What would you do and why in this scenario?

I think you might be able to do that tactfully and diplomatically if you can keep any personal opinions of the poetry itself out of the conversation.

For example, you could ask, “Who is your editor?” (assuming he hasn’t already told you in so many words that he doesn’t have one). Your reason for asking that could be straightforward: “Because there are some obvious spelling – punctuation – usage – grammar – syntax errors that your editor should have caught.”

And when he tells you – or if he already has told you – that he doesn’t have one because he doesn’t need one, “Because it’s all self-publish these days,” etc. You could show him the errors, or at least the most egregious ones, and tell him – honestly – that even self-publishers require someone to help put out the first edition. Most authors are blind to their own errors, after all.

Has he asked you to critique his work?
If not, don’t say anything beyond how glad you are that he is indulging in his passions.

Why? Unless he asks, he doesn’t want to hear it. Really. Especially with poetry. He is expressing himself in a highly personal way. It’s not like most prose, where a story is being told, poetry is really very intimate, even if the subject is seemingly innocuous.

I am sure once he reads the reviews, he will know what is up.
Also, being talentless does not preclude him from being successful.
Just look at Stephenie Meyer, Adam Sandler, Damon Lindelof, or Alex Kurtzman.

Keep your mouth shut. If you open it, he’s going to be insulted.

As others say, I wouldn’t say anything unless he directly asks. Then be diplomatic but honest.

I still have the poetry book from a university class. Might it be okay to pass it on to him?

I am just wondering if there are others that have the same taste/would appreciate the type of poetry and music that he made. These things are arts, and people have different level and diverse opinion even when it comes to the same piece of art.

I’ll let him discover about the viability of his arts’ sales on his own. Give it a month or two and he’ll know that whether he’s doing a good job or not.

While Adam Sandler, Damon Lindelof and Alex Kurtzman aren’t particularly great, I think they’ve all done at least one thing that’s exceptional, especially when they are co writing or producing with another person:

Punch Drunk Love
The Meyerowitz Stories
The Leftovers
Prometheus
Star Trek Into Darkness

Also, to the OP, I think he’ll get enough feedback from his audience to realize what his weaknesses are.

@Pied_Pfeffer: I would hesitate to even give him such a book unless he asks for your input. If he asks, and you are honest, temper it with praise. How much feeling you see that he’s expressed, how much time he has spent crafting, stuff like that. And then, maybe, the book as an “I thought you might be interested because you are writing now” thing.
There is always a market for that kind of stuff, greeting card companies would go out of business if there wasn’t.

And the important thing is that it makes him happy to do this. :-)

Who are you to judge what others may like or dislike? Let him find out on his own!

Taste in poetry varies and is subjective. If someone enjoys writing poetry, even if everyone else can’t stand it, it may be doing something for the author, so I wouldn’t discourage him unless there’s some other problematic behavior about it.

You never know what people may like these days. It’s better to give some time to see how’s sale on Amazon goes. Then you can open your mouth if he comes to you for advice.

I don’t see why it’s up to you to say anything unless you are his designated editor. You can’t protect him from the judgments of others, and you can’t make him improve. Protecting him from your judgment is up to you.

If it is somehow your responsibility to encourage his efforts, you can keep it neutral by saying such things as “Writing is a great outlet” and “Expressing feelings seems to be a good thing for everyone” and “We can learn a lot about ourselves by writing.” You don’t have to tell him he’s ready to submit to Harper’s.

I’ve answered a number of friends who asked for critiques of their writing by saying, “I’d rather be your friend than your critic.” I know I can’t be honest and also spare their feelings. Even with my husband, who is a good writer and who genuinely wants the feedback, and receives it well, I take care to be tactful. You can say plenty without bruising feelings if you start with positives (“Your description of the river is very evocative”), keep it gentle, and don’t try to convey more at one time than you think the person can take in.

In the end, it’s his byline.

Nah, don’t say anything. Let some stranger break the news.

Make a fake facebook account and leave polite but critical comments.

EDIT :: I should add that one of my sisters 17 year old twins thinks she is a good rapper. She is not. So I have a few fake accounts trying to get her to stop. She just keeps on chugging along destroying ears and doesn’t seem to give a fuck.

@johnpowell, is she harming anyone? Really, let her have her fun.

I would definitely not do what @johnpowell said. It could come back to you, or make him feel bad about himself.
Some people on here mention that art is subjective, his poems may be bad to you, but others might find it relatable or they might love it.
If he asks, give your honest opinion. Until then, don’t say anything..

Well, you know what they say opinions are like.

You know what Thumper’s dad always said.

So keep the stinky opinion to yourself, and let him hear only from those who have something nice to say.

Thank you all for the input. The poet hasn’t asked for my opinion, only the offer to purchase it from Amazon via a Facebook post to his friends.

He’ll probably learn in time that his skill set needs work. I would prefer it not come from bad reviews from anonymous people.

“Let him hear only from those who have something nice to say.”

Are you insinuating that people shouldn’t write negative reviews of his work?