Hi Jennifer; ========== Your comments... together with Arthur Websters forum "What value are there in Unread Words" (did I quote that right?) are two of the healthiest sanest things I have read at Adland in a long time. ========== Yes, you quoted that right... and THANK YOU. I think when people send me trash for the next while, I'm going to hit reply and say "I have a question about your program. I posted it here;" (and include a link to this forum.) :) Linda

Hi Linda, If we are on the subject of challenges - I dare you... Saludos Jennifer p.s. I did offer Arthur the job of angel promoter (with flying lessons thrown in free). Do you think I should expect a reply? LOL

Hi Jennifer! ===== If we are on the subject of challenges - I dare you... ===== You're on! lol I'll post back and let you know what kind of replies I get. ===== p.s. I did offer Arthur the job of angel promoter (with flying lessons thrown in free). Do you think I should expect a reply? LOL ===== LOL. That's funny! : ) Linda

Dear Linda, I think we have a slightly different idea of 'modest investment in advertising'. As I see it that is precisely what you did to succeed. Sorry to be pedantic, but oftentimes when lecturing I have students/delegates who do love to segment their activities into nice tidy little compartments - where of course this is neither life nor business - although I understand Napoleon claimed to be able to do this. Advertising is a part of the 4thP - i.e. Promotion (see my book) Within the accepted definition of Promotion in the 4P's of Marketing - the others being Product, Price and Place - there are four areas of activity - Paid Advertising, Personal Selling, Sales Pomotion, and Public Relations. You obviously got involved in at least two of these activities Personal Selling and Public Relations. As I at least do equate time with money, these efforts must have cost you something - postage, letterheads, telephone calls, e-mails, etc. The last one of Effort I don't teach, and I don't think I could teach. People either have the ability and desire or they don't. However I have written articles on 'Cynicism' which DO think we should teach - even just for self-protection against self-delusion. Here endeth the leson for this Sunday! Back to the second cut of the grass, follwing my search for Dr Livingstone yesterday! Best, Norm

Hi, Linda I had a private discussion with Art about this. Unfortunately, the only program I make money with is not available outside the US and requires a modest cash outlay in any case. Some activities require no little time and re-investment of ALL revenue before they will come anywhere near a significant income. That doesn't mean they aren't worthwhile, only that one can't recommend them to someone in Art's position. My understanding from Art's post that you referenced, and subsequent posts, is that due to his health situation he has NO money to invest in a business, and in fact has had his electricity turned off. To complicate matters further, Art's health apparently prevents him from taking a job in accounting (his profession by training). I would assume it creates issues with regard to his stamina, as well. This is indeed sad news. I second Rudy's suggestion that a charitable foundation be formed. If anyone knows how to do that, I can contribute a moderate amount to it. In my opinion, most people should not try to support themselves on the internet without a good safety net in either a job or business that supports them or a considerable nest egg for the same purpose. In Art's case, there seems to be very little choice in his activities. It is sad. Yet, he deems himself the happiest man in the world, so perhaps our sympathies are not needed? Of course, you were using this situation as a springboard for the larger discussion. Why do people post that you can make a fortune overnight in their ads and then turn around in forums and plead poverty when asked to help, join, contribute, etc.? I've often wondered myself. I'd like to see an answer to THAT question, especially from any of the people who do it. Cheri