Is this a fake screenshot???

It's fake.. if you read what was below the screenshot, this is what it says:

While that is not a real Clickbank screenshot, I can tell you that I am well on my way to having an account like that...

Oh it does too, I didn't even notice that bit

Wow, that's very deceiving isn't it?

Yea.. don't really agree with it.. I think it'd be better if she didn't include it at all but at least she's honest about it? lol

Well yeah, I wonder how many people buy the product after being impressed with that screenshot and not reading that bit underneath

That's a bit misleading to say the least. lol. I looked at the properties of the picture and it's called clickbank-goals.jpg

I really don't think that should be included on the sales page. I'm not sure how that would help anyway, if people read what's underneath it.

Drive Safe,
Noah

It's not deceptive for these reasons..

1. She never claimed that she was making the figures shown with her own CB account.

Instead, the writer never made any suggestion that is was legitimate.

2. They simply stated an example:

"Know what the secret is to be able to have a Clickbank account like THIS:

3. "While that is not a real Clickbank screenshot, I can tell you that I am well on my way to having an account like that..."

Number three, in my opinion, goes against the rules in copy-writing because it's a credibility killer more than it is deceptive copy-writing. Edit: The deceptive part, what miniscule portion it is, is from the readers perception.

Grant

Well yeah I guess when you look at it that way you are right

I have actually bought this product and although its too early to say if her method will work, it does sound very good, very solid information. I guess I just got a bit concerned when I realised the screenshot was fake and I didn't see the bit underneath it.

Plus you can tell from the red dotted lines under certain words too, a little prompt to say the spelling is incorrect

Whow..let me get this straight.

Someone sells a "clickbank marketing guide"...and posts a made-up screenshot.
If her guide was halfway useful, she could've actually posted a REAL CB screenshot...since she did NOT, she proves that what she sells is nothing else than snake-oil. Not really convincing, isn't it?

This site/product failed already and she even prove it

No thanks.

YOU TOO CAN MAKE MILLIONS
(not really)

I AM A MILLIONAIRE AND I WILL MAKE YOU A MILLIONAIRE TOO!
(this is just an example of positive thinking)

Well she' claiming "she's on the way of having a CB account like this"...which basically would be on avg 1800-2000/DAY...which would be about 50K/month.

If she *really* were on the way, even a 10th of such earnings as "proof" would be far more convincing...even a CB shot with a couple sales a day, even "only" $100/day steadily would be at least convincing that what she sells has some base. The fact that she doesn't do this ...well...think for yourself, people

I agree that the screenshot is somewhat deceptive. Even though she says it's not a real screenshot, many people won't notice that. The eyes automatically go to the image and miss the text directly underneath it.

I don't know potpiegirl, so I'm in no way defending her, but I can say that she does make money online. A few months ago she promoted a product from one of my sites, and she made a couple hundred bucks from mentioning it on either Twitter or Squidoo (I forget which one).

So if the method she teaches in her product is the same as how she got those sales, then it's probably a solid method.

Again, I'm not defending her or endorsing her in any way, just stating the little bit that I know of her.

Denise

Wow Mike, I can't believe you just went ahead and bought it to review. That's great.

I just used her contact form to let her know that there is this discussion taking place here.

Very misleading, and poorly done at that.

Of course 'she' lost any chance of my buying before I ever got to that. The snail's pace of her slide in ad, the fact that it screwed with my ability to read the page, and I couldn't close it until it was almost all the way in the screen due to the close button location...

I think this PotPieGirl needs a few lessons. Respect for their customers and prospects being first on the list.

I don't know her, but searched and found her blog. Here is what she says about it: My Clickbank Earnings Proof | I Make Thousands Each Day On Clickbank With OneWeekMarketing.com | PotPieGirl.com

Read to the bottom

Ohhh...my ears are burning...lol!

(Thanks, Tak, you telling me about this thread!)

I have been waiting for someone, ANYone, to start a discussion about this screenshot. I think, as online marketers, it is high time we have it.

First, let me give the story on that screenshot.

Yes, it is totally fake. The red lines are due to the fact that I didn't turn my spell check off when taking the image shot.

