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Any Other Suckers for Sob Stories (Like Me)?

by Bon508
6 replies
I am a sucker for a good sob story. I admit it.

I get about a half-dozen emails a year (usually from outside the USA) from people writing about how desperate they are for assistance, but for one reason or another, they cannot pay for my product that may help them. (Job interviews niche.)

My first reaction is a cynical one as I think to myself: "Yeah, right... what kind of sucker do they think I am?"

But then something comes over me. I can't help it. I start to wonder, "What if they really can't pay, really do need a job, and my product could really help them? Aw heck... I can do without the $39.95; helping someone is more important than putting a little more money in my pocket."

If the message seems sincere, I end up giving them the download link -- and ask them to let me know if my product helped them. Only one person of the handful I've done this for over the past 5 years actually responded, enthusiastically thanking me for helping him get the job. (It'll make a great testimonial.)

His message really did make me feel good (better than seeing a Clickbank sale notification). So in my case, within my niche, I think it's worth it... even if I AM a sucker.

I'm just wondering... what do YOU do when/if you get similiar sob stories?
#sob #stories #suckers
  • Profile picture of the author pearsonbrown
    I get these all the time from different parts of the world. I've learnt to harden my heart. I give out lots of good content for free. If people want my paid stuff, they have to pay.

    Pearson
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  • Profile picture of the author talewins
    Extreme caution is mandatory with any supplication. The Nigerian mobsters now claim to come from Scandinavia, Ireland, and even Australia.
    One thing I never do is give any supplicants directions to my download site. Have you ever had 3,000 products sail out the window so fast your server shuts you down? It is not funny.
    If I am really inclined to do something for them (I don't think they are fakes) the first thing I do is ask the other party to perform some service for me, One thing I want is pictures, landmarks, festival so that's easier on me than it might be on you. If they aren't willing to work a little bit they won't get a whole lot.
    "If the message seems sincere," doesn't make you a sucker for believing they are. Crooks imitate honest people, not the other way around.
    If you are offering affiliates the right to sell your products it is a good idea to make sure where this party got your contact information from, what link they followed. If they arrived through an affiliate link this may not be your money to play around with.
    "Sorry, this wouldn't be fair to my affiliates!" is a nice way to say "No."
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    When you strive for greatness you will find that having a professional collaborator at your side can turn all the fuzzy preaching into writing that is smooth as silk and right as rain. http://www.talewins.com/LinStone.htm

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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
    I'm with Pearson. I remember learning as a kid that you can't buy everything you want.

    Ever try going to a store and asking for freebies? Doesn't usually work. If it did, I could make all my products free, since I wouldn't need any money if the stuff I buy was free.

    If someone can't scrape up $39.95 but wants a job, I have to ask what their priorities are, if that is even true. They can't do a few hours of manual labor to raise the cash, or borrow it from a friend, or put it on a credit card? Yet they have Internet access and the time to find your site.

    Did any of them even say they'd pay you back after getting a job?
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    I often have what I call a "hard ship license". This isn't charity and it requires the licensee to work of the price. I usually have them right the readme or "how to" for the product, which helps other customers, them, and me.

    If they are serious, they don't mind doing a little grunt work...
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    Tons of FREE Public Domain content you can use to make your own content, PLR, digital and POD products.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Allen
    I think you're doing a good thing Bonnie! Sure, it takes some discretion. However, as much as you're not a sucker, or neither is anyone else posting here, you still have to realize that sometimes, others do need help. And if you can't take the time to help sometimes, then who will help you if you ever need help?

    It works both ways.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
      Wow!

      I haven't seen any of you post here in forever!
      Good to see you all back posting again, Welcome back!

      Hi Bonnie,
      I have to agree with Dave.
      Remember the Golden Rule even in business.

      "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you!"

      It will all return to you 10 fold. I recently helped a few people and within
      minutes(while i was saying oh, what will I do?) Great things happened.

      1. Someone offered me work that covered my costs.
      2. A couple of people hired me to do work for them.
      3. Paul Meyers sent out a TalkBiz news letter telling my story making my
      Grand daughter famous...lol.

      4. People visited my newest site and purchased products to help out.

      And it just keeps getting better!

      Wish you the same because you are a good person!

      Have a Great Day/Night!
      Michael
      PS, Now with that said, Remember one thing,
      You can't help everyone so do what you can.
      Originally Posted by Dave Allen View Post

      I think you're doing a good thing Bonnie! Sure, it takes some discretion. However, as much as you're not a sucker, or neither is anyone else posting here, you still have to realize that sometimes, others do need help. And if you can't take the time to help sometimes, then who will help you if you ever need help?

      It works both ways.
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