I am also an unfortunate victim of Poetry.com. Howard Ely has not had the opportunity to steal my money, but he has stolen some of my poetry. Those who have been a victim of this crook in sheep's clothing know the usual story of how he sends entrants a note claiming they have received an award or been entered into Poetry.com's "10,000.00" contest. I by chance have been awarded the so-called "Editor's Choice Award" for my work.
I'd heard of some of the negative emails referring to Mr. Ely, but because my very own sister claimed to have "won" a medal for a poem she entered - I'll probably ask her to make sure she didn't purchase it lol - and also because one of my poems was also rejected by the website, I felt that perhaps the solicitations were a necessary part of financing for the website.
That was, until I received a letter inviting me to a special convention announcing their grand prize winner. The scumbag "informed" me that this convention would not only have special workshops featuring popular poets, but would also feature a special guest singer: Rubben Studdard! Recently I received an email with Howard Ely claiming to have received poetry from people such as "Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and the late 'Man in Black,' Johnny Cash."
I think any lawyers interested in Poetry.com's controversy should definitely challenge the website on the basis of these assertions, as this man is swindeling the dreams of thousands with his lies and false claims.
Lmvalle
Graham, North Carolina
U.S.A.