Why Does a Tanka Tank?

Editing and proofreading my own writing is one of my failings--among many others. Recognition is the road to recovery as you so ably point out Jim.

Jim, I figure if anyone reads my poetry it is a gift to me.
I haven't been able to figure out what gets people on gather to read certain articles and not others...maybe catchy titles, controversial content. Beats me. I just write my poetry and quietly thank all who read and comment on it. I try to proof read everything but even then my errors persist.

I agree with John. I am still trying to figure out how to get readers. I have published some very good pieces and the ratings and responses I get on these are good, but I just can't seem to draw readers. I try to proof everything, but I still had to go back and edit a piece.

John and April, my guess is that there's so much out there for people to read that Gatherites probably gravitate to those they've read before. And I also think that there's a style of poetry that people on Gather tend to like. The poems I've seen with the highest number of comments seem to be the ones with mystical overtones, blatantly beautiful descriptions or romance. If you don't consistently publish with those themes, you're probably not going to pull the readership. I could be way off base here, but that's the way it looks from my insulated world.

I think its the title! Have noticed lately the most discussed/read articles are those containing rants, or of a controversial nature. My circle of friends isn't as big as some peoples, 79. What angers me is the fact, I sit all morning commenting, and most times these same connections never bother to read or even stop in to say "hello, I read it, it stinks!" LOL!! I have been on here long enough to now know who these writers are and will be deleting them from my list....

It is a nice reminder to all of us, Jim. The comments have clearly expanded the theme. If you just take a cursory look at the "most discussed articles" it is obvious what type of articles attract the most attention. Surely it is not the quality of the content. John L. has made a humble but great statement, "If anyone reads my poetry it is a gift to me."

Proof reading is courtesy extended to the readers, though it is impossible to eliminate inadvertent errors. I echo Lynn's sentiments that many a writer do not bother to acknowledge the comments, even though they may be worthless.

great lesson for all of us.

Very good advice. I see lots of mistakes on Gather.

I am a perfectionist in everything I've done--journalism, playwriting, short fiction, poetry, and now novel-writing--and I couldn't agree with you more, Jim. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, to use the old chestnut. Rewriting every work is essential to guarantee quality, even if you simply rewrite the same words and are satisfied by the original inspiration, but then proofreading is paramount because we don't all have professional editors to guarantee the effective placement, spelling, punctuation of each word.
Thanks for the reminder.

If I ever had took time to perfect anything I would be reduced to 10 percent of output/input/synthesis. We need the perspective of everyone on this page and each are gifted in the pursuit of our passion of purpose. Lynn, I often feel guilty for not spending more time with you, If you can feel it there is great love, and I know you gave more than you took. Remember that some of only recently began netnavigation and have alot to learn. The best teachers make the best students{e.g. John 1 Walter]. In thee beginning was the word, the worsd was God and the word was with the kids and whatever we do, don't mistreat Mom}. Love You too Stephen and think of your Kingfisher God Prose often. As time allows, we expand our mutual appreciations and benefits and influences. Love is Patient and Kind and protective and forgiving and nurturing and delights when the children cast their wrath upon the vipers. Take Care.

I wanted to let you know that I had stopped by to check out what you’ve recently shared with all of us here at gather.
Since I’m in the middle of Finals week, I hate to admit, but I must give in to the temptation of leaving a generic comment
But to give it a little personal touch, I added some artwork for you to enjoy!

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