1. When I visit a contest that is not closed yet and there are already entries tagged as finalists. Obviously the contest holder has already decided who will win.
2. When I am given a photo prompt that requires that I give credit to the artist even though I merely use the photo as inspiration and do not post the photo with my poem. This should not be a reason to DQ, although it is the contest holders choice. Still I will not enter and here is why.
Firstly, I never post a photo or graphic that is not by me unless I have the permission of its creator.
Secondly, I don't normally post photo's with poems anyway. It isn't fair to members who are not pay members as they are limited to posting a link and many people are concerned enough about viruses and spyware to avoid clicking links that are outside the site. Besides, poetry should stand on its own. It should BE the picture.
Thirdly, if I merely use it for inspiration, I do not owe a credit any more than anyone owes me credit if they use one of my writes merely as a springboard for their own writing or artwork. It is not plagiarism if I simply inspire you and you do not copy me.
3. The contest requires that I put an explanation beyond simply stating which prompt choice I used. Giving the reader the run down on how they should interpret my poetry takes a lot of the fun out of it for me as a writer. If you don't get it, I would like to know. If you get some off the wall interpretation while reading it, I want to know. I don't want to tell you what to think. I want to create poetry that allows you to read it from your perspective and to form your own opinions. I cannot get honest feedback if I tell everyone in my author's notes what I want them to see.
4. When the contest holder says something stupid like, "Don't suck". Who determines this "suckage"?. Is there a poetry entity out there that left you to be the end all be all of creative thought? If not sucking, or no crap means that I have to meet the expectations of some anal retentive "god of poetry" then I will happily continue to write CRAP that SUCKS and hope it stares you in the face at every click.
This does not mean that I do not appreciate critical feedback. I don't require that you like everything that I write. If I wanted everything that I wrote to be eternally praised and never criticized, I would NOT publish it on a public site. I would only allow it to be read by my mother. That is where I go when I only want the opinion of those who think I rock. When I post here, it is with the realization that, in the real world, everyone does not always like you.
When you say, "Don't Suck" you simply sound like an ass. Now, when you say, "if I think it sucks, I will tell you in my comment," that is different and I will enter in a heartbeat expecting honest opinions.
5. No, I will NOT read your stuff to see what you like and then change my style to kiss up to you and win a trophy. I am not you and I have no desire to copy you in any form or fashion. You fill your unique place in the world and I have no desire to crowd you out of your rightful space. I have my own. Again, if you don't like my work, it is fine. I encourage your feedback. But I will not enter a "be my clone" contest.
Contests should not be a competition for approval. They should be a challenge to the poet and not a cry for acceptance.
Will this column change the way anyone holds a contest? I doubt it because the snobs will continue to be snobs and the powers that be will continue to try to keep us locked in the box of acceptable creativity. Still, as timeless as poetry itself, the creative mind will continue to pursue its own path and evolve itself into the newness that is original.
Adding your comment:
I do make exceptions still if the prompt is awesome in my opinion.
