PEANUT GALLERY MISSION AND RULES OF CONDUCT:

The Poets Niche "Peanut Gallery" was conceived as a way for poets and poetry critics to discuss the poetry submitted to the Niche lists in depth, beyond just saying "that was good" or "I liked it". With the understanding that criticism can and should be considered A Good Thing--constructive criticism can lead to growth and insight, from both the artist and the critic--the aim of the Peanut Gallery is to provide a place for in-depth discussion of selected works, including commentary by the writer on what the piece being discussed is about, if they so choose. Honest, thought-provoking opinions from peers is expected, and will be "webified" and kept on the Poets Niche webpage (something to keep in mind: They Who Criticize About Spelling, Should Be Careful To Spel Rite Themselves...)

Some basic rules for the Peanut Gallery:

A) Once a week (depending on feedback), the moderator will select a poem to be discussed, and will contact the poet(s) for permission in advance, giving the poet the option to send their own commentary to the moderator if they so choose; If the poet(s) wishes to remain anonymous, please let me know when submitting your poem.

B) The moderator will then re-post the poem in its original form, along with any commentary from the poet, and invite members to send their commentary DIRECTLY TO THE MODERATOR.

C) Members who want to participate in the discussion will send their comments and critiques DIRECTLY TO THE MODERATOR , who will collect them through the announced period (the moderator reserves the option to follow-up on a comment to the critic). Also, if the critic wishes to remain anonymous, please let me know when submitting your comments.

D) At the end of the announced period, the comments will be condensed and placed on the Comments From The Peanut Gallery webpage, (Similar to Poems of the Week).

E) As the page says, "Can you handle it? Sometimes it's praise. Sometimes it's criticism. Sometimes it's suggestions...but always with love!". The Outside World will be cold and cruel enough when they start reading and criticizing our published pieces; we don't have to be cold, or cruel, in the Peanut Gallery. Just honest--and thick-skinned enough to take it when it's our turn. Remember: those who can't take it, shouldn't dish it out.

Rose "BamBam" Cooper (aka /bams da poetik)
"Comments From The Peanut Gallery"
EMAIL: bams@nichemarket.com ICQ: 7760005
http://www.nichemarket.com/poets/peanuts0.html
http://manetheren.cl.msu.edu/~bambam/