Internet Marketers Using Product Update Email Addresses to Sell Affiliate Products

tpw

12 years ago

Click Here to Unsubscribe

That link is there for a reason.

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5975574].message }}

jackheape

12 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

Click Here to Unsubscribe

That link is there for a reason.

I answered this particular reply, but a not singling you out. I think everyone is missing the point, or perhaps I was not clear enough.

Sure, its easy to hit unsubscribe. But do we, as individuals who do this, IM, want to accept, and by our inaction, endorse, malfeasance in regards to others actions?

If you build a list by enticing to collect email addresses under the guise of product upgrades, and then all you do is promote, promote other money making ventures, that is wrong. Period.

As far as the FTC is concerned and the remark about re-reading the Act, I have spoken to them and they agree that if you sign someone up for a "transactional purpose" and then use that email address for promotional purposes, you are in violation.

Thanks
3 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976084].message }}

Rob Howard

12 years ago

Originally Posted by jackheape

As far as the FTC is concerned and the remark about re-reading the Act, I have spoken to them and they agree that if you sign someone up for a "transactional purpose" and then use that email address for promotional purposes, you are in violation.

Proof please?

These kinds of statements need some sort of verification.

Because that isn't what you said in your OP.

Originally Posted by jackheape

As all of you are aware, the FTC is cracking down on false advertising and inflated product claims on the internet. To me, asking for an email address under false colors falls under the category of fraud.

What does everyone else think?

Rob

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976135].message }}

George Wright

12 years ago

Do not ever be mislead RE: This...

The only reason appliance companies have you register for guarantees, the only reason Hotels ask you to "rate" them and drop the card in the box, the only reason restaurants ask you to drop your business card in the fish bowl to "win" a free meal, the only reason newspapers only cost 25 cents and the only reason tv is free is so you can be marketed to.

And the only reason marketers want your eMail is so they to can market to you. The prospect of getting free updates is to entice you to give up your eMail.

Granted, there are nice ways to market to you and stay in the bounds of actually giving you what you want and make you happy all the while. However, that is the subject of an up and coming WSO.

If anyone wants to know more PM me your email addy.

George Wright

Originally Posted by jackheape

I answered this particular reply, but a not singling you out. I think everyone is missing the point, or perhaps I was not clear enough.

Sure, its easy to hit unsubscribe. But do we, as individuals who do this, IM, want to accept, and by our inaction, endorse, malfeasance in regards to others actions?

If you build a list by enticing to collect email addresses under the guise of product upgrades, and then all you do is promote, promote other money making ventures, that is wrong. Period.

As far as the FTC is concerned and the remark about re-reading the Act, I have spoken to them and they agree that if you sign someone up for a "transactional purpose" and then use that email address for promotional purposes, you are in violation.

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

"The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977040].message }}

tpw

12 years ago

Originally Posted by George Wright

Do not ever be mislead RE: This...

The only reason appliance companies have you register for guarantees, the only reason Hotels ask you to "rate" them and drop the card in the box, the only reason restaurants ask you to drop your business card in the fish bowl to "win" a free meal, the only reason newspapers only cost 25 cents and the only reason tv is free is so you can be marketed to.

And the only reason marketers want your eMail is so they to can market to you. The prospect of getting free updates is to entice you to give up your eMail.

Granted, there are nice ways to market to you and stay in the bounds of actually giving you what you want and make you happy all the while.

Originally Posted by boxoun

Not sure you understand. How can we unsubscribe when we still want the product updates but not the promotional material?

Many professional product creators respect this and have 2 separate lists. It's the desperate wso crowd that makes you signup for a product you spent money on.

As George pointed out, other industries do this too.

If you believe that counts me among the "desperate WSO sellers", then so be it.

The people on my lists are not always on my lists for the product updates.

Remember, I said in my opening email that they should expect 4 things in my mailings: "product updates, information that I think will be valuable to you, free stuff, AND products that I think you will like."

I also invite people to unsub in that first email, and I remind them about once a month where to find the unsub link that is in every email.

Updates are only part of my mailing package. Take it or leave it. Receive it all, or receive nothing.

If you choose the latter, it is your right to do so. But when you do so, you will need to remember to keep checking my website to find out about product updates.

p.s. No one is forcing you to click the double opt-in in order to receive your purchase. If they make you opt-in to get your purchase, then the seller is breaking WSO posting rules -- unless that was explained in explicit detail on the sales page.

.

Thanks

Signature

Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977220].message }}

Alexa Smith

Banned 12 years ago

Undeniably, though many here clearly feel very differently from you about the severity and significance of this situation, and many good responses have been offered above, you do make a good point, Jack.

