Why did you join Poetry Soup? - Tom Woody's Blog

After having a brief discussion with a fellow poet about why we post, I thought I would open it up to a wider audience. Indeed, why did you join the Soup? Maybe the more succinct question is: Why do you post your poetry publicly? It's an interesting question. I am of the opinion that folks join a site like this one because they want to share their art with an attentive audience. To be more specific, they post publicly because they want praise, affirmation, acknowledgement. I can tell you unabashedly that this is the reason I post publicly. I enjoy sharing a piece of myself and seeing how it impacts another human being. Some have told me my poetry (or story) made them think, or laugh, or cry. In turn, I feel moved to leave sincere expressions on other poets' art because I want them to feel the love and admiration I feel when I am the recipient. Does this not make sense? Sadly, some seem to want the accolades without ever giving any in return. Some of these people are excellent poets and it makes me sad to see their work virtually ignored. I think, in the end, it boils down to this: What is social media all about? The key is in the word "social," which suggests interaction. Without the interaction, posting amounts to little more than keeping a public journal of your writings. I would love to know why you joined Poetry Soup. Please leave comments below. Tommy

Edward Ibeh Date: 7/8/2024 8:02:00 AM I found Poetrysoup by sheer serendipity, Tom. I just wanted to start writing again after giving up on poetry for 10 years. I lost a poetry book with 135 or so poems and became discouraged. After regaining my passion for it I started looking for a home, so to speak. I found it here, permanently. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 7/8/2024 11:23:00 AM I think I read that in your bio. Thanks for contributing

B.J. Fitz Date: 7/8/2024 3:01:00 AM Hi Tom, I remember the conversation from your previous blog. Not that it matters lol but I joined poetrysoup when I had some health issues that turned into a psychotic break (pharmaceuticals suck, all good now), and the psychotic me needed to express terrifying experiences outside of my own mind, so I started vomiting poems out onto this site left and right. That being said, I was quite anti-social at the time of joining. Getting to interact with others is a huge bonus, but you get what you give which is fair. I became a lifetime member because I wanted this site to always be in option to escape into what is now an occasional hobby. Also, there are many friendly kindred souls, like Maureen! Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 7/8/2024 5:23:00 AM "you get what you give which is fair..." That pretty much sums up what I've tried to say Joseph. Thx for adding your two cents

David Crandall Date: 7/7/2024 10:34:00 PM I think my reason is that it's more enjoyable and inspiring to me to write poems if I think there is a reader on the other end. Of course (I guess the word would be) "affirmation" is great, as that way, I don't feel too much like a goof (lol). Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 7/8/2024 5:22:00 AM I think it is absolutely normal to crave commendation and affirmation. Glad you're here David

Tom Woody Date: 6/29/2024 5:18:00 AM To be clear: I absolutely believe everyone has a free will choice as to whether or not they interact on a social media site. My only thought is that they miss out on so much by choosing not to engage others. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, I try to support as many as possible, especially new ones and those from foreign lands. But I feel moved to support those who support others moreso. What others do or don't do is up to them. But I believe wholeheartedly in the golden rule. No apologies Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 7/5/2024 1:21:00 PM Um... Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 7/5/2024 11:29:00 AM Hello tom woody, I like to know what happened to Judy Ball. I have not seen any of her poetry lately. thank you.

Besma Riabi Dziri Date: 6/29/2024 3:01:00 AM I’m deeply humbled and honoured and grateful.. Here I was empowered to write poetry of worth.. the ongoing support and kind comments from great poets I highly value and respect has given me an inner satisfaction and acknowledgement that allowed me to always look up to great poetry and always enhance my skills and knowledge and the way I write.. As I told you before I feel I belong here.. It is here where I feel I truly became a poet.. Thank you so much Tom! God bless you. My deepest regards and blessings. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/29/2024 5:14:00 AM Your poetry comes from a unique place and perspective and adds to the eclectic beauty of the community. We're glad you're here Besma

