Write Out Loud's September Newsletter
Firstly, apologies for the lack of a newsletter last month. Computer error. Oh, all right then, we decided to go on holiday instead of going to the computer to do the newsletter.
We are devoting this month’s newsletter to reporting the results of Steve Dearden’s evaluation report on our work during 2008. By the way, thank you to all of you who took the time to speak to Steve, and/or complete the online survey
Some results surprised us, most pleased us, some disappointed. We hope to be able to put the full document onto the website for individuals to read at some point in the near future. Until then, here are some of Steve’s key findings. Steve was, for several years, an Arts Council literature officer, so his opinions are of real value to us.
Key findings
Write Out Loud is the leading organisation promoting performance of poetry through their unique combination of an active website and the live gigs that they both run and promote, creating a circuit sympathetic to people developing themselves as both writers and performers.
“An encouraging, welcoming environment where poets can share poetry and build confidence, everyone is encouraged to express themselves and how they feel about what is important to them and this is really good for them and their sense of self worth as well as their sense of belonging in a community.”
“A number of people who have had problems with depression have been helped to get their serotonin circulating + counter their depression with creativity.”
“Great contribution to community regeneration and health. Have seen people flower in a supportive environment + find affirmation.”
The Website
In April 2009 www.writeoutloud.net attracted 24,941 visitors, receiving 1.45 million hits.
During the period site usage increased from 47 thousand to 86 thousand. Poets on the showcase increased from 252 to 419. Members signed up for the newsletter increased from 1,543 to 2,606.
The majority of respondents found all sections of the site useful or very useful: Gig Guide 95%, Home 88%, News 87%, Poets' Showcase 78%, Reviews 78%, Links 73%. The 'least popular' were Galleries 67%, Poets' Blogs 64%, What I Do 61% and Poem of the Month 59%.
" this site is genius, the thesis is wonderous! i've discovered people with immense talent. It’s like the Beatles and Captain Beefheart in one room"
“VERY VALUABLE for road testing budding poems, the site is a ‘virtual’ poetic sketchpad and workshop, poems can be typed ‘on the fly’ posted and you can have feedback in minutes from other poets.”
“I'm one of the editors of Pipeline magazine, and the co-ordinator of the Monday Night Group. We had a launch party recently and listed the event on your site. I'm really glad we did as several people came who had seen the listing. Also, a couple of my open mic performers contacted me after seeing my request for performers on your site. It's really good to have a centralised listing of events in Manchester and I think your site does a great job.”
The website is the heart of Write Out Loud, it is what Write Out Loud does that no one else is doing: providing information on live poetry events; acting as a resource for gig goers, poets and promoters of live poetry; providing a forum for critical debate and poet to poet chat. There is a real sense of community.
Write Out Loud has no full or part time staff. It is run by a committed team of enthusiasts who are passionate about the project and give significant amounts of time, sometimes paid for, mostly not. Without their input the website, readings and projects would simply not exist.
The Wider Picture
In the past, grass roots creative writing depended on the classes, events, conferences and networks offered by three players who, for varying reasons, are no longer making that contribution:
The WEA (Workers Education Association)
Adult and Continuing Education classes
The FED, (The Federation of Community Presses and Worker Writers)
While not an exact match or replacement, it is impossible to attend a reading, listen to the views of poets and organisers, read the website, without it being obvious that Write Out Loud are meeting the needs left by the demise of these players.
Write Out Loud offers a new alternative, combining the traditional open mic with new technology tools - the website, blogs, podcasting, to create a network strong in the north west, with the immediate opportunity to grow in Yorkshire, and the growing potential to provide a national networking and more comprehensive gigs guide service.
It also offers a clear complementary alternative to other providers. It is the web 2.0 version if you like, more open access and user-led.
What do you think?
Give your feedback to, and get more information from, Julian@writeoutloud.net.
