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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…
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Ben,
I think you have a good balance of content and offers, affiliate or otherwise.
Whenever you get a complaint that includes the phrase ‘pimp robot’ then it’s pretty clear that you’re hearing from an obviously deranged individual. There’s an overt agreement when signing up for someone’s list, most especially a marketers list, that part of the emails being sent are promotions for products. The list owner has a responsibility to act as a ‘trusted advisor’ to the members of the list in what is sent, and in return payment is made in attention and commissions or net profit.
Frank Kern advises that the best thing to do with irrationally angry customers & prospects is to immediately refund their money no questions asked and/or immediately delete them from your lists. Life is too short to deal with that kind of craziness. When you’re coming from a place of ‘trusted advisor’ then the relationship with prospects and customers is naturally easy and mutually beneficial.
Joachim ‘Joe’ Klehe
Hey Ben
I’d hardly say you pimp your list.
I get fewer emails from you than most other people, and even when you are selling something (either your own product or someone else’s) it’s always swipe file worthy… so I’m still getting value even if the product is not for me.
I don’t understand marketers who complain about being marketed to. That’s kinda the whole point of what we do.
Cheers
Kyle
Nah, you’re good mate, can’t please everyone….keep on keeping on
Ben…
Don’t worry about that guy.
I agree with Joe’s strategy, being that you should ask him 1st
what you can do better and then give him a link to be removed
from your list because you don’t want this person to cause
you any future trouble or even add stress to an already stressful
business.
As Far As Affiliate Products…
________________________
There is something I think you can improve on and that
is…
1.) Tell whether you have actually used the product
2.) Interview them as apart of the joint venture
3.) Give it a ranking from 1-5 stars and KEEP IT HONEST
In a word: not at ALL!
In fact, I feel that by pointing us in the direction of of various resources, tools, and products (regardless of whether or not you may be an affiliate for these products)…you are HELPING us more as fellow marketers.
As a successful copywriter, you are simply giving us a variety of tools that can guide us in honing our skills and growing as marketers.
Who WOULDN’T want that?
In my opinion, the guy who accused you of those things certainly does have some nerve by calling you a “list pimp”.
The way I see it…people like him just let their egos outweigh their BANK ACCOUNTS.
They think they know it all and don’t need any help or suggestions from successful people, and they let their egos inflate like balloons.
Meanwhile their skills (not to mention their bank accounts) and dwindling away in a sea of ignorance and complacency.
Don’t let him get to you, Ben! You have MANY readers who value the content you offer in your newsletter!
Best wishes,
Adam
http://www.youtube.com/AFutureMillionaire
Ben hi.
The guy is off his rocker!
Tell him to subscribe to Fellmans or Knudsens list if he wants to really know what it’s like to get “hammered” EVERY SINGLE DAY…
You provide tons of great content.
Thanks
Denver
Hey Ben,
That guy was totally off his rocker! In fact, I think we could use your good insight a little more often actually. Take Care.
Yooo Ben…
Pimping ain’t easy….
Keep the pimping coming.
Awesome blog with great information.
You sell stuff on here???
Dave
“The Most Connected Pimp On The Internet”
Ben,
Regarding the guy who called you the ’socio-pimp’..
Eliminate him from any/all future mailings or contact.
Forget you ever knew him, and forget what he said.
Ignore such morons, and move on with YOUR business plan the way you deem best for you and your family.
I’m working on a miracle spam filter that will detect “knuckleheads, taterheads, dingbats, and such”, and will promptly send you a free one once perfected.
Bob
Joe: As weird as the guy’s comments were,he’d sent me many thought provoking emails before that and even a few swipe file ads that I put in my swipe file report. I think he is just a man in conflict with himself — loves advertising, hates selling.
Kyle: I could not agree with you more, my thoughts exactly.
Daniel: Thanks, my friend, I fully intend to…
Ian: Thank you for your concern, but believe me, these things don’t bother me at all. In fact, I welcome “bitch mail” (as Halbert used to call it hahahaha) most of the time if it is sincere. It’s when it’s pointless that it becomes a waste of time. Incidentally, I do interview all the people whose products I sell via JV’s (for the most part). I don’t bother rating it, if I sell it, you can rest assured I have used it and would recommend it to my own mother.
Adam: Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, really made my day.
Denver: Thank you, I appreciate that.