Besma Riabi Dziri Date: 6/29/2024 3:00:00 AM I have been writing for so many a year and used to publishing my work on different sites but wasn’t satisfied with the impact of my work on the “readers”! But when I started posting on Poetrysoup I felt a huge difference.. For me, it is here where I thrived.. I was constantly supported, encouraged, praised and honoured.. I felt the sincerity of acknowledgement and recognition.. You are, Tom, among the first dear friends and poets who read, commented and valued my humble poetry .. I’m deeply grateful to you for that.. Silent One, Poetic Flame and Maria Williams were and still are supporting, uplifting and encouraging my work.. Login to Reply

Constance La France Date: 6/29/2024 1:09:00 AM To a new man in my life I asked, would you like me to read you one of my poems ? His disinterested answer was, not now, maybe later. At that moment, I realized he was not the man for me. I cannot be with a person who does not like creativity be it writing, art, photography or something else. But, thanks to PS I have lots of people who want to read my poetry. Constance Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/29/2024 5:13:00 AM Yes, we all want to feel appreciated for this aspect of our being. Thx for stopping by

Daniel Caplin Date: 6/27/2024 2:31:00 PM White Knight , interesting character , have you read the poem The Return by Mark Coplin , interesting don't you think ? Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 3:22:00 PM What I do know is I was one of the first to welcome you to PS and commented on many of your excellent poems. You seemed to adore mine as well and now that you've turned off commenting and deleted most of your poems it makes me sad. Wishing you peace, Daniel Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 2:38:00 PM I don't pay too much attention to poems that slander fellow poets Daniel. So no, not interested at all

Karen Croft Date: 6/27/2024 9:47:00 AM I've been writing poetry for a long time and in 2011 my daughter suggested that I put my poetry on this site. I have been on it ever since. I have been on it a lot more putting my poems on every day and I just want people to read my poems, it's not for praise or comments it's just to have people read my work! Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 12:14:00 PM If I can make a suggestion? Don't post multiple poems all at once. Please remember that there are thousands of poets on this site. Of course, not everyone is actively posting, but enough are that it's a real competition for attention. That's just the way it is. In addition, most folks will only read your latest, so if you post ten, your lucky to get a comment on one. Try slowing down and post 1 or 2 a week. In between, visit other poets' work and leave meaningful comments on their work. It may take a while, but if you persist things should start to look up

Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:40:00 PM #1)Nice blog idea Tom. It's been interesting reading replies! There's a common theme but also very unique reasons for joining. For me...I have dabbled with writing for years, always thinking I needed to write a novel to fulfill my writing ambitions. I've began dozens... some nearly finished at 200 plus pages... but it never was fully realized. I got bored with one story. Login to Reply Keith D Trestrail Date: 6/27/2024 5:46:00 AM Beep Beep! Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 5:43:00 AM You know Keith, if you keep it up I'll have to write a nasty rant about it. Stay in your lane! (Kidding) Keith D Trestrail Date: 6/27/2024 5:03:00 AM Beware the butterfly effect. By the way, hi Crystol. Sorry to intrude on your thread. Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 4:46:00 AM Flit flit Keith D Trestrail Date: 6/27/2024 12:26:00 AM Tommy is a social butterfly. Tom Woody Date: 6/26/2024 1:15:00 PM I'm with you Crystol. You have the heart of a true poet. I want to share with others and see what they've got going on. Social... media Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 1:04:00 PM Hehe... one more thing?... people express love in many ways and understand another person's expressions in many ways. Of course all ways combine to make up the whole of love but... To some actions speak love the loudest... for me, words of affirmation are my perception of loving and being loved. <3 Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:44:00 PM Sorry so long! <3 I'm going bk to # them like pages to reduce confusion lol. Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:42:00 PM #5) I share to express myself to someone other than me... to toss out that fishing line and say, "did this resonate with you? Do you get me?" And to receive an answer brings peace and acceptance. Xoxo Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:42:00 PM #4)Imagine if some of our favorite poets didn't publish their work! How many lives would be changed for the worst? Poetry connects us with what makes us human... it gives us that peace that can only come from knowing we are not alone with how we feel. And for a writer to receive a comment on their writing it starts that dialog that confirms our humanity and our connections to each other. Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:41:00 PM #3)I became discouraged. I was writing 3 to 5 poems and songs p er week... I was in the zone! I posted them because I think poetry is about expressing our humanity. To keep them to ourselves is called Journaling... and one may edify oneself with Journaling but to touch another life with your words you must share them! Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:41:00 PM #2)Then I taught myself, and watched videos, to play ukulele while in quarantine during the Covid crisis. That started me writing my own songs. The song lyrics took a tiny twist and became poetry. I posted them on social media, fb, and only a few friends bothered to read or comment. I assumed I wasn't writing well or that none of the 600 plus" friends" i had were interested in poetry!

