Bad Poetry?

Anstey's comment above reminds me of a discussion psycholgists (those effin wankers) sometimes have regarding things like projective personality assessment tests (like the Rorscach). People are like "Um, that test isnt very scientific, psycholgy is a science, stop it" and other people are like "yeah, but it helps some people so who cares if it's scienctifically perfect".

So it's like that to me, this argument. You can say, bad poetry is bad, it hurts the name of poetry in general, it lessens the "art of poetry" (actually anyone who uses that expression should probably be punched in their pretentious little head). BUT some people like it, makes 'em feel all fuzzy inside, like Anstey said.  I'm not sure why we're so set on placing a value judgement on it anyway. It's not like by putting our official stamp of disapproval on BAD poetry (which is so freaking elitist of a thing to do anyway, as Emily pointed out), it's going to go away. So...in conclusion, don't hate the game, hate the player. And by player I mean specific poet. Yes.. that is my general theory for life, actually. Direct your hatred at the specific target of said hatred. The specific bad poet. Break their spirit with your superior wit and knowledge. Make them feel like the uneducated peons they are! I MEAN REALLY. Say this "HOW DARE YOU TRY TO WRITE POETRY.LEAVE IT TO THE PROFFESIONALS." Make sure to point out that you're the professional. And they are not.