Hi @prydefoltz, I don't think it will be necessary for you to bow out. Feedback is very personal, so I wouldn't expect you to offer anything that runs contrary to your inclinations. The expectation is just for it to be at least several sentences, going into greater detail than an ordinary comment. It need not "critique" anything so much as offer substantial insight and impressions. @geekorner's article was listed as reference for anyone not familiar with offering the gift of substantial feedback - don't let the term scare you :-) Critique in this context means analysis, not criticism.
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I think I would prefer to continue on as I have been going, commenting on the posts that inspire me to comment upon. Poetry is so personal and insisting that people comment on work they might not have otherwise may have some unintended consequences. I have been doing this kind of thing for about six years and things can get hairy when poets take to this kind of thing. Plus I really don't want to pick from the work of others or even my own work. I just want to write and read what speaks to me. I'll continue to write and visit the other poets but no assignments for me. Sorry.
I understand your point of view. But the grounds for the contest have changed and I probably wouldn't have joined in if the I had been given such a specific assignment from the start. That doesn't mean I do not appreciate all the work you have done. I am seriously thankful for the opportunity you have given us all. Poetry on steemit has become stronger and so has our community. I'll still be supporting everyone and complete the challenge of 100 poems. Thank you for all your hard work and attention:):):)
Thanks for your contribution to the project thus far and for leaving your feedback @prydefoltz. It's hard because I know many would be fine with the contest remaining the same, but I'm discontent with how it's going so far.
The intention was not only to challenge people to become more consistent with their craft but to build a community. While I've seen this happen to small degrees, I have not witnessed the deeper interaction necessary for the further personal growth of the individuals involved.
In my experience, poets (and artists in general) tend to rest on their laurels unless confronted with challenges that push them outside their comfort zone. It often includes interacting with people and energies that one would not otherwise. Of course I respect your decision. If you have a better idea on how to improve the quality (not only quantity) of interactions between poets, please let me know, here or privately!
Thank you, Daniel. Ultimately people are responsible for their own growth, no matter whether it be artistic or otherwise. But like will attract like; that is the way of the universe and so is making sure we all grow and learn.
I have found the challenge personally and artistically rewarding. So I will continue business as usual: writing a poem each day and visiting other poets. I never limited myself to 3 poems a day. Where some are concerned who perhaps have not supported the work of others very much, they will get back what they put in. That is also the way of the universe.
There will always be social loafers; and sometimes, they are not loafing at all but just have other demands the rest of us are not aware of.
It is your contest and I would say make the rules as you would have them. I would warn against policing others because that will be stressful and time-consuming for you. I want you to understand I am in no way upset by the change in rules. It's just not something I want to do. But I get it.
If you want my advice for the future. I would offer a reward once a week like you are going to do now. I would link the rewards to the value of the posts that are directly related to administering the contest and I would assign some roving comment up-voters. That is ... have some of the prize pool go to the comments and not just the poems. This would encourage people to comment more. But a certain amount of attrition should be expected. There are still lots of people persevering. I think you have fostered poetry beautifully.