Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

People come to the OP from around the world for many different reasons, but one thing is always universal, people come to get their poetry read. This forum was created for two simple purposes, one as a guide to the ins and outs of the site for new members and the other is to feed our most basic need as a poet, the need to get your poetry read and get feedback. This information will help new members orient to the site as well as older members that want to increase their knowledge or that are having trouble getting their poetry read.

The rules of this forum will be quite simple, posts are to contain only information that will help accomplish the main goal, nothing more and nothing less. Please only post info that will help new poets/ members become more familiar with how our site works, the ins and the outs so to say and any tricks of the trade that you have learned that you would like to pass on to a new members or those having trouble getting their poetry read. Please this is not the forum to advertise your poetry, this is not the forum to get into personal discussions, and this is certainly not the forum to get into personal wars of any kind, slander, negativity, and malice will not be tolerated on this forum in any kind and your comments will be swiftly removed. Please always be respectful to others on this forum as it is meant as a way to help others of our ever expanding OP community as well as help ourselves gain more reviews, and to spread the joy and wealth of the site for all to enjoy.

This forum is just simply a way we can help others and in the end help ourselves. The more people understand about the site and how it all works the better it is for everyone, it will only spread positivity and help our community grow and prosper. I have noticed since I come here that there is a lot of negativity around the site about the contest and about other things, I think a lot of this stems from people’s ignorance of how the site really works and about how to get their poetry read. Many people that are new to the site come here and post a bunch of their poems, gain a couple of friends and then get frustrated because they get limited results. Some stick around long enough to learn the ins and outs of the site by trial and error, some just leave and never come back, and others get so frustrated and angry that they take it out on other members of the site. My hope is that this forum will help limit this frustration, as me and other experienced members of the site will post threads on how the site really works, how to get your poetry read, and the little tricks of the trade so to say that we have learned.

The initial threads for this forum will be as followed:

How to get your poetry read 101- this thread is very self explanatory, it will have a listing of the tricks of the trade that experienced members have learned through trial and error on how to get your poetry read and more visible in the OP community, nothing less and nothing more.

How to gain real friends 101- this thread will explain how to find friends of similar interest that you can relate to and most importantly, friends that will review your poetry. While it is easy to gain friends in your contact list, getting them to read your poetry is something else entirely.

How to review poetry 101- this thread will be for new poets and new members of the site that want info on how to review and rate poetry on this site.

How to become more visible in the OP community 101- this thread is for those who would like to know how to increase your visibility/ popularity on the site, in doing so you will get more comments and gain more friends. This site was not created as a popularity contest but the more visible you are in the community the more people will come and review your poetry.

How to increase your chances of winning the poetry contest 101- there is a lot of negativity on this point, many people think the contest is flawed, nothing but a big popularity contest, but there are ways you can increase your chances of winning. This thread will have advice from the poets that have won the contest in the past.

How to get your poetry published 101- this thread will be for those poets looking to be published and will have advice and information from experienced poets on the site that have been published in the past.

There will be more threads in the future but I think this is a good starting point and remember that any information posted under all the treads is all for three basic purposes, learn the ins and outs of the site, fill the need to get our poetry read, and gain feedback to grow as poets.

Please feel free to contact myself angel33614 at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/angel33614 or the God father of OP papapaczki at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/papapaczki or any member of the team if you have any further questions about the forum, one of the threads, general questions about OP, or any suggestions for future threads.

Here is s listing of the ins and outs of OP team members in no particular order:

Teardrops aka Marie at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Teardrops
Atie at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Artie
Ginga at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/ginga
Malificent aka Mal at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Maleficent
Knight at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/knight4696
Rygar at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Rygar
Wordslinger at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/WordSlinger
Madelynn aka Maddi at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Madelynn
Kah at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/kah
Dahlusion aka Dah at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/dahlusion
Rymer at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Rhymer
Cheronold aka Cher at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/cheronld
Gogant at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/gogant
Aria at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Aria
Chaos at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Chaos128
ApaqRasgirl aka Asha at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/ApaqRasgirl
Supence aka Spence at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/SuSpence
Charlie23 at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Charlie23
Ianscott at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/ianscott
Cousinsoren aka Cousin at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/cousinsoren
Dano at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Dano
Sammia at http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/sammia


Purity of the soul, journey well to all!!! With grace and humility ANGEL aka The Poem Buster

