Poemscam

This is embarrassing to admit, but I figure if it keeps some nauseating goop out of some other writer's in-box, it's worth it, so here goes.

I once submitted a poem to a free online contest, at Poetry.com. The allure was the cash prize, frankly. (As they say on the street, I was short.) They typeset my poem online; I e-mailed it to my brother. That was sorta fun. They let me know that they were producing a beautiful bound book that would have a whole page devoted to MY creative endeavor. I could order it for a special price. OK, fair enough, they gotta finance this endeavor somehow. But I didn't want the book and didn't order it.

Then the e-mails started. Larded with syrupy praise, they offered more books, more contests, even a grand Poetry Convention in Florida where I would be honored and presented with an engraved plaque attesting to my "artistry" -- all for a hefty fee, of course. Yecchhh. I clicked on the "stop e-mail" link at the bottom of the e-mail. I was told I had successfully removed myself from their mailing list.

The e-mails kept coming. And coming. I kept clicking. They kept coming.

Some choice bits from the latest one:

Dear Annie,

Several weeks ago, we informed you that we have been reviewing the thousands of poems submitted to us, as well as examining the poetic accomplishments of people whose poetry has appeared on the Internet and in various editions released by other poetry publishers in America and Europe. . . . after an exhaustive examination of this poetic artistry, The International Library of Poetry wishes to feature an entire page devoted exclusively to the poetry of Annie Gottlieb in a collection of new poems written by the Best Poets we have encountered.

The Best Poems and Poets of 2004 . . .

    Congratulations on your accomplishment, Annie. Your poetry will be featured along with a distinguished group of just 200 of the Best Poets that were selected to participate in this special project. . . .
    Before going any further, Annie, let me make one thing clear . . . you were selected for publication on the basis of your unique talent. The new poem which you will submit for this edition has been accepted for publication because your previously published poetry sparks the imagination and presents the reader with a fresh, unique perspective on life. . . .

    We believe you to be one of the most interesting poets we have encountered . . . You should be aware that you are under no obligation whatsoever to submit any entry fee or subsidy payment, or to make any purchase of any kind.

    Again, congratulations. The Best Poems and Poets of 2004 promises to be the most exclusive collection of poetry we have ever published. We feel you have a special talent and we believe your poem will add to the importance and appeal of this edition. . . .
          Sincerely,

          Howard Ely
          Managing Editor

P.P.S. This will be your only opportunity to have your poetry published in The Best Poems and Poets of 2004. We currently have a waiting list of poets who wish to participate in this historic project. In order for us to meet our scheduled publication date, please submit your poem as soon as possible. If we do not receive your poem in the next 7 days, your nomination will be transferred to the next poet on our waiting list. ©2004 poetry.com

So why am I "exposing" these folks, sending the link to this post to every writers' website I can find? Theirs is a perfectly legitimate vanity publishing enterprise. Sure, they're lying -- about how wonderful your poetry is and what "exclusive" company you're in. But they're not exactly stealing -- they state that there is no obligation to purchase anything or pay any subsidy. There is undoubtedly a market for their services among naïve amateur poets -- some of them pretty good -- who enjoy seeing their work in print, being stroked by unctuous advertising copywriters, and hobnobbing with fellow "creators." So why am I slamming poetry.com and making fun of them?

Because they have committed the one unforgivable sin of the online marketer: THEY DIDN'T TAKE MY NAME OFF THEIR GODDAMN MAILING LIST WHEN I TOLD THEM TO! AND TOLD THEM TO! AND TOLD THEM TO!

When this gets around, I hope their faces are red and their traffic goes way down. Oh, and I hope they hire a new copywriter. A real poet, even a wistful amateur one, won't fall for a sales pitch disguised as a gooey, phony, generic compliment.

It's the ear, stupid.

- amba

UPDATE: This beats all. Not only did they not delete my e-mail address . . . they sold it. This arrived today:

N o b l e   H o u s e
London – Paris – New York

Noble House London
Poets House
2 Harrington Road
Leytonstone
London E11 4QW
England

Noble House Paris
Centre MBE
2 Bis Avenue Durante
06000 Nice
France

Noble House New York
Empire State Building
Suite 3304-19Q
New York, NY 10118

Office of the Publisher
Poetry Division
London, U.K.

