Hype or No Hype?
Yesterday I sent out a newsletter announcing my bonus for the “12 Month Internet Millionaire”.
Apparently my intentional use of hype offended some people. One guy said he quit my newsletter just because of it. Other people were turned off by it and decided not to participate in the bonus, even though they wanted the products!
So if I offended you, I’m sorry.
I’m not making any apologies for the bonus itself though, because I think Joel and I have put together a bonus that has good value for you as an internet marketer.
I got a door-hanger on my front door this morning that reminded me why hype is not always the best way to market something. It was printed all in black text on white paper. One font. No exclamation points. It was made to look like a notice from the city or something.
It basically said this: “We have received complaints from your neighborhood about the high cost of cable. Therefore we will be in your area doing free installations for satellite TV until October 15th… call this number to schedule your installation.”
How many times have I received colorful junk mail and door hangers for satellite TV? Dozens, maybe hundreds. And every one of those ads has ended up in the trash without a second glance. But the no-hype way of marketing got my attention and I read it in detail to make sure I wasn’t missing something.
You could argue that the no-hype way of marketing is more deceptive than hype marketing, because at least when there’s hype you know you’re being sold something. Either way, it’s something to think about.
So I took another look at my bonus page, and decided that perhaps it IS too “hypey” for the average person. And I made a new bonus page, with zero hype, so you can see exactly what we’re offering without feeling like you’re being hyped into anything.
Please check it out at:
Then let me know what you think of the approach by posting your comments here on my blog.
If you want to see the old “hyped” bonus page for comparison, you can see it at: Old Hyped Bonus Page…
Let me know what you think…
Have a great day!
Oh Eric.. You really did go to town on the hypey page
Defo prefer the non-hyped version.. Your point about the door hanger ad was a great one.. Simple non-hypey advertising, delivered via tradionally hyped up advertising methods *immediately* stands out. It’s the age old concept of looking at what everyone else is doing and doing the very opposite. I like that… Certainly food for thought.. and testing.
Eric - I can’t believe that you got complaints about the “Hype” of your bonus page. Especially from a Internet Marking list! There is no more hype on that page than on any other pages that people in our segment are viewing on a daily basis. I would be interested in knowing what the conversion rate is on the “Hype” page versus the “No-Hype” page. Keep up the good work. ~Bret
No you did not offend me by using hype,l would rather people would tell things like they really are instead of sugar coating .Here’s what l strongly dislike, for some one to send me a e-mail saying you can have this either for free or a charge and on in the e-mail here it’s TOTALLY different.l get these saying such and such is like 39.00 later when l sign on for whatever find it’s like 197.00.There’s to much ___ ___ on here to suit me .no that did not bother me .
I definitely enjoyed the hyped version way better. I found it different than most sales letters.
Hi Eric, I wasn’t offended by your offer, but as offers went it shadowed a bit because of Howie Schwartz’s offers too.
Don’t get me wrong I love the idea of getting a bunch of people together, showing them how to do stuff and then showing them how to do again what you did to them to someone else (with a gain for yourself)..this is what my whole new http://www.biggitup.com thing is all about.
Anyway, Howie’s offer takes priority (but I can’t afford it) and I have spent all my pocket money!
Regards, Rick Lomas (a true ‘Joel Changed My Life Fan’)
James- good point ,and yes worth testing
Bret, Catherine and Ambrose- thanks for your comments! Glad to hear you were not offended.
Keem ‘em coming… I hope to hear from some people who were really offended by the hype too
I am soo tired of the hype— apparently every single e-book, video, deal is going to make you rich in a few months — and after they have have hyped up the current resource they are back hyping up another resource– what does that say about the original resource??not that good after all- still need a few thouand more resources??????????
Sharon
Hey Eric,
I tend to agree with Bret’s comment, if you are in the internet marketing niche, you should be used to hype, if not then perhaps this isn’t for you.
Personally, I really don’t care for the overuse of hype, you can overdo anything. The hype page was not that bad, but your unhyped page was just plain blah! So, if you toned down the first, just a bit or hyped up the second page, just a bit, they would probably do better.
I review hundreds of letters a day, and it’s easy for me to hit the delete button if one rubs me the wrong way. An email that captures my attention will get read, it doesn’t matter if it has alot of hype or none at all, it’s the message that counts.
Have a great day!!
Hi Eric, yeah a bit over the top, I liked the whale!!!!!!!!!! Do you realize how much Hype us guys do receive. yep I know you receive a lot to. Hope it goes well for you. Cheers from Down Under
Hi Eric,
I did not mind either copy except that I have already signed up month ago (as have been on Joels
list over a year) and got RB 12mm download upon release as have also been on his list. You guys should
cross check your lists when you JV! But yes I did notice a change in style compared to your previous mails.
I did prefer the “old” Eric. Please dont change. I really enjoyed your “integrity” compared to all the others out
there so paid attention to your valued comments.
