is poetry.com a scam????

[Asdfgh S]

ok i got this email saying i won the contest and thir going to publish it in this book ...but they don't say i have to buy the book or anything...(so im guessing its not a scam) but i searched the web and they say that it is because then they make you buy the book.....but in my email ...they say its not compolsary...so idk....what do you think
this is the email.:

Dear ************

Imagine your poem featured on an entire page to itself . . .

Over the past year or so, 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 wishes to feature an entire page devoted exclusively to the poetry of ************ in a collection of new poems written by the Best Poets we have encountered. I am pleased to tell you that you have been selected to appear in this special edition . . .
The Best Poems and Poets of 2007

Congratulations on your accomplishment, *******! Your poetry will be featured along with the work of a distinguished group of approximately 200 of the Best Poets who were selected to participate in this special project.
And that's not all! To honor the accomplishments of this elite group of talented individuals, we have established a separate contest with over $4,000.00 in prizes to be awarded among you. You will automatically be entered into the final competition, but you must submit a new unpublished poem on the attached entry form (if you have not already done so by mail). Prizes for this special contest will be announced by Summer 2008, with an anticipated publication date of Fall 2008.

The Best Poems and Poets of 2007 will be among the finest quality books we have ever produced. Every aspect of publication and design will convey the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that will go into the production of this special edition. This coffee-table quality book will be printed in two colors on fine-milled paper and will feature a highly detailed and ornate cover and quality typography throughout.
This special edition will feature an entire page devoted exclusively
to a new, unpublished poem by *********

Before going any further, ********, let me make one thing clear . . . you were selected for publication on the basis of your unique talent. The new poem that you will submit for this edition has been tentatively accepted for publication because your previously published poetry sparks the imagination and presents the reader with a fresh, unique perspective on life.

We believe you to be one of the most interesting poets we have encountered, so we wish to feature your artistry in this special edition and make this exclusive prize money available to you and the others who have been chosen for publication. You should be aware that you are under no obligation whatsoever to submit any entry fee or subsidy payment, or to make any purchase of any kind. Of course, many people do wish to own a copy of the publication in which their artistry appears. If you would like to order a copy
So What Happens Now?

As I mentioned above, your poetry will automatically be accepted into this special edition, and as soon as you submit your new, unpublished poem, it will be typeset for publication and entered into the final competition of the contest. You will also receive a typeset "Artist's Proof" of your poem for your review prior to publication. And let me assure you, your poem remains your property -- The Best Poems and Poets of 2007 is copyrighted as a compilation. This means that you retain all rights to your included work.

Jennifer, Please Enter Your Poem Right Away!

In order to make our scheduled publication date, you must submit your new poem as soon as possible. Your poem must be original, it must be 24 lines or less (including stanza breaks), and it must be written by you as one of our Best Poets of 2007. (Since you have been specially selected for the quality of your poetry, if you use a pen name you must certify that the poem you submit was written by *********
And, if you wish to order a copy of The Best Poems and Poets of 2007 at our special pre-publication price go here (you are under no obligation to order anything).

******, you also have the opportunity to include some personal information about yourself and your poetry in this elegant edition. In this way, readers can gain a greater awareness about your motivations, the meaning poetry has in your life, the story behind your poem, or your personal or philosophical point of view. Your biography will be printed on a page by itself, directly across from your poem--you will have two full pages in the book devoted exclusively to you and your artistry. And although we must charge a nominal fee for this service, you are under no obligation to include this information. Your poem can be published without it if you wish. Please see the Artist's Profile for further information.
ok thats it pretty much you don't have to read it all...but what do you think ....???
should i enter the second poem or is it just a scam?????
o damn i got all exited ...ah well =[

btw do you know any place where you can send in poems to get like viewed or somthing and that arn't scams?

[artjewl]

Poetry.com is what you'd call a "Vanity" publisher.

It's true that they'll publish your piece. They say you don't have to buy the book, but honestly, I don't know if there's any way to know if they print the poem if you DON'T buy the book! Also, you can get your name and piece printed on a whole bunch of over priced junk. However, the only real reason why they publish your piece(s) is that they're hoping you'll BUY the stuff.

A legitimate publisher will generally GIVE published authors a complimentary copy of the publication in which the work appears and/or payment.

Legitimate publishers are SELECTIVE in the work they print. Poetry.com IS NOT. In fact, Winning Writers established a contest based on that fact! (see link below)

If your goal is just to see your poetry bound in a book, I'd suggest printing it yourself on Lulu.com or cafepress.com -- there's a better chance of someone buying and reading your poetry that way than in a poetry.com publication.

To find legitimate publishers, get your hands on a copy of Poet's Market.

Happy Writing!