29 November, 2004

Dear Annie,

     As you may know, Noble House is one of the foremost publishers of fiction and nonfiction works by new and established authors today.  Our international poetry division has had the honour of publishing the poetry of more than 1,800 poets over the past twelve years.

     Recently I had the pleasure of reading the poetry that you have had published in the United States.  I congratulate you on this grand endeavour, and propose to you that your singular talent and vision deserves appropriate international recognition as well.

     For this reason, I have posted this letter to request your permission to include one of your favourite poems in Labours of Love - a new poetry edition that is being distributed worldwide by Noble House . . . a collection of poetry that is perhaps unlike any you have ever seen . . . one where each poem is featured on its own page . . . [bla, bla, bla, etc.]

I'm now forced to visit poetry.com if I want to know whether they have a posted privacy policy that they've violated . . . but even if they do, what recourse do I have??

UPDATE, 1/6/05: These people are UNBELIEVABLE. Not only doesn't "unsubscribing" work, bad-mouthing them all over the world wide web doesn't even faze 'em! Either these people have elephant hide or they're aliens from Alpha Centauri . . . or maybe the whole operation's automated:

Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow poets . . . It's now time to declare the winner of the largest cash prize ever awarded to an amateur poet . . . Our Poet of the Year for 2005 . . . and Grand Prize winner of $20,000 is . . .

Annie Gottlieb!

We're familiar with your work, Annie, and you know . . .
it could happen just that way!

Dear Annie,

I would like to inform you of your nomination as Poet of the Year for 2005, and to personally invite you to read your poetry at the single largest gathering of poets in history , where you will be formally inducted as an International Poet of Merit and Honored Member of our Society for 2005.

Your induction will take place Friday evening, February 25th, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, during the International Society of Poets Spring 2005 Convention and Symposium .

You will also be honored with two separate and very special awards for your poetic achievement at special ceremonies throughout the weekend. . . .

Etc., ad nauseam. Anybody ever attend one of these things? If I could get a freebie as a journalist I'd almost like to go, just to see if anybody's there, and report on it.

Comments

[Debbie]

G'day Amba,

Well mate, I too have fallen victim to the scumbag scammming of Poetry.com!
I received the exact same letter of offer, book and all that crap, but asked a friend here in States to check out for me. Hence, her research led me here.
These very same people even had the nerve to invite me along to some award ceremony to which the cost of just getting there(i reside in Australia??)could have purchased me the entire collection of 'would be books' and their prizes! Not to mention their ADDED cost of paying for a seat at this event, accomodation blah blah blah....yes, I am really P##### off but have learned a valuable lesson! Will save my work for those who are genuine and sincere in accepting!!
Cheers!
Deb

[Stephanie]

Ugh, I know how you feel; I keep getting their emails too. In fact, the last one was on November 19th.
What is their problem? You can obviously tell that it's a fake service, especially considering none of their "previous volumes" show up in bookstores and Amazon! >< Geeze. We need to shut them down.
Thank you for posting this information. Hopefully, the word will get around.

[jan k,]

yup, got the same set of letters... they exist in germany, too: called "bibliothek des deutschsprachigen gedichts", formelry "nationalbibliothek". similar kind of vanity scam...

[Sophs]

ooh so it isn't just me then??! i've had it all several times over and sadly have submitted several poems...but nevermind its all in good fun and i really hope one day the B*S*A*DS cock up and have a lawsuit or something on their hands.
And i agree with debbie wholeheartedly we need to shut them down!

[Isabelle]

The letters are repetitive. Their hard back publications are done very well.

One of the questions that I think we all wonder about is do they make their offer to everyone who writes a poem on their site.

I don't know the answer to that. 200 poems is not a very large universe----so I would surmise that they do do a selection process.

Quite frankly we poets are a dime a dozen these days---everyone is writing and wants to be published.

[Joseph]

I don't think what poetry.com or noble house is doing is that terrible. A bound book costs these days, and if your poem is in the book at the very least you can say you are "published." If you bought the book you can show people that fact.

Maybe through the exposure these people provide, some interest may be regenerated in the general public for poetry.

[Laura]

Don't forget, Poetry.com et all still falls into the SPAM MAIL category. NEVER, EVER, write to their email address to request being taken off their lists. When you do this, you are only confirming to them that the email address is vaild, so they up the ante by sending more crap and possibly selling the address. It's shitty, I know - believe me, I know - but there's not much we can do.