Eve Roper Date: 6/25/2024 6:16:00 PM hello, my friend, I came in as a novice and still a novice. As I said still a novice. Login to Reply Eve Roper Date: 6/28/2024 10:48:00 AM Yes, I did, it was on commenting. It is hard for me to read abstract and between the lines. Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 6:49:00 PM I see you edited your comment. It's ok. Many of us think you're an awesome poet. One of your poems is on my fave list - A Plentiful Harvest. Keep up the good work Eve Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 6:23:00 PM Dear Eve, a poet who doesn't know what to say? Why not use your poetic skills to give a brief encouraging comment? I think you'll find many will be happy to reciprocate

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 6/25/2024 3:57:00 PM I took a course in Poetry learning poetry forms. i was taught Free Verse first. Acrostic, Conquains, Shape, Haiku and many more. After i was told to read my poems out loud. i could not do it. When my husband passed i joined poetry soup. Made friends here been here ever since. I learned poetry in Wairton. Ontario Canada. Darlene Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 6/26/2024 8:48:00 AM Hello Tom Woody, Thank you. yes i comment on a lot of poets and poetess. Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/ Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 5:02:00 PM Were glad you're with us Darlene. Your generous in your commenting

I Am Anaya Date: 6/25/2024 1:12:00 PM This year I'll be using the site as a journal to mark days that are important to me. I was looking for a poet friend, found what looked like a warm community of poets and it was! She skipped town, I'd utilize the contests for myself and if anyone commented, (lord I was wary) I would learn how to reply as well. Tit for Tat. I joined to learn poetry, Tommy. Your congregation should be proud of you. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 1:18:00 PM Nah. Seems not many J dubs are into poetry. No problem

Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 9:13:00 AM Ok my turn. Some already know my story but in brief: I started writing cute little toad poems for two little girls in our congregation who loved the little buggers (all the characters eventually ended up in my book - Winky). Later I started posting on Deviantart but some of the art was risque so I fled and tried posting on various sites, including PS. As a certain fellow poet likes to point out (repeatedly), I've been here off and on under various incarnations including, but not limited to: Tommyboy, Seeker, White Knight, Tormented Clown, July Morning, Son of Spock and now Tom Woody. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 4:47:00 AM My pleasure. Heh Connie Pachecho Date: 6/26/2024 6:15:00 PM What I enjoy about Tommy is that he has great comebacks, which (yes) it has a double meaning. One thing for sure it's never boring when Tommy's in the house. Ty Tommy. Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 9:16:00 AM Admittedly, the angsty weirdness that Arlo mentions in his comment gets to me at times and I split. In the past I even engaged in a bit myself, mostly in blogs. However, I have never written a nasty poem about a fellow Souper and never will. How long will I stay this time? Who knows. For now I enjoy writing and interacting.

