That is a very good question, David.
I think Amis is really objecting to consensus, and I agree with him on that. In the business world I think workshops are mostly a waste of time, though I know many of my colleagues would disagree with me.
I place a high value on poetry workshops, being inexpert, and I have never workshopped a poem without it coming out better than it went in.
I read poems by Rhina or Alicia (for example) and think they do better without workshops, because they have expert knowledge and speak with a unique voice.
Then again, I read poems by Tim or Clive (for example) and see how even the best poets can improve by workshopping.
So I conclude the answer is there is no answer, and it all depends on folks.
Best regards,
David
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