by ProEFI
59 replies
A few days ago I reached out to three internet marketers to ask if they would be interested in promoting my new plugin...

I never received any response... at least by email anyway. I did notice one of them visited my site. Still, I just assumed they were not interested.

Well today I received an email from all three of them (I'm on their mailing lists) promoting a new plugin that does exactly what mine does. Not only that, but the one that visited my site is using a webpage that has almost cut and paste text of my sales page.

I realize this happens, but I find it both frustrating and disappointing that I reached out to try and build a relationship and this is what happens.

I guess it's time to update my WSO and add MRR at a lower price. There is no way I'm going to compete with the reach they have.

Andrew
#disappointed #warrior
  • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
    That really sucks. I hope you do well.
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    • Profile picture of the author vsky
      Why not name and shame? Throw respect out the window, they screwed you over - they deserve a bad rep.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
        Originally Posted by vsky View Post

        Why not name and shame? Throw respect out the window, they screwed you over - they deserve a bad rep.
        I don't think this is true at all. You don't want to make yourself one of them by doing such a thing. Be respectful or else you risk your own rep.
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        • Profile picture of the author vsky
          Originally Posted by Mike McAleer View Post

          I don't think this is true at all. You don't want to make yourself one of them by doing such a thing. Be respectful or else you risk your own rep.
          Couldn't disagree more. That's only fueling the fire IMO. Why would they stop if no one does anything about it?

          Why would it give yourself a bad reputation if it's true?

          I didn't think it was bad to tell the truth - god help us all if no one ever lets out when someone has done them wrong - wait is that not what a courts for??
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          The main overriding rule for this forum is this:

          If you have a problem with another Warrior, a Guru, or God, take it up with them directly. Not here. No exceptions.


          (took that straight from the sticky titled "forum rules" at the top of the main forum section):p
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          • Profile picture of the author AFI
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            The main overriding rule for this forum is this:

            If you have a problem with another Warrior, a Guru, or God, take it up with them directly. Not here. No exceptions.


            (took that straight from the sticky titled "forum rules" at the top of the main forum section):p
            Darn it and I was just about to go on an atheist rant too! :p
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          • Profile picture of the author L41db4ck
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            The main overriding rule for this forum is this:

            If you have a problem with another Warrior, a Guru, or God, take it up with them directly. Not here. No exceptions.


            (took that straight from the sticky titled "forum rules" at the top of the main forum section):p
            Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

            You probably should check out Rule #1 of the forum.
            It doesn't mention "internet marketers" unless by default all internet marketers are either Warriors, Gurus or Gods :confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by vsky View Post

        Why not name and shame? Throw respect out the window, they screwed you over - they deserve a bad rep.
        You probably should check out Rule #1 of the forum.
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      • Profile picture of the author Robster0880
        Originally Posted by vsky View Post

        Why not name and shame? Throw respect out the window, they screwed you over - they deserve a bad rep.
        That'll be nice but sometimes is not the best way
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  • Sorry to hear about that- sounds like you were screwed over and should consider doing what vsky suggested!
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  • Profile picture of the author yssync
    Well God is watching everything you do and they do. What they did would be paid for somehow some day. Keep your head up, turn your other cheek and move on! Great day will come for you!
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  • Profile picture of the author ProEFI
    I have no intentions of calling anyone out. I'm just sharing a bad experience. This kind of stuff happens all the time... If I didn't reach out in good faith and it happened then I wouldn't be that bothered. I'm just disappointed in the lack of integrity in this situation.
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    • Profile picture of the author vsky
      Originally Posted by ProEFI View Post

      I have no intentions of calling anyone out. I'm just sharing a bad experience. This kind of stuff happens all the time... If I didn't reach out in good faith and it happened then I wouldn't be that bothered. I'm just disappointed in the lack of integrity in this situation.
      You summed it up yourself - "This kind of stuff happens all the time..."

