My Wife Called Me A Crook

168 replies
Yesterday, after just transferring about $3,000 from my PayPal account to
my bank account just a day ago, I went back in and saw a nice little balance
again. I proceeded to tell my wife that we had another $5,000 ready to be
transferred.

She then gave me this look (you know the one guys, that says you did
something wrong) and said to me, "Where is this money coming from?"

I gave her my look back (You know the one ladies, the "what are you crazy"
look) and said, "What you do you mean where is it coming from?"

Here's how the rest of the conversation went.

Wife: Where is it coming from?
Me: From where it's always been coming from.
Wife: And where is that?
Me: From selling my stuff.
Wife: What stuff?
Me: What do you mean what stuff?

At this point I really thought she was kidding with me.

Wife: What stuff do you sell?
Me: I sell ebooks and things to teach people how to make money online.
Wife: Like you.
Me: Yeah, like me.
Wife: I see (giving me the, "you're a crook" look)
Me: Hey, that's not all I sell.
Wife: Oh, what else do you sell?
Me: Well, remember that "Magic Of Making Up" book I told you about?
Wife: Oh yeah, where you teach people how to get back with their ex. Mr.
Marriage councilor here.

Now I was getting annoyed.

Me: I don't teach them. I just sell the book. The book teaches them.
Wife: And you read this book?
Me: Yes, I did and it's very good.
Wife: How would you know? You've never gotten back with your ex.
Me: I don't even have an ex.
Wife: That's my point.
Me: What is your problem?
Wife: I just want to know where the money's coming from, that's all. I
don't want the feds knocking on my door one day and taking you away in
handcuffs.

And with that she walked out of the living room into the kitchen.

For the first time in 6 years that I've been doing this, my wife was truly
worried about where all the money was coming from. She'd never seen
anything like this.

Well, I later went into the kitchen, put my arms around her and assured
her that everything I was doing was on the up and up, that I had a great
reputation, that lots of people respect me and actually come to me for
help and that she had nothing to worry about.

I then had to sit down and look at my life and at where I've arrived. It
never really dawned on me before, but this is the most money I've ever
made in my life by a very wide margin. Some days I still don't believe it
and I think I'm going to wake up and find out it's all been a dream. Either
that or I'll be hit by a Hummer tomorrow and they'll be spreading me on
whole wheat toast for somebody's breakfast.

If you're scratching your head wondering what this is all about, here it is.

I don't care how bad things are for you right now. 6 years ago I was out
of work and almost homeless. I made $28 in my first 5 months online. I
was going nowhere fast and I didn't have a lot of hope.

Today, I'm...well, let's just say I'm one damn lucky SOB. I don't know if I
deserve to be this happy, but I'm not going to question it. What I am going
to do is appreciate every single day that I have of it.

But life is ironic. When I was doing really bad with my business, my wife
would say to me, "Don't worry honey, you'll be all right. You'll see."

Now she wants to know if I'm going to get carted off to the state pen

Women...they're never satisfied.

** EDIT** For anybody didn't get it, that last comment was a joke.
Please don't start taking shots at me for it. I love my wife and I love
women and have the utmost respect for them.
#called #crook #wife
  • Profile picture of the author Noah Fleming
    LOL

    Sounds familiar.

    Great story.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Brock
      WOOP WOOP! That's the sound of tha police!!! lol

      Steven,

      I feel for you. Sometimes it's nice to have someone care so much about you though isn't it!

      Take care and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

      Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author trafficpayouts
    Great post Steve,

    Really enjoyed it.

    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Quilst
    Word!

    That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
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    • Profile picture of the author John S. Rhodes
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      My guess is that the ladies here will provide
      you with a very different perspective. You
      just set yourself up, sir.

      ~ John
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      • Profile picture of the author Quilst
        Originally Posted by John S. Rhodes View Post

        My guess is that the ladies here will provide
        you with a very different perspective. You
        just set yourself up, sir.

        ~ John
        I can't speak I have my foot in my mouth

        Apologies ladies
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        • Profile picture of the author Dean Shainin
          Hey Steven,

          I really needed a funny story this morning getting back from the dentist.

          When friends and family start asking if what you're doing is legit you know you're doing something right.

          When people ask me what I do, I usually just say I do Internet marketing but I can see in their eyes they think gambling and or porn and ask more questions.

          So now I'll just simply say I do "how to information marketing" and for some reason they seem to understand that term better and don't ask so many questions to see if I'm doing something kinda strange or legit.

          I'm starting to think Internet marketing is a smaller niche than I originally perceived it to be. This is actually a good thing from my point of view.

          Steven, you could have simply blamed some of that cash your earned on me to help avoid the issues about "getting your ex back" niche. I'm sure your wife would understand that you really know the in and outs of article marketing.

          My girl friend was not thrilled when I mentioned Travis Sago's 'get your ex back' niche when I was doing my research so I can really relate to your story...

          Cheers,
          Dean
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          • Profile picture of the author avandrunen
            As a noob in the IM field I can't wait for the day that my wifes questions where the money is coming from...she might actually listen to it then.

            I tried explaining to her what I was wanting to get into but she got a bit of a glazed look in her eyes...when I can produce she will listen, especially the day...and it will come, that I walk in the door and tell her I just quit my J.O.B..

            Great story Steve, someday I hope to be where you are.

            Adrian
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        • Profile picture of the author tiger325
          haha steven congrats on all of your hard work
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
          Great story, i hard to explain internet marketing to someone who have no knowledge in it. They will react in a way that you are doing something illegal and that's why
          Yep, I can't disagree. When people asked me what work I did and I tried to tell them, the usual responses were either, a vacant look and then they would change the subject, or, an exclamation: "Oh, pyramid selling" - or words to that effect.

          Now I just say that I am retired. I can get away with that answer most of the time now, at my age!

          Great thread.

          Regards,
          Jeff Henshaw.
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          • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
            Banned
            Originally Posted by Jeff Henshaw View Post

            Yep, I can't disagree. When people asked me what work I did and I tried to tell them, the usual responses were either, a vacant look and then they would change the subject, or, an exclamation: "Oh, pyramid selling" - or words to that effect.

            Now I just say that I am retired. I can get away with that answer most of the time now, at my age!

            Great thread.

            Regards,
            Jeff Henshaw.
            I think if you're passionate about what you do people will enjoy hearing about it. (Or be jealous and ignore you if they're that type.) One of the things I like most about information products is that they improve people's lives. Eventually I want to go into self-development and I'd talk about that until people start going to sleep. I don't call myself an "Internet Marketer" because I don't like the term. I think it sounds more credible if you say. "I own an information publishing company." I suppose you could then add "... Which helps/teaches/enables/whatever people to [insert cool benefit]." And I like "Information Technology Specialist" too.
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        • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
          That's really funny.

          Are you sure you're not a crook?

          Seems like a LOT of money you're making there!

          Just kidding.

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
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          • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
            Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

            That's really funny.

            Are you sure you're not a crook?

            Seems like a LOT of money you're making there!

            Just kidding.

            Kindest regards,
            Andrew Cavanagh
            Andrew, in the immortal words of Richard Millhouse Nixon...

            "I am not a crook."
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          The trick I use is to go out and and "pretend" you're working. Go golfing, to the gym, the beach, skiing, etc. When anyone asks what I do, I just say I'm in sales. That one word shuts them up every time. 'Course, I am very lucky to have a wife that is also in IM. That really helps a lot.
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        • Profile picture of the author Marhelper
          That is a funny story but one that a lot of us can relate to. My wife and friends thought I was involved in some kind of scamming activity at first but over time those same peope are now asking, "How can I get started?"
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    • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      Oooooo... you done dropped yourself off of a cliff dude..

      Hold on tight...lol...

      Peace

      Jay

      p.s. @Waggerz... you should let your lady sit with you when you are in your lab sometimes... I always have the door open for my girl to walk in, she's reading my tweets and things.. occasionally gets me a slap upside the head when I'm being rude or obnoxious.. but at least it's transparent to her.. and she is the one who counts
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      • Profile picture of the author Richard Tunnah
        Originally Posted by JayXtreme View Post

        Oooooo... you done dropped yourself off of a cliff dude..

        Hold on tight...lol...

        Peace

        Jay

        p.s. @Waggerz... you should let your lady sit with you when you are in your lab sometimes... I always have the door open for my girl to walk in, she's reading my tweets and things.. occasionally gets me a slap upside the head when I'm being rude or obnoxious.. but at least it's transparent to her.. and she is the one who counts
        You sure she doesn't slap you for other online 'activities' Jay? []

        Rich
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    • Profile picture of the author Amy Bass
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      Hey! I provide quite a bit.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jillian Slack
        Well, I was thinking the lovely and talented Mrs. Wagenheim might warm up to your business endeavors if you plopped a few extra carats on her finger or ear lobes.

        But that might make her even more curious about the money flow.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sylvia Meier
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      Excuse me. There are quite a few of us women who make the money and support our men. I am more than satisfied in my life that you very much and I don't demand anything of anyone.

      Beyond rude people...

      Steven another great post.

      I think it comes down to comfort level. I've been where you were talking about coming from and it is easier to sit back and go Everything will be alright when it is still in a comfort zone (albeit not an actually comfortable place to be...broke that is.) And then the money starts coming in and you stop living the paycheck to paycheck mentality and all of a sudden the warning bells go off because it is not most people's comfort zones.

      The majority are accustomed to living life on bare threads so once things start going good you become uncomfortable and really begin to question where the finances are coming from and if they will hold out. I was the same way, and I am the one making the cash here.

