I got an email from Famous Poets Society to enter a poem in their "contest". For the heqq of it, I wrote one really fast just to see what would happen.
I got a congratulatory response saying that my poem would be published in their Anthology and that for around $39.95 I could purchase it. Or, I could sign away my poem (consent form enclosed) and it would be published but if I didnt buy a copy, I would regret it later as I would not be able to get one. (high pressure sales there, praying on the panic in people and need for recognition)
I did not buy the book. I am grateful for my gut instincts which not only could I not have afforded it anyways, I just felt "funny" about the whole thing. It took me about a week to send off the consent form.
Then yesterday I get this jam packed envelope with information saying that the exec committee on their board of directors chose my poem to be honored at their 10th annual Reno Hilton bash... And that celebrities would be there and that I had a chance to win large cash money and so on. No way, too expensive to go there!
I think what is worse than all of that is the humiliation I feel now that I told my parents about this and feel like a real dumb stoop... I am so humiliated! But, if I can help someone else, it is worth it to report such a rip off.
Maybe I can regain some dignity from doing the right thing. How embarrassing! Dont give up, just cuz you got ripped off doesnt mean you dont have any talent! You just may!
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