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Algorithms and Poetry
This fascinating TED talk by Kevin Slavin focuses on algorithms that are shaping our world in the arena of finance. But I wonder if there aren’t algorithms at work in poetry. Various flavors of “uncreative writing,” perhaps? Of course I’m being old fashioned in using the word “poetry.” There are no poems or stories, after all, only “texts.” The concept of the “text” is what makes things easier for the algorithms.Read More
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Among the Theoristas
I was surprised to see this quotation on Al Filreis’s blog: Reading is usually taught in school so as to walk hand in hand with assimilation. And it is at its most oppressive when taught through principles of absolute meaning. Beginning reading exercises tend to emphasize meaning as unambiguous and singular; the word ‘duck’ in the primer means the bird, not the verb. Further, as a learned and regulated act, reading socializes readers not only into the process of translating symbol into word with a one-to-one directness, but also into specific social relationships.Read More
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Theoryocracy
Perpetual Birders may enjoy this mordant send-up of Theory by Rebecca Goldstein, author of 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction.Read More
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A Bitter Fatigue, Volume Two
In a comment on a previous post of mine, James (of ursprache fame) referred me to Leopardi and the Theory of Poetry. I haven’t picked up the book yet, but the referral did send me back to my library for a fresh look at Leopardi’s Pensieri, piquantly translated by W. S. Di Piero. Right off the bat, I found Leopardi speaking to our current distress vis-à-vis the banking industry from his superior vantage point in 1837: I say that the world is a league of scoundrels against men of generosity, of base men against men of good will.Read More
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On Theory
In a reply to a blog post by Lucia Perillo over at Harriet, I made a statement regarding writing from Theory vs. writing from Necessity, and John Shaw left a comment pointing out that my statement itself constituted a theory. I replied that I’d think about it and post further thoughts on the question later. Well, now is later, and here are my thoughts. Let me begin by attempting to define the word theory.Read More
Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
