Not long ago, a man accused me of “pimping” my list.
He said I was turning into a “vicious, soulless, profit-mongering pimp robot” because I started selling other peoples’ products as an affiliate — and not purely giving away endless amounts of valuable free content or, at the very least, only selling my own products.
Now, personally, I think the guy’s crazy.
But still… I’m curious what you think about this.
Was this dude on to something?
When I offer you products, do you feel like I’m “pimping” you just for a fast sale?
Or… maybe you think I don’t make enough offers?
I’ve actually been accused of both (can’t please everyone).
If you’re willing, I’d really appreciate hearing what you think about this (especially if you think I AM being a list pimp) in the comments section below…
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Ben I like your job, keep on with it.
Joel
Ben, you’re one of the most generous people out there. May not have ever heard of Clayton Makepeace, Jim Ruiz, Gary Bencivenga, and a few other GIANTS, were it not for you. Michael Senoff is another man to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude.
In truth, I consider it a BIG privilege that you offer for sale things that will help me to be a better marketer … a better salesman in print … and … have a better shot at becoming successful.
For example, I bought Ryan Healy’s course off your site, and, now that I’ve got some time to study it, it may just be exactly what I need to get started as a freelance copywriter.
Keep up the good work, and thanks again for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Chris McMorrow
Ben, Everyone has said it all. You are probably one of the least intrusive experts and only 1 of 2 who have a preferred star listing in my webmail.
Just to add: It comes down to one thing -trust & value.
There are few who offer value rather than fluff.
If you value the persons insight, than you should value the persons offers; it may not be of value until another time for one person, but it may be of value to another presently.
Keep up the good work, a valued peer.
Sincerley,
Rob Bannon
What?
How DARE you send me an email that might sell me something!
That’s WRONG!
Your job is to write tons of material that teaches me how to sell MY stuff to people. I expect you to post as much free material as possible on this subject (me selling MY stuff) so that I can finally get rich selling my own stuff.
But if you EVER “pimp” me by sending me an offer of some kind…
Dude, I’m gonna spend HOURS AND HOURS writing lengthy diabtribes on Marketing Forums about what a SCAM you are.
Do I make myself clear?
Now YOU get back to work.
I got some Youtube videos to watch.
Where’s my Cheetos…
Sharon: I really appreciate your comments, thank you for contributing your thoughts. Glad you find the site refreshing and not more of the “same old, same old”
Joel: Thank you, my friend. I certainly will…
Chris: Very good to hear from you on this, and I’m so glad you’re using Ryan’s report — he’s incredible when it comes to finding freelance copywriting clients. And really knows his stuff.
Rob: That’s means a lot, and I totally agree with you on the “trust/value” issue. I feel the same way towards lists I’m on.
Ray: I was anxiously waiting for you to chime in on this — I remember you telling me about all the whiney emails you get from people living in their mom’s basement eating cheetos… and while doing God-knows-what-else with their computers in the process…
You’ve got a great mix Ben.
You’re doing exactly what you should be doing.
This is a symbiotic relationship. We buy when when we’ve come to trust your offers and when the offer matches out interest and need. You make money where that happens. Pretty simple system.
I’m glad to receive the offers and buy when they’re what I’m looking for. As I have.
Thanks for all that you do give.
Ben
Everyone has an opinion of some event, thing or people and they’re all correct in their own minds. Maybe this person may be having a bad day then, so you’ll have to forgive him/her.
You’re probably going to get more or both bouquets and brickbats when you appear on the radar along the likes of Gary Halbert, Joe Vitale et. al.
What I appreciate most is the personal touch, however small. Received your mail prior to receiving Copywriting Grab Bag. A handwritten addressee puts you on my top 3 list.
Whatever it is you’re “hawking”, well, I’m game to take a serious look – ’nuff said.
One word – goobye!
I got one of these a couple months back and not only an email, but she felt compelled to call me and leave messages (twice!).
She was very hostile and abusive. Luckily I don’t take that stuff personally anymore.
Get a life and just click the unsubscribe link for cats sake.
As others have said you’re far better than many of the other folks whose lists I belong to and the value far outweighs the “noise” of offers that I likely am not intersted in.
However, better to know and have the choice to say no (delete the email) than not know at all. You gotta be in the game to play and win.
Regards
Ed: That’s exactly how I see it when I’m on someone’s list, too — a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit. Thank you for stopping by, and you’re more than welcome.
Philip: It’s great hearing from you on this (I remember specifically writing the note and numbering the book I sent you — your name sticks out in my mind). I really appreciate your feedback. I think the guy who sent the email is just in conflict with himself. He really loves the world of advertising and ads — but just hates being sold or pitched anything. Kind of sad, I think, because he’s a fountain of knowledge when it comes to advertising campaigns and results and has a swipe file of great ads a mile deep.
Richard: My thoughts exactly, too — how can you win the game if you ain’t even playing it? It reminds me of the small town where I live, many of the local businesses have contempt for their customers. When someone comes in and buys something and then leaves, the store workers will often sarcastically say, “goooodbyeee”. These store people are morons, of course — and don’t deserve their customers. But it’s the exact attitude I have towards people who complain every time they get a — gasp! — sales pitch. Goooodbyeeee.
As long as you are not selling cocaine and you are not involved in human trafficking, you do the right thing in affiliate marketing. There’s nothing wrong with it. The wrong thing is when we made false promises and gave false hopes.
Hi Webhosting, sounds like good criteria to me!
Ben
Ben,
I think the guy is crazy too.
Everything you do is just fine
with me.
I enjoy every single email I
receive from you.
Some folks just can’t stand
it because you are doing well
in your biz.
I personally think you are great.
You have taught me so much about
copy, just from reading your email and
from the great content you send.
Keep up the good work and don’t
worry about the naysayers.
Tammy
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