On Poetry

Sam: I can't help but think poets take themselves WAY too seriously. The lecture last night was completely inaccessible.
David: That's what makes them poets.
Sam: Yes but they also complain that shops won't stock their books and that people don't know about them or enjoy reading their stuff.
David: Cause it's tedious and boring.

The above extract pretty much covers my thoughts on poetry. But regardless of whether I agree with David or not, I honestly think poetry is self-defeating in terms of commercial potential. An open, friendly and (let's be honest) less aloof approach could open up the idea of poetry to a lot more people.

On Poets

Okay I'll admit to having a particular idea of what a "poet" is. Unfortunately it probably matches certain stereotypes. I now consider myself re-educated. Tonight's speaker was both highly cynical and cut through the bullshit that often seems to follow writers around. He talked openly and honestly about what is required of a writer in order to turn themselves into a commercial success. As I'd suspected, the writing is only a part of it.