Open Letter to Ed Shaz and Ed Dale
Dear Ed and Ed and Dan Raine,
I want to officially and clearly apologize to you for the blog post I made in which I mistakenly labeled a Twitter ID as an outsource spammer. I drew my conclusions from observation and inserted my personal bias and opinion without doing adequate research and failed to exercise ethical journalistic principles.
I am truly sorry - and have written the post below as a confessional and hopefully, my lesson learned can help anyone who blogs (or tweets) to avoid my stupid error.
Rick Butts
Journalistic Ethics in Blogging
One of the great risks of writing a blog that a lot of people read is the potential for making a mistake. The way many of my readers are connected by Twitter means that my words can spread as fast as the recent earthquake in California.
This happened Thursday night when I made a post called Twitter Spammer Unmasked. I accused an innocent man of being a spammer based on my observations - and as if it weren't enough to just write about it - I made a video of my observations and conclusions.
I was wrong.
Within an hour I was pounded with the truth - some gentle - some using the "F Word."
Taking down the video, and writing an apology immediately didn't put the fire out. Comments continued to pour in and hit 50+ - some ripping me hard without reading the post - just comments - mostly from people who had never read me.
There were also many comments from regular readers who commended the apology and retraction as fast action and creating a written retraction, humbly asking for forgiveness.
After about an hour of approving these comments it was clear that new visitors didn't know the back story (since the post and video were deleted) and the whole thing became a self-perpetuating source of confusion and anger.
So, I took it down completely - though that link went to a 404 page. (I've had 1521 hits on that link so now I've created a 301 redirect to take anyone who tries to go to that link - to this post.)
In conclusion, I've had to take a long hard look at what I'm doing on this blog.
What I've found is not so pretty. Analyzing failure is essential to breaking through to success. So, if you crash your airplane it's best to stop and figure out what went wrong before rushing out to get in the cockpit of another plane. Especially if you expect other people to fly with you!
Be Careful Little Hands What You Type
Whether we are read by 10 or 10,000 people - our words have the potential to cause hurt feelings, as well as actual monetary damage.
In the future I'm going to be much more careful about the impact of what I write, especially if it implicates any individual person, business, or group.
Some of the stuff I've written like unsubscribing from email lists that bomb you with offers cast an implication on the "launch of the day" when I really had no intention of pointing at them. It gave me occasion to make a side comment which was totally unnecessary - and set people in a tizzy defending a people and businesses I never set out to write about.
If You Aren't Part of the Solution - You Are Part of the Problem
Whining about how some people market has brought me a good deal of traffic but I've gotten the reputation with some people as 1 trick pony who only dredges up controversy as a strategy to make money.
Nothing could be further from the truth - as it has made me zero money. When I did release my Twitter Squeeze product I had people thinking the product was a spoof instead of a real product! So some of my ignorance backfired on me.
What You Can Expect from Me
In my soul searching about this whole thing - I was forced to go back to my internal mission statement, and see how far off of it I have strayed.
Here it is:
Help people. Have fun. Make Money.
In my attempt to help people be more successful, I have gotten off the helpful part into the bitching part.
What you can expect from me in the future is my doing what I can to help you be more successful in online marketing, in your business, and in your personal life and pursuit of the freedom an online business can provide.
I hope that Ed, Ed, and Dan will find this very sincere apology sufficient to at least explain what happened, and eventually to forgive me and let us all move on together toward our common purpose of creating value for others in our business and life.
Sincerely,
Internet Marketing Consultant
Rick Butts
Filed under Social Marketing, World According to Rick by Rick
Comments on Open Letter to Ed Shaz and Ed Dale »
It takes a big person to #1 admit when he's wrong and #2 realize he's gone off the path he set out to follow… But, in saying that I hope that you will continue to post your honest opinions and not pull any punches.
Rick
Self examination is the key to enlightenment and change. Sounds like you have been doing a lot of it lately.
Communication from the heart is what I hear in this post. Keeping it coming from the "internal," as you call it, will never require an apology.
