Complaint Review: Famous Poets Society

I entered a poem called Answered Prayers to the Famous Poets Society contest back in September of 2002. I was notified in October that my poem had won a certain place in their contest, therefore, they wanted permission to publish it. I was so excited and proud! The poem had been written for my father, who was dying of Hepatitus. Famous Poets offered me a copy of the anthology "On the Wings of Pegasus" for a discounted price of about $50 dollars. I was also offered a special dedication for $10, which of course I did, submitting a short dedication for my father. With shipping and handling included, I sent them a money order for $80.00.

I'm a full time student, mother of a hyperactive 3 year old, and part time nurse's assistant. The money I sent Famous Poets was my hard earned "extra" money from 3 weeks of saving. I continued to receive numerous letters from them, stating that they needed me to confirm that the poem was typed properly and the way I wanted it to appear in the book. How could I think that this was a scam? It was my dream come true... all I've ever wanted in life... my writing published. I bragged to all my family members and friends. I even told my sick father that I had won, that my poem was for him, and being published. He was so proud of me, he told everyone he knew.

It's now June of 2003. Ten months since I submitted the poem. I have yet to receive the anthology for my father, and I haven't heard anything from Famous Poets. I tried to call them today at the following number: 1-514-535-2500, but it was reported as an "invalid" number.
I hate them! They have no remorse for the pain and humiliation they have caused. I worked my butt off for 3 weeks in order to have the money to buy the book for my father. I fought with my husband about how important this was to me. He didn't want me to spend money "we didn't have" on a book, but I convinced him. Now, I have to tell my husband, who works 11 hours a day just to make the bills on time, that I was scammed.

Famous poets has destroyed my faith in humanity, and crushed my dreams. Now, they have caused uneccesary problems in my marriage. My husband will be livid, and my father will be crushed. I cannot believe people can live with themselves, knowing how they are cheating people, and destroying lives. When I first stumbled upon this website a couple days ago, I was so torn. I couldn't stop crying. It was like someone took every dream I ever had, along with my hard-earned money, and destroyed them. I will be filing a report with the FBI.

Lee
Manchester, New Hampshire
U.S.A.