I originally made that screen shot for a blog post in an attempt to show others just how easy it is for someone to fake them. I wanted my readers to be aware of their own emotional responses to those images and keep their buying impulses in check.

This is the post on my blog:

My Clickbank Earnings Proof | I Make Thousands Each Day On Clickbank With OneWeekMarketing.com | PotPieGirl.com

The short little video at the end is a video I found on YouTube that shows exactly how to doctor screen shots....and folks, it is so so so easy to do, even a "tech-idiot" like myself did it in mere minutes.

Basically, you go to your clickbank account and put a certain line of code in the browser window. This opens up the page for editing. Yes, right on the page. No PhotoShop...nothing like that. It's unreal.

I thought I was making that screen shot so unbelievable and far-fetched, that others wouldn't dare think it was real.....

Wrong.

My intent to educate my readers actually became an education for ME.

Within minutes of that post being live, I started to receive all these "congratulations" emails! I was like, "WHOA! WAIT! Please, Please go back and READ the post."

Then I started to get emails from folks who said they don't care if it's fake or not. They printed it out and put it right next to their computer for inspiration. Apparently, that screen shot is extremely motivating for those that are trying to get going with all this internet marketing stuff.

And it was THAT reason why I put that very screen shot on my sales page. If it takes 3 minutes of my time and a doctored screen shot to motivate others... even ONE other... to get to work, take action, and change their financial life by learning a new skill - I'll do it.

If you check the FAQ page for One Week Marketing, you will see an explanation for that screen shot and why it is on the sales page.

One Week Marketing - Frequently Asked Questions

My goal was NEVER to pull the wool over someones eyes. In fact, the original point of that screen shot was to help others pull the wool OFF their own eyes and be more careful of the shiny numbers online.

My personal opinion of earnings screen shots? I detest them. I can't remember ever having a job before that I needed to show my pay check in order to be credible. On the other hand, at one time I was a managing golf pro. People asked me for lessons based on two things - my swing and my handicap (my scores). So, those people chose to listen to me because of my technique and my results using that technique, right? So, I imagine that choosing who you learning online marketing from would need some kind of "proof", too?

Personally, I am torn. This thread is incredible input, and I am so glad this conversation was started.

Ok, let's see if I can answer some of the above questions/comments...


Yes, the red line are caused by a spell check on my browser. No, I didn't use Word. As mentioned earlier in my post, this was done with a web-based type technique.


Yes, that is the image name on my server.

Grant & Hamida, interesting point of view...and one I'd like us to expand on.

Mike - yes... exactly. I would LOVE to have a Clickbank account like that, wouldn't you? It IS my goal =)


GeorgeR - Again, another interesting perspective. I never really thought I ended up proving myself a snake oil salesman by using this screen shot as opposed to my own screen shot, but point well-taken.

Well of COURSE they're real! I've got kids. Easter Bunny and Santa are both real. My story and I'm sticking to it

Alexa, while my intention was to NOT deceive, this is the kind of feed back I am looking for. For many people, that sales page is the first time they "meet" me...and first impressions are everything, aren't they?

Here's the thing.... I AM *really* on my way to that and I do make more than "only" $100 a day.

I'll tell ya what else.... I am really really proud of my earnings online. I started all this not knowing squat and having less than squat to invest. I found a way to utilize all free methods to make money online so that I then had money to invest to move my online business forward. I wanted a business, not fast easy money, and I knew it all had to start by finding a way to get money coming IN without me spending money. I did... and I worked my bottom of...and now I am here. My apologies if this sounds boastful, but I am REALLY proud of myself. I KNOW it can be done... but only when people stop looking for the shortcuts to success.

The thing is, you're saying that I need to show my Clickbank screen shot to prove my credibility?

Good point, so let's talk about it.

I could take a screen shot right now and post it. Personally, I really like the way it looks =), but what did I prove?

Ok, yes, I will "prove" that I am making good money online, BUT, is it proof that One Week Marketing works? The numbers one sees in my Clickbank account today are NOT all direct earnings from OWM. They ARE earnings because I *started* with OWM, but now, my business has grown. I have websites, and products, and a blog, and landing pages for PPC campaigns.

