Posted on November 20, 2009 01:09 PM
Our iPhone development team is responsible for some great apps in the iTunes app store. iVote Mobile was in the first batch of 500 apps that were released in the app store when it first went live in Summer of 2008. Last holiday season, iFart took the world by storm. It has gone on to become one of the most frequently mentioned iPhone apps in the world. Our team was among the first to develop... Continue Reading
Posted on November 18, 2009 05:12 PM
Since Apple has opened the iTunes App Store, my company has released a number of applications.
iVote was one of the first 500 apps released.
iFart has gone on to become what is perhaps the most-often referenced app in iPhone history.
And we also had the pleasure of creating apps for Mashable, Charles Trippy and MC Hammer, among others.
I love creating apps and we've got some pretty cool stuff on the way.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 16, 2009 08:52 AM
Nearly one year after the release of iFart, the app continues to sell like clockwork.
I believe that iFart is also the most-referenced app in iPhone history.
It seems like every week one media outlet or another is referring to it.
A Google search for iFart now turns up 106,000 results. Continue Reading
Posted on November 10, 2009 08:00 AM
Creating a successful Internet business is all about bringing in users and turning them into cash. The more of those users you can convert, the more money you'll make. Your clickthrough rate - the percentage of users who click on an ad - is a measure of your ability to convert your users. A good website will have a clickthrough rate (or CTR) of around 3 percent. Or to put it another way, even a... Continue Reading
Posted on November 8, 2009 09:29 PM
I have a confession to make.
I am a packrat.
It's not like when I die they are going to find stacks of National Geographic magazines in my house, but I do have a tendency to hold on to stuff that I think is cool.
My old software collection always blows away people who visit my home. Perhaps I'll make a video of that someday. Continue Reading
Posted on November 5, 2009 09:13 PM
The Internet has grown at an incredible rate. Online business is big business. And wherever there is big business there are bound to be scam artists. Due to the sheer number of people being deceived by unscrupulous marketers (though I hate to even call them marketers), the Federal Trade Commission has seen fit to intervene with a new set of regulations due to go into effect on December 1st, 2009. If you do ANY kind... Continue Reading
Posted on November 4, 2009 08:00 AM
I offer a lot of different products. Some of those products I create myself. Others have been created by people I know. All of them, I firmly believe, can bring real benefits to the people who use them. If I wasn't 100 percent convinced that someone who is prepared to use the ideas contained in my books and products, and in the products that I recommend, couldn't achieve massive success, I wouldn't offer them for... Continue Reading
Posted on October 28, 2009 07:36 AM
Hardly a day goes by that I don't hear about a new Twitter app, web tool or other utility created to make the use of Twitter easier or more interesting. It's pretty hard to keep up with them. And it's pretty rare that I endorse a tool or app. Just as I wait to see new sites pick up steam before jumping on board, I usually don't start using new tools until they demonstrate widespread... Continue Reading
Posted on October 19, 2009 01:51 PM
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of traveling to London to speak at Andrew Reynold's Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2009.
For the past few years, Andrew has put on an annual event that has dwarfed other marketing events in both size and scope.
This year sought to outdo them all with a massive two-day event at the London O2 Arena. Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2009 08:00 AM
I seem to spend a lot of time on the road these days. I've been up and down the country, backwards and forwards, and from state to state. I've even been to the other side of the world and back. It's hard work, with lots of jet-lag and too much time away from my family. That always hurts. But I enjoy it. I like speaking. The people I meet at events and conferences tend to... Continue Reading
Posted on October 15, 2009 10:24 AM
I've got a question for you. What do you want to be when you grow up? No, I am not asking this question of children. Heck, as a child I went through a phase where I wanted to be a dentist. Nothing against dentists, but I can't even begin to imagine myself in that profession! You know, it's sad, but many people can't answer this question. I've accomplished a lot in my forty-five years, But... Continue Reading
Posted on October 14, 2009 09:02 AM
What do people see when they look at you? Initially, they see your physical appearance. However, I believe our bodies are really a small part of who we really are. Man is a three-part being. We are body, soul and spirit. The body is just a casing (or an earthsuit as John Eldredge likes to say) to give our real selves something to walk around in during our brief stay on this planet. And yet... Continue Reading
Posted on October 13, 2009 09:34 AM
In the beginning there were blogs.
And yea, God saw that they were good.
After all, what a fantastic way for anyone to become an online publisher.
Sure, the word "blog" doesn't roll off the tongue. It sounds more like you are about to upchuck yesterday's hot dog.
But being short for "web log", it does work in a "oh well I guess it will do" kind of way. Continue Reading
Posted on October 10, 2009 08:54 AM
Last week the FTC dropped a bomb on the marketing world. They released new guidelines for the use of testimonials and endorsements in marketing. I immediately contacted my attorney, Kevin Houchin, to get his take on the latest guidelines. With Kevin's permission, I am republishing the entire text of his interpretation. It is essential that all marketers, online and offline, pay attention to this content. And understand that if you have ANY questions, you should... Continue Reading
Posted on October 2, 2009 08:00 AM
I've had a ton of different business ideas. At the time I dreamt them up, they all looked like winners.
It didn't always pan out that way. There have been a number of business ventures that I've started only to see them fizzle and die.
It's just a part of business. No one ever goes through life without making a mistake. Continue Reading
Posted on September 16, 2009 08:00 AM
The Internet has been good to me. No, I'll say that differently. The Internet has been fantastic to me. It's changed my life, brought me some incredible deals and continues to deliver a reliable and generous revenue stream. It's allowed me to build a successful business and lead the kind of life I've always dreamed of. I don't know where I'd be without the Web. Still selling encyclopedias probably. Or disc jockeying at weddings. We... Continue Reading
Posted on August 26, 2009 08:00 AM
I've made a lot of money out of Internet marketing. I live in a beautiful home in a wonderful part of the country. I work with some fantastic, clever, creative people who together generate more profit-making ideas than we know what to do with. And most importantly, I have an amazing family and while I do have a busy life, being my own boss gives me the freedom to enjoy time with them. I feel... Continue Reading
Posted on July 25, 2009 04:20 PM
I have to warn you now.
This entry is not going to be pretty.