Most email providers have filters or blockers to prevent such emails from reaching your inbox. I'd spend the time figuring out how to block these emails and less time responding to them.

And oh yes, Poetry.com is a big huge scam. A discussion of poetry contest scams can be found at www.sfwa.org/beware/contests.html and at www.literature-awards.com/bookawards/poetry_contests.htm

And remember, Vanity press books are almost never looked at by legitimate publishers, so if you think that publishing in a vanity is a good place to start, consider yourself warned. It's never sold in stores (when's the last time you saw a Who's Who or other vanity book in Barnes and Noble?) and only available for an inflated price via their sales department. Not a good idea any way you look at it.

Stay safe, research everything and protect yourself. But above all, keep writing!
-Laura

[Lindsay]

Hey~ Ok well I bought Touch of Tomorrow from Poetry.com and i got something for Best poets of 2004 i entered that but didn't buy it. Did any one else enter poems for Touch of Tomorrow? if so can I have your name and the title of your poem so I can look it up and see if it's in there. I got a letter(not an email) from Noble House, i think i'm going to call them, what's the empire state building's phone number? The other thing I have to look out is that mine is not identical to everyone elses email, so yes i'm really going to call, ARG i thought this was too good to be true. I'll post what i find out.~Lindsay

[Lucy]

I have read all of these coments and am starting to believe that it is a scam. I have been searching the internet for these people but can't find anything but entries saying it's all spam. And Lindsy is this the letter you got from Noble house, if it is I got one as an Email.

N o b l e H o u s e
London – Paris – New York

Noble House London
Poets House
2 Harrington Road
Leytonstone
London E11 4QW
England

Noble House Paris
Centre MBE
2 Bis Avenue Durante
06000 Nice
France

Noble House New York
Empire State Building
Suite 3304-19Q
New York, NY 10118

Office of the Publisher
Poetry Division
London, U.K.

29 November, 2004

Dear Lucy,

As you may know, Noble House is one of the foremost publishers of fiction and nonfiction works by new and established authors today. Our international poetry division has had the honour of publishing the poetry of more than 1,800 poets over the past twelve years.

Recently I had the pleasure of reading the poetry that you have had published in the United States. I congratulate you on this grand endeavour, and propose to you that your singular talent and vision deserves appropriate international recognition as well.

For this reason, I have posted this letter to request your permission to include one of your favourite poems in Labours of Love - a new poetry edition that is being distributed worldwide by Noble House . . . a collection of poetry that is perhaps unlike any you have ever seen . . . one where each poem is featured on its own page, and one whose quality is reminiscent of the finest 19th century antique poetry books.

Hearken back, if you will, to the days of Emily Dickinson, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and William Wordsworth . . . the age of grand bookmaking. Poetry editions were some of the most highly prized volumes because of their intimate attention to detail – quality typography, fine ivory laid paper, and colourful ornate covers. Lucy, for this Edition, we've returned to the traditional size, style, and quality of these classic 19th century antique poetry books.

Scheduled for release in Spring 2005, Labours of Love will surely become one of your most treasured keepsakes. Your publication in this edition will establish you as an international author and afford you the respect and admiration attendant to such an honour. International Copyright notice for your poetic artistry will, of course, be in your name, assuring that you will retain worldwide rights to your work of art.

Best of all, should you decide to obtain a copy of the edition for your personal library, or as a wonderful personalised gift (you are, naturally, under no obligation to purchase a copy, notwithstanding the publication of your work in this edition), as you proudly turn its pages you’ll find it one of the best values on the book market today. At only £25.25 (U.S. $45.55) for a hardbound, 225-page edition printed in two colours on ivory laid vellum, with a highly detailed, finely crafted, ornate cover, and a single poem to a page, this Edition promises to exceed your expectations, and will enjoy pride of place in your home. In fact, its quality is guaranteed. If for any reason you are dissatisfied, your money will be completely refunded in U.S. dollars with proper dispatch.

Lucy, you may also wish to consider giving the public some insight about you and your artistry for this poetic showcase . . . perhaps the meaning behind your poem, or your own philosophical perspective. Because an entire page in the book is devoted to honouring your poetry, we can feature this additional material about you and your poetry on the recto leaf opposite your poem (you will thus have two full pages devoted to you and your artistry).