Connie Pachecho Date: 6/25/2024 2:58:00 AM I joined PS because I enjoy a good bowl of soup now and then ... and to see what ladle I can do. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 5:33:00 AM Me too Connie. I'm also a bit partial to the stir spoon. Heh

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 6/25/2024 2:53:00 AM my ex husband signed me up to the site so i blame him lol he was a member before i was and i thought it looked interesting so he opened an account for me; he only stayed for about a month though as he didn't like the site...i'm not a great one for social media, it's a double-edged sword, and the harsh reality is that if you post on these kind of sites you're unlikely to be taken seriously as a writer, though i have learned a lot since i've been here, especially about different poetic forms..i try to tread the middle ground and post here sparingly, and not become a slave to social media or ego Login to Reply Craig Cornish Date: 6/25/2024 2:05:00 PM Glad you stayed dear Charlotte-please be our willing slave, or perhaps, we'll be yours!@! Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 5:38:00 AM It's funny you mention ego. SM tends to nurture or destroy ego. But even when nurtured there's an addictive component to it. The thrill of getting accolades for a well written poem or contest win fades quickly. Then comes the pressure to recreate the success. It's a maze with no exit. PS. We're happy to have a poet of your caliber here

Gary Radice Date: 6/24/2024 11:11:00 PM My one page of poems here at PS is that anthology I never got round to self publishing in book form for family keepsake reasons. For that reason alone, The Soup's platform suits my needs to a tee. I only wish you could rearrange the order of the poems. I do enjoy reading others' poems too and commenting on them, particularly if I like the idea behind the poem but can't help thinking there must be some great works buried under the sheer number of poems. The Great Unread. :) Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 8:59:00 AM Ugh! Don't get me started. That's a whole nudda blog. One per day should be the max. Gosh, that's thirty a month! I post maybe 2 or 3 per month Gary Radice Date: 6/25/2024 6:01:00 AM My wife, brother and two sisters read them - that I do know. I think the poems that get missed may be more down to the fact that PS is very generous allowing the number of daily poems each person can publish. I'd like to see the 10 reduced to at most 5 or better still the "View only ONE new poem for each poet" page should be the set page for new poems. Cheers - Gary Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 5:35:00 AM So I'm curious, how many of your family members actively read your poetry? Mine are mostly disinterested. And you're right, tons of great poems that never got read, mainly bc the poet never interacted with others

Andrea Dietrich Date: 6/24/2024 12:31:00 PM I am of your same opinion, and I feel that is the reason most people would join a poetry site. Sadly some do not comment back to others. It's their loss. I like seeing what my friends write. Login to Reply Andrea Dietrich Date: 6/24/2024 4:36:00 PM Thanks. I also love the challenges. Honestly more than 99 percent of what I have written in past ten years is basically based on challenge topics. Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 3:00:00 PM It is indeed their loss. Like Constance, you're a staple here on PS.

Unseeking Seeker Date: 6/24/2024 10:18:00 AM sharing, learning, life views exchanging, compiling & cataloging … Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 3:00:00 PM Cruising, sailing, roller coaster rides, it's all good, O Zen-ish One

Steven Mwakatundu Date: 6/24/2024 10:12:00 AM As someone who is almost a month old on the platform, i stumbled upon this amazing site when i was looking to expand my audience. People with whom to share my intricate and dynamic thoughts. People who will not only read in passing, but will appreciate and resonate with the messages conveyed. A comment from a friend is usually received with a skeptical mind. A single comment on this platform can be all that one needs to improve, be motivated and excel to greater heights. Reading poems on the platform has really motivated me and opened a gateway to expansive knowledge. Poetic wise, am growing by the day. It takes iron to sharpen iron, and i am the sharpest Katana in the making. Login to Reply Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:13:00 PM Love that quote, "as iron sharpens iron", that is truth. I've been here for a few months now and have seen growth in my writing everyday! As I visit others poetry and attempt contest challenges, it stretches the mind as nothing else. Hello, Steven! I've not visited you yet but I will! Can't wait to see what you offer. Xoxo Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 2:59:00 PM We're thrilled to see poets from many countries here Steven. Adds spice to the Soup