But someone has got to say something.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Fine... sigh... I'll do it. Continue Reading
Posted on July 23, 2009 12:02 PM
By now, you know that I am the creator of the world's most-talked about iPhone application, iFart Mobile. Although most people know me these days as the best selling author of "Twitter Power - How To Dominate Your Market One Tweet At A Time" and a successful internet entrepreneur, my staff and I eagerly jumped into iPhone development as soon as the app store launched. If you have been following me on Twitter, you are... Continue Reading
Posted on June 27, 2009 08:00 AM
In Twitter Power, I described blogs as one aspect of the social media revolution. I think that might have surprised some people. Blogs, after all, pre-date the kind of interaction that we can see on Facebook and LinkedIn. They're more like old-fashioned publishing, in which information comes down from a publisher instead of being created and shared by contributors. But there is one aspect of blogging that's often forgotten by Internet publishers, and it's incredibly... Continue Reading
Posted on June 25, 2009 06:13 PM
Apart from Twitter's own terms of service which prohibit obvious things like harassment, transmitting viruses and spamming other members, there really aren't many rules to the site. You can essentially use Twitter however you like. However, for people and businesses who want to use Twitter successfully (eg: build a following and grow their circle of influence), there are a number of best practices that can be observed. I cover many of these in my book... Continue Reading
Posted on June 21, 2009 08:00 AM
Have you ever asked a child what they want for Christmas? They'll tell you exactly what they want, describe it in glorious detail, even point it out to you in the store so that you don't make a mistake and come home with the wrong version. Then on Christmas morning you get to see their eyes light up as they open the wrapping. It's a thrill... until New Year's Day when the toy is lying... Continue Reading
Posted on June 17, 2009 08:00 AM
I love it when academics launch studies of the entrepreneurial world. Sometimes, they come up with truly valuable and fascinating information. I can't think of any off-hand, but I'm sure they must do sometimes. More usually though, the buffoons claim that their observations have discovered something truly amazing and revolutionary... something that those of us who were actually doing it knew all along. While the prof. is getting another publication and a nomination for a... Continue Reading
Posted on May 27, 2009 08:00 AM
The people behind Twitter were incredibly lucky. They weren't lucky because they had a great idea. They weren't even lucky that no one else had thought of their idea before them. They were lucky that the system took just two weeks to build. My staff and I get together for regular brainstorming sessions. We toss out ideas left, right and center. By the time we walk out of that room, we've got a white board... Continue Reading
Posted on May 17, 2009 08:00 AM
I'm not much of a celebrity-watcher. I don't read tabloids and I couldn't care less who's dating whom in Hollywoodland. But I'm still pleased to see that so many celebrities have chosen to use Twitter. I'm pleased because those celebrities are bringing lots of regular folk like you and me with them. Those people might have come to chat with Oprah or Ashton Kutcher but they'll hang around and talk with the rest of us... Continue Reading
Posted on May 13, 2009 08:00 AM
I've been doing a lot of traveling lately. I've been from California to New York, to Utah and Seattle, and to Denver more times than I can count. In theory, none of that traveling should be necessary. Twitter, after all, is the ultimate networking tool. I can be sitting anywhere and by firing up Tweetie on my iPhone, find myself swapping tweets with Tim O'Brien of the New York Times or exchanging ideas with best-selling... Continue Reading
Posted on April 23, 2009 05:48 PM
I've been an Amazon.com Associate since the beginning. I'm not sure when they started their program, but it's been over ten years that I've promoted Amazon's products and services. Imagine my surprise when I received an email from Andrea, an Associates Account Specialist (is that for people who can't get jobs with the post office? I'm kidding.. relax...), that informed me my account was being closed. First of all, let me say this. I am... Continue Reading
Posted on April 16, 2009 01:10 PM
Twitter has experienced massive growth in the past year, with the number of people signing up each month accelerating. It has also become the media darling of the day. It seems that everyone is Twittering. However, with only 10-12 million people on the site, its clear that everyone is NOT Twittering. Don't fret. They will be soon. So where is the media paying the most attention to Twitter? You guessed it. It's all about the... Continue Reading
Posted on April 16, 2009 08:28 AM
With Twitter becoming such a powerful force on the social media scene, there are those who get it and those who don't get it. There's a certain number of the "don't get it" crowd who will invariably take an outright aggressive posture and make a statement like this... "Twitter is a waste of time. Who cares what you had for breakfast?" Many on Twitter will hem and haw about the content of the question, almost... Continue Reading
Posted on April 11, 2009 10:26 AM
Now that my book, Twitter Power, is moving up the charts (#15 on Bookscan last week!), I have a lot of people asking me how effective Twitter actually is for business.
Certainly, it is difficult to put a price tag on relationships that have been built on Twitter.
It's also very hard to quantify the effects of branding on a Twitter profile page correctly designed.
But the question remains...
Does Twitter use convert to sales? Continue Reading
Posted on April 4, 2009 08:00 AM
There are times when I've sat in a conference, looked around a room full of bright, hopeful entrepreneurs and wondered how many of them will become successful.
I don't mean how many of them will be successful this time next year or how many will be millionaires in five years' time.
I mean how many will be successful at all.
Continue Reading
Posted on April 1, 2009 10:24 AM
In a landmark decision that will be sure to usher in a new world Internet order, a World Wide Web judge has just granted Internet marketing guru and entrepreneur Joel Comm the exclusive trademark rights to the ".com" web address suffix, placing all websites everywhere with a ".com" domain under the jurisdiction and discretion of Joel Comm. The decision came about when Joel Comm successfully sued Al Gore, who had previously laid claim to "inventing... Continue Reading
Posted on March 28, 2009 01:34 PM
I've been a fan of UStream.tv ever since I discovered them a little over a year ago.
Every Wednesday, I do a live show with my co-host Dan Nickerson. It's called Joel Comm LIVE!
UStream has proven to be innovative as they continue to add cool features for broadcasters, including the ability to bring in co-hosts from other locations, add titles and also play YouTube or local videos within your program. Continue Reading
Posted on March 17, 2009 08:00 AM
I've seen some really clever things done with ads on the Web. I've seen some pretty dumb things too, like whack-a-mole banners and flashing skyscrapers that make you want to look anywhere but at the ad. But some of the ideas have been incredibly creative. When Kontera first wheeled out its system, I loved the fact that its ads were so unobtrusive. When Chitika created its eMiniMalls and then its Premium ads, I thought the... Continue Reading
Posted on March 14, 2009 08:00 AM
You've heard the saying about not being able to fool all the people all the time.
You probably also know then that you can't please all the people all the time too.
It's an impossibility. It doesn't matter how good your content, how wonderful your website or what a great job you do, you're always going to get people who write in and complain.
Continue Reading
Posted on February 28, 2009 09:17 AM
I recently attended a mastermind event featuring some of the greatest thought leaders of our generation. Attendees included Tony Robbins, Alex Mandossian, Les Brown, Tony Hsieh, Ivan Misner, Chet Holmes, Bill Bartmann, Stephen Pierce and many others. It was a fantastic three days of learning, networking, and building relationships. On Saturday evening we were told that we had a surprise speaker. It turns out that Janet Atwood has a friend that knows Paula Abdul. I'm... Continue Reading
Posted on February 27, 2009 01:56 PM
Few Internet companies have succeeded in seizing mindshare more than Zappos.com.
One of the truly great ecommerce success stories, Zappos has built an incredible brand based on a culture-centric philosophy.
They believe that their company culture is what drives their employees to provide premium customer service. And you know what? They are right. It works. Continue Reading
Posted on February 26, 2009 11:50 PM
A year or so ago, I started my own book publishing program. Essentially, my goal was to provide opportunity to a select group of new authors who I felt needed greater exposure. Made Easy Publishing has accepted a handful of manuscripts and I'm pleased to announce that our newest author has just hit #1 on Amazon.com! My friend, Ewen Chia, has just released his book "How I Made My First Million on the Internet and... Continue Reading
Posted on February 23, 2009 07:45 AM
A few weeks back I had the pleasure of enjoying a weekend in the mountains with my family. We stayed in a neighborhood called Summerwood, located in Dillon, Colorado. It's about two hours from Loveland, where we live, and it was an absolutely perfect retreat for the weekend! Just a few minutes from Dillon AND Keystone resort, you could spend the entire weekend inside this massive home and do nothing but enjoy the spectacular views... Continue Reading
Posted on February 22, 2009 08:00 AM
Whenever I see a picture from inside the Oval Office, something always strikes me. Yes, I'm struck by how much nicer the President's office is than mine (although I think I've got a better view). But mostly I'm struck by his desk. It's big and old and it's nicely decorated... but that's not really what I'm getting at either. What's most striking about the President's desk - and this is true of the workspace of... Continue Reading
Posted on February 21, 2009 12:47 PM
Twitter Power is quickly moving up the charts, entering Bookscan at #45 in its first week! The first book on Twitter to receive mainstream distribution (it's at your local bookstore), my hope is that this is the big breakthrough for more businesses to understand how social media can be used to grow their business. I invite you to pick up your copy of Twitter Power at any of these fine booksellers. Barnes & Noble Amazon.com... Continue Reading
Posted on February 20, 2009 07:56 AM
Wow.
I should probably just end the blog post with that one word, as I am speaking about Tweet-a-Thon 2009.
Just wow.
But you know I can't stop there!
