This little experiment has to do with the notorious National
Library of Poetry. Before I had my web page, I felt this burning
need to be recognized as a good poet. When I heard about this
organization, naturally I sent a poem to them: not only could I
win their contest, but I had a chance of becoming published!
I was so darn excited. I sent in Prayer
of Repentance.
I heard from them some weeks later.
Not only was I a semi finalist, But they wanted to publish me!
The letter that they sent was filled with things like "Wonderful
verse!" and "your artistry. . ." It seemed too good to be true.
It was.
I checked them out. everone said that they were fluff, that they
publish anyone who submits in order to get people to buy their
books. My husband and I wanted to know if this was true, so we
sent in the cheesiest poem we could make up.
My name is George.
I'm a fish.
Now I'm dead.
The End.
~John Schmit
---Yep, that's right we submitted under the name "John Schmit"
(his name is my name too, ya know)
Some weeks later we recieved a letter. It was adressed to
John Schmit. Not only was he a semi finalist, But they wanted
to publish him! The letter that they sent was filled with things like "Wonderful
verse!" and "your artistry. . ."
I think that you get the picture. The NLP will publish anyone.
I don't know if I feel like laughing or crying.
~Jennifer Wilhelm alias"Willowleaf"