Poetry Contest -- Ridiculous Scam, but still fun

Almost two years ago I had just bought my computer (first) and I was bored one night when I saw a junk mail about a poetry contest so I sarcastically entered -- though now I can't remember the poem for anything. I just sprayed some nonsense about being alone at my computer and looking for friends online. Well, about 2 months later, after I had completely forgotten about it, I received a letter in the mail from the web site saying they liked my "artistic vision" (I kid you not!) and they asked my permission to publish the poem in their latest coffe table book, so I agreed. The problem was (and yes, I see how stupid I was now -- all criticism is pointless and a waste of bandwisth) that I actually bought a copy of the book -- it's actually an attractive book and the poem is in it, but it's not available to anyone who didn;t buy form that web site. Still even now, I'm receiving invitations to events that would cost me a month's pay, hosted by celebrities, to read the lame little poem in front of unknown numbers of strangers. It would also pay for a trophy-type bowl and a plaque and certificate. Well, I was conned out of some cash, but (though it may be legitimate) I'm not going that far. I just think it's funny that the little piece of nothing I belted out online one bored afternoon back in DC actually went somewhere!