My Name is Mud - Just That Archaic Poet's Blog

Well, based on the reception of yesterday's blog entry, I assume I managed to  piss off or put off just about everyone who read it, and, as the title implies,  I suppose now my name is  mud. I feel like a villain because I  stated an unpopular opinion which was quite ill-received. Am I a bad guy for  caring about every aspect of The Soup- for wanting to make and keep it the best  site for poets on the whole internet? Does it make me a bad person because I  want to enhance our haven- to liven up an overall dead section of our site? If  caring about this makes me a miscreant, then I suppose I shall have to accept  that mantle.

It seems that most people took offensive to the word  "selfish". Based on the replies, it seems that my point was proven, for I heard repeatedly that no one seemed to care about the forums, that they had better things to do; that they were disinterested, etc.  That's the way I perceived it. I have "Borderline" disorder which makes me prone  to look at things in a black and white context. Telling you this is, this is in no way an attempt to play the "mentally ill" card to excuse my behavior and is not a justification; it's simply the way my mind works. In my mind, if you are unwilling to participate in the forums, you must be selfish, and while this may be an extreme jump to conclusion, it's where my mind goes. It doesn't mean that you are in fact selfish or a bad person; it just  means that's how I look at things. Being an impulsive creature by nature, I shoot first and ask questions later. I told myself when I began this post that I was not going to apologize, but after much thought and consideration while typing this, I realize that I did unnecessarily offend and alienate some people, which is something I don't want to do. While I still believe I am right in this matter, I do not want to tread too harshly on anyone's toes, especially since I sincerely want to make new friends. So I will take this opportunity and apologize to anyone I offended. I don't want to make myself into a pariah or outcast here because I genuinely love The Soup.

Yesterday, I spoke out of frustration and did not take many things into consideration before I launched into my tirade. Part of my illness makes me feel inclined to get resentful if people do not act or behave in the way or manner in which I want or expect them to; I can admit that. The leaders of this site do in fact do a good job, and I  shouldn't have targeted them. I did not consider all the good work they do in other areas and aspects. The bottom line is this: after years of scouring the internet for a place that I can call my poetic home and sanctuary, I finally  found it here at The Soup, and perhaps my enthusiasm went overboard. I have had nothing but terrible experiences on every poetry site I've ever joined,  being repeatedly ridiculed and bashed for my poetic style. I just want to make and keep The Soup the wonderful refuge it is. I feel like the  forums are neglected and I was hoping we could all band together and work on it together, but instead of approaching it in a gentler manner, I took the abrasive route, and we all know the adage of catching more flies with honey than vinegar. I made a mistake, and I apologize for it. I will always be prone to making similar mistakes in the future, so I ask for your patience and understanding in this matter. I hope that those I offended can and will forgive me. I spoke in a harsh, demeaning manner and I was/am wrong for that. I hope you will give me another chance. Thanks for taking time to read this. Again, my sincerest apologies. ~Chan Hurst aka JustThatArchaicPoet

Jancarl Campi Date: 10/30/2013 1:21:00 PM Some people here can never be pleased. "Don't worry about it" says the man. Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/31/2013 9:39:00 AM lol thanks for that, Jancarl :)

Richard D Seal Date: 10/29/2013 7:26:00 PM Don't worry about it Archy, you've just become an Elmer, Congratulations haha Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:08:00 AM Thanks, Richard :)

James Marshall Goff Date: 10/29/2013 6:38:00 PM Schneikies Chan....switch to decaf, dude! ....an employee in my rest. pissed me off so bad today (wasted my time asking me what kind of milk was to be stocked in the case...1/2 gallons or 1/2 pints) i said" well, if you think our customers want a 1/2 gl to go with their grilled panini, stock it! Then go home!" That wasn't nice of me...You know i like your poetry, buddy! Keep it ip! .. Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:08:00 AM Thanks, Jimbo! :)

Debbie Guzzi Date: 10/29/2013 5:27:00 PM Thanks Rueben forums looks like another big time suck LOL, as some one said the blog format is my forum, at one point we were adding photos I will try again now see if I can remember & tell you if I can Login to Reply Debbie Guzzi Date: 10/29/2013 5:38:00 PM if I remembered correctly you went to properties on the photo & copied the http:?// blhahahahahaaaaaaaa & stuck it above the poem but they won't let you any more the only place to put a photo is in about the pictures

