ComplaintsforPublishing Concepts, LP

• Initial Complaint

  04/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I participated in the oral history project and was excited to be included. I received a draft copy of what was going to be written and it was full of errors and mistakes which I then submitted corrections for. I was horrified when I received the printed copy of the book that is literally filled with outright lies and false truths about my life and my story. Its like the person who was documenting cut out major pieces of the story and pieced together a puzzle of nonsense. They even spelled my mascot from my high school wrong 3 different ways, 3 different times as well as spelled my hometown wrong. These are errors I would not have made on my own, and I know for sure, because I have screenshots to show, that I updated these mistakes in the initial review of the book. I feel very taken advantage of and I feel that I was scammed out of my money for this book The other disappointing part is anybody that gets a copy of this book will be reading a story with my picture next to it that is not factual at all! I am embarrassed that this is what is being put out into the public when these are not my words, even though that is the whole purpose of the project! This story is not in my own words, but rather someone who filtered my words, and completely changed my history and my story. Some of the sentences are downright offensive and its made to seem that I said them. They make it look like Im taking credit for accomplishments I did not achieve. I look like a fool. They took my money (a high price!) wasted my time and then humiliated me in print. If anyone sees this - DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROJECT!

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  We're so sorry that your story was disappointing. One of our Client Experience team members reached out to you this morning and I hope you received our message. We are issuing a full refund for all products you purchased, not just the publication. That check will be mailed to your Peakview Place address and you should receive it in the next couple of weeks. 

  Customer response

  04/13/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution.  They have refunded my money that I paid for this project. I am still disappointed that the books have already been printed with the misinformation and the misspellings because they do make me look bad, but theres not much I can do about that part at this point. They did contact me by phone. I have not yet had a chance to call back. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  April 1, 2024 @ 10:07 AM I received a very disturbing email on ********************************************** letterhead from Publishing Concepts DEMANDING I call them within 5 days to give confidential info. They informed me in the email ********************************************** released my other confidential info. w/out my permission which is how they were able to cold contact me so they could publish & sell it for profit. I'm DEMANDING every single piece of info. abt. me, including my name, address, SS#, phone #, email, financial info., and EVERYTHING not listed here be returned to ********************************************** & completely deleted from their ******************* within 2 hours of being notified of this complaint. I also demand the company be investigated for stalking, harassment, & threatening tactics. I don't enjoy receiving disturbing emails from a stranger I've never heard of nor have any business with. I had a panic attack of "who is this person who sent me this disturbing email & is my life in danger?" I will *** this company if I have a heart attack or this directory leads to me being victimized by some freak from their unethical disclosure of my confidential info. they have no right to for ******* ***** serious! There are people who call innocent people & incite fear into them by disclosing personal info. to them that they should not know but do. This email they sent me is no different from the phone freaks.Publishing Concepts, you will cease & desist from contacting me. You will not publish nor sell any of my information to anyone. You will return all of my information to ********************************************** within 2 hours of receiving this complaint. You will delete any & all information about me from every one of your computers & files within 2 hours, & if you don't, I have no problem hiring an attorney to *** you which the news of the lawsuit will be bad for your business. What you offer is only beneficial if the people you are exploiting for profit have given you written permission to exploit them.

  Business response

  04/03/2024

  We're so sorry our mailing caused distress. In early 2024, ********************************************** launched an Oral History Project with PCI. Information about that program is on the University website at ********************************************************************************************************. You'll see there that while this program is an opportunity for alumni to tell their stories, they also note "PCI's role extends beyond story collection; they will also aid in updating biographical information of our alumni. This ensures that we have the most accurate data to maintain connections with Squirrels throughout the country and the world."

  We are working with the office of Alumni Engagement at ***********************. The names and addresses of alumni were provided to PCI only for contact regarding this program. The information has not been sold or utilized in any way, other than to provide *********************** with updated contact information for their communication purposes. You will not receive any further contact regarding this program and no information about you will be published in the upcoming book.

