Sorry, but we are not here to justify your actions...

[Michael Oksa]

Howdy all,

(The first part is a bit of a rant, but I hope the last part helps)

I understand that this is not a perfect world, and considering the time of year, there really is a lot to be thankful for.

However...

There is something I'd like to share.

EZA, Google, Twitter, Craigslist, eBay, the Warrior Forum, and just about every other website that allows people to post in some way, all have rules or terms of service.

Guess what? It's up to the user to read them!

GASP!!!

My point is this: I am not going to justify your breaking the rules by agreeing with how "evil" EZA is for not allowing you to link to any page you like. I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon of PayPal charging too much, or whatever.

When using the site, you are AGREEING to follow that site's rules. If you think they suck, don't use them.

Okay, the above is nothing new, but there is an additional reason why I wanted to make this post.

You will improve your marketing abilities by following the rules you have agreed to.

Yes, there may be constraints, but find a way to to play fair AND get your message across. If you have to resort to dishonesty, flagrant violations, and dirty tricks then I don't want what you're selling.

Why? Because you don't believe in it. Because if you take shortcuts now, what will happen later? Because I don't trust you. Because ________.

There may be grey areas, but deliberate ignorance does not fall under that umbrella.

Do you think marketing is improved by following the rules? Or is it okay to get your message out there by any means available?

All the best,
Michael

[peetred]

I think it always pays to play by the rules. In my personal opinion, you are only putting your entire business and career online at risk when you don't follow the rules.

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by peetred

I think it always pays to play by the rules. In my personal opinion, you are only putting your entire business and career online at risk when you don't follow the rules.

That's a good point.

If you are resting the fate of your business on the foundation of dishonesty or not playing fair, then you are setting yourself up for failure.

Some may argue that they didn't know what the rules were. For the most part, it's not the site's fault. There are exceptions where rules are left somewhat vague for good reason.

But, ignorance of the rules is not a valid excuse.

And that's why I'm not going to try to make rulebreakers feel better when they get caught. To be fair, I understand that misunderstandings happen, and each case should be looked at for what it is.

Ultimately, it's smart to read and understand the rules of any sites you're using.

All the best,
Michael

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

GASP!!!

My point is this: I am not going to justify your breaking the rules by agreeing with how "evil" EZA is

What about the rumoured Satanic rituals where their editors have been seen forcing harmless hamsters to do unspeakable acts?

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

If you are resting the fate of your business on the foundation of dishonesty or not playing fair, then you are setting yourself up for failure.

OH HOW TRUE!

Over 30 years in business, I've seen so many charlatans come and go. They never last. NEVER!

[DogScout]

You can drink pink Koolaid™ or you san live in reality.

[Ken Strong]

Originally Posted by Kevin Riley

What about the rumoured Satanic rituals where their editors have been seen forcing harmless hamsters to do unspeakable acts?

There's no such thing as a "harmless" hamster -- don't tell me you got sucked in by rodent propaganda, too.

[kendrickyi]

Well this is about morals and principles. You can still play smart while keeping the rules though. Some people call it cheating, others call it leveraging.

[Shana_Adam]

ignorance is one thing but blatantly leaving footprints all over the internet with the big SE's caching all the evidence is just plain stupid.

That goes for all spammers and get rich quick advocates who ruin it for honest people trying to make a living online.

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by Kevin Riley

What about the rumoured Satanic rituals where their editors have been seen forcing harmless hamsters to do unspeakable acts?

Who said they were rumors?

Originally Posted by DogScout

You can drink pink Koolaid™ or you san live in reality.

Pink hamster Kool-aid packs a powerful propaganda punch.

I'm starting to see the vast hamster conspiracy unfolding before our very eyes. Or, have I just been fooled for far too long?

~M~

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by kendrickyi

Well this is about morals and principles. You can still play smart while keeping the rules though. Some people call it cheating, others call it leveraging.

Hi kendrickyi,

That's exactly the point.

I would not call that cheating at all. In fact, I would say leveraging (or whatever you chose to call it) WITHIN the rules is what hones our marketing skills.

All the best,
Michael

Hear!!! Hear!!! - I say great post Michael and I agree 100% ...

James

[yesacpow]

I definitely agree with the OP. It is always good to be honest it will pay better in the long run if not immediately.

"the long and "honest route" may make you sweat and tired but the short and "dishonest route" may make you bleed and end up dead

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by yesacpow

I definitely agree with the OP. It is always good to be honest it will pay better in the long run if not immediately.

"the long and "honest route" may make you sweat and tired but the short and "dishonest route" may make you bleed and end up dead

You inadvertently touched on one source of the problem.

There is a belief, among many people, that the honest way takes longer, and the dishonest way is easier. But as you said, in the long run, honesty (and playing by the rules) is the way to go.

When people are conditioned to think...

Honesty = long and hard
Dishonesty = easy shortcut

...then it's more difficult for them to be objective. In other words, someone sees a term like "blackhat" and they ASSUME it must be a shortcut. But some "dishonest" methods actually take a lot more work. Plus, there is the ever-present risk of getting caught and having ALL of your efforts go down the drain.

All the best,
Michael

[Kay King]

There may be grey areas, but deliberate ignorance does not fall under that umbrella.

Deliberate ignorance is what happens when you join a site and click "I agree to the terms" - but don't take the time to read/understand the terms you just agreed to.

Now, if you read the terms and decide you are exempt, that's deliberate. If you think you are too smart to get caught, that's ignorant.

kay