      When I went to the grocery store and sent $800 on groceries in one trip and knew all the bills were paid instead of feeling relieved like I thought I would it gave me a bit of a panic attack. It is outside the comfort level. Eventually it will become the comfort level and your wife will feel alright again, but it takes a lot of time before that will happen. We spend our lives accustomed to nothing so once we reach something, it can be difficult to get used to.

      And yes, to those who asked if us females get it, we do. What is it you do? And people pay for this...yes people pay me to write for them, people buy the books I've written etc..

      Sylvia
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      • Profile picture of the author Quilst
        Originally Posted by Sylvia Rolfe View Post

        Excuse me. There are quite a few of us women who make the money and support our men. I am more than satisfied in my life that you very much and I don't demand anything of anyone.

        Beyond rude people...

        Steven another great post.

        I think it comes down to comfort level. I've been where you were talking about coming from and it is easier to sit back and go Everything will be alright when it is still in a comfort zone (albeit not an actually comfortable place to be...broke that is.) And then the money starts coming in and you stop living the paycheck to paycheck mentality and all of a sudden the warning bells go off because it is not most people's comfort zones.

        The majority are accustomed to living life on bare threads so once things start going good you become uncomfortable and really begin to question where the finances are coming from and if they will hold out. I was the same way, and I am the one making the cash here.

        When I went to the grocery store and sent $800 on groceries in one trip and knew all the bills were paid instead of feeling relieved like I thought I would it gave me a bit of a panic attack. It is outside the comfort level. Eventually it will become the comfort level and your wife will feel alright again, but it takes a lot of time before that will happen. We spend our lives accustomed to nothing so once we reach something, it can be difficult to get used to.

        And yes, to those who asked if us females get it, we do. What is it you do? And people pay for this...yes people pay me to write for them, people buy the books I've written etc..

        Sylvia
        Wow did my post didn't make sense what I'we meant. Not materialistic but more of a emotional need to be satisfied by man and probably what she ment that it is a great feeling to receive money on your paypal account but isn't the caring and love what comes in front of personal success and money?

        I think she was more afraid and worried than the actual words that came out "you are a crook"

        Interesting post

        Once again sorry for my bad interpretation
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        • Profile picture of the author SandyDuPlessis
          Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

          Wow did my post didn't make sense what I'we meant. Not materialistic but more of a emotional need to be satisfied by man and probably what she ment that it is a great feeling to receive money on your paypal account but isn't the caring and love what comes in front of personal success and money?

          I think she was more afraid and worried than the actual words that came out "you are a crook"

          Interesting post

          Once again sorry for my bad interpretation
          This is definitely not your day!

          "more of a emotional need to be satisfied by man"

          I don't think so!

          Sandy
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      I think you have been hanging around the wrong women. :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author SandyDuPlessis
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      I have never demanded a thing from my husband, since I have always been able to provide for myself. In fact over the last few years, I was the one doing all the providing from my savings because my husband lost his business.

      I can also promise you that there a a lot of women out there who quietly get on with supplementing the household income, or even provide all the funds and yet still do not "demand" a thing from anyone, least of all their husbands.

      Sandy
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    • Profile picture of the author Norma Holt
      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
      Well done Steve, and thanks for sharing. As for this that women are never satisfied that's not true. What they want from their husbands is inclusion and knowledge of what is going on. Help them to understand and there will be no ex.

      God bless,

      Norma
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Norma Holt View Post

        Well done Steve, and thanks for sharing. As for this that women are never satisfied that's not true. What they want from their husbands is inclusion and knowledge of what is going on. Help them to understand and there will be no ex.

        God bless,

        Norma
        Thanks Norma, I know that. My wife and I will be married 25 years this
        August. My comment was just a joke, but as I can see, not one that was
        well received. I just keep forgetting that we live in a politically correct
        world today.

        One of these days, I'll get it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lynette Crase
      Oh please! :rolleyes: I am the sole provider for my family and have been for the last nineteen years. I don't need some man to look after me!

      Originally Posted by Quilst View Post

      Word! That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.
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  • Profile picture of the author John S. Rhodes
    Very few people "get" what we do. It's so plain
    and obvious to me that it hurts when others don't
    get it. There's a saying that goes something like
    this, "The closer you are to something the harder
    it is to explain what that something is." The guys
    behind Made to Stick call it the Curse of Knowledge.

    When I explain what I do I usually talk about
    "online marketing" and "helping other businesses
    sell online" -- which is only partially true. I can
    rarely explain what I do in just 1-2 sentences. I
    need to get into the habit of saying, "I'm a limo
    driver" or some other nonsense.

    There is a point where there's so much money
    that it's hard to believe it. The number is different
    for different people. But, it hits everyone who's
    really stuck to the game and pushed forward. It'll
    hit you and it'll stun you. "You've got to be kidding."

    Fun posting, as usual, Steven.

    ~ John
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  • Profile picture of the author Moztrix
    Great post, Steven - sometimes we all need a little reminder that where we are need not always reflect where we've been.

    Hard work and dedication really do pay off- sometimes to the shock of all those around us.

    I just hope your wife doesn't send a PI after you!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jim M
      Great - a quite personal encounter to share - thanks.

      My wife actually made a similar passing comment a while back when I said I was going to make a new product, she said 'as long as it's legal' so you're right - they don't really understand.


      It reminds me of a thread I was thinking about starting -

      "Are there any other aliens out there" -

      My thought process is like this:

      No one - I mean no one - outside of a community like this has any clue what people like us do all day - every day, sometime it works, sometimes it doesn't - but we keep on and keep trying.

      Aside of people I have met at live events, and forums, there's no one I can talk to about it, a few may be lucky enough to have someone live within meeting distance they can 'chew the fat' with - but I think they're few and far between.

      So to partners, family, friends, neighbours and all outsiders we are indeed like 'Aliens' - anyone else feel like an alien?


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      • Profile picture of the author Dan Ambrose
        Originally Posted by Jim M View Post

        So to partners, family, friends, neighbours and all outsiders we are indeed like 'Aliens' - anyone else feel like an alien?

        Yes. Very much so.

        When people ask me how I make money... I end up getting lost in my own words..

        I end up confusing people and we generally leave the conversation with them assuming Im some kind of con man.

        I have to get into the habit of just saying "Im an Internet Marketer and I help people start businesses online" .. and then leave it at that!

        One day, the world and his friends will be making money online.. then it wont be too hard explaining what you do to make so much money!
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        • Profile picture of the author adamv
          Originally Posted by mm365 View Post

          Yes. Very much so.

          When people ask me how I make money... I end up getting lost in my own words..

          I end up confusing people and we generally leave the conversation with them assuming Im some kind of con man.

          I have to get into the habit of just saying "Im an Internet Marketer and I help people start businesses online" .. and then leave it at that!

          One day, the world and his friends will be making money online.. then it wont be too hard explaining what you do to make so much money!
          If you tell people that you help people start businesses online doesn't that open you up to a ton of follow up questions. What kind of businesses? Could you help me make some extra money? etc.

          I tell people I'm an artist (see my post above). If that were not true I would probably come up with something incredibly boring so that there would not be any follow up questions because when I used to work a 9 to 5, the last thing I wanted to talk about in a social situation was my job. I'd much rather talk about the things I enjoy doing rather than the mundane and repetitive crap I was obligated to do.

          While I love internet marketing, I find it difficult and irritating to talk about it with non-IMers.
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  • Profile picture of the author globalpro
    Steve,

    It's amazing that you could spend as much time as you do in front of your PC (I read your daily routine) and your wife not know what you are doing. I know some who have been accused of spending time on porn and gambling sites (that's where the money comes from).

    Good story and great that you have such a solid marriage.

    Thanks,

    John

    PS It is rather humerous.
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  • Profile picture of the author preets
    Steven ,
    Just tell your wife to visit WF and she will soon know about your reputation and work.I respect you very much and almost read all the posts written by you.You are a gem of WF and we all proud of you.

    Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author mudmat
    Hey Steven,

    The conversation was really funny man.. like in the movies or something..

    I was cracking up while reading the conversation. You really made my day steve!
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    sounds similar as to when i talk to my dad or sister...they also think i am a crook or something

    Wife "kind of" understands tho.

    It always turns out like explaining to my dad "making money by telling people how to make money" <--- or similar...but i still think they somehow think i am semi-criminal since they ask me the same questions over and over....aka "so..how EXACTLY do you make this money?" I also have to add that sis and dad don't have computers, they even think that microwaves are "evil"
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  • Profile picture of the author Ernie Lo
    And that's the moral of the story guys

    he he jk girls.

    Steve thanks for another interesting thread (damn will you ever run out of good things to talk about)

    Thanks for the burst of encouragement, just shows that anything is possible


    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post


    Women...they're never satisfied.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    I gave her my look back (You know the one ladies, the "what are you crazy"
    look)
    It's all about framing. I call that the, "I love you" look.

    Sorry though about your problem.

    When I explain what I do, I always start off with a magazine analogy - they provide or consolidate content so that they can sell advertising. Then I explain the difference is that I get paid commission.

    It makes it much easier to wrap their head around it.

    Usually sometime later, they will ask, in a concerned voice, if there's enough of this business to provide a living. At this point I ask just how many web pages they've ever gone to without advertising and to consider just how big it really is.

    I suspect that if I were suddenly pulling in $x,xxx per day, there would be further questions, but I can't imagine them going down the path your wife is on. In her defense, though, that kind of money can be hard to imagine.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike McBride
    That's why I don't have a wife. (Well, one of the reasons, anyway.)
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  • Profile picture of the author Melody
    LOL - "WOMEN are never satisfied"??

    I sold a website for 35k in August, and my husband just looked at me and said, "yeah, but what are you going to do tomorrow?"

