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I Am Joe's Email List – An Open Letter To Internet Marketers

By Rick on Jul 15, 2008 in Internet Marketing, Social Media, World According to Rick

I am joes emai list open letter to internet marketersHi,

I am Joe’s email list.

Joe calls me his list, his peeps, and sometimes just “the list.”

But, I am not a list, really, I am not a crowd, or an audience. I am not “everyone out there” as they teach new broadcasters to say.

I am me.

One single person with hopes, dreams, stresses and fears.

In many ways I am just like you – the way you describe yourself in your hungry years before you went to that life changing event, read the book, and started making money online.

I get email from you Joe.

I can’t remember for sure, but I think I “joined” one day when you offered a free report or video and I had to put my email address in – and confirm – in order to see it.

In my inbox, Joe, your email looks just like the personal emails I get from my daughter or son, and sometimes, sadly, from my ex.

Now that you’ve been sending me email – as well as some of your “good friends” – I have begun to be able to see in a glance that they are just offers, sometimes disguised as important messages, sometimes blatantly, not.

Whenever I see the word “this” in your subject lines, like – “this won’t last long” – or “have you seen this?” I know it’s an offer.

Since the Product Launch Formula I and especially II – I’m amazed at how many times per month I am literally inundated with emails from so many people all about the same exciting product.

They arrive over multiple days, culminating in a bonus orgy that is just overwhelming.

I read a clever post in a forum once, that “the bonuses are so comprehensive, it makes me wonder what is covered in the course, that is not already covered in the bonuses!”

That made me laugh.

I’m writing you today, to share something important about myself – and I hope you’ll take the time to consider my feelings, ok?

I have to get off of some of these lists.

The volume of email and the distraction of chasing the offers is just crippling my time, my focus, and my ability to get things done.

When Rick Butts asked his readers to consider unsubscribing from the people who sent you Stompernet Launch offers IF they had not provided any useful content in the last month – he really got me thinking.

Then Ed Dale made a video saying, basically, that no one is holding a gun to your head and that if you wanted to stop getting offers – stop bitching – and just unsubscribe.

But here’s the deal. I’d LIKE to learn from you Joe – and to be able to know that being on “your list” is valuable to me, my business, and my future.

So, please don’t think me a big whiner, I’m a customer, and here’s what I respectfully request:

1. Slow down the frequency of mailing to me, Joe.

Do not email me every day – that’s just way too much now.

2. Don’t mail me offers all the time.

I’m reading a lot more RSS feeds from bloggers who are putting out great content. If you are using Feedburner or Feedblitz or Aweber’s blog notification service that mails me when you update your blog – then, cool. I’m good with that.

3. If you do mail me an offer PLEASE don’t cut and paste the pre-written one from the creator of the product.
Do you know how stupid that makes you look to me? And, how insulting it is to get them from multiple people?

4. Try giving me some TRUTHINESS in your communiques to me.
If you are really making money in the non-marketing-to-Internet-marketers, then tell me some useful tips that are working for you. No, you don’t need to tell me your market niche but hey, every once in a while how about your show me how valuable I am to you buy sharing one of those SECRETS?

5. Show me some stuff that made less than $1,000,000.00.
I’d be immensely interested in real world examples of success I can get my head around. I’m never going to build a big list of “biz-op” peeps and hammer them with a big JV launch. Show me how I can make $500 a week – then be able to replace my income and quit my skank job.

6. Stop bragging about your zero-gravity dives and how you are spending my money in outrageous ways.
Trust me, this is a lot more fun for you, then it is for me to read about it. You may excuse it as “inspirational” but I dont’ even think that works in MLM anymore. It just annoys me. A little “high life” goes a long way and I’m more impressed by how Internet marketing lets you enjoy your family.

7. Please, please, please, for the love of God, stop participating in these dreadful launches!
Let me believe you are successful enough without having to bend over and schlup me and the rest of my list mates through your embarrassing attempt to get me to “buy from you” and help you win a contest.

The reason Rick Butts wrote about the 12 Biggest Whores, without naming anyone, is that we have all watched the emergence of about that many well known marketers who cross-promote each others stuff so regularly it is hard to imagine that they do anything else.

I think that gives you a pretty good idea of the kind of things that would make getting email from you valuable again – and persuade me not to unsubscribe from you forever.

Final thought…

The blowback from the “unsubscribe” and “launch fatigue” has been to accuse me and my list mates, the little people, of being whiners.

And while there is no shortage of whiners in the world, I want you to know that from the bottom of my heart – I am pleading with you to not dismiss me so easily.

What most of us really want is for you to provide us with value, treat us like a long term relationship, and we will, certainly reward you for helping us get to the next level.

Now back to check my email, I think there’s a Traffic Secrets 2.0 launch today?

