James asked James Thomas Fletcher:

Why do I rate local and unknown poets higher than, say, Poet Laureates, National Book Award winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and other much lauded poets?

James Thomas Fletcher Poets considered to be at the peak of their profession *should* be held to a higher level of accountability. Their poetry is expected to be excellent or, at the least, quite good. In some respects, they are rated against their reputation. Plus, their books are pitched by publishing houses and reviewed in influential newspapers. The work of getting their words to the public is done for them.

Local and unknown poets, however, are lucky to be written about anywhere. For the most part, the only person in their corner pitching their work is the poet. Sales, if any, are in single digits. (Mine, too) Their work known to few outside their circle of friendship. Supporting your local poet is the same as supporting any local business. Do what you can to help them out.

That's why my ratings and reviews are softer, easier, on the little guy/gal. Local and unknown poets need sales and exposure. And if my rating is a tossup between stars, I always round up, giving that tiny edge to those Davids slinging alone in the desert against Goliaths armed with publicists, publishing houses, national book reviews, notable awards, and shelf space at Barnes & Noble.

And believe me, poetic nonentities are worth it. Numerous times, I have read books by unknowns that surpass those of Pulitzer Prize winners. Lend an ear to these voices crying in the wilderness. They have much to say!

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