Thanks
Martin
Seems a dance of extremes to get the word our twice. Nothing wrong in that, each page acts as another sales opp. I do hope that your are working for you. It is a great big rock that we walk on, and ther eare many other perspectives to the paths we take. Some work for, others against, yet we decide where they start, and come from. (Smile) But your the KZahuna here so here be a grain o salt both do what is needed, and inform others to what is offered. Personal preference is more the meddle of the two.
Good comments everyone, thank you.
Lagaz- insightful.. I was hoping someone would say that. Honestly I wasn’t planning any 2nd page when I made the first one, but today when I realized I could make a case study out of it, of course that was a secondary benefit in my mind. So you are half right
Keep ‘em coming.
Hi Eric…
Well, I won’t say I was “offended” per se, and I’m not going to unsubscribe from Eric’s Tips over it. There’s just too much value in your newsletter. Normally.
But when it comes to excusing “hype,” I don’t. The Internet Marketing industry is just way too full of it, and I’ve been taken for too many rides because IM’s don’t have any respect for the concept, “Everything In Moderation.”
The word “hype” is a slang abbreviation for “hyperbole,” which is defined as “extravagant exaggeration.” See Merriam-Webster definition below. It’s interesting that it says “see more at “devil.”
Others are entitled to their opinion(s), but to me, hype is near-synonymous with “lie.” I guess in today’s IM world, we all have to sell our souls. To what extent is a matter of conscience.
Or integrity.
—
hyperbole
Main Entry: hy·per·bo·le
Pronunciation: \hī-ˈpər-bə-(ˌ)lē\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek hyperbolē excess, hyperbole, hyperbola, from hyperballein to exceed, from hyper- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Date: 15th century
: extravagant exaggeration (as “mile-high ice-cream conesâ€)
—
Have a good one!
Steve
Hey Eric,
First of all Thanks…..for all the damn good information and reviews you have given me and saved me money rather than cost me money. You actually cut thru the hype on many, many products.
As far as the non-hyped page…..please dont remind of those off-line mail order copy promising to make money stuffing envelopes!
Please people if you dont like hype you need to leave the planet. I would say move to the country but then I would be hyping the countryside. Get the point? Hype is everywhere. The News, Politicians, your resume’.
If money is involved, you better believe hype comes along for the ride.
If someone can be offended, they ‘will be’ offended but in Matthew 11:6 it says “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me”.
I am really working hard at understanding all of this and I like the way you write, that is why I signed up for your newsletter. I am overwhelmed with the free info.
There are well meaning folks wanting to share information and make a killing at the same time. When you plant a garden you don’t expect super growth overnight.
I trust you because you have really stood the test of time. I do like the simple one only because I dial-up, I have no other option so I am thankful for what I have been able to do so far. I like clear direct, honest and respectful critiques.
By the way if anyone has found a way to filter thru and organize the free gifts and bundles I would be forever grateful.
Steve- excellent opinion. I never thought about the origin of “hype”. I think your opinion is shared by many others:
I think its a grey area, and I obviously don’t think all hype is synonymous with lying, otherwise I would steer clear of it altogether. But its a fine line, and as I’ve admitted at times in the past, its often difficult to know where that line is in this business.
humbledave- haha, thanks
Patricia- thank you for your honest opinion, I appreciate it
Hi Eric,
No, I wasn’t offended from the first one. When you came out with this new update though on
Good
“What would it look like in a non-hyped up version” and even ask for an opinion.
deal! But now, like some, I would keep both, check the conversion after a certain set time.
Whether this was already in your arsenal of marketing or not, I think it has now became
a great idea. I feel the non-hyped version will attract the ones who like it “real” to the point.
I feel the hyped up one will attract the ones who are pulled in easier, or already know whats
going on and enjoy the read and a look at the ad layout. I have wanted to know what two ads,
with the same message, (that will attract two different kind of individuals) who your best clients
would be for future business.
Eric my friend,
No you didn’t offend me - cos I didn’t read your newsletter…
However, now that you’ve raised this sensitive issue, you’ve opened up a very interesting can of worms: I can’t say that I’ve been offended per se - whith any of the material you’ve sent me - but I can indeed see why some would find your emails, material annoying and or offensive. At the end of the day (and don’t take this the wrong way), I do find your tone a little on the over-the-top, hyped-up side of things. And that is a REAL turn off for a lot of people ( myself included). So perhaps you might consider toning the hype down a notch or two….it’s up to you.
I’m novice copywriter/marketer myself (I’m in the throes of learning the trade/ropes, etc). I’ve been in the game for only a little under a year, and one of the fundamental principles I have gleaned thus far is that people i.e. potential propects and customers alike don’t like to be coerced, pushed or mollycoddled into buying products/services - particularly if done in an aggressive or hyped up fashion; they instead, like to be helped, guided, educated and gently persuaded - with a no-hype, no strings attached approach (before any selling as such comes into question). I’m sure you know all of this already; it’s a delicate issue (I’m still mastering it myself). People are funny creatures…..
THose are just my thoughts anyway.
