Comments on: Grousing About the Poetry Foundation http://lestersmith.com/2008/10/08/grousing-about-the-poetry-foundation/ A convergence of poetry, game design, and Web tech. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:03:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Polyhedras http://lestersmith.com/2008/10/08/grousing-about-the-poetry-foundation/comment-page-1/#comment-59 Polyhedras Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:21:12 +0000 http://lestersmith.com/?p=165#comment-59 Thanks for the comment. Reviewing the verse/poetry article, I'd say you're right: It is a lot more balanced than I recall. However, I still find irksome the thought of a private organization announcing a Children's Poet Laureate award. And I still believe their choice of first recipient was more popularity contest than promotion of quality in children's poetry. While I wish Mr. Prelutsky no ill will, I cannot in good conscience recommend his work to anyone as a model of even expert craftsmanship. Thanks for the comment. Reviewing the verse/poetry article, I’d say you’re right: It is a lot more balanced than I recall. However, I still find irksome the thought of a private organization announcing a Children’s Poet Laureate award. And I still believe their choice of first recipient was more popularity contest than promotion of quality in children’s poetry. While I wish Mr. Prelutsky no ill will, I cannot in good conscience recommend his work to anyone as a model of even expert craftsmanship.

]]> By: bh http://lestersmith.com/2008/10/08/grousing-about-the-poetry-foundation/comment-page-1/#comment-57 bh Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:38:17 +0000 http://lestersmith.com/?p=165#comment-57 After reading this entry, I immediately googled the Poetry Foundation essay that you mentioned (http://www.poetryfoundation.org/journal/feature.html?id=178645) - fully expecting to be offended by yet another poetry snob. I was pleasantly surprised that it was more focused on the question of finding more precise definitions for poetry and verse, and that Barr actually seemed to rise to Service's defense. That being said, I completely understand your point, and can't stand the snobbery of someone who uses the art versus craft distinction as a way of putting others down. On the other hand, having seen what "passes for art these days" maybe its better to be an expert craftsman. (I'll take a few Rockwell paintings over some entire wings at the Art Institute in Chicago). After reading this entry, I immediately googled the Poetry Foundation essay that you mentioned (http://www.poetryfoundation.org/journal/feature.html?id=178645) – fully expecting to be offended by yet another poetry snob. I was pleasantly surprised that it was more focused on the question of finding more precise definitions for poetry and verse, and that Barr actually seemed to rise to Service’s defense.

That being said, I completely understand your point, and can’t stand the snobbery of someone who uses the art versus craft distinction as a way of putting others down. On the other hand, having seen what “passes for art these days” maybe its better to be an expert craftsman. (I’ll take a few Rockwell paintings over some entire wings at the Art Institute in Chicago).

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