 BetterPhoto Member |
International Library of Photography
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Charles D. Southwood |
i did purchase book but still have not received it. is this a scam? need more info. thanks
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Damian P. Gadal |
See the following DISCUSSION...
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Travis |
I'm so glad you all posted here. I knew this was a scam, but my wife (whose picture was submitted) wouldn't believe me. She probably still won't, but I'll show her this thread. BTW - The site that hosts this discussion area has a contest that doesn't appear to try to sell you anything. http://www.betterphoto.com/contest.php -Travis
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Shelley R |
YES THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM. I hope more people see this information on this site before they enter. I had entered once by mail years ago before picture.com existed. I "won" and was naive and bought the book. I waited a long time to get it. They charged my credit card months before I was to ever receive it. When I called and questioned it they told me the only way to remove the charge was to cancel my order. So I called their bluff and did. Then they told me I would be taking the chance of not being able to get it once it was released. I did end up ordering it after it was finally released. Still not wise to the total scam. Then I saw some of the other "winners" in this book and it appeared that anything could "win"! Now, years later someone sent me a link to picture.com to enter a contest. I didn't pay enough attention to see that it was the ILP or I would never have entered. Now I am a winner again! I'm receiving stuff in the mail to buy another book. I did NOT sign or return the artist's release form but they still show that the most recent picture is going to be published in a book! Not only that, if you look at my old picture it will tell you that the book it was in (Timeless Treasures) isn't available but it will be published again in another book this year. However, the release I signed was for the Timeless Treasures book specifically. They do not have my permission to publish it again. But apparently they are going to. I tried to send messages to the info@picture.com address that they give but the messages are undeliverable!! That should tell us something. These people are really pitiful, preying on the naivety of anxious amateur photographers. They appear to strictly be into publishing. They don’t know or care about photography. We provide the material. They publish and sell the books. The books they con us into buying!!!! SCAM! Has anyone taken legal action??? I would be interested in pursuing this. Shelley R.
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Janice A. Richmond |
here is a suggestion for action you can take with them at the BBB by at least filing a comaplint then they will be investigated and be exposed to more people that dont know about their scam: http://www.baltimore.bbb.org/complaint.php Janice
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Janice A. Richmond |
ALso, go to this website to get the information for contacting: http://www.windpub.com/literary.scams/take.htm The Office of the Attorney General
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- Rita Hill Contact Rita Hill Rita Hill's Gallery |
I just recently received a letter in the mail with my image on an "Artis's Proof" form to sign and send in. Also informing me I was selected to be published. I looked into their previous published books and found many have yet not been printed or sent out. Their Web site also has my image for sell and I have not agreed or signed any permission for sell! I get a feeling this is a scam and It breaks my heart they can play with our creative talents for their gain! What can we do? Rita Hill
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Steve C. Hinds |
ILP seems to actually not be a scam, rather it is more a misleading organization; I did investigate them, at least I looked at the BBB information on them. They have been BBB members since 1997 with a satisfactory record, meaning they have resolved all complaints and the number is not considered adnormal for the type of business they are in. If you carefully read everything they send, then you know the key to them not being a scam is that they use all the right words. Yes I got initially taken in by them, but as soon as I got my first letter I knew what was up. Basically they have found a way to sell books preying on the fact everyone wants to be published. I also withdrew permission for them to publish the picture and will use that against them if it is published without a royality being paid. Those that ordered books and did not receive them, should complain to the FTC. I doubt the State will act for other than Maryland residents. Steve Hinds
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Might cost you more than what you'll get back if anybody ever decides to take legal action. They say if you win you can get in the book, so just because any kind of picture is a "winner", there's not legal recourse with that. Only if your picture is published without your permission. And then, can you afford to fight them in court?
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Marla Drayton |
I didn't sent them money for anything, but I did sign the release to be published in the book cuz I figured it would be cool if it actually did get published. However, I never thought of the possibility that they might put it on the internet and/or continue to publish it in other books. Can I send them a letter taking away my permission for them to publish my photo? Would that hold up in court if someone ever does start a class action suit?
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Just a letter? Well the first release was like an agreement. And I always hear about there has to be a "meeting of the minds" anytime there's some kind of contract/agreement. So if somebody just sends a letter after going through all the signing of rights releases, if it was a situation where there was more involved, such as pictures of famous people or big money involved, a letter isn't going to be anything to stand on. But for something that's really rinky dink as this, eventhough people who have gone through with may not like to hear that it's not much to talk about, since you didn't send them any money, in reality I bet your picture was just tossed away.
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Brett |
I supposedly 'won' before as well. I did not make any purchase, but also did sign the form. I never received any royalties & am unsure/unaware of how to see if it was truly published. I'd like to know how to find out if anyone can tell me. Also, just today I received an email from ILP stating I've been selected to enter a contest in Washington DC on 4/2/04. That I'm being recognized with an Outstanding Acheivement Award in Amateur Photography & will have a chance to win a wad of money in a contest being held there. Also, ILP tells me that I'll get a free 3.1 MP digital camera & have the opportunity to meet all kinds of famous/renowned professional photographers. Their website to this offer is: https://www.picture.com/convention/register.php?VIP=961784&SC=DC04 Convention registration is over $500.00 Someone please tell me, how can this all be true/fake?
