Robert,
I am sometimes shocked by the arrogant attitudes of certain editors, so it's good to read your comments. What editors are often doing, when it comes down to it, is asking for free copy for their publications - and for authors to be obsequious about providing it. (I accept that where a fee is involved, different considerations come into play.)
There was an example of this overweening attitude recently on another board where an editor posted a call for submissions. A couple of us took the trouble to go to the website and read the guidelines, and DARED to ask for clarification, rather than grovelling at the editorial tootsies.
I was puzzled by the comment that the editors are bored by mainstream poetry -so I asked what was meant by 'mainstream' poetry. I was told off in no uncertain terms, and was informed that the editor did not intend to define anything. Gosh, that was pretty cheeky and unreasonable of me, expecting clarification. Who do I think I am? I should know my lowly place, and be aware of the great honour of being allowed to submit to this august publication.
What would happen if authors got fed up with this arrogant attitude, and decided to boycott certain publications, which have got too uppity?
By the way, I edit a small poetry ezine, and I appreciate every submission sent to me, whether it is selected for inclusion or not. I don't care about previous publication or simultaneous submissions. My only concern is to spread some good modern poems more widely across the Net.
Regards, Maz
[This message has been edited by grasshopper (edited April 20, 2004).]
|