Lucy, may we have permission to publish your work? Regardless of whether you purchase a copy or not, the international public deserves to see more of your artistic talent. You may submit your poem and biographical information, and give us permission all within the confines of the next page. And if you are inclined to order a copy of Labours of Love, you may also do so at the same time.

Sincerely,

Nigel Hillary
Publisher,
Poetry Division
Noble House U.K.
+

P.S. For poets who may wish to obtain supplementary copies for gift-giving, to display, or for merchandising, special case pack discounts are available. Please consult the submission and order form for further details.

Please proceed to next page to submit your poem

Please do not reply to this message. If you no longer wish to receive material from us, please click here, or go to http://www.noblehousepublishers.co.uk/love/optout.asp.

Noble House New York ~ Empire State Building ~ Suite 3304-19Q ~ New York, NY 10118


I think that they are a whole bunch of bull S***. I am not going to give them any more poetry. I am starting to have doubts about voices.net too, but not as many for them than as for poetry.com. voices.net has not sent me any spam mail yet.

[Nitika]

Hi everyone and particularly Lindsay,

I bought "the silent journey" and my poem was on 1st page.

I searched the web for the book and i found 2 people claiming that their poem was published in the same book. i couldnt find those poems in my copy of the book

i am sure it is a scam. i think they just print a book when someone orders it and places that persons poem on the first page.

Bye

[Lindsay]

yes that is what they are doing i haven't called yet and the letter I got was similar to the emails but not the exsact same so i don't know. My mom said that i should call the better buisness buerrow in NY that might work a little better because i can't find a number the the empire state building, or to that suite so i'm really not sure.~Lindsay
PS I was on the first page of Touch of Tomorrow. This bites it's the only poetry i've showed anyone and of course it's a scam just my luck

[Lucy]

I was reading somthing on a different site and someone wrote that they ordered "The Silent Journey" from Noble House and that THEY'RE poem was on the first page. I was also reading somthing on a different site where poetry.com was claiming to have no conections to Noble House. my Question is if they have no connections how did they get a hold of our email address's. They kindly asked that they're reads not to send them hate mail. Yah, right!

[Jan]

Fell in the big scam as well, ordered the silent journey and a month later discovered the scam. I didn't take it too bad, being a pessimist I don't have much hope in humanity, so fine, the typical stereotype of the human being: lustful, craving for riches etc. When I entered the competition I didn't enter for the money but for the idea of being published and the fun of participating in a contest. Well anyways now I'll battle them like hell like I battled against the local bureaucracy for environmentalist affairs, damn the industrial world, praise be to Nature! Just one thing: Noble's house is poetry.com, I received their email as well and discovered them to be the one and same damned scam !!!

FIGHT THE KILLERS OF POETRY!!

keltica

[e.c. mulvaney]

I am tuned in with you, but beneath it all
we know they are scams, so treat them as such. When I get writers block? I revert to
crap poetry and send them off like chain mail. I get a reply saying I'm the best since Auden. It gives me a fix for a few
minutes (yes I'm sad)Just don't buy!

[Mel]

Poetry.com = SCAM. I ordered "Touch of Tommorow." I got all the bull letters and whatnot as well.
I was pleased to see my poem on the first page, only to discover others were on the first page as well. Problem is, I ordered the book but only paid the $10 deposit. They keep sending me letters saying that I still owe $40-something... I'd rather send this crap scam "book" back than pay. I just hope they don't cause problems now.

[amba]

(Brenna posted this comment to the wrong post because I somehow posted the wrong permalink. Sorry, Brenna.
-amba)

I sent 3 poems to poetry.com.... too bad I didn't know about this earlier :(. I just got a letter from nobel house in November. I sent them a poem a week ago. then I got curious about them and decided to look Noble house up. I didn't like what I found.

[email protected]

[Dottie Mazur]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, FOR EXPOSING THIS SCAM. I, TOO, GOT THE SAME
BUNCH OF LETTERS.

AGAIN, I SAY THANK YOU!!