It's the morning after. I am still exhausted. But I am basking in the afterglow of what I shall remember for the rest of my life. Continue Reading
Posted on February 17, 2009 08:00 AM
I wish I hadn't done it. And I wish I could tell you all the things that I wish I hadn't done but there are too many incidents to remember them all. I probably smack my forehead about a dozen times a day and wonder what I've let myself in for. I know lots of people say that they have no regrets. They might even be telling the truth. But that doesn't mean that they've... Continue Reading
Posted on February 13, 2009 02:38 PM
My team and I came up with the idea for an iPhone fart application in summer of 2008. We knew it would be a hit. We just needed to develop it. We took great pride in developing iFart Mobile. It was more than another iPhone application. It was a true entertainment machine with a unique interface. It didn't LOOK like an iPhone app. When we submitted the application to Apple, it was put "in review... Continue Reading
Posted on February 11, 2009 08:00 AM
There are lots of great things to say about being an Internet entrepreneur. You get to be your own boss, setting your own hours and working from home if you want. You get to define your own goals and connect your earnings directly to your efforts. And you get to be in full control of your life, instead of working a J.O.B. that you just can't stand. All of those things are true but there's... Continue Reading
Posted on February 1, 2009 02:08 PM
I'm currently vacation in Dillon, CO with my family, staying at a friend's vacation home.
I walked outside and it was such a gorgeous day that I decided to do a spontaneous live show!
So from the Rocky Mountains, you can check out the replay now.
Watch for special appearance from Socrates the Philosopher Dawg. :-) Continue Reading
Posted on January 29, 2009 08:00 AM
Here's a confession...
Not every idea I've had has been golden.
In fact, I can say that many of the business ideas I've tried have managed to bring me... well, let's just say something was funding one or two lunches per week.
That's one of the advantages of marketing. Everyone gets to know about your successes but your failures just fade away.
Continue Reading
Posted on January 26, 2009 01:32 PM
As I'm sure you read on my blog or elsewhere on the web, Facebook had suspended my account.
After sending a few emails and having some friends with contacts at Facebook work on my behalf, my account has been reinstated.
Here is the email I received from them... Continue Reading
Posted on January 23, 2009 10:36 AM
I've been a fan of Facebook for a couple years. I think it's a great way to network with others and build your business. I've used the site create my own groups, build a fan page, post videos, interact with family, friends and fans, and basically enjoyed its functionality. I've always abided by their terms of service, even though thousands of people break the rules every day. I'm a credible marketer with a 15-year history... Continue Reading
Posted on January 19, 2009 08:00 AM
There are a lot of worried people out there. You might even be one of them. People are losing their jobs, seeing their wages cut, watching their revenue charts change from a steep hill to vertical cliff. These aren't great times. But they are times of opportunity. When I was researching Click Here to Order, there was one story that I came across time and time again. It was the story of the entrepreneur whose... Continue Reading
Posted on January 14, 2009 08:00 AM
I'm sure you've heard all the reasons for working for yourself. You can set your own schedule. You can be your own boss. You won't have to commute. You can work in your underwear. (Does anyone ever do that?) Yada yada. All true, all wonderful (except maybe the underwear bit) and all good reasons for setting up your own business. Bu there's one reason that no one ever talks about, and that's very strange because... Continue Reading
Posted on January 10, 2009 11:48 AM
It doesn't happen often.
But it does happen. And when it does, I have to shake my head and wonder what some people are thinking.
What am I talking about?
Well, let me set the stage for you with a little anecdote. Continue Reading
Posted on January 7, 2009 06:56 PM
Today on the show, we celebrated the success of iFart Mobile, the #1 application in the iTunes iPhone app store.
The monkeys took over the set, we gave away prizes, gave demos of some apps and read a Top Ten list.
It was a fun time and I really appreciate those who join us each week for Internet marketing insanity! Continue Reading
Posted on January 5, 2009 08:00 AM
The start of any new business always contains the scariest moments. On the one hand, you're never going to feel more enthusiastic about your idea than during those first few months. You'll get to see your plan take flight and discover whether it really does have wings. On the other hand, you also have to cope with the fear that it's going to fail -- that what you thought was going to bring you a... Continue Reading
Posted on December 29, 2008 08:00 AM
You know what I like best about Twitter? It isn't the fact that it's easy to use and a ton of fun (although those are important). It isn't the fact that I can communicate with some fantastic people, get answers to questions and pick up information and advice that I couldn't have learned any other way (although those are important too.) And it isn't even that it's a fantastic marketing tool that drives traffic, builds... Continue Reading
Posted on December 26, 2008 08:00 AM
AdSense has a weakness. It's not very good at handling images. Fill your blog or your website with pictures of your cat, your family or your vacation in Yosemite and you might please your readers, but Google won't know what to make of it. Unless you have a sizeable amount of text on your Web page, its robots won't be able to decide what you're talking about. You'll get Public Service Ads that don't earn... Continue Reading
Posted on December 22, 2008 08:00 AM
I love meeting people who are just starting out as Internet entrepreneurs. I love their enthusiasm, I get a thrill out of hearing their plans for the future, and I pick up a buzz from their energy. They've got J-O-Bs that they often H-A-T-E. They've got every motivation they need to swap their spare time for marketing time, and they absolutely believe that it's only a matter of hard work and patience before they'll be... Continue Reading
Posted on December 16, 2008 08:00 AM
I believe that anyone can make money as an online publisher. I've always believed that and I've seen enough people set up websites and generate income to keep believing it.
But I know there's something wrong with this picture.
I'm not going to kid myself and it would be plain wrong to try to kid anyone else.
Some publishers are going to have an easier time than others. Continue Reading
Posted on December 13, 2008 02:46 PM
I had the privilege of speaking to one thousand people at a seminar this weekend. One the things I hear from attendees again and again is how "real" I am on stage. I take that a compliment, because to be otherwise would be to act "phony." After considering these kinds of comments, I wonder how many people aren't "real" on stage or some other part of their lives. I think one reason that speakers/performers struggle... Continue Reading
Posted on December 13, 2008 12:33 AM
A collective groan was heard from domain parking services as Google stepped up to take ground and plant an AdSense flag.
AdSense for Domains allows you to point your parked domains to a Google server where they will be all-too-happy to manage them for you.
There's really nothing to it.
Simply tell Google which domains you want to park with them. Continue Reading
Posted on December 10, 2008 10:31 AM
I'm getting ready to bust loose with a four-letter word.
You aren't going to like it.
It might make you cringe.
Too bad. It needs to be said.
"Debt"
There I said it.
Do you feel relieved or does the word stress you out? Continue Reading
Posted on December 7, 2008 08:00 AM
There are two ways to write a blog.
The first is to sit at the computer and type up the first thing that comes into your head.
If you have interesting ideas, fun experiences and can write well, that can certainly work. There are plenty of bloggers who make a good income writing about themselves, their lives and their families.
But it isn't easy.
Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2008 08:33 AM
I often hear grumbling from people who tell me how hard it is to make money online.
And then I see a 16-year old kid do it and think "huh... maybe not so hard after all?"
That's exactly what happened with my friend, Stanley Tang.
Stanley understands the power of mentors... following those who have gone before and modeled the success you want to achieve.
As a result, Stanley has found success on the Internet! Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2008 12:01 AM
On September 11th, 2008, I received an email from Matt Holt at John Wiley and Sons Publishing.
Matt asked me if I would write the definitive guide on Twitter for business.
And he wanted me to write it FAST.
As in, we have to have the manuscript in a couple months so we can release it by February of 2009.
Wow, that IS fast! Continue Reading
Posted on December 3, 2008 09:14 AM
I've been a huge fan of Amazon.com since Bezos launched the site out of his garage. When the pundits said "It'll never work", I said they were clueless. Of course it will work. I spend more money on Amazon then any other online store, as do many of you. I'm also a huge fan of my iPhone and I've used it to shop at Amazon many times. I joined Amazon Prime a couple years back... Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2008 08:00 AM
Whenever I attend a conference I always try to listen to as many of the other speakers' talks as possible.