It's the mind that's the trickster. It can steer us in directions we truly don't want to go. The person than can examine actions and intent and offer a post like this will hopefully be forgiven, as this incident was created by you - for you.
It sounds like the lesson has been learned.
What do you say Ed?
Seth Garrisons last blog post..Banned In Beijing - Did I Say Falun Gong?
Thanks Seth and Camy,
A long time ago I learned about "sweeping your own side of the street" and that in the end you have zero control over what goes on across the way.
An observation about this analogy is not just that it is about owning what is yours and learning to let go of what you cannot control - is the idea that our "street" gets dust and dirt that accumulates over time.
Every once in a while we are well served to take a look at our own efforts and results and see what needs to go out in the trash and what gets to stay.
Thanks again for your wonderful comments. I appreciate your support and readership more than you know!
Rick
Glad to see the mission statement. Going to be great reading about the future people you help. Looking forward to being one of them.
I was becoming aware of the jabs in some of your previous posts. Hopefully this issue can be put to rest and we can move on to more productive things like pointing out the great things people are doing across all types of social media.
Thanks Rick, and thanks to all involved.
This is a great blog post. It's not easy to be publicly self-effacing and there are many who can't even do it in private. While I still think it's awful to have to apologize more than once for the same infraction, I admire the job you did on it. This is a heartfelt and self-effacing apology that took guts to post. You obviously think a lot of the people on the receiving end of this to have gone to such lengths to make sure they know how sorry you are.
While the lesson was pretty harsh, I like what you've learned from it. It sounds healthy and I look forward to seeing posts from this refreshed perspective. Plus, you have an exciting tale coming up with Budapest adventure and I wouldn't want to miss it.
Cynthia Clintons last blog post..Listen To Music
Thanks very much Cynthia Paul and Kevin
It's a quiet Saturday and I've not been on Twitter but making videos instead for the TwitterSqueeze customers.
I've made a conscious decision to try to focus on the positive henceforth and look for how to help people first - instead of finding fault.
I've got a fairly messy street of my own,
Rick
Rick ~
I am a follower of Ed, Ed, & Dan, and really didn't know much about you until the post you're apologizing for. I have to say I was a bit taken a back by your "bitching", but was curious to see where it would all go. Kudo's to you to not only retract what you said, but to humble yourself in this way. We all make mistakes, and some of us do it in a very public way. You've jumped up high on my list for this kind of self introspection and humility.
I'm anxious to see what you do next!
Well said and thanks Rick.
An object lesson for us all.
Now it's time to move forward …
"Help people. Have fun. Make Money."
Live long. Live well.
Rick Rakauskas
Fitness Mentor
Now THATS the Rick Butts I know
Ed
Thanks Ed - I really appreciate you taking the time to pop over here…
Rick
Rick — like many have said it DOES take a tremendous amount of courage to look in the mirror and see the "not too pretty" face staring back at you. It takes even MORE courageous to then admit that to yourself and to a Power Greater Than Yourself. And when you finally get to the step where you admit it to you, your Higher Power AND another human being — then you've made it all the way to FREEDOM.
May the freedom you feel and the space you have created thereby allow you to live your TRUE mission to the fullest and Highest Degree possible for all concerned! : )
With blessings of Infinite Love & Gratitude,
Stephanie Bell the Spirit Coach
Congratulations Rick. It's actually what I would expect from you.
Straight ahead and well thought out.
Paul
Hi Rick
Havn't really been keeping up to speed on all that has been going on with this issue but it was hard to miss the fact that there was something up between you and the 30DC gang.
I have been a 30DC groupie since 2006 and have always found Ed and his support team to be of the highest quality in character.
This year I have become a reader of your material and a member of Twitter Squeeze. I would like to support both you and Ed so it breaks my heart when I get the feeling that all is not well between you guy's.
I applaud your effort to admit a mistake and to admit it in a very public way. I know that you have used controversy to create buzz and attract attention to what you are doing.
It is a tool that works, but is truly a two edged sword that can cut deep and leave life long scars if not used in a proper way.
I hope that both you and Ed can take the high ground on this and move on as friends rather than holding the grudge of "I will forgive but I will not forget!" That can become an extra heavy weight to carry through life.