Sincerely,
Joes List

REPRINT RIGHTS: You have unlimited reprint rights for this article. You may email it, post to your blog, use as an article, or part of a special report or ebook. Simply retain me as the author and a link to RickButts.com

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  1. 74 Comment(s)

  2. By Michelle MacPhearson on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Lots to be learned here, if you’ve got a list. Treat your subscribes as above, and you’ll stand out from the crowd (and rightly so).

    Michelle MacPhearsons last blog post..Part 2 – Coming Soon!

  3. By Tim Welch on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks so much Rick, that was beautiful! Network and business is about building relationships. I was chatting one on one with one of my newsletter subscribers the other day, and it reminds me of what you just wrote here…. He said, Tim, your e-mails make me FEEL like you are talking to just me and no one else.

    When you can do that, when you can build people, your business builds itself.

    Thank you,

    Tim Welch

  4. By Ben Cope on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    I wholeheartedly agree! That’s why I’m subscribed to your list Rick, and look forward to getting your emails! =)

    Ben Copes last blog post..Are Video Sales Letters the “Next Big Thing” in Marketing?

  5. By Kim Harrison on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Oooh…think you started another one Rick! Except maybe you are insulting the whores? They are usually women, and at least you know what you’re getting.

    (Just kidding; well, mostly-sorta.)

  6. By Chuck Bartok on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Hooray again for Rick!

    I just sent another young Guru back his solicitation letter regarding this Overblown, Overpriced New product from some “Million Dollar” Wizard. (what happened to the last Milion Dollars?)

    I guess if Every Tom Dick and Harry sends me letter about
    it, it has to GOOD.

    But they didn’t even take the time to find out if I was in the market for such information, since most of it is available for FREE all over the Internet.

    Again Thank you Rick Butts for your candor and sense of Humor.
    Continued Success. With your method and attitude, it is a Slam Dunk

  7. By Lori Osterberg on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Wow, what a powerful post. This should definitely make people think before the hit the send button. Sometimes I feel like I have to get my newsletter out – let’s just throw something together. But then I take a step back and ask, “is this of real value to someone who gets it?” If you can’t say yes, don’t send it. We’re all getting way too much email – make it of value.

    Lori Osterbergs last blog post..Books on Demand

  8. By Wart Remover on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Very nice. I run a list and am guilty of not thinking about my subscribers as real people. “Subscribers” just sounds so dirty now… after reading this.

    they’re people. very cool.

  9. By Bob Cotto on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Rick,
    Thanks so much for expressing what so many of us have been thinking.
    I really appreciate your perspective and honesty.
    Bob

  10. By Steve Markowski on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Hey Rick -

    Super.

    OK with you if I print this and snailmail it to some of my favorite gurus?

    Steve Markowskis last blog post..Rick Butts Bitch Slaps Product Launch

  11. By Lorraine Grula on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    THAT was beautiful.

    That summed it up well without getting sidetracked on issues that are not the real point. It’s NOT about John Reese or his product. Just like it was not about Stompernet in the last go-round.

    It’s about an avalanche of hype. Fatigue with being marketed to. Asking marketers to remember that TEACHER should be as big a part of their job title as marketer.

    I unsubscribed from the 10 zillions lists I was on a LONG TIME AGO. I do not miss anything. I listen to “gurus” who teach. I love them!

    Lorraine Grulas last blog post..Revver.Com: A Video Sharing Site That Shares the Profits Too.

  12. By Fred Hopkins on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Let the church say, AMEN!

    I respect John Reese immensely but I think that I have gotten at least 150 email on this launch in the last few days! I’ll be going through another round of unsubscribes this week due to all the unnecessary hype. I am tired of getting emailed about the same thing over and over and over. . .

  13. By Seth Garrison on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    It’s kinda of sad isn’t it. I’m feeling for Joe or is it I am Joe.

    Rick , you’ve really put it in a nutshell this time. Even the “whores” as you call them (or like someone else said “pimps” which may be more accurate) must be able to see this.

    Is it the herd mentality that we humans seem to gravitate to or is it that everyone needs to keep promoting with the motive of getting it returned when their own product is launched? Or is it the money? It’s gotta be more than the money.

    And why does Joe keep talking about this?

    Seth Garrisons last blog post..Higher Self – Channelling – New Age Words Demystified

  14. By Mitch Powell on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks, Rick -

    Your e-mail sending me here to read your post was right on. In it, right at the top, you said:

    “…what I believe to be one of the most important articles I’ve ever written…”

    And I think you’re right. Yes, some of us are too young to remember the Reader’s Digest series, but not me. I picked up on it right from the subject header and I’m glad I came here to read this entry.

    It’s EXACTLY how I feel and yes, I have been weeding out those marketers guilty of what you mention.

