Great Regulars: When I was an emerging poet, I was given

the Jordan Davidson Poetry Prize from Barry College in Florida, and I hasten to state that, although the cash award was miniscule, it gave my faith in my talents a tremendous boost. Indeed, that is what literary prizes are supposed to do: Elevate a struggling poet's self esteem. But does this psychological dynamic work for poets of integrity who are honest and truthful enough with themselves to realize there are thousands of poetry prizes being awarded in this country? At best, many of these prizes are questionable. At their worst, they are a swindle when they charge an entry fee.

from Anthony Maulucci: Norwich Bulletin: Not all contests legitimate, worth worrying about

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