      Sad
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  • Profile picture of the author Doran Peck
    Then on the otherhand maybe the rest of us want to know who it is so we can avoid getting screwed over by them as well.

    The only reason people continue to do Scummy things is because they can get away with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris W. Sutton
    Why not name and shame? Throw respect out the window, they screwed you over - they deserve a bad rep.
    Well, the main reason would be that it is against the forum rules and that is a good way to get deleted, if not banned!
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    It could be they were already working on the plugin. You would not have received a response because someone did not want this type of claim: that they were stealing a product you were telling them about, even though they already had one in the pipeline.

    Or, at least for the idiot who copied your sales page, I assume you have documented your sales page, their sales page, and have sent a stiff demand for all profits earned from stealing your work.
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    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

      It could be they were already working on the plugin. You would not have received a response because someone did not want this type of claim: that they were stealing a product you were telling them about, even though they already had one in the pipeline.

      Or, at least for the idiot who copied your sales page, I assume you have documented your sales page, their sales page, and have sent a stiff demand for all profits earned from stealing your work.
      In the past few months I've been contacted by 3 different people to work with them in one way or another on products they were selling. In each case I already had created the same product or one just like it. When I revealed this to each one, two withdrew their offers and one said go ahead let's do it. It can happen.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sheryl Polomka
      That really is awful and I can imagine how frustrating it must be for you. I'm a big believer in Karma and what goes around comes around, but I know that doesn't help you much right now.

      Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

      It could be they were already working on the plugin. You would not have received a response because someone did not want this type of claim: that they were stealing a product you were telling them about, even though they already had one in the pipeline.

      Or, at least for the idiot who copied your sales page, I assume you have documented your sales page, their sales page, and have sent a stiff demand for all profits earned from stealing your work.
      If they already had one in the pipeline then that's all good and well but given that they have almost copied his sales page I am more inclined to believe they also copied his plugin idea. It is also very coincidental that they just happen to come out with the same plugin just after he contacts them about his!
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  • Profile picture of the author AdZaz
    Thats awful man! I've had similar experiences and know your pain.

    Don't reduce your price, take the high road and plow forward with your product. Its a powerful tactic for the "Buy Now" button and it defiantly increases conversions...

    While there are definitely some shady scammers out there, its important to remember that the majority of people try to do the right thing. Mark those name off you potential partner list and keep looking for good partners. I have had the best luck finding *good* partners at live events, meeting in person and grabbing a drink at the bar can really tell you a lot about someone and form a long lasting partnership.
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by ProEFI View Post

    I realize this happens, but I find it both frustrating and disappointing that I reached out to try and build a relationship and this is what happens.
    1. You reached out too late. Build the relationship before you need it.

    2. You reached out to the wrong people. Again, build it before you need it, so - at the very least - you know whom not to contact for your launch.

    3. Don't add resale rights to your plugin just yet. I just bought it, give me a couple days to look it over and think about it, then expect a PM. We'll reframe this and turn it into a success story for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author sherrieb
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      1. You reached out too late. Build the relationship before you need it.

      2. You reached out to the wrong people. Again, build it before you need it, so - at the very least - you know whom not to contact for your launch.

      3. Don't add resale rights to your plugin just yet. I just bought it, give me a couple days to look it over and think about it, then expect a PM. We'll reframe this and turn it into a success story for you.
      Number 3 is excellence in action and an example for others.
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    • Profile picture of the author eleary
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      1. You reached out too late. Build the relationship before you need it.

      2. You reached out to the wrong people. Again, build it before you need it, so - at the very least - you know whom not to contact for your launch.