Constance La France Date: 6/24/2024 6:02:00 AM Tom, excellent blog and good question, I have to think back to that long ago day. It was a friend who told me about PS, I read him a poem I had written about my father and he said that I should post it here and I did. I liked the community feel and through the years have made poetic friends, also learned a lot about writing poetry. It is a place where I can share my soul and words with like minded people. It is a safe harbor (most of the time) and a place where I can just create my poems for me and to share with whoever wants to read them, Constance Login to Reply Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:15:00 PM I agree whole heartedly about the contests! Reading others poetry, And attempting contests has helped me grow exponentially! Xo Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 2:58:00 PM You're a staple here for sure Constance La France Date: 6/24/2024 6:04:00 AM ... also I love hosting contests, and entering contests for the inspiration they provide and as a result I go places in my mind and soul I would never have gone. I have healed my broken wings and learnt to fly, Constance

Keith D Trestrail Date: 6/24/2024 3:09:00 AM I joined PS as a court ordered condition of release. My sentencing judge was hopeful it might help me redirect some unresolved issues I was experiencing in a gentler more constructive way. True story! Login to Reply B.J. Fitz Date: 7/8/2024 2:50:00 AM Thank you for sharing that interesting motivation! I'm glad this was an option for you, and I am very curious if you find PS useful, as intended by the judge? No pressure to respond if that's too personal, either way wishing you the best! Tom Woody Date: 6/26/2024 1:21:00 PM Haha. Crystol, let me introduce you to Keefer... Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:17:00 PM Wow that is a unique story! And how have you found it here? Do you enjoy this outlet or does it feel like a punishment lol? I'm excited to read your writings! I'll be by to visit your page soon! Best of luck and best wishes! Xo Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 2:57:00 PM Better than another ten at Rikers. Be on your best behavior my felonious friend

Ink Empress Date: 6/24/2024 1:24:00 AM I joined soup because i was sick of the real social media hype and chasing the algorithm for fame while also pushing each other down when one rises up in followers on platforms such as instagram. And i loved doing contests, learning about forms in more detail, and basically improving, as a poet. While also i was excited to see soup mention “ no ai generated poetry is allowed” it has been a beautiful learning experience. Im back on insta now but i choose to stay here because i prefer this space. Where i dont have to feel overwhelmed with engagement, and to know that my work is appreciated means alot, as most soupers are experienced, so it is for the love of poetry i joined soup, i dont have to entertain inappropriate pictures (posted to get more engagement on insta) and i love the fact that its all about words! I thank today soupers for encouraging me and for teaching me so much! And silent one too and you and so many others thats been so kind! Thank you also. Hah. Hope this explains Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 2:56:00 PM Oof! Occasionally I'm cheeky lol. No apologies, I'm just me. But I do enjoy supporting good poets like our Inky Ink Empress Date: 6/24/2024 1:47:00 AM Regarding comments, i know few of my insta friends that post here just for contests, they dont really look for comments so its all about individual preferences and what they want. Although ofcourse anyone will appreciate and be happy to read genuine comments from others on their work. I like commenting on those that i think deserve a comment when i read their work. And i prefer real comments on my poems, no ai generated or insincere or cheeky comments cus im senstive to rudeness. I think its important to be mindful when commenting and i think most on soup are very mindful.