    Seriously, I guess I am one of the lucky ones - I was in the 6 figure bracket back in 1999 when my hubby and I met, and although he didn't really understand what I did for a living (hell, I am not always sure I do!) he was eager to learn and jumped right in.

    We both 'do our own thing' online...but at least he understands the cops won't be showing up the door anytime soon.....

    And as to the "elevator pitch" of what we do: We just tell people we are in "ecommerce" and leave it at that. Usually the eyes glaze over and they continue on with the conversation - we don't go into an actual overview of what we do unless they ask for it - indicating there are enough active brain cells to actually understand and appreciation the full pitch!
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Brock
      Originally Posted by Melody View Post

      I sold a website for 35k in August, and my husband just looked at me and said, "yeah, but what are you going to do tomorrow?"

      That really is funny Melody!!! I laughed for a full minute after reading that.


      Thank you!

      Mark
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    • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
      I sold a website for 35k in August, and my husband just looked at me and said, "yeah, but what are you going to do tomorrow?"
      Whow..CLASSIC!!

      This should be THE slogan for any marketer
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  • Profile picture of the author James Schramko
    My economist friend was explaining to me today that next year will be less revenue than this year. I explained to him not for my business.

    When I was talking about the compound effect of assets building such as client lists and websites growing he didn't really get it.

    I guess it is an uncommon business.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
      Originally Posted by James Schramko View Post

      My economist friend was explaining to me today that next year will be less revenue than this year. I explained to him not for my business.

      When I was talking about the compound effect of assets building such as client lists and websites growing he didn't really get it.
      Doesn't sound like much of an economist.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Maybe I should just let this die but I can't because it's really bugging me.

        So I'm going to relay a true story. It just happened tonight.

        I was taking my daughter back to her dorm after bell choir rehearsal. On the
        way back, she was talking about one of her friends who doesn't understand
        the kind of relationship we have, the way we can kid around with each other
        and my daughter can call me a freak of nature, not cool (when I try to be)
        and all sorts of other things. Her friend said that if she ever called her
        father anything other than father she'd be grounded for a month.

        I grew up in a time where Archie Bunker made fun of everything and
        everyone, race, religion, creed, color, didn't matter. And yes, he beat up
        on my religion too, at the time...mine and all my friends.

        Did we get offended? No, we tuned every every week to have the laugh
        of our lives.

        So somebody tell me, when did we get so damn politically correct that
        we can't kid around anymore?

        What happened to women being able to call men pigs and men being able
        to say you can tell time by how long your wife takes to get ready to go
        out?

        What happened to those days? Because I'll tell you, the world we live in
        today sucks big time. Everybody has to freakin' walk around on eggshells
        worried about saying something that might offend somebody else.

        I am personally sick of it. My best friend Paul, who is Jewish, just like I was
        before I converted, was the cheapest SOB on the planet. I used to say
        to him, "Hey man will yuh dig a crowbar into your pocket and pull out a few
        cents for a tip?" And we beat up on each other mercilessly.

        And we had a damn good time doing it.

        Nobody got offended.

        In 1973, this guy, who was 19 at the time, saved my life. If it wasn't for
        him, I wouldn't be here.

        Today, we are still best friends, but I still call him a cheap you know what.

        So again I ask, when did we get so damn politically correct that we just
        can't kid around anymore?

        If the world ends in 2012, I won't be shedding any tears.

        Because this isn't the same world I grew up in.

        Not by a long shot.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
          Steven.....

          You should know by now that not everyone is going to be agreeable with every comment that we make whether it is a joke or not.

          For those that took offense, take a look at Stevens posting history. Not the content, but the comments that he has made. Every see anything that would lead you to believe that he was being derogatory to women?

          Give him the benefit of the doubt. What started out as a comical thread that many of us can relate to has been reduced to a debate about whether or not his statement was offensive.
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        • Profile picture of the author Ernie Lo
          Around the year early to mid 2000's

          I totally agree with you and I hate how the world is these days.

          Even going back to just the 90's, it was much simpler and people were more narrowminded yet care free in a way.

          The world will never be like that again unfortunately




          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post


          So somebody tell me, when did we get so damn politically correct that
          we can't kid around anymore?
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        • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

          Maybe I should just let this die but I can't because it's really bugging me.

          So I'm going to relay a true story. It just happened tonight.

          I was taking my daughter back to her dorm after bell choir rehearsal. On the
          way back, she was talking about one of her friends who doesn't understand
          the kind of relationship we have, the way we can kid around with each other
          and my daughter can call me a freak of nature, not cool (when I try to be)
          and all sorts of other things. Her friend said that if she ever called her
          father anything other than father she'd be grounded for a month.

          I grew up in a time where Archie Bunker made fun of everything and
          everyone, race, religion, creed, color, didn't matter. And yes, he beat up
          on my religion too, at the time...mine and all my friends.

          Did we get offended? No, we tuned every every week to have the laugh
          of our lives.

          So somebody tell me, when did we get so damn politically correct that
          we can't kid around anymore?

          What happened to women being able to call men pigs and men being able
          to say you can tell time by how long your wife takes to get ready to go
          out?

          What happened to those days? Because I'll tell you, the world we live in
          today sucks big time. Everybody has to freakin' walk around on eggshells
          worried about saying something that might offend somebody else.

          I am personally sick of it. My best friend Paul, who is Jewish, just like I was
          before I converted, was the cheapest SOB on the planet. I used to say
          to him, "Hey man will yuh dig a crowbar into your pocket and pull out a few
          cents for a tip?" And we beat up on each other mercilessly.

          And we had a damn good time doing it.

          Nobody got offended.

          In 1973, this guy, who was 19 at the time, saved my life. If it wasn't for
          him, I wouldn't be here.

          Today, we are still best friends, but I still call him a cheap you know what.

          So again I ask, when did we get so damn politically correct that we just
          can't kid around anymore?

          If the world ends in 2012, I won't be shedding any tears.

          Because this isn't the same world I grew up in.

          Not by a long shot.

          You just need to come to the north of Australia.

          Anyone who can't take a joke or tries too hard to be politically correct gets beaten senseless or plied with copious quantities of alcohol until they start to see common sense.

          We would probably say something like this to them:

          "Maaaate. Don't come the raw prawn with me with all that political bullshit. Here...wrap your laughin gear around a stubby...that'll put ya right."

          I constantly try to say the most outrageous stuff I can think of to people when I'm out.

          Where I live nobody cares...that's the beauty of the tropical Australia.

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
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  • Profile picture of the author mr dollar
    wow! what a wonderful story . i love the way you presented it.
    keep it up.
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Tunnah
    My dad used to ask me what I did and how I made $$$ online many times over the last 10 years but I guess now he just accepts I do 'something' online. I completely agree with Melody about saying ecommerce. Say that and I get 'oh good' before changing subject!

    Rich
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  • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
    That's really funny. My favorite part is the "Mr. Marriage Counselor" part That would be my wife right there.

    TomG.

    PS - The $35K website story is also funny Melody!
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  • Profile picture of the author yommys01
    This is a great post. It is an inspiration. It feels great to know you made just 28 dollars in 5 months yet I have made close to 100 dollars in adsense ( my only money so far) in 11 months ( a year) yet I keep complaining. I think every beginner should read this.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bob Monie
    Its quite strange that she is only just starting to question you now about the money and what it is you do online.

    What did she think you did online? bum around in chat rooms and watch porn.

    When I explain to my friends what I do online, SEO, affiliate marketing, etc, etc. They always respond with "oh, so your one of those scamming assholes" or "So you pretty much sit on facebook all day".

    This pisses me off to no end. Dont bother explaining it to them anymore since it non of their business anyways. Would be alot different with a wife though.

    Steven, might be about time you sit her down in front of the computer and show her. Never no, you might be able to outsource some of your work to her in the near future.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelvin Brown
    This is very familiar to many us. I know it happened to me. When I had a significate other, and people asked what I do. She actually said I was doing something on that d..n computer.

    Now, when I was working only as a PC tech, she just said I fixed computers, but when I went full time IM, no one in the family, or with-in miles had a clue.


    Saying thins like I sell books, makes no since, when they can't see the physical inventory.

    And if you are struggling, not yet in the big time, it is even harder to explain. Especially when you say you are teaching.


    But the big lesson here, is to communicate, with your family. Help them understand, give them a magiazine article from the New York Times, News week, or any thing supporting your position. Make them watch a late night infomercial with you.

    We are used to communicating with our list, lets communicate with those even closer.

    You may just find after sharing, they can help you in the business. And it is not just the adults, the children need to understand as well. They will probably get it faster any way.

    But imagine your teenager, that you are teaching responibilities to, seeing all their friends lose at a some new gameboy. Then figure out how to when. Then she comes home, says, hey Dad, my friends and I found 20 hidden cheats, in xxxx game. Can i sell this like you do?

    Not only do you get to feel like the proud Papa, but you get that rare chance to spend quality time with your teenage.

    Bottom line, people around you should a clue.

    Kelvin
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    Kelvin Brown

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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Dixon
    Great post yet again Stephen.

    Seems to be a fairly common experience amongst us 'IMers' (myself included) - but I notice it has only been the male side of the WF responding here so far (apart from the delightful Melody of course)...

    What's it like when the roles are swapped round girls.... do you get the same sort of reponse/aggravation/disbelief from your other half?

    Tim
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  • Profile picture of the author tomw
    Steve,

    What a wonderfully well-framed parable.

    You're in the wrong niche...in fact...the wrong business!

    I'm taking notes...



    Thomas
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by tomw View Post

      Steve,

      What a wonderfully well-framed parable.