Jodi
Hi,
I’m not offended …but OUTSIDE….there are a lot of offers/bonuses for the Russell Brunson’s product “12 Month Internet Millionaire”. (3-4 very good bonuses , just like yours !!!)
That’s the Competition….buy from my link and you get this….we are all in the same place…Clearly…???.Agresivity..??? Persuasion ???…c’est ca la clef du Marketing ???
I prefer the “No Hype†Bonus Page…
Regards,
ChrisA.
webmaster-at productselected-com
Hey Eric,
I don’t quite know what to say. I’ll start with the basic facts of why I didn’t initially leave a comment or make a purchase…
The product and bonuses seemed like a time-consuming project -one that I might not even be able to figure out how to implement or utilize. I’m sure you realize that everbody is busy, but for someone like me, raising five kids, keeping up my home, and squeezing a few minutes here and there for my websites - the thought of spending hours on the phone listening to strangers talk about how to “potentially” make more money just didn’t motivate me.
The pitch translated in my brain to this: “Get something for nothing IF you post this, click that, download this, then copy and paste the receipt to listen to the nuvo-riche tell me things that might not work for me.” I had questions as to whether I’d agree with their tactics, and realistically, I felt like I might not have time or skill to implement them even if I wanted to. Perhaps I’m thinking too small, but I’ve already got more than enough projects I could do if I wanted to seriously increase my online income.
But people like me are probably not in your target market for most IM products.
Now about the hyped up version…it didn’t sound like you. And the regular you is the one I know and trust. I’m sorry you got negative feedback about it, but if it helps you become a better marketer, then I suppose it is worth it. Eric, you know whom you serve and how your work reflects upon Him. It’s a lesson I also have to keep in mind everytime I write an article for my own business/ministry website.
In parting, ask yourself if your lasting goals are evident in everything you write. Would your readers come closer to God, their family or other people as a result of reading your tips? Or would they just wak away thinking about how someone will be getting rich? You’ve got a bigger purpose than that, and I know you know it well.
In His Service,
Sabrina
Hi Eric,
I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a sales page that didn’t consist of 90% hype.
At least yours didn’t make outrageous claims of 100 million in 23 months selling a $60 product.
Only someone with no brain cells at all would believe that and flush $37 down the toilet.
Don’t worry about offending people. As you get older, it’s your only FUN. hahahahahaha
The Grumpy Old Chef.
Hi it is a trap that im,s get into.You lose your values or mindset and you get offered a good deal for you and you think your readers etc should act as sheep and buy it.But most people Want Value for money, From something they can use,learn from or resell.
The Secret to long term sucess is making your list trust and value your offers.
Not the flyby night marketeer mindset. ie invest a buck charge 3 bucks everybody is happy.
Eric, the un-hyped version is much easier to read and easier on the eyes. The hyped version is something I’m used to muddling through because I’m an Internet Marketer. And when the big guys write sales letters, I’m always analyzing them to learn more.
But…to be honest, your bonuses weren’t all that great - nothing really any better than the others. Here’s a statement for your testing: the #1 reason I bought from you rather than someone else was because I was looking for a new web host. See, you just never know why someone is going to buy! It was between yours and the new one announced at Big Seminar but that one only included one domain. So I bought yours and then found out Armand’s now includes unlimited domains! Now I have to decide…..similar price….best technology….Another tidbit - whenever there are massive product launches, I tend to purchase from the person who contacts me first. I know if I wait I might get better offers, but I have a ‘group’ of people whose emails I read and generally delete the rest. So the group I read is a group I trust almost equally. So…all things being equal, the first person to get to my inbox gets my sale.
As an ‘oldie’ who got my MA in Marketing 20 years ago, I love to see why people are buying or not buying - not if they got offended or not offended - because the stuff in the 12M product is really nothing new! I use all that knowledge in my non-IM niche. Kudos to you - I do enjoy your perspectives and education. And as a person who was one of the first people in the US to do e-learning, all of you could learn something about teaching…..
Hi Eric, my first entry here. I think hype is hype, no matter how it is presented, but i was not offended too much, cause in the IM hype just is common. I never did IM before, i am a semi pro musician, just started to check out IM recently.
About to start a business, including introducion of a new wireless system, which will generate much $ in the long run. I will send further information on request only.
regards from Germany,
Peter
Hi Eric!
First off - love the newsletter, keep ‘em coming!
Now, as far as the page wars go - personally, I prefer the ‘look’ of the un-hyped page. But, that may be due to the fact that I’m an “Ogilvy Age” copywriter myself, and don’t really care for a lot of graphics and colors on a web page.
But…I LOVE the COPY on the hyped page! That’s what it takes to sell, and obvoiusly you’ve got a writer who understands that fact. My suggestion would be to keep the copy of the first page, and tone down the use of graphics and colors. Try a strictly B&W page, with a few crimson highlights mixed in. =)
Just like the door-hanger that finally got your attention - sometimes “old school” really IS the best way to go!
Keep up the good work!
