scam: “International Contemporary Masters”

Last week I received this “invitation to submit” to a book of “Masters” that will be given away for free. 
But my “invitation” will not be free.  And it is not clear what value I will be receiving for my participation or who is going to want this free book. See my remarks in parenthesis (below.)

Dear Ann

I visited your portfolio and I liked your work. (That’s nice.)

I’d like to invite you to submit art for inclusion in Volume VII of “International Contemporary Masters”, a leading juried annual art publication presenting noteworthy artists from all over the world. (Artists from all over the world! Wow!)

Please note that inclusion in the book is not free. The concept of the publication is different. (“Different?”  Here it comes.)

The book is basically delivered for free and when we sell it, it is at a cost price so nobody makes money from sales. (Someone is making money.  My guess is it won’t be me.)

We try to have a large distribution and the purpose of the book is to promote the artists in it. (You try?) This is the reason the artists have to pay. Only artists that are up to the standards of our art committee are approved. (Who’s is the committee?  Master Card and Visa?)

If you are interested I will send you more information or you can visit: wwab.us/index.php/Masters-Application/ (add www. in front of the link)  (Whoa.  Some bad graphics.)

To get an idea of the quality of our publications you can view our previous books on the same site.

Each year we organize a large group exhibition for the artists appearing in this book, at the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts, which is located in Las Vegas. Contact us for more information. (A museum? Oh for real.)

Phil Cota – Assistant Curator

World Wide Art Books INC

1907 State Street 

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Tel / fax +1 805 845 3869


www.worldwideartbooks.com

Phil goes on about the pricing but he says nothing about the quality of the of “masters” judged by a “jury.
Most importantly I have no notion of  the specific value I will be receiving for my investment. 
For inclusion into a confusing and sketchy portfolio that would only damage my brand I am invited to pay:
Participation Fees

• One page — US $985.00
• Two pages — US $1,585.00
• Three pages  — US $ 2,085.00
• Four pages US  — 2,585.00
• Five pages US — $3,085.00
• Six pages US — $3,585.00

Front Cover:  AVAILABLE $9,800                                                                                                                                                                                               
Back Cover: NOT AVAILABLE $ 5,800
FRONTISPIECE: (the very first page inside the book) AVAILABLE: $5,800
MASTERS VOLUME VII (8)
Front Cover: AVAILABLE $9,800
Back Cover: AVAILABLE $5,800
FRONTISPIECE: (The very first page inside the book)  AVAILABLE $5,800
And if I apply now I can “pay monthly installments.”  (Gee. Where do I sign?)
Warning. This pitch lands perfectly in the minds of too many artists who have not developed their marketing acumen. 
Do not invest your hard earned dollars in empty promises.  Invest your money only when you are clear what you will be receiving and at what risk.
No one is coming to save, nor discover, the artists.  This is an irresponsible fantasy that too many leverage to their advantage.

http://artistswhothrive.com/2012/11/3678