Overview
Poetry can be a difficult form of art to share with the world, as it holds such an important weight for the creator. It can be daunting to post poetry online, as the author’s personal emotions, feelings and heartfelt messages can be easily recognized and criticized. Therefore, it can be beneficial to post poetry anonymously, so that the writer can express themselves without fear of judgement. In this article, we will discuss how to post poetry anonymously, what platforms are available, as well as how to protect your privacy. We’ll also provide insights from poetry experts on the issue and best practices for protecting oneself online.
Disadvantages of Posting Online Anonymously
In order to post poetry anonymously, it is important to understand the risks associated with doing so. Firstly, it can be difficult to grow a fanbase or build an audience when using a pseudonym or username. As the platform’s audience will not know that your poetry is self-authored, your work might not have an impact as it could have if you had put your name behind it. Additionally, it can be difficult to gain recognition through prestigious awards, competitions and arts grants without being identified.
Another risk is that any comments or constructive feedback may be harder to receive. If you choose to post anonymously and do not return to the site with your original pseudo-name, then any advice or kind words from followers may go unacknowledged. Lastly, a major disadvantage of posting anonymously is that your privacy may be breached. As it can be easier for people to discover your personal details if your profile is not set up to protect your privacy, it is important to be aware of any personal risks you may take.
Benefits of Posting Poetry Online Anonymously
For some authors, one of the main benefits of posting poetry anonymously is that they can confide in their work and not face judgement from others. As poet and author Rumi once said: “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” It is not uncommon for poets to explore deep topics within their writing and posting poetry anonymously can make it less daunting for them to share those feelings with others. In the words of Sylvia Plath: “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
Another benefit of posting online anonymously is that it can help to create a platform for poets who are highly self-critical. By removing the pressure of public popularity, analytics and reviews, it can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Lastly, in some cases, it can result in less pressure to impress editors or publishers when entering competitions or sending off pieces for publication.
Where to Post Anonymously
When searching for a platform to post poetry anonymously, it is important to do your research. Ideally, you should select a site that is secure and respects the privacy of its members. One site to consider is VerseVault, where authors can post their poems and be assured that their details won’t be shared publicly or with third-party companies. This platform is also open to collaborative works and provides an avenue for authors who prefer to post under an alias or nickname.
For authors who are wary of online platforms, there are also several places where you can post poetry anonymously through snail mail. Platforms such as TheReaders create a secret community of writers, who exchange their work back and forth and share their thoughts on each other’s work. These platforms are often quite independent, and can be a safer option for authors who don’t want to share their poetry with a larger audience.
Insights from Poetry Experts
For advice on posting poetry anonymously, we spoke with Michael Donnelly, a professional poet and editor. He states that while posting anonymously can give authors a bit more freedom to express themselves, it can be difficult to build a reputation as a writer without openly sharing yourself. Consequently, he suggests that authors first use a pseudonym and then slowly start introducing themselves as the author of their work.
He also believes that when it comes to platforms, it is important for authors to choose one that is secure and carefully evaluates their privacy policy, as this is crucial for protecting an author’s safety and anonymity. Lastly, Donnelly infers that authors should start posting anonymously to gain confidence and understand their audience, before fully introducing themselves.
Protection When Posting Poetry Anonymously
When posting poetry anonymously, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your work. Firstly, make sure to use a secure platform that has clear guidelines on the use and protection of personal data. Additionally, it is crucial to use a username that can not easily be linked back to you and your personal details.
Secondly, it is important to always proofread your work before submitting and make sure any personal details have been removed. You should also take precautions to protect your identity, such as not using the same username or email address on multiple sites. Lastly, use aliases when commenting on other’s work and make sure to create a strong password.
Publications that Recognize Anonymous Poets
When posting poetry anonymously, it is a good idea to research any publication or magazine that may recognize the work of anonymous poets. For example, several journals such as TheNormalSchool accept submissions from authors who want to remain anonymous, and poets can even submit under an assumed name to protect their privacy. Similarly, the Vagabond magazine also recognizes submissions from anonymous authors, as well as those who prefer to remain under a pseudonym.
Another well-known publication to consider is PoemHunter, an online platform that houses poems written by authors of all levels. This website features poems by anonymous authors and is open to feedback, which can be beneficial for authors that have posted anonymously.
Social Platforms for Anonymous Poets
When posting poems anonymously, it is also beneficial to consider social media platforms. Such sites are useful for authors looking to potentially grow a following, whilst still protecting their identity. For example, platforms such as Twitter and Instagram allow users to post their work under a username, which can help to gain recognition for their poetry. Additionally, if a user does not wish for their poetry to be associated with their real name or profile, then they are able to take steps to maintain their anonymity.
Another social media platform that can benefit anonymous authors is Reddit, which offers several active forums dedicated to poetry. Here users can share their work and gain feedback anonymously, as well as meet with other aspiring authors and creators.
Forums for Anonymous Poets
If a poet is considering posting their work online anonymously, then it may be wise to join a poetry-focused forum first. As many of these forums are for aspiring or beginning poets, there are fewer chances of critiques or criticism. Additionally, many forums are open to submissions from anonymous authors, and can be a great way for writers or lyricists to meet and interact with others in their community.
One prominent poetry forum is from the site PoetrySoup, which offers a variety of user-friendly features and open dialogue between writers. Here, poets can join forum discussions on topics such as “Getting to know other poets”, “Literary Critique” and “Promoting Your Work” – all without revealing one’s true identity.
Educational Resources for Poets
To help enhance their craft, poets may also want to consider exploring educational resources open to anonymous authors. Platforms such as Wix, Udemy and SkillShare offer various courses and tutorials, ranging from “Deepening Your Poetic Voice”, to “Outlining your Poetry Project” and “Mastering Poetic Metaphors”. All of these resources are for anonymous authors and can help them better understand the genre and hone their skills.
There are numerous other resources that poets can explore to enhance their work. For example, there are sites dedicated to providing helpful tips on writing poetry, such as Poetry Express and Poetry Magazine. Additionally, current authors and experts can be found online and followed through social media and podcasts.
Conclusion
Overall, posting poetry anonymously can provide an author with a safe avenue to express themselves and increase their confidence, without fear of judgement or criticism. However, it is important to consider the risks that come with posting anonymously, in order to protect your identity and personal data. It is also important to consider the best platforms to post poetry anonymously, as well as the publications and social media sites that welcome anonymous authors, in order to maintain all necessary safety precautions. Lastly, poets can also benefit from exploring educational resources, advice from experts and feedback from active poetic communities.
