Hi folks
Seem’s like my last post hit a raw nerve, and a few people have got the wrong end of the stick, and jumped on the word “sneaky”
My rambling video below explains my situation, but if you don’t have time to watch it then read then here’s a summary. Forced Continuity done badly is sneaky, but Mike is making it perfectly clear what you’re signing up for, and has explained below how easy it is to cancel the repeat billing.
So this means that Mike is not being sneaky, and nothing is being hidden in small print.
Finally I think Tom is right, the actual product for just the shipping and handling is pretty close to “an irristable offer”.
Andrew
Like
this article? Subscribe
to my RSS feed.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Andrew,
As a online marketer for the past 3 years, it took me quite a while to find top-level help to build my business.
I finally found Mike Filsaime.
Now, before anyone judges my motives here, let me say this: I do subscribe to many of Mike’s products and trainings because I find “real value” in them.
That being said, I also subscribe to your information because you have also provided much good value in discussing tough marketing topics such as “how to build buzz for product launches”.
This business is tough enough without talented marketers like yourself launching “character bombs” at others without having all the facts.
I consider this type of behavior wholly irresponsible.
Looking at the many comments by others who posted replies to your blog, whether planned or not, you have succeeded in creating suspicion, company intrigue, probable loss of revenue and defamation of character where none existed before.
Not to mention the loss of valuable information provided at a great price (free) to those who could benefit from it!
I too agree that some marketers are not clearly defining the “recurring billing” aspect of their memberships, but responsible marketers like Mike have tried to “raise the bar” and practice good-faith marketing that allows the consumer to make their own decision about the value provided in the offer & whether or not they want to continue or cancel.
Here’s a short list of a few others who I personally believe are attempting to keep the bar high:
Eben Pagan
Frank Kern
Shawn Casey
Tellman Knudsen
Matt Bacak
Gary Ambrose
Armand Morin
The Faculty at Stompernet
There are others, but I hope you get my point: Be responsible and support, don’t hurt the industry that provides you a comfortable living. If you don’t want to JV then say nothing or solicit reviews from your subscribers “after” the launch to build concensus, not hype.
My grandmother used to say: “If you don’t have anything good to say about someone, then don’t say anything”.
Abraham Lincoln said: “It is best to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”
Anthony Whyms
Moving4ward Marketing
June 5th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Andrew,
I forgot something else my grandmother taught me:
Sincerely apologize to the offended person when you are wrong!
Anthony Whyms
Moving4ward Marketing
June 5th, 2008 at 1:12 am
Good job with your video, Andrew - glad to see you weren’t filming and driving at the same time!
I’ve written a longer response to the other post, but just wanted to let people know in a short version that I’ve been given an advanced copy to review of the report, and already own the other products that are included as bonuses or upsells…
It’s all great stuff that you can take action on.
I’ll be sending my subscribers to http://www.FreeMikeFilsaime.com where they can get a $297 bonus from me when they get Mike’s book shipped to them for the $7.99.
I invite your subscribers to take advantage of my offer as well.
Cheers,
Bob Jenkins
http://www.AskBobTheTeacher.com
June 5th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I think forced continuity is ethically shaky and I believe it can actually damage a person’s reputation substantially if done in a sneaky manner.
As you say, if it is made Very Clear in reasonable size print on the sales page then ok.
There is certainly alot of controversy surrounding this at the moment,
Regards,
Andrew Pearson.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Thanks for the clarification, Andrew. Now I guess it comes down to who has the best bonus pack to offer…
Bob, gonna check yours out right now.
Ross “The Pit Boss”