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Can you Tell Im a Highschool Dropout?

by JeffTaylor
42 replies
OK warriors,

Just to give you a little background...

I am a brand new IMer and have never taken part in anything similar to this in my life. A couple weeks ago I stumbled across an IM training program and have been going at it ever since.

I've really enjoyed everything I'm learning about internet marketing and running an online business as a whole. I have major respect for your guys that are making the big $$$. I think a lot of folks underestimate how much work goes into creating a consistent stream of income from the internet.

Anyways, I feel like I am making some progress as I have set up my blog, created a few videos and also have a squeeze page with an auto responder ready to strike.

The only frustrations I encounter come along with my writing. I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that I dropped out of highschool in the 9th grade, and i have this fear that my lack of formal knowledge is showing its ugly face in my content.

If you guys would be so kind to head over to my blog and check out some of the stuff Ive posted I would really appreciate it. Maybe after reading what I've got you could give me a few pointers to get me headed in the right direction. Maybe a book or website that would help me out.

I know I could just outsource all of my writing, but to me that feels kind of corny, especially with the blog. I want people to know who I am so that when I do succeed people will know the obstacles I had to overcome.

My BLog is in my sig by the way. I am not selling anything or whoring for traffic, just would like a few pointers.

I know you guys will give me loads of good feedback

Thanks in advance,
Jeff
#dropout #highschool
  • Profile picture of the author JSProjects
    Welcome to the forum. Blog looks really good to me. And your writing style is just fine IMO. Stick around the Warrior Forum and I'm sure you'll start to realize that your writing level / style is a LOT better than you think.
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by JSProjects View Post

      Welcome to the forum. Blog looks really good to me. And your writing style is just fine IMO. Stick around the Warrior Forum and I'm sure you'll start to realize that your writing level / style is a LOT better than you think.
      Thank you. It feels good to know I am not hopeless!
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  • Profile picture of the author gonzotrucker
    Don't feel bad I dropped out in the 6th grade to help out on my family's farm. I think after a year of learning I'm making progress in the right direction, and my grammar is improving. I have a Long way to go but I'm getting there.
    Signature
    www.gonzotrucker.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    The content is actually not bad to be honest. It's on par with high school graduates at least (basing that on what you see here in FL). If you're looking to improve your writing the best thing to do is read more. Yep, you get better at writing by reading. Find something that you love to read about, and emulate the style that captures and holds your attention.

    Skill comes with time and practice. Fortunately, the ability to write is not something you have to be born with. It can be learned.

    Edit: Your video wasn't bad either (Except for the constant music, I found it unnecessary personally. Might just be a lack of "swag" on my part :p). These can be a great thing to incorporate into your blog more to cover any assumed deficiencies you feel your writing has.
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  • Profile picture of the author sfx1971
    Jeff, I think that your blog is great, I like the theme and I think that there are no issues at all with your writing. In fact I would say that it is one of the better newbie blogs that I've read.
    You just need a bit more SWAG dude!
    Signature
    >> Great value solos that convert!
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by sfx1971 View Post

      Jeff, I think that your blog is great, I like the theme and I think that there are no issues at all with your writing. In fact I would say that it is one of the better newbie blogs that I've read.
      You just need a bit more SWAG dude!
      I appreciate that, thanks for taking the time to check it out!
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    You have a ton of natural talent. You're writing style and
    content is fine. For a first attempt I was very impressed with
    your video. You have an easy, fluid and engaging speaking
    style with a very high "likeabilty" factor.

    Keep rolling... you'll become even more comfortable with
    what you're doing and that will naturally "shine things up"
    a little.

    Be careful not to become too slick and polished. You're
    doing it right... just keep working at it.
    Signature
    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

      You have a ton of natural talent. You're writing style and
      content is fine. For a first attempt I was very impressed with
      your video. You have an easy, fluid and engaging speaking
      style with a very high "likeabilty" factor.

