I'd like the 'Sphere to be more welcoming than this.

Posting poems is a good way of helping Spherians get to know you, but it shouldn't be a prerequisite for participation. I hope the Sphere can welcome thoughts about poetry, even if they come from non-poets (which Matheson may or may not be).

That's not true. I, for one, would be interested in hearing a response to Christine's request that Matheson apply the opinion shared to one or more of the poems posted.

We should discourage empty bloviating (a harsh description of Matheson's reasonably phrased opinion), but Christine's approach--to ask for something more rigorous--is better than rudeness.

Sorry, Max, but I don't need lessons from you on how to address N.

Thanks. But I don't think it makes much of a difference.

I agree. And I don't think has been one of the 'Sphere's finest hours.

Just my opinion from the edge.

I'd like to post a poem and asked to do so, but my critiques were not seen as enough.

I've welcomed literally hundreds of people at the Sphere, but I don't welcome trolls. If you haven't picked up on what we're dealing with here, your Spidey sense may need a tune-up.

Don’t be bullied off the Sphere. Shit sometimes flies, but I can tell you from personal experience that it’s perfectly safe and a good opportunity to toughen your hide. Do leave if you honestly believe there’s nothing for you here. It’s not for everyone.

Thanks. I appreciate it. I am considering leaving. I am NOT a troll, but if people think I am, I don't see much point in sticking around.

The reason you weren't allowed to post is that the guidelines (have you read them?) clearly state that a new member has to post 15 critiques before putting up their own poem for critique. The has been in effect for many years, and it works well - it discourages the phonies and egotists who post their own poems, but can't be bothered critiquing any. A quick count indicates you only have 12 critiques. Post three more, and as far as I can see you're ready to put up a poem. And don't complain about not being allowed to join the club when you can't be bothered to follow the club rules.

I'm not bullying anyone, Carl. I never asked him to leave. I faulted him for showing up on a Sapphics appreciation thread to say that all the poems that people selected as their favorites, including poems that they themselves had written, weren't just bad, but that their authors had wasted their time because (as they should have known) you can't write good Sapphics in English. Again, it's like showing up at a club for rose enthusiasts to tell them roses actually smell bad and cannot be grown successfully. If you feel that way, don't join the club.

But fine. If I've been too hard on him, I will back off and watch from the sidelines as the rest of you politely engage. We'll see how that works out.