tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828266702422314264.post2141293535820674817..comments2023-05-18T10:33:28.033+01:00Comments on A Thing for Poetry: The Gentle Art of Self-PromotionDavid Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656839468664945706noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828266702422314264.post-86457278854805865572012-09-09T10:53:20.285+01:002012-09-09T10:53:20.285+01:00Your blog item relating to Fiona Sampson's cla...Your blog item relating to Fiona Sampson's claim in her N.S. article has set me thinking too. I can only respond subjectively as someone who has just re-emerged onto the poetry scene after a decade - of journalism, teaching etc., though all the time indulging myself as a 'closet poet'. Now having got most of my 'successful' previous stuff put away in my book, I am finding the new, to me, contemporary poetry <br />scene most exciting and inspiring.<br /><br />I suppose, yes, I indulge in self-promotion to a degree, as a sort of a confirmation that my poem exists, whatever the response, to sell a few books and maybe induce people to join my workshops, but especially so that I can meet and mingle and learn from other poets. Of course, I am competitive, particularly with myself, trying to get each poem better than the previous one. As for the open-mic sessions, I enjoy <br />listening and taking part in them as a friendly informal showcase, and the 'slams' are fun and full of vitality, there are some hugely talented 'performance poets' out there - although personally I shall stick to page poetry and try and get it as good as I can although 'never completed, only abandoned'. I feel F.S. is being a bit too <br />academic and precious in her views.<br /><br />A blog such as yours, far from trumpeting achievements, offers an intelligent and enjoyable means of sharing ideas and thoughts, newly discovered poets, forthcoming events ... between poets, whether established, emerging, or just those of us who <br />care a lot about poetry.Jennifer Farley, Cheltenhamnoreply@blogger.com