    I like to subscribe to so many lists, because of many reasons. I entertain the notion that someday I’ll actually have the savvy to write quality reviews about all the trends and latest product launches and so on, and so i like to keep up on what everyone is doing. It can be hard to write honest reviews for fear of stepping on someone’s toes, but i’m finally beginning to learn (from you) that they need their toes stepped on if only to give their egos and attitudes a little tweak.

    Thank you again. You’re right – this may well be one of the most important articles you’ve ever written.

    Mitch
    TheSmartestThingToDo

  15. By Ruth on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Ahhh, it feels like I have been cleansed! Lovely…

    These launches and offers are becoming so see through that they are not even funny anymore (they were at one time)

    One more thing, I am NOT your friend (you don’t know me) and I am absolutely not your family…so, let’s leave those two ways to address me out of the picture altogether.

    Friendships can be fostered, but not subscribed to!

    Great post,

  16. By Marian on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Rick, good, useful and entertaining read! :-)

    I agree! Thanks.

  17. By Carol Ann Wiley on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Wow, I wish that I had written this email to send to my list; but wait my family and friends wouldn’t know what I was talking about. No list, you see. However, if I have opted-in with my name and email and gotten on someone else’s list; does that automatically put them on my list?

    I could so identify with “Joe”. Love the way you shake things up.

  18. By Kevin Reid on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    And here I had thought something might have happened to you (no posts for several days).

    You’ve expressed yourself well – but I think you’re going to get labeled a whiner on this one. In relationships, you sometimes have to take the bad with the good. If you’re not getting any ‘good’ anymore by being on the list (no learning), then unsubscribe.

    Otherwise – just take the offers as your ‘tuition’ for learning. Or ignore them.

    And wow – you have really excelled at link bait!

    Kevin Reids last blog post..Track Online Results or Pray?

  19. By Jayson on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Did I smell Yanik in that dive comment? I agree Rick. I am new to your stuff but in the scene for a while…. I can’t help but sense that you are talkin some smack to these other IM gurus…. is that what I get out of it? I see that you are sick of the same things we all are…… Do you have some friends in the IM world if you lay smack to these others or are you not really concerned…… BTW im just asking with my above questions… and I LOVE you good wholesome content..

  20. By Lisa Hartwell on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Rick, after visiting your blog a few times you were starting to p**s me off just a tad – your views being a little extreme for my liking and often opposed to my own.

    But with this post you have redeemed yourself (not that this was your intention, I’m sure) ;)

    This was extremely well written and thought out. I personally don’t mind marketers promoting other people’s product launches (with affiliate links) but I do resent it if those are the only emails I ever receive from them (a quick unsubscribe from their list usually follows). I also prefer to see some evidence that the marketer has had some experience with the new product or its creator and is not just promoting it for promotions sake (or affiliate payouts sake). I think John Reese actually lessened the backlash over his launch by giving his main affiliates copies of the product to review, so they could speak with authority – good move!

    The marketers whose lists I remain on are those that offer value and make an attempt to create some kind of relationship with me through their emails.

    Thanks again for the post,

    Lisa

    P.S. You did make me chuckle with the “zero gravity dives” comment :)

    Lisa Hartwells last blog post..Ginormous Google Keywords News

  21. By Yvonne Lyon on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    I really don’t want to touch this with a 10′ pole so I’ll get about 9′ closer so I can see the screen…

    I am wholeheartedly in love with this article.

    If you are trying to sell me something in your email, that is fine, I am on your list and your list is what brings in the money (for those who use lists to earn) but don’t try to sell me something with every email! I fully expect a few links in the sig line of every email (smart marketing) but I want some real content – I want to learn from you!

    I grabbed the free report to Learn from you. And I would like some more of the same in the emails you send out. And I am not whining either…just stating good sound advice that tells you to focus on relationships and build a list that relies on your emails to help us.

    Then we will take the time to visit your blog (you do have a blog don’t you?), get to know you more, and buy your products (or a product you recommend through your aff link) because we loooove and trust you to shower us with awesome info and we have learned to trust your judgment.

    Suffice to say that I agree with your post Rick and I apologize in advance for composing it towards the other marketers who are bound to read it :)

    Kudos to you,

  22. By Jeff Smith on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    AMEN!!!

    I think I received 50 emails on the Jon Reese launch. I’m going to print them all out just to look at all the bs.

    Making money on the Internet is fun but everyone needs to slow down and look at their lists.

    Great post.
    Jeff.

  23. By Kathy on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    I could not have said it better myself.
    I now look at what their past 3 months
    emails said and if they were all sell,
    sell,sell…I unsubscribe. I can’t take it
    any longer.
    I’m not sure when this got so out of hand.
    I wonder if “they” stop to think when you
    buy their xyz product that it does not
    authorize them to email you 10 other
    offers? I think that is called spam.

