International Society Of Poets - poetry ripoff, everybody is a talented poet and is selected for publication Owing Mills Maryland

My 13 year old daughter entered her poetry at www.poetry.com and we were thrilled that she was selected as a finalist. When we received the invitation to their 2005 Spring Convention I was so proud! After securing a corporate sponsor, talking to her school about her absence next month and even finding transportation accomodations, I found out that there have been so many complaints dating back to 1997 about this scam.

This trip would have cost us $1300 (registration for her- $595 and I-$475 since she is a minor, and $165 a day hotel for 2 nights) and that doesn't count transportation, days off from work, or any other expenses we would incur. I am a single mom with limited resources, there is no way I could pay for all this without help.

I am so glad I checked into this before committing to attend. Thank you all that had the courage to report this scam. I only am out my pride and a bit of credibility to the sponsor I solicited.

Mary
Rantoul, Illinois
U.S.A.