Home » Poems » Eileen Manassian » To Contest Sponsors- Yea You

To Contest Sponsors- Yea You

Since I don’t blog, I need to make something clear here for contest sponsors. There are several reasons why I pick and choose the contests that I enter. I need to specify for my own sanity. If I DO NOT enter your contest, it could be for one of the following reasons: 1) The contest topic does not move my imagination. I don’t pick and choose when inspiration will strike. I can’t force it. I DO sometimes WORK towards attaining a goal in a contest because I want to LEARN something. Some sponsors challenge me in developing my skills, and I will try out for it. 2) Some contests are on subject matters I don’t believe me… (Halloween, horror, science fiction, etc) If it goes against my convictions, I can’t find the inspiration to write. I’m so sorry about this, but I need the sponsors to be aware. I will also not read poems in these genres and post comments for the same reasons. NOTE: Yes, I am SELECTIVE with my CONVICTIONS....Please...NO COMMENTS ON THAT. You have your set of values, I have mine...TO BE HONEST...I do have a rebellious spirit, so sometimes I HAVE worked against my convictions...(my SENSUAL poetry) I have SOMEONE else to answer to, and not YOU! So, no finger pointing...THANK YOU. I'm just explaining... 3) **If I have joined your contest, and you haven’t placed me twice in a row…I’m NOT going to be likely to join your contest again as OBVIOUSLY you don’t go for my word choice or “mastery” in the art of poetry. Having people praise my work and then have a sponsor not even PLACE is, well…call me sensitive, but it doesn't do well for my morale and that is always in need of a BOOST. I’m SURE I've forgotten something, but I did need to get that off my chest because I don’t want any of you to wonder why I do not join your contest. (Yes, the universe DOES revolve around ME!) I spent a LONG time here on the soup not entering contests because I was fragile and knew if I didn’t place, I’d be devastated. Laugh if you want, but poetry is not just FUN for me…It’s who I am. When I do poorly, it weakens my confidence in my ability. I was encouraged to join, and for the most part, I do enjoy the challenge that contests provide. HOWEVER, I will NOT set myself up for failure if I know a certain sponsor does not value my work to begin with…why bother? Ok…I’m sure I’m going to get lots of posts of “AWWWWWWW…EILEEN, this is just for fun! Don’t take it so seriously.” Yes, you have a point, but I’m a kind of intense and serious sort of gal…so SHOOT ME! ;)

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Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 10/1/2013 1:48:00 PM

Eileen this is spot on! Thanks for voicing what some of us are feeling about comments and placements. When many poets say this is a sure win and it does not place, it does get me wondering and leaves me feeling disappointed as well. You rock girl! Hugs

Richard D Seal

Date: 9/25/2013 5:22:00 PM

Some brilliant conversations this brought up, well done my little Desert Orchid.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/23/2013 11:54:00 PM

cont- cause of a contest.What more?Im scared of coming last lol : )..and scared I will put judgement and loose my friendship with someone if my poem is always rejected..I dnt want to loose friendships for d sake of competitions and some contests ask for forms i still have to learn plus more time is needed.That s why i rarely ever compete.Recently i submitted for Guzzi contest but i still find it hard.Re judging i guess there should be no names on entry makes it fair play dear.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/24/2013 12:38:00 AM

Oh Charmaine....I TOTALLY understand what you mean....That's why I stayed away from contests of certain people...It just meant too much to me to do well, and I knew if I didn't...my friendship would take a blow...and it did once...I was devastated for a week. It isn't just a contest...It is THIS person's opinion about YOUR work, so I TOTALLY understand....Those are the toughest contests to enter...

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/23/2013 11:47:00 PM

In five years this is the third time Im entering a contest..and the reasons I dnt enter are plenty.Firstly cause I have like a phobia when it comes to competition..Phobia that i ruin the fun of being here to enjoy myself.Secondly If i enter a friend s contest and wont make it to enter another s i might hurt someone s feelings without knowing..Thirdly..many of the contests-I do feel I dnt have my best for entry and that sponsor deserves 'my best'.Forthly i watched friends fighting or leaving

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/24/2013 12:41:00 AM

Yes, It can and DOES ruin friendships if you let it...I only entered because someone kept encouraging me and I finally decided to be strong and do it..Thankfully that FIRST time...I got first place, so that sort of helped me to keep trying...I do shy away from contests of people whose opinion REALLY matters, because I don't want to take a blow...That's why I will never sponsor a contest...I guess we are just too overflowing with emotions! I'm glad others are stronger...

