Weekly Winners 9/26/11

Greetings to you, lovely citizens of P&Q! Today we honor three members of our small town, who have fostered prestige and made our community a destination for those weary travelers doggedly seeking poetic brilliance. I present to you, without further ado:

Melissa, with her artistic marvel "In Creases." Members of the board have lauded her, saying:

"I think you as this poet, you do take poetry to a different level, and I believe many people would agree that your poems are all a treat for this website and such an honor to have your work on the front page, I admire your talent, and this poem spoke to me enough to deserve my vote!" (7)

"I get excited every time Melissa posts a poem, because I know it's going to be beautiful. Her pieces are so short, so captivating, and so full of imagery, it makes me feel like I'm looking at a painting. I love the title, how you can take it two ways (maybe that's just me). So much about this poem I love, the poem speaks for itself." (4)

A final board member gives her a simple "(10)"

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Our next citizen's award goes to Ms Sunshine, with her magnus opus, "My Best Poem." The mayor and her office clerk remark:

"The title said it all, it's really the best poem she has ever written, I fell in love with every word, while the thoughts of this poet were really scrambled throughout the whole poem, it was filled with raw emotions that sent nothing but powerful vibes and echos of defiance, it was one of these long poems that I personally wished would never end, It was very captivating, and for that i think it deserves a 10, Good job and god bless." (10)

"This is the most truthfully raw, emotional piece I've ever read. Poetry is about being vulnerable to many people, whether it be in sadness, in love, or in pieces like this, and this writer exposed herself in ways I never thought creatively possible. This was a beautifully crafted piece, and I think left a lot of people speechless. I'd love to give a better reason why I voted for this, but I just can't. The comments on this poem speak for me already." (10)

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Finally we have Jenni, with her Classically Romantic symphony, "Chambers of my heart." The conductor and the first chair violinist remark:

"This romantic piece was full of emotions, images and love. I loved the title, I think it fits the conent of the poem perfectly, the first stanza said it all, I liked the word choice "befuddles" gave a soft tone to it, it was well-done. I didn't hesitate at all by giving this poem 10 points for certain reasons, I LOVED her simple style of releasing her emotions in this piece, I loved that she didn't choke the poem with too many metaphors and too many contradictions that my head usually doesn't understand. I loved the perfect end that left me speechless, seriously. Well-done!" (10)

"So much emotions poured in here, so much figurative language, and so much spark, and that's why it's my favorite for this week. I really like this accurate description in every stanza as you can feel there is a fire, freedom, dreams, and rainbow colors. It was a medley of enticing images that flowed so well with simple yet heavy wording. At first, you could never imagine what is it all about, but when you reach the very last line you wonder... Oh, how cute and lovely. A wedding being described by the bride in a tender sensational way is breathtaking. You cannot but love this piece and appreciate the poetess for what she has done. Creative and Worth Reading." (10)

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Our City also wishes to distinguish several additional citizens, for their dedication to the arts and area tourism.

"4 Minutes & 30 Seconds," by Melpomene

"This writer used a completely different technique and style than her usual poetry, but still wowed with me her ideas and words. She spoke in a way that I could definitely relate to, and had bits and pieces of conversations I have seen her participate in. I have a pretty clear idea what this poem is about, which may give me a little bias into loving this piece as I understand the level of frustration here, but it's just beautiful. I love that she pushed herself to do this writing exercise. It couldn't have been easy, but it looks effortless." (7)

Additional "(7)"

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"Almost There," by Britt

"What I dislike about this piece is the title, not catchy, nor relevant, honestly. But the whole idea was genius, this writer is nimble and creative, her imagination is what keeps her writes successful and I love that. To write about being dangled off a moon is a bit too much for my brain I guess that's why I voted for it right away, in my humble opinion, this should win, good job." (7)

Additional "(4)"

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"Just Sometimes," by The Poetess

"Sometimes, when you read such poems, you get butterflies in your poetic mind! Every image makes you feel sad as the tone is dripping with exhaustion and grief. I really like the accurate wording and the original ideas. It makes me inspired. Dense, fervent, and of volume." (7)

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"In Muir Woods: no greater love," by Larry Chamberlin The Godfather

