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WSO Leads to Legal Trouble

by kindsvater
44 replies
Earlier this year someone posted a WSO promising "$50-$100 per day easily" that amounted to downloading Youtube videos, such as music videos, movie trailers, etc., adding your affiliate link to the video, then uploading back to Youtube.

Not surprisingly, I opined this was illegal, infringed copyright, not going to make anyone money, and would most likely only result in trouble and legal claims.

Basically - just stupid.

The WSO author went ape, said he was going to sue me, etc.

Fast forward a few months and a fellow Warrior was kind of enough to send me an update.

Apparently, someone was fool enough to buy the WSO and implemented it. They were banned by Youtube and lawyers for a major movie studio said they would sue if the person made any more video uploads.

Here's a few tips to watch out for so you don't get burned by a WSO:

- If the WSO is promising to make you a certain amount of money per day, week, or month - red flags should be waving. Frankly, I am hard-pressed to find WSOs making this type of claim that are not fraudulent or which do not violate FTC rules regarding income claims.

- Is there a refund policy?

- Does the author have a website, or is the author using the Warrior Forum as their website and throwing out one WSO after another? I recall one Warrior who claimed to be a millionaire turn out after investigation to be living in a ramshackle mobile home. In other words, can they even afford to buy a domain?

- Do you recognize any buyers. If you see a bunch of posters saying the WSO is great, but you don't recognize any of the usernames, you may want to wait until someone you trust has reviewed the product.

- Take a deep breath, count to 10, shut-down your browser, and come back tomorrow. Limited quantity offers are a marketing technique. A good one that has value. That is why this is mentally difficult to do.

But, I guarantee you: there has never been a WSO where if you missed it, or missed an early buyer price discount, you blew your chance to be an easy millionaire. If there was, you would have read about in the forum, and whatever it was would either be re-opened or re-engineered for sale by another enterprising Warrior.
#leads #legal #trouble #wso
  • Profile picture of the author rlrlphs
    Thank you so much for that posts. Yes, it is really not good in copying one's work (video) that seems not too good.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom B
      Banned
      I remember getting into an argument with a "Steve" (last name will be withheld) over the same thing.

      A lot of people jumped on me for my negativity.

      Well, he later came back and said not to use any major movies or television shows but amateur videos where fine. :rolleyes: I guess copyright doesn't matter when it is considered amateur video.

      Thanks for posting this, Brian, and hopefully more people will listen without some of us being too negative.
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      • Profile picture of the author TA
        Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

        I remember getting into an argument with a "Steve" (last name will be withheld) over the same thing.

        A lot of people jumped on me for my negativity.

        Well, he later came back and said not to use any major movies or television shows but amateur videos where fine. :rolleyes: I guess copyright doesn't matter when it is considered amateur video.

        Thanks for posting this, Brian, and hopefully more people will listen without some of us being too negative.

        I see that is just being common sense... not negativity. :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom Brite
    Great points you make!

    However the point about the limited time offer being false in many cases is actually true in the WSO section. Plus if one warrior has released something already then it is highly unlikely that anytime soon anyone else will dare to release anything that even comes close to the same.

    Well i know i wouldn't want to for sure.

    Tom Brite
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    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      Hi Tom,

      I understand where you are coming from, however, I've never seen a WSO I wanted that I couldn't get even after it closed. I've probably purchased 200+ WSOs, many, after they were "closed" or "sold out". A PM does the trick. I bet What I just said is not true, however, of Vegas Vince's Barter WSO. Anyway the buynow buttonless sales pages says the hard copy is coming soon.

      On your other point every WSO worth it's salt is copied and ran by others as WSOs while the original is still on page one. Maybe I shouldn't say copied, let's say "inspired."

      Not trying to be argumentive, just saying what I've seen.

      George Wright

      Originally Posted by Tom Brite View Post

      Great points you make!

      However the point about the limited time offer being false in many cases is actually true in the WSO section. Plus if one warrior has released something already then it is highly unlikely that anytime soon anyone else will dare to release anything that even comes close to the same.

      Well i know i wouldn't want to for sure.

      Tom Brite
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      • Profile picture of the author Tom Brite
        Didn't see it as argumentative at all!

        Im was just saying that there are always exceptions to the rules just like in the case with Vegas Vince's Barter which you picked up on.

        Tom Brite

        Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

        Hi Tom,

        I understand where you are coming from, however, I've never seen a WSO I wanted that I couldn't get even after it closed. I've probably purchased 200+ WSOs, many, after they were "closed" or "sold out". A PM does the trick. I bet What I just said is not true, however, of Vegas Vince's Barter WSO. Anyway the buynow buttonless sales pages says the hard copy is coming soon.

        On your other point every WSO worth it's salt is copied and ran by others as WSOs while the original is still on page one. Maybe I shouldn't say copied, let's say "inspired."

        Not trying to be argumentive, just saying what I've seen.

        George Wright
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  • Profile picture of the author thewizard
    Excellent points. I will keep that in mind for the future before buying any WSO. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    Tom, I'm not saying a limited time offer is false or limited offers are not legitimate. I'm saying watch out for what I often call a "pump and dump" where the offer is make $50 per day, only 100 available, no refund policy, no website, etc.