John Loving Iii

Date: 9/23/2013 1:54:00 PM

1) Tankas and serynu's are not for me either, they would give me a head ache if i let them. 2) whats wrong with Holloween? I have fun with it. my people love my holloween stuff. 3)i learned a long time ago that sometimes it's not the talent but the name that goes along way. when i compare my work to the work that they say is better than mine. com'on they should let someone else be the judge.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 2:13:00 PM

Yes, we would be lying if we said that that weren't true. Sometimes...It IS the name..That's why you need to chose the sponsors that you trust to be fair and honest.... :) I'm not saying that some are WILLFULLY trying to sabotage...No, It is a matter of taste, and some don't like my type of work! Perhaps the same holds true for you!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 2:10:00 PM

Hi John...Welcome to the discussion! ;) Yes, we all like the genres that we like...So, no need to join those contests if they don't DO anything for you! Halloween? I don't believe in ghosts and goblins, or spirits...so...it doesn't move me to write! I'm glad people like your Halloween stuff... MORE POWER TO YOU! :) It's just not ME!

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 9/23/2013 9:11:00 AM

Eileen, once I noticed I enter a contest. with a very good entry-- and because the poet did not place in mine. She did not place my poem in her contest, not even an HM. We stopped associating long ago. She was never a true friend anyways. I will not mention her name. After I noticed, she was angered by not placing my contest. I started to enter hers. Up to this day I haven't placed at all. But, you see I'm only joining to tickle her fanny. I can careless if I win or not. :-)

John Loving Iii
Date: 9/23/2013 1:57:00 PM

look who enters the contest i just entered and the results. and you be the judge.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:15:00 AM

Tickling fannies, eh????? Oh Linda...I can see why that would bother....Yes, better not mention names....The reason this rant finally say the light is that someone just recently mentioned to me, "I can't believe your poem didn't even PLACE in that contest." It was brought to my attention...I'm like...why not? I don't want to rant and rave for NO REASON, or to offend. I've wanted to write this for some time, but this comment brought it out in me. Still, it is best if we share the love and tickle one another's hearts, eh???? ;) Sometimes, it's all a big misunderstand. Share the love!!! HUGSSSSS

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 9/23/2013 8:58:00 AM

I have 3 contest on hold hoping my sister will help me judge.-- PS If goody good poet enter my contest with PERFECT poems. I will not place them, it get boring after a while - it all comes with the same quality. I want different and unique. You know what I don't like is, Seeing Carrie, all over my winners list.-LOL. I can't help it she writes so DARN GOOD,, never fails. I enjoy inviting new poets. I love reading the strange and new.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 2:19:00 PM

There is NOTHING wrong with experiencing joy at being loved and favored and having the top position. We would be lying if we were to say we don't want to see our name in that spot one day. It is a great achievement TO BE PROUD OF... :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 2:15:00 PM

LINDA.......I'm HONORED that you would want to share your book with me!! DO IT! Publish...It's a dream of mine...It keeps me going... My friends here encourage me to do something like that....Right now...I just love "Publishing" m work on Poetry SOUP! :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 2:06:00 PM

WOW.....Ladies .ladies....you girls are so adorable!!! Poets are very...what's the word? Emotional? Yes...they can get out of hand. I never want that to happen....It is sad when there is rivalry instead of admiration...We all have our sphere's of influence and people whom we touch, so. Live and let live and enjoy each other's successes. LINDA....LICIA...Hugs and Kisses to you both. Join the SISTERHOOD OF THE SOUP! <3

Delysia Hendricks
Date: 9/23/2013 1:09:00 PM

Sorry to butt in here, guys. Linda, you're wondering which poets have you faved. For what it may be worth, I may mention you were the first poet I whisked off to my fave list. I was tripped by your finesse - and still am. Eileen, you marshmallow-hearted one after all these positive comments I hope you're swayed to enter the contests and not go bawling when you don't manage to score. Relax, girlfriend. You're one of the more popular writers on Soup. Besides, Licia likes your writing and that says it all (hahaha). Hugs to you two. Licia :-)

Poet Destroyer A
Date: 9/23/2013 9:20:00 AM

God works the hearts of many... One Day Eileen, when I have my first book published... you and a few others will receive the first copies from... This book of mine will have poems... I've never posted on the soup...

