Dear Mr Vaillancourt

Dear Mr Vaillancourt

Where is your romance?

Do you have no pity?

A gladiator with a pen,

mercilessly driven

to spill the blood of words.

You penetrate the heart of writers

with such inscribed thrusts

of your sharp and witless dagger.

May you not scabbard

that poisoned tipped quill

and be a sage of compassion?

The educator of hope,

the bringer of light,

the maker,

the orchestrator of invention;

a tutor not a scourge.

So flee the executioners skin,

anal wretch!

Fill the shoes

of positive critics.

 

06/04/13

Reviews

[Leslie Philibert]

not too sure I understand this. Chris is not only an excellent poet ( over the years I have read a lot of his poetry) but very honest, not unkind, but somebody who cares so much about writing he hates sloppy poetry. Without his work over the years this site would not have such a high standard. ( I know them all, and many are really weak). I have written a lot of bad poetry, and I am very pleased when I get some criticism. So I like Chris` work
and his position, sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind....

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I agree that he is a good poet. But having been subject to a vitriolic attack from him myself some months ago and also having had one good review I am neutral on the subject. I am not saying he is wrong as I agree with you about the sloppiness of some writers. I Also worry about the platitudes given rather than constructive suggestion. as to Chis, I have read several of his agressive no mercy attacks. The one that prompted this poem was one on Keely Jane recently. She has written a few poems which I have tried to help her with and she has written some lovely stuff and she is always gracious. So If Chris could just be a little more wise about it he might encourage rather than attack them. Keely's Poem 'Look It Up' recieved this response 'Predictable images and metaphors..try to be more original and creative, tired lines make for boring poetry' Where is the construction in that?

[Leslie Philibert]

Thanks for the remarks, and I will look at the work of Keely Jane. ( I have not read
her work). A hard one, agreed. I can only speak for myself, I don`t like criticism,
(I am not a saint ) but when I cool down I often agree. It`s the only way to get better, to accept a critic who may be right...

[Tina Kline]

I've seen his reviews left on other writers work and I've had a few left on mine. The ones left on mine are not very positive, I wonder why he returns to do more. I've seen some really mean ones, nothing in them to inspire or help someone with their writing.

Excellent job on this poem...and very true as well.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Tina, we all have our ways. I have had one very scathing review from him/her and a few decent ones but I have seen his vitriolic attacks on others and dislike it. I am honest mostly in RRs but I try to be constructive and welcome the same in return. My advice is to keep your mind open to improving and ignore the nasty side of Chris.

[Tina Kline]

I agree with you.

[s y e]

This was a great, strong write. I, myself, haven't had the best encounter with, Chris. He has some good criticism but doesn't know how to write it, he can be cruel and it puts the writer down. Sometimes you need to think before you speak (write) 'cause for all he knew it could have been a young child hoping to persue a dream he would have knocked the confidence right out of her/him.

Good writer, John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Sye. And to give Chris credit, He (she) never came after me and got me a warning from the great moderator in the sky!

[s y e]

I bet he/she didn't!

[s y e]

I bet he/she didn't!

[Eric Cox]

A cool write. I have seen his cruelty to others. No mercy, no heart, no regard for feelings. Nothing constructive from this man, dead to any positive words unless he approves of a write.
Cool creative penning with strong descriptive words to this piece. Nicely done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Eric. I have just recieved a warning from the 'moderators' who removed a poem about a guy called Quinfin who has been up to no good recently. Next time I guess they will take my page down! So I have changed the title and taken his name out and reposted it as 'He'

[Eric Cox]

You're welcome.
That's downright wrong of them. If someone behaves in a cruel manner here you should be allowed to point out who they are in the title.

[Eric Cox]

I just read the poem. Geez, they shouldn't have censored it. His name should be allowed throughout. What happened to freedom of speech?

[John Alexander McFadyen]

And I am happy for someone to do the same to me. What I object to and will fight against is the covert war of galvanising friends to flag an account or a poem until the moderators have to act. I reported Quinfin/Werion/Pegasus Rex (all the same person) for attacking and making life unpleasant for peiople especially a 15 year old called Noodlehead (now Noodleeehead to escapr Quinfin.

[Eric Cox]

Good job!!

[ms. barrie]

I have to say Mr. McFadyen, I give you Kudos for penning not only a very once again, eloquent poem, brilliant choice of words and meter, but the daring concept, bravery of I myself agree with Divya, calling the Critic *Subject* my their name.

I as of late have come across reading a lot of scathing reviews on others Writings as well as being on the receiving end. It does not feel good being on that end, obviously! Though constructive criticism I can handle, appreciate, my writings could definitely improve a thousand-fold, but to blatantly state such destructive, negative criticism, without any making any points in how the poem/writing itself can be improved upon, just so the "critic" could feel better about themselves, pisses the me the hell off.

We all need to encourage and aspire another, not tear each other to pieces just to satisfy our own ego. I also respect the fact of your loyalty to your friend. Thank you for sharing this amazingly well crafted poem, and again for writing/speaking about something that should be shared/spoken, written, all the above, yes. (Favs.) 100 to 100!

[Silas]

Wow, what else can I say. I think I have a new favorite author. Man. You are just a poetic genius that is a master at the wizardry of writing. You're writings just go straight to that little soft spot in my mind. Just speechless. Amazing.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Silas lay off the 'whacky Buckie'
For a day or so man! Many thanks

[Silas]

Whats whacky Buckie? I'm confused.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

'Backie'

[Lina Grey]

I like Mr. Vaillancourt's poetry, and to be honest have never been on the wrong end of his pen, so to speak. This concept has come up in my creative writing class a few times, criticism and how much to give and how to be constructive. I believe there is bit of a cultural split, based on age differences and the way people were taught. On the day we started the lesson a German student sat in, and told us that in Germany teachers are completely honest, in ways that most Americans I know would find to be quite insulting. If they think the piece is stupid and there was no effort, they say that, and you accept it, even if you poured your heart and soul into the piece. Of course, this may not be the same everywhere, and I don't know how or if this applies to the situation here, but I do believe that it is important t think about the people giving and receiving reviews in this sort of situation. What you find to be offensive could be completely acceptable to Mr. Vaillancourt, and vice versa.
As a poem, I like this. It is strong and righteous, and the ending humored me a bit. The only thing I would complain about is the title.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I agree with you in many respects. Many people on the site simply offer platitudes and that is ok. The people who really want to grow and learn pay attention and are prepared to give AND receive constructive advice and even constructive criticism. But where the criticism becomes sharp/vitriolic/caustic/insulting/derogatory in nature or just rude it has no place in enjoying or furthering art. I have seen several comments from Mr V that fall way short of the mark.

[Lina Grey]

I do agree that derogatory criticism is not constructive and does not have a place on this website. Although I haven't seen such comments from Mr. V, hearing that he has given such isn't exactly surprising, as he tends to be a bit brusque with his reviews, not really minding the author often...

[James McFadyen]

now now, play nicely dad

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Always James, Always!

[Frieda P]

Ha when has he ever? ;-)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Now let's not be so unfair! I recall distinctly being nice once.

[Frieda P]

I must not have been there............!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I think it was during my gestation lol!

[Frieda P]

How odd, I hardly noticed that happening at all. ;-)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Well I am guessing it happened but perhaps Witches Seed is true after all!

[Junert]

Wow. I find myself really enjoying this one.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Junert

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Bold indeed - highly creative!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Why, thank you Thomas

[DIVYA]

John, what I liked about this poem is that you called out the subject by name. Most writers are never that bold and while criticizing someone, never name them.

This poem is really well penned.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Divya, doI call you boss now?