OPA July 2007 Survey Results

#3. Describe ways that OPA can better serve you

 “Better planning about mailings - I have often received a mailing informing me of an event that I would have liked to attend - but it has already happened. Keeping the web page timely.”

“I live in the Cleveland-Akron area so events in the middle or south are difficult for me to come to Columbus.”

“Newsletter arrive in timely fashion with contest information. Names of members, their activities, contests won, etc.”

“I believe that having a State Poet Laureate will help all poets and all writers in the state in this day of so many other ways for people to spend their free time and money (rather on books).”

“Report on meetings been unable to come – encourage poets send to Common Threads – do not forget everyone not online.”

“I feel the Lord Jesus Christ lets me live until next year.  I will be 80 years old.  I would like some member of OPA to help me get all of my poetry together.”

“Add more to Ohio Poetry Day weekend to make it more desirable to attend and participate.”

“I will perform my stand-up comedy and read the poetry.”

“Issue Common Threads quarterly.

“meetings with poets, larger connections with poets throughout Ohio, listing of poetry groups, updates on contest, larger group participation.”

“Quarterly meetings in Columbus (can’t locate)”

“I think OPA is doing a fine job.”

“Early notification of meetings, gatherings, and poetry readings.  My new R.R. email system is as yet an unknown and a mystery.  USPS though slow works with me.  My hands are quite bad but the rest of me works.”

“I think contest winners should automatically have their winning poems published in Common Threads.”

“Anthology every five years; that elusive membership list.”

“Our online should be .org, not .com! We ARE entitled.” (Ed.: The individual is correct, but an org option was not available with the company hosting the site.)

“It is my belief that all members of OPA must become much more visible within the literary community (i.e. attend at least one reading per year within each of the many local literary venues.)  If OPA is to establish greater credibility, then it is imperative that members of OPA make themselves credibly present at a host of literary events.

“Need to become more visible for all poets.”

Additional comments:

“I wonder if we could have some type of fundraiser?”

“As long as it is optional only.  I dislike having to go online for such” (Ed.: Referencing online newsletter)

“Getting a mailing permit . . .” (Ed.: Didn’t remember that we use a permit except for this privately funded issue.)

“Increase dues by $5.00 to build an operating capital base.”

“I wouldn’t mind this – but how would we get Strophes? It is already online?”

“Business and individual sponsors. Some newsletters recoup costs by running last page with ads from advertisors who pay an annual fee. Donato’s, Proctor & Gamble, Wendy’s and Smucker’s and other Ohio companies may be interested. Online okay too as it lets other states know what we are doing BUT I like a sheet of paper to work from.”

#5 Volunteers to help: Thirteen (13) people volunteered to donate time to support OPA.

Additional comments:

We have a poetry winner at Ohio Poetry Day. Could this be beefed up?”

“It’s a bad move.”

“Not at this time – the organization needs to be more representative of the poetry community.”

“Great idea – should have been suggested years ago!”

“I think it is a wonderful idea.  Not only will a first rate Ohio poet be recognized but also the poetry of Ohio will be a recognized art on a national scale.”

“I'm surprised we don't have one!”

“Who is going to decide who the Ohio Poet Laureate would be - the person with the money? The General Membership? People with impeccable credentials? The Governor?”

“Only if support can be found  and also organizing OPA to work with other groups.

“This is an appropriate move forward for OPA.”

“It is important to recognize and pay tribute to exceptional talent and doing so will boost and increase membership in OPA.”

Additional comments:

 “There are other clubs in Ohio. We are not only one.  Would this effect non-profit tax?”

“OPA is the appropriate organization for this task if OPA membership becomes more inclusive of writers long established in the literary field.”

“I know Ohio volunteers can do it!”

“Yes, OPA should spearhead the effort, but I think other bodies should be included, e.g. the Ohio Arts Council, the Governor’s office, the Ohio Library Assn., and some academic body – perhaps a committee of instructors from several colleges and universities.”

“I feel the OPA could work with other organizations, such as the Ohio Arts Council, to get this task done.”

“This isn't a question. Didn't I cover this in the previous answer? I need more information.”

“Strong Support If other organizations step up, we can work together. This is the sort of position that is best if set up under government auspices. We can certainly get our representatives and governor to support a Poet Laureate. Thus providing publicity.”

“I believe it is obvious that if the poet laureates for the State then we need, must have, state wide support for a P.L.”

“I think with appropriate support.”

“Appropriate but I’m not sure we in Ohio should have a P.L.  My main question is how the P.L. is selected & how to keep poetry politics out.”

“This is a very obvious, and it is an idea whose time has come and I am sure the state government will approve.”

“A great deal of talent exists in Ohio from the most unexpected places, to the highest levels of the government.”