      3. Don't add resale rights to your plugin just yet. I just bought it, give me a couple days to look it over and think about it, then expect a PM. We'll reframe this and turn it into a success story for you.
      What an impressive response!! Very supportive and positive. I was going to write a similar response. This business revolves around relationships so it is essential to build the relationships before asking for help. These marketers certainly were in the wrong. However, it looks like CDarklock can help. Take it as a stepping ladder, a learning curve, and move on. Don't let them get the best of you. There are plenty of great marketers out there - get to know them and they will be willing to help in the future.
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    • Profile picture of the author Cliff_OBA
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      3. Don't add resale rights to your plugin just yet. I just bought it, give me a couple days to look it over and think about it, then expect a PM. We'll reframe this and turn it into a success story for you.
      Awesome. I hope this works out, and must say it is nice to see this kind of response.
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  • Profile picture of the author LeonQuiroga
    I' m sorry to hear that!
    Keep trust, the goods are comming.
    Good Luck!
    L.
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    It’s really disappointing… I’m sorry you had such experience, dear Andrew.

    However, you are not alone. I had a similar experience when I sent my main ebook to various authorities for criticism, as soon as I published it in the end of 2008. I was expecting to find recognition of the value of my research and discoveries, but what happened was exactly the opposite.

    Why?

    Because if these authorities would recognize the value of my work, they would have to throw their ebooks to the trash, and admit that only what I had discovered was true. Therefore, they preferred to provoke me many very strange problems online (trying to kill me) instead of letting me shine (and prove to the world that what they had said before me was totally wrong).

    Nobody cares about the truth; only about their own position.

    You should expect finding snakes everywhere. Unfortunately, this is a rule in our world.

    I even read a very interesting ebook this weekend in which the author was suggesting that ‘there is nothing wrong’ about copying someone else’s work. He said: “Many people copied me when I published my ebook… thus, I decided to do the same, and copy other people’s ideas…. This happens all the time. However, everyone has a market. Their customers don’t know my work, and my customers don’t know their work.”

    This was the first time I read something so cynical, and yet, so true.

    This is how many people think.



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  • Profile picture of the author Duquette
    Originally Posted by ProEFI View Post

    A few days ago I reached out to three internet marketers to ask if they would be interested in promoting my new plugin...

    I never received any response... at least by email anyway. I did notice one of them visited my site. Still, I just assumed they were not interested.

    Well today I received an email from all three of them (I'm on their mailing lists) promoting a new plugin that does exactly what mine does. Not only that, but the one that visited my site is using a webpage that has almost cut and paste text of my sales page.

    I realize this happens, but I find it both frustrating and disappointing that I reached out to try and build a relationship and this is what happens.

    I guess it's time to update my WSO and add MRR at a lower price. There is no way I'm going to compete with the reach they have.

    Andrew
    your word is your wish, use it wisely ..

    you shouldn't sell your plugin with MRR, it'll ripe you off. update your plugin, add more value, and lower the price. but don't give MRR.

    Denny
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    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by Duquette View Post

      your word is your wish, use it wisely ..

      you shouldn't sell your plugin with MRR, it'll ripe you off. update your plugin, add more value, and lower the price. but don't give MRR.

      Denny

      The only part I disagree with is to lower the price.

      I believe that the OP should add value and raise the price, creating in the mind of the buyer better value and better quality.

      Of course, CD is on board with the OP, so he is going to get good representation.
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      • Profile picture of the author Duquette
        Originally Posted by tpw View Post

        The only part I disagree with is to lower the price.

        I believe that the OP should add value and raise the price, creating in the mind of the buyer better value and better quality.

        Of course, CD is on board with the OP, so he is going to get good representation.
        better plugin + lower price = more buyer while crashing the market, in the other side, op can elevate the level, and offer another plugin.

        of course raise the price and add the value is also good plan. but it won't piss off the stealer

        just IMEO (in my evil opinion)

        Denny
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    That's weird, I think I know the emails you are talking about because I got a ton of emails about some Wordpress plugin this last week. I think it must be the one to which you are referring.

    But do you think it's possible that you are jumping to conclusions?

    I mean, is it possible for 2 people to come up with the same idea. Is your plugin really that unique?

