[Janice D. Soderling]

I wasn't pointing at you, William, and apologize if it seemed so. I was talking to the many who might be lurking after the CW links to the Sphere.

[William Cormack]

No offence taken, Janice.

[Allen Tice]

Originally Posted by Janice D. Soderling

But I did mean that it is possible that the whole Christian Ward thing is a hoax from start to finish. It wouldn't be the first time that kind of joke has been played in the po-world.

If Christian Ward does not exist, how much more true is the publication of poetry and books that say so baldly (or hairily!) : "Christian Ward does not exist!"

Read some about 'Pataphysics here.

Me, OFFENDED? Moi !?
It takes rampant stupidity to offend me very much.

[Brian Allgar]

I always thought that the Christian Ward was that part of a hospital where people die in the misguided belief that they'll somehow continue to live after death.

[Allen Tice]

That's another usage I might put into my 11-dimensional Inferno. If you'd like, I will leave you out of that, whereas Christian Ward, breathing or not, might be the billion ducat donor after whom the wing could be named.

[Angela France]

Originally Posted by Janice D. Soderling

I am/was ignorant about Jean Paulhan, Allen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Paulhan

But I did mean that it is possible that the whole Christian Ward thing is a hoax from start to finish. It wouldn't be the first time that kind of joke has been played in the po-world.

I haven't yet heard anyone say, "I was in his class and never dreamed he would do this." or "He is one of my more talented students and doesn't need to stoop to such doings." Or whatever.

All I know, or think I know, is that there seems to be three people with that name, a poet, an artist and a musician, and whether the poet has chosen the name to further confuse the issue or if they are three separate entities and two are being unfairly drawn into this, or if they are one and the same real person isn't clear to me. There are the photos of course, at least three.

(You know I was only yoking with you, Allen, about the other three best poets. No offense meant.)

Actually, I think he exists, I believe he was at Royal Holloway, and I believe that he does write decent poetry of his own - I think it is because of these things that people are especially mystified by the whole thing. I think I am starting to see which are his poems - of what's around online - and which may not be; there is a difference in voice. I can't imagine what drove it - there were people that were promoting him (some of those who consider themselves gatekeepers/talent spotters) and he was doing pretty well. He has a young family; I wonder if it just wasn't happening fast enough for him? or maybe he hadn't realised that no-one makes a living from poetry unless they are teaching or something as well and started looking for shortcuts? I can only speculate, I don't know him personally.

[Janice D. Soderling]

I am now also convinced that he is real. It has been going on for a long time. My encounter was in 2009.

Maybe it was like in the Woody Allen film "You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger".

Anyway, I think this thread should end now. The point has been made.

[Ed Shacklee]

Perhaps he could forge a new career writing parodies -- that way he could have his cake and eat it, too, as far as plagiarism goes, and if he does have a poetic gift it could flourish without doing others harm. He might even redeem himself someday.

Excellent work, Janice.

Best,

Ed

[Nigel Mace]

Steady on, Ed. Although I realise you write in jest - it should be proclaimed that parodies are a serious art form which requires a mixture of genuine originality and an ear finely tuned to the work and world of the target author. They are NOT a to be confused with CW's word-chopping fakery, which deserves nothing but contempt. The best suggestions - in the worst sense possible - are that he should get himself a job as a political spin meister - and preferrably, somewhere else!

[Rory Waterman]

Oh he's real, Janice. A friend of mine met him at a conference a few months ago, before any of this came to light, and apparently they didn't get on.

I suspect he's not well, actually, and I feel sorry for him. I also think most of his poems are complete rubbish, and that with his tiny 'improvements' he has a habit of ballsing up every poem he steals.