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Danny L. Morgan |
I asked the student advisor for the photography cource I am taking and this is what he told me. The International Library of Photography is a SCAM. Your picture only gets published IF you buy the book. I got the same letter as Brett and that is a scam too. 100% FAKE. You only get the reward IF you show up and pay for the convention. Tear up and throw away any notice you recieve from them. The only thing they want is your money.
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Elizabeth |
This piece of information is extremely disappointing to me, because I also just received a letter/invitation to the 4/02/2004 convention. I kept my mind open to the fact it might be a scam, but I also hoped that I would find out otherwise. However, if they live up to the offer and provide everything they claim to provide at the convention, I would be willing to pay $500. A new camera, an award cup, seminars and workshops hosted by world renowned photographers - it is a once in a life time opportunity. Has anyone gone to one of these conventions in the past? Will I really receive everything they offer, even if I do have to pay $500?
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Elizabeth |
Just a side note regarding the 2004 convention - I noticed on picture.com that the convention is in association with National Geographic Live, so I turned to the National Geographic Live website without finding any useful information (the convention is not listed on their schedule of events in Washington DC, however, this convention is not put on by N.G.L., rather it is only in association with it). So I e mailed N.G.L. with questions, and I will post their reply here as soon as I receive it. Also, I noticed that the convention is being held at the Hilton Hotel in DC so I proceeded to e mail them, as well. I will also post their reply here. If anyone feels inspired to do as I have done, go for it, because we all know how hard it is (and how long it takes) to always receive feedback from these major websites...maybe someone else interested in investigating the convention would have better and faster luck than me?
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Shelley R |
Just another note. If you have any questions regarding this convention or if this entire thing is a scam, just try to email info@picture.com and you will see that your email will not be accepted and therefore they will not answer any of your questions. That should tell us all something! There is more info on picture.com that says my photos have been and will be published and they do not have my permission as I did NOT sign the release. When I try to contact them I am unable to. They used us all. Shelley
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Elizabeth |
For anyone interested in the 2004 convention I mentioned earlier... As it is taking place at the Hilton Hotel in DC, I called the hotel to get any information that I could (I halfway expected the operator to have no idea about any convention)... She said that it is for a fact scheduled for the weekend of April 2nd and she gave me the name of this man to contact: Jeff Franz (410) 356-2001 You have to listen to a list of extensions, but I believe his is 111 (after you press 2 at the main menu).
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- Rita Hill Contact Rita Hill Rita Hill's Gallery |
I got a letter about the convention and it sounded so flattering, but yea, it's a scam. Elizabeth, let us know if you find out anything. My guess probably not. I tore up the letter and this will be a lesson for me. Too good to be true! I wonder how many people out there realy try and make it out to the convention, So sad. We need to go on and continue our love for photography. You keep up your great work. Sincerely Rita of Vancouver Washington.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
I wasn't under the impression that the convention didn't exist or wasn't even going to be scheduled.(Although there's always the possibility that a last minuted announcement could come out about it has to be canceled) I always felt that it's merely a ploy, even though legal, that the money they spend to use a hotel room, is minor compared to the money they try to get from people by filling their heads with compliments, making up some meaningless certificates or plastic trophies, and just giving them to people, and playing off their egos. I mean, I don't think it's any different than the bottled water routine. Sell water in a bottle for $3, call it by a french sounding name like "Evian", have a scenic label, and sell it. But what is it really? Water right out the faucet. Does any of that sound familiar? Please let me know if it does.
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Christopher J. Embardino |
I too recieved the letter for the convention... this is what I know so far.... The convention is listed in the Hilton directory as "Photography Convention". This could be the illegible shorthad of the receptionist that took the reservation. I have not called at a time where I could really get someone that could get into the database and find out the rest of the information... but I plan to.
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Christopher J. Embardino |
I have spoken with Valerie at the international Society of Photographers. She is Steve Michael and craigs' associate. She states that the convention is thrown by the ISP not the international Library of Photography. Tehre are multiple departments in teh building, and they are all under the Watermark press. I confirmed this with the day staff at the Washington Hilton that it is under the ISP and they do have multiple rooms for the scheduled dates. I have a call in to Jeffery Franz and his secretary sounded very professional about it. I expect to talk with him today and I will post the results of my conversation here. stay tuned sportsfans. so far, it's good enough for me, but we'll see what turns up when I speak to the head honcho.
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Elizabeth |
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Christopher!! I have been worried that nothing further would be uncovered about the convention...keep up the good work!