• Initial Complaint

  02/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My complaint concerns the biographical entry for the *********************** 2023 Alumni Reflections Oral History Project. My "history" is published on p 337 and it is filled with errors,s names that have been made up, and insults to the *************** which I have worked with for over 30 years. The most egregious errors: "I was was the first Hmong PhD. graduate;" "Dr. ******** Song and I worked together for four or five years creating a curriculum for *************** families with adolescents."If the author paid any attention to what he/she was writing it is clear from my name and background information that I am NOT a Hmong person and certainly not the first Hmong PHD at the ***********************. That honor goes to my mentee ********** ********************* and it was he who I worked with on the parenting curriculum for ******** families. I have never heard of ************* and I am miffed at how the author could have made up a name like that when I spelled out the names of ************* to make sure there would be no errors during the interview. I was promised the opportunity to read over the text written from the interview before publication and I never saw it, never heard from the company, and had no idea how embarrassing this entry could be for me and the ***************. I have already heard from ************* about the error and two other colleagues as well. In addition to the errors, the level of writing in my entry is about a third grade level...."I did this, then I did that, then I did another thing," very boring, sophomoric at best, and an embarrassment to any educated person who reads it. I saw similar grade school level writing in several other entries I read...really, can't you do any better than this?In addition to the embarrassment, and mistakes that will be in print forever, I am sorry to say that I paid for this. I don't recall the amount since it was at least two years ago that I paid for this (about $70.). I expect a refund.

  Business response

  03/12/2024

  We're so sorry your printed story was disappointing and not as you expected. Our goal is for every participant to review the transcription and make any edits prior to going to press, and as you referenced we send emails like the one attached in hopes of facilitating that. Yours were sent to ***************************, asking for review and also encouraging the inclusion of a photograph if possible. A member of our client experience team reached out in late February to confirm the physical mailing address for your refund check and the refund was mailed at that time. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know.

• Initial Complaint

  01/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to formally file a complaint against Publishing Concepts for their recent conduct, which I find highly deceptive and unethical. The nature of my complaint concerns an email and a postcard sent out by Publishing Concepts that are misleading and exude a scam-like aura.The content of both the email and postcard conveyed an exaggerated sense of urgency, mimicking tactics commonly used in scams. This approach is not only unprofessional but also deeply concerning, as it reflects a blatant disregard for ethical standards in communication and marketing. The tone and strategy employed in these materials suggest an attempt to manipulate and pressure recipients into making decisions or actions they might not otherwise consider.As a recipient of these communications, I felt targeted by a scheme designed to exploit my trust and relationship with the institution (**** AA&F) that Publishing Concepts claimed to represent. The use of such disingenuous tactics in an attempt to solicit donations or engage in fundraising activities is unacceptable. It reflects poorly not only on Publishing Concepts but also on the institutions and clients they represent.I urge the Better Business Bureau to investigate this matter thoroughly. Companies like Publishing Concepts should be held accountable for their actions, especially when they involve potentially deceptive practices that can harm the reputation and trustworthiness of well-respected institutions and their alumni networks.Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and action.

  Business response

  01/17/2024

  The *************************** contracted with Publishing Concepts to produce an Alumni Register. Information about the program is on their website at *******************************************************. It says, in part:
  We have contracted with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to verify the accuracy of alumni data currently on file. PCI has begun mailing postcards and sending e-mails to alumni in January. The communication requests alumni to call a telephone number to verify or update their alumni profile. When alumni call, they will be offered the opportunity to purchase a printed or digital directory. You are under no obligation to purchase anything. Regardless of whether you purchase the directory, we thank you for updating your information. The new alumni directory will be available in print and digital formats in early ****. PCI is a trusted partner of the **** AA&F and the ************* and is strictly using the alumni contact information for this project only. 

  PCI is a 100-year old family-owned business that partners with hundreds of organizations each year. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know.

• Initial Complaint

  01/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am in the American Legion in ******. Publishing concepts contacted Veterans in our ******* about doing oral history of our military service. One of our members is 91 years old and a Korean war veteran who is hard of hearing. He was confused and talked into paying the $ ****** not knowing what he was doing. Taking advantage of our elderly veterans is completely wrong. Shame one you. I will continue to fight for my brother in arms until this matter is resolved.