    Kathys last blog post..Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Own Affiliate Program Today – Promotion World (press release)

  24. By Richard on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    “5. Show me some stuff that made less than $1,000,000.00.
    I’d be immensely interested in real world examples of success I can get my head around. I’m never going to build a big list of “biz-op” peeps and hammer them with a big JV launch. Show me how I can make $500 a week – then be able to replace my income and quit my skank job.

    Amen brother.

  25. By Cassie on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    This is exactly why I don’t jump on the huge launch bandwagon like so many others. There are a few people promoting a certain product launching today who are doing it with class and honesty (Alice Seba for one) and I don’t mind reading their emails. But the rest of them need to read this.

    The likes of Alice, Lynn Terry, etc. don’t make me feel like an idiot when I read their reviews or promotions of products, but most of the other ones do. It’s like they honestly think I’m lower than them. Maybe that’s just me being a whiner, but I can’t help the way some of their emails make me feel.

    I’m an internet marketer myself, and I don’t mind being “sold to”, but I don’t like being treated like a list. There are human beings on the other end of it. I think a lot of marketers forget that.

    Cassies last blog post..Thwirl versus TweetDeck

  26. By Bob Keyser on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Joe

    You are very astute. Almost as astute as Rick Butts (Rick, astute is not a bad word). With the exception of the names, 95% of all the email that clogs our inbox on a daily basis, from the IM gurus, is pure BULLSHIT.

    Bob

  27. By Jeff on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Amen

  28. By Brennan Kingsland on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Howdya know my nickname was “Joe”?

    Brennan Kingslands last blog post..Best Parenting Post of the Day!

  29. By Marcus Patterson on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    I like the zero gravity dive/extreme sport emails!

  30. By Gary C. on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Once in a while I send a note to a marketer about his over-abundance of e-mails. Yes, I also send them a note to wake them up when they are pushing something I just asked a refund for last week, because it was a piece of junk.

    I actually ask them if they have read this piece of junk and if they bought it before presenting it to me. If every soul on the so-called list would write a note to a marketer when the marketer’s autoresponder spits out an e-mail, I bet the marketer would slow down. Just because I do not have the time to do that, I just pull a Rick Butts on them and unsubscribe.

    I once received about 300 e-mail a day and many were pushing the exact same thing, with the exact same sales letter, offered at a price that was not much different. Greed has no imagination Rick. It always appears stupid with the same copy-cat copy. I am improving because of Dr. Butts. I have only received 50 today and it is 3:00 P.M. I know, I know but I am still going through withdrawal pains.

    How much money do theses gals and guys think we have? This is Tuesday and there have been 6 major launches this week already. Well I should not expect any thing better because whores, pimps and the greed for money go together.

    I wonder how much more of these type of tactics this industry will stand before it crumbles like Rome? Will our industry burn? Anyone want a greedy marketer on a bun?

  31. By Andy Renk on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Great article! Amen!

  32. By Rick on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    AMEN!

    I’m getting so many AMENs on this post that I’m thinking about starting an Internet marketing church.

    Of course, the whole liturgical/systematic theology setup would be a mess – but it sure worked for L. Ron Hubbard!

    The good news is – I feel I’ve struck a chord with my readers and nearly everyone – even people with mailing lists they market to – are getting some value from the ideas.

    I am humbled,
    Rick

  33. By Mari Smith on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Sheer brilliance, Joe… I mean Rick. ;)

    One of my pet peeves is to be addressed as a multiple. We all read messages 1:1. It’s the same as if I’m sitting down having a chat over a cuppa with you.

    In fact, the best platform speakers address their audience one person at a time (a secret to appeasing stage fright. lol.). We can only really talk to people one at a time… even if there are hundreds or thousands of “us.” And, we all love to feel special and important.

    I like to pull in the first name code several times broadcasts. I like to imagine I’m sitting down for individual chats with every person who’s chosen to entrust me with their email address.

    I’m really feeling this shift more and more every day between blast marketing and relationship marketing. ;)

    Cheers,
    Mari
    @marismith

    Mari Smiths last blog post..How Do I Make Money On Facebook? – Is The Wrong Question

  34. By Rick on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    REPRINT RIGHTS!

    I just added reprint rights to this article.

    You have my permission to use this content in an email, blog post, pdf, or article.

    Just be sure to include my name is author and a link to http://RickButts.com/

    Rick

  35. By Lowell on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Rick/Joe,

    Fabulous. Great. Wonderful. All time classic.

    Deserves to be reprinted everywhere!

    Lowell

    Lowells last blog post..Web Traffic Yes – John Reese No

  36. By Martin Wales - Launch 'Survivor' on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Reverend Rick,

    Forgive me Internet Marketing Church leader…

    It’s been 7 email broadcasts since my last List Confession.