Poet Destroyer A
Date: 9/23/2013 9:16:00 AM

close to 300 all I'm gonna say. But, poets are sour.. When I hit that spot, 2 selfish poet removed me from their faves... LOL, but that was okay.. Cause I did not get bump back to TWO... and I had 4 poets favorite me the same day.,,, You see God, is SEEING everything..

Poet Destroyer A
Date: 9/23/2013 9:14:00 AM

I never looked at it that way Eileen, I guess I don't get over excited cuz, I'm not to sure of my poems. I love the comments and wins I receive. I did celebrate when I Hit The Number One Spot on the Most Popular Poetry Soup Poet... I just wished I knew who are all the poets who have me faved

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:03:00 AM

Woman....you just be content and happy...you got views in the four digit categories..... ;) I'm like...is this woman for REAL????? Poem always on the TOP SPOT! ;) If I had a poem in the top spot of the top 100 poems I'd be shouting it out at the top of my lungs...I HAVE ARRIVED!!!! It also helps in the language classes when I mention that I'm in a community of over 20,000 poets and I win contests. Gets the kids to listen up. Yes, I have won a few...placed in a few...

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:01:00 AM

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Good one, Linda...She is amazing and deserves those winning spots! What can you do? When it's perfect, you got to place it! Yes, you do encourage the new poets...I've seen those contests...GREAT idea, and yes....sometimes the strange and bizarre is captivating. Good one, Linda! XO

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 9/23/2013 8:47:00 AM

PS.... I know this is not about me.... LOL, I think I give everyone a fair chance PLUS more...... But, I have to be honest... I don't like when poets who've blocked me join my contest... now that makes me laugh. I have removed them after seeing them on my winning list.. Like I said all is fair when one is being fair.... Eileen, thank you for the recent wins in my contest. Thank you for giving me the chance to read and admire your poems through my contest.

Poet Destroyer A
Date: 9/23/2013 9:01:00 AM

Yes, :-( :-(... I'm just kidding, it does not bother me it makes me laugh. I have 3 blocked now. But, a Poet with the initials of C P.... made me laugh when I comment her poem and it did not stick. She loves making herself look picture perfect... Love my flaws, and flawed out poems...

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:50:00 AM

Awwwwww.....This is sweet, Linda. People have blocked you???????????? Are you serious??????? Awwww...that is so sad. :( I'm grateful for my wins, Linda...Placing is always good, winning is the icing on the cake...POETRY...awwww....poetry is the chocolate cake that's decadent and sweet!!!! :) Hugs

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 9/23/2013 8:43:00 AM

At least poets like Andrea, are fair and honest when they say they want perfection...............

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:47:00 AM

Yes, there are some sponsors I trust with my work because I know if it didn't make it....it needed tweaking.... :) Thanks for your comments, PD...You've been good to me...No complaints, sweetie!

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 9/23/2013 8:28:00 AM

It's hard not to take it seriously... Eileen, I'm with you 100 %... mostly on the 3rd one... Many times I'm not placed in many of the contest I enter from unfair sponsors. It's like you said, how can we get praised and then rejected in a contest we took a risk on entering knowing the poet has self issues. I kind of stay away from them contest. Lesson Learned...

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:52:00 AM

Yes....better not to set ourselves up for failure...I've actually NOT joined two contests because 1) Someone gave me the thought for the poem which I embellished, so I felt that wouldn't be honest... 2) I didn't want the judge to be in an unfair position because the poem was about their work...conflict of interest....so, I didn't join though I might have had a good chance. Others, I've read the title of the contest and then wrote the poem not realizing it wasn't in the right form, but I posted it anyway....Yes, lessons learned. Hugs :) :)

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 9/23/2013 7:30:00 AM

Good morning, enjoying reading all the comments

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/24/2013 1:14:00 AM

Is over successfully...I type so so quickly that the words are there before I have a chance to edit...Honestly...once I was typing up minutes for a meeting and I was looking around, typing away, and one of the members stopped what he was saying and said, "Are you really typing there, or are you just playing a game." I laughed....My fingers know where to go...Everyone who watches me is amazed, but I do need to check before I hit that button! ;)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:53:00 AM

Good afternoon from Beirut...Cloudy weather...sprinkles...First day of semester over with successfully....wishing you a great day!