"This write touched me! I love Sir Larrys style, it was just perfect, nature poems always make me lose interest in the second or third stanza but this one had me till the very end. I'd like to congratulate this writer for such a style and such a power, a winner in my book." (4)

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"Pretentious," by Yaki

"This poem drew my attention as it took off. It had an awesome flow, and the writer made me feel attached to it. Honestly, without the comment left, I wouldn't have imagined that it talks about a friend though it is under 'Life & Society' category. I fell in love with this stanza: (and you/ post and tweet / and re-tweet and quote / my feelings / so cynically) - what an amazing write. Awesome." (4)

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"A Suicide's Prayer," by TJ BECKER Arizona Eagle

"I think many people already agree on how sad this poem is, how emotional and how deep you were able to dive this time. I think this is one of the saddest and most heartfelt poems written for this week. touched my soul more than words could say, and it is a front page worthy, a winner in all cases." (4)

1st of all let me say congratulations for all the winners and H'mS. Well deserved, definitely!

Then let me speak with truth and honesty that I am humbled to see this poem on the front page, to read the comments that I will cherish forever, and the votes the judges gave me, I did not expect any of the kind truly shocking comments and feedback that I got! Thank you so much for being so real and sensitive lol.

Thanks for posting this, made reading everything enjoyable.

Congratulations to all this week. Nice work by everyone.

Thanks to the judges and I feel really honored for winning. :)

Congrats to the other winners and H'Ms! :)

"I did not expect any of the kind truly shocking comments and feedback that I got!"

When such a poem is written from the heart, no expectations are ever held. Thank you for being able to share it with us.

Congratulations to all winners, thanks to the judges for their efforts and thank you for the HM.

Congrats winners, HMs and thanks judges and mods! Thanks for the HM as well. I agree, my title sucks :p I hate titles!!

^^Britt, I loveeeeee your poem! Sooo original. :P

Nana! you are the best ;D

Congratulations everyone I am so happy this week with the winning poems and H'Ms :P :)

Larry you humble Me :), Nano thanks, but I wish! XD

Congrats everyone!!!!

Thanks judges and Sibs for posting this!

Congrats, all! :)

I don't want to start any drama. But I feel like after the judges switched, a lot of new faces have been winning as well as being HM's. This isn't necessarily a 'bad thing', but I wouldn't consider some of these poems the best from the list of poems nominated. Of course, just my opinion but from talking with other members of this site, I am sure a few more people can come forward and agree with this. From looking at who was nominated and accepted to be a judge and comparing the comments of the judges to the poems that are winning. It's really obvious as to who is judging, and I really think some of you are not voting for the best poems every week, I guess if I'm alone on this thought, that's fine. But I just figured something needed to be said.

Congrats to the winners this week, though.

"Of course, just my opinion but from talking with other members of this site, I am sure a few more people can come forward and agree with this."

I'm with ya on this one as well..I've actually had a lot of people talk to me about this as well.. it seems every Monday.

Congrats to the weekly winners,
and Hm's wonderful picks =-).

Courageous dreamer, can you elaborate?
i'm not sure what you mean exactly?
Did you mean to say that the judges are not being fair? and voting for friends instead?
or did you mean that some of them are not qualified for the task to begin with? or is it a mixture of both?

Yes, I don't think some are voting very fair, and yes unfortunately probably aren't qualified for the task because they don't have as much knowledge of poetry like some of the past judges [ie. Myryn, Mel, Abby, etc.] From looking at the list that accepted, I think there are three of the five judges who are more than likely close friends on here and probably vote together - because each week or almost every week there's at least one poem that wins or is an HM that is in that 'circle of friends'. It's just unfortunate because these three obviously control the votes. Now, I may be wrong about all of this, but from observation, I don't think I'm too far off. Maybe the nomination process shouldn't be done on the main boards for everyone to see. Because this time around it's really not a secret as to who the judges are.

Because this time around it's really not a secret as to who the judges are.
^^^^^
having you said that, I guess it becomes a very legit concern, Would love to see how the mods will solve this one.

It's just unfortunate because these three obviously control the votes.
^^^^^^

I understood from past conversations regarding the judging process now in place, the judges were not to talk to each other about the poems nominated or who they were going to vote for. If there are 3 judges controlling the votes by talking and agreeing on who to vote for, they should be removed from the judges panel immediately.

