It's been awhile since I have done a true Cross Blog Conversation (CBC), but it was Rick Butts' blog post on Transparency: What if I told you the truth? and the public nature of the topic at hand, that lead me to respond to Rick right here - out in the open.
Besides, I have some confessions to make...
Hi Rick,
First, I'll confess to being annoyed with your earlier blog post titled The 12 Biggest Wh*res in Internet Marketing. It wasnt until later that I found out you sent that link via Direct Message to a good number of people on your Twitter account (if not all?) - so initially I assumed it was a direct message to me specifically. Let me just share with you how it transpired on my end (considering we all experienced this topic/discussion from a different frame of reference):
Our readers should know too, that you and I have talked before - both via Direct Message and even on the phone. Only a few times perhaps, but enough so that I felt comfortable confiding in you as a business peer. You were fast making your way into my inner circle (Target 25 as Mark LeBlanc puts it).
I spent the entire weekend reviewing the Traffic Secrets 2.0 transcripts. I got my hands on them late Friday evening, and knowing the launch was set for Tuesday at 11am my time... well, it was crunch time. Before I promoted TS2, I had to know who it was for, just how good it was (or not), and whether it was a good match for my readers.
By the end of the day Monday, I was exhausted. I finally ended my work day around 10pm and settled in for ice cream and a movie with my daughter. A much-needed mental break, and opportunity to wind down before another big day on Tuesday.
Not only was it "launch day" for Traffic Secrets, but I also host a live Webinar on Tuesday mornings - in addition to the other work that I do online. Just to say - as an Internet Marketer and Super Affiliate, I do put in my hours.
Anyway - I have Direct Messages from Twitter set up to text me on my cell phone (which few people know, and I probably shouldnt have said publicly LOL)... so I was not in the best frame of mind when I received your DM that said "I proudly present to you... (link)". That link being to your post about the 12 biggest wh*res. I was tired and ready to wind down, and I took one look at that and got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I fully expected to see my name listed among "the 12" since you messaged me directly. I had no idea the context of that post, but I didnt like the idea of my name on that list in ANY context, given the subject line.
I decided it was best not to let it sit overnight (just in case) - and so I paused the movie, made my apologies, went back to the computer in my home office, and typed in www.rickbutts.com/.....
I'm human. I'm not some automated bot that promotes every single product to hit the IM market. I'm a 35 year old woman, single mother to two kids, with a life and a career. I also very recently had personal conversation with you about where I stood in the IM industry... And so yes, I took your direct message seriously.
I also took it personally once I read it - and for a number of reasons. First, because you sent me the link directly, so I assumed you were directing the comments at me specifically. After all, your post was about affiliates who are promoting Traffic Secrets 2.0 - and I am.
Second, I was disappointed in your post. Which I should note, has gone through some edits since I read it originally - so it no longer states the tidbits that got under my skin so much. Those now-removed tidbits being about the TS2 course specifically.
I take it personally because I actually work hard at what I do. I actually reviewed the product when I wrote about it on my blog. Anyone who goes around spouting misinformation about the product, with such a loud crowd-drawing subject line as you did, just does all us hard-working bloggers a major disservice.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that you "pimped" your opinions much louder and with much less taste than I presented my own content on the topic (my review & recommendation).
Which do you think got more views: your sensationalized off-the-cuff rant, or my well thought out review - written only after investing an entire weekend studying the course for myself? And if any two people read both of our posts (your unedited original post, I should say), in any order, do you not realize it would only make mine look like a well-disguised promotion to carelessly "bleed the pockets" of my readers (as you put it)?
My regular readers know me better than that. And many of them told me that (after reading your post) they didnt at all lump me in that "group" - and that I shouldnt give it a second thought.
At this point, it doesnt matter if I took it "personal". And it doesnt matter if you included me in your unpublished list of marketers or not. The damage is done. Your blog post was the breeding ground for what became a near virtual riot.
And while yes, I do agree that there are major issues in our industry right now, I dont feel as if your tactless blog post was very helpful in turning things around. In fact, it was nothing more than pure link bait in my opinion.
If there's a problem in our industry, lets DO SOMETHING about it. Something productive. Something positive. Let's quit griping and stirring the pot - and start talking about solutions.
True self-starters, and regular ClickNewz readers, already know that is exactly what I have been attempting to do over the last 2 years.
Yes, I am an Internet Marketer, yes I have a mailing list - and yes, I am a "super affiliate" and I earn money promoting other people's products. I even win my share of affiliate prizes - including a 50" LCD TV from Stompernet.
I know that I am not one of the "wh*res" you were referring to in your blog post. I know that. And you know that. And the people who know me best know that as well. But by starting such a big stir without naming any names... you ended up making a blanket statement, and putting a bad taste for ANY marketer in a lot of mouths.
Let's take the fact that I won that shiny new TV as a stompernet affiliate. On the surface, that would ruffle some feathers (feathers of those who are still riled up from your virtual riot). Upon closer inspection, anyone could easily see that I did not promote Stompernet membership directly, and that I won the prize in a random affiliate drawing.
What people may also not realize is that I took out a weekend of my personal time, drove to Atlanta, and attended the last Stompernet event personally. I spent at least $1,000 out of pocket and then put even more time into it all... only to ultimately talk with my readers about it (with full disclosure of my intentions) and share thoughts on it that did not earn me a single penny in commission.
We're not all vultures.
When I pass on recurring Stompernet commissions ($!$!$!) at the best interest of my readers, and then come across a product I do highly recommend for them personally... I dont feel at all guilty saying so. I also dont appreciate someone walking on the scene with no personal experience with that product, and making a big point to devalue it.