      Keep rolling... you'll become even more comfortable with
      what you're doing and that will naturally "shine things up"
      a little.

      Be careful not to become too slick and polished. You're
      doing it right... just keep working at it.
      Thank you for this. Very Very much. That really made me feel good!
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  • Profile picture of the author gonzotrucker
    I come from a similar background as you do. My strengths do not lie with the written word. My strength is connecting with regular folks like you and me. I stopped worrying about my grammar so much, and started connecting with people on social media, and my income is starting to increase.

    I spend 1 hour a day now working on my site, and 5 hours a day interacting with social media. Now I have one of the biggest following of Truck Drivers on Twitter. So go with your strength connect with similar people and they won't care so much about your grammar.

    You have to have good grammar but not perfect. Depending on who you will be marketing too they won't care.
    Signature
    www.gonzotrucker.com
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    I have nothing more than an 8th grade education, and I am more than successful. I make a great living and help many people start and run their dream businesses successfully.

    School really doesn't determine anything other than your ability to sit down shut up and obey. This business is made for people like us who aren't willing to sit down and shut up, but are willing to. Get out there and hustle and make our dreams come true.
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by nicholasb View Post

      I have nothing more than an 8th grade education, and I am more than successful. I make a great living and help many people start and run their dream businesses successfully.

      School really doesn't determine anything other than your ability to sit down shut up and obey. This business is made for people like us who aren't willing to sit down and shut up, but are willing to. Get out there and hustle and make our dreams come true.
      This is good #swag lol
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanLB
    All you need to make it in this industry is the ability to work hard and hustle harder. Anyone can learn the basics unless they are completely computer illiterate. Good luck to you, and hope everything turns out well!
    Signature

    I'm a Freelance Copywriter that helps Agencies, Startups and Businesses Educate Their Audience and Grow Sales
    Skype Me: r.boze
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  • Profile picture of the author Stoney
    Good stuff. Not bad for not having taken "Advanced Verbs and Their Useless Tenses" in 10th grade. There are a few sites that can help you add some pizzazz to your writing. Look for blog writing tips and other types of helpful sites.
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    Tee2 Online Sales Profit Hub- Learn and Profit
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  • Profile picture of the author GMT
    Content seems fine though the cursing was unexpected, I personally think it sounds more professional without it but some may disagree, I don't know your target demographic anyway.

    Also while not related to your content I noticed the pinterest buttons, and I recommend you go with Facebook likes over that and maybe twitter. As pinterest is more chick pics focused and seems out of place with blog entries.
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  • Profile picture of the author knish
    The writing of the person who started this thread is very good for a person who dropped out of school in the 9th grade. It almost puts me to shame as I had a couple of years of college. LOL Keep up the good work.
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by knish View Post

      The writing of the person who started this thread is very good for a person who dropped out of school in the 9th grade. It almost puts me to shame as I had a couple of years of college. LOL Keep up the good work.
      Thanks a lot man. I think the stuff I write is decent, I just have that lingering self consciousness because of the whole school ordeal. Thanks a ton though dude!
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      • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
        Originally Posted by JeffTaylor View Post

        ......I just have that lingering self consciousness because of the whole school ordeal.
        That sums up your problem. I have been a teacher of adults for years. Remember this - you're a child in school for a short time. You're an adult for a long time. As a teacher of adults I hate the whole school ethic, which equates to "if you haven't learnt xyz by the time you are 16/18 you have "failed"".

        This is so rubbish I can't begin to tell you. You have your whole life to learn. The only thing school needs to teach you is how to read (and some have to learn that as an adult). Once you can read you can learn what you want to learn when you want to learn it. Learning is a journey - "failure" is a concept that only exists within the school system. As an adult you can learn what you want to learn, when you want to learn it and at your own pace.

        Your problem isn't lack of learning, it is simply lack of confidence. Once you start to achieve a few small milestones you will realise you CAN do it and your confidence will grow in leaps and bounds.

