I had thought that I would be rough and ready by now with my 2012 Internet Marketing campaign ……… yeah well, “The Well Laid Plans Of Mice And Bloggers”. I’ll get there, I’m just not sure when. Until I can put the pieces in place, it looks like I’ll need some content to help fill-in until I’m ready to go. Soooo ……

This month I thought I would beat the dead horse; Free Traffic! I know, I know …… you have heard it before, but it is always at the front of my mind. I just can’t shake it. On that note; here we go again.

I thought I would Google “Free Website Traffic” and got about 100 million results. To bad I failed to Google “Targeted Free Website Traffic”. After having spent 3 years in this business, and reading more material than I care to admit on the SERP’s I’m now willing to admit that Google would be just as effective if they just returned 10 results for “Free Website Traffic rather than 100 million results. In other words, he who is able to hit the front page of the SERP’s of Google …… WINS!!!

OK …… time to do the math! 100 million minus (-) 10 equals (=) 99,999,990 that can be labeled as losers in the SEO game. Now, understand me; I’m not being negative, it’s just that stats bear me out here. I, like you, figure that there has got to be a few good apples in the 99,999,990 barrel, but to hell with them! It seems that the world only has need for 10. I guess that why Amazon, and Facebook along with Google are worth billions and you’re worth only a sale or two a year.

I understand that there are always the exceptions, but by and large, Online commerce is a really disproportional game when it comes to the “level playing field”. Let’s call it the world according to Google.

Of course what puts you on page 1 of the SERP’s is if you pay Google. Several took this path to the tune of $37.9 billion dollars in 2011. I’m wondering if all made it to page 1. At the same time I guess they figured that “Free Website Traffic” wasn’t working for them either.

There is nothing that has done more harm to my Online business than the concept of “Free Targeted Website Traffic”. They sold; I bought and it cost me BIG $$$$$$$$$$$$.

Well hell …… I guess it could be worse. I guess I could be in the Insurance business where a keyword will set you back $54.91 for a click!

As of March 1, 2012, business opportunity sellers will be required to comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new and finalized Business Opportunity Rule. The Final Rule now applies to previously excluded work-at-home business opportunities including envelope stuffing and craft assembly while maintaining its jurisdiction over those opportunities that were already covered by the interim rule, which has been in place for some time. It also includes opportunities where the seller promises to help the buyer to obtain customers, accounts or locations to sell its products or services.

According to the FTC, “The changes simplify the disclosures that business opportunity sellers must provide to prospective buyers” and help consumers to assess risk while “minimizing compliance burdens on businesses.” Central to the claim that the Final Rule lowers the compliance burden on business opportunity sellers is a new disclosure document, which takes the mandated seller-to-buyer exchange of information down from some 20 items to a single page.

The FTC stipulates that the new one-page document― entitled “Disclosure of Important Information about Business Opportunity”―be provided by a business opportunity seller to a prospective buyer at least seven days before any contract is signed or money is paid. Furthermore, it clearly states on the form that the prospective buyer should “Make sure that this information is the same as what the salesperson told you about this opportunity.” Finally, prospective buyers are instructed to sign and date the form and return it to the seller for his or her records.

More specifically, the new one-page document requires the business opportunity seller to disclose five key pieces of information:

1. Identifying/contact information, including name, address, phone number, salesperson and the date.
2. Whether or not he/she or his/her key personnel have been the subject of any legal action within the past 10 years and, if so, a list of those actions must be provided.
3. Whether or not there is a cancellation or refund policy and, if so, a clear description of said policy.
4. A substantiated Earnings Claim Statement, if any potential earnings are stated or implied; and,
5. References, along with a note indicating that, should a purchase be made, that buyer’s contact information will also be disclosed to other potential buyers in the future.

The FTC further requires business opportunity sellers to keep the Disclosure Document current and update it every quarter. And in those cases where English is not the primary language used in a potential business opportunity sale, the new rule mandates that the Document and all of its disclosures be in the alternative language as well.

(Click here to obtain a copy of the Disclosure Document.)

Given the Final Rule’s length of some 50 pages, the FTC is making a concerted effort to simplify it for business opportunity sellers as much as possible. Among its online resources aimed at making these new regulations more understandable is a video focusing on “The Business Opportunity Rule,” as well as a summary document entitled “Selling a Work-at-Home or Other Business Opportunity? Revised Rule May Apply to You.”

