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When my mom forwarded me a link to a photo contest put on by Picture.com, I figured “What the hell!” and entered a photo of my cat. This was months ago, and I didn’t think much about it (forgot about it, actually) until a few months ago when I received a letter in the mail.

This letter said that my photo “Nougat” was one of the hundreds (thousands?) of photos selected for print in a collection called Endless Journeys. As an exclusive offer for this honor, I was able to pre-order the limited-edition hardcover book for the low price of $70. There were also some options available to have the photo printed larger than the default “postage stamp” size — for an additional cost. I wish I had kept that letter so I could relate the prices as they were slightly insane.

Pssshhhhtttt.

Well… shortly after this amazing offer I got an email that stated that I was nominated to join the International Society of Photographers Hall of Fame — and to “commemorate this amazing achievement” they are “proud to offer [me] a one-of-a-kind gallery print” of my photo. I checked on the pricing and the least expensive (ie smallest) print available is $120 + $20 shipping, and they range all the way up to $300 for a poster-sized print.

Funk dat.

Then a “vote for me so I can win an iPod” contest started, and I received an email or three asking me to forward this link on to everyone I know so they can vote and I can win an iPod. (For the record, I don’t need an iPod but if you vote and I end up winning one, I’ll donate it or sell it and give the money to a charity).

Today I got yet another email. Apparently I have been selected as Editor’s Choice award recipient! Because only 12% of all entries received this high honor, they are offering a limited edition wall plaque commemorating the achievement PLUS I am invited to join the International Society of Photographers (ISP). How much do you think this would cost me? Oh it’s quite reasonable. The plaque and membership are valued at $135.00, but I have the exclusive offer to order them together for $75.00 (plus $14.00 shipping & handling).

So let’s add this up. If I order the book, get the smallest gallery print and get that plaque and join the ISP… oh, and factor in shipping… I’ll have to shell out over $300. That cost would grow higher if I want my photo to appear larger in the book. All for a picture of my freakin’ cat!

No thank you.

I’m seriously tempted to start marking all these emails as spam (I get a few each week) but there still are some actual prizes to be awarded… so we’re told. I think I’ll wait this out.

If you’re interested, you can view my photo on their site here.