      You're in the wrong niche...in fact...the wrong business!

      I'm taking notes...



      Thomas
      Thomas, please tell me...what business should I be in? I don't want to end
      up making license plates.
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      • Profile picture of the author tomw
        I thought that you would already know...

        ...the writing business, of course!

        More and more I am struck by your craftsmanship...the pinnacle was probably your "New York Story," although this one comes pretty close.

        It is a beautifully, perfectly(!), framed message.



        And let's be honest here, you're a little old to join a boy band!



        THomas

        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Thomas, please tell me...what business should I be in? I don't want to end
        up making license plates.
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        Help Us Rescue, Rehabilitate And Reunite Victims With Their Families

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        PROTECT the trafficked and PROSECUTE the traffickers.
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        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Originally Posted by tomw View Post

          I thought that you would already know...

          ...the writing business, of course!

          More and more I am struck by your craftsmanship...the pinnacle was probably your "New York Story," although this one comes pretty close.

          It is a beautifully, perfectly(!), framed message.



          And let's be honest here, you're a little old to join a boy band!



          THomas
          Thomas, I've been in the writing business for over 30 years and none of it
          paid a fraction of what I'm making now.

          Talk about competitive.
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          • Profile picture of the author tomw
            I'd be genuinely interested in reading some of your fiction if you have some.

            Also, it's never too late to be successful at the thing you love and clearly have a talent for...you know this.



            Thomas

            Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

            Thomas, I've been in the writing business for over 30 years and none of it
            paid a fraction of what I'm making now.

            Talk about competitive.
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            Help Us Rescue, Rehabilitate And Reunite Victims With Their Families

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            • Profile picture of the author ShayB
              Originally Posted by tomw View Post

              I'd be genuinely interested in reading some of your fiction if you have some.

              Also, it's never too late to be successful at the thing you love and clearly have a talent for...you know this.



              Thomas
              Hey, Tom! I have some ST fanfic for you to read! (j/k)
              Signature
              "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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            • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
              Originally Posted by tomw View Post

              I'd be genuinely interested in reading some of your fiction if you have some.

              Also, it's never too late to be successful at the thing you love and clearly have a talent for...you know this.



              Thomas
              Thomas, here is a rundown of my writing over 30 years.

              Over 700 songs.
              6 years of scripts for a daytime drama for the University of Miami
              2 Novels Sci Fi-Fantasy stuff
              countless poems and short stories.

              Total income earned - $0

              No, I think I'll stick to my day job
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              • Profile picture of the author tomw
                Well, my compliment still stands and I really would be interested in reading your SF novels (as I'm sure would Shay!) and most especially your short stories.

                Seriously...

                You wrote them to be read. Treasured. Loved. No?

                PM?

                Thomas



                Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

                Thomas, here is a rundown of my writing over 30 years.

                Over 700 songs.
                6 years of scripts for a daytime drama for the University of Miami
                2 Novels Sci Fi-Fantasy stuff
                countless poems and short stories.

                Total income earned - $0

                No, I think I'll stick to my day job
                Signature
                STOP THE TRAFFIK: PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE BOUGHT AND SOLD
                Help Us Rescue, Rehabilitate And Reunite Victims With Their Families

                STOP THE TRAFFIK is a growing global movement of individuals, communities and organisations fighting to PREVENT the sale of people,
                PROTECT the trafficked and PROSECUTE the traffickers.
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  • Profile picture of the author candoit2
    When people ask me what I do.....

    I just say that I hire experts to write on a topic, or assemble information that is already available on places like scholar.com and put it on a website so people who are looking for information can save time by going to my site. Then I get paid by google and other companies when I place their ads on my site and people click or buy from those ads.

    Aaron
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      OMG....I needed this! I have gotten a good chuckle from this thread!

      My hubby is also surprised at the way our finances are now. He knows I write, but he is seeing me branch out, too.

      I showed him my PayPal account, and he saw all of these sales for small amounts. He asked, "What are you doing? Writing short articles for these guys?"

      I laughed and told him that I am not just doing ghostwriting - I am selling info products, too.

      His eyes glazed over. :rolleyes:

      But he likes how the bank account looks.
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  • Profile picture of the author DougBarger
    It's funny, when you're asked by close friends even.

    You can go on and on and even do a seminar just explaining. (hmmmm. ;-)

    Then, by the time you're winding down, they want in on it too

    and you can easily get them some of the tools to start their own

    online presence while you continue to teach them.

    Most of us could go on forever.

    Just reeling off a few results oriented accomplishments is usually

    enough to get them interested in beginning their own enterprise

    and you almost wish they didn't ask. The reason you almost

    wish they didn't ask is because now that you've introduced them

    to this world, you know you'll have to babysit them too for awhile.

    Great story Steven. That would be cool to see the movie.
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    • Profile picture of the author Melody
      Originally Posted by DougBarger View Post

      It's funny, when you're asked by close friends even.

      You can go on and on and even do a seminar just explaining. (hmmmm. ;-)

      Then, by the time you're winding down, they want in on it too

      and you can easily get them some of the tools to start their own

      online presence while you continue to teach them.

      Most of us could go on forever.

      Just reeling off a few results oriented accomplishments is usually

      enough to get them interested in beginning their own enterprise

      and you almost wish they didn't ask. The reason you almost

      wish they didn't ask is because now that you've introduced them

      to this world, you know you'll have to babysit them too for awhile.

      Great story Steven. That would be cool to see the movie.
      It depends on where you live I think - I am from Calif - and spent the last 16 yrs there in San Jose - heart of the DotCom world! There, the first question asked when you meet someone new is "where do you work?"....it's just assumed, male or female, that you work and it's a pretty major part of your life.......and yes, Silicon Valley folks do tend to be 'workaholics' (but that's another discussion - and I do NOT consider the phrase derogatory as I am one and always will be 'cuz I love my work!)

      But in 1999, I moved to Cincinnati OH - really just to get into the Eastern time zone, as I have a lot of clients in Europe and Asia (tired of getting up at 3am for conference calls!).

      It's a different planet! HERE.....the first question is (only to women I might add!) "DO you work?"........and what's even funnier is that my hubby is 10 years older than me.....and most of his friends assumed I was marrying him for his money.

      They were shocked when they attended the wedding.....held at MY home......by MY lake.....and Bob sold his beautiful custom home to move into MY home (now ours!).

      In spite of my pretty apparent success at what I do....not many people in my immediate sphere here have really tried to understand what we do......the usual comment is something like "oh, I just use the computer for email......"

      Not sure if it's age (we ain't no spring chickens!) or location - but I stopped trying to do the real explanation to friends here a long time ago. They think it's neat that we can work together all day without killing each other but that's about as much interest as they can seem to muster!

      Oh - and nice to see some other women chiming in here! I KNEW I wasn't the only one here ;-)
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      Our first "Digital Yard Sale"! A massive PLR Blowout Sale to help a friend pay medical expenses.
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  • Profile picture of the author WinsonYeung
    Great story, i hard to explain internet marketing to someone who have no knowledge in it. They will react in a way that you are doing something illegal and that's why
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  • Profile picture of the author sjames23
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author James Clark
      Hey Steve, buy her a new mattress.


      Within every woman there lies the desire for a good night's sleep

      I sooo desired to get one of those new fancy mattress toppers that everyone is raving about. The carton itself did not appear to be difficult to lift myself and the price was just right. So, without hesitation, I invested in one! What a steal I thought to myself!

      Got my new baby home and immediately descended on getting it out of the box and onto my mattress. I was determined to sleep on that baby tonight!

      Well, it wasn't that smooth of a transition.

      First of all, the thing weighted more out of the box, than in. Then it stunk worse than a gorilla on a hot summer day! Upon getting this thing out of the wrapper (which took forever to do), you then had to pull apart this wedged piece of foam. I had never struggled so hard to unwind this hot mess, while gagging at the stench! At one point I started to feel tightening of the chest. Remember, I'm no Spring Chicken. Nevertheless, I continued to struggle with this monster, decided to throw my entire body weight on it and nearly cracked my skull in the process! Mind you, at my age it's a miracle I can get up from the floor without a forklift! Realizing that I was now gaining momentum, and the fact that I had not killed myself yet, I was more determined than ever! Dazed and completely drained by the time this piece of manure smelling mattress topper was finally unraveled, I realized that I would now have to drag this corpse size object to the next room !

      Without hesitation, although almost literally dead, I managed to get this useless piece of foam onto my bed! Exhausted and wiped out, I immediately flung myself on it and went fast to sleep! Worth every dime!

      Fabulous I tell you, you all have to go out and get one to believe it!


      Jimmy.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jim M
        Originally Posted by James Clark View Post

        Hey Steve, buy her a new mattress.


        Within every woman there lies the desire for a good night's sleep

        I sooo desired to get one of those new fancy mattress toppers that everyone is raving about. The carton itself did not appear to be difficult to lift myself and the price was just right. So, without hesitation, I invested in one! What a steal I thought to myself!

        Got my new baby home and immediately descended on getting it out of the box and onto my mattress. I was determined to sleep on that baby tonight!

        Well, it wasn't that smooth of a transition.

        First of all, the thing weighted more out of the box, than in. Then it stunk worse than a gorilla on a hot summer day! Upon getting this thing out of the wrapper (which took forever to do), you then had to pull apart this wedged piece of foam. I had never struggled so hard to unwind this hot mess, while gagging at the stench! At one point I started to feel tightening of the chest. Remember, I'm no Spring Chicken. Nevertheless, I continued to struggle with this monster, decided to throw my entire body weight on it and nearly cracked my skull in the process! Mind you, at my age it's a miracle I can get up from the floor without a forklift! Realizing that I was now gaining momentum, and the fact that I had not killed myself yet, I was more determined than ever! Dazed and completely drained by the time this piece of manure smelling mattress topper was finally unraveled, I realized that I would now have to drag this corpse size object to the next room !