Bart: That’s great to know, will definitely keep that in mind.
David: I sure do sell stuff… in fact, the world’s “most connected” marketer has a product on this site…
Bob: Thank you, appreciate the feedback. And I gotta say, a spam filter like that would indeed be useful these days…
I would not still be on your list if you were in my opinion pimping my name…your content always makes me think or look at another point of view…
If you weren’t getting compliants you aren’t pushing enough…right?
Keep em coming
John
P.S. Watch out for the crab people!!
Ben,
I highly recommend almost all the stuff you mention in your blog or email — whether its your own producta or an affiliate.
The guy’s an idiot! I’m sick to death of all the freebie seekers who believe it’s their God given right to pay nothing for everything.
Dave
He’s nuts. You could actually offer more stuff and he’d still be nuts.
Denver pointed out other lists that send offers everyday. Maybe he
got pissed off at list-owners in general because of being on some of the other lists.
Your List-etiquette or “Listiquette “is better than most.
Dear Ben:
You’re not guilty of pimping.
Case closed.
In fact, there are other big name marketers out there who really send me a lot of offers.
I don’t think they’re pimping my name since I trust their judgment and their motives.
And I don’t buy, anyway.
In my book, you’re one online marketer who has my trust, so if you’re behind an offer, it must be a really good offer, which can really benefit me.
So again, case closed. The man, Ben Settle, is not guilty of pimping.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please leave the court.
Sincerely,
Swans G Paul
I don’t see why anyone has to provide free content as an obligation, or why people are silly enough to expect it. The web is in great measure a manifestation of peoples’ generosity, and one should just be grateful and/or also contribute. Quite another matter is business. In business you sell things; it’s that simple. People buy them if they are worth it–or if they are conned into it; hence the dictum caveat emptor. Any person who is trying to make a living in business is selling, and free content is there to demonstrate competence and therefore to earn trust, so as to make sales and make a living. It is absurd to accuse a business person of “pimping,” just as it is absurd to be angry with him for not spending his life dishing out free content to moochers. Just my two cents.
For years vicious soulless profit mongering pimp robots have been getting such a bad name.
Here I just thought what we were doing is being capitalists.
You know … that thing where every man is responsible for his own destiny.
That little social system where we amass just as much wealth as we can create value for our fellow man.
You know … where we provide for others, solutions to their problems, through hard work and/or creativity … and trade that for the value we desire for our lives.
And where people gladly pay for real solutions to real problems and trade a piece of their wealth for it … and in doing so, grow together prosperously and harmoniously.
But no … guess that’s not it. Turns out, the key to prosperity and success in business is taking without giving. Providing without exchange in kind.
(warning: sarcasm ensuing … )
After all, the keys to salesmanship are never to ever try to make one single solitary sale. And if you do … (enter your deity) save your soul if you ever try to make a second one.
People deserve all the wealth you and I are worth and shouldn’t be asked for anything in return.
Bobby and Ricky, sitting on their momma’s couch in the basement of the house eating cheesy puffs and clicking away, making poisonus slanderous (is that a word?) digital remarks for all the world to see, at professionals selling their wares … yes people like them should be entitled by right, to all the value we amass for ourselves through hard work and labor.
In fact, Mr. Settle … give us your bank account number and let’s skip this whole charade. You’re years of hard work and the hard work of your partners have been meant only for web site visitors who want all your money and want to truly get rich from home. As long as you have enough to eat, why don’t you just wire us our monthly income.
(end of sarcasm)
______________
NO WAY. Commies, check your red flags at the door!
Ben,
I like the balance of content and offers from you. Frankly, because you only send out email when it’s something worthwhile (whether simply content or an offer), you’re one of the few people who’s emails I open every time. I simply know it’s going to be worth my time.
You respect my time. I appreciate that.
Thanks,
- John
Hey Ben, I know the feeling! Wish I was just called a pimp though.
I have been called most names in the book when after 4 newsletters of good SEO advice and webmaster tips I sent out a hand written (not even a form letter) email about a small software I bought that increased my opt-ins by 300%.
What was I thinking…..how dare I actually try to make a living or at least pay for the autoresponder that sends them the newsletter!!!!
It’s not often the marketers tell the “behind the scenes” truth about this business. Whether they know it or not….those sort of letters hurt.