Originally Posted by jackheape

do we, as individuals who do this, IM, want to accept, and by our inaction, endorse, malfeasance in regards to others actions?

Yes, I agree that that's the point. And it's a point I often make myself, in slightly different contexts, when I complain that "the people who do this are actually damaging the collective reputations of us all" and so on, and that "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem", and all the other slightly acerbic comments I sometimes inadvertently make around here which some people dislike so much.

However, I do still feel that, technically quite right though you are, this isn't the greatest of examples about which to get worked up, when there are still people out there making income claims (and some of them are even deluded enough to think that that's "ok"!!), and pulling all sorts of other deceptive stunts.

Unless you really have a "zero tolerance" attitude/policy on such matters. I do kind of respect that, in a way ... but I don't have the time/energy for that, myself.

Originally Posted by jackheape

If you build a list by enticing to collect email addresses under the guise of product upgrades, and then all you do is promote, promote other money making ventures, that is wrong. Period.

Well, I haven't seen anyone really arguing with you about that.

I think it's wrong, too.

But, in reality, there are "degrees of wrongness", you know? :confused:

Originally Posted by jackheape

As far as the FTC is concerned and the remark about re-reading the Act, I have spoken to them and they agree that if you sign someone up for a "transactional purpose" and then use that email address for promotional purposes, you are in violation.

Well, I'm interested to know that, and actually pleased to hear it. And thanks for clarifying it. And good luck and good wishes to you.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5979286].message }}

Bill Farnham

12 years ago

Originally Posted by jackheape

I am sick of being held hostage to a list so I can get product updates, and then get the heck spammed out of me by the list holder.

What does everyone else think?

I've bought products and signed up under the notion of "update bait" and only once ever got an update to a product. Lots of affiliate offers mostly, not so many updates.

No biggy, I know where the unsub link is, and when that fails (which apparently does happen when I'm added to multiple lists), I send the emails to the junk folder.

Done.

No further action, tears, or angst on my part.

No further purchases to the junk list, either.

~Bill

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5975633].message }}

Alexa Smith

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by jackheape

To me, asking for an email address under false colors falls under the category of fraud.

What does everyone else think?

Maybe it is, just about ... sometimes.

I don't think it's our biggest problem, by any means.

I'm relatively quick to unsubscribe if I don't like what I receive.

I think "income claims" are a far bigger, more significant and more important problem than people opting me in for one ostensible purpose and then abusing it for another.

Don't take me the wrong way, but I wouldn't want to see the FTC applying too much time, resources or energy to the problem you're discussing, when they surely have far bigger fish to fry elsewhere? :confused:

You're right, really, but I seem somehow to feel far less strongly about it than you do ...

If it's any consolation, I do get worked up when I see people asking "How can it be 'spam' if someone's opted in?" That does make me seethe, a bit, but only for a minute. As the saying goes: "You can't fix 'stupid'."

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5975666].message }}

RyanLB

12 years ago

It's annoying, but you just gotta kind of live with it sometimes. I would say 25% of the lists I subscribe to end up trying to sell me something that is not provided by their company at some point.

Thanks

Signature

I'm a Freelance Copywriter that helps Agencies, Startups and Businesses Educate Their Audience and Grow Sales
Skype Me: r.boze

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5975998].message }}

SteveJohnson

12 years ago

Originally Posted by jackheape

I have become quite intolerant of the abuse that many IM'ers make of their "list". All the IM gurus say, the money is in the list. And how do you get your list? You sell the buyer something, get their email, and then market to them.

Well, I am here to say that that is deceitful, dishonest, and actually downright fraudulent. Why?

Because you ask for the email address so that the buyer can get product updates. Go read the CAN-SPAM Act. There is a clear difference between what is called transactional emails, and promotional emails. And it is very clear that you cannot send one under the guise of another. And least that is the way I read it.

I am sick of being held hostage to a list so I can get product updates, and then get the heck spammed out of me by the list holder. I intend to satrt filing complaints to list service providers like Aweber and to the FTC as well. As all of you are aware, the FTC is cracking down on false advertising and inflated product claims on the internet. To me, asking for an email address under false colors falls under the category of fraud.

What does everyone else think?

I think you might want to re-read the Act. It doesn't say anything about the 'guise' of the email. What it does say is that if an email is commercial or promotional in nature, there are certain guidelines it has to comply with.

Frankly, I see my being on those lists as the price I pay for getting access to 'free' upgrades of a product that was probably underpriced in the first place.

[ 3 ] Thanks

Signature

The 2nd Amendment, 1789 - The Original Homeland Security.