        Without hesitation, although almost literally dead, I managed to get this useless piece of foam onto my bed! Exhausted and wiped out, I immediately flung myself on it and went fast to sleep! Worth every dime!

        Fabulous I tell you, you all have to go out and get one to believe it!


        Jimmy.



        You're right on there - I've been sleeping on one of theses babies for about 5 years - there's no contest against an ordinary mattress - my daughter recently got a new be with te proper mattress - not just the topper - wow- it's something else!
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
    Great post as usual Steve, and I've had similar situations myself. My wife watches me work and understands it pretty good but still questions it sometimes.

    As for explaining to outsiders about what I do I guess I have it a little easier than most. I just say I'm a programmer. That is something that most people can understand. If they ask further I say I write web based programs that run commercial websites. Again, something they can understand and actually impresses a few people.
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  • Profile picture of the author dbressler
    My first business was selling clothing through direct sales. One day my daughter's kindergarten teacher called me to ask what I did for a living.

    "Why?"

    "Well, we were going around the classroom and all the kids were saying what their mom's did or a living. When we got to Dena, she said her mom went to parties every night and people gave her lots of money!"

    Debbi
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
    Oh.. btw.. for those who sell ebooks .... you may want to consider calling yourself an information technology specialist.

    There are actually offline businesses who do nothing but collect information on specific topics for clients. Something similar to specialized research. Explain that you collect information for your clients on various subjects and they pay you for the use of the information.

    Might work good for the copywriters as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author rhairston
      Hey Steve,

      Does your wife watch Oprah? She had a show earlier this week talking about scams.
      As a matter of fact, one woman on the show had the Feds knock on her door. She
      worked from home, shipping stolen goods and she did not know they were stolen.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jillian Slack
        Originally Posted by rhairston View Post

        Hey Steve,

        Does your wife watch Oprah? She had a show earlier this week talking about scams.
        As a matter of fact, one woman on the show had the Feds knock on her door. She
        worked from home, shipping stolen goods and she did not know they were stolen.

        I saw that rerun. Couldn't believe those people actually fell for so many of the online scams that require just a bit of common sense to realize they're scams.

        The only thing more embarrassing than being so stupid that you fall for these scams is to agree to be on national TV admitting to the world that you really are that stupid.
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  • Profile picture of the author rocketgirl
    Steve,

    I just love this post. It is so true of both our spouses and significant others in our lives. Though I can understand exactly where your wife is coming from, this is not limited to how women view what we do, many husbands wonder as well.

    Glad no police knock at our doors!

    Thanks for sharing,

    Bj
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  • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
    Steve, great post - I lost count of the times that my "playing on the computer" made me money.

    For those of you who say "women are never satisfied" - I'd urge you to look at the undertones in that statement, what you're actually saying is "my women are never satisfied"... not something I'd like to publish in a forum lol

    I'm taking a well deserved break for the next 10 days... with my criminal earnings, lol.
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    • Profile picture of the author tomw
      Have a great one...and Merry Christmas!



      Thomas

      Originally Posted by KarlWarren View Post

      Steve, great post - I lost count of the times that my "playing on the computer" made me money.

      For those of you who say "women are never satisfied" - I'd urge you to look at the undertones in that statement, what you're actually saying is "my women are never satisfied"... not something I'd like to publish in a forum lol

      I'm taking a well deserved break for the next 10 days... with my criminal earnings, lol.
      Signature
      STOP THE TRAFFIK: PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE BOUGHT AND SOLD
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      • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
        Originally Posted by tomw View Post

        Have a great one...and Merry Christmas!



        Thomas
        You too... take care, chat soon.

        Merry Christmas everyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anthony Smith
    haha, i know how it feels steven. my family doesn't understand how easy it is to make money through IMing. one day they will see, and all will be well once again in the kingdom
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  • Profile picture of the author ShelbyC
    Hilarious man!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
    lol nice post Steve

    Reminds me of the other day when I was talking to my significant other.

    He works in the steel industry, and due to the present economic crisis there is a real possibility he will be laid off for a while.

    He was really worried about telling me, but I just hugged him and told him not to worry because we're absolutely fine. (His face was a picture of relief lol)

    What he doesn't know yet is if he is laid off for a while, he's got the whole house to decorate. Aint havin the big lummox just lazin about, he's floating in a sense of false security at the mo lol

    Cheers
    Kim
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by Kim Standerline View Post

      lol nice post Steve

      Reminds me of the other day when I was talking to my significant other.

      He works in the steel industry, and due to the present economic crisis there is a real possibility he will be laid off for a while.

      He was really worried about telling me, but I just hugged him and told him not to worry because we're absolutely fine. (His face was a picture of relief lol)

      What he doesn't know yet is if he is laid off for a while, he's got the whole house to decorate. Aint havin the big lummox just lazin about, he's floating in a sense of false security at the mo lol

      Cheers
      Kim

      Kim, while you probably don't need the money, my prayers are with your
      husband that he either keeps his job or finds something else real soon.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
        Thank you Steve

        To be honest, I thank God that we are financially stable, so many people in this day and age are not.

        It's those poor souls who live from one paycheck to another I really feel for, especially at this time of the year.


        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Kim, while you probably don't need the money, my prayers are with your
        husband that he either keeps his job or finds something else real soon.
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      • Profile picture of the author adamv
        Steven,

        It's interesting that after 6 years in this game your wife still doesn't really know where the money comes from. Reassure her that it's perfectly legal to recommend a product, sell the product and make a commission on it.

        It's always interesting, in a wierd way, trying to explain IM to people. My wife is behind me 100%. Once I'm making enough for her to quit her job she in anxious to learn and help me do what I do online.

        My parents are a different story though. They don't think I'm doing anything illegal but they think every sale is fluke and that I should have a J.O.B.

        Why the hell should I have a job. I'm not getting rich online yet but I do make some money and I stay at home with my 3 year old daughter. And, I don't have to pay for daycare which would eat up a good portion of the income any day job would pay me.

        I'm going to keep ramping this up so my wife can quit her job. Then we will work together, make a fortune, and live happily ever after. At least that's the plan.
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  • Profile picture of the author Spike SpiegelIM
    LOL... Great funny post.. I could picture this happening to me in the future..
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  • Profile picture of the author Glenn72
    Hahaha, that's so funny!

    Pure comedy
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  • Profile picture of the author Louis Raven
    I
    don't want the feds knocking on my door one day and taking you away in
    handcuffs.
    LMFAO Steven,

    I hate that look, you know the one where you've just said you work online? You can actually see what kind of things pop into their heads lol.

    For 3 years now I've been a builder who doesn't go to work :p

    Louis
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  • Profile picture of the author Linda Van Fleet
    A wonderful story! thank you for sharing.
    Merry Christmas, everyone!

    From a woman who *is* satisfied but always hungry

    Linda
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  • Profile picture of the author traces2757
    *quote: Either
    that or I'll be hit by a Hummer tomorrow and they'll be spreading me on
    whole wheat toast for somebody's breakfast.*

    What kind of jam would you go best with?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Williams
    Steve,

    This post is HILARIOUS!!!

    Let me tell you how I explain the whole "affiliate marketing" thing to non-IMers.

    I say I do internet marketing.

    They say: What's that?
    I say: Do you know what marketing is?
    They say: Sort of.
    I say: Well marketing is when you get paid to connect a business with its customers. Make the connections, you know?
    They say: Right.
    I say: So that's what I do. Just on the internet.

    Face it folks! We're MARKETING GUYS first. That's what we do.

    We do marketing. We're get paid a commision not a salary but there's no getting around that fact that as an affiliate marketer you're just doing marketing.

    So does someone who writes an ad for Lexus need to own one?

    Everyone would agree that they don't. They're paid to make the product sound great.
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    • Profile picture of the author Magic Johnson
      Originally Posted by Mike Williams View Post

      They say: What's that?
      I say: Do you know what marketing is?
      They say: Sort of.
      I say: Well marketing is when you get paid to connect a business with its customers. Make the connections, you know?
      They say: Right.
      I say: So that's what I do. Just on the internet.

      Face it folks! We're MARKETING GUYS first. That's what we do.

      We do marketing. We're get paid a commision not a salary but there's no getting around that fact that as an affiliate marketer you're just doing marketing.
      Exactly, Keep it simple broh!

      It's not Internet marketing on ebay selling ebooks about hair care and pedicure.

      Their mind will read like this;

      "Internet marketing" ?
      "on ebay"?
      "selling ebooks"?
      "about haircare"?
      "and pedicure"?

      resulting in a big WTF#1?¤.

      Just explain with every day real-life examples, instead of the Internet mumbo-language. The simplier language ----far better!

      (good post MikeW)
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  • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
    Hi Steven,

    I can relate to your story, because my husband doesn't know much of anything about making money online. One thing that helps is to explain what affiliate marketing is. Most people can understand that you get a percentage of each sale that's made "through your website" (that's how my husband understands things...everything is done "through my website"). Your wife might understand a little better about the book you are an affiliate for if you explain it like that. Can't help you with the sales of your own products, except that you could say that you sell them through your website. That seems to work with my husband.

    Of course, you want to reassure your wife that everything is on the up-and-up and you are paying all your taxes and what have you. Explaining that you sell a product to informed buyers who know what they're buying usually puts most people's mind at ease. I even had to explain this to the Secret Service when they were talking to me before they fitted me with the wire to record Edna. If I can explain what I do to the Feds, you should be able to get your wife to understand it.