    Also, when you get a bunch of emails about something like this, it's very likely been in the works for longer than a few days. Probably a month or more since the plugin creator contacted JVs about this, so I just find it hard to believe they could pull off ripping off your plugin this quickly.
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    • Profile picture of the author garben2011
      Originally Posted by redicelander View Post

      But do you think it's possible that you are jumping to conclusions?

      I mean, is it possible for 2 people to come up with the same idea. Is your plugin really that unique?
      It is always possible but when one considers the odds that the exact three same people the OP contacted are the ones who just happened to miraculously have the same plug-in available shortly after... I wouldn't see this as a coincidence. Yes, I am sure such things do happen but what are the odds of the three people who you contact just all having the exact plug-in and one having a near identical sales page?

      To the OP, doesn't do much good I know but anyway I'm sorry to hear about this. I've had similar experiences many years ago. I used to create little software apps quite often (as well as scripts) and after having this kind of thing happen to me time and again after contacting these big so called trustworthy people I dropped the IM lists, pulled out of forums and such and stopped even mingling with other IM people. Until just a few months ago in fact. I just continued forward on my own.

      Personally, I'd much prefer to work with the little guys & gals. Not saying they are all more honest just saying I think the odds of this kind of thing happening are at least a little less likely and by building a network with many of them you may get a much larger reach than you would expect. And besides, from what you just said (and from my own experience) even one of the little people like myself doing a JV deal would be a lot better than having this happen.

      Good luck moving forward and a big kudos to CDarklock for his response to you!

      EDIT: Just read the reply by Steven Wagenheim.

      He hit the nail on the head. And that is why I pulled out from trying to JV any more. In the end my time and energy was spent just in giving these other people ideas they could then implement on their own. So, let them get their own ideas! =)
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      • Profile picture of the author Nevin McQ
        I did not read where they were warriors, he just said he reached out to 3 people in IM..

        If the are not warriors I do not think it is breaking the rules by calling them out.
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  • Profile picture of the author MandoThrasher
    What comes around goes around. They'll get theirs.
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  • Profile picture of the author aaronngoh
    OOP! Be careful we are sitting below a wishing tree that give us what we want all the time.

    Channel your power and emotion to something really positive and wish you good luck!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I'm sorry to hear about what has occurred, Andrew. While it could just be a coincidence that one of the marketers that you reached out to was also working on a similar plugin, it's still disappointing to see someone else stealing your thunder right as you're about to launch your new product.

    Don't let it discourage you though, the good news is that anything Wordpress related has a huge target market, and I'd think there's plenty of room left for you to enter the marketplace. Now that you've seen what the competition is doing, try to differentiate your product if possible, and make the market perceive it as unique and superior.

    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author edwink
    Yeah man, this is how the world is like.

    But then again, it is cut-throat abilities these big guns have at the back of their arsenal that brought them to where they are today.
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  • Profile picture of the author mytoy78
    Hey that news sucks, I really thought that this was a supportive community, but I suppose that was being a little naive.

    However on the other hand, there are some people sharing some really good information on here.

    Best of luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      It doesn't mention "internet marketers" unless by default all internet marketers are either Warriors, Gurus or Gods
      You have to be kidding - need we throw in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, too? Or might you assume the rule is inclusive?
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  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    Originally Posted by ProEFI View Post

    A few days ago I reached out to three internet marketers to ask if they would be interested in promoting my new plugin...

    I never received any response... at least by email anyway. I did notice one of them visited my site. Still, I just assumed they were not interested.

    Well today I received an email from all three of them (I'm on their mailing lists) promoting a new plugin that does exactly what mine does. Not only that, but the one that visited my site is using a webpage that has almost cut and paste text of my sales page.

    I realize this happens, but I find it both frustrating and disappointing that I reached out to try and build a relationship and this is what happens.

    I guess it's time to update my WSO and add MRR at a lower price. There is no way I'm going to compete with the reach they have.