        Learning as an adult can, literally, transform people's lives. I know. I've seen it happen.

        /rant re education
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        • Profile picture of the author Birdi
          hey jeff taylor,

          checked out your blog, you have done 99.99% of what most people never do, put a blog together so you have started your journey. The best thing you did was get yourself a mentor, alex jeffreys, i met the guy personally twice, and your right, hes a down to earth guy, and tells it how it is, he has no hidden agenda and just explains to you how simple IM actually is, it's just a case of really setting your goals and getting on with them.

          your writing skills are pretty good, so you shouldnt let that stop you, its easy to become very consious about the way you sound or write, but just be yourself and people will like you for that, your honesty

          birdi
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          • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
            Originally Posted by Birdi View Post

            hey jeff taylor,

            checked out your blog, you have done 99.99% of what most people never do, put a blog together so you have started your journey. The best thing you did was get yourself a mentor, alex jeffreys, i met the guy personally twice, and your right, hes a down to earth guy, and tells it how it is, he has no hidden agenda and just explains to you how simple IM actually is, it's just a case of really setting your goals and getting on with them.

            your writing skills are pretty good, so you shouldnt let that stop you, its easy to become very consious about the way you sound or write, but just be yourself and people will like you for that, your honesty

            birdi
            Hey thanks bro, I'm just going to focus on keepin it real!
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        • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
          Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

          That sums up your problem. I have been a teacher of adults for years. Remember this - you're a child in school for a short time. You're an adult for a long time. As a teacher of adults I hate the whole school ethic, which equates to "if you haven't learnt xyz by the time you are 16/18 you have "failed"".

          This is so rubbish I can't begin to tell you. You have your whole life to learn. The only thing school needs to teach you is how to read (and some have to learn that as an adult). Once you can read you can learn what you want to learn when you want to learn it. Learning is a journey - "failure" is a concept that only exists within the school system. As an adult you can learn what you want to learn, when you want to learn it and at your own pace.

          Your problem isn't lack of learning, it is simply lack of confidence. Once you start to achieve a few small milestones you will realise you CAN do it and your confidence will grow in leaps and bounds.

          Learning as an adult can, literally, transform people's lives. I know. I've seen it happen.

          /rant re education
          This makes a lot of sense...
          Wish I had more teachers like you in school!
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  • Profile picture of the author calvinyumi
    Dont feel bad, dude. Your writing and your personality looks very fine, I bet everyone thinks the same
    Signature

    I am just an ordinary one, yet surrounded by extraordinary ones.

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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by calvinyumi View Post

      Dont feel bad, dude. Your writing and your personality looks very fine, I bet everyone thinks the same
      Thanks bro!
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      • Profile picture of the author calvinyumi
        Originally Posted by JeffTaylor View Post

        Thanks bro!
        You are very welcome.
        Signature

        I am just an ordinary one, yet surrounded by extraordinary ones.

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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    Your writing style is great! Everything flows well and you understand basic grammar just fine. Most people say you should try to write using simple language anyways. Most people suggest writing at about an 8th grade level so your readers will have no trouble understanding what you are saying.

    Also, my husband was also a high school drop out. He dropped out in 12th grade but he didn't exactly learn anything those final years either. He has gone on to be an amazing freelance writer and his writing is in very high demand! At this point he is booked for the next two months already...

    I wouldn't worry one bit. Your writing is great.
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  • Profile picture of the author KillerJVs
    Internet Marketing isn't about finishing school or writing with perfect grammar or spelling man...

    IM is about taking the plunge and actually doing something.

    As for being a drop out, I know you're not the only one here that dropped out of school. It's something you should be proud of, you took a direction that not many other people at that stage in their life had the guts to do.

    -Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author ginnysclub1
    Originally Posted by JeffTaylor View Post

    OK warriors,

    Just to give you a little background...

