Are we dying as an Association?

[Heather]

[Shelley Hansen]

Hi All ...

This is not the first time we've had this discussion, and I'm sure it won't be the last. I would just like to say that not all written competitions can be accused of being stuck in the past. You have only to read the prize winning poems on our official Poetry page to see a range of modern subjects and issues achieving success in competition.

I agree that we need to modernise our themes, while at the same time not forgetting the rich heritage of our past. There is obviously room for many diverse subjects within our craft, and we certainly shouldn't divide ourselves into opposing camps! Our diversity should be our strength, not our weakness.

The same goes for performance poetry. Rod and I enjoy presenting a range of subjects - both traditional and modern - to our audiences. We've always found both styles to be well received.

As to relevance - most of you might remember my domestic violence related poem "Teddy, Teddy!" which appears on the Poetry page and which won this years Queensland Championship. Since then the poem has been reproduced in a district newsletter for Womens' Abuse Counsellors, it has been taken to Queensland Parliament by our local member, it was published in our local newspaper, and most recently it featured at a Zonta public walk against domestic violence - where all participants carried a teddy bear and the poem was recited at the destination point.

I truly believe we all need to keep supporting the craft in our own unique way - whether that be by competition, performance or simply getting out there and sharing our passion for Aussie poetry! Every little bit counts and if we each toss a log on the fire whenever we can, surely the embers won't go cold.

Cheers, Shelley

[Neville Briggs]

Thanks Matt.

[keats]

I agree with everything said, but unfortunately it is still only half a dozen of our Forum Stalwarts answering, which is kind of my point. Individually, we are kicking along ok, I have never been so busy. But as an Association, there no longer seems to be any cohesion. It's just something I'm throwing out there for ideas. It is certainly not an attack on anybody's contribution to our Art. It just seems to be a very worrying sign for the future, and not too distant at that.

Neil

[Terry]

As I said before; I agree Neil.

One small point about what wins Comps and what's deemed ineligible these days.

Most (not all) these days have just the one main rule the poem must not have won a 1st prize.
And fortunately most have either dropped the published rule all together or at least have made it apply only to published for the gain of the writer.

There is now a wide range of poems that win comps, I would say it is now fair to say, that almost anything that is well written is in with a chance; depends on the comp..

A lot of my poems have started of on this or one other forum and I have never had a problem with that, of course if a particular comp has the strict rule you have to accept that as their right, or just simply avoid that one.

So let's stop whinging and start entering if you're so inclined, just pick the one you think might suit your poem.
Of course if comps aren't your thing fair enough.

Cheers Terry

[keats]

Hi Terry, no, I have no personal interest in entering any competitions. What I said was how sad it was to see the decline in the amount of competitions and Poetry Groups in recent times. We are struggling to find anyone even willing to host State Competitions in most states. As an Association or just as a proud Bush Poetry Family, we have less opportunities now for members to meet, mix and share their works. Sure we see a poem whacked up here from time to time and now and then I get a winning poem sent for inclusion in the Magazine. What I was referring to was that with the loss of so many venues and in particular, Performance Comps, then we are fragmenting into smaller, more isolated areas of Poets than one strong Association as we once were.

But I understand your point about comp rules, although as I say, I don't enter written comps. I just don't find it as a chance to mix with others on a one on one basis.

Cheers

Neil

[Terry]

Your Right Neil
Writing for comps can almost be an exercise in self isolation, if you let it be; that's why having access to this forum is so important.
You get to exchange ideas even if our opinions differ at times, which is healthy, as long as we don't think our way is the only way, the quickest way to turn people off is to try and ram our ideas down the throats of others, or belittle what doesn't take our particular fancy. The best way to win people over is by example (posting your poems - that's the ultimate test - and in most comps they will still be eligible, if you want to enter them).

I still like the idea of a couple of short line limit comps.

It's disturbing to hear of the decline in performance comps, they're so important in the learning phase for those who want to improve in that important area of bush poetry.

Cheers and thanks for raising this Neil, as we appear to be facing uncertain times at the moment.

Terry

[Shelley Hansen]

Just wondering where others think that our art is heading

Hi Neil

Thanks for the clarification of your distinction between poetry in general and the ABPA in particular - though I did read your original post in the context of the quote above, rather than specifically referring to our Association.

As to the ABPA, I've been involved in a number of associations over the years, and I can't say I've found any of them to be very different from this one. It seems that active participation is often limited to a minority of members. The ABPA has the additional factor of distance, with all of us scattered across the country rather than being able to socialise locally. It would be lovely to travel to all the poetry festivals around the country all year long - but for most of us, that is simply not possible from a logistic or financial point of view. But reduced attendance leads to less festivals - so it's a vicious cycle.

When I was younger I used to wonder why people belonged to an association at all if they did not intend to participate actively, but as I've got older I realise there are so many reasons (personal and family circumstances, natural reticence, and so on). You mention that there are few active correspondents in this Forum - but the posts are read by many more. This thread, for example, currently has 18 replies but 101 views! Hopefully those reading the Forum are gaining something, despite not being willing or able to join in. And who knows what they are doing behind the scenes to further our craft in their own neck of the woods?

For you, Terry - the Rabindranath Tagore International Competition for written English poetry is currently accepting entries. The line limit is minimum 10, maximum 25. Yes, it is based in India - and yes, it is a worldwide open competition - but don't let that put you off. David Delaney won it a couple of years ago with a traditional bush poem, and I was placed last year with a sonnet. Best of all - it led to a publishing deal with Xpress Publications for my first book, which is now printed and on the market!

It's easy to enter and costs 5 USD for one poem. Closing date for electronic payment and submission of poem is 31 December 2015. Here's the link for anyone interested: http://www.xpresspublications.com/

Cheers, Shelley

[Terry]

Thanks Shelley

Although I wasn't thinking of myself when mentioning the need for shorter line limit comps.
But rather the many writers in the ABPA that might just be tempted by a shorter line limit comp,
in hope it might stimulate a little more interest in written comps.

Mind you I haven't a clue about how we might garner more interest in the Performance side of things,
which is probably far more important, because the performers are out there presenting our type of poetry to the public.

Cheers Terry

[Shelley Hansen]

Hi Terry

It's a challenge, for sure. I think there is a lack of knowledge in the wider community about the entertainment value of poetry. Rod and I have several times had the same experience as Bob, where we've recited in a caravan park or elsewhere, and people have commented ...

I never knew Bush poetry could be so entertaining

I'm sure many of our performing members have heard the same words.

But sustaining public interest and widening our net? Like you, apart from simply getting out there and reeling in a few new followers ... I don't know. National coverage is probably an impossible dream. For example, during the devastating Queensland Floods a couple of years ago, Macca on ABC was going on about it, and so I tried for three weeks to get on his program with my relevant poem that was part of the Flood Relief appeal - but he wasn't interested in that or my CD, or even reading my poem himself. I've heard several similar stories from our other poets. However, locally it is a different story. ABC Regional Radio is a staunch supporter and broadcasts not only my poetry but also that of other poets in this region. I believe the same is true in other regions.

I guess most of us write because it's simply what we do - it's part of us and always will be, whether or not anyone else listens or cares. But the joy is certainly increased with sharing - either our own poetry or that of others.

Cheers, Shelley