Please Alleviate my Scepticism

14 years ago

There's a lot of self proclaimed "guru's" out there, that like you mention, only want to make money of the people buying their guides. There are real good guides out there that point you in the right direction, though nothing is guaranteed without your own sweat and toil. Check out the WSO here, there's a lot of legit offers and strategies that could help you out.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Jointal ---- A CPA network that operates on trust -

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784502].message }}

mr_sceptic

14 years ago

Originally Posted by jointaldc

There's a lot of self proclaimed "guru's" out there, that like you mention, only want to make money of the people buying their guides. There are real good guides out there that point you in the right direction, though nothing is guaranteed without your own sweat and toil. Check out the WSO here, there's a lot of legit offers and strategies that could help you out.

Yeah, but I still can't get my head around the fact that if they're doing so well themselves, why divert their time by writing up a guide.

Also, if you have great methods for making money, why share them with potential competitors? That makes me think the real money is in the guides themselves.

Thanks
5 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784570].message }}

Alexa Smith Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

Also, if you have great methods for making money, why share them with potential competitors? That makes me think the real money is in the guides themselves.

It is, undeniably, for some people. (There are undoubtedly many people in internet marketing who have found - for example - that it's easier to make a living selling affiliate marketing advice to people than it ever was for them when they were just doing affiliate marketing themselves.)

Not for everyone, by any means, but for some.

It can be extremely difficult to differentiate between them. And impossible for newcomers.

And to that extent, you're right to be sceptical. I can't alleviate that for you, because I share some of it, though perhaps not to anything like the same extent that you feel that way.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784603].message }}
pauley13 14 years ago

Yeah I too had the same suspicion, but I'm past it now. Sure there are people who will just sell BS. My first months learning MMO almost convinced me that "all" are like that. But then I used my logic and started digging deeper. I think it's fair to say that MOST are definitely NOT like that, but the bad apples DO make much more stink than they merit. Another thing is that many - even the honest ones - have sales pitches that ARE MISLEADING.
I've bought many EXCELLENT products which I LIKE and USE - BUT - they were ostensibly NOT what they advertised. Some would say "make $X by next week guaranteed" - or whatever, and the truth would be that "someone" CAN make money next week using that method, but it's NOT you. LOL
I got over all that now, and I've learned to look more carefully and past the hype.

As for your point of "why would anyone bother" - there's many reasons. Many of those people genuinely like to share. Some like to share AND profit. And why not. MOST do BOTH. Nothing wrong with that! If you ever took part in support forums, you'll know that people write VOLUMES of help information, etc - only to be rewarded with virtual pats on the back. And yet they enjoy it. And they're loved by their virtual friends. I do that too, now and then, and there IS big enjoyment to be had from knowing you've helped someone. Even if you don't make money on it.

It's a karma thing
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784655].message }}

jointaldc

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

Yeah, but I still can't get my head around the fact that if they're doing so well themselves, why divert their time by writing up a guide.

Also, if you have great methods for making money, why share them with potential competitors? That makes me think the real money is in the guides themselves.

Most of them are successful for using their own methods, though, be wary, those methods don't work for everybody, that's why there are so many guides out there.

Some people aren't afraid to give out their "secrets" because most of the time they aren't giving you the real down dirty secret to their own success, but it does help out. Trust me, while he's sharing his secrets, he's also making money off of that sharing, so he's making money two ways. Though there are a lot of reputable books and guides out there.

I say read some guides and add a bit of your own ingenuity.

Thanks

Signature

Jointal ---- A CPA network that operates on trust -

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784772].message }}

Black Hat Cat Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

Yeah, but I still can't get my head around the fact that if they're doing so well themselves, why divert their time by writing up a guide.

Psssst....I'll let you in on the secret. They do it because....now don't tell anyone....they do it because....it's profitable. Duh. Why does Amazon sell electronics? Aren't they a book store?

Better question....why do you think doing one means you can't do the other?
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785752].message }}

SantiSantana

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

Yeah, but I still can't get my head around the fact that if they're doing so well themselves, why divert their time by writing up a guide.

Also, if you have great methods for making money, why share them with potential competitors? That makes me think the real money is in the guides themselves.

It´s like going back to the Gold Rush days and asking the people selling the shovels why do they sell them instead of keeping them to themselves and going for the gold.

If I want a shovel so I can joing the gold rush and you don´t sell it to me I sure as hell will find someone who will sell me one.

Why would teachers of business school teach business to other students rather than going out and doing the businesses themselves and keeping people out? Because teaching is what they do.

