Ever felt like this?

[ellajam]

Some good points Mark and as for you and Ella being guilty of not providing enough crit...no way you are def among the stars of shining example on the site in terms of what you give.
I have also been thinking about the different forums and the points you rise about some posting here to be respectful is valid I think.  I am wondering if there could be an emotion button or something where a poster could indicate the desire for deeper crit if others wish to.  I know that I mostly post in the lower levels when I feel that the poem is only in a really rough or unworked stage of write and this is how I tend to think of the difference between the forums.  (as well as for novice and mid term poets).  
Not sure if the idea of a "More please button" could work for poets who want to welcome any level of crit but don't want the shame of placing something crappy and thus unworthy in the higher levels. Thought it was worth a mention.  (Although scrap that name, certain members will have a field day with it )

My experience at the Pigpen:

I posted my first one or two in Novice and when it was suggested that the poem might not be at novice level I responded that I was a novice at editting and critiquing. Even there, when I actively engaged with posters I was able to get very useful suggestions.

I moved into what has become my favorite place, Mild. On the occasion when it was suggested the poem belonged in Serious my response was that I cherish the crit with only one or two suggestions as much as the thorough critique, both have their value and I don't want to miss out on the input from members who aren't inclined to post critique in Serious. Rather than an emoticon, I wouldn't be adverse to an OP that says "all levels of critique are welcomed", but I have to say I have picked that up at another site where there are no divisions and have never found it necessary here.

I've been known to send a PM request for serious help for a poem posted in Mild and have never had anyone refuse. What I probably should do is repost the poem in Serious after my initial edits. hhmmm.

Oddly, although I still consider myself a novice in forms, I chose to put a sonnet in Serious because I knew it needed the input it would get there. I have to say that poem reached a place most of my other work doesn't get to. There too I found that I was able to get the most from the site by actively engaging members in discussion of the points brought up.

So my suggestion for new members is to move quickly out of novice and if the crit is past the level you can understand just ask for further explanation. And what I need to consider for myself also, feel free to move the poem through the levels of crit when you feel the poem needs more than you are getting. And don't run screaming, , work to make use of serious critique.

I still feel that if each of us takes the time for just a few more critiques a week across all workshops the site would improve. Now, instead of continuing to think about myself I guess I should go read and comment on some poems.