Okay -- This post has to do with the "Percieved Condition" of the OKP Freestyle Board -- ~Currently~ -- By some veteran heads who were used to more critical responses in the commenting (or critiquing) of flows displayed on this board.

Based on INBOX'D messages that I've received -- As well as threads I've read over a period of time --It seems that some folks feel this board is WAAAYYYYYY too Positive! (Which is supposedly one of the reasons why old heads no longer frequent this site -- Or else they lurk but don't bother to respond to anyone)

I'm speaking for MYSELF -- Personally -- Because I've been accused of being *Too Positive* on many occasions -- So I'd like to comment on my justification for my positivity -- As well as see how others feel about POSITIVITY on the OKP Freestyle Board -- Going 4~Ward.

First of all -- There's enough "Negativity" -- (((OUTSIDE))) the intenet lately -- With Wars and rumours of wars, Abuse of every kind -- (mental, physical, emotional, child abuse, drug abuse, self inflicted abuse, suicide, etc.) -- prejudice, unemployment (job lay~offs) -- etc., etc. -- You name it! -- If you can't see a silver lining, or see the glass half full instead of half empty in this world, then you might as well take ya PROZAC -- (Or drug of choice) -- And chill out under a rock somewhere!

The opposite of Positive IS Negative -- right? -- So if there's too much positivity on this board, then I guess there needs to be more NEGATIVITY, huh? -- *Hmmmm* -- Well, I've been in the mixxx with Negativity on this board before, and I'm not proud of it either -- (Wrestling back & forth over ignorance and shit that really don't matter in the grand scheme of life) -- And if at all possible, I don't EVER intend to go back there again! But the fact is, as far as poetry is concerned -- I'M NOT AN EXPERT -- (And I don't claim to be) -- I have no Degrees in Literature or certified certificates of prolific poetic expertise. If "YOU" do; however, -- Then I suggest that "YOU" use "YOUR" astute & prolific expertise to elevate this board instead of criticizing it, nahmean? -- Or don't "YOU" have the time? -- "YOU" have time to criticize don'tcha? -- *HuH?*

It's true, some folks don't *know* how to receive constructive critiquing -- So out of ignorance, they may take a response personally and lash out, or try to justify "why" they wrote the way the did, in their own defense -- But I feel if you're critiquing OUT OF LOVE and "WITH" LOVE -- And you explain your purpose -- Heads on this board would "receive" that LOVE with appreciation & gratitude.

Bear in mind, you just don't come at ppl sounding like you're ATTACKING their work -- (Or attacking THEM) -- You come at them like a gentle storm -- Blowing away unnecessary debris & ultimately cleaning out closets of clutter.

The most critiquing I've done is basically suggesting a dictionary or thesaurus to help with the polished skillfulness of a flow -- But if I felt like the flow was just rambling or not saying anything, I might ask: "What are you tryna say here dude? -- (Or Ms. Lady)" -- Could you break it down for me? -- Cuz I don't get it! But I don't get into ripping apart and dissecting flows cuz THAT just ain't my thang. I'm more prone to tell you how I felt AFTER reading your ish -- If I felt it was fluid or sincere, yadda yadda yadda.

I also don't get into forms & formats -- Cuz there are too many hybrids "Out There" -- And folks can do just about anything they want to with Poetry now~a~days to create a new and beautiful thing -- So I'm not stringent enough to DEMAND that certain formats be followed to the "T" -- (Or else you ain't doing it right) -- Cuz if you're at least TRYING -- Then that's good enough for me! -- ;^)

Of the people on this board -- (Unless they share with you regularly): You don't *know* -- Whoze had a bad day @ work -- Who just got fired from their job -- Who has to file for bankruptcy -- Who's homeless & out on the street with little or no support from family or friends -- (sittin' in the library on the computer) -- Who's in the process of a divorce -- Who just got date raped! -- Who lost a child thru miscarriage or abortion -- Who's considering suicide or killing someone else -- Who's having problems @ home (Of ANY kind) -- YOU JUST DON'T KNOW!!

So why should this board be a place of NEGATIVITY -- (The Opposite of POSITIVITY)

Folks SHOULD be able to come here and vent -- create -- practice -- shine -- share -- love -- care -- ~AND~ -- If they ASK for it -- Receive the critiquing that some of YOU feel so empowered to give!

Like I've said before -- Everybody on this board ain't here tryna win the Pulitzer Prize -- Ain't tryna publish a book -- & ain't tryna win a Poetry Contest or Slam -- So the expectations of everybody shouldn't be the same -- And for those who're not doing these things -- They shouldn't be looked DOWN upon because they come here to play and relax!

If "YOU" have the certified skills & expertise to CRITIQUE poets on this board -- THEN DO SO! -- But do so with LOVE so that heads can improve & grow-- DO SO because "YOU" *know* what you're talking about -- But without a doubt -- DO SO because you have a gift for doing so! -- Don't just do it to "play" THE DEVILS ADVOCATE!

I'm sick & tired of certain folks on the board acting like this "NEW BREED" /"New Jack" of writers are so inferior and out of touch with so~called "REAL" Poetry -- Compared to the OKP heads of back in the day (from 99' -- 2000 -- 2001 -- 2002) -- So "YOU" sit back, snort, laugh & criticize the newer heads.

If you've got a contribution to give to this board -- In the way of critiquing -- In the way of writing poetry -- IN ANY DAMN WAY -- Then please be a part of the solution AND NOT A PART OF THE PROBLEM!

It shouldn't be -- THE OLD HEADS "AGAINST" THE NEW HEADS -- With those in the middle not knowing where the hell to go?!?!? -- *chuckles*

Quit lurking & smirking -- Lend a hand -- Lend a heart -- Lend a thought -- An get this board working -- in the direction of U~N~I~T~Y!


(((Come Together))) -- (((Work Together)))



Opinions? -- Comments? -- Retorts?

A guitar string vibrating, a measure of my soul, a breech in the silence --
I've always felt like words come through me & I write them down... they have no master --- gsquared ♥

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