The fact of the matter is, you want to make money online, you will seek an education on how to do it. SOmeone will have an educational program of whatever sort to sell you. Frank Kern and the other Top Gun marketers just happen to have specialized on serving this market.

Now the people who serve this market without being properly qualified to do so or the outright scam artists is a totally different subject. You should not mix the two up which is what sadly most people do.

If you are seeking an education on how to make money online you are $37 away from all the learning material you could ever hope for. It will definitely be a lot cheaper than my expenditure in learning, only wish I had found it 10 years before.

Thanks

Signature

Writer for hire

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785788].message }}

Bill Farnham

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

So, is the only serious money to be earned online made by selling products telling you how to make money online??

Again, apologies if this may sound insulting-I'm certain that the vast majority of posters here with 'how to' guide links in their sigs are genuine, sincere and honest people. But I'd love to hear others views and be 'educated'.

If you went to Italy you wouldn't be asking the question "How come so many people here speak Italian?" would you.

The reason it appears that so many folks here sell into the MMO niche is because that is the focus of this forum. But the MMO niche is only a tiny fragment of the opportunities available on the internet to make money.

I've had a webstore since 1998. We sell real products to real people for real money. I'm only one of millions who do this. Just as a point of referrence, I look at some of the graphics forums occasionally and it's not completely out of the ordinary to see threads that have views in excess of 500,000.

It's a big world out there with lots of money changing hands over the internet. Broaden your horizons a bit and it will become obvious the serious money to be earned online is everywhere the moment you do.

~Bill

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784514].message }}

Kay King

14 years ago

What I don't understand is that if they do so well with adsense, amazon, clickbank etc, why spend time promoting 'how to make money on the internet' when they could just actually be 'doing it' with what they advocate?

You are thinking of "they" as everyone earning online with adsense, amazon, clickbank, etc - and many of them (or should I say "us") don't sell reports on "how to do it"...but just make money doing it ourselves.

As Bill mentioned, the MMO (make money online) niche may seem huge when you are on a marketing forum like this one - but in reality it's a tiny piece of the online income pie.

When it comes to Kern or other big names you see - understand their business is selling people on money making methods. It's what they do.

Figure out what type of online business you want to do and then focus on learning to do everything needed for that business and ignore the rest of the static.

kay

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog

***

Live life like someone left the gate open

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784557].message }}

mr_sceptic

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

You are thinking of "they" as everyone earning online with adsense, amazon, clickbank, etc - and many of them (or should I say "us") don't sell reports on "how to do it"...but just make money doing it ourselves.

As Bill mentioned, the MMO (make money online) niche may seem huge when you are on a marketing forum like this one - but in reality it's a tiny piece of the online income pie.

When it comes to Kern or other big names you see - understand their business is selling people on money making methods. It's what they do.

Figure out what type of online business you want to do and then focus on learning to do everything needed for that business and ignore the rest of the static.

kay

That makes sense, buddy. I guess what would make me more sold on the whole idea is seeing posts from people who obviously know what they are doing, are doing very well and aren't trying to sell their own MMO guides!!

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784604].message }}

Kay King 14 years ago

True - but there are some who do very well and also sell the methods that have worked for them. It doesn't take long to make your own judgments of who to listen to in the areas you want to know about.

It's about balancing what you need with what you buy and using common sense, too.

The best rule you can follow in my opinion is to avoid anything promising fast, easy money. Same thing with "no experience, no site, no blog, no work" required. That's where the common sense part comes in.

kay
- Thanks
Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
***
Live life like someone left the gate open
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784622].message }}

Black Hat Cat

Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

That makes sense, buddy. I guess what would make me more sold on the whole idea is seeing posts from people who obviously know what they are doing, are doing very well and aren't trying to sell their own MMO guides!!

So, in other words, you want something for free. Funny....those are the people I want most to sell MMO guides...you know, those who actually know what they're doing.

The only one who can sell you on the idea is you. Until you get your mindset right, you're wasting your time. You've got a ways to go.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785769].message }}

osamabindrinking

14 years ago

It's quite true what you say, lots of 'gurus' selling 'products' and they all seem to be friends with one another!

That's the dark side...you need to find Yoda.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784576].message }}

tmeachum

14 years ago

[DELETED]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784676].message }}

Tina Golden

14 years ago

Originally Posted by tmeachum

Hello all,

I'm brand spanking new to internet marketing. I have been doing a lot of research into all the different programs available. I've come across 3 that have caught my eye and was hoping to get some feedback on them. They are;

Niche Blitzkrieg
Affiliate Article Writers
Super Affiliate Handbook

If anyone has tried or is currently using any one of these, I would appreciate any comment or advice. This is what I want and need to do. I'm tired of working overseas(because I can't find a job back home) to provide for my family, when I would much rather be at home with my wife and children.