If there are 3 judges controlling the votes by talking and agreeing on who to vote for, they should be removed from the judges panel immediately.
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If it was up to be i'd ban them, removing them from the judging panel isn't enuf

Congrats all.

I second Courageous Dreamer and have also had others mention this to me. Not to take away from this weeks winners or HM at all. Sorry if it's taken that way it is not my intention. There's just a noticeable trend.

But alas we (I) wanted variety right? Is there a way for non senior members to see what poems have been voted on for the week?
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"If there are 3 judges controlling the votes by talking and agreeing on who to vote for, they should be removed from the judges panel immediately.
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agreed

"But alas we (I) wanted variety right? Is there a way for non senior members to see what poems have been voted on for the week?"

I think they can, a mod could give them a link to the nomination page... OR anyone who is a senior member, but I figure a mod because they would know who the judge is.

^ Thanks Britt.

While I agree that it is fairly obvious who the judges are, I don't think the nomination process should necessarily be changed. I like the open process. And while I am certainly not a fan of about half the poetry on the front page, that has always been the case. People's tastes are different, that is inevitable. I am wary of the fact that the complaints made in this thread arise from preknowledge more than anything else.

However, every attempt should be made to have a judging panel that is as varied and qualified as possible. I don't sense this is the case here, unfortunately. The problem lies, not with the nominated poems (every senior member has the freedom to nominate), but with the fact that the mods only had about 5-6 accepted nominees to choose from. It's a forced situation. If you really care about the quality on the front page, stand up and be a judge.

Nomination page is here: http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/contest_poems.html

I think there is a second page and no one can see it, not even the judges. Poems need more nominations to be pushed up to visibility. It's bollocks.

Judges still wouldn't be able to vote on the poem unless it shows on that page :/ there are little buttons under the poem in the list, its not in the actual poem :/

Exactly. The only thing we can do to change it is to have more nominations on the better poems.. which sucks because that rarely happens.

Maybe her votes went up..?

"Of course, just my opinion but from talking with other members of this site, I am sure a few more people can come forward and agree with this."

^
I AM IN LINE FOR THIS... VERY TRUE.. XOXO

Some may be friends lol

I agree with you Abby about those who have an issue to become a judge. I'd consider it but I don't know if I'd have the proper qualifications to do such a job. Regrettably nor do I have the time.

About this 'page' issue. Is this one of those things that's supposed to happen (where nominated poems vanish or get 'pushed) or is it a glitch? A glitch I could see but if it was something that is supposed to happen I'd question that. I have a feeling however that it's probably a glitch.

I don't even vote on poems,but let me just say..some people really act as if the only button allowed to be pushed is that damn 5...no okay... they are 4 other numbers there..if one is only allowed to vote for 5 to keep people happy..then one must remove the other 4..
damn it. and by the way...
I am not saying I do it,but some poems... including some of my own...do not deserve 5.. It may sound so harsh but lets be honest.. this site can be split in 3...

In fact I think could be an Idea,

split the weekly contest in three categories,

the beginners,the average and the masters...

Because I believe that deep down..
we all know,well at least those who have been around for a while..
that they are just some people you just can"t compete with..

they are top of the top,best of the best...

and not even 7 inch Gucci' heels can make you reach their standards...

some of the people on here were absolutely born to be poets,while others were just pushed by life into the depths of creative writing.

xoxo

Amanda I think its a glitch. If didn't used to do that years ago.

Looool Yaki. 7 inch Gucci heels sounds painfully gorgeous.

"If there are 3 judges controlling the votes by talking and agreeing on who to vote for, they should be removed from the judges panel immediately."

Absolutely.

Amanda, I think you are qualified to be a judge. In any case, I nominate you!

Well, why don't we all remember how we said in an old thread that what we like might be what you dislike, right? And that the judges have different tastes.

I was happy to see new faces on the front page, the last week Jon and now Jenni, Jordan in few weeks ago. So, nope, I'd like to say my opinion, as long as I have the right to, the judges, all of them are being fair.

