International Library Of Photography - Circle of Photographers - Photography Warning
Circle of Photographs - International Library of Photography
Today's Woman Writing Community has received, and continues to receive, numerous complaints
regarding Circle of Photographs/International Library of Photography.
If you feel you've been defrauded by Circle of photographs/International Library of Photography,
please consider writing a letter to the Maryland Attorney General office.
To file a complaint, visit www.oag.state.md.us/consumer.
From the website you will find instructions on how to: (1) file your complaint electronically, or (2) print a copy of their complaint form that can be mailed to
their office. Or, you may send them a letter describing your complaint, along with
copies of relevant documentation to:
Consumer Protection Division,
200 St. Paul Place,
Baltimore, MD 21202.
They are unable to accept complaints by e-mail.
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023 (toll-free)
TDD: 410-576-6372
Affiliated Organizations
• picture.com
• International Society of Photography
• Arts and Kids
• Circle of Photographers
• freephotocontest.com
• photomuseum.com
• International Library of Photography
• Pegasus Press
• International Library of Poetry
• Poetry.com
• National Library of Poetry
• Noble House Publishers
• American Literary Press
• International Society of Poets
• International Poetry Hall of Fame
• International Lib
• Watermark Press
• Birthwrites
• Circle of Poets
Generated email from picture.com
From: Craig Foster, picture.com
Date: 04/05/06 17:25:03
To: Mark Carson
Subject: Your Photography Awards--Final Notice
Dear Mark,
Last month, we informed you that you and your artistic accomplishments could
have been honored at the International Society of Photographers Convention
and Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada, even though you were unable to attend.
If you have not already taken advantage of this special opportunity, this is
your final chance to do so. Time is limited for you to elect to receive your
awards and benefits of the ISP membership that we have scheduled for you,
provided that you will allow us to present your photo "The Triple Bump" (see
your photo here) at our next convention. Your awards, which will be shipped
to you at this time, include your custom engraved Outstanding Achievement in
Photography Silver Award Bowl (see it here), your bronze Commemorative Award
Medallion, and your Full Basic Membership into the International Society of
Photographers for 2006.
In this regard, we have arranged for your photographic artistry to be
prominently displayed at a future international gathering of photographers.
Your photograph, along with your name, will be presented exactly as you
created it, so that your artistry receives the exposure it deserves. In this
way, hundreds of attending photographers and their guests, who come from all
over the world to attend the convention, will appreciate your photograph.
And let me tell you a little about the actual awards and ISP membership
benefits that you will receive by mail immediately after you confirm your
participation in this prestigious event by allowing us to showcase your
photo:
-- Your Outstanding Achievement in Photography Silver Award Bowl (a $200.00
value) is a magnificent work of art in itself that measures over 10 inches
across and over 11 inches high. It is handcrafted in silver and has your
name custom-engraved on a beautiful cherry-wood base (see it here). It is
certain to enjoy a special place of pride in your home and will serve as a
fitting symbol of your unique photographic artistry.
-- Your bronze Commemorative Award Medallion is a deeply etched bronze medal
(a $40.00 value) brilliantly displayed on a 25-inch red, white and blue
satin ribbon.
-- And your Full Basic Membership into the International Society of
Photographers for 2006 (a $60.00 value) entitles you to a personalized
membership card, special discounts and contests, and a free subscription to
our quarterly newsletter. Please note, if you are already an ISP member,
your benefits will be extended an additional year.
Mark, all that's required for us to immediately send you all of these Awards
is for you to allow us to formally display your photograph "The Triple Bump"
at the next convention. Additionally, because you were not present at our
last convention, we must also ask you for the necessary funds ($169.00 plus
p+h) to cover the costs of the time and effort required to present your
photography before future convention attendees, and to cover the costs
incurred in insuring and shipping to you these extremely bulky and heavy
awards.
Mark, we are, of course, ultimately most interested in meeting you and
having you personally present your artistry in front of the thousands of
other photographers who attend these live events. Unfortunately, this is was
not the case, so we're trying to do the next best thing. But we sincerely
hope to personally present you with your most deserved awards in the future.