    Essentially, try to set aside those emotional triggers which create sales and come back when you can look at the offer logically. If it makes sense, go ahead and buy.

    Update re your other posts: you're right there are always exceptions to a rule. I'm not trying to set any rules, just laying out some things to think about which someone might find helpful.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kezz
    I think perhaps an exception is with WSO's like the one's I run, where I create a product expressly to give folks something they can resell themselves - predominantly creative products such as themes, templates, graphics etc.

    I ensure my numbers are limited, as I want to know that competition amongst resellers is limited. It's in my own best interests, as it keeps the viability of my products high, and it's in the best interests of my buyers for the same reason. I would, personally, never sell extra copies beyond the amount I have limited sales to.

    It might be different for some on WSO's where there is a certain amount of products available at a given price in order to drive sales. Still, just wanted to also put in a note to say that there are some cases where limited really does mean limited, and that people can be true to their word on that count.
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  • Profile picture of the author LB
    At first glance, there are 6 or 7 WSOs right now promising $x in x time frame. Some of them to the point of ridiculousness.

    This whole "make $ per day" thing took over the WSO section a while back and is still going strong. I would love to see it end.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom Brite
      Originally Posted by LB View Post

      At first glance, there are 6 or 7 WSOs right now promising in x time frame. Some of them to the point of ridiculousness.

      This whole "make $ per day" thing took over the WSO section a while back and is still going strong. I would love to see it end.
      Problem is those sort of things sell!

      If people didn't buy into them then people wouldn't sell them in that way or at all!

      Tom Brite
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    • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
      kindsvater,

      Wise words, both earlier and right now. This place is a church and some of you guys really preach well. Thanks for that

      Originally Posted by LB View Post

      At first glance, there are 6 or 7 WSOs right now promising in x time frame. Some of them to the point of ridiculousness.

      This whole "make $ per day" thing took over the WSO section a while back and is still going strong. I would love to see it end.
      Amen to that.
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  • Profile picture of the author jakesellers
    Some of the claims do sail pretty close to the wind. If I were to WSO something of mine it'd pretty much be "this is what it is, if you think you can make money with it, buy it, if not do us both a favor and move along."
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  • Profile picture of the author Anna Johnson
    - Do you recognize any buyers. If you see a bunch of posters saying the WSO is great, but you don't recognize any of the usernames, you may want to wait until someone you trust has reviewed the product.
    Great post. This, in particular, is a great one to watch out for.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheFasterWebmaster
    Great post Brian.

    I tell my peeps all the time that the most important thing they could ever do is make the mental shift from looking at offers as a golden key or magic pill, and start looking at them from a research standpoint. When you make that shift you buy a lot less, and also quickly start to learn those subtle little triggers and tricks that make selling a bunch easier.

    And stuff like you mentioned: It stands out like a sore thumb once you start thinking that way.

    E
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    This is why I only do WSOs for my services ONLY. So far, I've not had a complaint and have the testimonials to prove it. Hiring a writer may seem to be more expensive, but long term your business will thank you for it. And so will yoru sanity as that's one less thing you have to do. Systems like the one mentioned above are the reason IM credibility is so rough.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
      Now, THAT is funny !


      "I recall one Warrior who claimed to be a millionaire turn out after investigation to be living in a ramshackle mobile home. In other words, can they even afford to buy a domain?"
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    Holy! Just once I'd like to know who that was, just to check out his post....damnn
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  • Profile picture of the author What!!!!!What
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    Interesting. I just found the thread itself. YEah I wonder about that. Interesting too that BH is now BF...LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    Copyright infringement, plain and simple. I think anyone who has been at IM for any length of time would recognize that immediately. Unfortunately, you have folks out there "teaching" people methods that are completely illegal.
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    • Profile picture of the author Robertas
      Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly View Post

      Copyright infringement, plain and simple. I think anyone who has been at IM for any length of time would recognize that immediately. Unfortunately, you have folks out there "teaching" people methods that are completely illegal.
      You're so right!

      IMO over the past few months the amount of douche bags that gather in this forum had doubled, tripled, maybe even quadrupled! Guys be careful, control your emotions and build businesses not quick-money-makers.
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    I just love the fact that a Youtube ban and legal letters are "nothing to worry about" right! So, question: why hasn't anyone reported the WSO? If it truly is espousing tactics that will get you into legal trouble, then I'm sure Allen wouldn't want WF to associate with it, or the member in question.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
      I'm still trying to find out who the millionaire mobile home owner is

      Any hints?
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      • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
        Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

        I'm still trying to find out who the millionaire mobile home owner is

        Any hints?
        His name is Billy Bob...he is related to my Aunt's neighbor Billy Sue who has a hog farm in WV....Last I heard he took all his money and dug a ditch to showcase his beef jerky collection
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      • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
        Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

        I'm still trying to find out who the millionaire mobile home owner is

        Any hints?
        I'm also trying to figure it out.

        No luck yet.
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        • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
          Originally Posted by Josh Kulp View Post

          I'm also trying to figure it out.