I can't think of a single talk that hasn't taught me something.
But some of the most powerful and valuable information that I've learned at conferences didn't come while sitting in front of a professional marketer. It came while sitting in the café afterwards and chatting with my students.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 27, 2008 08:54 PM
Black Friday is upon us once again, and it is time to hunt down the best deals online. I will not be braving the Friday morning crowds. It makes much more sense to sleep in and find deals at my favorite online merchants. Where do you go to find those great deals? No doubt about it. It's DealofDay.com The oldest and best bargain-hunting site, you'll find tons of online bargains here. Ready to save money... Continue Reading
Posted on November 26, 2008 08:18 AM
I recently had the opportunity to do a book signing at our local Barnes & Noble store in Loveland, Colorado. The team at the store was very friendly and accomodating, setting up an area for me to do a couple presentations, interact with customers and sign books. They ordered plenty of copies of Click Here to Order and The AdSense Code, so there was enough for everyone. They placed a nice sign on the table... Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2008 07:59 AM
I got an email from someone the other day asking me which "gurus" they should listen to.
There are SO many people teaching how to make money online.
How DO you know who to trust?
Here's a checklist for you to help you determine the answer to this question: Continue Reading
Posted on November 20, 2008 08:00 AM
Online publishing is a business. Like any business it requires work. It requires paying taxes. And it requires investments of cash to keep going.
That last hurdle is the one that many people stumble over.
They think that because the only equipment they need to set up an online publishing business is a computer, that's the only expense they'll ever need to pay.
Wrong.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 17, 2008 08:00 AM
"What's the secret to creating a successful online business?"
I probably get asked that question about a million times a year.
Here's the answer...
But first, I should warn you. You're not going to like it...
In fact, you're probably going to hate it and run off to Google to look for something else to read.
But I have to give it to you straight, so here it is Continue Reading
Posted on November 14, 2008 04:11 PM
Ron Matthews pointed this video out to me yesterday, telling me it was totally worth 16 minutes of my life.
He was so right.
It's worth 16 minutes of your life, too.
Enjoy :-)
Continue Reading
Posted on November 12, 2008 12:15 PM
It's an unplanned Joel Comm LIVE! featuring Internet marketing discussion, a new top ten list, and a reference to the new bacon-flavored spread.
Joel's mom drops into the chat room and we talk about upcoming product launches.
It's fun and games with a side helping of useful instruction.
Check out this week's episode now! Continue Reading
Posted on November 10, 2008 08:00 AM
Every Internet business -- every business of any sort in fact -- starts in the same place.
In the future.
Most entrepreneurs think first of how they want their business to look when it's all set up. They imagine the products prepared, the marketing streams in place and the revenue flowing in while they relax and cash the checks. Continue Reading
Posted on November 6, 2008 08:00 AM
No, this isn't another invitation to a webinar. (There will be another of those along soon, don't worry.)
And it's not about another live video release. (There will be another one of those soon too.)
In fact, it's not about me at all. It's about you. Continue Reading
Posted on November 3, 2008 08:00 AM
There's a huge amount to learn when you set up an online business. You have to know how to build a website, how to bring in traffic, and how to monetize your visitors so that your site gives you an income.
There are plenty of very experienced experts around who can teach people how to do all of those things.
There's one thing though that no one ever has to teach a new business owner. Continue Reading
Posted on November 1, 2008 10:16 AM
Me and my family traveled to Steamboat Springs for fall break this year. This has always been my favorite place to ski, but there is no skiing taking place here... yet. Pretty soon the snow will fall and the slopes will be crowded. As it turned out, we were here for Halloween. And Halloween in Steamboat Springs is a big deal! They shut down the main street going through downtown, the merchants all have a... Continue Reading
Posted on October 20, 2008 08:00 AM
There's a reason that online publishing is profitable. It's a fantastic reason and it's one of the things that makes earning income as an online entrepreneur so enjoyable. People want to learn. They want to know how to be a better gardener, a better dad, a better soccer coach, a better entrepreneur too. Anyone who can provide that information can make some money -- and help others too. And anyone can do that. You might... Continue Reading
Posted on October 6, 2008 08:00 AM
I've written a lot of content since I became an online publisher. I'd like to think that I've got better and better as the years have gone by but sometimes I'm not so sure. Although there are plenty of posts that still make me proud when I read them again, there's also no shortage of articles that really make me wince. They might have sentences I want to rephrase, points that aren't made clearly, and... Continue Reading
Posted on October 3, 2008 08:34 PM
I don't go to the movies much. I enjoy movies, I just don't enjoy the theater experience. Why pay top dollar to sit in a crowded cinema with chatty teens and people noisily crunching popcorn and nachos when I can buy or rent the DVD for less and enjoy the peacefulness and comfort of my home theatre. I choose to go to the Metrolux today in order to get a glimpse of An American Carol... Continue Reading
Posted on September 22, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm amazed that there are people out there -- somewhere -- who aren't making money from AdSense. It's not as though you need a doctorate in computer studies and a professorship in literature. You just need a website and an AdSense account.
And ever since blogging came along, the website bit has been a breeze. It takes all of about five minutes to sign up on Blogger and it's a perfect match for AdSense.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 15, 2008 10:25 PM
It's been two years in the making. Finally, Blizzard Entertainment has announced the long-awaited expansion pack to the world's most popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft. Wrath of the Lich King is set to hit stores on November 13th, and I expect it to be another huge best-seller. Some people are surprised to find out that I play computer games, but I like to work hard AND play hard. Those who know my story would know... Continue Reading
Posted on September 13, 2008 12:00 AM
Everyone was talking about the Beijing 2008 Olympics this summer.
Phelps and others stole the headlines with victory after victory.
However, in the midst of this global competition, another competition was completely ignored by the mainstream media.
It is now my pleasure to bring you exclusive coverage of the InfoMedia, Inc. First Annual Flying Monkey Office Olympics.
The sporting world will never be the same... Continue Reading
Posted on September 12, 2008 12:02 PM
It's always a thrill to see your new book on the shelf of a major bookseller. Mary and I went to dinner at Hu Hot last night (yum!), and then made our way to the Barnes and Noble on College Ave. in Ft. Collins. Lo and behold, there I was on the business shelf. I asked Mary to shoot a snapshot, and we were subsequently reprimanded by one of the employees. Apparantly store policy says... Continue Reading
Posted on September 12, 2008 08:00 AM
I've got no idea how many blog posts, articles and pages of content I've written for the Internet. I've been doing it for years, so if you're wondering if there are ever times when I sit in front of the computer and wonder what I can write about today, the answer is...
Yes.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2008 09:37 AM
New media may be taking over the world, but millions of people still listen to their radios everyday. I listen on my way to and from the office, usually to talk-radio. A few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting a living legend of radio, Dan O' Day. A former disc jockey and leading radio guru, I instantly connected with Dan and invited him to come spend a day with me and my team... Continue Reading
Posted on September 6, 2008 06:00 AM
You've probably noticed that I'm often talking about seminars and conferences. That's not just because I talk at some of them. It's because I think that they're essential stepping stones to online business success. I'd like to believe that's because the information that I and other marketers provide at these seminars is more valuable than magic-encrusted gold dust. As soon as someone takes it home and applies it to their business they immediately become an... Continue Reading
Posted on September 2, 2008 07:32 AM
Google.
Amazon.com.
eBay.
Yahoo!
MySpace.
Facebook.
Everyone has heard of these Internet giants.
These companies have generated billions of dollars in revenue and made their founders multi-millionaires.
The mainstream media talks about them religiously.
