Are all literary contests scams?

[Norma Bruce]

I think Deborah made a good case for the contests. But let's look at other
contests. My husband is an amateur watercolorist. He enters several shows a
year. The best one is the Spring and Fall shows for Central Ohio Watercolor
Society, a show for members only, who have paid dues. The prizes come from
"sponsors," who the show organizers line up ahead of time, and money from dues
buys the ribbons, refreshments for the opening, etc. Another show, open to
everyone who thinks they can paint, including children, uses the entry fee to
cover the costs of the show. In the first case, the juror is paid from the
artists' dues, in the second, from the fees. Expenses are expenses, and
nothing in life is free, folks. Time is money. All the verbs we use with time
we use with money. Sponsors, editors, subscribers, etc., everyone has a price.

Norma Bruce