Last edited by angel33614 09-21-2010 at 04:50:30 PM

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

Great idea, can't wait to start reading and commenting.
Rhymer

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

angel ready and willing to help anyone i can and read some great poetry . Marie

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

ATTENTION all of Papa's angels, lol. I have been recieving some questions as what to post, how to post, what to say, etc. Please feel free to post what ever info and however you feel fit, there is no wrong or right way. We will not all have the same info to pass along, we each come to the table with a unique perspective, point of view, just spill your thoughts and ideas, tricks of the trade you have learned, knowledge is power, lets impower the OP community. We will not all agree and that is ok, to each thier own, as we all have developed our own methods, just keep it constructive and positive and say what you have learned from your own experiences here on OP, nothing more and nothing less. I could have kept this forum just for myself but what would be the point of that? Plus people would come here and read only my posts and have thought, dam this guy's head is big, how does he even walk upright, lol? But when they come and see all of our posts from mutiple different perspectives of some of the most talented, experienced, and knowledgeable poets on this site all saying simliar things than they might just learn a thing or two about the ins and outs of our community here at OP. Even if your idea is the same as others, better to hear it from multiple sources than just from me. So come one, come all and post, post, post... Purity of the soul, journey well!!! with grace and humility ANGEL

Last edited by angel33614 09-22-2010 at 06:12:11 PM

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

This is awesome!

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

Welcome all to the ins and outs of OP, we are here to help you learn the ropes.
Papa's Angels are Here to help
Hands Reaching Out
To all Poets Here at OP
Who Need any Help From
Those of us who know How
Things work.......Don't be
Afraid to ask any of us anything
you need........love asha

Last edited by ApaqRasgirl 09-23-2010 at 08:06:50 AM

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first/ IT"S TALLAWAH!

Last edited by cousinsoren 09-23-2010 at 09:06:39 AM

LET US PRAY!

LET US PRAY! Humiliate capita vestra,
Flectate genua
Gratias agimus Deo
Quoniam Dominus bonum est.

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Last edited by cousinsoren 09-23-2010 at 09:15:52 AM

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LET US PRAY! WELCOMING "IN and OUT" Site for all Poets to be read

LET US PRAY :
Humiliate capita vestra,
Flectate genua
Gratias agimus Deo
Quoniam Dominus bonum est.
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Last edited by cousinsoren 09-23-2010 at 09:33:47 AM

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Flag Post

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

In my opinion, it's always best to leave a comment on what you like or don't like in a poem, but to simply push the "I Like It" button and leave no comment is annoying to most poets, and it says nothing about the poem or that you have even read it.

My point: Leave comments if you want others to leave comments on your work too.
Comments / critiques are why we are here, to help us learn, grow, and write better.

Peace and Light,
dah

RE: RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

Ok, on the ins and outs of poetry here at OP, Here are a few helpful hints for posting the pictures or images you want to show with your poem.....as many poets feel that appearance is a bit part of your poems...........

Currently most of us just use the small uploader in the text editor after we publish our poems you can add a picture to it.......But if you are like me these pictures are way to small most time to get the true effect you are looking for.........so here is one way you can make your images to go along with your wonderful writings......

First forget about the small up-loader in the text box. You can add a larger image by pasting the code into the commentary section under your post,,,,,,Here is how to do that........
Unfortunately I can't show you on here what the html code looks like as it will not show up it will just show the picture........if we had an editor box that showed both visual and html then it would be easy,,,,,,but lets not get everyone confused here cause it really is not confusing at all..........just give ole asha here a holler so I can help you.........loves ya

In this we are going to be using the html code for your picture. If you have the image posted somewhere else you can simple copy the html code and paste it into the commentary section..........But I think that most of you do not have other websites that you are using that use html codes......So if this is the case, then I can help you with that......just send me the image you wish to use and I will convert it into the code you need to make it bigger and send it back to you.......my email is ashadi9895@gmail.com

This is about the size you get in the up-loader inside the text box with your poems
120 by 120

Last edited by ApaqRasgirl 09-23-2010 at 08:00:50 PM

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

CALLING ALL NEW POETS TO OUR OP POET FAMILY; HOW BOUT WE GET SOME OF YOUR WONDERFUL POEMS OUT THERE AND READ BY MORE MEMBERS OF THIS WONDERFUL POETRY FAMILY.

We are all here for three basic, simple & wonderful reasons: Who amongst you can disagree with these reasons:
WE LOVE POETRY
WE LOVE TO WRITE POETRY
WE LOVE TO READ & SHARE WITH OTHER POETS

Poetry flows through our veins like multi colors of ink; be it bright colors for happy, loving or inspirational words. Perhaps a mystical, magical array of words collaborating spun together to touch your spirit in whimsical, mysterious ways to take your imagination on a joyous adventure.

Or be it ink black as night, to the dark side it will take your emotions with words that flow through our pens onto that paper making it spin into a realm of darkness, perhaps a look into our deepest emotions, spirits and souls. Sadness, despair, loneliness, depression, demons of the dark.

Or perhaps wondrous tales of lovers desire, maybe some hot passionate erotica to send tingling sensations across your body as you dive deeper into those words.

It is all inside one or the other of us here in this wonderful OP family. So lets get out there and show it, say it and read it.......Make your words fly off that screen and into the readers imagination.........I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT.