But ask yourself a question... Continue Reading
Posted on August 20, 2008 03:31 PM
When Apple released the iPhone in 2007, they effectively announced "game over" to the rest of the cell phone world. With the release of the 3G and the iTunes App Store, Apple puts another nail in the coffin of wannabees who will arrive late to this party. The moment I saw the App Store, I realized that I had to begin producing applications that the installed user base of 10,000,000 iPhone users would embrace. I'm... Continue Reading
Posted on August 11, 2008 11:23 AM
We had a great time in Glenwood Springs. From taking a Segway tour of the area and a day at the world's largest hot springs pool to downtime for rest & relaxation and a trip to a rain-covered Snowmass, my family and I enjoyed our brief vacation. I may put up some video once I get the chance. But I've had a lot of people curious about how the return train ride went on Amtrak... Continue Reading
Posted on August 5, 2008 08:56 PM
When it came time to plan a summer vacation with my family, Mary and I decided we would just do a local Colorado trip rather than fly somewhere. I researched places that would be within driving distance and came upon Glenwood Springs, a popular tourist destination smack dab in the middle of the Rockies. They are famous for having the world's largest Hot Springs pool and it is a beautiful location. Instead of driving, I... Continue Reading
Posted on July 31, 2008 11:40 PM
I was all set. Today was going to be the day. I knew from the pre-orders on my new book, "Click Here to Order: Stories of the World's Most Successful Internet Marketing Entrepreneurs", that we were on the verge of making history with an instant best-seller. And then... it happened. I received a call from my publisher, David Hancock. David is not one to be given to overexcitement, but there was something in the sound... Continue Reading
Posted on July 30, 2008 02:16 PM
How do you become a recognized expert in your niche?
I believe it begins when publish your own book. This is a key to increasing your credibility in the marketplace.
On today's show, I was joined by my New York publisher, David Hancock.
We fielded questions from viewers, discussed the entrepreneurial publishing model, presented a new Top Ten list and the monkey flew.
Tune in for this replay below! Continue Reading
Posted on July 30, 2008 12:14 AM
"You're a social media expert", he said on the conference call. I guess I hadn't thought of myself in that manner before. He went on to tell me that I have provided him with tons of advice on using social media to leverage his brand and increase traffic to his sites. I pondered for a while and realized that I had gotten so used to sharing my knowledge that I didn't recognize just how much... Continue Reading
Posted on July 27, 2008 10:34 PM
Social Media is all the buzz right now. It started with MySpace, continued with YouTube and has brought about Facebook, Twitter and a host of other sites promising the help people interact in new ways. These sites have become very popular and two were purchased for a tidy sum. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp purchased MySpace for $580 million and Google bought YouTube for for $1.65 BILLION. I'm sure the boys from Facebook and Twitter have... Continue Reading
Posted on July 23, 2008 01:57 PM
Dave Taylor has one of the most popular question & answer sites on the web. His Ask Dave Taylor site welcomes thousands of visitors every day.
Dave joins me for a fun session where we discuss blogging, social networking, flying monkeys, a top ten list and unexpected technical difficulties.
You'll want to watch both parts to get the whole picture.
Enjoy! Continue Reading
Posted on July 19, 2008 11:17 PM
While attending an Internet marketing conference in Chicago, I spent a lot of time networking with my peers. As I sat at the dinner table last night, I noticed that a bunch of us were twittering on our handhelds. Simon Leung, Donna Fox, Eric Farewell, Anik Singal and several others had their PDAs or phone out and were twittering away... sometimes to each other other, even though they were sitting across the table from each... Continue Reading
Posted on July 17, 2008 11:13 PM
What do you do if you are 38 years old and told by a doctor that you have just one year to live? That's exactly what happened to my friend Sylie Fortin. Shortly after getting married, Michel and Sylvie were face-to-face with the horrible diagnosis of breast cancer. But if you know Sylvie, you would know that this is not something she would take lying down. She pursued radical treatment and is alive two years... Continue Reading
Posted on July 11, 2008 08:55 AM
The long-awaited day has arrived. Not only is Apple releasing the brand new iPhone 3G phone, which promises to do everything but do your dishes, but they are also releasing the new iPhone 2.0 firmware which promises to bring new functionality to current iPhone hardware. I woke up early today and plugged in my iPhone to find that the 2.0 update had rolled out to my area. I told iTunes to download v2.0, backup my... Continue Reading
Posted on July 2, 2008 12:05 AM
Life is a funny thing.
Sometimes the most unexpected things take place, and often at the strangest moments!
Somehow my name has gotten around and... well, someone thought I should be nominated to run for President!
When you look at the two non-choices we have in this contest, I guess it's not surprising.
But I didn't even know this was happening!
Here's the cool thing... Continue Reading
Posted on June 26, 2008 08:51 AM
Growing up, I did a lot of things with my older brother, Michael.
He's got two years on me, so I was frequently wanting to hang out with him and his friends.
We don't see each other much since he lives in Illinois, but he just came to Colorado for a visit.
What do you I do with my guests when they come to town?
Invite them to join me on my show, of course! Continue Reading
Posted on June 19, 2008 12:47 AM
Have you ever wondered what people did BEFORE they become Internet marketers? It's pretty cool to see that the greatest success stories are people just like you and me. I will tell you this about me. I used to be a DJ. Yup, I worked in the nightclubs to begin with, but then the entrepreneur in me discovered that there was more money to be made in playing music at private events. So I started... Continue Reading
Posted on June 16, 2008 12:30 AM
I've been frustrated lately. Here's the thing... As you know, I speak at a number of conferences. At these conferences, I teach people how to make money online and many of them purchase one of my products to help them build their online business. I know that what I teach works and that the products I offer have value. I know this because I receive testimonials from people all the time. But its the ones... Continue Reading
Posted on June 11, 2008 12:46 AM
I need to back up a bit because I left out Sunday from my journal. On Sunday, I spoke at Chris Howard's "Ultimate Wealth Symposium" on the grounds of the Sydney Olympic Park. I had a fantastic time sharing my story with 800 or so people. I've got to say, the Aussies are a bit difficult to get moving, but I think everyone had a good time and learned a thing or two. I also... Continue Reading
Posted on June 9, 2008 01:35 PM
We hopped a tour bus to the Blue Mountains on Monday. It was the Queen's Birthday, so the country was on holiday and the traffic was light. It was actually a small passenger van and there was only nine of us along with the driver. He was a very knowledgable and entertaining native who made the trip better by his presence. We stopped at a Wildlife Park, learned to toss a boomarang, toured the Blue... Continue Reading
Posted on May 31, 2008 12:56 AM
I'm currently in Los Angeles for the annual Book Expo America, otherwise known as BEA. Why BEA? I have a book coming out on August 1st and I showed up to support my publisher and do some networking. Now I must confess. I am a trade show junkie. I love the vast conference centers with aisles and aisles of vendors hawking their goods and services. I'm especially a sucker for the freebies and swag. It's... Continue Reading
Posted on May 20, 2008 01:23 AM
What is it that makes successful people stand out from the crowd? Or perhaps I should ask the question this way... What are the things that successful people DO that everyone else does not do? I believe we are all dealt a hand in life. On very rare occassion that hand is stacked with a full house, but in most cases we're fortunate if we are dealt a pair of twos. And whether or not... Continue Reading
Posted on April 19, 2008 11:16 PM
I remember seeing Ben Stein for the first time in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Who could forget the monotone deadpan teacher repeating "anyone... anyone... Bueller... Bueller". And then there was "Win Ben Stein's Money", a campy television quiz show that demonstrated Ben's ability to stand toe-to-toe with the best of them. I sure would have liked to have seen him go up against Ken Jennings. As a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and a... Continue Reading
Posted on April 13, 2008 11:04 PM
Shopzilla is one of the largest online shopping sites. You've probably used them before for their price comparison tool. Recently, Shopzilla has been beta-testing a contextual ad program that would allow site publishers to place Shopzilla ads on their pages and get paid every time someone clicked on an ad, in the same vein as AdSense. I'm impressed with their program and I decided to research them further. My research led me to write a... Continue Reading
Posted on April 8, 2008 12:37 AM
What would you do if you were able to come to my home and office and ask me whatever you wanted? Would you have some questions for me? Dave Woodward did. A few months back, Dave contacted me and told me he was putting together a brand new series called "Legendary Marketers", and he asked if he could come visit with me at my home and office to find out what made me tick. Of... Continue Reading
Posted on April 5, 2008 02:06 AM
Who would have thought the rock band KISS would have survived for decades? I remember when Rock n Roll All Nite came out. I was just a young teen. And yet, all these years later, KISS has endured. It only makes sense that there would be KISS cover bands. Why not, right? Grab your instruments, throw on some makeup, act like you are anti-establishment and find a guitar player with an exceptionally long tongue to... Continue Reading
Posted on April 5, 2008 12:55 AM
It was fall of 2005 when I was scheduled to speak at Robert Puddy's Focus 4 the Future Internet marketing conference. It was the first time I had spoken at an event and I was on a roster with Mike Filsaime, Gary Ambrose and Craig Perrine. Yes, I was nervous. But why should I be? My AdSense ebook was a huge success and my name had begun to spread in the Internet marketing community. The... Continue Reading
Posted on April 3, 2008 01:19 PM
In March of 2006 I attended Yanik Silver's Internet Marketing Underground seminar in Washinton, DC. It was a life-changing date with destiny, for it was there that I met my future JV Partner, Eric Holmlund. I was also impressed by the high caliber of people who attended this seminar. It seemed that there was an awful lot of success in the room filled with over 300 people. Two years later and Yanik does not disappoint... Continue Reading
Posted on April 1, 2008 04:01 AM
Now this is incredible.
