- Joined
- Feb 12, 2005
- Messages
- 2,376
- Reaction score
- 539
- Location
- Seattle, WA
- Website
- www.mattdinniman.com
I know this isn't about writing, but it's poetry.com related, so I figured I'd post it here. A couple years ago my wife took a picture of her grumpy cat and sent it in. They bombarded her with the usual sales stuff, and then they stopped out of the blue. Hadn't heard from them in ages, and then they sent this (below) to her today.
They run this the same way as poetry.com, only with photography. I'm sure my wife's cat appreciates being an "award winner," but I'm not about to spend thousands of dollars to decorate our wall with proof.
I've edited out personal stuff and the urls for fun.
Figured it couldn't hurt to put this up here.
Oh, and poetry.com is a scam too. Run away!
They run this the same way as poetry.com, only with photography. I'm sure my wife's cat appreciates being an "award winner," but I'm not about to spend thousands of dollars to decorate our wall with proof.
I've edited out personal stuff and the urls for fun.
From: "picture.com" <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, April 26, 2005 11:49 am
To: "XThe NavigatorX's Sexy Wife"
Dear Meredyth,
In the past, we informed you that you and your artistic accomplishments could have been honored at the International Society of Photographers Convention and Symposium in the United States capital, Washington, D.C. -- even though you were unable to attend.
Please note that because so many people took advantage of this opportunity, we have extended the time for you to elect to receive your awards, and benefits of ISP membership, provided that you will allow us to present your photo "Dolley" (see your photo here) at our next convention and that you have elected to receive all of the awards and benefits of ISP membership that we have scheduled for you. Your awards, which will be shipped to you at this time, include your custom engraved Outstanding Achievement in Photography Silver Award Bowl (see it here), your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion, and your Full One Year Membership into the International Society of Photographers for 2005.
In this regard, we have arranged for your photographic artistry to be prominently displayed at a future international gathering of photographers. Your photograph, along with your name, will be presented exactly as you created it, so that your artistry receives the international exposure it deserves. In this way, over 1,000 attending photographers and their guests, who come from all over the world to attend the convention, will appreciate your photograph.
And let me tell you a little about the actual awards and ISP membership benefits that you will receive by mail immediately after you confirm your participation in this prestigious event by allowing us to showcase your photo:
-- Your Outstanding Achievement in Photography Silver Award Bowl (a $200.00 value) is a magnificent work of art in itself that measures over 10 inches across and over 11 inches high. It is handcrafted in silver and has your name custom-engraved on a beautiful cherry-wood base (see it here). It is certain to enjoy a special place of pride in your home and will serve as a fitting symbol of your unique photographic artistry.
-- Your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion is a deeply etched bronze medal (a $40.00 value) brilliantly displayed on a 25-inch red, white and blue satin ribbon.
-- And your Full One Year Membership into the International Society of Photographers for 2005 (a $60.00 value) entitles you to a personalized membership card, special discounts and contests, and a free subscription to our quarterly newsletter. Please note, if you are already an ISP member, your benefits will be extended an additional year.
Meredyth, all that's required for us to immediately send you all of these Awards is for you to allow us to formally display your photograph "Dolley" at the next convention. Additionally, because you were not present at our last convention, we must also ask you for the necessary funds ($169.00 plus p+h) to cover the costs of the time and effort required to present your photography before future convention attendees, and to cover the costs incurred in insuring and shipping to you these extremely bulky and heavy awards.
Meredyth, we are, of course, ultimately most interested in meeting you and having you personally present your artistry in front of the thousands of other photographers who attend these live events. Unfortunately, this was not the case, 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,
Craig Foster
International Society of Photographers
Convention Awards Chairperson
P.S. Your Outstanding Achievement in Photography Silver Award Bowl, bronze Commemorative Award Medallion, and personalized membership card, will be shipped to you by Federal Express (your subscription to our newsletter will arrive separately) and will be accompanied by a 100% money back guarantee of your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you're not 100% delighted with your Awards, simply return them any time within 60 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked.
P.P.S. You'll also receive a $100.00 gift certificate off the registration of a future ISP convention so that we can formally recognize your photographic accomplishments in person at a date that's convenient to you.
Allow us to showcase your photo here and receive your awards or go to
xxxxxxx (order form).
<snip email removal instructions>
picture.com * 3600 Crondall Lane * Owings Mills, MD
Figured it couldn't hurt to put this up here.
Oh, and poetry.com is a scam too. Run away!
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