    P.S. Your wife wasn't worried about you going to the State Pen. She was worried about you being taken to Club Fed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gail Sober
    I wonder what she thought you were doing at the computer 16hrs a day? lol

    I always just sign the back of the checks and hand them over so my wife definitely knows how I make money.

    She calls it "making money out of thin air".

    She's jealous a little.
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  • Profile picture of the author ste25
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      You know what amazes me about this whole thread?

      I've made posts here with some great income generation tips that get
      buried on page 3 inside of 2 hours. And this...whatever you want to call it...
      is now on it's second page of responses.

      Just goes to show you what people want to read.
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      • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        You know what amazes me about this whole thread?

        I've made posts here with some great income generation tips that get
        buried on page 3 inside of 2 hours. And this...whatever you want to call it...
        is now on it's second page of responses.

        Just goes to show you what people want to read.
        Great title plus the shared feeling that our significant others never understand us.

        Martin
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      • Profile picture of the author onlineleben
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        You know what amazes me about this whole thread?

        I've made posts here with some great income generation tips that get
        buried on page 3 inside of 2 hours. And this...whatever you want to call it...
        is now on it's second page of responses.

        Just goes to show you what people want to read.
        Steven,
        just take the opportunity and create an ebook out of it.
        And don't forget to give a decent commission to your wife
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeCollins
    LOL...thanks for a laugh Steven, great post as always. I know how you feel...no one understands what I do. They all think I'm nuts.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by MikeCollins View Post

      LOL...thanks for a laugh Steven, great post as always. I know how you feel...no one understands what I do. They all think I'm nuts.

      That's because you live in New Jersey with me.
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      • Profile picture of the author MikeCollins
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        That's because you live in New Jersey with me.
        LOL...you just might be on to something.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Just tell them it's from your Internet Pornography empire.
        Signature
        "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    My family still thinks Im a drug dealer or something, no matter how many times I try to explain it, they never seem to understand
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  • Profile picture of the author 14
    Banned
    The most interesting thread.

    Yea people are dumb. The conversation usually goes like this:

    Questioner: I see you spending hours in front of the computer, what are you doing?

    Me: I do blackhat stuff.

    Questioner: Wtf

    Me: I make a few thousand dollars per month.

    Questioner: WOW, cool can you teach me?!

    Yea right, hell I'll do it. There are many dreamers that come and think that while they do internet marketing they'll get rich very quick. Reality is far away from it. IM can be harder than a offline job many times. Anyway we could use those dreamers to make money off them!
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  • Profile picture of the author jdmitchell
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    Yesterday, after just transferring about $3,000 from my PayPal account to
    my bank account just a day ago, I went back in and saw a nice little balance
    again. I proceeded to tell my wife that we had another $5,000 ready to be
    transferred.

    She then gave me this look (you know the one guys, that says you did
    something wrong) and said to me, "Where is this money coming from?"

    I gave her my look back (You know the one ladies, the "what are you crazy"
    look) and said, "What you do you mean where is it coming from?"

    Here's how the rest of the conversation went.

    Wife: Where is it coming from?
    Me: From where it's always been coming from.
    Wife: And where is that?
    Me: From selling my stuff.
    Wife: What stuff?
    Me: What do you mean what stuff?

    At this point I really thought she was kidding with me.

    Wife: What stuff do you sell?
    Me: I sell ebooks and things to teach people how to make money online.
    Wife: Like you.
    Me: Yeah, like me.
    Wife: I see (giving me the, "you're a crook" look)
    Me: Hey, that's not all I sell.
    Wife: Oh, what else do you sell?
    Me: Well, remember that "Magic Of Making Up" book I told you about?
    Wife: Oh yeah, where you teach people how to get back with their ex. Mr.
    Marriage councilor here.

    Now I was getting annoyed.

    Me: I don't teach them. I just sell the book. The book teaches them.
    Wife: And you read this book?
    Me: Yes, I did and it's very good.
    Wife: How would you know? You've never gotten back with your ex.
    Me: I don't even have an ex.
    Wife: That's my point.
    Me: What is your problem?
    Wife: I just want to know where the money's coming from, that's all. I
    don't want the feds knocking on my door one day and taking you away in
    handcuffs.

    And with that she walked out of the living room into the kitchen.

    For the first time in 6 years that I've been doing this, my wife was truly
    worried about where all the money was coming from. She'd never seen
    anything like this.

    Well, I later went into the kitchen, put my arms around her and assured
    her that everything I was doing was on the up and up, that I had a great
    reputation, that lots of people respect me and actually come to me for
    help and that she had nothing to worry about.

    I then had to sit down and look at my life and at where I've arrived. It
    never really dawned on me before, but this is the most money I've ever
    made in my life by a very wide margin. Some days I still don't believe it
    and I think I'm going to wake up and find out it's all been a dream. Either
    that or I'll be hit by a Hummer tomorrow and they'll be spreading me on
    whole wheat toast for somebody's breakfast.

    If you're scratching your head wondering what this is all about, here it is.

    I don't care how bad things are for you right now. 6 years ago I was out
    of work and almost homeless. I made $28 in my first 5 months online. I
    was going nowhere fast and I didn't have a lot of hope.

    Today, I'm...well, let's just say I'm one damn lucky SOB. I don't know if I
    deserve to be this happy, but I'm not going to question it. What I am going
    to do is appreciate every single day that I have of it.

    But life is ironic. When I was doing really bad with my business, my wife
    would say to me, "Don't worry honey, you'll be all right. You'll see."

    Now she wants to know if I'm going to get carted off to the state pen

    Women...they're never satisfied.
    I have been through the same thing many times before Steven. When I had my own oil surveying company, it was all computers. MY long time girlfriend was always wondering where the money was coming from and if it was on the up and up.

    This has happened, and is happening to many of my friends right now. Especially the ones involved in IM. Now you.

    I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that her worry is not what is actually worrying her. What she is really saying is "I would like to be more involved in what you do. Talk to me more about it. The stories. The adventures. Share with me what you spend so much time on."

    We have exhaustively studied this phenomenon, and I could be wrong in your specific case but is more than likely what she is saying underneath it all, even if she doesn't even know it.

    Interesting stuff. Damn it feels good to rise up from nothing to something hey? I know what that is like. Nobody can ever take away your money maker.....your mind, and your skill. It's yours.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by jdmitchell View Post

      I have been through the same thing many times before Steven. When I had my own oil surveying company, it was all computers. MY long time girlfriend was always wondering where the money was coming from and if it was on the up and up.

      This has happened, and is happening to many of my friends right now. Especially the ones involved in IM. Now you.

      I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that her worry is not what is actually worrying her. What she is really saying is "I would like to be more involved in what you do. Talk to me more about it. The stories. The adventures. Share with me what you spend so much time on."

      We have exhaustively studied this phenomenon, and I could be wrong in your specific case but is more than likely what she is saying underneath it all, even if she doesn't even know it.

      Interesting stuff. Damn it feels good to rise up from nothing to something hey? I know what that is like. Nobody can ever take away your money maker.....your mind, and your skill. It's yours.

      I actually try to talk to her about my business but the truth is, she's not
      all that interested in what I do. She hates computers and all she really
      cares about is that the money keeps coming in.

      It's when too much of it comes in that she starts to worry.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kat Bartone
      Quote:
      Originally Posted by Quilst
      Word!

      That is some story there. Women are never satisfied - they are here to demand and the man is here to provide.


      My guess is that the ladies here will provide
      you with a very different perspective. You
      just set yourself up, sir.

      ~ John

      Ummm, not so sure why everyone is getting on Quilst's case when it was Steven who first said:

      "Women - they're never satisfied".

      Steven, we've been friends a long time now, but for me, your point was a bit lost when you ended your anecdote with this sweeping generalization. Just as unfair as making some sweeping comment about what poor communicators men are.

      Sorry, but I find your comment rather offensive. It's a put down - of all women.


      - Kat Bartone
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Kat Bartone View Post

        Ummm, not so sure why everyone is getting on Quilst's case when it was Steven who first said:

        "Women - they're never satisfied".

        Steven, we've been friends a long time now, but for me, your point was a bit lost when you ended your anecdote with this sweeping generalization. Just as unfair as making some sweeping comment about what poor communicators men are.

        Sorry, but I find your comment rather offensive. It's a put down - of all women.


        - Kat Bartone

        Oh come on Kat, I was joking. Cut me some slack will you?

        Geesh.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
        Give over Kat,

        I certainly wasn't offended and I suspect 99.9% of the women who have read this thread were either.

        Stephen is aware of the fact (I'm sure) that women are the power behind the chair.

        Gotta grow a thicker skin hun.

        Kim


        Originally Posted by Kat Bartone View Post

        Ummm, not so sure why everyone is getting on Quilst's case when it was Steven who first said:

        "Women - they're never satisfied".

        Steven, we've been friends a long time now, but for me, your point was a bit lost when you ended your anecdote with this sweeping generalization. Just as unfair as making some sweeping comment about what poor communicators men are.

        Sorry, but I find your comment rather offensive. It's a put down - of all women.


        - Kat Bartone
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  • Profile picture of the author nat
    Banned
    wow what a story.
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  • Profile picture of the author jrsencio
    Great story... it is true a lot of people don't get what we do.

    Wow, isn't that great.. less competition!

    But seriousy.. great post Steven!
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    • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
      Uh oh Steve ... I think we have the same wife.

      Had virtually the exact same conversation a couple years ago. My wife couldn't believe how much money was coming in and doubted it was legal. To her, it looked like the money was coming from thin air.

