I agree with you that many of those websites promising writing contests in exchange for payment look like scams. These days, the internet is full of deceptions and sites that only seek to exploit people who want to fulfill their dreams of publishing or earning money by writing. Most of these platforms lack any real backing or recognition in the literary world, and often ask for money without offering anything in return or demand exorbitant payments. I think it's crucial to be cautious and look for opportunities on reliable sites with a good reputation and verifiable recommendations. Personally, I believe that if someone truly wants to improve and build a career in writing, they should invest in their training and in reputable platforms, not in these dubious businesses that only seek to enrich themselves at the expense of others' naiveté. Caution and research are key before trusting these promotions.