Like I said I didn't chase down all of the gory details of the issue and I really don't want to know them anyway.
I have just noticed the negative vibes of the past few weeks and it makes me very uncomfortable being interested in what both of you have to offer.
Thanks for getting this out in the open and dealing with the issue in a very mature and positive way.
Ed and Dan have both experienced losses (family and friends) recently and frankly it is just not a good thing to carry out a Hatfield's vs the McCoy's type of hair tangle at any time let alone right now.
Hope you both can shake hands and get on with life ready to build each other up rather than tear each other down. We will all benefit from your having a positive attitude rather than being negative towards each other.
The more that we care means the more that we share…
Smiles :o)
Gary
Gary Grays last blog post..Don't Squeeze the Twitter!!!
Well, I am newcomer to this Social set of Internet experts.
Two thing I applaud Rick for Bringing out:
Always be careful about your Sources and what you write, especially in this instant broadcast world.
But at the same time, if you are confident of your position STATE IT
No one ever became a TRUE Leader being politically Correct.
I have ruffled the feather of some of best over the past years, but it never deterred my conviction or the broadcasting of my feelings.
Here is your most Profound Statement in my eyes Rick
Help people. Have fun. Make Money.
I did an Utterz on the very same subject yesterday
http://www.utterz.com/ChuckBartok/profile and look for Having Fun Video.
Keep up the good work and continue to show kleadership.
BTW when you go to Budapest be sure to walk down Bartok Strasse
“Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don't look back at it too long. Mistakes are life's way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come.” Og Mandino 1923-1996
I came back to check how things were going… love these positive and supportive comments!
this is the rick that i first met.
an encourager - helper - & friend.
i appreciate your heart man! i really do!
alejandro
Alejandro Reyess last blog post..Win A Trip to Joel Comm’s Office In Colorado
Bonjour Rick!
As Jack Handey would say:
"It takes a big man to cry,
but it takes a bigger man
to laugh at that man."
And because of all this drama,
I got to "discover" you…which
is a positive outcome, right?
So pleased to meet you, new
internet acquaintance. And
kudos for being so "human."
Big hugs always,
Mudd a.k.a. Oza
xoxo
Oza Meilleurs last blog post..Thinking…
Wow, I am speechless. All of you, Every single one! Guys I am new in this field, I've been doing this for less then two years and have very little scholastic education(if I even stated that right.) But one thing I have learned in life is to be able to realize, the good and bad character of people.
Are you guys all drunks? Because I have never seen a bunch of people come together, support and encourage one another like you guys have. Only in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (of which I am a proud member)have I seen people have a sincere, honest and honorable intentions towards one another . All of you guys & gals that have been involved with this little event, Not only Rick the man that has proved to be a man of integrity. But all of you who have responded also, have shown me what a great bunch of people I have stumbled upon. Talk about being at the right place at the right time.
I have been told to stick with the winners and lose the losers. I have come upon a bunch or winners and my only concern is, That I hope you guys will welcome me in as a friend. This whole thing has inspired me in a very positive way and I thank you all. JosepDiego New York
JosephDiego Lopez/Diamantes last blog post..Go with what you already know. It’s an inside Job.
Rick you made a mistake - you apologised.
Which in my eyes makes you a decent man.
Susanne Fs last blog post..Avocado Oil in Skin Care
Waking up and reading your comments here is like going to the mailbox and getting the coolest cards from friends!
It's unexpected and each one is like a clever and touching little present I get to unwrap.
I'm surprised (though I guess I shouldn't be) at the 100% positiveness of your words. Perhaps I expected to continue to catch heat. Glad this seems to be fading.
Sincerely,
Rick
Yes Joseph
This is an amazing community. I wrote this about Rick and this community June
"I also resonate with anyone who says what they truly feel without concern for political correctness. Rick Butts is a prime example of a person who practices what I call, speaking from the heart. With the new human there will be no more secrets. Openness and transparency are attributes of human behavior in the new age."
This still holds true today.
Rest of the post Internet Marketers
Seth
Seth Garrisons last blog post..Banned In Beijing - Did I Say Falun Gong?