      I tried to explain how IM worked and it all went over her head.

      Even today, I'll tell her the numbers for the month, or now, for the year, and she still doesn't believe it. At one point I had to print out and give her some affiliate reports.

      She knows I have spent a lot of time on the Warrior Forum. Not as much recently, but a lot of time over the years to learn a few things.

      I like to remind her of when she criticized the time being spent, and she said she thought I was just fooling around, wasting time on the net, pulling her leg about making money.

      And my friends are just slackjawed when I tell them the game plan: you know those ads you see on Google, well some of those are my ads, and if you visit the website and ultimately buy a recommended product I get a commission.

      Its too simple to be believable.
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      • Profile picture of the author Fabian Tan
        Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

        Uh oh Steve ... I think we have the same wife.

        Had virtually the exact same conversation a couple years ago. My wife couldn't believe how much money was coming in and doubted it was legal. To her, it looked like the money was coming from thin air.

        I tried to explain how IM worked and it all went over her head.

        Even today, I'll tell her the numbers for the month, or now, for the year, and she still doesn't believe it. At one point I had to print out and give her some affiliate reports.

        She knows I have spent a lot of time on the Warrior Forum. Not as much recently, but a lot of time over the years to learn a few things.

        I like to remind her of when she criticized the time being spent, and she said she thought I was just fooling around, wasting time on the net, pulling her leg about making money.

        And my friends are just slackjawed when I tell them the game plan: you know those ads you see on Google, well some of those are my ads, and if you visit the website and ultimately buy a recommended product I get a commission.

        Its too simple to be believable.
        Haha I think your story is familiar to most of us.

        Different strokes for different folks...

        If someone came up and talked to me about medicine or engineering, I would fall asleep or walk away.

        If someone doesn't give a damn about making money online, well they will just go back to doing whatever they want to do (usually all the way back to their day job the next morning). They are not interested - that's the simple answer.

        Fabian
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      • Profile picture of the author laurieslegends
        Hi Steven,

        Even though I don't have the steady, regular flow of cash that you talked about, I have had bouts of it, here and there.

        Last winter, when I ran some wso's my kids got addicted to checking my paypal account balance.

        My grown up son, who refuses to let me teach him how to do any of it, has no problem with me spending it on him. LOL>

        In the summer when I drive my ice cream truck, people ask me what I do in the off season month. When I tell them I have websites, that earn money for me even when I am not doing anything, they are intrigued.

        But trying to explain it all, its fruitless.
        There are those of us, who don't have the significant other, and trying to get the concept to the kids, that the time mom spends on the computer equates how much goes into the paypal account gets lost somewhere.

        You have put up a hilarious story, thanks for sharing the more personal aspect of living the internet marketing life.

        Laurie
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    • Profile picture of the author Kat Bartone
      Oh come on Kat, I was joking. Cut me some slack will you?

      Geesh.

      Sorry Steven, but no. You see, 'joking' can be a powerful way of perpetuating stereotypes - and then because we are only 'joking', we give ourselves an 'out' for our biases (and then redirect back to me for 'overeacting', as you imply).

      Joke or no joke, it's an offensive comment.

      Take care,

      - Kat
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Kat Bartone View Post

        Sorry Steven, but no. You see, 'joking' can be a powerful way of perpetuating stereotypes - and then because we are only 'joking', we give ourselves an 'out' for our biases (and then redirect back to me for 'overeacting', as you imply).

        Joke or no joke, it's an offensive comment.

        Take care,

        - Kat
        Okay Kat, you're offended. I get it. If you want to carry this anger towards
        me with you, fine. But I'm not going to allow it to ruin my day.

        Anybody reading that thread could see that it was done in a lighthearted
        manner and I meant no disrespect to anybody. My own wife, who I love
        more than anybody, was practically calling me a crook, but I didn't hold
        that against her for a minute. And I more than understand her feelings.

        You're certainly entitled to your feelings and your opinions of me, and
        that's fine. I'm not going to try to change them because I've done
        nothing wrong.

        If you prefer me to remove you from my mailing lists, let me know.

        I'm moving on with my life because I am no longer letting petty things like
        these bother me.

        I wish you nothing but the best with your life but I'm not playing this
        game anymore.

        It's not worth it.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
        Originally Posted by Kat Bartone View Post

        Sorry Steven, but no. You see, 'joking' can be a powerful way of perpetuating stereotypes - and then because we are only 'joking', we give ourselves an 'out' for our biases (and then redirect back to me for 'overeacting', as you imply).

        Joke or no joke, it's an offensive comment.

        Take care,

        - Kat
        Give me a break. My girlfriend and two sisters weren't offended when they read Steve's post, they thought it was funny. Unbelievable.

        RoD
        Signature
        "Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."
        - Jim Rohn
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by jrsencio View Post

      Great story... it is true a lot of people don't get what we do.

      Wow, isn't that great.. less competition!

      But seriousy.. great post Steven!
      If they don't get it then you're not explaining it properly. Or you sell Internet Pornography like me.
      Signature
      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew Stevens
      It's not just internet marketing. It's marketing in general. I have a bachelors degree in marketing and no one in my family had a clue what the hell someone would go to school for marketing for. MARKETING RUNS THE ENTIRE WORLD AND MOST PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND IT. So when it comes to INTERNET + MARKETING...... what what what. I worked for a textbook company briefly after I graduated college. I still tell people that I work for that company because it is not worth even halfway trying to explain what your doing unless your making 7 figures. The frustration I have over the whole subject constantly stresses me out and gives me MOTIVATION to put my online work into overdrive. I am on the fast track to becoming rich and when I do I am going to be busting on people.
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  • Profile picture of the author monty_nichols
    Great story. Made me laugh!
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    It does seem strange. Most people react to me being in front of the computer as "playing".
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
      Originally Posted by seobro View Post

      It does seem strange. Most people react to me being in front of the computer as "playing".
      Hahah yeah I hear ya... "Oh look there's Mike playing on the computer again" or "Don't you ever get tired of playing on the internet?"

      Classic

      Mike Hill
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    • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
      Originally Posted by seobro View Post

      It does seem strange. Most people react to me being in front of the computer as "playing".
      Yep. My husband STILL says that from time to time. And he's seen the evidence that what I do is most definitely NOT "playing". Apparently, computer=playing to some folks.
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      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        Originally Posted by Angela V. Edwards View Post

        Yep. My husband STILL says that from time to time. And he's seen the evidence that what I do is most definitely NOT "playing". Apparently, computer=playing to some folks.
        That is because they cannot fathom doing anything BUT playing with a computer.

        Most people use the computer to escape a life they don't enjoy. WE use a computer to create a life we love. The mindset is so different....
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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        • Profile picture of the author Magic Johnson
          Originally Posted by Shay60654 View Post

          Most people use the computer to escape a life they don't enjoy. WE use a computer to create a life we love.
          Well done, spot on Shay6..!

          Much of the reasons is explained in the
          versatility


          during computer time.

          They are the TV, the video, the playstation & the library. All in one!

          So when you say you do marketing and make money from home. All they can think of is what they do on the computer. Like Watching TV on youtube and reading articles on fatloss.

          For them it's way too far fetched that.....Internet.... can be

          A Bank too.

          We as warriors know that, so they can't grasp that unless
          we explain it in 1-2-3-4 steps.

          Still they may not get it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
    Hey Steven...I was going to mention this in my last post. Just because your good posts about IM get buried on the second page doesnt mean that people are not reading them. More people are responding to this post probably because a lot of the folks can make a comment about your story.

    That doesn't mean that your other posts aren't valuable and that the people who need the information aren't making the most of them.
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    • Profile picture of the author adamv
      When people ask me what I do for a living I tell them I'm an artist. Partly because that's how I first got started online, putting up a website with my artwork.

      If I tell people anything about internet marketing I get a number of different reactions.

      1. People think you are a con artist.
      2. People seem interested at first and then their eyes glaze over once you start really explaining what you do and they have no interest what so ever.
      3. People want you to share the secret of "easy riches".

      When I tell people I'm an artist I get better reactions.

      1. People seem fascinated by this and ask me questions about my art work which I don't mind talking about.

      2. (This is purely speculation on my part) - People are not threatened by this because they figure, as an artist, I must be broke and they must be more successful than I am. So people may be a little envious that I can make a living at home doing something I enjoy but they also figure I can't possibly make very much money so they are not jelous of me in any way.

      I rarely tell anyone I do internet marketing. The fact of the matter is that I make very little of off my art work. I make a lot more off of my instructional DVDs that teach other people how to draw. Over the last 12 months I've been working on setting up websites in multiple niches and doing affiliate marketing. So, while being an artist isn't what really pays the bills, it's easier to talk about at parties.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    Gee maybe your wife and my wife should start talking on the phone 'cause that's exactly what my wife does to me all the time.

    One time I made the fatal error or trying to teach her what we do and even tried taking her to a seminar event. Had the tickets purchased, the hotel reserved for her and I and the plane tickets were not cheap either.

    At the last minute she bailed so I went by myself...

    A few months later I tried explaining to her again what we do but as soon as I saw those glossy eyes starring back at me I told her to just forget it!

    Same holds true when my brother wants to know... about 5 seconds into the conversation and I can see that glazed look in his eyes.

    Have you ever seen that Simpson episode where Homer is talking to himself at the cracker factory and says "Brain I'm outa here"!

    That's what I think my wife and everyone else imagines when I try and tell them what I do... They think it's so technical but I'm a very non-technical guy!

    Great post Steve.. I'll stop hijacking it now!

