Hello, everyone,
I’d like to take a moment to respond to a recent post about Stars Rite. As many of you know, many of us came together here after Deep Underground Poetry closed, with the goal of building a smaller but strong community for poets and writers.
A poet recently expressed concern that some writers here are struggling and not receiving enough engagement. I truly appreciate that sentiment—it’s important to show each other support. That spirit of encouragement is what makes this community special.
That said, I also want to be clear: Stars Rite was created to be a supportive, engaged space, and those who know me know I care deeply about our members. I collaborate, comment, and interact regularly because I believe in building connection, not just running a site.
Like any new community, we are growing, learning, and overcoming challenges—including IT and platform improvements. I have not asked for any fees, but please understand that upgrades and maintenance do take both time and resources. I’m working as quickly as possible to bring you the best experience.
When we previously experienced downtime, I received a flood of messages asking what was happening. That showed me how much people truly rely on Stars Rite—not just as a platform, but as a space to share and connect. For many, this site is a creative home, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
Stars Rite was never meant to be a popularity contest. At its heart, it’s a place to share your work, to be seen, and ideally, to receive feedback. Of course, we all want comments and engagement—that’s natural. But the essence of this community is about finding connection and building one another up.
I’ll be honest: while I’ve been working very hard behind the scenes to improve the site, I haven’t been posting much myself. But that’s not the point. The real purpose of Stars Rite is community—to discover, read, and support each other’s work.
It’s also true that many people haven’t received comments, and in some cases, members haven’t been active in commenting on others’ work. This isn’t a criticism, but it is a reality. Engagement is what creates momentum. One example I’ve noticed: a new member joined, quickly commented thoughtfully on several posts, then shared their own work—and in turn, they received supportive comments. That’s the power of participation.
The takeaway here is simple: the more we engage with one another, the stronger Stars Rite becomes as a community.
To ensure transparency, I’ll now be posting weekly updates every Sunday. These updates will share what’s happening behind the scenes, what’s in progress, and how we’re addressing concerns. You are being heard. And if you’d like to reach out directly, you can always send me a private message here or email me at hypofrost888@gmail.com. I will respond.
Thank you all for being part of this journey. With patience, support, and open communication, I know we can continue to grow into a thriving community of writers and poets.
Lovely and well written piece about US.
Your work is appreciated by me and I’m sure by all of US.
💋
Thank you, Peter. I will keep my word and tell you all what is going on every Sunday, even the hum drum of it. lol
I’ve been out of the country for last month… I will do better on commenting
Comment on what moves you. Thank you, Libellula
hello beautiful Fia thank you I try to particpate as much as possible some days I’m just not in the mood to read and I don’t want to leave half felt comments….I appreciate what you’re doing here ❤️
Thank you, crimson. comment when you can. Never feel you have to.
Like many social situations, this too is basically a circle. We all share the desire to write, obviously. And, to be seen a little bit perhaps, that we aren’t invisible. But it is a give and take. Like teamwork.
The site itself is doing fine. It is designed decently, and anyone with some sense can figure it out eventually. Even me!
Also, you obviously have your own life to live, Fia, yet you are doing a great job running things here. That is commendable.
You’ve been a big help to many. So thank you.
Thank you, Styxian I appreciate that.;))
Good evening, my beautiful people.
For the sake of peace, please refrain from drama indulging. That includes defense of Fia as well as accusation. I will be deleting comments towards either point of view. Let us be cordial publicly at least. The comments before mine will stay, for the sake of neutrality.
Message me if you have any questions or concerns, my inbox is quite lonely. I will be cooking in the mean time.
When I first heard about this site I was cautious to join being it was unfamiliar. Now I’m not only glad to be here, but thankful to you fia for caring so much and being there when we need you. You’re a blessing to this community of writers who just want to express themselves in a way they can’t outside these halls. I always make an effort to comment on others work when I can even if they don’t comment back. Let’s hope Stars Rite grows with even more writers down the road.
Thank you,Tim I appreciate you saying that.;))
Your picture is gorgeous btw. 😉
Thank you:))
Great comment Tim.
I just want to read good stuff, yaknow? Drama is for the TV, lol.
Yeah, no drama, just writing.
Hoi hoi Chère F.,
Hope this finds you well.
I envy your energy and drive to (very kindly and easy going) keep the StrarsRite afloat.
You may remember my coops in the DUP with women mostly. More often than not fuelled by the thought that even today it is more difficult for women to find a stage and also because they write the kind of poems/lyrics I can easily relate to.
At the same time, I believe we must be realistic. Since Corona the forum life as we knew it is diminishing. Not where importance and influence is concerned, but volume-wise.
In my opinion fora are still playing an important role in my life and the life’s of many, many other people.
But at the same time, the number of listens/people who check out and read the lyrics of 4 years ago seem to be unreachable (if you know what I mean).
Loving me (with DUP’s Faith Maree) lured an estimated 12.500 people to come and listen (gitaarnet.nl/forum + SongwritersintheKitchen). I could prove what I say, but hey, would I lie to you?
Maybe, instead of focussing on volume, may I ask to consider warmth, support, constructive comment etc etc etc? And you’ve been advocating this if I read you well.
What was it the old geezersaid: the times they are a changing? He blabbered a lot but I think this one is true.
I thank you very much for all the work you’ve put in this. And I hope very much that (instead of magnetting more work towards yourself) you’ll be able to invest more time in your own writes. And I mean real soon. Which I love to read so very much.
My ‘short’ analysis of the waives of the fora.
Thinking of a valued person in DUP, I wish you a blessed week!
Kind regards, Gus
Thank you, Gus, for this. ;))
Beautifully penned and nicely done, Fia. It is a wonderful community with so many talented writers and amazing people. I’m not full time at the moment, but always do my best to comment and be supportive. Well said cuz! Appreciate you, and all your hard work my friend.
Damian
Thank you, Damian, I appreciate you, cuz.
I agree, Fia. It doesn’t take but a moment to tell someone that you enjoy their writing.
Thank you, Adagio;))
Allow me to add my sentiments about you and this truly wonderful poetry site. I love that a Poetry COMMUNITY is taking shape. In these hard times where art is being attacked and undermined, this website is a breath of fresh air, much appreciated and needed.
I am new here, but in just a few days have met and read some amazing Poets and poetry. I desire to meet and read more. How we treat each other, the kind of comments we leave, and the support we give each other are of vital importance. While I do want to share the poetry I have written, I agree, Fia, (and all the others who have commented above) the moral core and benefit from this site is the community and ties we build with each other in this sharing.
Thank you, Fia, for providing such a wonderful and safe space.
-Curt (redzone)
Thank you, Curt.;))
I just knew I couldn’t possibly be the only one who appreciates You & your brainchild .. I am not only grateful for Stars Rite & the opportunities it affords, but of course to You for all the hard work I imagine must go into running such an awesome venture .. Peace, Love & All Good Things to You Fia and all those who have already hopped on board & those yet to join us .. 😎💛👍
Thank you, Neville
Well said – by all here. thanks!
Thank you, Jim;))
I’m sure that I speak for many when I say that we are grateful for your strength, honesty, generosity and sensuality and for giving us a place to feel heard and free to speak our truths and desires. Warmly, Jim 😉
Excellent piece Fia. Well said and well received. Keep up the great work you’ve done here.
Thank you, Vision;))