Any business opportunity seller who meets the definition set forth in the new final rule must meet three key legal responsibilities, all of which are the primary focus of the resources named above:

1. As already mentioned, maintaining a current Disclosure Document is critical.
2. If sellers make an earnings claim, it has to be clearly substantiated in a separate document that is headlined with a banner reading “EARNINGS CLAIM STATEMENT REQUIRED BY LAW;” and,
3. Sellers must avoid all deceptive practices and misleading claims. For instance, it is not simply ill-advised, but in fact it is illegal for business opportunity sellers to say anything that contradicts what is in their Disclosure Document. Additionally, sellers cannot claim they are offering a prospect a job when they’re really promoting a business opportunity―and so forth and so on.

While comprehensive in its scope as it affects the business opportunity industry, the new rule does not apply to franchises in their most literal definition. In fact, many would assert that it actually puts even greater distance between the two―reinforcing the fact that franchises traditionally constitute much more involved arrangements, while the comparatively low-cost business opportunity now involves far less complexity.

The rule also does not apply to multi-level marketing (MLM) concerns. While the FTC does recognize that there are a number of problems inherent to the MLM industry, it has determined for the time being that the Business Opportunity Rule is not the best outlet for addressing them. Rather, it has pledged to continue to challenge unfair and deceptive practices in that industry through Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Lastly, business opportunity sellers should note that―as was the case with the original Business Opportunity Rule and the amended Franchise Rule of 2007―FTC rules do not take precedence over state law unless those laws conflict with the FTC rules. Put more simply, state law is not superseded by the current Rule if it affords prospective buyers equal or greater protection. That being the case, it’s every bit as important for business opportunity sellers to understand the state laws that affect them as much as or even more so than those at the federal level.

Well, it’s that time of year again. Happy third birthday to Bloggers Market! I actually thought I would be doing something different this month. Since moving over to “Jeffrey-Morgan.com”, I thought I would use this platform to pitch products. However, I’ve sorta slid into a gray area of future products management and paying the bills around the place!

Trending … Maybe …

Anyhoo, I’m needing new content here so I thought I would take the day and celebrate, and tell some tall-tales about that Internet Lifestyle that I’m living these days. Hopefully I’ll have all things in place next month for the marketing plan.

Did Someone Mention Products?

I guess I could mention a little about what is to come here at Bloggers Market. I’m working on three projects at the moment. Two will be forthcoming and the third will be delayed a bit.

The first two will be products that deal with Blogging. I’m not sure of the timing here which has me babbling a bit as I write this, but I’ve got a “how to build and sell websites” product and the big one, which I’m about a third of the way through at this time is “Blogging Extreme”.

I’ll have to admit that its been a bit more challenging to provide myself a roadmap for products than I had originally thought. I’m not sure of the market at this time and the economy still has me a bit of stride.

Yoda Of WordPress Strikes Again!

As you might have noticed the Twitter API has been on the blink here of late. I spent an entire night re-writing the code for the API, before realizing that I had a dry feed; Yoda of WordPress strikes again. In other words all I needed to do was to tweet something and it would have come right back. I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve not had time to tweet the last month. So much for that Internet Lifestyle that I mention earlier.

That Internet Lifestyle Development Environment

As I worked through a killer security problem with, of all things, the WordPress Permalinks Structure, I realized that there was a huge security breach in the back-end of secured files and directories out-side of the WordPresss structure. I know, I know …… WHAT??? There is no way that I can address this issue here in this post and it will probably run too several pages on the WordPress Forums. In the end I found no security breach, rather it was how I had structured my development Environment. I know, I know …… WHAT???

No Fun Being Yoda Of WordPress

The WordPress Permlinks thingy was killer enough …… 12 hours worth, but the perceived “security breach” was the real killer, chasing a problem that did not exist …… Internet Lifestyle indeed! I should have been a dog groomer!

I’m working on a product launch to be announced here shortly, probably next month; and I’m working on split testing my PPC and lo and behold …… Google don’t think so! Just great ….. Google slapped again!

Here I am trying to figure out what it is that was going to make my ad campaign fly and was told that Google can be kinda fussy when it comes to a PPC campaign for the Internet Marketers. Whatever!!!

“So how do we un-fussy them I asked”? I was then questioned about all the ducks-in-a-row with my Blog, which is where both the squeeze-page and landing-page will be hosted ….. “Next”! Of course I’ve got my ducks-in-a-row, I ain’t exactly asleep at the wheel keyboard here at Bloggers Market. Maybe I should look into my sales copy and double-check to make sure all is well. I really didn’t think so, but maybe the fact that I’m trying to motivate people to take action and change their lives by working a Blog Online has Google upset.