We spill our guts with info that took years to learn and only minutes for them to read, yet we are the rotten bast*rds for trying to make a buck.
Honestly Ben the ones that send us that type of letter probably dropped out of college in the first semester because the Professor actually demanded they complete an assignment!!!
Don’t take it to heart, just go into your autoresponder and manually delete them……they would never have bought anything from you anyway.
What really bugs me is the rudest letters come from the ones that never opt-out! I respond to them in a semi-rude fashion asking them to opt-out and they back down and say “oh no, I’d never opt-out….I like your newsletter the best”.
Go figure.
Onward….through the fog!
Brian ankner (non-guru)
Hi Ben,
I always have thought the opposite of you and find it hard to imagine you receiving emails like this. You provide so much incredible value on your blog.
I love all the resources you share with us and have purchased your products and some of your affiliate or JV promotions as well.
I absolutely love your book, “The Copywriting Grab Bag.” I’ve put a lot of those ideas to successful use already and am making money with them. It’s a top notch resource and enjoyable reading at the same time. The titles of your chapters alone are incredible headline quality.
Just the other day I wrote an article using “precaution copy” as recommended on page 106 of your book. Here’s the title of the post:
“Warning: This Could Morph You Into A Fitness Model If You’re Not Careful”
http://rogerhaeske.com/?p=196
That email helped me sell quite a few extra copies of my new program called Cocainercise.
In fact, I open your emails quite often because of your history of delivering powerful content and resources. You’re 100% on the right track. And like many others have said, I wouldn’t mind getting more emails from you.
It’s unfortunate but I feel the vast majority of people have a poverty consciousness. It’s how they’ve been trained by their parents, the media and the public school system.
I even had to break out of that kind of thinking. I see so many friends and family members limiting themselves needlessly because they have all sorts of disjointed ideas about money and marketing.
In any case, this request is turning up lots of great testimonials for you. I should try a similar concept on my blog.
Ben, “You Rock!!!”
Keep up the great work, Roger
John: Thank you so much, I really appreciate your feedback. And I’m glad the site and information is helping. I get lots of complaints (including some bizarre ones). The ‘net seems to attract all kinds of people…
Dave: That is awesome to know, thank you so much.
Joshua: He definitely had “issues” with other list owners. He seemed especially wound up about Lawrence Bernstein’s blog (www.infomarketingblog.com — an AWESOME swipe file resource, btw). He basically said he was afraid that one day Lawrence will also one day give in to “the dark side” and start making offers to his list…
Swans: Always a pleasure hearing from you, glad to know you got my back, my friend.
Sam: I totally agree with you — could not have said it better myself. Unfortunately the Internet has created what some people describe as “the culture of cheapness.” The irony is that free can actually hurt people. I remember buying Gary Halbert’s “Boron Letters” for $97 back in 2003. A year later he gave it away free. At first I thought, “that kind of sucks…”. Then I realized, yeah, I paid $97 but then I read it something like 20 times (literally) and extracted a heck of a lot more value from it than I would have had it been free. If I hadn’t paid for it, I never would have gotten the real value from it — which, in my humble opinion, is almost impossible to put a price on.
Christopher: I hear ya and amen to that. The people who don’t produce have always despised those who do. I remember Dan Kennedy writing an excellent article about this in his newsletter many years ago. He said something along the lines of people love to drive cars, but few drivers would have liked Henry Ford…
John: Thank you for that, that means a lot that you think so highly of this information.
Brian: Thank you for your reply, holy cow you raised the bar for the rest of us with the hand written note! Ray Edwards gave some great advice when I interviewed him about this: Just scroll down (assuming they replied to your list email) and click on that unsubscribe link for ‘em.
Roger: That’s great! I’m glad you’re making money from the book (can I use what you said as a testimonial?). I hear you on the family members thing — trying to get them to break out of the scarcity thinking is almost like trying to teach a pig to sing. You get dirty and only end up annoying the pig…
No worries Ben
Let him think what he likes. You can’t please all the people all the time.
Personally, I love getting your mails. I don’t feel oversold on anything - no hype when you are selling and plenty of awesome advice for free.
One of the few lists where I open every mail because I know it’s going to be worthwhile!
Susan
This is a classic example in my opinion of someone who probably wants everything for free.