Thanks in advance.

You might try starting your own thread down in the Internet Marketing Product Reviews & Ratings section where it belongs, rather than hijacking someone else's thread.

Tina

Thanks

Signature

Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
Fast & Easy Content Creation
***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785122].message }}

Mangozoom

14 years ago

Kind of agree with Bill on this one.

But also think as a noob that you will need to use some discernment as there are those preying on people looking to get started.

At the moment there are a number of products that promise that you instant results that require you simply enter your details and they have wonder software that does the rest ... personally I think this stuff is bull pap and should be avoided.

The reason I like this forum is because so many people in here are the real deal and you can learn a ton of stuff!

John

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784582].message }}

DebraConrad

14 years ago

Dear Mr Sceptic...

You will find that many of us are making most of our income from projects outside of IMarketing. Some of us are ready to share a few things that we have learned along the way.

Of course - it would be nice if we would share all that info for Free!

Oh wait... we do!

Don't listen to hype... learn the basics and go for it.

Thanks

Signature

Did you know that you can use Public Domain content for articles, blog posts, products, free reports and more? Debra's Public Domain Treasure Hunter blog can show you how....

Ordinary Baby Boomer making money from home - Debra Conrad blog.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784667].message }}

JohnMcCabe

14 years ago

You aren't the only 'sceptic' here. Even with all the disclaimers and apologies, you initial post in this thread bears a resemblance to the practice of dragging a fishing lure behind a boat.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt, though...

Seeing all the MMO products here is kind of like going to a farmer's market. Wander around there, and you'd get the idea that everybody makes their money selling food.

Why spend time writing up a guide? Because it's something you only have to do once, and as long as the information stays good, it's another income stream.

The assumption that someone successful drops what they're doing to sell their guide isn't always an accurate one.

Why do it at all? Why not keep the information to yourself?

First off, the money isn't necessarily in the information itself. The money is in the application of that information. Take affiliate and article marketers, for example. You can find a lot of solid information about how to do them, but very rarely will those successful marketers share the exact market niches they've found success in.

So sharing the information doesn't usually hurt their main business.

Add the gratification that comes with helping others get started, and the ego stroke when someone thinks enough of your stuff to lay down money for it, and there's little reason not to publish.

Did I mention the extra money?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784731].message }}

mr_sceptic

14 years ago

Great to hear everyone's responses so far. I guess I'm just too new! I thought the term 'internet Marketing' was used to describe the whole idea of selling ANYTHING on the internet but it seems that many use it as a term specifically to describe selling marketing ideas to people already trading online. Maybe someone could clarify?

Also, I'd love to see more replies from those who are already doing well online, without the need to sell IM 'How To's'!

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784748].message }}

Alexa Smith

Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

Great to hear everyone's responses so far. I guess I'm just too new! I thought the term 'internet Marketing' was used to describe the whole idea of selling ANYTHING on the internet but it seems that many use it as a term specifically to describe selling marketing ideas to people already trading online. Maybe someone could clarify?

Yes - those are people misusing the term.

"Internet Marketing" does refer to the whole idea of selling anything on the internet.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784812].message }}

JohnMcCabe

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mr_sceptic

Great to hear everyone's responses so far. I guess I'm just too new! I thought the term 'internet Marketing' was used to describe the whole idea of selling ANYTHING on the internet but it seems that many use it as a term specifically to describe selling marketing ideas to people already trading online. Maybe someone could clarify?

I use the term 'Internet Marketing' only because it's the readily accepted jargon for 'selling stuff on the Internet', with "stuff" loosely defined to include physical goods, information, even attention.

When someone claims the title of 'Internet Marketer', I always want to ask them "so how many Internets have you sold this month?"

As Alexa said, some people incorrectly use the term to describe the Make Money Online/Business Opportunity market.

[ 1 ] Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784925].message }}

tpw 14 years ago

You can get the same education through a lot of reading and the school of hard knocks... Or you can buy an education...

At a certain point, when we start making real good money, we start outsourcing a lot of the work involved in our businesses...

That frees up our time, so that we can start teaching others what we have learned...

If that makes your skeptical of the teacher, then go to college and learn from a teacher who has never done what they teach -- colleges are full of them...
- Thanks
Signature

Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784969].message }}
Michael Mayo 14 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

When someone claims the title of 'Internet Marketer', I always want to ask them "so how many Internets have you sold this month?"

