Poet - Your Cover Is Blown

It's with great sadness and a lot of discomfort that I write
about an issue that needs addressing and brought to light
Several poets have long known
about a poet whose cover is blown
and cheats by entering their own contests. That's not right.


What would you think of a poet entering contests of their making
and then winning high placements with names they are faking
That's stooping pretty low
I really wish it wasn't so
So I hope it comes to an end after this exposure and muckraking

                               *******************
It's not my intent to stir up trouble with this post, but in all good conscience I feel the need to inform all of you who write for contests that this has been happening for some time.  This is not an act of bitterness or ill will, but if this poet reads this, know that if it doesn't stop I'll report you to TPS.  I don't understand why a decent poet would do something like this.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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Cwiak Avatar
November 7, 2017 at 6:03 AM
Lin, you've handled this with a poet's wit and wisdom. I have often thought that some names pop up as winners far too often, so there are few contests that I will enter. It won't stop me writing, since I write for the joy of writing. I congratulate you for your ethics and stand by to help in any way I can.
Lane Avatar
November 7, 2017 at 6:13 AM
First of all I thank you most kindly for your compliments. Your suspicions, along with several others are correct. I'll send you mail.
Michaels Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 12:12 PM
Wow, I did not know this. Very bad show... Aside from a flash of anger, I feel pity for them, more than anything. Your limerick was nicely done, by the way!! All the best, John.
Lane Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 2:24 PM
And it continues despite TPS having been notified. Thanks, John
De Beaulieu Avatar
October 31, 2017 at 7:43 AM
Lin I agree with you. I hope whoever did this will read what you posted, and not do it ever again. Everyone should have a chanceto win a contest. Have a nice day my friend.
Lane Avatar
November 3, 2017 at 7:14 PM
Thanks, Darlene. The scope of the farce is deep.
Tsitsikroni Avatar
October 17, 2017 at 7:31 AM
Wow, how desperate can anyone get? I do not enter, will not enter and do not care what people think. I write because I enjoy doing so. If people read me and comment thank you and if they do not, thank you too. I do not get how silly people are with such matters. Sad state of affairs. You should expose and report, do this person or persons a favor.
Lane Avatar
October 26, 2017 at 6:43 PM
TPS has been notified, Klio.
Daniel Avatar
October 15, 2017 at 10:20 AM
Sad to see this still happening, Lin, though I still don't know who it is, but I know it's wrong. Let's hope they stop..
Lane Avatar
October 26, 2017 at 6:42 PM
It's been reported because it's continuing.
Barden Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 2:38 AM
Wow ... seriously pitiful behavior, and beyond immature. I came to this site (and stayed) because of the class and integrity and high level of quality writers, so this kind of thing is very disappointing, to say the least, and I hope they find a way to remedy it, as I take people on their word, and The Soup has become a refuge for me. Very sorry to hear this ... I believe karma will ultimately win out, but still - we are creative folks, and we SHOULD be above such petty concerns and practices.
Allison Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 7:12 AM
It also makes a mockery of no names on contests lol:-) hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 6:53 AM
Kinda strips bare the integrity of poetry, doesn't it?
Krampe Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 8:38 PM
This is almost more funny than outrageous. If people feel the need to go to the trouble to create a contest, make a fake account, enter their own contest under a false name, and give themselves a win, they are simply pathetic. Seems an awful lot of work to give themselves some praise.
Lane Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 6:49 AM
The irony of it all, Agnes, is that this person is NOT getting the praise because of not using their real name. And how praiseworthy are poems that win through cheating?
Green Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 8:14 PM
Lin, I don't hang around here hardly at all anymore so I have no idea who you are referring to but I have heard of this happening and still can not understand why anyone would do something like this, it must be a very insecure individual. Here's hoping your wonderfully direct poem helps end this situation and if not then I agree with some of the others on here...report them. If I can be of any help, please let me know
Lane Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 6:48 AM
I agree with everything you've written, Chris. There's nothing you can do, or I, unless the practice continues. Then I'll proceed with reporting it to TPS. Thanks for the offer to help.
May Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 4:52 PM
If this was long known why did no one report it? It is dishonest and whoever it is should be exposed for the fraud that they are
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 5:05 PM
It is dishonest, and I don't like pointing fingers at people, but I've said I hoped it would end. Why have only a few noticed it? Poets have eyes.
Sivey Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 4:39 PM
This is so sad that this is happening Lin! I hate to see things like this on the Soup, the dishonesty is disheartening! I thank you for bringing it up, and maybe this person will stop! What a great way to present it, with two awesome Limericks! Great Work!
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 5:02 PM
It is sad, Russell.
Kendrick Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 2:08 PM
There are all kinds of incidences that happen on here that are not right but those that are right make it a nice place..You need to contact administration by going to the bottom of the page and click on contact us and give them the information..They can stop them but the person will just change their persona..Sara..Thanks for dropping by..
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 5:02 PM
what you say is true, Sara.
Allison Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:51 AM
It's a shame lin but there are so many fake accounts around or multiple accounts held by the same person I know of one person who had at least 20 but they are not around at the moment but I am sure will be back in another guise. Hugs Jan xx
Allison Avatar
November 7, 2017 at 5:41 PM
A very dear poet friend who started at the same time as me was hounded and stalked by a person with lots of accounts, she became jealous of our friendship and started to attack me in poems it was so horrible - I saw her back under a new name only last month but no one gave them any attention and she closed that account, sadly he left:-( hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:54 AM
Wherefore art thou, integrity? Thanks for the comments, Jan.
Flats Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:47 AM
Fraud knows no bounds! But, it still astounds... me. Heckfar! Shine that spotlight!!!
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:53 AM
The light is looming. Thanks, John.
Smith Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:07 AM
Popularity and greed, to fill out a need. Lost not giving or getting, love passing them by. Behind a screen they hide....Glad Nate spared you Lin
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:15 AM
I can't fathom doing such a thing, Tim. Nate moved to the East and passed me by with hardly a huff and a puff. Thanks for your thoughtfulness and concern.
Sands Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:06 AM
This is disturbing Lin. It should already be reported , in my opinion. Thank you for addressing this.
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2017 at 11:09 AM
I'm not confrontational by nature, Heidi, and I hoped I was wrong, but I know I'm not. I'm giving this person a chance to put an end to this practice. I hope he/she makes amends.
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