by Rene Schwiesow

Created on: May 14, 2008

There are a plethora of poetry sites on the World-Wide Web to join and jump in. The first question in deciding which one to register with is to consider what it is you would like to receive from your participation. Are you wishing to simply share what you have written; are you hoping to find a place that you can network with other writers; do you wish to find a forum that offers constructive criticism so that you may grow as a poet? Answering those questions will help you find the best niche for you and your writing.

Before you decide to join any forum or site, please do yourself a favor and google the sites that are actually poetry scams. If you are asked to buy anything - be wary. There are many websites out there that will lure novice poets to their site, laud them with praise, then work to sell them an anthology, and if you sign up to buy the anthology, well they'll also be happy to sell you other items with your poem printed on them as well. In addition they will offer cash prizes of an astronomical amount, which are more likely than not - bogus. It is flattering when we've penned something that came from our heart to have these websites applaud, and they know that, they play on that. Such sites have become "big business", selling anthologies for $50 or more filled with hundreds of poems that the poets paid that $50 to see, or more if they purchased more than one anthology. Simply be careful and beware.

As a co-administrator of an on line poetry forum, I understand the emotional toll the scam sites take on the unwary writer. When they join a legitimate site and post their poetry, their hearts fall at the constructive feedback they receive from seasoned and knowledgeable writers. It should be evident that the website you join has individuals who have written poetry for some time and/or have a working knowledge of poetry and poetic device. The site should be set up for writing at all levels of sharing, should offer an instructional forum, and the possibility to work shop your poem with other members if you so wish. The administrators and moderators should be accessible for answering your questions and knowledgeable about poetry with the ability to offer you suggestions on reading material and writing skills. If you want to write poetry - read, read, read poetry. Once you read the poetry of the masters and the contemporary poets, you will begin to understand the style that interests you best and will then begin to develop your own style.

I cannot stress enough that the site is welcoming and willing to nurture your growth as a poet, that the criticism is constructive and not simply lambasting, and that you are guided with a gentle hand along your journey.

If you are interested in such a website, please stop by www.poemtrain.com, where we work shop poetry, refine our work, discuss our work and the work of other poets, we also have a visual arts forum for your photography or art, and there is also plenty of room for those who simply want to share their writing without work shopping.

All Aboard!

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