Suzette Richards Date: 6/23/2024 8:19:00 PM 12 years ago, what drew me to PS are the free contests and feedback received (not always mincing words, either). Through the contests, I learned bit by bit how to write different poetic forms and it shaped my later voice. Mentors such as Ma Debbie, had a great impact on how I view haiku. Now I post poetry on here to share a bit of myself and my thoughts at that moment. I don't always have the data or internet connectivity to comment as I can read the amazing poems (not AI-generated mess) without having to sign on. Publishing definitely does not make any poet rich, unless you are already an established name -- in SA you would be lucky to sell 300 copies of a novel, let alone poetry. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/27/2024 4:48:00 AM I'm all about spiff Arlo Parker Date: 6/26/2024 11:36:00 PM Once was a bounder named Saul... His gift: coining phrases with gaul... One day his work braced a wench... Who lacked any romantic stench... Saul swiftly deemed her “amazeballs”!... Arlo says spiffy new Avatar. Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 9:02:00 AM Hey Wayne, er, Arlo, I believe you coined a new word - amazeballs! Please make that the title of your next poem. Curious to see what spews forth Arlo Parker Date: 6/25/2024 8:36:00 AM You know what's really interesting? How much divisive interest a seemingly innocuous site like PS can actually generate. The spectrum of emotional, psychological, illuminated variation, emphatic diatribes, and in-your-face animosity generated is Amazeballs. Tom Woody Date: 6/25/2024 5:42:00 AM I think you misunderstood my comment. Obviously if you know for sure it's AI or plagiarized you wouldn't support it. What I meant was if you like a poem just comment without worrying about the source. In other words, give everyone the benefit of a doubt unless you know for absolute sure they're cheating Arlo Parker Date: 6/25/2024 1:01:00 AM I concur re: AI written poems/comments. They seem to be so disassociated with art or sincerity as to be anti-sincere and undermining of soul-worthy expressions of poetic fervor/fever/fire. Suz has the right idea: (paraphrase?) "damn the AI's; poets full speed ahead!" Robots can serve cokes in a sushi bar but stay off the Soup. Suzette Richards Date: 6/24/2024 8:39:00 PM To reiterate what I said above: "I don't always have the data or internet connectivity to comment ..." I will be dam£#@ if I should be made to feel "unsociable" because I do not react to AI generated comments on my poetry, or will support poets who clearly use AI - where is the logic in that, Tom? In your own words: "I am of the opinion that folks join a site like this one because they want to share their art with an attentive audience." The operative words here being "their art". Tom Woody Date: 6/24/2024 2:55:00 PM In reality you've got nothing to lose by generously commenting on others' work, AI or not. It's, well, sociable Suzette Richards Date: 6/23/2024 8:27:00 PM As a final thought: We used to support the winners of every contest held and commented on the poems -- often not expecting a reciprocal comment on one's own poems. Winning became important as it assured one's poems would be read. Now I am reluctant to comment as one does not want to be made a fool of by a poet whose work is suspect. I appreciate comments where the reader obviously has read the poem, and do not reply to generic comments or those generated by AI Copilot.

Frederic Parker Date: 6/23/2024 5:25:00 PM No other site would have me. Login to Reply Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:18:00 PM Ha! I love a sense of humor! Keith D Trestrail Date: 6/24/2024 1:38:00 AM I hear ya, Frederic. Tom Woody Date: 6/23/2024 5:34:00 PM Fred, you do have a sense of humor! I knew you were just hiding it all this time. We're glad you're here

Heidi Sands Date: 6/23/2024 3:52:00 PM Hi. Good question. I was blessed. I was looking for a photography contest at the time and by chance found Poetry Soup! It interested me. I am a writer and had recently won a contest at the local library, so I decided to join and post it here. I mainly wroite in general, to reach people. My articles are quidance and factual. My poetry involves more personal feelings. Once I joined, it was a positive experience for me. I enjoyed hearing feedback, I enjoyed reading others work and commenting, making friends and learning forms of poetry I had never written. Login to Reply Crystol Woods Date: 6/26/2024 12:18:00 PM I've enjoyed learning forms as well! Xo Tom Woody Date: 6/23/2024 4:38:00 PM Awesome Heidi. We're glad you're here

Arlo Parker Date: 6/23/2024 2:35:00 PM I post here to see if my thoughts resonate with other souls. No self-aggrandizing motives are extant. I always acknowledge any comments received and provide cogent affirmations of peer poet’s efforts. Simple give and give. :-) Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/23/2024 2:44:00 PM I can't think of a better reply, though all opinions are welcome here. You bring up another side point though, the importance of acknowledging comments received. Personally, I can't understand why some can't seem to muster a simple: Thank you