Sincerely,
Craig Foster
International Society of Photographers
Convention Awards Chairperson
P.S. Your Outstanding Achievement in Photography Silver Award Bowl, bronze
Commemorative Award Medallion, and personalized membership card, will be
shipped to you by Federal Express (your subscription to our newsletter will
arrive separately) and will be accompanied by a 100% money back guarantee of
your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you're not 100% delighted with
your Awards, simply return them any time within 60 days of receipt for a
full refund, no questions asked.
P.P.S. You'll also receive a $100.00 gift certificate off the registration
of a future ISP convention so that we can formally recognize your
photographic accomplishments in person at a date that's convenient to you.
Allow us to showcase your photo here and receive your awards.
International Library Of Photography
By Mark Carson
Every year, men & women both get ripped off by a company called
www.picture.Com, International Library Of Photography, that is the reason
I am witting this to you, so you will know what to expect. I submitted in a
photo called "The Triple Bump" which has 3 high school varsity players all
jumping up into each other, instead of doing the hand shake, before the game
starts. It was the first time & only time it was done, so it was unique --- that
was over 2 years ago. I had gotten an e-mail about submitting your photo in a
picture contest with a chance to win $10,000.00! WOW! Sounded great to me!
Problem is -- If it sounds to good to be true most likely there's a catch to it
& it isn't what they say. If you read their Privacy Policy they say & I quote
"Call us at 410-363-4800, and one of our customer service representatives will
gladly assist you". Wrong. I was lucky once & after that, I never got an answer.
So, in short, the customer service was worthless, especially if you're getting
mad & trying to get a refund.
When I submitted my photo, I got e-mails that said my photo was in the running.
I also got information that if I paid a certain amount of money, they would put
the photo in a book. I could get a regular size or quarter page (for a cost),
plus you could order a photo book for about $80, which I ordered 2. Finally got
the books---over a year later!
They also send you a letter that there is a big photographers convention & by
the time you get done it can cost over $1,000 PLUS, if you want to show your
photo off at the convention, but you're not there, they will do it for you for a
cost -- about $150. This is a quote I just got from them recently "all that's
required for us to immediately send you all of these Awards is for you to allow
us to formally display your photograph "The Triple Bump" at the next convention.
Additionally, because you were not present at our last convention, we must also
ask you for the necessary funds ($169.00 plus p+h) to cover the costs of the
time and effort required to present your photography before future convention
attendees, and to cover the costs incurred in insuring and shipping to you these
extremely bulky and heavy awards." So, for ($169.00 + p+h) they will present
your photography before future convention attendees -- don't believe it! Most
likely they do a slide show & your photo is shown once or twice. So, you paid
them this much for that service. The award looks like a servers bowl you put
juice in at a wedding.. So, they make a good profit.
When you order the books, expect NOT to get what you order & expect to wait for
6 months to about a year. However, your check will have cleared the bank months
ago & when you call to find out you'll find they do answer or reply, especially
if you have a complaint. So, to protect yourself, your friends, & other people
you know. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY & do not believe them. IF YOU DO, expect the
check to be cashed way before you get anything.
If you have been burned by this company, do the following:
#1) Type a detailed letter of what you have ordered, how much you sent, & what happened to you.
#2) Send a copy of that letter to your State Attorney General's Office
#3) Send a copy of that letter to your local Better Business Bureau Office & Chamber of Commerce.
#4) Send a copy of that letter to your local newspaper's.
Mark Carson
Comments
The people of Circle of Poets are also known as Circle of Photographers. I got scammed out of $102.02 AUD and was promised along with thousands of others that my photo would appear in 'Photography Vibes 2005 Manuscript' apparently there is also 'Poets Vibes 2005 Manuscript' they prey on people who
take pride compliments and raut them for all they can. I've not seen hide or hair of the Manuscript I paid promptly by Credit Card in January for and now it is late March.. any e-mail to help@circleofphotographers.com has been returned stating the e-mail wasn't
successful as there is a error.. hmm pardon mwa! The only error is the company who are volotile con merchants!
I would also like for you to be aware of this link, you may see some similarity in the construction of their congratulations e-mail.