    While not guilty of promoting every launch under the sun, I did sneek an email out about John Reese’s Traffic Secrets 2.0. His honest desire to educate, good looks and marketing charm bedazzled me. Forgive me!

    I do feel that I’ve let my friends down however (who’ve asked to hear from me) by not connecting with them more often and more deeply.

    I only mail periodically when something important needs to be said but I liked one of the posts above that reminded me that I’m a ‘teacher.’ People want direction and leadership, not the next latest greatest, quick fix of fortune and fantasy.

    My first career was as a high school teacher and I got the most rewarding feelings from having someone enlightened and say, “OH….NOW…I get it!”

    As penance, you’ll probably request me to do 10 Carpe Diems and post more FREE stuff. So I’ve started already at http://www.YouTube.com/CustomerCatcher with 20+ Tips and Insights.

    Peace be with you Pastor Of Email Posters,

    Martin :-)

    http://www.MartinWales.com
    http://www.CustomerCatcher.com
    http://www.RadioTalkShowHost.com

  37. By Martin Wales - Launch 'Survivor' on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Reverend Rick,

    Forgive me Internet Marketing Church leader…

    It’s been 7 email broadcasts since my last List Confession.

    While not guilty of promoting every launch under the sun, I did sneek an email out about John Reese’s Traffic Secrets 2.0. His honest desire to educate, good looks and marketing charm bedazzled me. Forgive me!

    I do feel that I’ve let my friends down however (who’ve asked to hear from me) by not connecting with them more often and more deeply.

    I only mail periodically when something important needs to be said but I liked one of the posts above that reminded me that I’m a ‘teacher.’ People want direction and leadership, not the next latest greatest, quick fix of fortune and fantasy.

    My first career was as a high school teacher and I got the most rewarding feelings from having someone enlightened and say, “OH….NOW…I get it!”

    As penance, you’ll probably request me to do 10 Carpe Diems and post more FREE stuff. So I’ve started already at http://www.YouTube.com/CustomerCatcher with 20+ Tips and Insights.

    Peace be with you Pastor Of Email Posters,

    Martin :-)

    http://www.MartinWales.com
    http://www.CustomerCatcher.com
    http://www.RadioTalkShowHost.com

  38. By Jim Sainsbury on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    10 Cheers for you Rick..You said it the way it had to be said. Launches come and go weekly.

    Just once I’d like them to pick me as they have my email anyway and put there launch to the test first. Not someone who already has made it on the net.

    Nah that would be to frightful for the guru’s to ever undertake…Gee they’d have to make it work!!!

    But if they are reading this I am waiting….

    sainsbury1@gmail.com if you care to write me

    Thanks again for a great article Rick..

    Jim

  39. By Warner Carter on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Right on Rick. I have been dumping email subscriptions for weeks and will continue. If they do not provide useful information much more often than offers then asta la vista baby. Syinora. chow. arividerchi. we’ll call you. have a nice day. good riddence.

    My email box is a privilege.

    I smell shrinking lists, reminds me of springtime.

    Warner Carters last blog post..How to get more free search traffic

  40. By Ben on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply

    Good one Rick, loved Joe’s email. Great advice for one and all especially for newbies starting out.

    On the outside looking in.:=)

  41. By Mari Smith on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Hey Rev. Rick,

    Another area for mass messaging – Facebook Groups and Facebook Fan Pages Updates. I just read an Update from an IMer that starts out “Hey Gang” UGH!!!!! Puhleaze – I am not a member of a gang, never have been, never will be. I swear, much as this guy is a sharp marketer, the message almost made me unfan the Page. lol

    Cheers,
    Mari
    @marismith

    Mari Smiths last blog post..Facebook Event Invitations – Unsubscribe Option?

  42. By Jack Humphrey on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Brilliant Rick. Not that I don’t care what the targets of this post do with the information. But the education here for up and coming marketers is p-r-i-c-e-l-e-s-s!

    You just spelled out what one needs to do to be relevant, have a solid, healthy list of FANS, and build a thriving business.

  43. By Gary Gray on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Rick

    Like a single light bulb shining in a world of darkness…

    Butt maybe that is the topic for a different blog post. (cool)

    Interesting approach Rick but it appears to be VERY effective.

    Thanks and keep posting… I’ll catch you when I can. Right now it’s back to the beach with this awesome weather here on my Hidden Island Paradise.

    Smiles :0)

    Gary

    Gary Grays last blog post..garydotgray: Check out my new post on my "Location Independent Living Now" blog…Subject "Brain Rules" http://snurl.com/298df

  44. By Rick on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    I’ve just finished reading the 41 comments on “I Am Joe’s List” article.

    Each of you has taken the time to write something clever and I’m really impressed with the creativity you showed.

    Usually you see comments on blogs with a quick quip or some type of affirmation or disagreement to the post, but some of you all have written little mini-blog posts yourselves!

