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How do I protect an Excel spreadsheet sold via Affiliates?

by Core Freedom
5 replies
Hi all,

I am working on compiling a well-sought after list of contacts for my industry (spirituality/metaphysics). The list will have approximately 400-500 contacts. Similar lists in other industries sell for $300-$1000.

What I'm not sure of is how to protect the list, since it's just an Excel spreadsheet. I'd like the list sold via affiliates as well and want to protect the list from anyone taking the contents (end users as well as affiliates).

Any suggestions?

Thank you all. :-)
#affiliates #excel #protect #sold #spreadsheet
  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    Things you can do:

    Protect the excel sheet with a password. Put the password on the Thank You page or send it via email.

    Alternatively, put all the contacts inside a WordPress page or post that is protected by a script such as S2Member. Then, install a plugin that disables right-clicks or "selecting" text on your website.

    Note: Both of these methods can be defeated, but most people don't know how.
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  • Profile picture of the author Core Freedom
    Jesus, that's a great idea to put it on a protected WP site. I use Wishlist, hadn't even thought of that. I'll have to figure out how to lay out the page since the spreadsheet is quite wide and would never fit the regular screen. The page needs to be clickable since it has a web link and email address.

    Thank you!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    The reality is you can't protect it. So long as people can access the list then they can still share it no matter how you try to protect it.

    My first concern would be whether the people on your list will be ok with you selling their contact information.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post


      My first concern would be whether the people on your list will be ok with you selling their contact information.
      I was thinking the same thing :/
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      " I knew that if I failed, I wouldn't regret that.
      But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

      ~ Jeff Bezos

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  • Profile picture of the author Core Freedom
    Great question. Well, not to give away the dessert - but this may be similar enough. Let's say I wanted to write an article for print in print-magazines (not online) and it's very specific, let's say related to aliens or UFOs, rather than weeding through the gazillion print magazines that are most likely not interested in such topics, what if someone out there had already done that researched and compiled all print-magazines that specialize in such topics, such lists are currently on the market (I can think of at least 2 people who specialize in such magazine lists).

    It's public information, all it is, is a ton of research and compiling data so others don't have to go through the same hassle.

    Does this make sense?
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