Jessalynn Coolbaugh
http://www.thevoiceofcopy.com
Hi Eric,
The “hype” version is way more interesting…
And, yes, “hype” is great… but ONLY if it is truthful!
Art
Keep up the good work.
You and I know there is some people you just can not please. But the Fish Has Got to GO.
A million dollar boat photo or a fir place mantle with 3 socking’s 2 are regular size and one from the jolly green giant
The Fish-GO as for the over all look I wish I could put up a page like that ! Well dun right to the point .
Hi Eric.
I wasn’t offended by your email. If anyone was and they unsubscribed, I say, ‘good riddance’ to them.
Why do people over-react on the Internet. If they put the same efforts into making the world a better
place, then they would have done something useful.
Anyway, tell me who won The Next Internet Millionaire and I will forgive all your sins! =:o)
John in Australia
Eric:
After reading through both, I prefer the no hype email. It just read better. I don’t understand why someone got so mad when they received your hyped email. It wasn’t offensive or anything like that; I just prefer the no hype email.
Tobey Craft
(chuckle, chuckle)! Very clever, Eric.
Sorry, I had to laugh at your two examples at both ends of the spectrum. I find it hard to imagine that anybody would be offended but your list is fairly discerning and admires your “tell it like it is style”. I guess the hyped up page would turn them off but If a product is good why not promote it. Personally, I would ignore both sales pages. Surely, there’s a happy medium where you can use colour and a bit of personality but without the “BS”.
I’m reminded of the saying– “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king”. We live in a land of over-hyped sales pages, and non-hyped one stands out like a breath of fresh air. Let’s hope you start a new trend with this!
Another suggestion: whenever someone gives a “free month” to something as a “bonus”, it seems like a sneaky way to get someone into a forced continuity program. PLEASE don’t include bonuses with strings attached. We see right through that stuff here!
Thanks for the continued comments everyone. Sabrina you are a good friend. Gene - thanks for the comment about the bonus itself. I wonder if other people feel the same way about my 1-cent trials?
Keep ‘em coming…
Eric — I am new to all of this. I must say I am really turned off by all of the “hypes” — I was just speaking with a friend today about the on-line marketing methods and how they make me feel. Duped somehow. When I learned that there is a page used called the “squeeze page” I thought - I don’t want to squeeze people, and I certainly don’t want to be sqeezed . I agree with Patricia about your trust-factor. One of the reasons I read your newsletters. Today, on the Internet Millionaire (that you produce with Joel Comm) Charles Trippy said something that struck a chord with me, he said that he thought there must be a better way to communicate with people, that the whole circle of buying, upselling, buying again, feels sneaky. I agree. Yes, we are adults making adult decisions — I guess once you know or feel that you are being hyped or squeezed you turn it off, decide not to buy (and ignore that pop-up that says WAIT YOU DON’T know what your Missing) and then you as the individual giving Information have to believe in what you are doing and selling and feel right with that. Lori
Eric,
Hype, and selling anything in an honest fashion is a balancing act. For example:
Hi! Im average Steve! (exclude the exclamation point, as that’s “hype”).
I make an average living working long, most of the time boring hours, just to do this on line business, but since I have always wanted my own business, it is worth the sacrafice.
I hardly see my family, because I’m just learning, I’m overwhelmed with “Info Products”, frustrated by “plug ins” “templates”, and “HTML” and it will take me at least a year to sort through everything, make sense of it, and put it to use, and when I do, I will probably only see enough money coming in to make me DREAM even more about the day that I to can join the ranks of those who email me everyday to tell me what I MUST do, in order to make it on line.
Finally, after all that I have given up, I’m beginning to see the rewards, but they are nothing like I excpected! They are mediocre at best! But that’s GREAT for me, and everyone who wants to be like me!
You too can enjoy my lifestyle!
I’m not only offering you a path to a simple, small, suplimental income, I’m offering you these very important bonuses! Yes! That’s right! FREE stuff, like “how to live on Dark Meat Tuna (in oil, not water). “How not to pay the electric, and gas company because I gave all to my hero, an internet marketer”! How to sell the same crap to others, so I wont be all alone out here!, And much, much more!
Yes, you get all this, and a suprise bonus, if you simply send me, - not 97, not 67, but only $47.00 now!
Of course, because everyone will want to jump on the band wagon, and be “like me”, I can’t let that happen, so my price is going up. I’m not sure when, but it will, and you will be out of luck, because I won’t go back on my word, to my loyal first buyers.
Eric, Most of this is in jest, however, if one reads, studies, and wants to market online, they can do so without all the “product launches”, and “hype” that you and the CB marketters employ. I know people who have never bought anything from you guys, and have very profitable wesites.
Hype is part of what you do, so don’t apologize for it, Just temper it a bit, so that it’s not so obvious.
Steve
I didn’t think that your hype was as over the top as Russell’s . That stuff is a little hard to buy into by itself. Apparently you think so as well or you wouldn’t feel obligated to offer so much bonus for a $37 product.
