[Julie Steiner]

Whoa.

Further details would be appreciated, when available, so that my letter can be more specific than "This is bad."

[marly youmans]

Julie,

I suggest that you contact Allison and ask for any helpful details. That's what I did.

Best,
Marly

[Anna M Evans]

Like Allison I'm uncomfortable sharing too many specific details in a public forum, but if anyone wants to email me I'll explain the situation as best I can.

[Susan McLean]

I am horrified, too. The West Chester conference is by far the best conference, of any kind, that I have ever attended, and its cancellation would leave an irreplaceable gap in the world of formalist poetry. I think that Kim Bridgford's direction of it has been excellent. We are in a period of declining attendance at the conference, but I don't think her direction has been the main causes of the decline. Travel has become more expensive. The cost of attendance has increased, while many attendees are feeling the pinch of budgetary constraints. I think some people who liked the way the conference was run formerly may have stopped coming, but she has made lots of efforts to be more inclusive and reach out to groups that have not traditionally been welcomed to the world of formalism. I will certainly write in her support, but I too would like to know more about the reasons for this decision.

Susan

[Charlotte Innes]

Yes, I'm stunned too. And even if, as Susan wisely speculates, there are financial issues behind it all, it seems so sudden! I'm really saddened by this. I agree she has made huge efforts to be more inclusive. I have written to Anna and Allison for more details, but both women are probably snowed under with inquiries... Actually, now Anna just sent me (and others) an e-mail. So, yes, please check with her.

Charlotte

[Bill Carpenter]

Dean Vermeulen's email address is lvermeulen@wcupa.edu.

[R. S. Gwynn]

Enrollment in the workshops has been down, with a couple not making this year. I don't know any other details, but to administrative ways of thinking the numbers matter.

[R. S. Gwynn]

I do think that, under the circumstances, cancelling the conference for 2015 is probably a good idea since it would be almost impossible for someone to come aboard at this time, given the controversy and possible legal action, and put together any kind of event. Sad, though.

[Charlotte Innes]

Thanks for the e-mail, Bill. I have sent my letter that way.

Sam, I live in the real world in terms of money, having suffered from corporate attitudes myself... but it does seem a little extreme to cancel the conference.

Charlotte