White Circle of Shame

Question for all of the experienced LSF writers and readers. My latest submission to the library was branded with the scarlet letter…or rather, the white circle of shame. It is a poem relating to Santa’s Naughty List and contains recollections and references to spanking, but didn’t pass muster. I’m wondering if anyone would share how I might avoid this fate in the future? I want to ensure that what I post is relevant and worth the reader’s time.

You should think of it as badge of honor (or perhaps courage). Some of the best contributions in here carry this badge, and it seems to be bestowed quite frequently on pieces of poetry. (In all modesty, I have 45 of them - if I didn't lose count.)

"Pass muster?" Oh come on. I realize there is often a fine line between a spanking "happening" in a story or poem, and the act merely being referenced, and that line may vary from validator to validator. But the white circle is an attempt to describe for potential readers what happens in a story, and NOT some sort of quality rating. Worry about something else.

It's a great poem, I love it. There doesn't have to be a spanking every time, mention is often enough.

I liked your poem. It told a story and painted a vivid word picture in the mind.

Seems I might be taking it too seriously. I received some advice early to keep things on topic and avoid the white circle like the plague. That, and an inherent self-conciousness about the things I write, and I end up overanalyzing. Very grateful for the feedback and for the kind words.

The White Circle of Shame is nothing to be ashamed of. No actual spanking need to be described in the story or poem. You described a young lady wishing to continue to behave so she would continue to be spanked. I'm usually note a huge fan of poetry but found this poem quite interesting and worthy.

I've had stories turned down for greater sins than this. You merely got a white circle indicating there was no actual spanking taking place. Hardly something to be ashamed of, continue on.

I thought the white circle was a badge of honor.

It's far rarer to see an exciting spanking story with no actual spanking in it than one more "whap whap whap".

kdpierre

Agreed

The suggestion of a spanking or the recollection of a spanking can be far more exciting than the straight spanking, and especially if it is of the 'whap, whap, whap' variety, which I thought in any case we are encouraged not to do.

My view, not everybody else's, I know.

Wouldn't worry at all about this. About one in five of my stories have ended up being "white-circled" because there was no actual spanking taking place in the story. Of course, there will be references to spanking, reminiscences or people discussion their fantasies but no "action". If they were really poor stories, had no relevance whatsoever to our scene or had inappropriate content you might find them rejected but your poem wasn't in any of these categories as we can all read it on the site.