a point arose about this is not poetry

[milo]

I think folks can get the same messege from a 'counciler' as they would from a 'drill sargent', some of you folks are splitting hairs and your pants here.

I don't think either make good commenters on poetry - both have an investment. Good comments should be as objective as possible. As if you never met the poet and never will. Only the writing should be commented on. And writing will never mind or wilt like the fragile flowers of poets' egos.

You don't have to read the poem like either one, nor critque in one of those roles. I am referring to the tone of the reply, ie, this is not very good poetry verses this poem is a piece of crap, as a counseler or drill sargent, respectively.

Generally speaking I don't think we even consider one of your examples acceptable feedback on this forum.

I will say the earliest and most valuable feedback I ever received was "this is shit. Burn it and do the world a.favor."