I did the ground work. I studied and reviewed TS2, I published that review, I answered questions on the side. I even hosted a 90 minute FREE webinar to open the floor for Q&A and candid discussion on both the product and the promotion.
As I said, your post went through some edits. But the original version was not a very kind reflection on the Traffic Secrets 2.0 product - nor was it at all accurate. I just checked the cached version and here is a snippet that is now missing from your post:
This medium is not static - it changes constantly. I simply cannot imagine a "course" being worth more than a couple hundred bucks - (I have no ideas with Traffic Secrets 2.0 will cost), and further, I cannot imagine it being accurate still by Christmas 2007.
You didnt know the price (which is less than half the price of the original course). You didnt know that it came with lifetime updates and ongoing mastermind/support access. You didnt even know what all it truly covered...
Again, I know you didnt lump ME in your big rant. But do you not see the damage your post caused - or that by not naming names, you ultimately made a blanket statement?
. . .
After giving it much consideration... I decided not to send out a live link on Tuesday when Traffic Secrets 2.0 was officially released. I forfeited a good number of sales with that decision, no doubt.
Even worse, I neglected to tell my readers about the ONE product I truly believe can make a real difference in their quest to start and/or run a successful online business.
I'm not really sweating either of those issues at the moment. Since this is not a "limited time offer", I have plenty of time to make sure that they know it is available - and the value that it holds for them.
You and I are not that different, Rick. We both recognize there are problems in the industry, and that change is imminent. Like I said, I've been calling this one for awhile now. Starting about 2 years ago I began pointing out the obvious upcoming shift. And here we are.
But while you are ranting wildly and without facts, and waving your arms like a mad man... I am busily trying to teach legitimate internet marketing strategies, and discuss the bigger issues: personal responsibility, self-accountability, methods and resources for making the leap into true entrepreneurship.
I rank #1 on Google for "learn internet marketing". I know how to help people make money online. I invest a lot of my personal time trying to make a difference in this industry.
I know where I stand. And I know what I am going to do from this point forward.
Back to you -
I've heard your rants. I've heard what you dont like. Now I want to know what you think about potential solutions. You obviously have some pull, and you have a readership that is well-baited. So now what??
We can either duke it out in an all-out ascii match, or we can work together to help people find some positive resolution... and to finally start making some good money online.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Best,
Also See: Traffic Secrets 2.0 Update
About Lynn Terry
Wow, Lynn. This was a true virtuoso performance -- no pun intended. (There's just not a better word.)
Perception is everything, and the damage is done. I love that you're ready to move forward, work with Rick and make a difference in the IM industry.
You go, girl!
Deb Gallardo
Professional way of handling the Rick Butts situation and I like how you applied the "stroke and spank method." At this point, Rick needs to either "Put up or Shut up."
As you said, he needs to come up with solutions with like-minded folks as yourself. Personally Lynn, you alright with me no matter what folks may say.
Peace,
Maurice
I love this - I recently found your site, and am very impressed with the way you handle yourself. You just secured a long-term reader. Thanks
Lynn,
The other thing (among so many things) that I love about you is that you model the best possible business behavior. This post is a prime example. How you handled the issue with Frank Kern is another.
And while you are never there reaching for our wallets, you promote the content on your site in the absolute best possible way. If someone has a question, chances are you have a blog post on that very topic and you send that person directly to the places for finding the answers. You don't say, "I don't have time to answer you but here, read this article." You do it so well. I never feel that you're brushing anyone off.
In fact, in your webinars, you refer us frequently to content on your site, reminding us that a lot of our questions can be answered right here at clicknewz.com. And what isn't here will probably be at the forum.
I can't tell you how many times someone asked a question at our webinars and you instantly knew you had an article that addressed that. You're the content queen! LOL
Deb Gallardo
Lynn, I for one look forward to hearing what products you recommend on your blog.
I look to you as a resource because I know that you take the time to check out a product thoroughly before you attach your name to it as a recommendation.
You've got character and integrity and you're not afraid to stand up for it. Man I love you for that!
Those of us who follow you regularly (I follow you daily), know that you have our best interests at heart and that you are not trying to use marketing trickery to get us to buy your recommendations.
Thanks for keeping it real Lynn.
Scott Tousignant
http://www.UnstoppableFatLoss.com/blog
Hi Lynn,
Great writing. You are indeed wise beyond your years.
Jim Greene
Thank you for your comments, and for your support on this issue. I know where I stand with you, and I appreciate that very much.
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.
Nicely written and a good example of how to address an issue with integrity, Lynn. I too use affiliate links and after years of going back and forth have decided that as long as I am clear about my relationship with the person, my readers are adults and can make up their own mind about whether or not to click on an affiliate link. Further than that, it's all about being able to look in the mirror and be happy with who you see. Everyone else is noise. 🙂
I think that many underestimate how smart and perceptive the online IM audience really is.
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
Hey Lynn,
Way to Go. Bravo !!
I trust you 100% Lynn...You are some of the 'Very Few' people I follow...I am constantly listening to your podcasts...My entire business model is based on your advise. You are my role model.
Lynn - I'm so proud of the way you handled this - with unfailing proof of the errors made on Rick's part, you again, stood for all the honorable internet marketers. As a member of your weekly webinar, the information you share, freely, openly and honestly is amazing. A lot of others would want to put a price tag on that advice.
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!
Hi Lynn,
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.
Kudos, Lynn, you hit this issue straight on and with finesse!
Thank you so much for the kind words - all of you. I'm sure it goes without saying that it is not easy to work in this field, or to deal with the constant negativity and cynicism associated with what I do. But for all of that I face on a regular basis... I also get to see TRUE success stories.
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 😉
thanks for the post
Thanks for posting such a personal perspective on the situation... not many people would.
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!
Lynn,
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.
Thank you Skip 🙂