Honest opinions

"What do you do though when it just doesn't gel?"

sorry that's not an expression I know. I'm guessing you're asking what to do when you're commenting on a poem you really don't like. Or at least I hope that's what you're asking, because that's what I'll respond to:

If you're going to leave a comment, I suggest you do it in the most honest way possible without disrespecting the poet. That means telling them when you dislike their poem, and what you disliked about it.

i agree.. if you are going to comment on a poem, then you should leave an honest answer in the least disrespectful way as possible.

amen people want your honest answer if you just short them on the answer how will they know what or how good their poem is and hwo its going to stand against others..

I like most of the poems I read, but certain ones I don't like. Sometimes, I'll leave a comment saying basically 'I actually didn't like your poems much' then go on to tell why. Othe times, I just won't leave a comment.

Reason......
if you dont like a poem say the reason it is going to make the person happy

I feel being honest in a tactful, constructive way is best-whether you like the poem or not.I had so many positive comments on my poetry that was published in the 90's(from editors/readers) that it got to the point where I'd rather hear what the reader/editor didn't like, what was wrong with the poem, what didn't work for them, what could make it better.Everyone has their own opinion, it is up to the writer to open mindedly accept or disregard any criticism, but any constructive criticism(good or bad) is something to weigh in the mind.Sometimes it is right, sometimes wrong.It is ultimately up to the writer of the poem to decide.If you believe in your poem as it is, stay with it, but at the same time don't believe your words are written in stone and refuse to accept advice that may make it a better poem.Honesty is always the best policy.But everyone has different opinions, it comes down to you and the poem.

GaryJ

Very well said.