    I’m hoping that, at least in part, you were inspired by the reflective tone of “I am Joe’s Email List” and in that moment you got more creative yourself.

    (see me sucking up some credit there? LOL)

    All the same I am profoundly grateful for your poignant and clever words – and for the fact that my rss/email subscriber numbers went up more than 250 in 48 hours.

    Now you’ve got me thinking now to take my own work to the next level – and what message this all is sending to me.

    Gratefully,
    Rick

  45. By Caroline Middlebrook on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Does that mean you’re not going to promote my course for me? Bummer :p

    Seriously, I agree but its also tricky. I think because we are in the IM niche and there are key players, many people are now on several lists of those guys and because they all follow PLF to the letter you can almost plot out exactly what emails you’re going to get and when.

    But on the other hand, affiliate marketing is lucrative. I think the key is to be unique in your marketing. I wrote about this recently on my blog and of all those things you mention above I think the worst crime is using the copy-and-paste promotional emails!

    Caroline Middlebrooks last blog post..Stumble Rush Price Increases and Affiliate Program Launches Tomorrow

  46. By Paul Sanderson on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Spot on Rick!!!

    I have a full email box everyday from the usual suspects and have to actually search for anything useful in it all – they are all the same. I have unsubscribed from at least a dozen lists in the past couple of days. I hope these ‘gurus’ start to getting the message soon.

  47. By Warner Carter on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    How did most of us get on a mailing list? We ere offered some information we thought was useful.

    So if the marketer who got me to join his list no longer offers useful information then he failed in keeping the agreement.

    The lesson is for marketers, especially information marketers. You agreed to provide information of value in exchange for access to my attention.

    Warner Carters last blog post..How to get more free search traffic

  48. By Alejandro Reyes on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    GREAT GREAT post Rick. You’re right on here partner & that’s why people love ya.

    I appreciate you man and look forward to more great & insightful posts.

    Be blessed my friend!

    Alejandro Reyess last blog post..Protected: SMR

  49. By Rick on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks Alejandro & Paul – and everyone who commented here.

    It’s really interesting that this post and the previous one on the 12 Biggest Whores in IM is still getting comments.

    Rick

  50. By Mindy Koch on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Things I would like to add on as a p.s. to this letter..

    PS. Joe, you and I both know that if most of the products you are pimping, uh, marketing were printed and sold in Barnes and Noble, they would be priced the same as hardcover book.

    And that most of these products are less than 20 pages long. That is pretty much a leaflet. Pamphlet. Not a book. Certainly not a book that folks would pay $29.99 for. So, really, Joe… get your head off the internet and look around a bookstore once in a while. See those books that have hundreds of pages… are you SURE your products have enough valuable and original content for them to be priced as high as they are?

    Just a thought Joe. I am off to the library to get me some of those books for free.

    Mindy Kochs last blog post..@Rick_Butts I really enjoyed your "what if I told you the truth" blog post. Fantastically honest and personable. Another great post! (via Twitter)

  51. By Dr. Dana Myatt on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Marlon rocks, there’s no doubt about it in my mind!

    I think Marlon is one of the few “honest gurus” who isn’t in a “click” of marketers. (If he IS in a ckick, he’s probably on the poopie-list for pointing out the “insiders scams”). And Marlon… that makes me feel like you care about ME more than you care about being popular (and making money from) the guru’s inner circle.

    Thanks for being straight-up!

    Doc Myatt

  52. By Dr. Dana Myatt on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Please tell me where to find your instructions about how to get my icon (or picutre) in my posts? I know you did a post on it once but I can’t find it… (Dammit Marlon, I’m a doctor, not a web geek!)…;-)

  53. By Rick on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

    Hey Dana – thanks for reminding me. I was going to post this again because so many people don’t have an icon showing up for their blog posts.

    (Usually because even if they DO have a favicon – it is attached to a different email address than they used to comment).

    Here’s the post!
    http://rickbutts.com/246/gravatarscom-how-to-get-your-picture-on-lots-of-blogs/

  54. By Gary C. on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    Hello again Rick,

    One question please. What is going on? I know the article on Joe’s e-mail list was great but what gives.

    Lately my e-mail box is crammed full of e-mails form some guy named Rick Butts! Is this a copy-cat or is it truly you? Are you trying to join the ranks of the scuzzy Gurus? Is this a big lesson or joke on all of us?

    Should I unsubscribe to your list to get you to stop? Just kidding, I’m not. Pretty please, knock it off.:>)

    I like you and your information but this is so unlike you that I am beginning to wonder if your record player needle (remember those?)is stuck.

    Keep the good stuff coming. Its time for a new song. I will stay subscribed and hope that you will return to e-mails of value.:0) Thanks Rick!

  55. By Rick on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    Gary,

    I’m not sure what you are talking about.

