New in 2008

I have been reading up some more on blogs, and have decided to try and get mine up and running and in better condition. I wanted to make this site really cool, but because of some personal and otherwise problems, my blog has set here dead in cyber space. I plan on changing this in the coming year. I want to write a blog journal of my trip through internet marketing. I am not a Guru. I am not a success at internet marketing. This gives me the unique prespective of a newbie. I will plan to write about the journey. If you are looking for all the answers, this is not the place (right now, and maybe never for you)for you to be.

1. I use Dave's Online Videos for a learning aid. His lessons are mostly screen capture and walk you through each step of the lesson. Really is good. I have learned about websites, blogs, newsletters, graphics and much more. See the Links to the right if interested. I am currently doing some work with his Cam Studio Pro, and plan on using it on this site in the future.

2. Motivation is probably one of the biggest obsticals to succeeding on the internet or anyplace else. You must have goals, dreams and remain persistant. You must take responsiblity for your goals and dreams, for only you understand your goals. Nobody can visualize your dream like you do. Don't let the dream stealers kill your dreams and destroy your goals. Keep presistant, and remember that only you can succeed or fail. Family, friends and acquaintances only contribute one way or the other.

4. Nothing is Free. Expensive isn't always exceptional. Inexpensive isn't always ridiculous. What works for you may not work for me. Read what is written, analyse the content, and beware of something that is too good to be true. There is no free lunch, free drinks or free sex. Sometimes the cost is just not visible.

5. Encourage and help others, and you will enjoy success even more. Money is only part of the measure of success. If you don't understand, I can't explain.

Some Good Info

I have been sucked into many programs that say you don't need to worry about leads, contacts or advertising, because it is taken care of for you. This is not exactly what they mean. What this statement means is you get people put under you, but in one line, and to make money, any real money, you have to develop at least one if not two additional lines on your own. You can develop it through your own "advertising" or by purchasing leads. Most MLM organizaions have leads you can purchase from them(or through a lead service they are affiliated with). I don't mind the developing a second line (but would be nice to know up front before they take your $29.95 or whatever to sign up), or the buying leads, that is how you make money, but just like most MLM (Multiple Level Marketing) Programs, it takes a lot of leads to develop a good downline. Many people make big money at MLM and I don't knock it. It just isn't for me. Just make sure you know what you are getting into. Also remember that the quick money you get($4.00-$12.00) with some programs, is only one time, or at least I have only gotten it one time, and then to get the next check you have to sponsor someone. I am leaning more toward websites and products than MLM, but not any easier and can even be more costly. I have learned the hard way to be careful what you do and what you invest your money and time into, and still waste both on something that sounds really promising. I have been reviewing videos about website marketing, how to find and development products and buying and selling on the internet at Dave's Online Videos (or see side panel). Good information, and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. Doesn't cost to see what he offers. Good Luck this year, Jim

What Is New?

I suppose that there is not much new these days. People still do some remarkable feats, some pretty stupid feats, and sometimes they just keep going day after day. I have seen people risk their lives to save another persons life, help somebody worse off than they are, even though they have little. Then there are those who try to be clever and end up being too clever, like the guys who were robbing a store and come out to find that the place had a silent alarm and had company waiting. Most of use are just trying to get by. Trying to make a little extra money to help the finances, or to help a worthy cause. I am not rich, not famous and not likely to be either, but I do work at getting by a little easier, helping out my kids and grandkids, and keeping up with the bills (not Bill's, just bills).

I enjoy being on the internet, trying to sell items and have some fun at the same time. It is a real learning experience for sure. There a lot of people out there that will take all the money they can, and give you nearly nothing in return. I have spent many dollars on such programs and opportunities, only to learn that they are only opportunities for the people making the offers. I don't mind spending money and working hard to succeed, but I am beginning to find that most opportunities waste your money and your work. Still looking for a good program, but haven't found it yet. Part of the problem is my ethics, and feeling that I am offering something to people that they can use, and will have a benefit. Not many of those on the web or anywhere else these days. Got to go for now. Jim