn't do this, or to whom it applies and doesn't... Like some of the 9 year olds that use this to post and get nice feedback... Are they required to comment.. i'm getting carried away.. I am glad you read and commented, thanks! i'm zippin' it now.
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poetry can be a means to social action/change.
note the russian.
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I agree that these clowns here are acting foolish. But I honestly dont mind putting up some comments to be allowed to post, I read a fair amount of poems here anyway. But, I usually don't post more than two items per day anyhow so I (like many people) could just slip by on the freebies. And if it came down to it in the end - you know, if things got really bad here - I would leave and not care. It is after all, just a website. It wouldnt stop me from writing or sharing it with others.
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Presently - I appreciate you commenting and taking the time to read this. Thank you for that.
I to agree times call for changes, I'm ok with changes. Keep in mind this was just a rant and I'm pmsing.. To be honest lol. So certain minute things really get to me.
And my only other question for you is - I'm not quite sure what you're saying to me in your comment. Other than change is ok (or change happens regardless). Are you asking that I change this into a poem? I started out with a poem.. (when i first read the main page) and I was really pissed.. Then i calmed down and wrote this. I figured why limit myself on this rant and just go all the way.. Saying it all. In MY way. So that's what I did. I may change it to a poem someday. *shrugs* So if you could clarify your comment - I would appreciate it and again, thanks for reading and commenting.
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Rauen - my sweet dear friend.. I was worried about you. Even if I didn't leave you a "comment" regarding my worries. I was. And you probably knew that deep down. I'm glad you read this and commented. It means a lot.
I personally liked this of your comment - "not to pat each other on the back and give each other cookies!"
True.. Although I do believe some people truly just want some honest feedback to better their writing skills (and that's a great feature to be able to give and receive in that way). But I personally (for ONE) wouldn't really "better" someone's poem, even if they ask. I think if someone writes a poem a particular way (poor grammar included) then.. hey that's how they want to express themselves. There's a BROAD variety of cultures and nationalities and speaking methods out there.. Why limit ourselves to the english language.. bah.. lol.. So YES i agree and believe that "requiring comments" (FOUR PER ENTERED ITEM) *ehem* will only draw MORE empty comments.. Just so people can enter more of their own poetry.
glad you dropped by it's nice to see ya. I've been checkin on ya, no new poems 
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Exactly! Hehe, no prob. I read it late last night, and I was surprised at how much I got into it--and agreed completely.
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I'm not alone ;*)
VeinsOfAbsinthe - Thanks for reading and commenting (see even I appreciate it) anyway. You said everything well and better than me. I completely agree. Now I'm in a bit of a different position. I'm 26, with a 7 year old (and I live pay check to pay check) and that's still not enough (anyhoo) I have a zillion other things that need to be paid for before - like you said.. I buy a "paid" membership to an online website that offers a couple extra features. If I'm gonna fork over THAT MUCH Money, I'll just create my own, FREE entire website based strictly off posting my poems. Maybe I'll even throw in a guestbook for people to leave comments or critiques (all for free)... anyway, thanks again.
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excellent,not a poem
Yes, all that , I agree with (note, I didn't say it was "true")...
I am not young...one might even call me "old", and in my span of years I have seen many changes...and have come to believe that is what it is all about. Now then, I am really glad that I was born when I was...for, while the modern world is really very grand, there are things that the young now have missed (plug for my "old Memories" here)!!
may I suggest you look at the other side of the coin you have given me?...and then put it into a poem. -
boom-yay!
wow, you're mad. Awesome! I disagree with people posting one-liners being a good thing. I, for one, prefer people DON'T comment on my poems because I'm not the best person at taking criticism. But no matter whether or not you leave the "comment on this poem" box checked, it still says the same "author asks you critique this critically" BS at the end of the poem. what if I don't WANT people to, AP? What if this was just something i wanted people to read, acknowledge, and move on? The "times read" count will let me know if my message got spread, i don't need people commenting using about 30 extra characters, making their own signature just so they get a point or two. That's not why I'm here! We're here to spread truth, in an entertaining, personal, and emotional way, not to pat each other on the back and give each other cookies!
You're right, it's quite likely that AP will go pay someday, and you're also right that it's sad. I like this site better than places like DeviantArt. They're way too serious for my tastes. This is a more casual site, and (besides the increasing number of rules with less intelligent, mature mods to enforce them) more sites like this one should exist. Don't you dare limit our freedoms though; as soon as you do, your member count will drop like Nixon's approval rating during the Watergate scandal. -
I agree with you about the limited posting. I mean, I'm 14... I can't get a job, and my parents don't want to buy me a preferred membership just so I can have pretty backgrounds and unlimited posting. That's just not fair.
And you made another good point. Sometimes when you read a poem, you just don't have anything to say. Of course you could make something up so you can earn points and, I guess, earn a little more freedom, but why bother? Your comment isn't going to do them any good when you're just pulling words out of your ass.
I think that as time progresses, more and more freedoms could be taken away... and most likely will be; until, like you said, this is a paid membership only site.
I don't know. I love this site to death, but I am not happy with creative restrictions.
Edited on Nov 09, 10:45 p.m. because 'typo'.
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