    Mike Hill
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Hubby is interested in what I do (sort of), but the money interests him more.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Now that was entertaining as all heck, thanx for sharing!

    I can relate, I've had a couple relatives who thought I was a drug dealer because I didn't have a job and people would drop by all the freaking time. Another one thought I was a pimp because I always had a bunch of different women hanging around my house. Funny how people interpret things........

    RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Sol
    So Steven... where did the money come from?

    I kid I kid...
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    The Extra Paycheck Blog | Extra Paycheck Podcast
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  • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
    another reason for my 1000th post that not enough good people have read (see sig).

    P.S

    I'd struggle to bite my lip with a lady friend that doubted me in such a way, particularly after being with her for so long and applying my principle #2 (see sig file).
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      I use my computer to escape the intolerable reality that is my wife.
      Signature
      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author ebiz96
    Great post Steven.

    This sounds very similar to what my "wife" thinks of me when i am on my PC working, she calls my computer "My Mistress".

    Everytime someone calls and asks where am i, she always replies where-else he is with his Mistress....


    But i still love my wife....And my work.


    Ash
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris W. Sutton
    In spite of my pretty apparent success at what I do....not many people in my immediate sphere here have really tried to understand what we do
    Melody, I tried to understand what you did but it was all very complicated to me! When you were explaining what you did, I thought you were speaking another language. I guess you just have to dumb it down for some Texans!
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  • Profile picture of the author Addie
    I just can't wait until my husband has a reason to ask where the money is coming from...only about $80.00 in 3 months..That bites!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
    In my movie, the husband makes $30,000 a month online and buys the wife whatever she wants that he can afford.

    She gets suspicious and demands to know where the money is coming from. He explains repeatedly and she doesn't get it.

    He gives up the business, gets a minimum wage job at McDonald's, they lose the house due to the huge drop in income, give up their fancy cars, and end up sleeping on the floor at the home of whichever friends will have them that night.

    Then he says to her, "NOW do you understand what I do for a living?"

    Roll credits.
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  • Profile picture of the author Angela V. Edwards
    I suspect the pendulum will eventually swing the other way, Steven. It's gotten so bad, like you've described, that it really can't do anything but improve.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andres
    You never can please them!
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  • Profile picture of the author melanied
    Yeah, people thought I was "playing" for a living when I was a teacher, and I get the "playing" comment now that I work online, as well.

    Guess I'm just attracted to misunderstood careers!
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  • Profile picture of the author freudianslip27
    Pretty funny post Steve,

    I am fortunate that my wife has a pretty good understanding of IM and "where the money is coming from", but I have some family members who are VERY suspicious, lol.

    I remember sitting my aunt and uncle down and explaining it to them and the whole time my aunt kept saying "this can't be legal".

    My aunt is use to participating in a fund raiser at church where we sell something and the church gets 10 percent of the profits. Now compare that to something on clickbank where we get 75 percent!

    It seems unreal doesn't it?

    Just one of the things I love about internet marketing

    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author Franck Silvestre
    Another Awesome post...

    For me it's not my wife (she is ok to spend evertthing), the problem is with my mother. She constantly tells me to get a job...

    Franck
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  • Profile picture of the author Li Weng
    It's actually a pretty sweet story...


    But the real question is:

    Where IS the money coming from?

    haha just kidding..

    I know they come from all those songs you write!
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Originally Posted by Li Weng View Post

      It's actually a pretty sweet story...


      But the real question is:

      Where IS the money coming from?

      haha just kidding..

      I know they come from all those songs you write!

      Hee hee. Fat chance of that. have you heard Steven sing?

      Andrew
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      • Profile picture of the author davesharp
        Hi,

        Great post here Steve and its good to see you doing well. As an Englishman one of the reasons I moved to Crete was to get away from the stupid political correctness that surrounds us all now.

        If we can make fun of ourselves we can make fun of our friends and family also.

        Take care,
        Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author Platinum Matt
    I have similar issues.

    Neighbours thinking I'm a drug dealer.

    GF's relatives thinking I'm a crook.

    Because they can't understand why I have what I have, at such a young age and without "going out" to work every day.

    It's caused a lot of friction for me. But it's worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author onlineleben
    I think she is not worried about you getting into jail, but more about the security/reliability of the income. Quite often we IMers don't plan enough for the time after life.
    I prepared lists for her covering everything like domains, passwords, sites to keep and sites to sell (or just not renew) and reliable contacts where she can get help - just in case. Made her (and also myself) sleep much better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quilst
    Since all the ladies are up for my words and I don't see what was so shocking about my statesment. But it is not 50%-50% compared women and man providing security and cash.

    I'we been taking care of my sick mother for the last 10 years and all I get: "Is that all?"

    Yes, you women are demandy.

    And No, you cannot say you don't need a man in your life just like a man can't say he can live without a woman. Anybody who says the opposite never had a life - never started living.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sean Donahoe
    Just remember, behind every good man there is a good woman - rolling her eyes.

    Great story that I am sure a lot of Internet Marketers can relate to...
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  • Profile picture of the author Bearded
    Look out, it's the feds!
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  • Profile picture of the author coreytucker
    Yes same here. I try to tell people what im doing and they are like "so your doing those pyramid schemes huh?" Im like "no, this is a real business" but nobody really understands. I start talking about SEO and everything and they don't know what the crap im talking about,lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ken Leatherman
    Steven,

    I especially get the unbelief from my Children (ranging in age from 32 to 42) and not quite as much from my Wife. When I try to explain what I do kids say "Oh! O.K. Dad." Meaning "Yeah, right, your making money on the internet, big deal" But they do like it when Pop can come up with the extra money to help them when they need it. (That is what my wife and I love to be able to do.)

    My wife just thinks I'm nuts for spending as much time on the computer as I do. Of course we have only started to see a decent return on my time over the last year or so. But she is like your wife in the sense she wants to make sure I'm not running my health by overworking and that what I do is not hurting anybody. She knows I won't, but when she see's more money in my PayPal every day or so, the question in her eye is "where did that come from"

    She also does not understand why I put more than 60% of the money I make back into the business. She is coming around to understand that by doing so, I'm building a long term business, that will support us until we get buried.

    After 45 years of marriage we both know I'm going to do what I think is right, even when Barb tells me I'm wrong. (Usually I am! LOL) . But ain't life good and even better when we can laugh at it, with it and about it.

    Thanks Steve for another good post.

    Ken
    The Old Geezer
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  • Profile picture of the author Bujuk
    all I can say you are not alone. regardless your physical location. even on the other side of the globe
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  • Profile picture of the author Charann Miller
    Thanks for the inspiring words, love the interrogation. She probably would have asked less questions if you told her you were dealing in illegal arms, hehehe.
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  • Profile picture of the author SpotOn
    If some asks me, I always say Im a programmer! (no one wants to hear a programmers story) so they all look at me like very awkwardly amazed like "reaally?" as I do not have the usual programmers look... so end of story, no one asks, no one tells, and no one worries about cops or feds knocking on my door :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Tan
    Hmmm....never earn too much of "easy" money...

    It could trigger a fight between couple...

    Lessons learnt! HA!

    Great posts. Entertaining!
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  • Classic!

    Thanks For Sharing
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Steven -

      The days when men and women could tease and faux-insult each other's gender are alive and well in many families.

      I'm one of the first to call out a macho-good-old-boy fellow who denigrates women - but I know you don't belong to that group. So I can laugh at your references without getting upset in the least.

      I have a friend who calls me "honky" and a son who used to call me "Guido" when I laid down the law at home. Analyzing words, you can find insults anywhere you look. It's the intent that counts. And sometimes it's just a joke!

      After all, boys will be boys

      kay
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      • Profile picture of the author Kat Bartone
        I'm one of the first to call out a macho-good-old-boy fellow who denigrates women - but I know you don't belong to that group.
        Hi Kay,

        I also know he doesn't belong to that group. But I think that language used even casually and lightly can be hurtful, or give implicit permission for others to follow suit, as it did in a couple of other posts in this thread.

        I also wonder if another group were substituted for 'women' in the same phrase whether it would have been found equally acceptable by most here. When I think of it in those terms, I just don't see the difference.

        I know Steven is a good, generous, and sensitive man - for me, this was never about his character, nor about his intention.

        Be well,

        - Kat
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post


        After all, boys will be boys

        kay
        And we're damn proud of it too.
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  • Profile picture of the author RenaissanceMan
    I completely understand Steve . I deal with this issue almost daily
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeannie Crabtree
    Great and funny post Steven. I struggle with this in my own family.

    Up until 3 years ago, my sister warned her children to not buy on the internet, it was all scammers. Lol, I had been an internet business for years before that. What did she think I did?

    I explained how much money she could save by shopping online. I had her place an order online for vitamins with me and she watched me do it. The next time, I helped her place the order. Now, she does not even ask if I want to place an order with her!

    James Clark, too funny. Your foam probably needs aired out for a while. It is outgassing chemicals.

    Jeannie
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Deegan
    Obviously this is a pretty common problem for all monkey's in this closet. But if you examine alot of the practices in the circus of Internet marketing, especially in sub niches like affiliate marketing. This thing is a straight up hustle for a large portion of the people taking part in this show...

    Most folks might not want to admit that to themeselves, but it's true none the less. Now I should say that just because it's abit of a hustle that doesn't mean it's a straight up scam, but there is a game to it...like it or not.

    I see it for what it is. I grew up in a very urban enviroment. Sometimes you got to hustle. To some a hustle is just being a smart business person...

    Example of a grade school hustle - it's like when I was in 2nd grade and sold nickle gumballs in the lunchroom for 25 cents...gotta feed that starving crowd... ya dig?
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