All in all a clever promotion though. From where I sit, it seems you will do better on the hosting than on commission from the original product. Nice work.
As far as the hype, I think a more middle of the road approach may be more effective overall but it would take some testing to tell for sure
Eric, No offense taken. The first one had more color so easier to read(skim) as bullets easier to pick out.
What really ticks me off is when a product says 77 dollars, I get ready to buy it and on the order page it says 2 months of 77 plus a monthly fee. I didn’t buy it and the guru probably lost a customer–forever!!! chuck
I don’t mind the hyped up page didn’t annoy me. I signed up for you course on web hosting and found it very informative.
I had already decided on a the other hosting company Globat.com which is in your e book . bought a few domain names from them . Was saving up the 150.00 to sign up as a reseller with them and choose a name my company name is lnsconsultants was worried it was too long for a hosting company . They set me up for a regular hosting service by accident charged me for all the websites. Wrote to them and explained what I was planning on doing and they promptly refunded my money.
I liked that kind of service.
So I could not take up your offer, I am working with you and spam-free site. In about another week I will have the money .
Thanks for your help
Linda
Hi Eric,
I didn’t mind the “hyped” page one bit. You explained what you were giving away and why and used a good, eye catching set of graphics to complement the text. I don’t get why anyone would be offended by it.
It is interesting to see the no hype version, which might work for some materials but really doesn’t seem all that effective when you compare the two.
Are you going to update us some time down the road and let us know which page pulled more buyers? I’d love tos ee those results.
Keep up the good work~
Michael
P.S. You’re doing great with “The Next Internet Millionaire”!!!
Eric…..The Hype was great..No offense was found. Keep knocking them outta the ballpark. MY skin is not that thin LOL!
Good Work Guys!
No…I thought the first one with the fish was a little silly. But it was nice not to see all they hype. Easier to follow also.
Tell you the truth, real tired of the hype.
By the way, how do we receive the bonuses?
Thanks,
Lynn
Wow guys, we’re getting some great feedback here that I think everyone can benefit from. Thanks!!!
Lynn- to get your bonuses, post your clickbank receipt at my helpdesk.
Keep it coming
Your Website and any information from you very good for my
Please help me any problem !
I receive some mail from you. But I don’t know the way make money with my web. I joint CJ.COM linkshare, SFI, but I can’t make IT.
Eric,
Some good thoughts already expressed, and some are worth stating again:
1) Hype is a part and parcel with the Internet Marketing niche. If people are offended by hype, really they are at the wrong site/on the wrong list.
2) With the above said, it’s obvious many are getting sick and tired of the hype. In fact, I have no doubt that a purposely non-hyped salesletter (that is not shy about telling the reader that) would probably do a good job in connecting with a certain target market…namely, those that are getting sick and tired of the hype (which usually translates to people who have been around the IM niche for some time but still haven’t been able to put it all together).
3) I think the ONLY reason you received ANY flack at all was because:
A) You’ve stated previously that you don’t like hype and bonus wars and *you mentioned* that you’ve stated that in the previous blog entry.
…and to a lesser extent…
B) What we’re mostly used to observing in terms of your previous product reviews and promotions have mostly backed up your verbal statements that you dislike hype (i.e., your actions usually match your words…integrity!).
…which reminds me…there are some awesome product reviews on this blog where you really call out the crap…I love that. I’ll never forget how you blasted the APX salesletter (or was it DJK?). And Buck and Brock or whatever those guys names were… hehe, I’ll have to re-read those for a good laugh.
Thanks Eric.
Also serving Him,
- Dave
The new page is better coz it saves time…no point reading pages and pages of huge coloured words that seem to go on forever
No Eric, not offended but a bit disappointed. I think there has been far too many launches of products this year, and we are all getting tired of sales letters and bonuses. Every marketer tries to better the sales letter that Joe Blow used for his launch. Therefore more inflated “facts” are sprinkled all over the sales page and yes, even fibs.(we call them porkies, here in Aus.) Then come the bonuses! Oh dear! So many bonuses to bribe prospects to buy into the porkies. I could count on one knuckle of one finger how many times a product has lived up to the rantings on the sales letter. In many cases the bonuses were better than the product sold. Maybe this is why affiliates offer the bonuses. Perhaps they know the product doesn’t match the hype, therefore they redeem themselves by offering excellent bonuses. Hmmm!
Another nasty that seems to be almost compulsory these days is the one time offer. A pox on the inventor of that one!
I wonder if the profusion of new launches + desperate affiliates offering major bonuses is a sign that most internet marketers have burned out their mailing lists by overmarketing to them, and are now not making the money they were accustomed to earning.
