Complaint Review: Famous Poet's Society

I sent an original poem called "Friends." About 2 or 3 weeks later I received a letter saying that they wanted my poem to be edited in one of their Famous poets books. I thought, how cool is that, I'm only 13 and people want my poem in their book! I had recently finished a semester in literature in school. My teacher said I had really good poems that could touch the hearts of people.

I was really excited, so I told my mom and she thought it was a scam. If I wanted my poem in the book, I would have to pay money. The book was soooooooooo much money! So my mom and dad went to Yahoo and typed Famous Poet Society, and it came up with Rip-Off-Reports.

I was really upset! Also, in the letter they wrote, my poem is going to be judged in a couple weeks. About 4 weeks later, I got a letter saying I was one of the winners. They wanted me to go to a different state. They said I would get a discount for air-fair and the hotel.....yeah, only $40.00 less! I would have an exclusive interview and get a trophy, which I had to pay for.....$300.00! I was really bummed! The thing is in two months, and thanks to this website, I'm not going.

When I got the first letter, I wanted to get the book. I asked my mom and she said ok, but you have to pay $50.00 for dedications, name engraving, autobiography,etc. So we ended up not getting it. I went to go to their website and I wanted to ask them a question (shouldn't I be getting paid to have my poem in this book?), and I received a computer e-mail.

Lavender didn't answer any of my questions, so I e-mailed her again with the same question and I got the same e-mail saying if you had trouble getting your poem submitted do this, etc.

So, you could type one letter, and you would get this really long e-mail. If you have the same situation, I'm sorry because I know how hard it was for me to get over it. I will never forget how much the Famous Poet's Society hurt me.

Lauren
Orange, California
U.S.A.