    The only list I use is one that notifies subscribers when new content is posted here?

    I’m sure as heck not mailing offers.

  56. By Kim Harrison on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    I think Gary needs to just unsubscribe to the comments.

  57. By Rick on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    Thank you to Kim Harrison

    To EVERYONE…

    Comment notifications are sent auto-magically – I’m not bombarding you with email.

    One of the cool features of blogging – for helping people participate in the discussions.

    You can stop getting these email updates on a per post basis by following the link at the bottom of the email notification post.

    Thanks,
    Rick

  58. By Ryan Healy on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    Rick – Great post. My favorite excerpt from your article (because I’m a copywriting nerd)…

    Whenever I see the word “this” in your subject lines, like – “this won’t last long” – or “have you seen this?” I know it’s an offer.

    Ryan Healys last blog post..What Is Hype?

  59. By Rick on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    Hey Ryan – yeah the word “this” is a dead giveaway. It’s shorthand for “I don’t have enough room in the subject line to describe the offer – so I’ll bait you with a vague pronoun to get you to open the email.”

    I’m looking at some meeting space over at Belleview and I-25 by Pappadeaux for us to have a Colorado meetup of profit minded Internet marketers here in Denver.

    Talk soon, Rick

  60. By Gary C. on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    Rick,

    I apologize! Now I understand the numerous e-mails.
    Thanks for explaining it. Go for it.

    It is nice to see your e-mail about Joe’s list become a classic of what needs to be corrected. I hope it wakes up a sleeping and obtrusive Giant!

  61. By Vicki Flaugher on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply

    Rick,

    Over the last several months, I too have been slowly unsubscribing from email lists, mostly for the perpetual pitch (with no other value add info ever) and also aggressive techniques. I buy lots of stuff, but very very little of it is impulsive items that cost thousands of dollars. I’m a bit of a researcher and I like to check stuff out a little before I buy. But, I do buy.

    I did a piece on how IMers are making some terrible mistakes marketing to women. If you want to check it out, you can read it here: http://tinyurl.com/5eyvv2. Even though I have received mucho traffic from writing that particular piece, my About Me page still ranks the highest in traffic volume. Conclusion? People care about being treated like people and want to know you as one! They don’t want to be treated like a piece of meat.

    Thanks for a great post. Love it!

    Together, we are stronger.
    Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

    p.s. For the record, I like affiliate progams. I just think their promotion should be done more skillfully within the context of a marketer’s content providing. Lots of people do it and it works.

  62. By Rick on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply

    Hey Gary -

    Yeah, it never occurred to me that if you were subscribed to multiple conversations when one of these comment things really took off – that you’d be getting bombarded with emails.

    But, really these are only notifications. They don’t require any thought, just choose to come see what’s going on or not.

    And, in Gmail at least, they all stack up to show multiple posts to a thread so they don’t take up the whole Inbox.

    Thanks
    Rick

  63. By Richard on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply

    While we are venting… ;)

    There’s another thing that really bothers me about getting product launch recommendations from the big guru names. I would be really pissed if I was a paying member of Immediate Edge or Stompernet and then got a letter asking me to buy someone else’s product. Screw that… that’s what I’m paying you for! I would expect those guys to buy the product, find the important and innovative ideas and then change what they are teaching.

    Since I’m NOT a member of a guru site, I would still expect guys like Ed Dale (who I love) to focus on their product. Tell me how the new product compares to what is being taught to Immediate Edge members. Tell me why it wouldn’t be better for me to just join the Edge for 4 months rather than buy John’s product. But since they get paid either way, I guess they don’t have to make the effort.

  64. By Rick on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply

    Richard

    This is an EXCELLENT point that I hadn’t considered.

    If you offer a comprehensive “course” or a membership site that has a web marketing strategy you are teaching – the only reason to mail your list to try a conflicting strategy or course – is whoring out for the money.

    1 – Few people have the capacity or time to do multiple strategies – at least the people buying a course to LEARN a particular strategy to make money online.

    2 – If they are enrolled you YOUR system – and you encourage them to buy another one – they are 10 times less likely to do either one – overload and guilt set in as you sit down in front of your computer to figure out what to do today.

    3 – I’m all for making money online – and I love making an affiliate promotion.

    But how about having a central theme, something you stand for and believe in – and not just slinging out the next new shiny object for a buck.

  65. By Melody Campbell, The Small Business Guru on Jul 19, 2008 | Reply

    Were you reading my mind? There was just a big product launch, you might recognize it, something about traffic. I dreaded checking my email. Even people that I normally like receiving emails from were trying to get me to purchase JR’s Traffic Product.

    I endured. I think the contest must be over because it’s back to normal.

    Thank you for speaking up for all the “Joe’s” and “Jane’s”.

