Sean

Guess you can attribute one positive aspect for the Joel incident is that he let people know. Although it was too shady to not have it more clear in the first place and seemed to only address the situation AFTER people voiced their concerns.

From what I understand Matt never did and was upset he had to add it in the sales page.

My other “problem” with some of these forced programs is that you have to get on the phone and call to cancel. We know they do this on purpose and for a reason. That reason being, to try and talk you into staying or make it more difficult to cancel. Why else would they pay staff or a call service? Not to mention how many folks would not want to even go through the hassle in the first place. There will also be people that will be afraid to call or many that will be push-overs if done correctly.

Ron Killian

http://www.michelfortin.com/forced-continuity-a-different-perspective/

The part I was most draw to in the post was when he talked about being a blessing in your customers life and your obligation to them…

Like I said, go check it out.

Sean

Enjoyed your rant and also read Dr. Mani’s - thanks for the link. I know that the continuity program was not mentioned on the order form originally, as Dr. Mani wondered. I got an email from Joel, 2 days after buying the Adsense Secrets ebook and here’s what it said:

“We have added a line item for the report to the
shopping cart so as to avoid any confusion. This
allows customers to opt-out of the continuity
program should they wish.”

A lot of complaints and a lot of chatter (I heard about it on Twitter, too) got him to make it right.

That’s a good thing… power to the people!

Granted, there are some marketers try to take the “not entirely obvious continuity program” route and skirt the limits of the law. The “continuity aspect” of their offer isn’t exactly hidden, but it isn’t exactly clear either. That practice pretty much sucks ass in my book…I totally agree!!!

The danger is it’s one more red flag for the industry. The more times the flag goes up—the more consumers that get burned—the closer the day comes that the FTC will step in and start cleaning house.

Of course, in theory– the house cleaning won’t hurt the legitimate business people. In practice — it hurts everyone. Wastes time and usually money complying with their rules. Legitimate business owners often comply already in their daily business practices—but once the bureaucracy gets involved the only way to comply is to do it *their way* to the T.

The whole thing just tarnishes the industry and makes everyone trying to making a living within it look bad.

My rant for the day…

Is it our fault? No. I’m of the opinion that if you ever sign up for -anything-, make sure you read (or at least skim over the entirety) what they send you. Or… don’t sign up, save yourself the trouble!

Thanks for taking the time to comment - I appreciate it.

Also thanks for emailing me the link to Dr. Mani’s post. I’ve updated my blog to send people that direction. Kudos for the heads up.

Marketing on the net is becoming more and more difficult due to the fact that people are getting burned more and more by these types of programs “offers” what have you..

If you are a decent person and a trusting marketer and provided REAL value.. WHY even attempt such a thing??

Why risk your reputation for a few bucks now… because in the future it WILL come back to bit you in the ass guaranteed!

I can tell you that not only has one large guru lost a lot of respect from me but they have also lost a customer and affiliate promoter. Now perhaps this doesn’t mean much.. but I KNOW I can’t be the only one here.

Anyways.. sorry for the rant.. just in a ranting mood!