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Christopher J. Embardino |
Ladies and gentleman, i'm sold. I am going to attend the workshop. I have gotten confirmation that the area is booked in the Hotel Hilton. I have also spoken with Valerie and Eric at ISP and both have confirmed information that i've gotten from outside sources. Yes, it is shady, however by my calculations the amount of money we're paying for the conference, isn't exhorbant. It will be enough to cover awards, payment of speakers, rent for the rooms and so on, plus a little besides, but it's not overkill for each person. Yes they're making some money off of it, but thats' what businesses do. i'm not taking their side 100% on anything, but I do know that i've ordered a book, yes I didn't get it, but it was credited back to my account so I didn't lose any money at this time. Eric assures me that it will not be cancelled for any reason and they've been dealing with the Hilton for the past 5 years and that was confirmed by the Hilton staff. I see no reason to doubt it at this time.
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Christopher J. Embardino |
Also, I would like to restate that the conference is given by the International Society of Photographers which, yes, is one and the same company with the ILP, however they are the membership part of the business and have little or nothing to do with the publishing of the books. My conversation with Eric was lengthy and he actually called me, not vice versa. If anyone has any more questions about what i've uncovered or is unclear or would like numbers and such, please feel free to email me at alatusnox@hotmail.com. I will get it after 6 pm EST as i'm at work and don't have access to my hotmail account. i'm taking my life in my hands posting and calling people as it is, but i'm an aspiring photographer myself so I want to know exactly what i'm getting for my $595.00. See you guys there.
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Elizabeth |
Christopher, could you give me the phone number to reach Eric? I would like to be able to ask him some questions. Hopefully I'll see you at the convention!
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Christopher J. Embardino |
410-356-2001 x115 : this is Eric's extension. I do'nt know valerie's and jeffrey franz is 111.
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Marla Drayton |
Before wasting your hard earned money on this convention, you may want to read the posts on this thread. Several posters have also emailed some of the speakers about the convention and have received threating letters from ILP's lawyer. http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=8171 If you have the money to burn and your curiosity has gotten the better of you, then by all means, attend the convention. I hope you will post and let us all know how it went.
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Elizabeth |
Christopher, I highly reccomend that you go to the thread that Marla posted at http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=8171 The entire thread is about the convention in DC and there is alot of concrete information to read, including the fact that National Geographic e mailed one of the posters and stated that David Doubilet will NOT be speaking at the convention (although picture.com did approach N.G. about it). Since then all references to Mr. Doubilet and National Geographic Live have been removed from the convention advertisements at picture.com. There is alot more information beyond this that would be worth your time. Good luck!
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Some people want to pay $5 for bottled water, other's get it from the faucet.
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Gary W. Lake |
Take a look at this link, they are all one and the same: http://www.picture.com/convention/ picture.com You can find all three names on this one page.
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Christopher J. Embardino |
Well I don't know what to say. Personally, i've done alot of legwork for myself. I've confirmed the people that are speaking. Yes, unfortunately one dropped out, but I couldn't find the reason. The rest confirm that they will without a doubt be speaking there on those dates for the ISP. as for the Library of Photography, the ISP books are printed on an as-needed basis, which isn't illegal albeit you're not going to get famous from them unless someone buys them for their foyer in NYC and yadda yadda yadda. it's not illegal, however i'll agree it does borderline on unethical. it's still good enough for me. I am going to use thsi as an opportunity to beef up the 'ol resume, as the rest of you should at least do with the nomination. I'll be getting press back home in the paper and in some magazines, so it's not all bad. you just have to turn it around and make it better than it already is. i'm not too worried about it because i've gotten confirmation from so many sources outside of the ILP and ISP that it's good enough for me. no con artist could have that many connections to pull off something of this scale. and yes, i'll post when I get back, or when I eat my words. i've asked myself what's worse, not going and being scared not going and missing out on a real deal -- going, getting taken and learning a hard lesson but still shooting a lot of photos in DC -- or going and having it be real and get a good shot at alot of good publicity and learning a great deal of information.
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Christopher J. Embardino |
Does anyone have a Docket number or ID for the supposed investigation that's been going on with the FTC? I've spent 2 days on their website and I couldn't find anything on the International Library of photography, international society of photographers, picture.com, or watermark press. If there is an investigation going on, then it's the single most low-key investigation on the planet, but if someone does have a number, please let me know, i'd like to print the page out.
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Amanda Botterweck |
Now for the dripping wet behind the ears person that I was........we have not recieved the "promised publication" that has been charged to my credit card. We have checked in March when we received the card stating it was coming, we checked in June 04 AGAIN, promising an October 30 release and then again today and was told it would not be out til February '05. Geezzzzz.......what is up with these tyrants. We were told by the ILP that they can not credit our acct as the "picture" has been pulled. Give me a break. We called our credit card company and they are sending us paperwork to file with a grievance but think we will be calling our states Attorney General. If anyone else recently has had anything on this company PLEASE post it as I am printing all this for proof that I am not making this up........I no longer am "dripping wet" behind the ears and have learned a valuable lesson. Amanda
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Richard G. Lucas |
ILP IS a coplete scam I had Threaten them with internet fraud to GET my book.After I finally Got hte book I took one look at And finally deposed of,it was a not worth throwing in the trash. Richard Lucas
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