    I am a brand new IMer and have never taken part in anything similar to this in my life. A couple weeks ago I stumbled across an IM training program and have been going at it ever since.

    I've really enjoyed everything I'm learning about internet marketing and running an online business as a whole. I have major respect for your guys that are making the big $$$. I think a lot of folks underestimate how much work goes into creating a consistent stream of income from the internet.

    Anyways, I feel like I am making some progress as I have set up my blog, created a few videos and also have a squeeze page with an auto responder ready to strike.

    The only frustrations I encounter come along with my writing. I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that I dropped out of highschool in the 9th grade, and i have this fear that my lack of formal knowledge is showing its ugly face in my content.

    If you guys would be so kind to head over to my blog and check out some of the stuff Ive posted I would really appreciate it. Maybe after reading what I've got you could give me a few pointers to get me headed in the right direction. Maybe a book or website that would help me out.

    I know I could just outsource all of my writing, but to me that feels kind of corny, especially with the blog. I want people to know who I am so that when I do succeed people will know the obstacles I had to overcome.

    My BLog is in my sig by the way. I am not selling anything or whoring for traffic, just would like a few pointers.

    I know you guys will give me loads of good feedback

    Thanks in advance,
    Jeff
    There's no doubt that having a relatively good writing style is a fantastic asset when it comes to internet marketing. And writing unfortunately, isn't my strong point, however I believe it is more important that you have something valuable to say - over time, your grammar and writing style will come good.

    Anyways, there's lots of fiverr gigs that you can purchase for proofreading/editing and programs like Whitesmoke that you might find useful.

    BTW. Your blog didn't display properly on my iPad, because the Social Sharing plugin does something weird, it slowly reduces the size of your webpage dramatically.
    Signature

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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by ginnysclub1 View Post

      There's no doubt that having a relatively good writing style is a fantastic asset when it comes to internet marketing. And writing unfortunately, isn't my strong point, however I believe it is more important that you have something valuable to say - over time, your grammar and writing style will come good.

      Anyways, there's lots of fiverr gigs that you can purchase for proofreading/editing and programs like Whitesmoke that you might find useful.

      BTW. Your blog didn't display properly on my iPad, because the Social Sharing plugin does something weird, it slowly reduces the size of your webpage dramatically.
      Thanks for the info, I need to check that out! Anybody got an ipad I can borrow?
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    Also, if you are worried, you can always just hire a proofreaders. The one I use is really inexpensive and he always catches any types or grammar mistakes I miss and checks that the whole article flows well.
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author gie grace
    Your blog looks good!

    Now on to that "highschool dropout" thing...

    Don't you know that succeeding online, you NEED to be able to write in Plain 3rd grade English?

    what I mean here is, you need to keep things plain and simple, in easy-to-understand words - words that people won't be needing a dictionary for them to understand.

    You're on track to success, my friend.

    Just keep at it!






    gie
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by gie grace View Post

      Your blog looks good!

      Now on to that "highschool dropout" thing...

      Don't you know that succeeding online, you NEED to be able to write in Plain 3rd grade English?

      what I mean here is, you need to keep things plain and simple, in easy-to-understand words - words that people won't be needing a dictionary for them to understand.

      You're on track to success, my friend.

      Just keep at it!






      gie
      Well thank you for the info. I guess because I had never done it before I felt like I was surely doing a lot wrong!
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  • Profile picture of the author Marcus Rockey
    I love your blog, lots of attitude and you have really splashed your personality all over it. You stand out! That's a great natural ability to have.

    From what I can see you are targeting your audience pretty well, whether you know it or not. Definitely appeals to the younger generation.

    Overall I am impressed and shocked this is your first stab at making a blog.

    The video is good also and your biggest assest by a mile is your honesty. You are just telling it how it is, no deception. Keep up with that please.

    My advice: The more you take risks and show who you are the more successful you will be. Controversy sticks in our minds and your blog has mine.

    Nice.