Some months ago I wrote here on this blog, that a certain well known “guru” would, in the future, have a lot to answer for because of starting the Give-away offers. There were Easter giveaways…Christmas giveaways…Cleaning stuff of my computer giveaways…you name it! All of a sudden, everyone had access to the giveaway script and too many people used it. What was wrong with this? Well everyone who joined the giveaway had to giveaway their name and email which then went onto the list of every marketer who had contributed to the giveaway. Now we were receiving “newletters” from dozens of marketers, all who put aside the advice that they should only market to their list every couple of newsletters. Some of these people sent out emails every darn day of the week, either selling something, or telling one to watch out for the whiz bang product in their next newsletter. Didn’t take long before unsubscribes went into overdrive. No wonder that selling via email has lost it’s punch. A pity really…another case of the masses being punished for the greed of one.
So, Eric, this is why I was disappointed. You appeared to have joined the very club that you set out to isolate yourself from when you commenced Eric’s Tips. What you do next will define you in the eyes of your readers. Tread carefully Eric….little steps is all it takes to cross a line.
With caring concern
Veronica
Eric,
If you are going to use hype, go all out.
Pictures of piles of cash.
Maybe a video of you and Joel with Hundred dollar bills falling from the sky.
Or maybe screen shots of payment processors of millions, we can drool over.
Lol.
Dear Sir,
As a student, as an Instructor and as a newbie in the field of Internet technology, one need not to be “onion skin.” I always adhere to an old saying that “Every man I meet is my master in one way or the other.” If I need to learn things, I need to listen very well and follow to. I did not sign up for free newsletter/e-book accidentally. In the Philippines, books are very expensive and although piracy is quite rampant in my country, I always wanted to have my own books or materials which I used in teaching. I’ve been teaching in a vocational school for sometime and I don’t have college diploma. To be able to gain the interest and attention of your student, one must be properly equipped with a knowledge in the area he has chosen to lived with. I appreciate all the books and material that I got from your web site and others too. i hope you will continue sharing your experience and ideas for the common people like me. More power to you and may God bless us all.
Eric I was not particularly offended, any more than I am offended at the dozens of other hyped up offers I receive.
I have a philosphy I follow. If I want to buy something, I buy it from the first person who tells me about it. I then get sick to death being spammed (I use the word lightly) from every other Tom Dick and Harry who has “squeeze paged” my address or collected it because I bought something from them, who wants me to buy the same thing through them because of the five thousand dollars of “bonuses” they will give me that I can’t get anywhere else,
Give us a break. I have been unsubscribing by the dozens daily but some have collected my name three or four times so I still get their guff.
My big bugbear about this is:- If I am already on someones list, and they write to me about some wierd and wonderful gizmo they are an affiliate for, WHY OH WHY do they still insist on asking again for my name and address and adding me to their list again.
Now! If I come to a squeeze page from someone whose list I’m on, I log out without even looking at their offer. If I keep getting emails about the same “flavour of the day”, I delete them and, If I get an email for the flavour of the day which has been rewritten to hide what it is, when I find out that it is something I’ve already had 15 emails about, I unsubscribe from that person.
All I am interested in is a) what is the product? b) what does it do? c) is it of any value for my purposes? and d) is it fairly priced? I will then decide to but it or not. I am not interested in a pile of useless bonuses, only used to bump up the supposed value and to justify the overpricing of the product.
This is the same as if I am going to spend $50,000 on a car. I will buy a car that is WORTH $50000 not a car worth $30000 with a supposed pile of extras costed at an extra $20000.
Frank.
Hey Eric,
After checking out both pages, I find the supposedly “hypey” page much clearer and easier on the eyes. It does a good job of concisely stating your offer.
As most of us realize, you can’t please everyone with a single format of ANYTHING, and there’s really no point trying.
In fact if you get some people Ticked Off with your marketing, great, it means it’s probably working.
You make it a point to review products honestly and only support those which you think are good. Often you take the time to write up products you are recommending people NOT buy. Therefore it’s purely to help people situate themselves and doesn’t make you a red cent.
So when, once in a blue moon, you get excited about a product and make a killer bonus package for it, you’re not allowed to let that excitement shine through? I say bollocks.
Follow your instincts and personality, there are thousands who appreciate it just like it is.
Dear Eric,
You did not make me offend but your process is too complicate to read and difficult to get in to the point. I have to take long time to read your mail and so many text before I meet the important things that I want to know, I had to see other messages so many pages before the page that I want.
I have to take half day , all day to read your everything that you sent so I have to stop to read your text to do other things/jobs. You know we have many things to do in 1 days if you can send shortly message and easily to understand without introduction too many pages it will be better.
I feel that you induce me to read other and other and other before getting the main point.
I do still interest in your tips but if you can do that I said it will be better.