DOTTIE

[Sambo]

I too, have sent stuff into poetry.com. Along with one of my other friends. We both got the same letters back saying we'd be published in The Best Poems and Poets of 2004, so of course we thought it was a scam. I mean, two 16 year olds from the same town getting chosen to be in a book out of thousands? Well, I keep on getting e-mails and today I looked and there was a letter from Noble House, even though, as some one else pointed out, Poetry.com said that they have no corralation with Noble House. I'm going to read their privacy policy and see what they say about protecting your e-mail and street adresses. Oh, and I got a letter for that convention thing, what real company hold a convention during the week, and makes you pay for your own hotel, meals, travel, and to participate. Usually they take care of meals or something. At least, most conventions I've been to have.

P.S. If you want to have your stuff published on the net where people can see and it's still copywrited, Fictionpress.com is a great place. Stories and poems alike can be published there, at no cost to anyone.

[jane]

scam scam scam..... really,.

[Sarah]

I purchased Best Poems and Poets of 2004 in December and it's March now and I still haven't gotten them. They were supposed to be a late X-mas gift for my parents but instead I never got them. I'm writing to poetry.com because I want my money back. Something needs to be done about this.

[jonathan]

I'm in the same boat brothers. I too purchased Best Poems and Poets of 2004 and I too purchased Labours of Love. Something does in fact need to be done!!! Apart from my own attempts, I am on board if anyone has any ideas of how we can stick it to these fuckers.

[Helen]

I have sent several poems to poetry.com, one was published in Touches of Tomorrow...first page like everyone elses, (ha ha ha ha ). I was a sucker and bought two, one for each of our children....heard from Noble House ,too..sent them a poem, ordered and paid for a book...haven't received the book yet and don't expect to now that I've been reading about this scam. What a terrible thing to do to people. I don't mind paying for a book as long as you get it but I have a feeling that Nigel Hillory gets our name and e-mail addresses and proceeds to take advantage of our ego and our wish to believe our poem will be published ... he even sent my poem to me to be edited, which I did and sent it back but there was an order blank in the letter for more books and I ignored it so I'm sure that will be the last I hear from him.
I do want to thank you for giving me a chance to say how I feel about this whole nasty business.

[Helen]

I have sent several poems to poetry.com, one was published in Touches of Tomorrow...first page like everyone elses, (ha ha ha ha ). I was a sucker and bought two, one for each of our children....heard from Noble House ,too..sent them a poem, ordered and paid for a book...haven't received the book yet and don't expect to now that I've been reading about this scam. What a terrible thing to do to people. I don't mind paying for a book as long as you get it but I have a feeling that Nigel Hillory gets our name and e-mail addresses and proceeds to take advantage of our ego and our wish to believe our poem will be published ... he even sent my poem to me to be edited, which I did and sent it back but there was an order blank in the letter for more books and I ignored it so I'm sure that will be the last I hear from him.
I do want to thank you for giving me a chance to say how I feel about this whole nasty business.

[Kylie]

I entered a poem at poetry.com and it got published in Touch of Tomorrow. I got all excited and told my cousin about it, so she e-mailed a poem and got her poem published as well. Then she told me her friend's sister also got her poem published. what are the odds of that? I was stupid enough to send in 2 poems and both poems are on the same page. I thought my poetry was good enough but now that I read this I realize it is not. Someone should sue poetry.com!! S-C-A-M!!! also, I'm 13 years old, and my cousin is also 13. 12 year olds don't get their poems published! We aren't that talented!

[just another one]

I found this site by excident looking for Noble House and yes i have gotten all the letters you guys got and i have read them all and i have sent in poetry. I never bought any of the books thinking that one day i could just go to a library pick up a copy and see my work published. well seeing what all you wrote i gues this is never going to happen. I have so many poems written hopping to get them published somewhere hopping to make at least a little bit of money of of my few thoughts but nowadays writing poetry aint getting you nowhere. if you are not a great script writer or write fiction you are nothing. it is sad to see all that tallent wasted. Good luck to every one that reads through this site. I guess we all always have to learn the hard way. It can never be easy otherwise we wouldnt have anything to write about Till soon Just another one on the list

[Jenny]

Well, here's another sucker who fell for poetry.com. I ordered the book too, supposedly called Eternal Portraits. Then I got a second email inviting me to submit another poem to an International Who's Who in Poetry. That made me suspicious: who would offer to publish a poem sight unseen? So I started on the research and found this long conversation. My thanks to all of you for saving me from spending another $50 on the second book. I'll check out Voices.net and Fictionpress.com. Surely somewhere there's a genuine outfit that tries to encourage new poets??
Jenny K. in CO

