As more people have become aware of their existing scams, it seams that Picture.com has come up with a new avenue of generating revenue - by tugging at peoples heart strings/playing on fears of offsprings financial security. There is no long term money to be made from this for them so I'm guessing they are going for the quick buck on this one. here is the text of the letters/emails they are sending out:

'The Editors at Picture.com have developed an exceptional offer that they are excited to bring to you. This is an opportunity that you should discover to be quite unique and very interesting, designed especially for the artist in you.

Around the holidays many of us take pictures of our children and grandchildren that are cherished for a lifetime and are more precious with each passing season. Pictures are more than just a photograph. They are moments frozen in time, never to be replicated again--a timeless treasure, so to speak.

This year, Picture.com has developed a program to bring you this unique offer. In addition to placing your timeless treasure in your prized photo album, submit it to the International Open Amateur Children's Photography Contest. You never know, your photograph could be the next $10,000 winner! Wouldn't you just love to have that money for your child's future?

Simply submit your photograph here. A digital photo is preferred, but if you need to send your entry though the mail, please send it to the International Library of Photography, 3600 Crondall Lane, Suite 101-4651, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Your photo should be unmounted and 8 x 10 or smaller.

The Editors have worked hard on this opportunity for you and they look forward to your participation.



Sincerely,

Jeffrey Bryan
Contest Director'

I'd imagine the usual fee's apply if you want to see your darling children in any printed material or if you want a prize winners spitoon. don't say you weren't warned....

I wonder if the odds of winning the $10,000.00 prize are much better than, say, winning the lottery?

This could be Keith's big break.

hahaha. I LIKE her 8•P

LOL... me 2... lol

the jury's still out on HER in my neighborhood

you guys better hope I don't find that baby pic of me after I ate half a caterpillar .. I just might post it

Judging from the address, I believe these are the same people that operate poetry.com and they too are quite a scam, making money from people's poems and then charge the writers to buy the book their poems are in.

yep, all the same people. they have at least a dozen photography, poetry or art 'contests' running under various guises at any one time.

can we say 'desperate' here's another Picture.com spam mail that turned up in my junk filter:

'Dear Philip,

The International Society of Photographers Convention and Symposium is fast approaching, and I have not heard if you will be attending. Philip, I can only hold your place for two more weeks and then I will have to release it so another deserving photographer may attend.

The ISP is very proud of you and your artistic accomplishments, and that is why you were nominated for 2007 Amateur Photographer of the Year and the $10,000.00 grand prize. I also feel that you are very deserving of the Outstanding Achievement in Photography Crystal Award Trophy. You will receive your trophy at the event in front of your fellow photographers and family, while competing for the one of the largest cash prizes ever awarded in amateur photography. Most importantly, you will have a chance to share your work and celebrate the art of photography. Philip, this is your final chance to register for this event. Please call me at 410-363-4800 extension 102 or go here to register.

Sincerely,

Craig Foster
Convention Chairperson'

the odd thing being I havent entered anything to them.....

call them and tell them that,then ask how and why they contacted you..i'd love to know the response

I doubt I will get one but I will give it a go....

one of those picture.com DEFENDERS that turned up here a week or so ago jotted down your particulars

I saw 'em do it

Well, I know this is primarily about picture contests but since this is the SAME bunch that also dupe people through poetry.com, here's a letter I often get from them:

THE INTERNATIONAL WHO'S WHO IN POETRY.
Over the past several months, 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 is pleased to inform you that you have been nominated for inclusion in . . .
THE INTERNATIONAL WHO'S WHO IN POETRY