And when I say incredible, I mean INCREDIBLE!
Like most marketers, I have not been able to find an email solution that guarantees my newsletter will arrive in the inboxes of my customers.
Even the best autoresponder service has problems getting my emails through to AOL.com, Yahoo.com and hotmail.com.
That's why I am doing backflips over Instant Whitelist! Continue Reading
Posted on March 31, 2008 09:56 PM
There are those who start at the bottom of a company with the aspiration to rise to the top, and there are those for whom the words upwardly mobile do not apply. I encountered Mr. Latter attending to the United Skycap station in LAX today. My associates and I bring our bags to the guy and we go through the regular procedure. "What is your destination?", "Show me your identification" and "How many bags will... Continue Reading
Posted on March 29, 2008 09:36 AM
I'm not a big fan of the major airlines. In fact I have written several entries that demonstrated poor customer service by United and American. However, I had a uniquely good experience on United a couple days ago and wanted to share it with you. I was traveling to Los Angeles with Joel Ownby and Tim Prince, en route to Yanik Silver's Internet Underground conference in Los Angeles. The three of us board the 737... Continue Reading
Posted on March 27, 2008 10:43 AM
Be careful... If you don't add the right amount of each ingredient, you could ruin the entire meal. Easy now... If you mix those chemicals incorrectly, it could be explosive. Watch it... If the calculations aren't perfect, the shuttle may never make it off the launching pad. Many things in life demand precision. There are some absolutes that do not allow for the least bit of give. One wrong step and the greatest ideas can... Continue Reading
Posted on March 19, 2008 12:07 AM
Last summer, Revenue Magazine did an interview with me to discuss The Next Internet Millionaire. Lisa Picarille put together a great piece that you can read here. But one of my favorite things about the article were the photos taken by Alison Rose Williams of Fort Collins. Revenue hired her to come on location and take some shots of me for the magazine. While she was there, I asked if I could pay her to... Continue Reading
Posted on March 18, 2008 02:44 AM
Behind closed doors.
It's terminology that says "you weren't invited and you'll never know what was said."
That's too bad, because some of the biggest secrets are spilled behind closed doors.
No one likes to be shut out, but that is precisely what happened to me. Continue Reading
Posted on March 13, 2008 01:53 AM
There's a fun game people like to play that goes like this. Take any sentence or phrase and add the words "in bed" as a suffix to make it funnier. For example, "John ate a steak... in bed" or "Jill picked out the latest hat to wear... in bed" It's especially fun with fortune cookies, where the game has become part of our pop culture. For example, "You have very good skills and exceptional talents... Continue Reading
Posted on March 12, 2008 02:54 AM
I try to be very transparent about the ways I make money on the web. It's really no secret and I've nothing to lose by sharing this information with you. I don't like to hold back as that doesn't contribute to your success at all. So I'm about to reveal one of my biggest secrets for profiting online. Ok, it's really more along the lines of "incredibly obvious", but I'm amazed at how many people... Continue Reading
Posted on March 11, 2008 12:15 PM
Google is a behemoth that continues to swallow everything in its path.
Back in April 2007, Google offered Doubleclick over $3 BILLION to buy them out.
Today the transaction is complete...
I received this email from Kim Malone at Google today... Continue Reading
Posted on March 10, 2008 01:32 AM
I'm about to share a hard truth with you.
I hope you are sitting down, cause here we go...
Most of the people reading this newsletter will never make money online.
Ouch.
Sure, read it again. You heard me right.
Now before you go questioning me, calling me insensitive or flat out cursing me out, let me say this...
Continue Reading
Posted on March 8, 2008 01:19 AM
I have a confession to make. I love shopping online and I love using online coupon codes. I've been doing online shopping online since Amazon.com launched in 1995. In the early years, merchants would regularly offer fantastic discounts on merchandise in order to get new customers to their stores. For example, Reel.com (nbow defunct?) used to offer $10 off coupons on a regular basis. So I would buy DVDs for approximately $5 each. What a... Continue Reading
Posted on March 7, 2008 05:30 AM
Wow, what an incredible day! Wait until you hear this. I thought it was going to be a day like every other day. But you never know what kind of curve balls life is going to toss your way. Here's how it started... First of all I wake up and find this email in my box from a producer at a MAJOR cable network ... "Congratulations on your show, 'The Next Internet Millionaire.' We've reviewed... Continue Reading
Posted on March 2, 2008 08:11 PM
I regularly receive joint venture proposals from people.
A small percentage of them have some really good ideas and products, but the majority of them are not good at all.