Best Regards,
Kalaya
Eric, I have taken your challenge and looked at both sites. No you did not offend me at all with the hype. I found the one with all the hype easier to read, they both said the same thing. The same thing as a lot of the other “hyped up†offers that the internet is full of. With the bogus time limits, the useless (to most of us) free stuff. There is always a price to pay somewhere. Then no matter how low the cost to start is or the money back guarantee, there is the cost of advertising, yeah I know there is free adverting all over the net, but most of that free adverting never gets to your target group (or takes hours and hour to find and post) as the majority are not interested in most of these products or services. I have been looking on line for a way to make extra money, at home, even a lot of money for my future so I can stop wasting all of my time working for other people for tiny wages. I have no money to invest in advertising or start up fees, nor an interest in talking people out of there hard earned money getting there hopes up just to disappoint them when they find out they really can’t make much money without spending a lot up-front. I’m sure there is some truth to some of all of the ads and offers out there, as well as some that have made it big. But I fear most have not. However just when I was about to give up on it all and unplug my internet connection and get a second full time job. I saw an ad for the “Law of Attraction†http://www.prosperable.com/?e=m_umscheid@yahoo.com just $7 bucks, ok I could afford to lose that! Well that got me thinking better and in a more positive way, I decided I would keep the PC connected to the net and keep reading my “paid inbox dollar†ads (for a little extra cash) and came across a real find! I challenge you Eric (as well as anyone reading this) to look at My New Web site no hype no FEES ever and everyone can have their own site for free also and it is something virtually everyone can use, so you can advertise anywhere and everywhere in every way you can possibly think of, free or paid. All the tools you could need are free plus unlimited coaching also free. Millions of products lots of something for everyone. Plus it’s a feel good biz helping people, helping our planet helping ourselves. I will never be sorry for helping people succeed, helping people that need help or helping to save our planet! I invite all to go to My Wed Site and get all the facts of this Business that will change many lives and the world! My best to everyone! … Betty
Since the 90’s marketing has exploded and the ones who got in on the dot com era profited massively. One person to be exact was Mark Ruben, who become a billionaire, but the simple fact is without visitors to your site or paying someone to link your site to theres your going no where fast.
I tried many things for 2 years and couldn’t even generate a income to put diapers on my child. I bought into the scriptdojo.com deal and it will slowly drain my pocket like all the rest have done. With out traffic websites are usless and I guess the online industry just isn’t my cup of tea.
I’ve bought targeted traffic to get no where there as well. It’s just time to move on I suppose cause i’m not paying another dime to anyone and making them rich when I can’t make a meager $100.00 a month. I guess some folks fall for fooolish things hoping things would turn for the best but all I seem to be doing is wasting money I work hard for to get absolutely nothing in return.
I bought article system before eric sold that on ebay and that got me no where. I bought the article directory and that got hacked . they made the money off of me and I got left with disaster, thanks to erics supposed friend Glenn.
Appreciate buying garbage cause as far as i’m concerned it’s all hype and the only one to get a return is the ones who first sold the program.
Eric, under normal conditions, I really enjoy your Tips. The design format is attractive and inviting and suggests ‘added value’ to the information provided.
However, hype is a real brake and kills the communication and the message. Hype is even more of a turn-off than recurring payments. Hate them both.
Your non-hype version is great.
THE FACTS, ALL THE FACTS AND NOTHING BUT THE FACTS.
Keep up the good work. Long may you stick to facts!
Charles
Eric - Why are you involved with anything having to do with Vincent James? Does he explain on the MP-3 that he had to give back all the money under an FTC order? Does he mention that he spent time in jail for his “marketing” methods? Does he explain that he made his money spamming people for penis enlargers and diet pills?
hi Eric i feel a bit pissed off i never came to you first,i payed russell Brunson for the 12 month internet millionaire course and of course i never got any bonus and we all like a bonus,so i really dont know what all the fuss is about,i thought your bonus page was ok ive seen plenty of bad one,s in my time,in facked i was woundering if you would like to do a JV with me i have a product called how to make 30K a month my web site sevilaypublications.com is not ready yet ,soon i hope let me know,PS maybe you can have a word with your friend russell Brunson and tell him to send me a bonus,only joking, best regards lee nugent.
Hype is only hype if you bother with it. This particular millionaire program has been promoted for some time. I am not interested. As soon as I see a reference to it, the communication is consigned to oblivion. So much for any other message the document may be delivering. I that sense, the writer loses the opportunity to capitalize on the fact that he/she has found a way in to my email box.
Time is too precious to waste on this sort of thing, or on sales pages that go on and on and on, a sure sign that they are promoting a very expensive item. That, also, is hype to me. I tap my End key, check out the price - and more times than not - toss the email and move on to the next.
Am I offended - not a bit. As an old timer in the door to door sales business once said to me - “I have been sworn at, been tossed bodily off property, had water tossed on me, and been chased off by the family dog - but - offended. Never!
Why - because the very next communication could be a real gem. Eric, your communications are gems and the laddie who opted out for something as silly as this issue is the loser. Keep up the good work - and, if I don’t choose to read it - I won’t.
There is no way in the world you will please everyone. There is no point in even trying. Find your middle ground, that which best fits your own philosophy, and go with it.
Jim Parsons - Canada
I have to agree with Veronica. Although I was not offended I was very dissapointed.
However, it makes my email inbox much lighter because everytime a product that is overhyped
is pushed, I opt out and become very skeptical about that marketer.