Gun control means never having to say, "I missed you."

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976013].message }}

tpw

12 years ago

Originally Posted by jackheape

As all of you are aware, the FTC is cracking down on false advertising and inflated product claims on the internet. To me, asking for an email address under false colors falls under the category of fraud.

What does everyone else think?

Originally Posted by jackheape

As far as the FTC is concerned and the remark about re-reading the Act, I have spoken to them and they agree that if you sign someone up for a "transactional purpose" and then use that email address for promotional purposes, you are in violation.

LOLz.... You didn't did just do that did you?

Did you change your story to better ensure that your side of the story won the day?

I subscribed to this thread to see what you had to say about your opinion. Now, you want us to believe this is the opinion of the FTC?

Just saying....

Now, on my lists, I promise "product updates, information that I think will be valuable to you, free stuff, AND products that I think you will like."

I mail many of my lists 1-2 times a day.

People stay on my lists for the most part. My unsub rate is really, really low, and my complaint rate is even lower. Fewer than one dozen people have ever "complained" about my list when they unsubbed the list.

If you don't want my mailings, please unsubscribe!! If anyone who is on my list sees this thread today, they might verify that I frequently invite people to unsubscribe. :p

If you stayed on my list, then complained in this thread about my mailings, I'd help you out and unsubsribe you on your behalf.

Complaints are not going to change my mailing sequence. People thank me for many of the emails that others hit the complaint button about...

So, I know that while some people hate me for what I do, most of my people love me that I take the time to do it.

[ 3 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976384].message }}

boxoun

12 years ago

Not sure you understand. How can we unsubscribe when we still want the product updates but not the promotional material?

Many professional product creators respect this and have 2 separate lists. It's the desperate wso crowd that makes you signup for a product you spent money on.

Originally Posted by tpw

LOLz.... You didn't did just do that did you?

Did you change your story to better ensure that your side of the story won the day?

I subscribed to this thread to see what you had to say about your opinion. Now, you want us to believe this is the opinion of the FTC?

Just saying....

Now, on my lists, I promise "product updates, information that I think will be valuable to you, free stuff, AND products that I think you will like."

I mail many of my lists 1-2 times a day.

People stay on my lists for the most part. My unsub rate is really, really low, and my complaint rate is even lower. Fewer than one dozen people have ever "complained" about my list when they unsubbed the list.

If you don't want my mailings, please unsubscribe!! If anyone who is on my list sees this thread today, they might verify that I frequently invite people to unsubscribe. :p

If you stayed on my list, then complained in this thread about my mailings, I'd help you out and unsubsribe you on your behalf.

Complaints are not going to change my mailing sequence. People thank me for many of the emails that others hit the complaint button about...

So, I know that while some people hate me for what I do, most of my people love me that I take the time to do it.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976955].message }}

Sarevok

12 years ago

I think it depends upon your signup process.

I've personally had opt in lists where my description was very vague.

Of course, I got plenty of opt-ins but I didn't really have a plan.

It's important to have honesty and integrity for your list. Otherwise, you're just floating with the tide.

Thanks

Signature

Check Out My Legendary Marketing Blog By Clicking This Beautiful Text.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976880].message }}

jvreview

12 years ago

If they promise the subscription is just for product updates only, maybe you can let them know that, it's not right to send you promotions to the list.

Hopefully they'd listen and do the right thing.

Otherwise, stop buying from them or unsubscribe from their list.

Unless it's absolutely necessary, most products don't have much
to update.

jvreview

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977029].message }}

Takuya Hikichi

12 years ago

I wish these product update emails will send
me more advanced training. I don't
mind being promoted as long as it's relevant
to what I had purchased.

But I am going to share with you a bad experience....

Once I purchased $150 WSO here and
I opted-in for the product update email list
because it seemed it was required.

Well, the redirected product download page was not
working. I know it happens so I patiently waited...

Next day, an affiliate promo email came through
that list BEFORE accessing the download page (but the
content didn't have relevance to the product I
purchased)

But I couldn't unsubscribe in case my product
was being delivered through that email. I
was waiting for the update.

Finally, about 48rs later, the product owner
responded to my ticket and said sorry didn't
know the download page wasn't working.

It's okay, it happens, but gotta do the right
thing though.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977573].message }}

Internet Marketers Using Product Update Email Addresses to Sell Affiliate Products

Trending Topics

How do I effectively build and nurture an email list for affiliate marketing purposes?

Are billboards still effective in driving customers?

Are Solo ADs the Most Cost Effective Way to Promote your Product?

Been a while! Any of you Old Timers here?

How much does the rebranding affect CR ?