[Patricia]

Howdy everyone,

This make me feel like an idiot! I have at least four of their books and two on the way. I regretfully email that Nigel guy asking where the hell my books were, it's been almost a week and I have no reply. I just want to see if these books match up with anyone: "Theatre of The Mind" 1st page, Fear Inside my Head by Patricia Krmpotich; "Colours of the Heart" 1st page, Forgotten Candle by Patricia Krmpotich; "The Best Poems and Poets of 2003" 1st page, Vampire Seppuku by The Merlin Pendragon (Patricia Krmpotich). How many people are on this "1st page" as well? Ohhh, this makes me so mad, thank you for bringing it to the light. Poetry.Com should not rip off people. I paid a lot of money for "The Best Poems and Poets of 2004" and "Laborers of Love" and if I don't get them or my money back there's going to be hell to pay. My only question is what kind of low life would sink so low as to gib off people all around the world and still get away with it?
Patricia Krmpotich, Colorado USA

[KThevn]

Hey! Count me in as one of the many sheep! I even got the Noble House crap too! Howard Ely, if you're a real person, I wish we could meet in a dark alley! I'd love to show you some real poetry...at least some poetic justice anyway!! If ever I get near the Ownings Mills Maryland area, I think I might just drop in to pay them a visit.

[Rich Scales]

Hi
Well it seems I got suckered in too.
Amazing how they can make you feel like you accomplished something! I wrote a poem in 5 minutes submitted it to one of their competitions and surprise surprise page one of "The Silent Journey"
so really its not being published in a multi-volume format, just one book
yep theyre still sending email, and junk to my house.
Good job I signed up using hotmail, everything from them goes to the junk folder! :-)
btw, if anyone comes across it:-) my poem in the silent journey is called "Just Because"

[Rich Scales]

you can go also here to try stop all this crap
http://www.stopilp.com/

[pugsley]

hey guess what guys! I just got my book and my poem was on the very 1st page! I must be the coolest poet on earth! OK, well thats what I thought for like 5 seconds. I suppose I'm a sucker too. Poetry.com sucks butt!
Hmmm... perhaps I should submit this posting for publication. It might make the front page!

[Hayley Rose]

OMG i know exactly how you all feel!!! ive entered many times but i have never bought the book, thank God!!!! all i wanted was to be recognised because i love to write!!!

[susa]

HOW DO YOU GET YOUR HOME MAILING ADDRESS TAKEN OFF THIS STUPID POETRY.COM SITE?!?!?!?!

[amba]

You can't. You will be on their mailing list FOREVER!!!! Muahahahahaha! They will still be praising your artistry in the grave! I AM STILL ON THEIR E-MAIL LIST, after, you'd think, making myself their enemy with this post. All of which makes me wonder if there's anybody home there, or if it's all run by machines. Does anybody go to those payola honors fests they invite us to???

[Dave G]

I always figured it was a scam. I got into The Best Poems and Poets of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, Theater of the Mind, The International Who's Who in Poetry, and another one overseas that I can't remember the name of. I just figured because my poems were short and didn't rhyme was why they "liked" them. Pretty sad company they run there. Still, they didn't really scam me if they never see a dime of my money. But I have seen them on Amazon, one for like $260 (not understanding that at all) I'd like to get my hands on one of these books I am supposed to be published in. If anyone has one of these, please email me so we can all see just how deep this lie goes. [email protected]

[rachel sandham]

hey guys,i to was conned by them, so even us lovely peots in the uk get conned, take care to you all. rachel

[Karla]

They got me...Touch of Tomorrow,page 1, title Falling. Let me know what's going on. I'm in!
Karly

[nancy garcia]

This sucks..Is there any legit publishers that are interested in poetry...PLESE STAND UP!!!!!Tired of getting scammed guess the only way to get recognized is to pay not get payed!

[nancy garcia]

U know..i acuatlly called the empire state building they have an office there but the operator said they couldnt put me thru..wait till i take a trip to the big apple!!2nd time getting scammed my dreams seem to be fading of becoming a poet or least bieng discovered

[Trisha]

Yes, I got this spam letter as well and find it funny that it is exactly the same wording as everyone else's even more than a year later (in some cases). I did hit the opt out button and copied and pasted this (see below) so that I could have proof that I did:

Your request to stop email notifications from Poetry.com has been submitted.

