Photographers Forum contest Legit or bogus?

I entered the Photographers Forum contest with my egret image and just recieved a card saying I am a finalist. Great news at first but then they go on to SUGGEST that I reserve a copy of the book I will be in called Best of Photography for 55.00. Anyone familiar with this contest. They have cash prizes as well.

The rules of the Photographers Forum contest are very clearly spelt out. It is mentioned in there that they will print the pictures of all winners, honorable mentions and finalists in their Best of Photography book. You are not required to buy the book. I don't see anything wrong here.

The book is how they make their $$ - as long as you aren't forced to pay to continue in the process, I wouldn't be terribly concerned. Just don't reserve one.

P.S. congrats

Congrats Cheryl. Book is a money maker just like the college alumni and top people in industry books. No need to buy book unless you want to have it on your coffee table for conversation.

Bill Brennan

There's nothing illegitimate about it, but I take a strong dislike to competitions where you have already paid to enter, and then they publish a book to sell to the entrants using your high res photos! This is becoming the competition norm rather than the exception.

Unfortunately, Cheryl, as Michael pointed out, this form of competition has become the normal.

Congrats on being a finalist.

May the best woman win



Carol

Thanks all, I figured all was cool and appreciate your extra comments.

Years ago I entered a "snapshot" of a fawn with that same company. For 3 years they bugged me to buy a book. My advice would be to withdraw your photo and try to publish it elsewhere. This is just short of a scam. Sorry to deliver bad news.

Whatever you decide to do, many congrats on being a finalist! That's just terrific!

Hi Cheryl,
I entered this one a couple of years ago, then sprung for the book.
Never got past the finalist stage..The book has some great images from all areas of photography, so it's good for the coffee table anyway. They will end up sending you a little nifty "finalist" certificate you can add to your collection in any case

I'm wondering how many "finalists" they have. The more "finalists", the more books they are likely to sell.

Carol, I suspect that most of us who entered are Finalists

As I stated on FB, I would like to quit playing the Finalist game and start playing the Winning game.

I too wonder about the number of Finalists

Carol

I think it is ridiculous for a competition to expect you to fork out for a book they're printing using your image. I disagree that this is becoming a competition norm.