    Andrew
    let me know who they are and I will expose them.... This is sooo sad.. and I hate people doing this...
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Andrew,

    Yes, I have received emails about this other version plugin from all the usual suspects over the last few days so I know exactly which one you are talking about. It does seem a little too convenient. I mean yes, people can come up with the same idea, that's not worth debating. But for it to happen in the same week after you have sent them the details of your plugin, that is a little too coincidental.

    There is not much you can do about people like that. Karma will sort them out in the long-run when they have a good idea that someone else steals. Just move on and keep your head high. Hopefully the members of the warrior forum will use your plugin over the alternative being offered.

    Those guys are, and only ever have been, hungry for money. They don't care about anything other than the dollar. It is so obvious in their marketing tactics of which I have been watching for many years now. You are better than that, I'm sure.
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      Yes, I have received emails about this other version plugin from all the usual suspects
      Well, here's the thing, from my perspective...

      One of those "usual suspects" appears to be Willie Crawford.

      Willie does not steal, rip people off, or promote crap. He is one of the whitest of the white hat marketers.

      But the plugin he's selling is $10, and available for $37 with MRR. It doesn't seem to be any better than the OP's product.

      The OP's plugin is $7 in the WSO forum, and does not offer MRR, but has pretty flat sales copy... and does not even MENTION the bonus videos, which IMO are the true value in this offering.

      My advice to him over the next couple days is going to include a significant price increase, so if you're at all interested in this kind of plugin, I recommend you go to the WSO forum and buy it now.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
    Originally Posted by ProEFI View Post

    A few days ago I reached out to three internet marketers to ask if they would be interested in promoting my new plugin...

    I never received any response... at least by email anyway. I did notice one of them visited my site. Still, I just assumed they were not interested.

    Well today I received an email from all three of them (I'm on their mailing lists) promoting a new plugin that does exactly what mine does. Not only that, but the one that visited my site is using a webpage that has almost cut and paste text of my sales page.

    I realize this happens, but I find it both frustrating and disappointing that I reached out to try and build a relationship and this is what happens.

    I guess it's time to update my WSO and add MRR at a lower price. There is no way I'm going to compete with the reach they have.

    Andrew
    Andrew -

    Who cares?

    Seriously- they stole your plug in and sales page - not your life and ability to make money.

    I had a JV partner who spent a lot of time and money having a plug in developed.

    He did a webinar with affiliates to promote it.

    Within minutes of the webinar his old business partner released a new plug in that was very similar to his plug in for free.

    Guess what my JV partner did - kept promoting it and if I had to guess has made a few thousand bucks at least.

    Look there are a million link cloakers out there right? A lot of them for free even - correct?

    Then why did I pay $77 for mine?

    Because I knew, liked, and trusted the person who sold it to me.

    Don't throw in the towel. Build a following and in 3 months when these pikers have moved on to the next "big thing" all you have to do it re-release the product.

    People buy for different reasons - you just have to figure out how to get people to buy from you - that's all.

    Good luck.

    Tim
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  • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
    I'm paranoid of this exact kind of thing... I've always spent most of my time doing smaller niche authority sites because no one can copy the trust you have with your readers.
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  • Profile picture of the author masterjani
    This can happen,Me too have bad experience in the past.From now on be careful and contact the respected buyers to review your product rather than sellers.Hard work never fails,copy makers never won,You will win in the end.
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  • Profile picture of the author addykho
    That is a disgrace.... I think that is illegal by law at least. You can always take legal action if you want.
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  • Profile picture of the author ProEFI
    Thanks to everyone for your support and motivation. Its awesome to see fellow Warriors like CDarklock being so generous to help turn this around.

    Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author EvcRo
    Get used to it, learn to read behind hypocrite words and play by their rules. Have no regrets and you will make money. Sad but that's the way it is.

    The truth is the worst thought you had about online IM world.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lemy Yusento
      Wow... It's really bad.

