ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I know I have copped all sorts of flack because of my different style of writing to many others but this attack on others written style by several members is stupid to say the least does this reflect the mentality of yours. I would hope not, but then again one may think that this is the case.

And are you as a members aware of our constitution if not PLEASE read it.

ANDY ran a tight ship that contained respect to all who participated, some thing that has sadly declined since he had departed. With all respect Heather. You do a good job but could you please retain some control to the members as to where they post and to remarks that are made. This is a family orientated forum that may be reviewed by teachers for school purposes as to our poetry ability. Various works have been placed on the forum that are often a little more than colourful words and asteric are used to distort the words used.

RHYME, RYTHME and METRE are strong requirements for competitions, fair enough.
But Bush poetry is Bush poetry and as such has many facets in its structure whether it is told or written but if it tells a story and people enjoy it then Bush Poetry as we know it will survive if not it will be something else that will go down in the archives of Australian History for ever

Bill Williams

Thanks for you comments Bill.

Believe me, I keep a close eye on things as I'm sure John, Manfred and Zondrae do. I do not think there is a problem with a bit of robust discussion about poetry but there is a difference between a bit of friendly banter and nasty insults - (sometimes the line is thin I'll admit). I think most people know the difference and when enough is enough. We can't exactly grab someone by the collar and give them a clip around the ear and sometimes a polite "play nicely" is all that is needed.

I think I'm a reasonable judge of character and I have also met several of the poets on the forum now. I also chat to some of them privately and get to know them a bit better.

You may have noticed that Neville's poem, which seems to have started the debate, was posted in "Users" and not in "members" section. I'm sure Neville did this for a reason. Neville also likes to get people thinking and talking - he nearly always succeeds!

Personally I don't have a problem with the occassional "discussion" about "other" types of poetry. There is plenty of discussion on this forum about other things that go on in the world so why not "other" poetry. I don't see anyone complaining about the discussion on live cattle export, or people talking about or posting photos of their dogs or horses or nice Marty breast feeding a doll!

Marty I think that if you open up an "experimental" section then the site will attract a lot of "other" poetry being posted and I don't think that is what bush poets want on their site. Just my opinion. The occasional discussion in maybe the "Chit Chat" or "General Poetry Discussion" might be the place.

Anyway, you are keeping me from eating so I'm off!

Heather

PS be nice or I'll have to bang heads!

I second that Bill.


I think that Bill is not just talking about style in poetry writing, I think he he is talking about a standard of wording in our presentations that is suitable for what we claim is a traditional and honourable craft.
Marty has said that we would hear worse in a primary school playground. A good point, that should remind us that surely we would want to do much better than what immature children do. (I am not giving any individual a " spray ")

On the other hand, there is an argument, that poetry ( or any art ) reflects it's time and if a certain way of speaking is out and about, then that can and should be reflected in our writing about our experience.
But then we could consider how George Orwell said " the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts "
Hmmm, maybe we have to work on it.
I might just say, I have decided how I will write, but I do not assume that I have any authority to require others to follow suit.
I don't think it is an easy question of censorship, I think the main thing is to consider the readership as Bill suggested and present accordingly.

What we say as poets is surely not some spur of the moment utterance, if it were, that might excuse some ragged edges, Surely people who sit down to carefully think out the wording of their speech can carefully consider what is worthwhile and what is worthless and unbecoming.

Encouraging youth participation is a project dear to the heart of Manfred,Glenny and others in the ABPA. Just something to keep in mind. Young people look for examples to follow, what example are we displaying ?

When I read posts I consider whether the language would be suitable to use to a primary school child. You may argue that they already use some of the language - and that may be so, but would you, as an adult talk to a young child that way? There have been words used here lately that I would not say to a child and I have come very close to editing some posts recently. I let them go because the intent was jovial.

I have not been given any "terms of reference" to go by as a moderator. I use common sense. By all means have a bit of fun but remember that the world can see how you are behaving. And remember, it is supposed to be fun. If someone writes in a style you don't like -it is NOT the end of the world, or the end of bush poetry, or conceivably a threat to bush poetry.

Oh, I sound way too sensible.

Back to poing..

Heather

Aah, Marty, you will never change!

Yes, but do YOU use that language on your children or grandchildren? Do we lead by example or "follow the crowd"

There's room in this world for all types and all opinions. It doesn't mean you have to like them or agree with them - but you do need to tolerate them (or walk away)!

Just to be pedantic Marty, the second paragraph which purports to be a quote of my reply is not my words.

Thanks Marty, you are too kind!