Today I received an email from a couple gentlemen in Australia. I hope the email and my response will be instructive for the recipients and for others as they seek to do joint ventures. Continue Reading
Posted on February 29, 2008 12:57 AM
You can have a great idea for a web site. And developing the site can be a very rewarding experience. But without one thing, it doesn't matter how nice your site is... That thing is traffic. Traffic is really the "life blood" of our business. Without traffic you can't make sales, you can't generate affiliate commissions, you can't build a list... (you get the picture). So today I want to focus on traffic, and tell... Continue Reading
Posted on February 28, 2008 10:18 AM
On Sunday at Affiliate Summit, I bumped into Shawn Collins in the hallway. He had rented a Segway scooter for the day and I had an opportunity to take it for a test drive. It's really an amazing device! It takes just a few seconds to find your balance the first time and then to get a handle on how to make it move. But in just a matter of moments, the Segway becomes an... Continue Reading
Posted on February 25, 2008 05:54 PM
I've been wanting to meet Jason Calacanis face-to-face for some time. For those that don't know, Jason is the co-creator of Weblogs, Inc., which was sold to AOL for $25 million. I'm at Affiliate Summit in Las Vegas where Jason Calacanis delivered the keynote address this morning. I really didn't know anything about Jason as a person, so I was looking forward to an insightful talk with fresh ideas. Wow, was I in for a... Continue Reading
Posted on February 22, 2008 12:10 AM
Admit it. You are passionate. Oh, I don't know what you are passionate about. But I guarantee that you are passionate about SOMETHING! You may be crazy about parakeets. Or perhaps you know more about bonzai trees than anyone on the block. Maybe you are one of the world's leading experts on Mt. Everest. Or it could be that you make the best french silk pie in the hemisphere! The point is that everyone is... Continue Reading
Posted on February 21, 2008 12:33 AM
A few months back, I launched this groundbreaking Internet marketing course to the world... The Secret Classroom ... and the feedback has been fantastic! I regularly receive emails from people telling me what an impact this course has had on their online business. I wanted to take a moment today and share one of these emails with you. I think it says way more about the value of The Secret Classroom than I could ever... Continue Reading
Posted on February 20, 2008 01:54 AM
I get a lot of questions from people who are eager to start Home-Based Businesses. They wonder if they can afford office equipment, pay for outsourcing, purchase expensive courses, and go to Internet Marketing Seminars. What many people don't realize is that having your own home-based business offers many tax advantages that will really help you with these expenses. Whether you're joining a Network Marketing Company, starting a commercial website or plan on being a... Continue Reading
Posted on February 18, 2008 12:28 AM
Last week, I sat down in my office with several members of my team and we began doing a brain dump of all the great ideas for sites, services and products that we had. We filled my fairly-large whiteboard in no time at all. The fact of the matter is that we have more ideas than we have time or manpower to accomplish! But ideas are not exactly in short supply, are they? There are... Continue Reading
Posted on February 15, 2008 01:20 PM
There is a lot of talk about niche marketing strategies. What are the things that smart marketers do to get their site listed high on the search engines? Well, things online have changed dramatically since I got started in 1995. Back then you could register killer domains for a song and be the first kid on the block to have a site established in a major niche. But as the years have passed, certain sites... Continue Reading
Posted on February 13, 2008 09:59 AM
I consider myself a fortunate person.
Every day, I sit in a beautiful office, surrounded by great people and look out of my window towards a fantastic view of the Rockies.
I think it's a great thing.
Not everyone agrees with me.
I know that lots of people want something different. They want to work from home. Continue Reading
Posted on February 5, 2008 12:17 AM
I'm a big fan of Amazon.com. I spend far too much money there but they also give me a fair bit of money too through book sales and affiliate links. I think they've done a fantastic job of selling products online and helping website publishers earn from their content. They might be the Walmart of Internet retailing, but they're definitely not the Apple of whiz-bang gadgetry. Their new Kindle book-reading machine is a great idea... Continue Reading
Posted on January 30, 2008 12:33 AM
I just got done having an email conversation with my friend, Jeremy Gislason. We communicate via email because he is in Japan and on a totally different schedule. Anyhow, Jeremy and Simon Hodgkinson have been working on putting together a new member site that has tons of great content to help you build your member site! Basically, this site teaches you everything Jeremy and Simon know about building member sites... and they have over 100,000... Continue Reading
Posted on January 29, 2008 11:05 AM
Psst... want to know a way to get tons of free users to your website instantly? And when I say tons, I mean the sort of numbers that will crash your servers, send your page views spiking through the roof and make you dizzy when you look at your AdSense stats. Here's how to do it... Just get your Web page on the front page of Digg.com. I didn't say it was an easy way... Continue Reading
Posted on January 28, 2008 09:29 AM
I wish I had thought of this.
It's so simple, yet it's brilliant.
If you are like me, you own a few domains.
Ok, you may own a LOT of domains.
I own approximately 400 domain names.
The problem is that most of the those domains do not have a web site on them.
They are "parked" pages. Continue Reading
Posted on January 27, 2008 10:39 PM
The Benson Sculpture Garden is one of Loveland's most unique attractions.
Placed in a beautiful outdoor settings with trees, ponds and bridges, this garden contains over 110 original sculptures from a number of artists.
On nice days (which are frequent), you will find people strolling through the park, walking their dog, holding hands or interacting with some of the more interesting pieces. Continue Reading
Posted on January 25, 2008 05:46 AM
I've had several people ask me what I'm going to be up to in 2008. I'm very excited, because this is going to be a breakthrough year for many people who will increase their online revenue. AND, I am excited because I am going to be doing several things that have never been done before! That's kind of a mantra with me. I don't like to do what everyone else is doing. You have to... Continue Reading
Posted on January 24, 2008 11:23 AM
"Get Google Pay-Per-Click Ads for Free" was the title on the report that promised an amazing way to advertise on Google AdWords without having clicks ding your wallet.
This ebook was #1 on Clickbank's Marketing & Ads category, so curiousity got the best of me and I paid $97 to see what it was all about.
Want my honest assessment? Read on... Continue Reading
Posted on January 20, 2008 12:32 AM
Does American Airlines have good customer service? Once again, I find myself on the "I can't believe this is happening" end of a telephone conversation with a customer service rep. Here's the story. I had booked a flight using reward miles to fly someone from Dallas to Denver in a couple weeks. As it turns out, he is going to drive here a few days early and won't require the initial leg of the flight... Continue Reading
Posted on January 19, 2008 12:56 AM
Have I mentioned that I love living in Colorado?
Yes, I guess I probably have.
I finally got around to resizing some photos that I have taken with my iphone since we moved here last year. Continue Reading
Posted on January 16, 2008 09:20 PM
I love living in Colorado.
Ever since I moved my family here in February of 2007, I really can't imagine living anywhere else.
I love the mountains.
I love the change of seasons.
I love zero humidity.
And I've met some really great people here.
But there's one thing that is still lacking... Continue Reading
Posted on January 15, 2008 08:06 AM
I make no secret of it. I am a 43-year old man who loves playing computer and video games. And why not? I was a teenage when Space Invaders, Asteroids and Centipede took over the arcades. I was sixteen when I bought my first computer, a TRS-80. It was great for primitive gaming. And I've got a great collection of old computer software in a special room in my basement. Perhaps I'll do a video... Continue Reading
Posted on January 4, 2008 12:01 AM
I'm at a loss for words. I've started this newsletter half a dozen times trying to find the right way to share some information with you. Sometimes the words don't come. Eloquence doesn't seem to be in the cards for me today. It's not that the topic isn't interesting. It's just that I've got writer's block. Has that ever happened to you? There are days that I am able to create new content for my... Continue Reading
Posted on December 29, 2007 07:05 AM
I'm at Will Rogers airport in Oklahoma City, getting ready to make the trek home to Colorado after a week of visiting with family and friends. I've had some time to reflect on the year and would like to take a stroll down memory lane. The year started with a crazy idea. I knew that others had dabbled with the idea of doing an Internet reality show, but no one had really taken the concept... Continue Reading
Posted on December 20, 2007 06:21 AM
I love keeping my eye out for new ad services that can make you and me money.
Google AdSense continues to pay off.
Kontera is a winner is my books.
And I've had some positive things happen with YPN and Chitika.
But I've come across something new which pays off INSTANTLY!
Continue Reading
Posted on December 18, 2007 10:35 PM
I'm a huge fan of developing online communities for revenue generation. The wonderful thing about community sites is that the members create the content for you. However, it can sometimes be tricky to kickstart your forums in order to get people posting. If you launch forums and people visit only to find that there is no activity, odds are they aren't going to register, post or return. This is the primary reason most forums don't... Continue Reading
Posted on December 17, 2007 05:13 PM
Buzzword. Defined as a word or phrase connected with a specialized field or group that usually sounds important or technical and is used primarily to impress laypersons. But Buzzword is more than that now. Look out Microsoft Office... there's a new player in town. Adobe announced the launch of their free online word processor, Buzzword. And I gotta say, it is a class act. There is a simple registration requiring your name, email address and... Continue Reading
Posted on December 7, 2007 05:58 PM
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
And Santa Joel is pulling into your neighborhood with a virtual sleigh full of goodies!
Yes, it is that time again.
