All Hail the Self-Appointed Chieftain of Poets on Medium

Summary

The article critiques a self-proclaimed poetry authority on Medium for self-promotion and questionable curation practices.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses skepticism towards a self-appointed "chieftain" of poets on Medium, who has created a list of recommended poets that seems to serve his own promotional interests. The article suggests that this individual's guide to poetry is more about self-congratulation and clickbait than genuine appreciation for the art. It points out that the list of featured poets, while possibly deserving, is overshadowed by the abundance of self-referential links. The author argues that the Medium poetry community is vibrant and self-sustaining without the need for such self-appointed curators. Furthermore, the article emphasizes that the platform's recommendation algorithm is a more democratic and effective way to discover new poetic voices.

Opinions

The author views the self-appointed poetry guide as hubristic and self-serving.
The critique extends to the guide's content, which is seen as cliché and disconnected from the genuine reasons people write poetry.
The article implies that the list of poets is not as important as the self-promotional nature of the guide, with over sixty links directing back to the author's own work.
The author believes that poets on Medium are capable of thriving without a central curator, as each poet is their own best narrator.
Trust in Medium's recommendation engine is expressed, with the author suggesting it as a preferred method for discovering new poetry.
The author takes a humorous and tongue-in-cheek approach to the critique, expecting and welcoming critical feedback without the intention of blocking dissenting voices.
A callout is made to highlight other deserving poets on Medium who were not featured in the self-appointed guide.

I would, but he blocked my rhymin’ ass

Asterix, the Gaul — original artistic credit: Albert Uderzo

Every now and then, a Messiah comes along, self-appointed, hubris-laden, knows he can do no wrong.

His message is cloaked in selfless do-goodery, piously he starts to drizzle his sugary

chock-full-o’ cliché plaudit of poetics — with clickbaity self-help wise man aesthetics.

“The Complete Guide to Poetry…” reads the title, and leads right into a tone-deaf quote recital

by fellow Frenchman Sylvain Tesson; bent on carousing carefree privilege, entitlement,

blithely ignoring the real reasons many write: to unveil what’s repressed, give voice to pain and plight.

The rest of the post …? a dime-a-dozen listicle, as for who was picked — shroudedly mystical.

All thirty featured names are well-deserved, do doubt, as the countless hundreds who never did get a shout.

But there’s something else, a bit more shifty, sly — Sixty plus links, mostly all pointing … to The Scribe!

Thus the thin veil slides off the lofty pedestal, to reveal the exertion wholly self-promotional.

Mr. Tony Stubblebine, sure, you were name-dropped, what’s more, 3 Minute Read did this fine chap co-opt.

If I may land my point, poets on Medium are thriving and don’t need no compendium,

nor a self-nominated, self-serving curator, for each one of us is her or his best narrator.

one last point, and I’ll be darned if I make this rhyme. the best way I’ve found to discover new voices, new talent on this site, is to just let the recommendation engine do its job. for all the crap the “algorithm” gets, it works pretty well, and has kept me engaged and connected for over five years

occasionally I am prompted (triggered?) to write a tongue-in-cheek takedown of someone or something that bubbles up in my Medium feed and leaves a funny residue in my ear canals. I fully expect some critical feedback, and when I do I promise I won’t block any of y’all : )

All Hail the Self-Appointed Chieftain of Poets on Medium

I would, but he blocked my rhymin’ ass

So, You Think You Can Be Funny?

poking fun at an unnamed humor publication’s writing contest