Please enjoy the rest of our site!

Arggggg... Please enjoy the rest of our site?? Right there it tells me they are not going to abide by my wishes. However, I am looking into the law and am trying to find out if I opt out, can I sue them for not listening? You can for telemarketing calls, junk mail, and other similar things... just because it's "email" shouldn't mean they can get away with it. This is my first email from them - hopefully my last, but I sincerely doubt it. This is one time I am glad I am so skeptical! I found this site when checking them out and it simply confirmed my suspicions.

By the way, I have read through some of the comments posted and I saw there are a few people who are getting frustrated because they want to be in a "real" poetry book. I am not publishing my poetry, but I am trying to get a series of children's board books published. I am doing a lot of research and I have found this site http://www.cbcbooks.org/index.html which lists all kinds of legitimate publishers. Granted, this is the site for "children's books" but I am sure a simple email requesting information for a similar site for non-children's books will get you to the correct area. Some of them do publish poems, but you must submit them just like you would any other writing. They sometimes don't accept submissions, so be sure they are and look at the criteria for submitting before you do so. Most require at least a query letter before they will consider your work. It can be hard, but it can be done. Good luck!

[amba]

Trisha,

Like, a year after writing this "exposé" post and follow-ups, which you'd think would make me their worst enemy, I STILL receive their e-mail solicitations, which is what makes me wonder if only robots work there!

You were smart to keep evidence that you opted out. I have not had time to research this, but if you find out that it's possible to sue them for continuing to harrass us with unwanted advertising, come back and let us all know. We have plenty of people for a class action suit -- and maybe something about false and misleading advertising too.

[Jenny]

Hello,
I fell prey to that poetry.com scam also, same thing: my poem on p. 1 etc. So here's a question: has anyone tried a membership at FanStory.com? Supposedly you get feedback on everything you post within 5 minutes or so, can post any number of poems, enter contests etc. But before I lay out any money this time, I'd like to know if anyone's discovered them to be a scam too? Any info would be VERY appreciated, as I'd really like to find an outlet for my poems, and especially some feedback on how people see them.

[Dan Nichols]

If anyone has a book from poetry.com or Noble House, "specifically "Labours Of Love", could you please look in there and see if one of my poems is in it? They are titled Happy Birthday, and If I Were With You. I'm going to do something about this ****.
Thanks;
Danny Nichols

[Bianca Chavarria]

I can't believe this. All I ever wanted to do was write. I don't even know who I can go to that will take my work seriously. If I can't trust any of these people...who can I? If you know of anyone, please let me know. I have been told that I have a gift, and I don't want to squander it on the wrong people. I can't stand this. All I want is to find someone who's honest and who will give me the credit I deserve. If anyone knows of anyone please notify me.

[David]

I have been writing on poetry.com for quite some time. Honestly I don't care if it's a scam because I'm not going to buy the book or go to the convention which I'm sure would be cancelled. The one thing I do like is I get my poems copyrighted in the mail for free from them. I actually had one publisher in the UK skip-trace my name and call me on the phone to ask me to submit some poetry to his site. He was very nice and complimented me very much on my writing. If you want to read my poetry you can do a search on poetry.com and search for David Scott Baker. I have over ten poems on there and some of the titles are "Blood Child Blood", "A Note To No One" (which was the second poem I ever wrote when I was 15) "Cry..." and more.

I would love to get some of the poets that write at home and get a book of poetry published and actually have a real convention that is legit, where the authors actually receive something for their accomplishment as opposed to spending money.

Have a good day.

[Beverley]

Hi All,
I also sent a poem to poetry.com and subsequently found out that it's a scam. I did buy the book - but only because I thought it would give my elderly parents pleasure to see one of my works in print (I didn't tell them it's a scam).
I was shocked and extremely hurt about the whole thing, especially since that particular poem has real personal and sentimental meaning for me. What I'd like to know is - is there any way I could submit that poem somewhere else (somewhere legitimate), even if it has already been published on poetry.com and get real, artistic feedback?

[Dustin]

I just received the enail from Noble House, which is supprising since I have been getting the letters and emails from poetry.com for forever it seems like...I submitted my first poem in '01 and the letters and emails need to stop. I never bought any of the books. I learned right off that it was a scam after I got my first letter from them. I was discussing poetry with a friend and we both had received the exact same letter in the mail. Same people same town not highly likely out of thousands and thousands that they claim enter this highly lucrative contest.

