WHEN IS DIALOGUE APPROPRIATE? - Tom Woody's Blog

'Ello everyone. After having an interesting (and somewhat spirited) conversation with a fellow poet, I began to wonder what is and what is not acceptable protocol when commenting on another poet's post. Of course, if one is blocked from commenting, that's one thing. But if not, then when is it appropriate to comment, and when not? Here's an example: The post in question is religious in nature. You are of another belief (opinion). Is it ok to leave a comment representative of your viewpoint? Or, if the subject is political, can you leave a tactful, opposing comment? Here's another issue. Is it intrusive to enter into a dialogue with two or more poets who are engaged in a conversation, creating a thread of three or more? Or does the very nature of a public forum like this one invite and even encourage such communication? Or does a poster or commenter have the right to discourage such entry into a public conversation? It can be confusing. This blog is open to discussion. I'd really like to hear your comments (threads allowed) on these or related matters. Maybe we'll find there's no right or wrong, just personal preference? Tommy

Unseeking Seeker Date: 2/27/2024 8:33:00 AM I see no harm in diverse views offered as long as courteous ~ we can agree to disagree, it is a public platform. People are mostly intolerant on religion though, not open to the possibility of an alternative belief or realisation, as far as I’ve seen. Login to Reply Unseeking Seeker Date: 2/27/2024 7:59:00 PM True. A discussion should not attempt to thrust a belief or idea down someone’s throat. Gently share with those who care to pair. Tom Woody Date: 2/27/2024 9:09:00 AM I think you would agree that trying to aggressively convert someone who does not want it is entirely different than offering a simple observation to someone based on one's faith based beliefs. Thx for contribution

John Lawless Date: 2/27/2024 6:34:00 AM Well, Tom, as the song says "nobody's right if everybody's wrong" I try to comment on the poem and how it touched me ... BUT...i often drop a little "tongue in cheek" tickle as the poem provides. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/27/2024 6:42:00 AM I frequently do the same, though not everyone has a funny bone, to be sure

Ink Empress Date: 2/26/2024 11:09:00 AM Hm whats up!Well i hvent been checking blogs etc on here but thought of checking today and, hmm,its common sense not to speak sometimes or discuss religion where theres difference in opinion or thoughts. I have been taught from a young age when to stay silent, especially when it comes to politics and religion. So for me, i would say, sometimes we need to learn how to not say anything in certain situations. I see so many insult islam, but do i go preach? Nope. Its their opinion, and i refuse to talk to the wind. Plus im not into religious or political poems, i believe silence speaks volumes. And kindness is beautiful, we are all senstve souls, best say nothing if it isnt positive. Im one Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 2:53:00 PM I respect all views and absolutely believe in freedom of speech and religion, even the right to not believe. JW's have won numerous court cases in both the United States Supreme Court and the European court of human rights in regards to such, thus ensuring precedents for freedoms for all. As far as dark poetry, I've written a few myself. Ink Empress Date: 2/26/2024 2:39:00 PM Thats fine, its educational and insightful what you’ve written about JW and what they are going thru or been thru in russia, and it did inform me too. And i like spiritual poems, spirituality is different. And about comments, your comments been decent but iv had some experiences here where some religious poets comment telling me my dark poems are not the way to go. And to choose god. For godsake, dark poems does not define my religious view , in those moments i look at poets background/age and choose to ignore knowing its their age, respecting individual differences once more but I wish they would be also considerate however it is what it is and true block. Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 1:19:00 PM I respect your view. As for me, I am politically neutral, so typically don't comment on political poetry. However, I am religious (spiritual) and do do tend to be drawn to those, or to poetry that discusses various aspects of existentialism. You've read for yourself what is going on in Russia. Nevertheless, JW's will never be silenced, since their commission to preach and their backing comes from the Son of God himself. So if someone doesn't like my scriptural points or references, they can always block me. Ink Empress Date: 2/26/2024 11:09:00 AM that gets easily offended as i can feel energy of comments, and i am allergic to rudeness so i dont take sarcasm or indirect bullying lightly, i say back what i have to say, (not on this site) but other sites. Anyhow. Lets stick to poetry and kindness. Hope youl find some answers too meanwhile through this blog (Was my comment) ahah oops

Arlo Parker Date: 2/26/2024 10:13:00 AM An excellent Blog query. Some are sensitive to comments, some are oblivious and some are welcoming. Public posting opens doors some may rather wish to avoid. Prepare each piece for publication to reflect one's needs, but don't take offense when thoughtful feedback is offered. :o/ Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 12:48:00 PM Amen! Good gosh folks it really is that simple

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 2/26/2024 6:12:00 AM well, if you assume nothing is acceptable nowadays you'll be relatively safe, and bear in mind that some people enjoy taking offence, they're not happy unless they're being offended by something lol Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 6:36:00 AM Those who scream the loudest against censorship are sometimes the ones who wish to enforce it against someone else... when convenient. As far as the taking of offense, there's a Bible verse that addresses that, but I'll hold off lol

Silent One Date: 2/26/2024 2:25:00 AM Tommy, it is always best to ignore, as it just causes an argument... I have been offended by poems on here, that go against what I believe in, be it politically or religiously.. But I don't bother to comment, what good will that do? Very rarely you will change that person's opinion and we live in a world where we all have different beliefs and ideas.. Me, personally, I do not force them on others and very rarely will you see me post a poem about them.. I think its always important comment positive on poems, there always something nice to say, if you have read the poem.. I don't particularly like religious poems, but I will comment on the structure of the poem and not be negative.. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 6:52:00 AM Tis sad, tis sad. And yet kids in high school join debate teams, where they are encouraged to engage in intelligent, spirited banter when representing clearly opposing viewpoints. Wait till they get to the real world. I like Charlotte's comment above Silent One Date: 2/26/2024 6:36:00 AM I agree, but how many times have you seen healthy dialogue on here on contentious things? Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 5:24:00 AM Yes, negativity or criticism is one thing, sharing a personal view or opinion is entirely a different animal. But I don't think we should be afraid or intimidated by healthy dialogue. If some take offense because you entered the conversation well, it happens

Suzette Richards Date: 2/26/2024 1:46:00 AM I agree with Eve's philosophy below. Tom, if you wish to pursue a philosophical inquiry such as religion, you might consider giving it a voice using Suzette Prime --- a nice challenge for your creative flair. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 5:21:00 AM Lol. Maybe I'll try one.

Eve Roper Date: 2/26/2024 12:52:00 AM If, I read something I don't like or I don't believe I just ignore it and go to another poem. Everyone has different opinions and religious preference, and it is not my place to correct them. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 2/26/2024 5:20:00 AM I'm not sure it's a matter of "correcting" Eve as much as it is about proffering an alternative viewpoint. Some say freedom of speech is what makes America great. This freedom has come under increasing attack in recent years.