So lets get started, there are many wonderful and great poets here in this family who are reaching out their hands to help others get as much from your hard work you have put into your words as some of the great poets here. Op has grown and produced some of the greatest poets out there so lets get you on the road to share in the same glory.........We here in this forum are on a mission to help others in need shine in glory and get your poetry read.


So here we go; and with love and caring we offer our helping hands out to you. So please accept these many loving and sharing hands here to assist any and all in need.



Step one:
A good way to begin for all those who are new or for many who have lots of poems but not many readers.........Start by expanding your reading list. Get out the and read other members poems.

Step Two:
Not only read other members poems but give them an honest and well earned comment. Critique what you have read. But do it in an honest and caring way as a member of this OP family.......Don't just click the "I like button" (as dah mentioned in an earlier post). Other poets want to know how you liked it, and remember they have worked hard for the comments you leave them. What about the piece you read touched your emotions, what about it did you not like? But don't just be mean or rude. We are all adults enough here to be beyond just bashing someones work cause we did not like it.......Let the poet know in a polite and respectful way what you did not like.....How did it flow to you, how was the rhyming and meter? Did it touch you in a special way, make you laugh, cry or sigh.........We each learn to be better poets from our OP family who read, comment and critique our work...If you want to let them know something but don't want it to be public, send them a private message. Hey there are lots of accidental typos, misspelled words and/or poor grammar in some of the poems we read, and I for one am a good example of all three of those things. Don't be afraid to let them know if you see something they may have missed. It's poetry, it happens......And please remember it is not all about winning some contest for most of us......It is about the joy of sharing what we love to do best.

Step Three:
Not only read others poems but add them as your friends and start building your loving and caring OP family of friends. The more you read others work the more they will return the favor likewise. It is not a race here my dear OP family, take it slow and by all means, enjoy it.

Ok, so that was just three simple basic steps to begin enjoying being part of this wonderful site of caring and sharing poets. Look around you wont find any other site out there that is more open minded and caring then this one. We have here one of the best groups of poets who are more like family than just another competitor you think you have to beat in some race.

Come one come all lets spread the love and sharing of our powerful words written, with all those within our reach...........and as always love asha

Last edited by ApaqRasgirl 09-23-2010 at 08:57:27 PM

RE: RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApaqRasgirl

Ok, on the ins and outs of poetry here at OP, Here are a few helpful hints for posting the pictures or images you want to show with your poem.....as many poets feel that appearance is a bit part of your poems...........

Currently most of us just use the small uploader in the text editor after we publish our poems you can add a picture to it.......But if you are like me these pictures are way to small most time to get the true effect you are looking for.........so here is one way you can make your images to go along with your wonderful writings....
..

First forget about the small up-loader in the text box. You can add a larger image by pasting the code into the commentary section under your post,,,,,,Here is how to do that........
Unfortunately I can't show you on here what the html code looks like as it will not show up it will just show the picture........if we had an editor box that showed both visual and html then it would be easy,,,,,,but lets not get everyone confused here cause it really is not confusing at all..........just give ole asha here a holler so I can help you.........loves ya

In this we are going to be using the html code for your picture. If you have the image posted somewhere else you can simple copy the html code and paste it into the commentary section..........But I think that most of you do not have other websites that you are using that use html codes......So if this is the case, then I can help you with that......just send me the image you wish to use and I will convert it into the code you need to make it bigger and send it back to you.......my email is ashadi9895@gmail.com

This is about the size you get in the up-loader inside the text box with your poems
120 by 120



You can make them bigger and stand out more,,,,,,,,,so Lets show off those wonderful words you can spin with an image to make it shine.........

This is size 295 by 300







now size 425 by 380



this one is 525 by 425

Any image can be change in the html code and also videos can be posted in the commentary section of your post as well. Either one will show above your poem. So if you really would like to have a better and larger picture to go with your poems just let me know and I will help......Please feel free to email me anytime if you do not have a way to get the html code just please email me the picture and I will get it for you........same goes for videos...........have fun all my dear poet family out there and lets make are words shine brightly along with images that make them stand out........as always loves my op family......***Namaste asha

Last edited by cousinsoren 09-25-2010 at 11:55:35 AM

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

Great idea asha, not even I knew this one, very very cool!!! I may emailing you as well, lol. I think this forum is quickly turning into a great resource for all of OP, new members, old members, and even the experienced members, there is something for everyone to learn here, just admazing all the positive and constructive feedback! Purity of the soul, journey well!!! with grace and humility ANGEL

RE: Welcome to the ins and outs of OP- Read here first

So glad to see the forum doing so well and being taken so postively by the OP community at large, congrads to all the helped make this new forum a success! To all of Papa's angels keep the ideas rolling and the comments coming, and thankyou for all those who came up with additional threads to help further expand the forum, the sky is the limit, lets spread our wings on this idea and let the wind carry us to new horizons. Purity of the soul, journey well!!! with grace and humility ANGEL- POB for life! aka A blind man walking...