Dear Sun Spots: Can you find out what happened to the International Society of Poets at 1 Poetry Place in Owings Mills, MD 21117-6282. I used to get a poetry magazine from them and haven’t received any for about 6 months. What you can find out will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. – No Name, No Town.

Answer:
The International Society of Poets, also known as the International Library of Poetry, Watermark Press and poetry.com has gone out of business. According to the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, the majority of the complaints they received “allege delayed receipt or non-delivery of publications.”

Some complaints also allege misleading advertising; the business is not clear that they are a “vanity press,” which publishes an author’s work at the expense of the author and typically does not market or distribute their publications.

Also in the BBB report, “some complaints allege authors have received letters telling them they have been nominated as ‘Poet of the Year’ and inviting them to receive an award at the company’s annual poetry convention, for which they would have to pay about $500 to $600, plus travel and hotel expenses. However, virtually everyone who submits a poem is nominated; the award is not for poetry of merit.” That information is not included in the correspondence to the author.

The domain name www.poetry.com has been purchased by the Lulu brand, but it did not purchase the business behind the Web site.

Dear Sun Spots: Under “Old Time Remedies” to control ants, it calls for boric acid. I have been unable to find it and hope you will be able to help me.

Also, I am trying to find the numeral “4” written out in black metal for my door. Thank you for your help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer:
Check your local pharmacy for boric acid powder; it’s behind the counter, so you’ll have to ask the pharmacist for it. If they don’t have it, they may be able to order it for you.

Sun Spots has found house numbers at both the Home Depot and Lowe’s.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.