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qn...?threadID=14414
and re: Circle of Poets
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/Qn...?threadID=14837
Good luck and I hope you haven't been conned out of any money.
StarKatz
Heres' Proof it's a HOAX!! Would you enter a photo that looks like this?
StarKatz
Circle of Photographers - Results From the Authors' Contest
Dear Karen Sommers,
We have chosen to publish your photograph in the 2005 edition of Photography vibes. Your photograph was part
of more than 11,235 entries . Our editors recognize its technical qualities. It is with great pleasure that we would
like to inform you that your photograph:
Why?
has been selected to get published. As such, your photograph and name will be published in the 2005 edition of photography vibes!
Your copyrights are fully respected. You retain full ownership of your work.
Paying members who order the 2005 manuscript will also qualify for the $5000 grand prize as a thank you for helping us to craft and print the
manuscripts and to support our team. They will also receive an invitation to the global photography conference.
Once you order, we will contact you soon with more details on that global conference (with photography experts and all 2005 contest winners working on technical/improvisation workshops).
Our editors select photographs on the basis of technical quality, composition, flow, texture and light. With respect to your photograph "Why?", our team of editors has particularly appreciated the assymetric composition and light mix used throughout.
All Circle of Photographers members can now view your photograph in our new manuscript and we will also present it to other publishers and photography organizations. We will ask for your authorization in the event your photograph is also selected by another publisher.
Our own manuscript is made of high quality, bounded paper. The manuscript contains professional illustrations. It makes a terrific coffee table book and a great gift to friends and family!
These are sample photographs selected in the 2005 edition of our manuscript:
   
Should you want to receive a copy (copies) before reserves run out, please click on the "buy now" image button below.
A Note: If you can not make payment to us by using the "BUY NOW" button at the left, please click here or copy the following url and paste it in the address bar of your browser:
http://www.circleofphotographers.com/payment/payPhotoContest.php?ContestPhotoID=6379 If you do not have a credit card, please mail your check as soon as possible to:
Circle of photographers
Ross 3982-8# Montreal
Verdun , QC , H4G1Y4
CANADA
Please add $8 (or $20 for international) to the amount of the book for shipping. All $ are $US. Else the book will not be shipped.
For help, support, and enquiry, please feel free to contact us at help@circleofphotographers.com
Note: If you don't want to receive any further news from us, please click here to opt out. Or just send an email to cancel@circleofphotographers.com.
The manuscript "Photo Vibes" is priced at $59 to provide for the high costs of editing, printing and for the high quality book.
Please note that due to high demand and limited supplies, manuscripts are available on a first come, first served basis.
The Circle of Photographers team.
Hey guys... Look at these links I found of these B*** website!!!!!
http://www.circleofphotographers.com/payment/
http://www.circleofphotographers.com/payment/img/
Talk about a setup or what!!!!
here's the latest e-mail I sent, maybe someone actually got off their butt and actually read my e-mail. By the way, I still believe they are frauds because they would have had all this sorted out if they were for real and would had advised in writing when they received payment that there is a lengthy delay and that no refunds are given, what a absolute joke!!
Anyhow I still sent my written complaint along with this sites link to The Maryland Attorney General's Office. I will not rest until they are exposed maybe the fear that someone is not sitting back and just taking it will get them working on a Manuscript.. oh, and should I receive a manuscript I promise to take a photo of it and publish it here.. just, to see if the quality of it lives up to their promise or perhaps they are like a hamburger photo that never looks like the hamburger you actually get over the counter at a fast food chain.
Kaz
Circle of photographers -- Update for Shipping Date
Dear Karen Sommers,
To put the production time in perspective, please find here a diagram explaining the process.
Before April 20th, we will send you a PDF so you validate your photograph for production. Finalizing the manuscript takes about 2 weeks and all manuscripts then go to production (a 4 weeks process).
Please note that refunds are no longer offered at this stage as we have already pre-paid our publisher.
On April 20th, we will also offer a course, "Techniques of Photography" to our finalists. Over a 6 weeks period, we will have 2 weekly conference calls to study photographs, techniques and composition methods, one on Monday evening at 7pm and one on Friday evening at 7pm . In addition, with our e-learning tool, you will find photography material on-line as well as tests and assignments. Our professor will interact with you for all questions. We will send another e-mail when the course is ready to invite you to join this select group.