Damn-it John! OK, I agree...Can we use the phrase Information Marketer or
Inphopreneur? :p

Have a Great Day!
Michael
- [ 1 ] Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785011].message }}

mr_sceptic

14 years ago

Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt, John! I suspected people may think I was stirring it-but I'm really not. I just genuinely wanted to know if there is money to be made online other than....selling ideas about how to make money online! I'm already getting encouragement.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784786].message }}

raylm123

14 years ago

I'm one of those people making money online without selling any how-to's. I have several niche websites, none of which offer advice or guides on making money online. Heck, I used to have a site that sold cat strollers to people with cats!

That being said, it does take some learning (trial and error?) at first to figure out the good guides from the bad. Before purchasing any guides, I always look at the feedback received on this forum and then I always ask myself how the method can work/fit into what I'm already doing. For example, I wouldn't purchase a guide on dominating adwords or cpa because that doesn't fit with what I already do. (I'm more of an SEO gal myself.) But if something comes along about building backlinks, new ways to utilize content, etc. then I take a second look.

Hope this helps!

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784831].message }}

Sweetcheeks12354

14 years ago

Well keep in mind too that even though they are making $500 a day doing these strategies, if they keep making $500 a day AND sell their guide, they'll be making $600 a day. Remember, it's all about the money.

Also there are people who lie.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2784886].message }}

oneplusone

14 years ago

Why do you want your scepticism alleviated in the first place?

You can be sceptical, but still learn quickly, take action and become successful online.

I'm sceptical of most women, but it doesn't mean I can't find a partner or won't get married someday.

It may actually be an asset, and stop me from marrying a gold digger in the future - who divorces me and takes half my money.

Some scepticism can be a healthy thing, as long as you don't let it stop you from taking action towards your goals, or use it as an excuse for failure.

The truth is, most people probably aren't sceptical enough of all the claims made in this business.

With regards to your concern about what actually sells online, I suggest you go and do some research on places like Amazon.

Thanks

Signature

'If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.' Vincent Van Gogh.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785117].message }}

J Bold

14 years ago

Look at the gurus. Look at those people who sell products for $2000+ all the time. Are they successful with their methods? Sometimes yes, to a degree, maybe even wildly so. Sometimes, no, they are not.

Fact is, with these huge IM niche launches, they are going to be making loads and loads more off the sales of their how to make money doing xyz product than the technique they're selling as some sort of magic bullet.

Be very sceptical if any of those big launches.

However, even if you do make the decision to buy, work hard at what's in the course to actually get your money back 2 times, and see for yourself. As long as you work hard at something that actually works, even to a small degree, you should be making some money.

On the other hand, you will find WSOs where the person making them probably could have made more money just doing what they're doing rather than showing others how to do it.

Why do they do it? Why sell something for $7 or $17 if they are making thousands and thousands every month with it?

Saturation of a certain method is often a myth. So they are not afraid of that.

Also, at a certain point, it comes down to more than making money. It comes down to, "Now I am pretty successful, I want to share with others to help them be successful, and get reasonably compensated for the time I put in the product and customer support."

It really is true, and I think a lot of warriors and even others selling in the IM niche feel this way. At a certain point just making money hand over fist or even just a steady living can feel empty if it's all about money, and IMers just want to help others do the same, but of course they should get at least a little money in return for the effort put in to the IM product.

And that's all I have to say about that.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

[Free] Learn How to Crush Web Traffic with Kenster

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785484].message }}

bradmarcus1

14 years ago

Hello mr_skeptic. Really good question...that could take a long time to answer correctly. Yes, there is a lot of hype and scams out there. Welcome to the wonderful world we call "The Internet." BUT, there's some great ways to make money online too! I believe the 2 best are: Online Affiliate Marketing and Network Marketing using the Internet.

mr_skeptic, look around. Do some research. Find a product or service or business opportunity you really like and run with it... Something you believe in!

Lastly, in part of your post you ask: "So, is the only serious money to be earned online made by selling products telling you how to make money online??"
Answer- Absolutely not! There are many niches to choose from. Health & Fitness, Telecommunications, Pets, Entertainment, Personal Development etc. Take your pick.

To Your Success,
Brad Marcus

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2785887].message }}

mr_sceptic

14 years ago

Thanks for all the great replies, folks.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2787346].message }}

Please Alleviate my Scepticism

Trending Topics

Newbie

How did you turn it all around?

A healthy fascination for Hollywood...

Any thoughts on golf's latest phenom...Scottie Scheffler??

best high quality crypto traffic.