      Feel sorry for You...

      I hope this will not happen on Warrior Forum.

      We can be genuine if we want it to.

      And from my opinion, Genuine will last forever...

      The time will tell it someday.

      -Lemy
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Andrew, I'm going to throw a cold dose of reality on this subject and I'm
      awaiting for the hand grenades to be tossed my way after I do.

      Ideas are not protected under any kind of law, especially not generic ideas.

      For example, if somebody were to write to me...hell, if somebody were to
      send me an email promoting their new "xyz" and I said to myself, "Hmmm,
      that sounds like a great product. I know I could probably make one better
      than what they have out" there is nothing to stop me from doing it.

      And no folks, it is NOT unethical.

      It's called competition.

      As soon as you come up with an idea and put it our there, anybody, and
      I do mean anybody, has the right to come out with their own product
      based on that idea as long as it is their own original work and they didn't
      simply take your product and put a new name on it.

      And quite honestly, if you're foolish enough to describe in detail what
      your product does to somebody, then expect them to run with it if they
      think it's a viable idea.

      And this goes on all the time on and off line.

      Think about all the knock off products and services that have come
      out after the first of its kind came out.

      The world is littered with it.

      It's what competition is all about.

      So, how do you deal with it?

      You make your product better than the knock offs.

      You come up with a USP that sets you apart from the rest.

      I mean for crying out loud, look how many beers we have. And when
      Miller Lite came out with the first lite beer, did they sit around and pout
      because other companies followed and did the same? Did they cry foul?

      No...they reinforced their brand and USP.

      Unless these Warriors outright stole your code and put their name on it,
      what they did was in no way illegal or unethical.

      And unless you can prove that is what happened, your only recourse is
      to improve your product and sell it...confident that it's better than the
      knock offs.

      Take this advice for what it's worth to you.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        I'm going to add one more thing.

        If you truly feel that you have come up with something unique, apply for
        a patent. I don't know if you'll get it because I know very little about
        patent laws, but that at least can give you some legal recourse if somebody
        steals what you believe to be a unique idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    Hey Andrew,

    I think Tim, tpw and CD have given you great advice.

    I've had the same thing happen to me before so I really feel for you.

    I'd definitely listen to what those 3 guys have said. Don't react to what's happened like a victim and look to undercut your opposition. In reality - they're not your opposition. Most of the people they sell to probably don't know who you are and wouldn't have been your customer any time soon anyway. I don't say that to be mean just to be realistic.

    As has been said - people buy from people and the only way to protect yourself from this stuff is to develop your own list of people who trust you and know that you deliver great quality.

    Unfortunately it's also true that when you approach other people about promoting your product - most of them have no reason to care who you are if they don't already know you.

    I know everyone says make your own product and then get stats together to show affiliates/JV partners that you have a converting product - but underlying all of that are the relationships you have. If you have good relationships with people then they don't need those stats and if you don't have the relationship - most of them don't care about your stats.

    It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation but like Caliban said - if you focus on creating good relationships with people as part of your business as opposed to when you need them - you won't struggle come launch time and you'll be somewhat more protected from cloners because you'll get to market much more effectively when you do launch.

    When it comes to pricing it may make sense for an affiliate to promote a competitive product from a commission standpoint - but most decent marketers consider much more than just the commissions, so if they know you and trust your product and service then you don't need to have the highest ticket or commission for people to be interested.

    I don't even look at what the commission level is when I promote people's stuff because I never promote anything I don't have confidence in and I know there are other people who have similar interests in their promotional focus.

    Don't be disheartened by the low-life's that can't think for themselves - just take it as a compliment that you created something worth copying and focus on the relationships which will govern your future success. They can't copy your relationships.

    I'm not sure which plugin you're referring to - but PM and I'll buy it and have a play.

    Andy
    Signature

    nothing to see here.