We are very excited to craft this high quality manuscript for you and your family.
Please note that the $5000 grand prize winner will be announced in the coming weeks,
We congratulate you again on being part of the finalists,
Note: If you don't want to receive any further news from us, please click here to opt out. Or just send an email to cancel@circleofphotographers.com.
The Circle of Photographers team.
Update: 09/05/2005
From the Todays-Woman.net forums
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:23 am Post subject:
Hi Rose long time since we spoke via e-mail anyhow you may recall how I was scammed by circle of photographers out of my $102.02AUD?
Well here's the latest nearly 9 months latest... I still haven't received the manuscript but have a look at what happened when I complained to PayPal ...
Well, well, well, look at what came to me today... seems like Circle of Photographers have a little wind in their sails..
Dear customer,
We would like to inform you that your manuscript is now ready for shipment. At your request, we can provide your order delivery confirmation number.
You are *guaranteed* to receive it by September 17th via USPS.
With your confirmed shipment, we will let you know how you stand in the final $5000 contest.
**HOWEVER to procede with the shipment, please cancel the outstanding dispute on Paypal so we may proceed. Please do this by September 6th.**
We definily understand (and sympathize) that you eagerly anticipate your work but would like to bring to your attention that the order cycle has been long because of:
1) The time it takes to select entries and wait until the end of the contest (4 months)
2) The design of the book (1 month)
3) Production (11 weeks)
You will like your book as we have hired a professional illustrator for some great art work and have expanded our photo techniques section. In all: over 320 pages of great work, with your photo published.
Please note that by mid October, you will know if you are the grand prize winner for $5000,
Best regards,
the COP team
___________
Re: the request that I remove the complaint, I have absolutely no intention of doing so, maybe they'll just hope that I'll shut up and just go away.. after all, considering that after realizing I had been conned, I did a search on their so-called previous Manuscripts and hadn't found a single one!
If I end up, which I suspect I will, out of my $102.02 AUD, at least I will go down fighting even if it means just in saving someone else the heartache these mongrels have caused me and others like me.
I spoke on the phone today with PayPal and told them of The Circle of Photographers threat that unless I remove the complaint my shipping will not occurr..(or words to that effect).
I informed them that I will not under any circumstance remove my complaint. The man at PayPal customer service said "nor, would I because once you do the matter is considered dealt with and then to re-enstate the complaint will be likely to fall on deaf ears". which I agreed would be a stupid move.
He gave me a e-mail address for me to send a copy of the above e-mail from The Circle of Photographers (which I did) he said that
'in the subject line I should place my buyer dispute ID the number beginning with PP.......'
and e-mail to: complaint-respond@paypal.com
I am providing this also for others who have been conned out of their money by the Circle of Poets or Circle of Photographers organisation, so they too can voice directly, the more people who have complain'd about them and or had been afraid to because the 45 day had lapsed now have a way of making a demand that PayPal remove these scum from their distribution..
I would also request others, likewise, demand PayPal place a Blacklist link on their site so others know who have already had complaints made about them. And therefore the consumer has a better chance of making a wise decision.
I do hope this serves others as a calling card to be very wary of the Circle of groups.. or any similiar.
regards
Kaz aka StarKatz
Updated 07/23/2005
Submitted: July 23, 2005, 7:55 pm
Sender's Name: Barbara
Sender's Email: email removed by administrator
Comment/Request/Message:
I too recieved the holey email announcing that my image had been chosen to be published in the Circle of Photography 'manuscript'. I smelled a RAT right off.
There was no way in heck I was going to let those people (whoever they are) have my credit info!!! I did some research as I'm sure all of you guys have too and found plenty of negative stuff regarding that company and some others too. I went one step further and wrote them telling them to remove my image from their plans or risk a lawsuit. However, the last two emails I sent met with the Mailer-Daemon...no such address..... I think they are preying on people's vanity or joy of being chosen and before you know it, they have your $$$$ and by the time the illeged manuscript is SUPPOSED to be published, they in the Bahamas or somewhere, laughing their a$$es off. BUYER BEWARE!!!!
