My son is a 12-year old poet who has been recognized by his classmates and teachers. He thought to submit his poetry online. What a surprise to find that the first poem he ever posted won a prize! My son writes wonderful poetry, and we encourage him. The letters came in saying he was a semi-finalist and that they wanted to go to DISNEYWORLD to read his poetry to a roomful of other poets and receive his prize. Of course, it was a no expense paid trip with an entry fee. We declined the offer and congratulated my son. The dust settles and my son gets an email yesterday from none other than poetry.com. Here is the letter:
"Dear Mike: I'm sorry you will be unable to join us at the 2002 International Society of Poets Spring Convention and Symposium in Orlando, Florida—the largest and most prestigious poetry event ever held. As you know, you were selected to be honored at this event, and we were looking forward to your presenting your poetic artistry in front of the more than 1800 poets from over 50 countries who will be attending.
"However, because we don't want you to miss out on this unique opportunity altogether, we have arranged a way for you and your poetic accomplishments to be a part of this event in a major way, without your actually being present. Although you will be unable to participate in the Convention contest (you must be present to win), you can receive all of the awards we have scheduled for you—including your custom engraved International Poet of Merit Silver Award Bowl (see it here), your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion, and your Honorary Membership into the International Society of Poets for 2003—if you will allow us to present one of your poems at the convention in your place.
"We have arranged for professional poetry reader Alan Rose to read your poem at this largest gathering of poets in history. Mr. Rose's dramatic baritone voice and imaginative style will give your poetry a dynamic flair, as well as the worldwide exposure and recognition that it deserves. Your poem will also be featured in printed form, proudly displayed in a special room at the convention that will be accessible to over 1800 attending poets and guests.
"And let me tell you a little about the actual awards that you will receive by mail immediately after you confirm your participation in this prestigious event by submitting your poem:
"— Your International Poet of Merit Silver Award Bowl (a $175.00 value) is a magnificent work of art in itself that measures over 10 inches across and over 10 inches high. It is handcrafted in silver and has your name custom-engraved on a beautiful cherry wood base. It is certain to enjoy a special place of pride in your home and will serve as a fitting symbol of your unique poetic artistry.
"— Your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion (a $40.00 value) is a deeply etched bronze medal brilliantly displayed on a 25-inch red, white, and blue satin ribbon.
"— And your Honorary Membership into the International Society of Poets for 2003 (a $35.00 value) entitles you to a membership card, free entry into sixteen cash-prize contests during the year, and a free subscription to The Poet's Corner quarterly magazine.
"Mike, all that's required for us to immediately send you all of these awards is for you to submit a poem to be formally presented at the convention. Additionally, we must also ask you for the necessary funds ($169.00) to cover the costs of the time and effort required to present your poem before the convention attendees both aloud and in writing, as well as the costs incurred in insuring and shipping to you these extremely bulky and heavy awards.
"Mike, we are ultimately, of course, most interested in meeting you and having you personally present your artistry in front of the thousands of other poets who attend these live events. Unfortunately, this is not to be the case at this time, so we're trying to do the next best thing. But we sincerely hope to personally present you with your most deserved awards in the future."
Sincerely, Lisa Thomas, poetry.com
NOW, I ASK YOU... What child would not be enthralled that their poetry is so good it deserves all this? When mom has to break his heart and tell him it is a scam, does he stop writing and lose interest? Children are fragile and not to be preyed upon by some opportunistic spam writer. Poetry.com pulls at the core of his emotions by emailing him again regarding the reading of his poetry by poets at the convention after we already declined to attend. When does it stop? What recourse do I have?
Lisa Thomas cannot be located for comment and will not return my emails or phone calls. The manager, Steve Michael, was also not available for comment and has not returned my phone calls.
Marilu
Los Vegas
Nevada
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