In my opinion, showing my CB earnings now would be VERY deceptive. Yes, OWM builds the roots for the rest of it to grow....but my earnings today are not earnings JUST from OWM. Make sense?

And heck, I'll ask this and see what y'all have to say...

How many marketers put earnings "proof" on their sales page that isn't direct proof of the system they are selling?

But George... your last part of your statement "think for yourself, people" is exactly what I have been trying to teach my readers and I agree 110%!


Big Mike - THANK YOU! I applaud your "thinking for yourself".....lol. After all, we all know a refund is just a click away for CB products....lol!

I am glad you liked OWM!

THANK YOU!!!! And thank you for not calling me a "guru"... I am not. I'm a mom, a wife... an ok golfer... and I earn my living online. I also have a pile of laundry that is screaming for my attention and is about to walk to the washer on its own! haha!

Thomas, GOOD! We should ALL do that. Not just scan it, but READ it...and then ask ourselves WHY we "need" this.

Scott - I'm sorry you feel that way, but thank you for your feedback. I'm still learning...and this is my first Clickbank product so it has been yet another huge learning curve to tackle.

I had the opt in set to only show once per visitor ever. Personally, I hate those things, but there is no denying the stats that speak for using them. I owe it to my affiliates to do all I can to get their traffic to convert, or at least opt in to read the first 18 pages for free so the consumer can make a better decision.

I was unaware that the opt in box was too large and hard to close. It looked great on my monitors, but another reader told me it was hard, if not impossible, to close on their lap top screen. I've since corrected it.

While I am sure I need many more lessons, and I look forward to the learning process, learning respect for customers is NOT one lesson I need. I spend the majority of my day answering emails and PMs from folks who are just trying to make sense of all this. These are all really great people and they just need someone to give them a hand forward. I have GREAT respect for these people and I tend to help others to the point of my own exhaustion.

Denise, thank you!

Ok, this has got to be the longest post in history! My apologies for rambling on and on, but I was quite excited to see this thread!

I think it brings up a lot of great points that we, as marketers, need to discuss.

Thanks all!

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

Alan, I agree with you. It's strange...

EDIT: This was written before I saw PotPieGirl's response

In a lot of ways that makes sense, but it can come across wrong, as we've seen

Actually there is a plugin, I even think Flock has it built in to the browser that makes you aware of spelling mistakes and gives them this red underline. In fact mine is doing that right now with the word plugin. Hey there it goes again. lol

It is kind of fishy but I am most positive that this is the case.

"I'll have a clickbank account like that soon" haha. That was something I've never seen!

This is very true, peoples minds are conditioned by everything they see and have seen. When they see make $1000 in 15 minutes their curiosity goes No Way I Want To Do That!. But at the same time their BS detector and skepticism is off the charts.

It is simply much easier for someone to convince them selves that making $100 a day is more in their reach then $1000. No matter the amount of work that would have to be done to achieve either.

The $100 method could be more work, but in their mind they have already convinced themselves that this is much more possible. While on the other hand making $1000 seems just to good to be true.

That screenshot is definately misleading. I will say, if you dont really do it and make that much, dont have it in there. Credibility busted is credibilty nevr to be gained again.

Hope you learn Jen.

Yeah I thought PotPie had an account too Tom! Tried to get in touch a few times about the Lenses she was selling, ah well!

Edit: dammit, she's here! lol hey Jen you still selling some squidoo stuff?

Alan - THANK YOU

Hiya Alex! Not much left, but you're welcome to poke thru and see what you can find. I haven't had a moment to breathe lately (let alone do laundry...lol). The link is at the top of my blog.

Thanks all!

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

Oh yea! Besides I've always been taught to read the bold...or fine print in this case. But at the very least she was honest about it. I come some pages where the snapshots are fake like 07 earnings when the webpage is 08. Whats up with that? But thats why you should be careful before purchasing and examine EVERYTHING! Good thing you asked about it first...Although I want to know did it look fake to you?

Dude - on youtube there was another dude making a vid on how his script is able to manipulate your clickbank stats and blow up the numbers - no need for Photoshop.

Simple javascript in the address bar allows you to type in what ever you want.

-Andres

Pssst, let me tell you a secret.

She admit's it's a fake in the paragraph right below the screenshot.