Wait, Wait… what happened? im confused!!!
You're not out of this Butts!
Someday the kids and I are going to roll up
on your front lawn in a giant Winnebago and eat you out of house and home!
I've always wanted to see Colorado.
[You have my phone number]
Only Good Health to You,
Ed
(PS- I must thank the volume and caliber
of folks who vouched for my integrity.
Humbling indeed.)
Hey Ed -
I'll just put the leaf in the table and double up on the groceries. 4 boys can eat a LOT I'll bet!
Best wishes to you and everyone in the 30DC.
What is really great about that program is that someone who knows how to make a lot of money online (Ed Dale and Dan Raine) is taking a LOT of time to teach people how to do it from scratch.
This industry has been lacking a truly great fundamentals and business strategy stesp course for a loooooong time.
Rick
What a great and wonderful thing that's happened here! I love it!!
Lisa Marie Marys last blog post..3 Days Left of Freedom
I was moved by some of the comments here to embellish this post with the Don Henley / Eagles video "The End of the Innocence."
If you have already read the post - I invite you to enjoy the video.
Rick
This is what I love most about men.
They can "fight" and "argue" and then make up and be best friends in like - 2 seconds flat!
I don't know why men always get such a bad rap b/c this is SUCH a great quality - esp the mixture of admission when you're wrong = uber powerful (and very sexy if I may add…) If men only knew how much more we love them when they apologize for a mistake. I think more would do it. Don't you?
Too often I see women have a disagreement and then take it personally & never speak again. I don't often see men do this. Am I alone in this observation? Because I really think women can learn from men in this area.
Rick - I love this post from you the MOST! It's the Rick I know & love. When someone really takes the time to get to know you, they'd see "the real you" and not judge you based on a few posts where you go pickin on my friends.
I also love how you don't pull any punches either. So with a little research behind your posts & this self-reflection, you're going to be all the better for it - along with all your loyal readers.
btw: when you do pick on my friends (i.e. Ross Goldberg) I have enjoyed watching them AND their loyal, raving fans come to their support. and THAT is a beautiful thing to see. Ross handled it with such maturity and he says he grew from your feedback. SO cool to see…
and again… this is what I love about men… your ability to grow, improve, reflect & become stronger from the experience - not to mention deepen your bonds with one another… as opposed to losing a friendship over it.
Women - let's take lessons!
Rick - you get to join me in our "no boyz allowed" LIVE broadcast tomorrow. I'm sending invites out to my subscribers once I'm done procrastinating over here on YOUR blog! LOL
May I share this experience with the ladies who join me @
http://iDebi.TV ?
Rick,
It is interesting how things work together for good, some would call it karma. I choose to acknowledge my higher power.
I wrote this post today - http://davidpfitch.com/?p=12.
I commend you for doing all that you can to avert the event from happening again. Read the post it will make more sense.
Thanks for your leadership by example.
God's Peace,
David
David Fitchs last blog post..hisgrace: Sunday is a new day - Wake Up!: It is easy to get complacent with most anything, your job, your mate, yo.. http://tinyurl.com/6264g4
Wow Rick that was a great post and I'm glad to see the real Rick I know come shining through. Stay positive.
Cheers.
Great music video clip. You better put it all behind you life goes on than let it eat you up inside. Good luck to you. You'll be just fine now.
Wow, talk about being a big man.
What you did took a lot of courage. Thanks for posting.
And what's funny, is that by confronting your own issues, you - in an interesting way - liberate others by helping them to do the same.
Thanks, Rick.
Deontee…
Your comment is one of the most touching I've read here. Thanks for suggesting that this was in some way helpful to others.
Best to you and thanks for dropping by!
Rick
Hi Rick,
great post lets face it we are all in constant state of change sometimes those states we identify with as they match with our own view of our selves, some states we do not like quite so much, however they are all part of us. And if anyone who judged you has never said something they regretted then they can quite happily throw the first stone!
Its not to say we can not learn valuable lessons from our experiences and this seems to be the case with your self.
Also nice to see the post from Ed