[OutlawedSpirit]

I have been following our poetry thread because I love poetry, and I have a (possibly manic) idea. What if we collected all our poetry from that thread, and others, and approached a publisher with it. We could use our screen names in the book to protect our real names, and let the proceeds go to NAMI or another foundation. What do you all think? Like I said, the idea might suck cause it could just be my mania talking.

[venusss]

tbh... who will buy poetry by crazies?

[OutlawedSpirit]

Other crazies, of course. Also, there is a bit that I think can be expressed in poetry that is hard to explain any other way. I think when we write poetry we let go in a way we don't otherwise. Poetry is more than just words, it's an expression of emotion. When we read poetry we don't just read it, we feel it. It may be a way to bridge the gap between the bp and those that aren't. A way for us to share what we go through with people who don't have bp. And even if a regular publisher wouldn't take more than a glance at it, we could contact NAMI, DBSalliance, or another group if you all know of someone better, and see if they would be willing to work to help publish it. Like I said, since it's stuff by everyone here, they could use the proceeds to help further their efforts.

[venusss]

well, good luck

I think that there might be a chance to catch some interest by the right publisher. If you really want to then go for it!

[OutlawedSpirit]

I just have to make sure everyone is okay with me trying to get their stuff published. Like I said, each one will be listed with your pc username as the author, and I also really want to stress that I am looking for no monetary gain for it. I want proceeds to go to a program to help others with bp. So I want suggestions for groups that you all think could be good benefactors, and let me know if you don't want your stuff published. If you don't, I won't include it when I submit it. Just let me know.

You can do what you like with whatever I write.

[OutlawedSpirit]

Thanks Dan, like I said, I hope through this we can actually help raise awareness for BP and MI in general, and that it isn't just a manic moment.

[venusss]

Okay, i posted in the poetry thread, but if it goes to NAMI, please leave me out.

(I think NAMI has enough money from Pharma anyways... and their strictly medical model doesn't represent me).

[OutlawedSpirit]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

Okay, i posted in the poetry thread, but if it goes to NAMI, please leave me out.

(I think NAMI has enough money from Pharma anyways... and their strictly medical model doesn't represent me).

Do you have an idea for another group? I'm not dead set on approaching NAMI, but I'm not really too familiar with other groups, so I am definitely open to suggestions if you have any. I mean, I could approach a publisher and keep the book really cheap by having just cover the cost of publishing, I just figure if we can help support a bp cause at the same time, it could help in multiple ways.

[venusss]

i personally adore Icarus project http://theicarusproject.net/about-us...sion-statement

but they aren't classic advocacy group and might be too anarchist for some here.

[OutlawedSpirit]

That could be an idea. I sort of like their ideas, after glancing through the site. It is something to keep in mind. Hopefully others will give input and follow your link as well. Thank you.

[Clinte89]

Good idea I was thinking that the other day lol great minds think alike. I would be willing to work on it I can start this week and group the poetry by poster so it would be like page 1-10 by Anika. Like alfabetical I can't spell that word lol but you get the idea.

[OutlawedSpirit]

Originally Posted by Clinte89

Good idea I was thinking that the other day lol great minds think alike. I would be willing to work on it I can start this week and group the poetry by poster so it would be like page 1-10 by Anika. Like alfabetical I can't spell that word lol but you get the idea.

That's great, if you want to start grouping it together, I'll see if I can get a hold of a few publishers and find out what all we need to do to get the ball rolling. And as we get more ideas for groups we could help support, I can contact them as well. I just think it would be a good way to help raise awareness of bp and maybe even help to reduce the stigma attached.

[Clinte89]

I agree what shall we call this little project? I like conversations with myself but feel there is already a book calle that. I'm glad to see my thread blooming into a nice outlet for people and possible a published work. That's exciting.

[OutlawedSpirit]

Originally Posted by Clinte89

I agree what shall we call this little project? I like conversations with myself but feel there is already a book calle that. I'm glad to see my thread blooming into a nice outlet for people and possible a published work. That's exciting.

I have no idea, but we do have quite a supply of brilliant minds already here, so why not ask them? Anyone have suggestions?

[OutlawedSpirit]

And, you know, I was thinking, why search so far from "home" to find a cause to help support? What about seeing if there is anyway we could direct the proceeds to pc? It is a place that has helped so many of us already, why not give something back? I'll dig a little and see what I can find out.

[Clinte89]

I like the Icarus project but from what I read I don't know how much about awareness they do? I would love to give to a good awareness foundation or a group that helps to get psychiatric assistant for people who can otherwise afford it.

[venusss]

Originally Posted by OutlawedSpirit

And, you know, I was thinking, why search so far from "home" to find a cause to help support? What about seeing if there is anyway we could direct the proceeds to pc? It is a place that has helped so many of us already, why not give something back? I'll dig a little and see what I can find out.

I think that might be good idea since... most groups are local. And we all ain't living in America. So PC is kinda global actor.

[Clinte89]

I like giving to pc that souds great! It's a global Actor I agree and it would help keep the lights on for a while or the pc decide who to give to is there any global organizations on mental health? Outlaw you got some work to do lol but this will be exciting I'm excited I always kinda hoped this would happen.

[OutlawedSpirit]

I have plenty of time for plenty of work. I'm on leave from my job right now while I try to figure out my meds and I am extremely manic so I have the energy and ambition to do it too. I already emailed pc so I am hoping to hear back from them soon. Let's make this work.

[Clinte89]

Let's do it the only thing that is holdin me back is school work (I'm in college) lol your mom goes I college. Anyway ill get them of ether while ou get leads up and ill do what I do and sort by username alfabetical sill can't spell that word and I'm typing so fast whoop whoop lol. Stay in contact with me and I hope people keep posting on the forum so we can have one impressive book!

[OutlawedSpirit]

It would be a good idea if we can get everyone to post old poetry posts into the one thread so we can get things in one spot, plus that way we don't overlook anyone's work, because it is all great! Also, anyone who doesn't want to be included, or doesn't want a specific piece included, please let us know. We don't want to force anything on anyone who doesn't want it. Oh, and just an fyi Clinte alphabetically.

[Clinte89]

Ok thanks outlaw lol I used to be good at spelling and stuff bwahaha but no more I got muh edjamacation

[venusss]

so does it have to be bipolar related? Or other forms are acceptable too?