ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Hi Everyone

This is as mentioned just an idle thought about the future of the WORKSHOP.

We all know it's been teetering towards the cliff for some time,
and it's only by Maureen's efforts that it has staggered on.
As it's the only thing with the odd comment elsewhere, that adds new real poetic content to the forum,
it seems a pity if this fails.
First of all I'd like to ask Maureen how she sees the future of the forum, and has she any suggestions
about how we can resuscitate it.
For me it an enjoyable place where I can catch up with my poet friends and I'd hate to lose that.
The other thing that springs to mind is, can we all bog in and help in some way,
take turns in putting up prompts etc, mind you I think we would all agree,
that Maureen is the master of that art, but if necessary I guess we could all give it a go.
Anyway, don't be shy let's know what you all think.

Cheers

Terry

G'day Terry,
Yes sad to see the way it has headed mate, and as you say it has been teetering there for a while.
But a big thank you to Maureen who has tried her hardest over the last few months to liven it up, but sadly just hasn't had the support.
It seems that so many seem to be on FB these days (which I am not) and I guess that has a big effect on it overall.
I too enjoy the poetry fellowship that has evolved over time (in particular with yourself and the core group over the past few years) but I think it needs more than a couple to keep it viable.
At any rate I am still willing to keep going with whatever is decided.
All the best mate,
Ron.

G/day Ron

You're probably right Ron I'm a passive member of FB but only to reply to the odd friend,
If by chance I happen to I see I have a message.

I suppose the other option is to find another forum that's active,
and where you can still write our kind of poetry.
But I hate the thought of leaving friends like yourself and our other regulars behind.
That I'd find most disappointing.
I think Bush Verse is still going in a much reduced form?

It's said being a writer of poetry has a lonely life - perhaps we're about to test that theory.

Cheers Mate

Terry

Very sad indeed.... and Maureen, I hope you know how very much you are appreciated by all of us for this! The workshop prompts have often been a much needed 'kick up the rear' for me to write when I'm feeling a marked lack of inspiration, and I greatly enjoy reading the different contributions as well as the encouraging and positive interaction...I suppose because there are only a few of us, when something else is going on at certain points in one of our lives and taking up our time and focus, it is far more noticeable than if there were a hundred people still contributing. Personally I would hate to see the workshop cease altogether, but since I've been guilty of this very lapse myself for the last couple I guess it’s a bit rich for me to say so at this point! …. However, as well as the aforementioned 'kick' it brings, very importantly, the forum connects me with you, my friends in poetry, in a special way that is hugely valuable - so like you, I would very much like to see it kept alive in the future.

Well said Catherine

You are another person I consider a very good friend even though as we often mention, we have never met.

I don't think there is much we can so about attracting more members to contribute unfortunately. (perhaps a more pointed message in the ABPA mag.)
I think another aspect to remember is the numbers of people who visit tor read our poetry,
just look at the at the last page or two of the workshop contributions, thousands of hits.

I don't think we can hold any of us to contribute each month as you say, we all have other lives to live as well.
But even if on some months only a couple do homework, that's ok, at least it's contributing something new to the forum.
I suppose as I originally suggested we ask Maureen can we help in some way -

Cheers Terry

Hello All

I'm just back from a trip away and have read your comments in this thread. I confess to being guilty of neglecting the Forum of late. It has been a tumultuous year for us healthwise, and unfortunately, not just the Forum but my poetry in general has suffered greatly. No new poems, no competitions, very little Forum participation.

Sometimes life railroads us - but as has been rightly mentioned, when only a few of us customarily participate, our absence creates a much more marked effect than if there were hundreds participating. Though it is a valid point that our posts are still being read by lots of non-participating Forum members.

I do hope to remedy my absence and will start by addressing your recently posted prompts, Terry.

I have not been in contact with Maureen, but I know things have not been easy for her lately. I join with the rest of you in thanking her for the tireless workshop prompting which has often led on to longer, sometimes prize-winning poems. I hope we can continue.

Cheers
Shelley