I know many of the subscribers to your blog are always on the look-out for products that can help them in any way. I personally spend $700 a month on copywriting coaching, persuasion courses, etc I appreciate the fact that you showcase products that you think can help me. That’s precisely why I look forward to your emails and blogs. They are tremendously valuable.
I wouldn’t even spend one second ruminating on the crap spewing from that guys mouth. Keep up the good work.
Negative press is good press as they say.
If someone takes the time to initiate a response then you have achieved something.
Personally I have no problem with people I have subscribed to sending me affiliate products. If they start spamming me with junk or on a daily basis I delete them. No skin off my nose.
In the meantime if I get some good deals offered and someone else makes a dollar its all good.
I would hardly say your efforts deserve pimp status, you will have to do better! lol
Carry on,
Dean.
Ben,
Keep on what you’re doing.The criticism leveled at you is unwarranted. fan him!
PB
Ben,
You give people a lot of useful information. If you want to send out a promotion now and again, so be it! We all supplement our income at times. I give free advice on copywriting and marketing on my blog and in my newsletter, but if I see a good thing that I think can help my readers ( and make me a few bucks in the process) then I would send the info out to them. If they decide to make an informed decision and buy it, great! If not, so what. Keep up the good work
Actually, I was starting to have a similar (not quite as dramatic) perception, I do think over the last couple of months you have veered into the terrority of pumping out a bunch of offers vs. pumping out great content. I think you could do a simple analysis of your last 10 emails - what is the ratio of (1) your own value-added content (which is what I’ve been accustomed to on your blog) (2) affiliate offers? That would settle this “debate”
Cheers
Patrick
Hi Ben,
Personally, I think you give away a lot of good stuff so your charging for things is … well, ok pimping but hey, I plan to do the same myself sometime soon.
I’m surprised that some people expect everything for free. But blogs like this one were created to make the owners money. That’s why I blog too. We’re entitled to it so don’t worry too much about it.
From what other readers have posted, it sounds like you’re doing ok. That being said, continue the great work.
All the best,
Andrew
Hi Ben,
I recently heard a story of how Dr. Wayne Dwyer (one of the world’s most successful self-help author’s / speaker’s) once packed Carnegie Hall with attendees’ for one of his his speaking tours. Only the second speaker ever to do so.
Anyway, apparently from time to time this guy Dr. Wayne Dwyer still gets “bitch mail.” Mostly from people who have purchased one of his books’ second hand for 25 cents at a garage sale.
Dwyer, upon receiving the “bitch letter” (normally about a spelling or gramatical mistake in his book) writes a short not back to the sender that says:
“Dear (Name), I have your complaint letter in front of me; and very soon it will be behind me!”
Classic.
Keep up the good work Ben. You’re doing good!
Michael.
Hey Ben,
There is nothing wrong with making money from your list,
last time I checked that is the big advantage of having a big list…
But there is “fine line” between offering value to your readers with
excellent products and beating them over the head with crappy
“one time offers”.
I actually look forward to your emails, because even if you’re promoting
something it’s usually something that’s “right down my alley”.
Thank-you for providing me with valuable content.
PS - A thank you is long overdue…
A few weeks ago, you sent out an email about a guy named **** who
was selling a bunch of books on Ebay, I ended up a buying a pile of
books for next to nothing. The best part was that **** doesn’t live to far from me and we now exchange ideas and information regularly.
Well NO Ben, you’re not some “vicious, soulless, profit-mongering pimp robot” and you know what. So what if you were! Your value out-beats most I’ve seen and I’d opt in to market your products on the street corner any day! lol
Ok, but really - you can’t help them all. Even those that truly “need” help, won’t take it.
You are superb in what you offer and if you toss an affiliate link in or two - it’s no bother to me, because I know if you approve of a product - it must be good.
Lisa
Hi Ben -
No worries! What that man said is far from the truth. We all get some negative feedback sometimes; and as long as we know what we’re doing is right we’re good.
As many of the others have said…I don’t receive nearly as much from you as I do other marketers; and alot of those are blatant ads. You just keep yours coming!
It’s too bad that we all needed a special reason to come and say nice things, but there it is. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the value you have offered me - both your original work and that of others. I always know there will be something good in your e-mails.
Sometimes when people get a little berserk like this, it’s easy to say - “It’s all them - those crazy people.” But, I find in almost every case the complainer is just expressing (louder and more obnoxiously) something I have thought - whether I agree with it our not.
