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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Picture.com - legit or a scam?
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12/07/2005 10:08:33 AM · #1
Hi! I have recieved long emails from picture.com inviting me to the 2006 International Society of Photographers Convention and Symposium, the single largest gathering of photographers in history.. as it reads.

"We have prepared one of the greatest photography conventions ever, organized just for you, at the famed Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 3-5, 2006. You will be formally inducted as an Associate Member of our Society and will receive the Outstanding Achievement in Amateur Photography Award and Commemorative Award Medallion to honor your dedication and achievements. I also want to personally invite you to compete in the 2006 Amateur Photographer of the Year Competition where you can win a share of cash and gift prizes, including the $10,000 Grand Prize!"

You have probably discussed this before, though I am not aware of it, and the question is whether this is legit or a scam?
12/07/2005 10:10:25 AM · #2
SCAM! Run! Run far and fast! They will offer to publish your work, but will charge you to see the publication. Should be the other way around, they should pay you!


12/07/2005 10:17:04 AM · #3
scam - without a doubt
12/07/2005 10:25:16 AM · #4
There is also a Poetry.com - It is a scam in the sense where you end up paying them and/or if you sent them the worst photo ever made (or poem as the case may be) you will recieve notice that it is an outstanding piece of work, etc etc. If it was really legit, you'd be getting more than an email. (Are you suppose to pay the cost to travel to pick up your awards which by the way will be given out like candy).
In the literary world many of these "scams" are called vanity presses. They offer to include you in a large book with hundreds of others if you pay them.
Are they just sending you emails - or did you submit photos to this site? Do you have to go to Vegas to pick up these awards or will they send them to you?
If you are still unsure - send this org. a really bad photo - see what response you get.
12/07/2005 10:35:19 AM · #5
Thanks a lot. I thought so... it had that smell you know.
12/07/2005 10:36:10 AM · #6
Originally posted by lyta:

There is also a Poetry.com - It is a scam in the sense where you end up paying them and/or if you sent them the worst photo ever made (or poem as the case may be) you will recieve notice that it is an outstanding piece of work, etc etc. If it was really legit, you'd be getting more than an email. (Are you suppose to pay the cost to travel to pick up your awards which by the way will be given out like candy).
In the literary world many of these "scams" are called vanity presses. They offer to include you in a large book with hundreds of others if you pay them.

Are they just sending you emails - or did you submit photos to this site? Do you have to go to Vegas to pick up these awards or will they send them to you?
If you are still unsure - send this org. a really bad photo - see what response you get.


Not only that, but I have been scammed by both poetry and picture.com as well. Well, I never did buy into their scams, but it saddens me that poetry hurt my own daughters feelings. She sent in a poem and when she received her mailing about the publishing she thought she had really done something rare. I had to break the news to her :( She was not happy, but life in cyberspace rarely is.

I also get snail mail from picture dot com. They start off with the envelope showing your entry. How clever. Idiots.

I won't be entering those any more, and never have seen an actual list of winners. Not on time anyway. Last I looked it was still up for 2004. Anyway, I already removed them from my fav's. If I were you, I would do the same.

Rose
12/07/2005 10:39:06 AM · #7
I recieved a letter and all from them that they had picked my picture to be published in their annual book. I could purchase the book (for an outrageous price) but I didnt have too. They have also been sending me invitations to their simposium, I think its in Vegas. I let them publish my picture but didnt buy the book, which is their purpose. I posted a similar question awhile ago, the response was mixed. It seems there is no harm to it, I think the scam was them selling you a book with your picture in it for such a high price, figuring on lots of people wanting to see their picture in a book.
12/07/2005 10:42:43 AM · #8
What they're doing is getting your permission to use your photograph, they publish books (at a ridiculous price, as mentioned) and make a mint on the books. You, the photographer, get nothing! Then they invite you to their annual meetings, but YOU pay all expenses (around $1200 if I remember the mailings correctly).

Bottom line - they're using your pictures for free and making profit from the sale of their books. That's not right.
12/07/2005 10:43:30 AM · #9
very evil company. they tried to get me many times.
12/07/2005 11:00:05 AM · #10
SCAM! If you google them, you'll find numerous complaints about their business practices. Even if you order one of the books, it is unlikely that you'll ever get it.
12/07/2005 11:17:32 AM · #11
I entered about 3 years ago and of course mine won. I was real excited and when talking on the phone to a friend of mine I told her about my picture winning. She then explained to me what the deal was before I went any further. Boy was I glad I mentioned it to her before I did give them permission. My friend is not a photographer but dresses up her dogs every year for Xmas. She entered a picture and of course it won. She also ordered the book and I don't remember what she said it cost but it was a bunch. I had the priviledge of viewing her book one day and oh my gosh you should see the pictures in it. They would make the brown ribbon here look like 10+, I kid you not.

I don't understand how they can still be in business with all the negative reviews there are now on the web.
12/07/2005 12:14:16 PM · #12
Originally posted by A1275:

SCAM! If you google them, you'll find numerous complaints about their business practices. Even if you order one of the books, it is unlikely that you'll ever get it.


Actually in my early days I used to frequent them and I did get totally excited about the letter saying my image was going to be published so I did order a book. After I got another letter for another image I submitted I started to get the idea and didn't order anymore. I did get my book and it looks great and really for the size of it I don't think it was that expensive.

I also got the letter inviting me to the convention to see my work displayed and if I sent them something like $600 to cover shipping I would get my awards. NOT! I have about 4 pictures on there but it has been forever since I even thought of going there again.

edit to add: Just went there and my pictures are STILL there, man they must keep them forever! Just in case you search for me I don't know who the top one is but I'm the ones listed as Scott Alan Bacon ;)

Message edited by author 2005-12-07 12:16:49.
12/07/2005 12:22:26 PM · #13
What about yessy.com any idea? I just found them paying quite good for your piece of work (of course they don't sell, they just host it). Does anyone have any experience with them? You might check them here
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