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  • Profile picture of the author Prady N
    Originally Posted by ProEFI View Post

    A few days ago I reached out to three internet marketers to ask if they would be interested in promoting my new plugin...

    I never received any response... at least by email anyway. I did notice one of them visited my site. Still, I just assumed they were not interested.

    Well today I received an email from all three of them (I'm on their mailing lists) promoting a new plugin that does exactly what mine does. Not only that, but the one that visited my site is using a webpage that has almost cut and paste text of my sales page.

    I realize this happens, but I find it both frustrating and disappointing that I reached out to try and build a relationship and this is what happens.

    I guess it's time to update my WSO and add MRR at a lower price. There is no way I'm going to compete with the reach they have.

    Andrew
    This is shocking! I never heard this kind of thing before. Its really frustrating.
    I think you will get great JV's here on warrior forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    As I pointed out earlier, this could just be sheer coincidence, since Wordpress is a popular platform and people could just be responding to current trends and needs in developing something similar to what you have.

    The others have given you excellent, actionable advice. Do not fret about it, there is plenty of room in this vast marketplace, and you just have to find your space within it, preferably by having your own special spin (i.e. Unique Selling Proposition) on your plug in. If you have an existing list, develop your relationship with them and build strong rapport, and of course you'd want to stress this USP to them as well.
    Signature
    >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
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  • Profile picture of the author ProEFI
    Awesome words of wisdom from fellow Warriors.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
    It is normally called Pushing the Free Line when that happens. What others are selling, the competition begins giving away something that does or teaches the same thing.

    I'm promoting a membership site plugin right now that visitors only need to opt in for. I've seen a 77 dollar one that does basically the same thing. And in 2009 roughly the same plugin I think we were selling as affiliates for 17 bucks.

    I've seen 7 dollar reports that have the same info as a 2k course and I've seen a free video teach the same thing you'll learn in a 10k coaching program.

    So if a marketer is pushing something for free that does what your paid product does then that's called pushing the free line and it's a valid tactic. But if someone is ripping off your sales material then that sounds totally illegal.
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  • Profile picture of the author iuditg
    This is really very sad. I have gone through something different but yet similar. I provided my graphic service to one of the reputed warrior, delivered him the product but never got the payment and it has been 2 months. That was kind of disappointing but then we cant keep on thinking regarding that and we gotta move on....
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
    Oh wait you didn't say free lol... Good lesson anyway so I'll leave it up.

    You can also follow trends and sell the same end results that popular products out there offer but cheaper...

    Wags is dead on on this one. To make sure your competition doesn't flatline you ever again, resort to the basics that everyone hates to hear. The only way to beat your competition in this case is with a usp.

    I'm sure there's something you can add to your package to be back in the game. Maybe your usp is you offer 7 days of free tech support and setup or something along with your plugin.
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  • Profile picture of the author cma01
    Yes, I have received emails about this other version plugin from all the usual suspects over the last few days so I know exactly which one you are talking about. It does seem a little too convenient. I mean yes, people can come up with the same idea, that's not worth debating. But for it to happen in the same week after you have sent them the details of your plugin, that is a little too coincidental.
    I don't think that this is necessarily true.

    I know two people that compete in the same market. It is eerie how they come up with almost the exact same concepts around the same time. You would think that one of them is scooping the other, but it isn't the case.

    Just because you have an idea, it doesn't mean that no one else has. It's like the concept is out there, waiting to be brought into reality. There may be many people get inspiration for that concept, but only a few will act on it.

    So if you have a great idea, don't sit on it. If you don't do something about it, I guarantee someone else will.

    Andrew,

    This is a bummer that the cards have fallen this way, but CDarklock is right, if you don't build your relationships and network first, it doesn't matter how awesome your product it, you're just some random person sending an email to their inbox.
    Signature
    "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."
    ~ Plato
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  • Profile picture of the author StonerJay
    Super lame dude. The world of IM can unfortunately be pretty cut throat.
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