Should the ABPA be funding this forum ?

[Maureen K Clifford]

Well said Neil

[Heather]

We've solved the problems of the world once again. I wonder, was anyone listening?

I've always appreciated the forum, and as for cost, well, we as members don't know the cost of the magazine, postage, printing or any other running costs. That's why we have a committee and we trust they manage the ABPA and the accounts on our behalf.

Thank you committee.

Heather

[manfredvijars]

Is the forum actively promoting Bush Poetry to the wider public?

Just to clarify, the Forum is a platform for like minds to engage with others, of like mind, on bush poetry-rhyming verse, as well as banter and pithy conversation. No more, no less. It's the membership who promote bush poetry (or not) to the wider public.

Given our demographic, many of our membership are technophobes. They don't want to step out of their comfort zone and engage with the dreaded computer. And that's ok too.

All this information came out of the comprehensive ABPA survey carried out mid last year(or was it the year before). The results were made available to the membership via a summary in the mag and the raw data was available at the AGM.

The committee are currently organising a "YouTube" bush poetry competition for the youth, to engage them at, hopefully their technical level.

All this stuff has been reported in the ABPA Magazine.

The forum has always been a place where members - and others, can come and share, banter and enjoy each others company no matter where we live ...

M.

[Bob Pacey]

Time for a MEH

I think or then maybe I do not think enough.

Funny I already knew why most people used the forum. That's what mates do.


I reckon that we should ----- nah shut up Bob that might be considered a whinge.

Robert Alan Micheal Pacey esq IAWP

[manfredvijars]

Dear Marty,

In re-reading this thread I get the feeling that much of what has been said has little to do with the Forum. I think we both know that if you wanted to talk, just talk, to anyone here offline you could do so in confidence, and confidence would be honoured.

We're not the enemy Mate.

Respectfully,

Manfred.

[Bob Pacey]

Perhaps to finish off !


( Should the limited funds of the ABPA be used in anyway to maintain this forum ? )


Yes Yes Yes !

Bob

[Maureen K Clifford]

Couldn't you sleep this morning Robere

[Bob Pacey]

No Maureen been up every night thinking State Of Origin.

Bobbo

[Stephen Whiteside]

The other thing to keep in mind is that a number of bush poets are quite active on Facebook, so we are competing with that to some extent. It doesn't perform quite the same role, of course, but there are similarities, nonetheless.

Facebook probably reaches a larger audience, but the forum allows for more intense discussions. Horses for courses.

[Vic Jefferies]

This web site is an invaluable asset to the ABPA and should really be much wider known and used by members and lovers of bush poetry.
The question is not should we keep it but how do we expand it and encourage more to participate.
It is not much use us talking to one another in what is becoming an ever diminishing circle, we have to speak to people outside of the ABPA and make them aware that they will benefit by participating here.
There is definitely a lack of publicity and information reaching the public and we can only blame ourselves for that.
Easy to make suggestions I know, but when Frank Daniel ran the site he had a page of the most requested bush poems and also pages pertaining to the old time masters with information regarding each of them and their poetry. I found it a great reference tool as well as being interesting and a great place to refer people to who wanted to know more about bush poets and their poetry.
I know that at the moment Neil is struggling to obtain submissions and articles for the magazine and that is our fault. If we want the ABPA to grow and prosper then we must all do our bit and get behind the magazine and this site.