[Tom Jardine]

nyctom,

Your "But what if those who attend specific workshops post a brief summary of any high points, suggestions, words of wisdoms learned for those of us who will not be attending? Received wisdom, even second hand, is still wisdom..."

is a great idea, and I posted the same thing last year because I couldn't attend, and not a single answer or suggestion came forth. Lots of silly gossip and such, but nothing useful, and I don't really know why.

The last time I brought up a theoretical concept here on erato it was deleted by a moderator. The only thing I can figure is that if anyone brings forth a theory, it offends someone who has a different idea, and, of course, to offend anyone's personal art affects their ego, so theories aren't encouraged.

For example, the at the 2003 WC, someone was talking about poetry and repeated 10 times how fantastic the 'irony' was in a poet's work. I think irony is a weak half-thought technically unbecoming of advanced poetry--and when I bring this up it goes over like a lead balloon, because so many writers fall into alpha when they write, and become dependant on half-conscious thinking.

But maybe things will change. If I can make it I will note what I can down.

When Paul Fussell was there, being honored, he blasted the group thinking mechanisms, and I am not sure who noticed.

TJ

[Yolanda Cruz]

Robin - David

You convinced me. Thanks for the push. I'm moving my butt.

Current Selection: Experimental Poetry, Repetition and Meter even though I would love to take the Rhyme too. So many great choices. Probably replace the Meter workshop with the Rhyme one.

Robin - Thanks for the clincher. No roomie in the room. I don't mind student accomodations but being packed in a spartan room, with even one person, semi freaks me out.

Okay, finalizing the choices, attaching the poems and sending it out by tomorrow.

Hope to see most of you there.

[Terese Coe]

Mary, gee whiz, does that mean you like my book? Thanks Miz Hope!

Yolanda, "uninspired coffee"! What a good phrase! I agree it's oddly comforting to see others when they can't speak yet in the morning. Me, I have been known to be a gimp in the morning, depending on the weather and lots of other factors. Thanks for the notes!

[Yolanda Cruz]

Terese - Errr.....Robin said all that not me. Anyway, sending off the conference application.

According to Albert G., Steele's workshop is still open which is fine with me.

I need to know more about meter anyway.

[Terese Coe]

OOps! Thanks, Yolanda, and make that Robin above.

T.

[Kevin Andrew Murphy]

I'm strongly tempted to go this year, especially as I've never seen the east coast, and if I did, I'd like to loop it in as part of a trip to see New York and whatnot. But I was also looking at possibly going to the World SF convention in Glasgow and seeing more of Europe, which I haven't done since I was a kid.

Where's the list of which workshops are still open and available?

Kevin

[Michael Cantor]

Kevin - hope we can lure you.

Here is the link to the site.

I don't believe, however, that the WCU web site gets updated with seminar availabilities. Best bet is to call Amy Brubaker, Conference Coordinator, at 610 436 3235. She's very much on top of things.

Michael

[Patti McCarty]

I'm hoping to make it for at least day or two, but a lot depends on the health of my mother-in-law, who is battling pancreatic cancer. At least I live close enough to decide at the last minute. Always a joy to meet old and new friends, though I'm mostly a stranger nowadays.

For anyone on the fence, you won't regret going so consider yourself pushed. This conference is unique in many ways and is well worth the investment in time and money. Meeting folks you interact with at the Sphere is an added bonus.

Patti

[Clive Watkins]

“Meeting folks you interact with at the Sphere is an added bonus.”

Absolutely, Patti! That was one the best things for me in 2003.

Kind regards…

Clive

[Claudia Gary]

I attended last year and took David Mason's workshop in Dramatic Monologue, which was really excellent. This year I'm not sure I can make it, due to family obligations -- and if I can, it will probably be on such short notice that all the workshops will be full. But I recommend the conference, and hope to see some of you there if I go.
Claudia