Honestly J.T.

Date: 9/23/2013 12:38:00 AM

The first contest I entered sponsored by Giorgio Veneto was called Impress Me. My poem "A Mid-Summer's Day" got honorable mention. When he sponsored Impress Me 2, I entered the poem "Exodus" which received 3rd place. Perhaps some judges play hardball because they see your potential. Sometimes you have to flip the script. Btw, you get more views than I do.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:55:00 AM

Hmmmmmm...playing hardball...that would be a great way to view it, Justice. Awwwwww....about the views....perhaps people like sensual write! ;) Just teasing you, my dear, but thank you for that last word of encouragement. You are so kind, Justice. I enjoy the honesty in your writes! :)

Lucilla Carrillo

Date: 9/22/2013 8:58:00 PM

Girl ; you said it like it is. I entered a few contests, but I don't think I will enter anymore, for the simple fact that my entries don't go through. I wrote the people and I did what they told me and still it didn't work. Anyway it don't bother me. You don't need to enter any contests. We all love your poetry. Thanks for sharing... Lucilla

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:58:00 AM

Lucilla...thanks for stopping by and giving me your take on it...I'm glad it doesn't bother you. Like I said...I was on here for a VERY long time before I joined a contest. My first entry...At Dreamland's Gate...won first place and that will be a sweet memory for me always! :) Yes, poetry has its beauty whether a contest sponsor sees it or not, your fans and friends see it and love it, Lucilla. Don't stop writing! Love you!

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 9/22/2013 8:04:00 PM

I don't enter that many contests really because I can't write to order, and many of the contest themes and forms are restrictive and don't inspire me - it's like writing in a straitjacket! always remember that it is just one person's/judge's opinion/preference, and rejection is part and parcel of being a writer, it goes with the territory; you have to be tough and trust your inner voice, let that be your guide, only you know if you've given your all and done the absolute best you can...

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:07:00 AM

Yes, it is hard to write to order, my dear, but in some cases it is SO rewarding. I tried hard for Dubbie's Sijo and for Craig's Sapphic Stanza because I want to stretch my wings...I trust the verdict because I've been giving samples to follow and encouragement along the way, so, yes, contests DO have the plus side. Part and parcel...SO SO true, my dear. Yes, I am overly sensitive. My cross! Thanks for the advice, Charlotte...you have a good insight into the matter!

Richard D Seal

Date: 9/22/2013 4:40:00 PM

I don't envy the contest setters at all, must be very difficult sometimes, please don't stop entering, and accept the universe does not revolve around you, it revolves around me hahaha. Take care, Richard

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:09:00 AM

No, if I ever become a PM member...I won't sponsor contests...I don't want anyone to lose....Isn't that silly! I also tend to be generous with my grades...I'm like...this person has given me a piece of his soul. Yes, I give pointers and correct grammar and such, but content is sacred...I give high marks on that. I'm a softie, Mr Seal...Ok..the world can revolve around you...the UNIVERSE around me, deal?

Ilene Bauer

Date: 9/22/2013 2:37:00 PM

glad you posted this, eileen! it raised some interesting points. i enter only those contests where the subject matter and style of poetry appeal to me. as a rhymer, i'm likely not going to enter something requiring free verse or even a format i'm not crazy about. also, some judges do not stick to their own requirements and choose winning poems which are not really written in the styles requested. lastly, some contests I've entered are not even judged. what is that about?

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:11:00 AM

I LOVE your work, Ilene...You're fresh and look at things in such a new and captivating way....Keep trying those contests...the ones that are in your genre...and if you don't win...let's get together and rant and rave and raise hell! HA HA HA HA HA HA! No, the judges MUST stick to the rules...HEAR HEAR!!!! Love ya!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 9:11:00 AM

Excellent will do very nicely, Liam...Thank you very much!!!! :)

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 9/22/2013 1:42:00 PM

oh powerful piece excellent in my words

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/24/2013 12:55:00 AM

Excellent will do very nicely, Liam...Thank you very much!!!! :)