Hi Eric
Well I didn’t find the hyped up offer offensive, but I did find it garish, untidy and a little hard to read. But I had to laugh when you did the second unhyped version which frankly was too plain and totaly boring…..if it had come from anyone else but you - I would not have bothered to read it! …I guess a happy medium is in order.
But what concerns me most about this offer from Russel is that OK … this guy has made $80 - 100 million in 2 years, the audio tapes are $37 and is 6 hours long, if people buy then listen to this, do they seriously think that they will do the same and achieve multi millionaire status? I think not. The offer also does not tell you enough about the “how you to” can work this programme, and what the programme entails, lots of hype with no explanation, and yes I did read the IM report and basicaly this went on about offline marketing as an addition to your online business. Not much good to an experienced newbie like me who is still trying to get their online business up and running!
What we really need is more explanation of the product, how easy it will be to use, and how we can benefit from buying it.
Lastly, regarding the bonuses - I agree with Gene that it is sneaky to offer a 1cent or whatever, introductory price to a monthly subscription. There seems to be a lot of this lately and I think its underhand and will not fall for this under any circumstances.
Lets get back to tell it how it is Eric, and I’m sure the results will lead to more sales.
regards
Graham in U.K.
Hey Eric (and Joel).
It was between your bonuses and one other of my favorite marketer’s. I was very attracted to the hype and didn’t associate it with your review style blog. Before I even saw the sales page I said to myself I should buy thru your link as well. The funny thing is that after I saw the actual sales page it was like it was too hard to imagine that it was what I really “had to have” I decided my money would be best spent else where. Then I asked myself, should I buy it just for the bonus?
Hi Eric per my earlier comments and the wonderful biz op I found and invite all to check out my web site at : http://www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/57791
Offended, no, ANNOYED, yes. I think the simple text from the non-hype page in an easier to read format (bullet points, large or bold headings, etc.) with a graphic or two for interest would be the ideal middle ground. Btw, I got the same notice on my door a couple months ago and it caught my attention too.
Personally, I do not care if it is a hype or not. I only care if the product is legit for what it claims to be. I just found this link http://www.guruscamforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24 and I do not have anything against people with the past but it worries me that wery well known marketers promote the product that imay not be in their best interests. You be the judge:
“…I did some further research. He asked the court to let him sell a ‘new’ manuscript. The court turned him down. There is a 5 year ban on him conducting mail-order business of any kind and on anyone else working with him to do so. That ban is still in force…”
If this is true ban is still in force, it is very hard to ignore it.
No offence taken mate.
Your ‘no hype’ well it’s as flat as a tack, yawn, move on…. there needs to be something in the middle
I believe the next big winner will be a balance of hype and a new style. After a while one gets sick of the same old roll outs, with pop ups, pop unders, peel aways et al… so I find myself looking for someone coming up with something new and really creative to grab my attention.
One of the reasons you are still on my white list is because of the quality and conciseness of much of your material, I am not wading through pages of overinflated BS, but then it’s different strokes for different folks, we tend to be more lay back ‘down under’ and personally I tend to get sick of the over the top stuff. I certainly find it excruciating to try and write it, it really does not sit well.
Oh to find those who lead the pack with clever material, because I find that is what really grabs my attention. Think of the brilliant advertising one liners you never forget. A famous one a friend of mine wrote years ago for peanuts was “Nibble Nobby’s Nuts”…. It was around for years, and is still remembered by those of us who were alive in the 70s.
I would love to see new style balanced with clever sales messages, because who ever comes up with it will sure grab many by ‘the Nuts’
Keep up the good work.
I like the hype it at least makes it interesting to look at. You made a great offer dont let a few people make you think it wasnt great. anyways the no hype memo was boring..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
am only interested in the **END** product (e.g. is this product right for me or no?). Therefore, HYPE or not HYPE it doesn’t really matter to me.
Hi everyone– Has anyone else bought “secret money miracle?” I am very disappointed with this product - to follow this process you are encouraged to keep buying resources and access to the coaching sessions are monthly- in order to receive the next months course you have to renew your membership!!! Anyone got any comments?
Cheers
Hi Eric, I am Gabriel
My answer to your question is:
Non, you never offend me with your terms or hypes in your 1st or 2nd valued bonus added to the great offer of “12 Month Internet Millionaire�
I like to declare that until today -with all your internet writes I just receive from you and Joel a best offers, which give me knowledge and good learn and I appreciate it.
Proceedings write are clear too. Thank you to be like you are.
Receive warm regards,
Gabriel
hey eric…
im not offended n ur offer…is jst that..i didnt read it..
Hello Eric i would like you to take a look at your blogg october 11th 2007 and tell me what was
wrong with my message to you i gave you a JV offer i said nothing bad about you or your site.
So why call my site HYPE OR NO HYPE and high light SevilayPublications.com in yellow
30K A MONTH is a genuine product that i have a licence to and i think i was being bloody decent to offer you a JV on my product is this the way you treat people who sign up to your blogg,i would like to
see your responce to this matter.
regards lee nugent