Besides helping me see and reaffirm the value of your resource, this “angry guy” has reminded me of how far I have come in my prosperity journey, and of how far I have left to go.
Thank you Ben,
Melissa
Dude, I feel you have the utmost in integrety. A lot of great free content, a fantastic book, and the right amount of offers without all the hype. Keep on rockin’ it.
Warm Regards,
Steve
I’ve unsubbed from lots of marketing lists where I felt there was too much product push (and have lost some subscribers to my own lists from people who seem to think once a month is too much push). I find yours tilts about right and I haven’t in any way found the offers objectionable.
Shel Horowitz, author of Grassroots Marketing for Authors and Publishers and six other books, http://www.frugalmarketing.com
Susan: Thank you so much, very nice to know and it’s fantastic you think so highly of the emails. But I really should be thanking you, you’ve been very generous about promoting my site for me lately. So thank you!
Shawn: Now THAT’S what I call dedication to the craft ($700/month), and yes, there are definitely a lot of people with the “something for nothing” mindset, unfortunately.
Dean: Thanks, my friend, I have a similar attitude with the lists I’m on as well.
Pete: Appreciate the feedback, and I fully intend to…
Charles: Thanks for the feedback on this and for weighing in, I totally agree with you.
Patrick: I went ahead and did a quick analysis, here’s what I saw (last ten email subject lines according to my aweber account):
* Sociopathic List Pimp - nothing for sale
* Three Pleasant Updates - mentioned my product catalog
* Interview With “A List” Copywriter - nothing for sale directly, gave away free interview in exchange for signing up for a free tele-seminar series
* Free A-List Copywriter Interview - ditto above
* Ken McCarthy Copywriting Interview - nothing for sale from me, just a book review of Ken’s book and a “pitch” to get people to read it — but I don’t make any money from the sales
* How To Build “Hyper-Responsive” Email Lists - mostly content, references to interviews that are 95% content but do sell something
* rare marketing books sold dirt-cheap - nothing for sale from me, just a heads up on where to get a LOT of great books dirt cheap
* How To Write A Press Release - free tele-seminar that is 99% content but does sell something at the very end
* How To Sell With Audio Interviews - content pointing to an interview that is 95% content but that does ultimately sell something
* Interview With Gary Bencivenga’s #1 Top Gun - interview with Doug D’Anna — nothing for sale from me, pure content from one of the world’s top copywriters
Turns out there are no direct affiliate pitches in the last ten emails (unless you count the one mentioning my product catalog). Thank you for the suggestion, this has actually been kind of eye-opening in a way.
Andrew: Thank you for your honesty, my friend. No worries on my end, I simply wanted to hear what everyone was thinking (I should do this sort of thing more often).
Michael: Glad to hear from you on this, I like that!
Paul: Thank you for your response and you’re more than welcome. No problem mentioning Phil Alexander’s name on here, he’s a GREAT resource that everyone needs to know about.
Lisa: Always a pleasure hearing from you, thank you for your response and the kind words, I really appreciate it.
Carla: I totally agree with you about negative feedback and I will definitely keep ‘em coming.
Melissa: Thank you so much for the wonderful words, and I’m glad you think so highly of the emails you get here. I understand why people get sensitive to being sold every day, it’s our natural response in a world where we’re bombarded with several thousand sales pitches every 24 hours. So that’s why I never take the negative stuff like the email I referenced personally.
Steve: Appreciate the feedback, my friend. And I’m glad you enjoyed the book, definitely means a lot hearing from you on this.
Shel: Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this, it’s great to hear from you on this, as I know you hold lists owners to high standards (as do I).
Why would someone sign up to a list if they didn’t want to recieve affiliate promotions? Surely they can’t expect something for nothing. Personally I think you don’t promote enough products via your list; you’re probably missing out on some serious cash.
Hi Ben
I’m very new to Internet Marketing and need all the help I can get! So please send me affiliate promotions whenever you wish as I’m more likely to consider them if you recommend them in view of the trust I have in your opinion.
In fact, I agree with David that you don’t promote enough products especially when compared to many other list subcriptions I’m on!
Hey, Ben,
Don’t sweat the little stuff! When you recommend something I always take a look because I feel confident it’s good stuff. Keep on what you’re doing and don’t worry that someone complains. They have the option to unsubscribe any old time they feel like it!