    Melody Campbell, The Small Business Gurus last blog post..Affiliate Marketing: Create Multiple Streams of Income

  66. By JK Swopes on Jul 24, 2008 | Reply

    hahahahaha….yes, this is classic.

    You know, I really can’t stand when people copy and past the “recommended emails”. It’s lazy!

    Even if you are promoting something, let me know what YOU think, not what the creator told you that you think.

    Product launches are pretty funny, everyone with an email from “their friend” that has the “best product to hit the net” only to get another round from the same folks next week telling me about the newest “best product on the net”.

    I’ve talked about this a few times, and I go through regular purging of my mailing lists. If all you do is promote stuff for me to buy, then I will promptly unsubscribe.

    I know people will promote, it’s all a matter of how. If I hit reply and you respond, I usually stay on the list a lot longer.

    If nothing you send sounds like it comes from a real person, then, I find myself leaving.

    There is an art to it….I just prefer to treat my mailing list the same as I do my blog readers or people in general.

    I stay being myself, talk like I do, and if I think something is worth buying, I’ll tell you about it.

  67. By Reba Collins on Nov 21, 2008 | Reply

    Rick, you are SPOT ON with this article. I’m fairly new to the current IM scene having taken a break a few years ago by taking on a day job. I’m back now and it’s unbelievable how these marketers treat their potential customers. In the off-line world, it would NEVER fly.

    Thank you for your insightful post, even though I’m a few months late to respond.

    Reba

  68. By Theresa Kruger on Jan 16, 2009 | Reply

    OMG this is sooo true. Thanks for saying it like it is. I finally had to open a new email account due to all the newsletter sign ups filling up my inbox. It’s absolutely ridiculous and very distracting. I’m going to be sick if I hear of one more pre-launch buzz!

  69. By Brian Foley on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Rick,
    You have saved me countless hours since I first read your ideas about unsubscribing from the hucksters.
    Every now and then I take a peek at there stuff again, but within a week I’m inundated. I’m going to take ten minutes to save some hours again, right now, and unsubscribe from the usual suspects.

    Thanks again,
    Brian (a.k.a. Professor Homunculus at The Math Mojo Chronicles)

  70. By Erin aka netkickstart on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Amen! I wrote a similar missive from the perspective of “JV” lists a while back on my blog in a post called On The Abuse Of JV Lists.

  71. By David Glendinning on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply

    Great article Rick. I love your contrarian view… and credit to you for sticking your neck out and speaking your mind… there’s not many that do that.

    Today is another launch day and I’m clearing my inbox of all the clutter. And you’re right… I’ve had no real content from most of them for some time… maybe they’re just too busy going through all the great strategies they get from the products they buy. It must be great because they keep telling me about it and why I should buy it as well.

    Keep at it Rick.

    David

    David Glendinnings last blog post..Salon Copywriting – Persuasive Words That Sell

  72. By Jim on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    Talk about instant loss of credibility,…when I get a review of a product by a “Guru” for his good “friend’s” latest and greatest… and he fails to tell me there is an exit offer sometimes $10, $20 off the regular price.

    If I am so important as a customer and his friends offer is so great you would think he/she would let me know to not buy from the sales page but exit first for a big discount?

    Now I always exit any sales page first to test for “wait don’t leave” discounts…my guess is about 75% of the products in the lower price ranges ($17-$150) will have an exit offer discount.

    I have had only one IM person (Guru) who warns of the exit discount…I wouldn’t think of leaving his list.

    Jims last blog post..

  73. By Rick on Jun 13, 2009 | Reply

    Martin Luther once asked – “If the Pope has the power to get people out of purgatory – why does he ask peasants to pay to get their relatives out? Why doesn’t he just get everyone out?”

    Q: If the little circle of people who relentlessly mail offers to you (dear friend) to buy overpriced digital products from (their friends) really believed you were friends – why wouldn’t they just give you a straight link – with no affiliate commission?

    A: I’ll tell you why – because they wouldn’t ever send you that email.

    Q: Why do people who claim to be making millions relentlessly bomb your inbox with hypie offers?

    A: Greed.

  74. By Russ on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

    I really enjoyed this post Rick. I love the way you succinctly and masterfully nail the issue and expose the folly and ridicule of it all.
    Well done,.. will RT this one!
    Cheers
    Russ “RussRave” Hall (AKA “The 58 Classic”)

  75. By sandrar on Sep 10, 2009 | Reply

    Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.

  1. 4 Trackback(s)

  2. Jul 16, 2008: Rick Butts Lets Rip! | www.themoneygym.com
  3. Nov 21, 2008: Internet Success Online Success - Conversation with Kelly McCausey | Internet Marketing Boomer
  4. Feb 19, 2009: 12 Biggest Whores in Internet Marketing
  5. Jun 12, 2009: Reprint: I am Joe’s Email List - Response to Launch Rash | Rick Butts

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