Barbara
Update: 01/06/2006
January 1st Teresa Walker, received an email from Circle of Photographs. The email states that her photograph was selected out of 8523 entries and would be published in the 2005 edition of Photography vibes. When Teresa received the letter, she questioned its credibility.
A Google search led her to Todays-Woman - Writers Warnings, which insured her that her suspicious of the contest that she just entered were correct. The international library fall under the following names International Library of Photography: picture dot com, freephotocontest dot com, photomuseum dot com and are own by poetry dot come, which operates under the following names: Poets.com, the National Library of Poetry, the International Library of Poetry, the International Society of Poets, Watermark Press, circle of poets and the International Poetry Hall of Fame.
Circle of Photographs is now feeding off the hopes and dreams of photographers in the same way they did with their poetry contest that has gain a national reputation for preying upon unsuspecting victims. Below published with permission is the letter that Teresa Walker received and her entry in the Circle of Photographs contest.
Photography(tm) Publication of your photograph
Dear Teresa Walker,
We have chosen to publish your photograph in the 2005 edition of Photography vibes. Your photograph was selected out of 8523 entries. Your work below was appreciated for the assymetric composition and light mix used throughout:
The Groom Grins
As a contest finalist and for a limited time, enjoy the manuscript for only $59 (regular price is $69). This offer expires on Jan-16-2006 (or until stocks expire) and the next contest will only be in April 2006.
Click here to take advantage of this great offer now as we are finalizing orders.
You can view sample selected pictures of fellow finalists by clicking here
Paying members who order the 2005 manuscript also qualify for the $5000 grand prize as a thank you for helping us to craft and print the manuscripts and to support our team. They will also receive an invitation to the global photography conference.
Our own manuscripts are 9 1/2" X 11 and are made of high quality,
bounded paper with a 12 point high quality laminated cover. Manuscripts have over 300 pages of leading photographs and professional illustrations as well as several sections of photography techniques written by leading experts. They make terrific coffee table books and great gifts to friends and family! Of course, your work will be published in this manuscript along with your name.
Sample cover designs, actual covers renewed every year.
You can also have your biography printed in the book to highlight your work or your experience.
Finally, Circle of Photography lets you commemorate the publication of your photograph with a certificate in your name printed on a walnut-finished plaque. The plaque measures 10 1/2" X 13".
The plaque will include your name and your photograph:
These are sample photographs selected in the 2005 edition of our manuscript:
Orders are only available until Jan-16-2006 (or until stocks expire). The next contest will only be in April 2006. To receive a copy (copies) before reserves run out, please click here now.
Note, to order, you can also cut and paste this link in your browser:
http://www.circleofphotographers.com/payment/shopping_cart.php?ContestPhotoID=25595
If you do not have a credit card, please mail your check or money order as soon as possible to:
Circle of Photographers
7461 St-Jacques Suite 7
Montreal QC, H4B1W7
CANADA
All $ are US $. Please add US $8 (or US $18 for international) to the amount of the book for shipping. Else the book will not be shipped.
For help, support, and enquiry, please feel free to contact us at help@circleofphotographers.com
Note: If you don't want to receive any further news from us, please click here to opt out. Or just send an email to cancel@circleofphotographers.com.
Please note that due to high demand and limited supplies, manuscripts are available on a first come, first served basis.
The Circle of Photography team
Further Complaints about Circle of Photographs - International Library of Photography - picture.com can be read at the following page.
Circle of Photographs - International Library of Photography, Picture.com Complaints
Related Sites:
• http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/scams/photo_contest/
• http://www.acecam.com/photography/11079.html
• http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=12825
• www.windpub.com/literary.scams/ilp.htm
Photographers with complaints about Circle of photographs (picture.com) are urged to contact Today's Woman Writing Community staff through our feedback form.
[ Print View ] [ Go Back ]
[ Send To A Friend ]
• Report a Scam • The Warning List • Blacklisted Domains •
|
Shimmerfall - Karen 
Kaitlyn C