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Patricia. This is an extraordinary honor. The International Who's Who in Poetry will be among the finest quality and most interesting books we have ever produced, and poets from several nations around the world will be featured. Each poem published will be exhibited on a page by itself. Every aspect and design of this anthology will display an uncompromising level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This coffee-table quality book will be printed in two colors on fine milled paper, and it will feature a highly detailed, ornate cover and quality typography throughout. It will make a handsome addition to any library, a treasured family keepsake, or a highly valued personal gift.
As the name of this special edition implies, we are very interested in learning about you as a poet. In addition to featuring your poetic talent, we would also like to include your biographical information on the page adjacent to your poem. Thus, you could have two full pages dedicated especially to you and your artistic work. Patricia, this is the perfect opportunity to give the public some insight about you and your artistry for this poetic showcase . . . perhaps the meaning behind your poetry or your own philosophical perspective. Many readers have told us that one of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of the anthology is learning about the artists and their stories behind their poetry. You may give the reader this added perspective by completing the enclosed Artist's Profile. Although we must charge a nominal fee for this service, you are under no obligation to include this information. Please see the enclosed Artist's Profile for further information.
WIN A TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
We are conducting a special contest only for participants in this project with over $5,000 in prizes to be awarded, including a trip for two to Washington, D.C. While in our nation's capital, the winner of this very special contest will then have the honor of representing The International Library of Poetry and will be interviewed by Professor Grace Cavalieri as the featured guest on her national radio show, The Poet and The Poem. Additional runner-up winners will be selected to appear live on the broadcast via a telephone interview. Just think . . . you could be recognized as a leading poet to perhaps millions of people around the nation.
NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER
Before going any further, Patricia, let me make one thing clear . . . you were selected for inclusion in this project based on your unique talent and previous poetic accomplishments. We believe you are one of the most interesting poets we have encountered, so we are offering you the chance to be published in this special edition. In this regard. you are under no obligation whatsoever to submit any entry fee, any subsidy payment, or to make any purchase of any kind.
Of course, many people do wish to acquire the books that have pages dedicated to themselves and their poetic artistry. If this is the case, we welcome your order and guarantee your satisfaction. Please see the enclosed material for special discount information if you would like to order a copy of The International Who's Who in Poetry. Also, for an additional discount, you may wish to order supplementary copies for gift-giving to your friends and family, to display, or for merchandising (see enclosed for case pack discounts).
Patricia, PLEASE SEND US YOUR POEM RIGHT AWAY!
In order for our editors to meet our scheduled publication date and pick the winning poets and poems, WE MUST RECEIVE YOUR POEM RIGHT AWAY. Be sure you include your name, mailing address, and your poem. Your poem may be 24 lines or less, on any subject, and in any style. If you wish to order a copy The International Who's Who in Poetry at a special pre-publication discount, please complete the Pre-Publication Discount Reservation form. You may also submit online at https://www.poetry.com/poetrybuy/WWPoetAndPoem.asp?VIP=P0753322&SC=D127. As soon as you submit your poem, you will be competing for over $5,000.00 in prizes that will be awarded to the winning poets who participated in this historic project. And let me assure you, your poem remains your property; The International Who's Who in Poetry is copyrighted as a compilation. This means you retain all rights to your own work of art.
Congratulations on your selection for your inclusion as a distinguished member of The International Who's Who in Poetry and a participant in this unique poetry project. We look forward to seeing more of your work....

Same techniques used as in picture.com contests and it goes on and on...unfortunately, I was taken in by them many years ago when they put an ad in a local newspaper and I submitted a few poems...they've been hounding me ever since...it's all a neat little scam where they play on peoples' vanity and from what I've seen, they are the biggest benefactor of any creative works submitted to them...they are nothing but leeches and all would be best advised to stay away from anything that sound like its' related to them or sounds too good to be true.:Pat.

It’s usually at about this point that an outraged new member/picture.com representative appears to berate us all for criticising their soulless money making machine before disappearing never to be seen again...........

oh well, another day passes, yet another offer appears from Picture.com:

'The Editors of The International Library of Photography recently informed you that your photograph was bestowed the prestigious Editor's Choice Award because of your artistic accomplishments and unique perspective. As of today, we have not heard from you. So we wanted to contact you another time before we pass you on this select offer.

This stunning 2006 Editor's Choice Published Photographer Ribbon Award Pin proudly displays your elevated status in our photographic community. Since only an elite group of published photographers were selected to receive this special honor, imagine the sense of pride you will feel when others see you wearing the 2006 Editor's Choice Published Photographer Ribbon Award Pin. What an impressive way to show off your status as an honored photographer for the year 2006!

The elegant detail and the meticulous craftsmanship that went into the design and production of this exclusive pin are unprecedented. This striking jewelry piece has the International Library of Photography name prominently displayed across the top, the Editor's Choice commendation appears on the ribbon, and the entire pin is set in bronze. It is truly a masterpiece that honors your outstanding and well-deserved accomplishments, and it is a must-have for all esteemed photographers.

To take advantage of this special offer to commemorate your exceptional photographic talents, simply go here. This exclusive pin is only $19.95, plus shipping and handling. If you wish to send us your order by mail, please include a copy of this email and your completed order form to receive this special offer.'


desperate, desperate.

Many people obviously fall for this nonsense - want to see what $19.95 plus shipping and handling's worth of 'unprecedented elegant detail and the meticulous craftsmanship' gets you? well have a look at this poor souls site who seams to be blissfully unaware of the whole scam....

To me the most sickening thing about these schemes isn't even the money that they con people out of, it is the false sense of pride and acheivement that they instill in people which will probably be dashed when they find out about the scam involved later. You can't get much lower than playing with peoples emotions purely for selfish profit.

indeed.

Sum1 (if not already) has to make a show that 'punishes' all of the scams in the world.

http://bestpricecameras.com/, broadwayphoto.com, picture.com, and the list could go on. Reading the reviews for 'bad' companies is rather entertaining (and i pity the people who were scammafied).

...of course the host of the show would have to act like 'borat' just to add some extra entertainment.