In the course of thinking it through and going over copy, I was asked if I had a “disclaimer” ….. I hadn’t gotin’ to it. I was then told that the structure for Google needed to be in place even before split-testing. “Structure”? I was told the same structure that is used for Google Adsense. However, “I don’t run Adsence on my Blog”! I was told that Adsense and Adwords are essentially the same thing. “You didn’t think Google would let you advertize a product without legitimizing your site did you”? “If they’ll make you do it just to carry the ads, they’ll certainly do it for someone who is selling through the ads”. Oh Man ………. now that’s cold! For split-testing?

“Structure”? “Is that just the disclaimer and privacy policy thingy I asked”? I was told that I need the 1) About Page, 2) Privacy Policy, 3) Terms Of Use, 4) Site Disclaimer, 5) Earnings Disclaimer 6) Contact Page ………. “I got a contact page” ……… stupid bag of hammers!!!

I amaze myself sometimes! I want to be at the forefront of modern Internet Marketing, but have yet to get with the program grab a mitt and get in the game. It’s not like I am blowing it off …….. I just didn’t think about it! Well, …….. dig this ……… Google did! And they don’t want to be a part of any legal dispute that you’re “I just didn’t think about it” program finds itself in because you failed to conduct yourself in a professional manner!

And I wonder why it is that I’m not at the top of the SERP’s after all the SEO work I’ve done; along with wondering why it is that I’m paying so frickin’ much for PPC on Google when I’m just trying to drive traffic to my site! Oh Man …….. Yoda Of WordPress Strikes Again!

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, also the internet; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I had this idealistic thought back in the middle of 2011 that I would be able to tie up loose ends here at Bloggers Market and move on to the proverbial greener pastures. I like things neat and tidy. That’s what has me in this profession after all …… I rule!

However, the recent debate over the “SOPA / PIPA” legislation has the Internet if not the country up in arms about the government closing the doors on our civil liberties. My sites are down today as I join in the cry for “government for the people; by the people” and the course it takes in this most crucial issue that affects or will affect all Internet users.

When I started down this “Yellow Brick Road” my intention was to earn a living Blogging …… ya know like my sites slogan says’ “Learn How To Make Money Blogging”. I was in no way interested in involving myself with any kind of political fight or other social issues.

When one involves themselves they …… for a lack of a better term; they take sides. And when one takes sides, polarization takes place. Ok, I’ll quit dancing …… they get pissed and they usually get pissed pretty quick!

I’ve been reading dozens of posts Online today from those who have chosen not to take part in said issues and have remained active. As I read one quote from one of the more prominent individuals of our time; I think it was someone over at Twitter, said: “Closing a global business in reaction to single-issue national politics is foolish,” Yeah you keep thinking that way Richard! If you don’t they will! Close you up that is.

I’m with the majority ( At least I think I am ) here of course and join those like-minded brave souls like the one that tweeted. “If Wikipedia is going down, I’m going down with it,” Here Here I say!!!

This post is not about the ongoing coverage of SOPA / PIPA; you can get that from anyone of a number of media sites. My intention here is to focus attention on the ongoing never-ending assault on our civil liberties. I guess I could stir the pot with the never-ending lighting rod of “Roe v. Wade”, however I feel uncomfortable with the friction. I need to find someway to communicate the seriousness of these issues that threaten us all.

Over the last year our government; as quoted by the “IVN – US Independent Voter Network” as well as “MSNBC” has enacted or will attempt to enact close to 40,000 new laws that cover a wide variety of human actions and public policies. You might say we have come a long way since the “Code Of Hammurabi”.

There is a cruel infrastructure that feeds off all of us with a motley crew of politicians, judges, law enforcement personal and lawyers all in the name of “keeping us safe”. God help us or YOU if somehow “during the course of human events” that we get caught in the gears of this most insidious of machines.

Government has it’s purpose of course …… the corruption and powers that be, keep us safe at night! Make no mistake though …… government is not your friend. Never has been; never will be ……..

It’s the first of August as I write this ……. with my head in my hands! As I prepare for the “Big Move” I’m getting in pretty deep here. This issue started about two weeks ago when I started to have problems with the new site ….. Jeffrey-Morgan.com. I originally started out to produce a personal page apart from my marketing activities and wound-up building a portfolio of a dozen sites.

First Things Frist

One of the more important lessons that I have learned over the past three years is that you need to make things as compact as possible for your readers and to stay on point with your communication. Let’s call it Point 1 ( for the sake of this post ), of the Bloggers Funnel.

Very Sharp Points

Point 2 is that when pitching an offer for services or products, have a direct as possible route to that offer. Enter the “Landing Page”.

Now I told you all that to tell you this ….. I have no way for anyone to get to the landing pages easily. If I were an airport, you would never know which runway to use for your landing. Not Good.

