The Pig Pen

Has anyone here heard of the poetry site called The Pig Pen? I was just browsing online and came across this site. The Pig Pen is an online community much like ours, only their website is cold and sterile. Yes I am being bias again. They have forums for 'Novice Poet Critique', 'Mild Critique', and 'Serious Workshopping'. I was taking a browse at poems that have been left for critique, this one in particular caught my eye because of the critique that had been left by a member:

http://www.pigpenpoetry.com/thread-18690.html

If you scroll down you will see the critique. Curious to get your thoughts here on what you think about the critique that has been provided as it differs quite a bit to our approach over here.

Such straightforward! This is utterly rude.
Somehow I'm glad that the author did not change the poem.

Wow that's pretty harsh. I'm glad our members aren't like that!!!

I think I might join that site too. I don't find the critiques to be rude. They were mild in comparison to other critiques I have encountered. The Posters stated their reasons for giving the critique. Sure, they could have worded the comments different but I find some of those points to be helpful. Ultimately, it's just a critique. The author can take it in consideration and either rewrite the poem or use those tips for writing a new poem.

It's a strong critique..... But I don't see it rude....if you ask for a full blown critique, always keep in mind that some folks will pick apart your poem like yesterday's lunch.....

It's nothing to take personal.... The author is happy with the poem and that's what matters.

I've received critiques in some manner as this one....but I asked the person for honesty....to not hold back....

I've never critiqued a poem as abruptly as this person did....but again, if I asked for it as the writer did....then I know and prepare myself for such responses.

Critic had valid points. But doesn't understand the concept of acknowledging the positives in addition to suggesting changes. I'm not a fan of their rather narrow view of what things must necessarily be in a poem. They sound like an academic.

I post things on AllPoetry sometimes. It's ok, but it's all very prescribed. Even the comments you get on things... all formatted and weird and they want you to pay them money to get things on their front page. Weiiiiird.

I didn't find it rude..

but it wasn't on my poem. HAHA. Honestly I didn't see it rude, rather straightforward. I don't think I'd like to submit any of my poems on there. I'm not in a season of being interested in growing at the moment. It waxes and wanes.

I agree w/ Narph on the academic piece. Didn't see any value to the emotion of the poem. I think if we could mix PnQ comments with this sites comments, we'd have a nice balance.

I think as Narph points out, their view is arguably narrow and seems to follow the more academic/traditional stance on what a poem should entail. I do not entirely disagree that a poem should contain poetic elements, or it is prose and there is and should be a difference. However, there were good things about that piece that weren't acknowledged; it was almost entirely negative feedback. Not rude, but very blunt.

Everyone is a Charles Bukowski in the literary world when it comes to criticism, but if said criticism doesn't make the person a better writer or uplifts them in some way then it's all for naught, and if you write and open your writing to criticism and aren't receptive to it, then you'll never get any better. Not everything said applies, but if it's legit no matter how harsh or blunt it is, be open minded and take it for what it's worth........

Well, I found it moderate, precise and practical, not personal and not rude at all.
As we post in the public poetry communities, we must expect to hear different thoughts, not only compliments. To take it or leave it, is a matter of personal choice.

Some P&Qers used to give such criticism, years ago :)