I think the results of the recent contests all show that Allison Joseph is not a strict constructionist when it comes to form, so the winners tend not to be the usual suspects (such as the typical Spherian). I assume that Joseph is trying to open up the field to people who perhaps were raised on free verse, but have become intrigued by form and what it can do. I think that is a valid goal. We don't all have to have the same tastes in form. I like the effects created by sticking tightly to the rules, which makes the poems harder to write, but more pleasing to my own ear. But I still enjoy reading the poems that take a looser approach, even if I probably won't be adopting it myself. In the long run, most poems rise or fall according to their content, not just their technique.
Susan
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