Let's quote frankly, there is a bunch of poems I dislike and think aren't worth that win, and they BOO win. Not because I'm jealous or want to win haha I don't give a damn to this anymore, but because there are new faces who await to appear on the front page. I would never name who are the certain members who used to win EACH week, when the old judges were 'controlling'. But that doesn't mean we cannot see that.....

I know what you might be talking about, maybe I'm wrong but I guess....about Jennis poem?
Why don't you complain about a poem that won when it was about a tomato twirling and swirling!? Lol thats a bit unfair, am I right?

again, I'm not trying to pick some certain members and judge them, no, they are free. But as long as they are free, others are free too. ;)

"Maybe the nomination process shouldn't be done on the main boards for everyone to see. Because this time around it's really not a secret as to who the judges are."

No, CD, it's not that the judges aren't a secret THIS time, they were never a secret! Lol but you and others used to overlook who they are because the poems winning were again yours and others. And that was satisfying you all, got me?

I hope you won't hate me for saying that, or....you know what? hate me, I'd never want to be loved or popular for who you like me to be.

I hope you won't hate me for saying that, or....you know what? hate me, I'd never want to be loved or popular for who you like me to be
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You really do have a way to make every thread personal. Nano you should keep in mind that this is a poetry website. People aren't here to hate you or love you. Or me for that matter, they just don't care.
Her concern was legit. If it wasn't then we wouldn't of had many diffrent individuals agreeing to it.

In your post, you've mentioned that you might like what others might dislike and vice versa. That is a valid reason and you should have ended it there, even better, you could have explained to why you think it deserved the win. Instead you chose to talk about a previous poem that won when it is not your place to talk about it because if you had any concern, then you should have opened up and talked about it at the time, instead all I ever saw from you was praising each and every wining poem and HM on weekly basis. So after reading that, and now this, I'm disappointed.

"I would never name who are the certain members who used to win EACH week, when the old judges were 'controlling'. But that doesn't mean we cannot see that....."

^ Nano, kindly elaborate this carefully.

I agree with most of the posts above mine excluding Nano's, not to belittle those poems though, and if the judges picked them, it's not the author's problem anymore though my only advice 'whenever this sitaution arises' please guard yourself with insensitive to criticism or hints.

Tomato poem was a perfectly red ripe win in my opinion.

Sorry Nano you really really stooped to an unnecessary level. How ridiculous! I don't think you really even understood half of what I was trying to say.

Nano you seem to have this idea that past judges were nominating their friends each week, that they had it all wrapped up systematically between them or something, and you are rebelling against this regime with some kind of moral high ground.

Tastes can differ, but judges should be
1) unbiased and
2) able to recognise good poetry. It's possible to pick out what is a 'good' poem, one that might have a chance of getting published somewhere or getting placed in a real competition. And yes, that could even include one about something as trivial as a tomato

Oh Nano,You know your my little sweetheart... but you have to change your attitude and the way you approach certain things.. or..you my dear...are going to end up in a whole lot of trouble.

Nano... again you go to far! Nothing can ever be just a discussion with you, can it?

IMHO you've proven that you are far to emotionally driven to perhaps perform such an unbiased task. You really need to stop taking things so personally.

Heed the advice of some of your friends, change your attitude and READ the context of what people are saying, stop irrationally lashing out.

Also Nano consider this, if you had a problem with the winning poems why didn't you say something? IMHO the past winners from the last cycle of judges were all worthy wins. I feel the quality of poem should never be overlooked simply because of the person who wrote it.

Do you tell an Olympic gold medal winner like Michael Phelps (16 gold medal winner in 3 years of competing): "I'm sorry but you've won too many gold medals. Your hard work and perfecting of your craft really don't matter. You have to give others a shot at the gold, even though their times would never match yours. So even though you had the best time, you get 4th place."

If they're good at poetry of course they'll have a higher chance of winning. That's what comes with working at your craft, producing top notch work. You should never take someone out of the running simply because they win too much. IMHO that's absurd. Most of the time the repeat winners are seen through multiple sets of judges. Meaning it's hard to really say it's systematically done.

Enough has been said on this matter
If This Discussion escalates the thread will be locked.

Can the mods at least address the complaints and concerns? Don't lock it because one person got personal, some people are trying to have an honest discussion :/