thanks for the very thoughtful and considered post. I wish there were more people who would take and make the effort to be transparent like you do.

I have to tell you that I’m not a particular fan of Rick Butts, although I think he used to be pretty funny, because he’s been involved with several questionable projects over the years. I would never do business with him because I think he lacks the integrity that the IM industry really needs.

I just don’t think he’s ever walked the walk.

My dad had a saying when I was growing up that kind of sums this whole thing up… No one’s for you or against you, they’re only for themselves.

I think this one REALLY applies to Rick.

I’ve been reading your *stuff* for a long time and would never put you in any category that included Rick Butts… except that you’re funny too!

Over the last 11+ years, I have seen so many people make a complete lifestyle change, become truly happy and financially independent, and really MAKE IT HAPPEN… that it’s all worth it.

My goal is to bring things back around, and to figure out a realistic way for us to ALL move forward – and reach our goals. Together.

Thank you for your support, and for your kind words & encouragement. Together we are obvious proof that this whole IM thing is not all bad

You know, friends care about one another. When one friend hurts – the other hurts right with them.

That said – I was absolutely crushed that you felt the need to not include a live link in your email about TS2.

Anyone with the honesty and integrity that you show day after day should not be bullied into thinking that they’re doing something wrong.

I know that you were absolutely bombarded with replies to your non-promo email and that itself should make you feel better and know that the people who are important – the ones who trust you, follow you and buy from you – not just your customers, but your friends aren’t fooled by vicious attacks such as Rick’s.

I know I for one wasn’t. As a matter of fact, it did the exact opposite. I lost some of my respect for Rick.

I’m all for the “tell it like it is” methods that Rick uses – as a matter of fact at times it’s a welcome change.

Like I said in my email to you, I even agreed with Rick to a point. I honestly believe – just as you’ve said – he has valid points and yes there is a problem in the IM industry. However, I feel in my own opinion, he went at the absolute wrong way to express it.

So if there are 12 specific people he has a problem with – do we need to lump every internet marketer that promoted TS2 into one generalization?

As you said, this creates a blanket statement and makes anyone who does (or now did) follow Rick take a guess – possibly accusing the wrong.

Luckily in that sense Lynn, your true followers know so much better and would have never even considered the fact that you were one of those 12.

I absolutely love how you handled this situation and would love to see you and Rick join forces for the good.

Rick – I’m sure you’re following along – take Lynn’s offer and work with her on a solution. We buyers and subscribers would greatly appreciate it. Take some of that anger and turn it into something good.

Lynn – thanks for once again showing us the real you. That really is a refreshing change as well.

Thanks for taking the “Right Road,” not the high road or the low road on this one.

I trust you 100%, your integrity is unquestionable and I am honored to be part of your webinar broadcasts in order to learn how to market on the internet the right way!

Way to Go. Bravo !!

What has ALWAYS been clear to me is this, Lynn:

You are an Internet marketing angel and your integrity has aways shone through.

We’re not going anywhere and YOU better not be going anywhere. And you should have posted those live links .

I was swamped with no less than a dozen affiliate offers for TS2. I didn’t get the course because of $$ issues, but if I did, it would have been through your link.

Why? Because you are on the level, and like you said – you did your TS2 homework beforehand. I for one, appreciate it.

Robert

To give you some insight into why this particular incident bothered me as much as it did, I’ll share a bit about what’s going around in my mind lately.

I realize there is a problem in the industry. I realize that people are frustrated, that they are struggling, that there are some questionable and shady things to deal with and that its not always easy to discern between everything that is right in front of you.

We are in a growth phase with Internet Marketing – a turning point if you will – and so I have been putting a lot of thought into the direction that I want to take with my own business model. I am specifically looking for a better way to help people acheive their goals online.

I imagine this line of thinking is obvious on your end with my latest newsletters & blog posts – so perhaps this gives you some insight into my motivation behind each of those.

After mulling it over for weeks on my own, I decided to reach out and talk to some people outside of my own “inner circle”. I met Rick Butts on Twitter, had a few opportunities to exchange ideas & thoughts with him, and ultimately chose him as the person I would talk to in confidence about my challenges.

I intended to hire Rick for an initial 1-hour consultation, but he was kind enough to speak with me at no charge. It was an incredibly productive hour. I walked away feeling motivated, energized and with a renewed perspective.

Rick is VERY GOOD at what he does. I’m not sure if he still offers the “power hour” consultations, but I believe he has a mastermind group. I cant speak highly enough for his talent in that area.

I talked to Rick about one of my main concerns – that concern being who I want to align or associate myself within the industry.

While my business stands apart and on its own just fine, I have always kept my own personal “inner circle”. I know I have mentioned this to you before – but perhaps not given you a taste of just how important this is to my business. There are key people who have made a HUGE difference in my business along the way.

To make a long story short, I had confided in Rick to a great extent, and walked away feeling very positive about it. And so yes, I took it personal when Rick took a shot at Internet Marketers, and specifically those recommending Traffic Secrets 2.0 during the launch (ie ME).

I’m still looking at SOLUTIONS. And Rick – if you’re reading along, I’d love to brainstorm with you from both sides of this fence and see if anything shakes out.

Great writing. You are indeed wise beyond your years.

Jim Greene