Keeper of the Prose
In general, I rarely rant, this blogspace is solely used for prose
and tag responses, however, recent events have allowed the
formation of an opinion which I feel needs to stimulate dialogue.
If you are interested, indulge...
How do you feel about poetry slam, competitive level?
Per a recent conversation with Angel, I discovered I am anti-slam competitive due to the lack of structure in judging, i. e. usage of decimals in scoring without explanation. It is my belief judging would be more accurate is it were categorized, e. g. oral presentation, uniqueness of topic, degree of rhyme difficulty or content. In addition, is there any thought given by judges concerning the cohesiveness of team members? A group of five prose artists who dominate in the delivery of pieces heavy in imagery does not a team make. The very nature of applying a fixed system of judging to a free-form art is ludicrous, its like judging who is the BLACKEST based on their lifestyle, clothes, preferred reading and musical catalogue.
What makes a piece worthy of praise? I've been told, at times, my prose evokes emotion, provides visuals, stirs the soul and even sucks -- a variety of opinions; all right, all wrong depending on who is reading or receiving the word. If I read a piece in a poetry slam instead of present from memory am I less of a poet, do my words have less impact and is not the beauty you find in the prose equally valid? Prose is a release for Slumpfacade, not a mechanism to change the world, however, should the reader view it as such, is motivated to create change for having read it and makes a positive difference due to being exposed; I am satisfied. To judge prose based on a lack of concrete boundaries not only devalues the word, it rapes the author of the freedom to create knowing the words will be elevated or lowered based on the "official" opinion of a judge.
Thank you for coming out, God bless, good night...
and tag responses, however, recent events have allowed the
formation of an opinion which I feel needs to stimulate dialogue.
If you are interested, indulge...
How do you feel about poetry slam, competitive level?
Per a recent conversation with Angel, I discovered I am anti-slam competitive due to the lack of structure in judging, i. e. usage of decimals in scoring without explanation. It is my belief judging would be more accurate is it were categorized, e. g. oral presentation, uniqueness of topic, degree of rhyme difficulty or content. In addition, is there any thought given by judges concerning the cohesiveness of team members? A group of five prose artists who dominate in the delivery of pieces heavy in imagery does not a team make. The very nature of applying a fixed system of judging to a free-form art is ludicrous, its like judging who is the BLACKEST based on their lifestyle, clothes, preferred reading and musical catalogue.
What makes a piece worthy of praise? I've been told, at times, my prose evokes emotion, provides visuals, stirs the soul and even sucks -- a variety of opinions; all right, all wrong depending on who is reading or receiving the word. If I read a piece in a poetry slam instead of present from memory am I less of a poet, do my words have less impact and is not the beauty you find in the prose equally valid? Prose is a release for Slumpfacade, not a mechanism to change the world, however, should the reader view it as such, is motivated to create change for having read it and makes a positive difference due to being exposed; I am satisfied. To judge prose based on a lack of concrete boundaries not only devalues the word, it rapes the author of the freedom to create knowing the words will be elevated or lowered based on the "official" opinion of a judge.
Thank you for coming out, God bless, good night...
posted by SLUMP FACADE at 3:34:00 PM
I love you.... I view slam as in it's truest form. A BAR GAME. A combination of chess and prostitution. Am sure you know the following:
your piece has to silence the crowd so that you can be heard.
once silent, can you keep their attention.
can you connect with the audience and the judges?
can you win them over to your side.
evoke emotion.
be witty and sell youself.
keep them wanting... you know, like.. ohh what's that fool gonna do next. you follow me?
when viewed that way, it's fun.
it's widely known that the best poet doesn't win. but your not scored on the poetry. you're scored on YOU and your ability to sell your talent. after last night's slam, i was asked, "honestly, do you believe the best poets won?". i simply said it wasn't the poetry but the ability to engage...... engage wisely....
thir13teen
I teeter on both sides of the fence. I write for writing sake. I LOVE everything about written and spoken poetry. I mentioned this to you before that there is something that allows me to lose myself in it. To appreciate good lines, to appreciate genius, to appreciate soul sharing.
I want to slam because I am afraid of it. I need to continue to work on letting go of what others think of me as a judgement of myself. I am a firm believer that you can only overcome fear by facing it. I do know that often the best poets DO NOT win or place where they should. I know that several factors will influence thier points. But if I can learn to do it, and not take it perosnal, then I have taken the opportunity to overcome a fear. And, I want to write a book of poetry. It will help to sell that book if folks know who you are...again, a reason to slam. Aside from poetry reasons, as my boy funky mike said, it has helped him with public speaking. Can help you speak in front of crowds more comfortably.
I think the slam can be different roles for different people. I dont think it is a foolproof method of deciding the best poet or poetry.
i agree with all of you. i think the key is that the slammers know what they are doing and how they are being judged before they hit that stage. many of the poets i know are not slam poets but poets that slam.
hmm, some good points. for myself, i don't think the judging is accurate, the best poets do not win...selling yourself like 13 said does, plus you never know who has the score cards. i have seen poets to the same piece in different slams, win the first time, don't even make it out of the first round the 2nd time.
i started slamming for 2 reasons: one it scared the hell out of me, and continues to do so. 2nd, the level of acknowledgement slamming brings--i think will help where i want to take my poetry. i see it as a stepping stone, not something i want to do long term.
i am aware of the fact the judges numbers do not define my work or who i am as a poet. if i do the best i can do each time, as a poet said "leave my heart up on the stage"...my new motto...then nothing else matters.
I don't like the competitions. For me, poetry is such a personal expression of someone's beliefs/feelings and I just don't see how you can judge that.
Wow, what a neat post and all these comments. Personally, I've never been to a poetry slam (I guess I am missing out on this). Based on my limited knowledge, I agree with what chele said.
cousinsarah knocked me right on my ass with this sentence, "I want to slam because I am afraid of it. I need to continue to work on letting go of what others think of me as a judgement of myself." HOT DAMN that was a powerful sentence! In fact, cousinsarah I think I love you :)