[nenii]

ive been sucked in sad to say. just wanted to let you guys know tat most emails have an option to block a senders address. hotmail for example... if you go into options in the right corner and click on the junk mail filter then block sender at type all the addresses you want to block. should work. good luck.
ps i dont like poetry scams! it ruins peoples confidence! i mean everyone here has gotten down from what i read because they got sucked in. remember poetry is for you not for the publishing!

[kav]

yup yup yup got this today.............. grrrrrrrrrr

N o b l e H o u s e

New York – London – Paris

Noble House New York
Empire State Building
Suite 3304-19Q
New York, NY 10118

Office of the Publisher
Poetry Division
London, U.K.

2 March, 2006

Dear Kavita,

Recently I informed you that Noble House, one of the foremost publishers of fiction and nonfiction works, was interested in your poetry. I had the pleasure of reading the poetry you have submitted in the United States, and I want to congratulate you on this grand endeavour. I also wanted to inform you that your talent and vision deserve appropriate international recognition as well.

For this reason, I have posted this letter to request your permission to include one of your favourite poems in Songs of Honour - a new poetry edition that is being distributed worldwide by Noble House . . . a collection of poetry that is perhaps unlike any you have ever seen . . . one where each poem is featured on its own page, and one whose quality is reminiscent of the finest 19th century antique poetry books.

Hearken back, if you will, to the days of Emily Dickinson, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and William Wordsworth . . . the age of grand bookmaking. Poetry editions were some of the most highly prized volumes because of their intimate attention to detail – quality typography, fine ivory laid paper, and colourful ornate covers. Kavita, for this edition, we've returned to the traditional size, style, and quality of these classic 19th century antique poetry books.

Scheduled for release in Summer 2006, Songs of Honour will surely become one of your most treasured keepsakes. Your publication in this edition will establish you as an international author and afford you the respect and admiration attendant to such an honour. International Copyright notice for your poetic artistry will, of course, be in your name, assuring that you will retain worldwide rights to your work of art.

Best of all, should you decide to obtain a copy of the edition for your personal library, or as a wonderful personalised gift (you are, naturally, under no obligation to purchase a copy - notwithstanding the publication of your work in this edition), as you proudly turn its pages you’ll find it one of the best values on the book market today. At only £26.18 (U.S. $45.55) for a hardbound, 225-page edition printed in two colours on ivory laid vellum, with a highly detailed, finely crafted ornate cover and a single poem to a page, this edition promises to exceed your expectations, and it will enjoy pride of place in your home. In fact, its quality is guaranteed. If for any reason you are dissatisfied, your money will be completely refunded in U.S. dollars with proper dispatch.

Kavita, you may also wish to consider giving the public some insight about you and your artistry for this poetic showcase . . . perhaps the meaning behind your poem, or your own philosophical perspective. Because an entire page in the book is devoted to honouring your poetry, we can feature this additional material about you and your poetry (up to 100 words) on the verso leaf opposite your poem . . . you will thus have two full pages devoted to you and your artistry.

Kavita, may we have permission to publish your work? Regardless of whether you purchase a copy or not, the international public deserves to see more of your artistic talent. You may submit your poem and biographical information, and give us permission, all within the confines of the next page. And if you are inclined to order a copy of Songs of Honour, you may also do so at the same time.

Sincerely,

Nigel Hillary
Publisher,
Poetry Division
Noble House U.K.
+

P.S. For poets who may wish to obtain supplementary copies for gift-giving, to display, or for merchandising, special case pack discounts are available. Please consult the submission and order form for further details.

Please proceed to next page to submit your poem

Please do not reply to this message. If you no longer wish to receive material from us, please click here, or go to http://www.noblehousepublishers.co.uk/songs/optout.asp.

Noble House New York ~ Empire State Building ~ Suite 3304-19Q ~ New York, NY 10118

[Daniel Lee]

I get the same thing from them and p[rase from then with my poams i know were not at asll good. Fact was i sent in a relly bad one and they still liked it. As a disabled vet i can not afford their offers but guess ut is nice ti think someone likes my writeings.

I spend most of my free time writeing my books that i have yet to find someone to look at. Guess it was nice for my ego to have my poetry looked at by anyone.