Delysia Hendricks

Date: 9/22/2013 8:55:00 AM

Girlfriend mine, this will be a longish comment. First off, hats off to you for showing clout in posting this rant (for want of a better word). I for one don't as a norm write for contests. Poetry doesn't just "come to me", as you mention below, lucky gal, thus I mainly enter old works. I admire you guys who manage to come up with a new piece almost daily. I'm running out of space here.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/23/2013 8:46:00 AM

You amaze, my sweet. Such a level headed way of looking at this...What can I do, Licia...I'm made of marshmallow...My words are my soul...Yes, perhaps those who write encouraging posts do so because they like ME more so than because of the beauty of my work...I guess that happens as well....Those who matter are important. YOU being one of them. Thanks, girlfriend...ROCK ON! HUGS

Delysia Hendricks
Date: 9/22/2013 9:13:00 AM

I suggest before you enter a contest check the sponsor's approach to writing rather than their poetry, i.e. meticulousness, polish, smooth flow, choice of topics and suchlike. Styles and preferences differ. The web name "PoetrySoup" says it all. I'm sure you have some idea of the people who read you regularly and appreciate your penmanship, and I know there are many. Rather put more score by your regulars' comments than a placement by a sponsor whose taste differs to yours.

Delysia Hendricks
Date: 9/22/2013 9:13:00 AM

Competition can be healthy but it can also destroy. Ask me. I raised what is termed "mirror twins". It was a full-time job making them understand that our strengths differ. For what it may be worth, I know good writing and yours is it. Hugs to you, beautiful person. Licia XOXOXOXOX. (The tail end of my litany seems to have landed in the middle box. Trust me!! hahaha

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 9/22/2013 6:47:00 AM

There are some people who's contests I have entered and never placed or tend to consistently place low. I can appreciate how you feel especially when you receive very positive feedback. Interestingly some of those poems have made the top 100 so that feels good. Either way for me I am still glad I entered because it resulted in a poem.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/22/2013 7:06:00 AM

Yes, I know you are even keeled, Richard and can take it with grace. I'm glad for that. You have consistently encouraged me to enter and not to worry about the placements. Thank you for that. I also get frustrated when I see a poem of yours that is brilliant place low...or not place! Really? Like...what's up with that? However, that poem is probably in my fav folder file, so...in the end...I'm happy the contest moved you to write! ;) Thanks for the visit...always a pleasure...

Eileen Manassian

Date: 9/22/2013 12:44:00 AM

OK CONTEST PEOPLE...here is something that will get you off the hook. If I see some poems that are OUT OF MY SPHERE OF ABILITY by others...that also becomes a reason for me not to join a contest. "With such stiff competition, who has a chance?" ;) SO...it isn't all YOU...AND, I don't want pity placements! ;) I'm talking more of a consistent sort of being ignored type situation...CLEAR? ;) HUGS

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/22/2013 12:13:00 AM

this was interesting to read, Eileen. I hope one day you will sponsor a contest and see how it is. It's a really difficult thing to do because I hate hurting feelings. That's why I have no names on poems. I honestly want to judge as fairly as possible, but you are right. Everyone has a certain taste. I often see the same people making the top of my lists even when I didn't know it was their poem. And of course, some people have such a distinct style, you just know it is them. soupmail for ya.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/22/2013 6:48:00 AM

I can relate, contest judging takes a lot out of me. We have so many talented people here.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/22/2013 12:42:00 AM

I know I'm not the ALL THAT...but, I've worked hard to get to where I am today...I thrive on poetry...it just comes to me...The contests are great because more people get to read your work, especially when you don't have that GOLDEN STAR next to your name. I'm not against contests...NO...I'm just explaining my point of view about why I do or don't join...No pressure! Thanks, Andrea. HUGS TO YOU! :) I placed in your contest..SO...you're off the hook! ;)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/22/2013 12:40:00 AM

Soup mail back! ;) I do have to mention here for ALL to see, though, that it isn't about getting those top spots...though, when I do..I AM FLYING for a few days. It's about PLACING...If lots of people comment on a poem and you get the feeling that it will be in the WINNER'S spot, and then it doesn't place...perhaps more than once, you've got to know that the sponsor doesn't go for YOU or YOUR poetry It's not up to PAR...Below mediocre...That's FINE...I just want to protect myself by not EXPECTING from certain sponsors...