I pose a question to all members...

Hello fellow members of poems-and-quotes, I pose a question regarding the sites functions and request for all to participate.

There have been many threads regarding suggestions to make the site better as well as updates to be made, etc.

My question is as follows, how do we the members and moderators work together to make this site a better place in the way it looks, feels, and functions as one.

What can we do that would make this site different and stand out as one of the leading poetry sites on the web?

If you'd like to look at past discussions please use the Search Forums.

Note to all members, do not bring up past threads on this subject, post in this thread...if you'd like to mention something from a past thread provide a link to that thread so myself and others can read what you are talking about.

Example: I like the desgin aspect of this site, however; as mentioned previously I think it would be better if we... For further info on this subject you can read the past thread which is located at: www.poems-and-quotes.com/discussion/...

Peace, Joe

Well, I haven't read all the previous threads so I don't know if my suggestions have been mentioned before but here they are:

I think it would be nice if we had options to format our poems such as various fonts, color and adding pictures.

We should have a resource thread that gives the rules for various poetry forms and sites examples.

I think you should not be able to vote for a poem unless you leave a critique or at least a reason why you liked or disliked the poem if you don't have the knowledge to leave a critique.

Bob has the right idea!

"I think it would be nice if we had options to format our poems such as various fonts, color and adding pictures."

^I like that idea. Or at least begin simply with bold or underline. I think changing the font and color will add individuality to the poet and their writing.

I agree but it was stated by Joe that he wanted to stand out from all other poetry sites and that feature would do it.

Which is more reason for this site to have it as well.

I believe most of us can see the paradox of humbling a group that we all invest a lot of time and effort in. The rules and guidelines as do most poetry sites seem to reflect a sharp discouraging of self promotion. There would be an assumption that competing has healthy advantages as long as the popular poets of any site reached their popularity because of their literary skills. It seems that we can choose to be satisfied with being a large fish in a small pond without consciously avoiding the literary ocean where we must risk being devoured by sharks. There are many lost souls swimming in this fish bowl that am sure could survive in a metaphoric literary environment. In my opinion the guidelines of any discussion forum can only restrict imagination and growth of mind, heart, and, soul, although, complete freedom of expression would invite much pollution, and diluted values. We should seek to encourage expansion, yet who knows what would empress the so called literary world? Any group must have unity, yet I suspect it is the diversity that sells

AHA! So now you want to work with us... Too funny. Well, I'd rather not get suspended again because I happen to depend very much on my friends in my poetry club, and it's our gathering spot. This site is juuuuuust fine as is!

Oh Bob, a pimple poem will still sound pimpley, even if it is formatted nicely, you know that!

I see your point empress. It does seem to be a paradox to compare a poet to a fish. Sometimes we all must feel like Charlie the Tuna, the cartoon mascot tuna for StarKist when we wish to be consumed by fans yet hold on to our individualism by promoting collectivism. I would like the members of this site to desire to be a star without being consumed by that desire, but find myself consumed by the desire to share my thoughts and would rather be read by Oprah, or a star with equal influence. Can one find fame in moderation?

PS I wonder if my misspelling of the word impress was a Freudian slip?

Michael, sometimes I think english is your second language, but apparently you make spelling and grammatical errors intentionally... I'll start looking for the little messages behind them from now on :)

Well this thread was pretty much squashed before it started which wasn't very empressive ha

^^That's why I haven't posted anything since the first post, there is no reason to.

If anyone has any serious suggestions, and is willing to display them, then PM me.

Peace, Joe

Well, there have been a few good suggestions given, a shame they are not considered acknowledgeable by the thread starter. I believe the suggestions were serious. Why not just lock the thread now since you want the suggestions pmd to you? What a slap in the face to those who have taken the time to respond. You really should be ashamed.

Just write. This is a poetry site. It is nice that we have votes and comments, but for real, we need to keep in mind that we are writing, it's not about the ratings. I get on the discussion boards occasionally, but primarily I come here to post stuff I've wrote. If you are looking for accolades than go to church or whatever makes you happy. I even enter poetry contests, but I do it to challenge MYSELF! I could really care less if other folks read what I have written, that doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is that I have a site that I can post on and know that there are people who will give me an honest critique and help me improve in areas that I may have failed on. That's what it should really be about.

Rachel, a lot of ideas on here are acknowledged however on so many accounts these suggestions have been brought to our attention, I'm seeking for new thoughts, not old thoughts...

A majority of these suggestions have already been coded by myself, just needs to be implemented if Janis gives me the rights to do so.

P.S. Not everyone will PM, therefore I left this open just in case one' still wants to post a reply/idea without PMing me.

Oh and Bob, don't be such an sarcastic ass, it was her opinion, just like you have opinions. Oh and it's funny, I must quote what you just wrote in the other thread, "However again, this is a literary site that is open to opinion and critique, calling someone's opinion a berating whether that opinion is given in an open forum or through the critique section is actually silly considering that this site thrives off of such...."

Peace, Joe

Sorry I misunderstood your post then. Since I am sure we can't possibly filter through all the old threads to find what has been suggested before, maybe you could add the ideas you have already been offered, then we would know and be able to add some new ideas.

Oooh, I almost didn't see the mod fight, but decided to scroll down the threads a way!
Fight! Fight! Fight! My money's on Joe because I only stick up for people in my club ;)
Hahaaaaaaa

I guess betting against you would get me some extra Christmas money then LOL!