Keep up the great work!
Teresa Hall
Write About Everything
David: That’s very good to know, will definitely take that into consideration. One of the big reasons I hold back is because of something Brian Clark (www.CopyBlogger.com — excellent resource) shared with me when I interviewed him for my book. But I definitely see your point. Thank you for your feedback on this, I really appreciate it.
Martyn: Thank you, as well. I’m extremely flattered you think that highly of this blog and am glad to hear your thoughts on this. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Teresa: I agree, and never take these things personally. In fact, I have used that unsubscribe link many times for ‘em. I’m really glad you stopped by and let me know what you think about this.
I like getting emails from you, because they’re always filled with valuable info.
Thanks,
Steve Shaw
Hi Ben,
If what you do now with your list is called spamming, then please spam us more.
We love your spamming us Ben and we mean it.
i feel that this is good that this happened. Otherwise so many people including me would not have had a chance to say that we appreciate what you do.
–Edward “The Apu”
Perhaps your accuser has little to no business accumen. Sales does involve selling. Whether you are selling your own products or someone elses, in order to keep food on your table, you HAVE to always be selling. The simple remedy for the person who accused you, is to request to be removed from your list. People look for way too many ways to be offended.
Keep them coming!
Steve: Thank you, it’s great to hear from you about this. And I’m really glad you feel that way about the content.
Edward: Well, I definitely appreciate all you guy, too. Thank you for chiming in on this discussion, my friend.
To: Thank you for your comment, I completely agree with you. Seems like common sense to me, too.
Ignore this loser.
He (or she) probably won’t buy anything anyway. Just blame the world for their problems.
I’ve bought a few programs you recommended (your stuff and others) and think they are great.
I’ve been in business for 15 years (half my adult life) and always looking for anything that can help.
I consult other business and help others with their advertising too.
As long as you recommend products that you “really” feel can help.
I see no problem.
later,
Phil
Thanks for your thoughts, Phil, always good to hear from you. And I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the products and think highly of them.
Hey Ben,
Thank you SO much for the “free” content that you have thus far provided. As an economist, I must state that you are in business to make profit, by exchanging something of value to another person and receiving something of value in return. Thus our standard of living improves. God’s law even advocates this practice!
As a marketing person, I can also suggest that you give away stuff to build relations with clients who value — get it, you are still giving away value! — what you have to offer. You do this in the hope that they will value your contribution and hopefully provide something for you in return. Not necessarily today, but the relationship means that you have gained an interested audience who values your skill and knowledge, and therefore, perhaps even your advocation of an affiliate product that, horror of horrors, you may even make a profit — yes, in dollars, because that is the current form of indirect exchange commodity that we currently use, even here in Australia. And what will you do with those?
All sorts of naughty things, I am sure: such as buying gas, food, clothing and paying for a house, etc.
Profit is good. The irony is that we all engage in profit seeking, sometimes through the use of money and other times it is psychic advantage that we have gained — a new (but free) copywriting idea!
Even Keynes suggested that it is better if would be revolutionaries and anti-social types spend their days and nights making money, because by doing so they are providing something of value for their neighbour, rather than destabilising the society.
In a word, you should make offers to your valued list clients. The guy who complained can delete the emails or opt out!
Cheers
Troy.
Darling, I came from the old, old school of thought. Always consider the source, it takes a pimp to know a pimp. What about that?
Ben,
If that guy can’t tell the difference between good, honest, useful content that you provide and some of the rubbish most of the Gurus churn out, then he needs a kick in the ass!
I’m more than happy for you to promote stuff to us as long as it’s good quality and would genuinely help us along the way.
If it’s stuff you could put your hand on your heart and recommend to your own family and friends, then that’s good enough for me.
Keep up the good work Ben, we appreciate what you do.
Frank
Troy: Thanks for the thoughtful reply — I really appreciate your take on this. From what I can tell, he opted out a while ago.
Winifred: Great advice and a solid “old school” way of thinking that can keep many a person out of trouble. Thank you so much for contributing.
Frank: Thank you for stopping in, I really appreciate your thoughts on this. And I’m also very glad to know you are getting value from the content.
Hi Ben–
You’re definitely not an offender! I only get e-mails from you when you have something REAL to offer–it’s a refreshing change from all the “useless crap” e-mails I get bombarded with. Tell that dude to grow up and get a life.
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