Okay: here goes.
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OPOIs are short reviews of poetry pamphlets which focus on only one point of interest (OPOI) in not more than 350 words.
Far more poets would like their pamphlets to be OPOI-ed than would like to write the OPOIs. Forty-three poetry pamphlets have been received for review this year so far, and only three new reviewers have offered their services. More are needed. Over 60 pamphlets are waiting hopefully.
Some poets don't have the confidence to write reviews. They are nervous of this role, which they see as authoritative and judgmental. OPOI reviews are neither. They are edited before they go public. They are a good thing to do, and if you are reviewing for the first time, the ideal place to start.
Thank you for this. My reason 13 would be an addendum to your reason 3 (and 6?). I usually don't know what I think about something until I've written it down, and it's only when you know what you think that you have the chance to change your mind... and I like changing my mind. I think the Stereophonics had it right: 'you gotta go there to come back'.
OPOIs are a brilliant place to start.