Oh thanks Floyd, I know that now

Its been quite an interesting discussion though. The number of those who think its deceiving to those who think its ok - I wonder if you could base whether its worth to do something like that or not based on that percentage

I agree, Shezz - this has been a great discussion! (also... I don't think Floyd was talking directly to you... I believe he was responding to Andres - the post right above his )

I imagine that there are plenty who would never do what I've done... and there's those that might consider it... I dunno.

However, as the person who "did it", I have to say this...

If my sales were poor... if my refund rate was high... and if I wasn't getting all the wonderful feedback and emails from people who are finally seeing results and making sales...... I would really consider removing the screen shot.

Now, I'm not saying I will remove it... and I'm not saying I won't... but I DO know that OWM is really helping people. They are taking calculated action and seeing results. THAT means the world to me.

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

Hiya Alex =)

Not sure how much of this thread you read, or if you looked at the salespage in question, but I never EVER said those were my earnings.

Just an fyi. Thanks for your feedback

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

Jennifer, if you are getting sales then obviously it is working for you, so I guess you're the only one that can judge that.

Admittedly it is a good sales page and I would love to know how you do the testimonial boxes!!!

I have got OWM, I got it about a week ago. It does sound very good but too soon to say for sure yet but it is very solid information. I must admit its taking me much longer than 1 week (day 2 has taken me 4 days) but I've finally finished day 2. That's not to say that it is too much to do in one day, its just that I'm working that in with all my other business so I haven't had the time to work on it full time.

Now that I've finished day 2, I'm looking forward to moving on with the rest of the week and seeing results.

I have made one sale so far, which came quite quickly so that's a good sign

Oh did I? Were you using potpiegirl as the name when I helped you? Hey was that on whydowork forum? Oh wow and look at you now - well done!!!

Oh well its great to see that you have learned a lot since then and have done really well for yourself. Good for you, that's fantastic.

Thanks for the OWM - your method is one area that I've never had much experience with and you have explained it all really well.

I'm about to release my own product on Clickbank soon so I plan to use your method to promote my product - fingers crossed it will go well.

Thats great! Best of luck with that... and let me know when it's released.

Oh, and Shezz.... Be careful with your screen shot on your sales page


hahahahhaha!

Have a great night!

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

Hi Gerry =)

Dangit... I KNEW it would all come down to my golf game!!!! I'm tellin' ya tho.... if you ever want to know the TRUE character of someone, invite them out to play a round of golf with you.

When is my NEXT product coming out? Holy smokes! Let me hibernate for about 3 months so I can get some sleep... and then we'll talk.

I have never been so exhausted and so fired up at the same time. This has been quite an experience!

Thanks for the post!

Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

I know PotPie Girl (jennifer) and I know how hard she works. I have not bought her product, (but I might) just because every once in a while I need to get my behind in shape to get into action, And I also knew this was not her real screen shot from another post she made at WA forum, but at the same time, she never did lie. How many other people say this too? But you cannot say that her sales page does not convert.

I was quite impressed until I got to that part. How dissapointing!

I think the sales page is rather clever 'cause it's tailored to the IM market's natural skepticism about hyped up Clickbank screenshots for yet another make money online product.

This thread is agreat example of buzz marketing due to the creative, yet ethically challenged approach to sales copywriting.

I particularily loved this line in one of the testimonials:

"If Bum Marketing was an Olympic sport then One Week Marketing would be banned for steroid abuse."

I hope you do well with it and prove to the masses that this is not just any "PotPie in the Sky" IM product - (I was dying to write that... sorry).

I wish ppl would start making cleaner sites. I had to refresh the page to get rid of the popup that was blocking my vision

Anyways, I think this comment below the screenshot makes everything crystal clear:

I hope someone reports it to the authorities.

Arindam

Like I said, Jennifer is really great. Look at the feedback she is getting...I gave away free guides that were better than some products I paid for $47 or more. If her product does what it needs to, so what if the screen shot was not hers. It is marketing after all, and she did a great job at it. Did you really make all the money of the products you tried?

I don't play with toys, but I made money off toys. How many people promote weight loss products, and are not skinny? etc...It is marketing, it is her job to market. And on top of that, she was not dishonest!