What’s worse for the last two months or so you, my loyal readers have had to read between the lines to get any useful information with which you can use for your own Online business. I just have not had the time to invest into any real study of different subjects that would be of interest to you because of all the jazz that I have had to deal with concerning my move. I apologize for this.

Please Don’t Do This

However, if you take the time to read between the lines you will indeed find some useful information ……… on what not to do with your Online Business. I’m kinda learning as I go along on this trip.

Please Do This Instead

I hope things are a little clearer over at the new site “Jeffrey-Morgan.com“. If you would please take a moment or two to browse the categories and check-out all the cool links and drop me a comment I would appreciate it.

As for the future of Bloggers Market; I’ll be posting here on the first Saturday of the month and this site will serve as my marketing arm for all of my WordPress Products.

Farewell To Arms

It Has Come Time For Me To bid Farewell To Bloggers Market. Yeah, there’s a catch of course …. almost like an up-sell of sorts. I’m not really going anywhere, I just love the drama!

New Address

Now for you skimmers out there, here is my new address: Jeffrey-Morgan.com

New Beginnings

As everyone pretty much knows by now, I’ve been planning this for months. And now the time has come for me to introduce you to the new ME. I told you I loved the drama.

The new ME has several components, and I’d just love to provide you with the details. However, as I am now re-writing this post for the second time, I’ve come to realize that the first post was a real mess after I had finished. I’m afraid that I have a real gift for confusing everyone. So I’m going to leave you with the new address of Jeffrey-Morgan.com which is a portfolio of my work really, and to leave you with the news that Bloggers Market will continue as my marketing arm for my products and services for Bloggers.

Goodbye Everyone

Over the past three years it has been a pleasure to know you all. There are too many to list here and the problem of course with that list is that you always leave someone important out ….. not meaning to.

I do look forward to seeing you all next year over at Jeffrey-Morgan.com and thank you for your ongoing support. God Bless You All!

Have a Happy New Year Everyone!  

Adrienne Smith’s Sunshine Award

The issue in question is Adrienne Smith’s “Sunshine Award”. As I understand it, the “Sunshine Award” is a rolling award for the best that the Internet has to offer in regards to the Bloggers out there. Whomever gets nominated also gets to carry on the list. It also comes with a series of rules. 1.) Thank the person(s) who gave you the award. 2.) Answer 10 questions. 3.) Pass the award on to 10-12ish deserving bloggers.

The Love Is In The List

The Internet ( Father Google ) loves lists. Usually power-packed information that can be consumed easily by the reader. As we move forward into the future, the Internet will become more and more inter-active. Meaning that the information that you see listed on Google will be real-time. That indeed is what will hold down the number one spots in Google …….. current real-time inter-active condensed information.

So without further ado …….. I’d like to thank “Adrienne Smith” for my being at the top of her “Sunshine Award” list. As for the 10 questions well …… here goes:

My List As I Live It:

1. Favorite colors – Gray; Blue; Brown.
2. Favorite animals – Black Bear and Grey Wolves.
3. Favorite number – 12. I always like things being even and I’ve been told things are cheaper by the dozen.
4. Favorite drinks – Coca Cola! Ice Tea.
5. Facebook or Twitter – Twitter … it’s real-time.
6. My passion – Wilderness and The Multiverse.
7. Giving or receiving gifts – Both.
8. Favorite day – Saturday, time to think and reset for the next week.
9. Favorite flower – Nightblooming Cereus.
10. Favorite food – Hamburgers and French Fries.

Now for the 10 deserving Bloggers:

1. Adrienne Smith: Top Blogger On The Internet Today.
2. Frank Kern: Not really a Blogger, however he gets it!
3. Seth Godin: This guy can really write and bring home the point in a paragraph or less. How cool is that?
4. Barry Wells: Unique subjects covered with insight.
5. Alex Whalley: Covers SEO subjects and products.
6. SEOmoz: Thank Goodness!
7. Michael Dunlop: Straight forward and easy to understand.
8. John Chow: The Power Blogger That I Follow.
9. Yaro Starak: Australian Internet Business Entrepreneur.
10. David Risley: Down to earth, tells it like it is Blogger.

Merry Christmas Everyone! What a year. This is to be my last Christmas message to you all here at Bloggrs Market. Next year I’m afraid all you will find here at Bloggers Market is a store front of sorts at Christmas time.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you over at Jeffrey-Morgan.com, so don’t be a stranger.

Here’s hoping that you had a prosperous year and that you are ready to indulge a bit with family and friends. Time to let everything go that was the past year and prepair for the new one. Time to unwind.

So enjoy the family, food, and wrapping paper and all that is within and I’ll see you next year.

God Bless and Merry Christmas Everyone!