Harry Horsman Date: 10/29/2013 3:44:00 PM Welcome to soup, look forward to reading your poetry... Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:09:00 AM Thanks, Harry :)

Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/29/2013 3:25:00 PM You can see by the remarks, we are all friendly here and forgive quickly, and anyway, you were just telling your opinion and your blog went SUPER hot. DANG, I couldn't even get more than a handful of folks a few days ago to watch the funniest talking dog on youtube. hahaha. Anyway, Just remember: opinions are only just opinions. I have very strong opinions too and I feel passionate about them. I have a poster in my room of a lion sitting on a throne saying: "It's my opinion and it's very very true." But not I nor anybody else can really be that "lion" in a place like POetrySoup (much as I'd would love to have everyone feel the same as I do about things!) We are all soup ADDICTS. Party ON!! Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:10:00 AM Thanks for being understanding, Andrea; party on, Garth! lol

Charmaine Chircop Date: 10/29/2013 2:58:00 PM Its all about disagreements and agreements on the soup .Its a democratic hot pot full of spices : ).No need for apologize between friends after all you were just giving an opinion.And i do see lot of talent in yr poems.Im sorry you were on the wrong sites.Believe me..You will enjoy it here : ).Have a lovely day..and Mud..hmm nah nah : )..No mud here : )big smile Login to Reply Charmaine Chircop Date: 10/30/2013 5:47:00 PM Uncle..Im sending you in the corner for a long time : ((( Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:10:00 AM Thanks, Charm :)

Suzanne Delaney Date: 10/29/2013 1:24:00 PM Hello Chan: Iv'e done the Forum thing in the past and like Andrea- found it time consuming and unsatisfying. Time is the biggest factor here. and as you know in real life as well as cyberlife...when you force yourself on people they run the opposite way. Just get involved and people will begin to like you for your quiet achievements. Most of us here communicate by leaving comments on poems. peace SuZ Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:11:00 AM I appreciate the feedback, SuZ-D :) Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/29/2013 3:19:00 PM yes, yes, this is what i meant !!!!

Carrie Richards Date: 10/29/2013 1:13:00 PM You will find that Soupers are quick to forgive and forget, if given a chance. A friend is just a click away. We have all stumbled a bit, made mistakes, been misunderstood, or misjudged. But I for one, appreciate your sincerity.... I hope you will enjoy being here. And do hope you can accept that we all are passionate about different things, even when we don't agree, but can still be friends and show respect. Thanks for sharing this blog. :) Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/30/2013 6:12:00 AM Thank you for being understanding, Carrie :) Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/29/2013 3:18:00 PM Love this what Carrie says. It's so true!!

Debbie Guzzi Date: 10/29/2013 12:48:00 PM First, if you want friends I suggest you don't use a picture of yourself pointing ANY kind of a gun at us LOL geeeeeeeeeeeeez!! Second please explain what you mean by a forum? 3rd They don't let us add pictures to our poetry. [That answers 1 question you asked.] Light & Love Login to Reply Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/29/2013 3:28:00 PM good grief, that is a funny picture with the squirt gun. hahaha YOu slay me, Debs, not even knowing about the forum. Oh, my, what fun reading everyone's comments today! Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/29/2013 1:10:00 PM Hi, Debbie, as a premium member you can add pics to poems but have yet to figure out how to do it. And Ruben answered the second. :)

Poet Destroyer A Date: 10/29/2013 11:33:00 AM Sorry, you felt you had 2 post this blog too... I for one have nothing against U. And I think I can speak for others here, and say they know U mean well.. But, dragging the top poets can be a bit 2 feisty.. We don't mind poets wanting to reach out and make this a better place. YOU ARE DOING WELL... In your areas...... Like I tell my brother don't let your sickness take the best of you... And I don't mean that in a bad way. You are welcome to express yourself in any which way you can. But, please don't let the simple things annoy you..... I am glad you love it here. always~ LINDA Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 10/29/2013 11:42:00 AM Thanks for being understanding, Poet D. You have always been kind to me, and you and everyone else did not deserve such derisiveness. I am deeply sorry for my actions and words. Poet Destroyer A Date: 10/29/2013 11:34:00 AM Maybe you can call in a request:) Ask the soup to Add the forum bar on the side of our wall. Makes it time consuming. don't you think. I'd probably click on it... take care.. Have a Nice day