  Business response

  01/16/2024

  The ************************** of ****** contracted with PCI to conduct an Oral History Project. Information about that program is posted on their website here: ******************************************. Any member can participate and a purchase is not required - over ***** members have participated, to date. We contacted ************************** to obtain the name of the individual he felt should be refunded, but he would not provide us with that information. We would be happy to gift the publication to the Korean War veteran he mentions, but we need the member's name to do that. If he'd prefer, he can provide the name to the Department Adjutant at the Legion.

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Never received. the promised book. I would like a complete refund of my money.

  Business response

  01/09/2024

  As requested, we have issued a full refund of $205.63. That was sent in the form of a check via **** to the address provided here. We're so sorry for the delay.

• Initial Complaint

  12/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was contacted by Publishing Concepts about an alumni project for my high school. Included in the package I purchased was supposed to be an alumni hooded sweatshirt for my school. It was promised to arrive in April and I have not yet received it. I had one update email about the project shortly after the initial purchase. Unprofessional, unacceptable, and the company should be held accountable.

  Business response

  01/09/2024

  We're so sorry this order was not yet fulfilled. We've been unable to reach Ms. *********, but did leave a message for her last week confirming that a full refund was on the way via ***** The check was sent to the address provided here, amount $406.56. Again, were so sorry for the delay and inconvenience. 

  Customer response

  01/17/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

  I received a full refund in a timely fashion after filing a complaint with BBB.  I was afraid that the business was a fraud, but they responded and issued a refund.  I hope that Publishing Concepts is able to move forward and realize future projects. They have great ideas and a positive vision for alumni and our home schools. 

  Thank you BBB and Publishing Concepts for resolving the complaint quickly. 

• Initial Complaint

  12/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Trying to Review My Final Story in the *********************************** 2023 Oral History Project Book for which a I have paid $500. None of my identified corrections are being accepted. This is totally unacceptable. If the company cannot resolve this issue I demand my payment be refunded in full.*************************

  Business response

  12/19/2023

  We haven't been able to reach ******************** by phone, but did send an email to the address we have on file ********************** with the full content of his story. That message was sent on Wednesday, December 13.

  We are happy to make any changes for him - we can take those by phone at ************** or by responding to the email from our ************** Help Desk.

• Initial Complaint

  11/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased and paid $517.96 for this package done for the Signa Alpha Iota Alumni Association by a company called publishing Concepts. The package included an oral history digital copy which is poorly organized, a crappy bag, sweatshirt, and tshirt made in a sweatshop in ********, and a hardbound book of the oral history. I never received the most expensive item which is the hardbound book. The recording i made for the oral project was altered and edited making me sound like a 3rd grader. I have contacted Publishing Concepts twice via email and once via phone but have not received any replies. I have even contacted my SAI alumni association that hired this dishonest company. Still waiting for that reply. I want a full refund. I have read so many other complaints about them after the fact; wishing now i had read them BEFORE i decided to pay this outrageous amount for c*** AND NOT RECEIVING THE HARDBOUND BOOK!

  Business response

  11/22/2023

  Were so sorry you aren't pleased with the program's apparel. As noted at the bottom of each of our emails, we have a 100% happiness guarantee (screenshot attached). We've been unable to reach you by phone at the number given during your initial contact with us *************). You can disregard our message indicating that we will initiate your refund upon receipt of the items you no longer wish to keep. Although we not have received the items back, we issued a full refund on November 20. You'll receive that check in the mail, sent to the **** Blf address in ************. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know.

• Initial Complaint

  11/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was contacted via email to participate in a project for my **** mater University. I was excited to participate and give back to the University. I participated and gave my story at the end of sharing my story with the representative she told me I would receive multiple gifts for my contribution. Before ending the call she asked me how I would like to pay for the service. I paid $517.86. Receipt said I would recite gifts some by June and others by October. After several attempts to contact via email I was met with the same email response that assured me I would be contacted within 24 hours but have never been contacted back to resolve the issue. Unprofessional. I would not recommend.

  Business response

  12/13/2023

  Following receipt of this inquiry, we reached out Mr. ******* and at his request on 11/22/23 his order was cancelled/refunded. The full amount of $517.86 was sent via check on Monday 11/27 when we returned from the Thanksgiving holiday. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