They say there is a sucker born every minute. I guess my minute
has arrived. This page is created as a warning to fellow poets
I have been what I consider an amateur poet for many years,
unrecognized by many, acknowledged by a few, and have enjoyed
my own work probably more so than most.But my poetry has always
been an emotional outlet, as is for every poet, to release
the thoughts, expressions and feelings locked inside. The "Web"
only opened the door to further release and exposure to those
emotional outcrys.And I was proud, maybe even vain, when I
was "published" recently.Thrilled that a dream was being
fullfilled, that my "writings" were worthy of publication.
And there lies the moment of being suckered.
On January 5, 1998, the television program 20/20
and Barbara Walters(view at www.abc.com) uncovered a SCAM.
One that not only breaks my heart, but fills
me with anger and disappointment.
A few months ago, I began submitting
my writings to the "National Library of Poetry", even creating
a link to their site, pouring my writings into their email as
the moments moved me, and the moments were often.
I will admit to being THRILLED at the notification that not one
but three of my submissions were going to be "published"
Even after receiving communications from this dubious source
of "Publishers" that I would be "allowed" to purchase a copy
of the ever so "beautiful and tastefully created" edition
I remained gullible and thankful that my writings would be recognized
Naive, you say? Probably. Or simply hopeful, a writers
dream coming true. My small moment of glory. Yea, right!
According to the television broadcast, this "National" company
is in actuality a small business in Maryland. "National" apparently
means that their scam reaches across the USA."Library" converts
to a score of submissions from amateur poets pouring their hearts
out to a bunch of money hungry profit making book-sellers
that make a tidy living accepting basically ANYTHING that is submitted
And I was DUBBED!
So..as part of my right to freedom of speech, and as a warning
to my fellow honored poets..Beware!
The *NATIONAL LIBRARY OF POETRY* is a scam.
You will get your poetry in a book although
it will be in the same text with poetry accepted by 2nd graders
such as "My dog has a black tail. My dog saw a blue whale"
And only at a "nominal" cost of $40.00 per book plus biography
fees, this fee, that fee..The cycle would continue on and on I am sure
In conculsion, to my family and friends that honored me with
compliments and acknowledgement, Thank you.
Maybe someday!
To the *National Library of Poetry*..
You can continue to take peoples hopes and dreams and use them
to make your almighty buck. You can shatter the faith of some,
disappoint talented people across the world and probably laugh
your way all the way to the bank.
But you will not stop the heartfelt expressions behind the
Writers of the World.Because this world needs Poets a great
deal more than they will ever need Scam artists such as you.
My FINAL submission to you, "National Library of Poetry",
is to present you with the
following award.
