| Hom Raj |
Posted
on 22-Mar-01 12:47 AM
I have some questions for Adwiti:
1) Your poem was in a contest organized by the Web site poetry.com. I would like to quote some things from the Web site and ask for you to comment. This site describes itself as being for “everyday folks” who “share (a) passion for poetry” and has a “mission … to eliminate the traditional barriers that prevent most people from having their message heard. We believe that poetry is valid no matter who writes it, not just a chosen few … We believe that poetry is an expression of the heart, and is valid no matter how educated a person is, or what their background may be. This has always been our philosophy . . . and always will.” I am not asking you to endorse or not endorse a particular site, but I am wondering what do you think of this quote?
2) Could you describe the contest you entered? Who were the judges? Was this judged over the Internet by visitors to poetry.com, or was it in particular location, or both? Can you tell us about some of the people you met while participating? Were you surprised by variety of people from all walks of life writing and caring about poetry?
3) Does the Internet have a role in expanding the creativity of people?
Regards,
Hom Raj
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| Adwiti Subba |
Posted
on 22-Mar-01 06:11 PM
Namaskaar Hom Raj- jee
1) Your poem was in a contest organized by the Web site poetry.com. I would like to quote some things from the Web site and ask for you to comment. This site describes itself as being for “everyday folks” who “share (a) passion for poetry” and has a “mission … to eliminate the traditional barriers that prevent most people from having their message heard . We believe that poetry is valid no matter who writes it, not just a chosen few … We believe that poetry is an expression of the heart, and is valid no matter how educated a person is, or what their background may be. This has always been our philosophy . . . and always will.” I am not asking you to endorse or not endorse a particular site, but I am wondering what do you think of this quote?
As I am not affiliated with the organization poetry.com and only participated in one of their competitions,would have no comments on their philosophy about poetry or literature. If you would like more information about their organization, my suggestion would be to attend their annual conference. I might add that any interaction between people on an international level, who feel poetry and literature as an important aspect of life, could only be a positive influence.
2.
a. Could you describe the contest you entered? Who were the judges? Was this judged over the Internet by visitors to poetry.com, or was it in particular location, or both?
The August 2000 Bash was the largest performance poetry competition ever held. There was a live Internet audience from all around the world of over 45,000, however they were actually unable to participate in Internet voting which they were supposed to, because of technical difficulties experienced by Yahoo due to the overwhelming demand to view and judge the event. The real audience of about maybe 200 people was also judging the event along with some appointed judges. The Poetry Bash was the concluding event of a Poetry Convention, which was attended by 3000 poets from 27 different countries from all around the world. The World Congress of International Society of Poets held this. The contest was held in the convention hall of the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC.
This was a live competition where not only the poetry but also the performance determined the prizewinner. The poet took the stage for three minutes using any technique available. I decided to go all-authentic, with “Chowbandi Cholo”,“Phariya” and Nepalese/Tibetan bells. I also developed a very special style which I use every time I read my poetry now, as most of my poems are very dramatically demanding.
b. Can you tell us about some of the people you met while participating?
Yes, I actually met up with a very interesting lady,Henriette Faas who has been studying Dutch Language and Literature at the University of Leiden and glories in a history of giving poetry classes and organising and judging poetry contests. Henriette Faas occupies as a poetry and painting artist and received several poetry awards in The Netherlands, Belgium and the U.S.A.. She published five volumes of verses, of which one in English, together with illustrations of her plastic art, titled: "The Silent Friend",
She took a special interest in me and has taken me under her wing. I have learnt a tremendous amount from her. She was one of the appointed judges for the poetry bash.
c. Were you surprised by variety of people from all walks of life writing and caring about poetry?
Really HomRaj Jee….like I told you before, I have been rather, unsure about the actual publicity potential of poetry , as every body knows that poetry is the hardest literary medium to market. So I was pleasantly surprised at the bash when we (the competitors) sat outside the hall, waiting for the results, reciting impromptu poetry and just waxing eloquent , and even talking about the future prospects of poetry with no restraints whatsoever. It was very energizing again to see people from all walks of life actually getting together, bound by a common goal.
3) Does the Internet have a role in expanding the creativity of people?
Certainly it does!
Regards,
Adwiti Subba
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