Submitted: Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Posted: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Angela
Vanceburg
My 10 year old daughter was so thrilled when she was told she had won a poetry contest. The international Poet's Society had sent her information stating that she had written an award winning Poem which was to be published in an authentic book of poems.
Soon after I sent $50.00 to this Society and later received her certificate of acheivment along with the book. I had never suspected this to be a scam until I received an additional letter asking for $175.00. This amount was supposed to cover the cost of an International Poet of Merit Award Bowl that measures over 10 inches high. This bowl would be sent to my child featuring her name, hand crafted in silver plating. This seems odd to me.
Usually win you win an award you are not asked to pay for it. What seemed even more misleading is that this Society automatically assumed My daughter would not be attending the conention. If anyone has information regarding wether or not this is a scam please let others know.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2002
Meg
Buffalo
First of all, a fellow named David Taub has made a huge effort to write a poem so bad that poetry.com would reject it. He has, as yet, been unsuccessful. He recounts his efforts (including the really bad poems he submitted) in an article on windpub.org/literary.scams/wergle.htm.
His own Web site, Winning Writers, includes a list of warning signs that the contest you are about to enter is likely a scam: www.winningwriters.com/warningsigns.htm.
And finally, a list of articles/information about various literary scams - most of them the "poetry contest" ilk: windpub.org/literary.scams/index.htm.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2002
Claire
Concord
Both my husband and I had the same thing happen except I did not send them money for the book or awards. It sounded fishy that I would have to pay so much to get recognition. I have been published and received awards before and never had to pay a dime.
Now I still use the site but only to copyright my poems and my husband lyrics for their band. Other than that it seems like the only real prize would be to win the little random drawing prizes that they have. Hope this helps.
P.S. I bet your daughter really liked the bowl with her name on it!
Submitted: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2002
Meg
Buffalo
Please search ILP or Poetry.com on this site & you will find numerous complaints. I have responded to several of them with detailed information about why this is a scam, and what aspiring writers should look for in a legitimate publishing company.
Submitted: Tuesday, November 12, 2002
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Hattie
Washington
For weeks I've had doubts about sending these people $169.00 dollars they requested, in order to have my poem read by Allen Rose in their prestigious poetry gathering in Hollywood California. When I couldn't reply back to them by e-mail concerning questions which I wanted to ask them, I became suspecious.
Today I did a further search on poetry.com. Thanks, you for letting me know what was going on, you've given me the answer which I needed. You helped me save my money, which I so desparately need. I believe this is indeed a ripoff.
Submitted: Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2003
RON
BROOKLYN
U.S.A.
I HAVE BEEN DOING QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH ON THIS SUBJECT,AND HAVE FOUND THAT THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN EXPOSED IN THE PAST ON NATIONAL TV. I ALSO HAVE SOME PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT WITH THEM,AS I AM ALSO ANOTHER "VICTIM." MY WORK HAS COMPLETELY DISSAPEARED OFF OF THEIR LIST OF POETS, WITH TWO OF MY PIECE'S ORIGINAL DATE OF COPYRIGHT CHANGED TO ANOTHER YEAR.WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER AS ONE, AND HAVE THEM PUT OUT OF BUSINESS ONCE AND FOR ALL. THIS CANNOT CONTINUE TO GO ON. THEY ARE CHEATING, SCAMING AND JUST PLAIN USING PEOPLE FOR THEIR OWN FINANCIAL GAIN, AND UNORTHODOX MEANS. THEY ARE RAKING IN MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OFF POOR UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS AND GETTING RICH HAND OVER FIST, WHILE WE CONTINUOUSLY GET ROBBED, AND CHEATED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ONCE AND FOR ALL.