Claude Whitacre, in all honesty

Why would you consider Claude an Internet Marketer? He's been doing business the same way since before the Internet was ever invented and if the Internet disappeared tomorrow, I doubt it would affect his business one iota. His books on selling were translated from his original prehistoric scrawling on French cave walls.

Besides, the only dream this guy is living is a pipe dream.

One thing that should be noted....

The first 20 years of selling, and the first several years of retail/internet marketing/advertising....were a grind.

Failed attempt after failed attempt, hours every week at the library, studying ads/marketing to try to figure out what made a winner......buying and studying a couple thousands books on selling and psychology...buying and studying a few hundred books on direct advertising and copywriting.....

And keeping copious notes on what worked and what didn't....

By now I'm a real expert on selling, an expert on advertising (like several others here), and I'm an expert on how to blow money on stupid ideas that never worked....

But all of that took a few decades.

Anyone thinking that if they just put out a website with a few affiliate links...and they are going to get wealthy...are in for a shock.

I can only cruise now...because I put in a lot of money, sweat, and thought into my businesses the first decade or two. None of this came quick.

But was it worth it? Absolutely.

There are several people here (mostly in the Offline Marketing section) that are true experts in marketing. And we are here to pass on what we know, trying to save a few years off the new guy's learning curve.

But here? On the off topic forum? I'm just playing with people I enjoy...and Dan Riffle.

(I can't stop myself)

Thank you Jeffrey, for your kind comments.

I just want to state for my impeccable record...that I did not have to look up any of those words. I know the best words. I'm a very stable genius. What you see and hear isn't what's happening.

The sort that gives Idiot's a bad name.

Actually, Riffle is one of the smartest people I've met. And I suspect one of the smartest people here.

Witty insulting jabs...when done well..requires a very high level of thinking. Most comics are exceptionally bright.

Honestly, I don't know if Riffle and I would be friends if he was my neighbor..I don't know enough about him.

But his torturous jabs are a thing of beauty.

One thing I really enjoy is when someone is handling me...getting the better of me in a verbal exchange. And Riffle does it better than anyone here, with the possible exception of Kurt.

And he's not really short. If he were really short, I'd never mention it.

And that's why I never talk about Riffle's need to wear an adult diaper. That was told to me in confidence..... and won't be talked about here.

Do you also think that the entire state of Ohio only has one police department?

That's not the word from the Wooster Mens' Bathhouse and Feather Boa Emporium. Those guys are all dishonest.

Not for Riffle's lack of trying.

His birth insulted humankind.

Calling dibs on the wallet

Or any other time for that matter.

I've heard she tastes like butterscotch.

That's what her Facebook page says anyway.

Personally, I think it was too much information to post on Facebook. But then, I'm a man of good taste.

I taste like whale blubber.