    Marcus
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by marcus100 View Post

      I love your blog, lots of attitude and you have really splashed your personality all over it. You stand out! That's a great natural ability to have.

      From what I can see you are targeting your audience pretty well, whether you know it or not. Definitely appeals to the younger generation.

      Overall I am impressed and shocked this is your first stab at making a blog.

      The video is good also and your biggest assest by a mile is your honesty. You are just telling it how it is, no deception. Keep up with that please.

      My advice: The more you take risks and show who you are the more successful you will be. Controversy sticks in our minds and your blog has mine.

      Nice.

      Marcus
      I absolutely love hearing that. It's awesome when people notice what you are doing! Thanks so much for taking a look and letting me know how you feel. Great freakin feedback
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by marcus100 View Post

      I love your blog, lots of attitude and you have really splashed your personality all over it. You stand out! That's a great natural ability to have.

      From what I can see you are targeting your audience pretty well, whether you know it or not. Definitely appeals to the younger generation.

      Overall I am impressed and shocked this is your first stab at making a blog.

      The video is good also and your biggest assest by a mile is your honesty. You are just telling it how it is, no deception. Keep up with that please.

      My advice: The more you take risks and show who you are the more successful you will be. Controversy sticks in our minds and your blog has mine.

      Nice.

      Marcus
      Seriously, I am going to think about this post every time I sit down to create something from now on!
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    Keep in mind that most people read at a 7th grade level.

    So if you're writing at a 8th or 9th grade level- you're ahead of the curve.

    But even if you're a good writer, a lot of marketers outsource their writing. I'm not saying you should- I'm just saying that if you don't like it, make a higher ROI doing other things, or just find someone better- it's not a bad thing to outsource.
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  • Profile picture of the author LukeDavenport
    Awesome to hear this! I'm actually in high school right now. My story goes the same as yours besides the drop out part! Just ran across a training program, and fell in love with the mindset and ideology of IM as a whole. I hope the best for you and your business!
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by LukeDavenport View Post

      Awesome to hear this! I'm actually in high school right now. My story goes the same as yours besides the drop out part! Just ran across a training program, and fell in love with the mindset and ideology of IM as a whole. I hope the best for you and your business!
      Whatever you do, stick it out and get that damn piece of paper!
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  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    Truthfully, Jeff...I was expecting to see a couple missing apostrophes and a lower case i or two, as in your forum post. You used your "A" grammar on your blog. Good action....nothing in your face, butit was lively as I opened on your blog.

    Keep on trucking!!!
    Signature
    David Sneen
    It's what you do when no one is watching
    that determines what you will be able to
    do when everyone is watching.
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  • Profile picture of the author RayFinckle
    cool website mate!
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
      Originally Posted by RayFinckle View Post

      cool website mate!
      Thanks for checking it out!
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  • Profile picture of the author JeffTaylor
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    You're a good writer, but your punctuation skills suck out loud. Pick up a copy of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. It has everything you need to step your writing to the next level.

    I got kicked out of high school in the 9th grade, managed to pick up a couple of degrees along the way.

    Writing is about expressing yourself. You have no problem with that. Learning the mechanics is easy.
    LOL No kidding!
    I just put commas wherever they look good.
    I really appreciate the feedback. I'm going to get that book RIGHT NOW!!
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  • Profile picture of the author HolyWarrior
    The fact that you're dedicated to your Internet marketing as you are speaks volumes about your character, and that fact that you've even begun sets you apart from most others as well. Most people will look at forums, gather information... and do nothing with it.

    If you don't like doing something then find somebody else to do it for you. I don't like doing off-page SEO, so I always outsource it to somebody else, but what I do enjoy is on-page SEO and article writing. Ultimately, I'll one day be outsourcing everything, and so will you if you stick through it and grow your online business. Just read over your words after you type them, run a spell-checker, and put it up on your website. Doing just that puts you into the top 5% of Internet marketers who are actually working toward their goals.
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