they say writing is supposed to be good for me,
they say writing can be a form of therapy,
but right now, i'm kinda feeling angry and sad,
because i feel i've been taken...that makes me mad,
one morning, my mailman brought a letter to me,
i'd entered this contest...they liked my poetry,
they said i was a semi-finalist and then,
they'd publish it...in a real book!...but *only* when
i'd mail them a check (to cover the costs, you see),
they would send me a poetry anthology,
imagine...a poem by me...would be in print,
should have read between the lines...didn't take the hint,
and i could not write that dang check out fast enough,
couple bills would have to wait...that was kinda rough,
i waited and waited, when would that book get here,
it seemed forever, seemed it took nearly a year,
i couldn't wait to see what the book would look like,
i really should have told them to go "take a hike!"
no pictures...nothin' broke up the monotony,
maybe that's why they call it an anthology??
my poem?? THERE it is...page one seventy two,
bottom right corner...hard to find...think i was screwed!!
then...if that were not the straw meant to break my back,
invited to a convention...costs up the crack,
i can't afford to go...so i am staying home,
next time, DUMMY, read the fine print...next time i'll know!!!!
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thought they liked what i had written, instead,
my ego and their bank account is what they fed.
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there was a big article in this morning's "dallas
morning news" about poetry.com, an internet
based company that accepts poems online,
and runs a contest...semi finalists can have
their work published and attend a national
convention...at their own cost.
i have to admit...i was taken by their glowing
words...and i'm sorry i listened to them.
I'm so glad my mom refused to buy me that book. I wanted to see if it was a scam so I sent a poem that went wow, how, cow, now, bow, dow, fow, and so on. I still got a letter and so I realize it was a scam. Don't give up, try Chicken Soup instead!
hahaha...sorry I can laugh because I know what you are talking about...so does many others I did pretty much what Masarat did...
oh yeah they'll try and get ya!!
take care
My dad told me 'never trust anyone',especially salesmen,
if it seems too good to be true ,it is...also ,nothing....nothing....is for free,not ever.
They tried to suck me in with their scam about having one of my poems in some fancy book ages ago ,I remembered what dad said,they did not get a cent out of me,my mum wanted to pay ,I had to hold her back practicly from doing it with my work but thank heavens she ended up listening to me and she watched me tear up all the stuff they sent,.Anyway ,don't feel bad, you are one of thousands who fall for it,it was probably a cheap lesson for you to have in the long run as I doubt if you would ever trust any sales person again,why should you....and at least you did warn heaps of others due to your experience so give yourself a pat on the back for that,it took courage and I admire you ....well done!
Reviewed by The Voice (Reader)
Reviewed on September 14, 2002
Karla,
I too fell pray to the ego trap. After getting hit with the brick wall, I wised up. I used my computer to lay out pages for the 82 poems I had written at the time and made my own book. Just had it copied at the printers and put it together to share my work. There are so many of these scams going every day. Great write.
This happened to me. I got jibbed for CAN$175.00, mainly because I had to convert Canadian Dollars to US funds..... and it was very costly, but I was too excited to think of being jibbed. Ah well, I paid for a lesson in life, I guess.
Yeah, something like this almost happened to me, too. They said if I sent money I could get my poems printed in some sort of Southern Poetry Anthology. Didn't do it. My parents talked me down from it. Also did the poetry.com thing. Put a couple poems up but they never got selected and they disappeared from the list. Entered the haiku contest a few times, never won. Being published is a strong desire for many writer. It takes just as strong a patience to find a contest that is truly honest and forthcoming.
I even got mentioned for poem of the year, and sent a certificate, but when I didn't go to the convention that was the end of me until the next contest. I still get their mail even though I asked to be reomoved many times.Last one even said they would give me $100.00 discount if I went to the convention. Unbelieveable! Great article Karla, and don't feel duped, because we all have been if we want to admit it;-)They have 2 of my poems online;-)
Been there too they got six of my poems..Great informative poem..
Reviewed by Dens Dreamweaver (Reader)
Reviewed on September 14, 2002
Ahh hun. I think many of us have done the poetry.com thing. DOn't feel bad. Onnce Iris and I both entered the same time. Her poem was chosen. Mine wasn't. :( COngrats for being picked sweetie.
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on September 14, 2002
I didn't fall for it. Sharron Tyrrell warned me about it. Good write!
Reviewed by Joel Raja Kumar J (Reader)
Reviewed on September 14, 2002
Hi Karla Take heart! Not all poetry contests are scam. Some sure are but not all. But of course one must be careful in finding the benuine one.
The next time just be careful and to not give up.
Love from India
Joel
Reviewed by Masarat Daud (Reader)
Reviewed on September 14, 2002
I've got three of my poems in their anthologies and once recorded in a cassette version. They had sent me a pic of the anthology from inside so it was clear that it was plain poems all the way. I didn't order it because it was expensive and the Convention too - but I ordered the Trophy and medal at home, instead of going bankrupt by attending the convention.
Gurl, they give you the option of saying that you are not satisfied with it and you can return it. So why not try that and hey do check it first coz I agree, the poetry.com guys write letters in real hyped and flowery words - so it's better to read it 10 times properly and then giving an answer. But hey, congrats for being selected for the anthology! :)
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Afrika
oh yeah they'll try and get ya!!
take care
if it seems too good to be true ,it is...also ,nothing....nothing....is for free,not ever.
They tried to suck me in with their scam about having one of my poems in some fancy book ages ago ,I remembered what dad said,they did not get a cent out of me,my mum wanted to pay ,I had to hold her back practicly from doing it with my work but thank heavens she ended up listening to me and she watched me tear up all the stuff they sent,.Anyway ,don't feel bad, you are one of thousands who fall for it,it was probably a cheap lesson for you to have in the long run as I doubt if you would ever trust any sales person again,why should you....and at least you did warn heaps of others due to your experience so give yourself a pat on the back for that,it took courage and I admire you ....well done!
I too fell pray to the ego trap. After getting hit with the brick wall, I wised up. I used my computer to lay out pages for the 82 poems I had written at the time and made my own book. Just had it copied at the printers and put it together to share my work. There are so many of these scams going every day. Great write.
The Voice
Sandie Angel :o)
The next time just be careful and to not give up.
Love from India
Joel
Gurl, they give you the option of saying that you are not satisfied with it and you can return it. So why not try that and hey do check it first coz I agree, the poetry.com guys write letters in real hyped and flowery words - so it's better to read it 10 times properly and then giving an answer. But hey, congrats for being selected for the anthology! :)