          No luck yet.
          Sorry, no hints - even though I do not believe he still posts on the forum.

          I also can't divulge the transexual, the extorted BJ, the teacher under the horse, the drunken teenager, the Fox cable news reporter, and on and on.

          If you want some really good stories, see what you can get from Allen by bribing him with mojitos and cigars. I'm sure he's seen about everything.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
        OK ok I admit it

        Tis I

        Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

        I'm still trying to find out who the millionaire mobile home owner is

        Any hints?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hersh
    Thanks for the heads up!!

    It's always good to see those "watch out" threads that help people out.

    Keep up the good job.

    Mike G
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
      Wow just read that WSO. I love his response when his customer's YouTube account was banned and he was threatened with a lawsuit by Universal Studios:

      That happens on minor occasions just be careful, you have nothing to worry about.
      The WSO seller should be banned from this forum. Blackhat stuff is bad enough but to promote down-right illegal activities is just wrong on so many levels and that is not the warrior way.

      I'm also amazed even after Brian's warning people kept buying. Convincing themselves there was nothing illegal in vioalting copyright laws.

      Great job Brian and thank you for watching for Warriors. You are a true warrior.
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  • Profile picture of the author BurgerBoy
    Anytime you see an offer that looks something like this - run just as far away from it as you can. Don't even touch it with a ten foot pole. Buy My Stupid Ebook, Overly SEO d Title, Keywords Crammed like Make Money Online Make Money Online Make Money Online
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  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author sevenish
      Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

      I just reviewed the WSO - now there's a guy who should be banned. I remember when he got caught with a proof of income screen shot that had been "Retouched" and he claimed someone hacked his site. Right - and this is also the same guy who was running the same special offers at Dufus Point.

      Not someone to trust and certainly not someone to learn from. I'm guessing all the money he claims he made from these techniques came right from the WSO's he sold, which probably were ideas obtained from others in the first place.
      I've been waiting for this for a very long time. Thank you.
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      • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
        Originally Posted by sevenish View Post


        Originally Posted by BIG Mike
        I just reviewed the WSO - now there's a guy who should be banned. I remember when he got caught with a proof of income screen shot that had been "Retouched" and he claimed someone hacked his site. Right - and this is also the same guy who was running the same special offers at Dufus Point.
        Are you trying to tell me that there was a faked proof of income (which means more, not less income), and the excuse was that someone:
        - risked criminal penalties to hack his website,
        - copied a proof of income image,
        - took the time to modify it to show that he made MORE income,
        - then re-uploaded it his website -
        - assuming the fake would be discovered on the WSO just to embarrass the guy?
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
          Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

          Are you trying to tell me that there was a faked proof of income (which means more, not less income), and the excuse was that someone:
          - risked criminal penalties to hack his website,
          - copied a proof of income image,
          - took the time to modify it to show that he made MORE income,
          - then re-uploaded it his website -
          - assuming the fake would be discovered on the WSO just to embarrass the guy?
          Yes!

          They were some pretty ruthless haxors!
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        • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
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          • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
            Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

            This is also the same guy who, at various times claimed to be 16 years-old in various forums and at other times claimed to be as old as 27.
            There are certain circumstances online in which I claim to be a 20-year-old female college student who just happened to step out of the shower and am alone in my dorm room... but we really don't talk about that.
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    • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
      Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

      Dufus Point
      I thought that was DOOFIS Point. Oh well, I stand corrected.

      TomG.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Remuzzi
    Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

    ...there has never been a WSO where if you missed it, or missed an early buyer price discount, you blew your chance to be an easy millionaire. If there was, you would have read about in the forum...
    Actually, if that was the case, you probably also would be reading about in on CNN, USAToday, the Wall Street Journal, etc. The fact that you don't see too many instant millionaire profiles based on implementing WSOs popping up in the national media is that, well, there aren't too many!
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  • Profile picture of the author B3n
    Yep, Big Mike, you're absolutely right about that particular WSO seller - he was caught out faking Clickbank screenshots on this very forum. It was very funny to watch him replace the 'hacked' images with more faked Clickbank screenshots.

    Still can't believe he hasn't been banned from here.
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  • Profile picture of the author homebasedmom
    Thanks for the heads up.
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  • Profile picture of the author SullyUI
    Great post, thank you.

    Even better that you're a lawyer, so no one can really argue the legal advice of your post.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert T Jillie
    Copyright applies to any work: written, video, pictures, art or whatever, weather it is professionally produced or done by an amateur.

    According to the US Copyright Office: "As a general matter, copyright infringement occurs when a a unique work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner."
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  • Profile picture of the author sevenish
    Kindsvater,

    I think many of us appreciate your input here. The WF market is wide-open to such mischief and fraud as it's without real oversight.

    Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingMama
    I'm glad I'm on this forum. I tend to be a little gullible when it comes to trusting people. I haven't really looked at the WSO section yet. I'm too busy working on implementing stuff I've already learned!
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  • Profile picture of the author Liz Morgan
    Great post, you are right, most WSOs are soo enticing. hopefully this post wards off those who make outrageous income claims when they aren't even making any money on the technique themselves...
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