There are several gifts for you under the tree, including a BRAND NEW set of five Instant AdSense templates!
So click now if you are ready to unwrap them!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah! :-)
Gifts from Joel Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2007 10:00 AM
The day has arrived! I don't think there has ever been such excitement over one of my product launches, and I am excited to say that the excitement really has nothing to do with me! Instead, this product is all about YOU, and the opportunity you now have to receive the Internet marketing education that can last a lifetime. The Secret Classroom It's not an ebook that overpromises and underdelivers. It's not a software tool... Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2007 12:59 PM
Did you know Google is on track to make $14 billion in ad revenue this year? And while no one knows the exact percentage they are paying out to AdSense publishers, it is estimated to be in the ballpark of 60%-70%. Only Google knows for sure. And you know I am big fan of AdSense. I've made a lot of money with it. BUT, and that is a big BUT... ... there ARE alternatives to... Continue Reading
Posted on November 22, 2007 08:55 PM
I don't know about you, but I am still stuffed from the Thanksgiving meal!
Anyhow, today is Black Friday. It's not a holiday, but with all the crazy shopping, you would think it is.
You know how I always talk about building sites that interest you?
Well, back in 1999 I was big into saving money online with coupon codes. Continue Reading
Posted on November 15, 2007 08:05 PM
I really love living on the front range in Colorado. Even though the mountains are static, the scenery around them is dynamic, making it seem like the view is continually changing. I looked out my office window this afternoon and was absolutely stunned by the beauty of the sunset. Take a look. Continue Reading
Posted on November 12, 2007 10:55 AM
Do REAL people make money online?
Well, I consider myself real people!
Let's face it, before I became known for my AdSense ebook, I was just another anonymous Internet entrepreneur.
It's true!
Now my success story may seem out of reach...
... but it's not.
No way.
If I can do it, ANYONE can do it.
Trust me. I know myself and am still amazed that people consider me an Internet "celebrity." Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2007 10:06 AM
Hey
Are you sitting down?
I hope so. It would be strange to check your email standing up.
The reason I ask is because what I am about to show you is going to absolutely blow you away!
How would you like to receive of $10,000 worth of bonuses for the price of one absolutely incredible book?
Seriously. Continue Reading
Posted on October 31, 2007 05:04 PM
What if I told you could pick the brain of a former Google employee for $100. Would you seize the opportunity? Frankly, I can't imagine anyone with even the slightest curiousity not taking advantage of that offer. What if I told you that this person was on the original Google AdWords team? I don't know about you, but I'd pay over $1000 to hear what this person has to say! Well, I've got some bad... Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2007 09:54 AM
Last month I was in Atlanta for the Big Seminar. Now usually I'm not much of a morning person, but when I took a peek at Friday's schedule, I knew I had to wake up early... Over the past five years or so I'd been hearing the first speaker's name over and over again... "Joel you've got to check out this young kid Jermaine. He's from the inner-city, but Corey Rudl is taking him under his... Continue Reading
Posted on October 2, 2007 02:32 PM
Over the years, I've made a tidy sum by investing in domain names. We're talking thousands of dollars for less than $100 spent to purchase the names in the first place! There is a plenty of cash to be made in domain names, and I want to tell you how you can go about profiting from them. I've got a brand new 30-page report called, "Buying and Selling Domain Names for Profit", and I want... Continue Reading
Posted on September 26, 2007 01:56 PM
Episode 6 of "The Next Internet Millionaire" is now online...
... and in this episode, tensions are rising as the seven remaining contestants battle it out in a challenging immunity task and a team challenge that tests their sales ability.
Special guest teacher Brad Fallon instructs the contestants on principles of business and ecommerce, and someone gets a special night on the town courtesy of Brad! Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2007 10:53 AM
Episode 5 of The Next Internet Millionaire is now online. Watch Now! In this episode, the contestants face an individual immunity challenge that puts their writing skills and creativty to the test. A special appearance from online video expert, Michael Koenigs, provides the remaining eight with insight into how to leverage video to build their business. And an execution challenge that involves filming a 60-second commercial is entertaining and educational. Who will win? Who will... Continue Reading
Posted on September 13, 2007 12:05 AM
I like to call episode 4 our "fear factor" episode. Eric Holmlund, my partner and the Director of The Next Internet Millionaire, insisted that we include a task that would dare the contestants to do something they would not want to do.
What did they do?
You'll have to watch to find out! Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2007 12:46 PM
I know I am opening myself up to criticism for this post, but it's been on my mind and I really just want to put it out there.
I dislike the way multi-level marketing has been done by many companies.
I don't dislike multi-level marketers, mind you (well, most of them anyway). I just think that business model has proven destructive to many individuals and families. Continue Reading
Posted on September 7, 2007 12:26 AM
One penny.
One cent.
1/100th of a dollar.
Uno centavo.
That's all it takes for you to instantly own your own Internet store!
Yes, I'm serious.
My customers have been asking me for a simple solution where they can tell people about great products and earn easy commissions...
Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2007 04:05 PM
Facebook. The first time I heard about this site had to be over a year ago. I was told it was a social networking site for college students, so I didn't give it much of a look. After all, I've been out of college for many years. (I won't tell you how many!) But about a month or so ago I started receiving invitations to use facebook from some friends and associates of mine. Hmmm... Continue Reading
Posted on September 2, 2007 08:18 AM
I have a confession to make. I haven't watched the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon in years. And I honestly feel like I am missing something. As a child, I would watch the show religiously, year after year. I remember the parade of celebrities, Jerry Lewis' banter with his guests, Ed McMahon, the volunteers answering phones, and of course, the magical toteboard that would light up with huge numbers indicating that the cure for... Continue Reading
Posted on September 1, 2007 12:34 AM
I did it. I bit the bullet and picked up an iPhone. I've been a faithful Treo 650 user for two years, but the buzz regarding Apple's new device won me over. So I ponied up $599 + shipping and tax to get one of these puppies in my hands, though I was unsure of what I would find once I actually got to try it out for myself. I may now render the verdict... Continue Reading
Posted on August 17, 2007 03:01 PM
1990 - Tim Berners-Lee creates the World Wide Web
1993 - The Mosaic web browser is released... The Internet is on the rise
2000 - Survivor is on television and the reality tv crave begins
2002 - American Idol hits the airwaves and reality programming numbers surge
2005 - YouTube launches and eventually is purchased by Google for $1.65 Billion
and now... Continue Reading
Posted on August 10, 2007 12:21 AM
May I get your opinion please?
I am giving away a FREE autographed copy of my book, The AdSense Code, to one person who will give me feedback on a one-minute video I have created.
This will literally take just a couple minutes. Continue Reading
Posted on August 8, 2007 02:10 AM
Did you miss it?
A couple weeks ago, I did an exclusive webinar with one of the world's most traveled women.
She is a grandmother who has been in almost every country and knows how to travel on a budget.
She has camped at the base of Mt. Everest, rode camels through the desert, interacted with the gorillas of Africa and gotten lost in Siberia. Continue Reading
Posted on July 20, 2007 01:20 AM
OK, you know that I love AdSense... it's a great way to build a business.
But if you've been watching me, you know that I like all kinds of different online businesses.
And one type of website that has COMPLETELY transformed MY business is membership sites.
Or another fancy term for this is "continuity programs". Continue Reading
Posted on July 19, 2007 12:07 AM
I keep saying that anyone can make money out of an AdSense site. I still think that's true. Anyone can find something to write about that will interest other people and bring them in to click on ads. Everyone has a job, a favorite activity, a hobby, a pastime or some other interest that they can write a few hundred words about several times each week. And yet, so many people choose to write about... Continue Reading
Posted on July 15, 2007 06:16 PM
I've Got Three Little Words To Say To You... No, not those words (although I'm sure you're very nice). I mean these three little words... Just do it. I know, Nike got there first. But they were right. You get nothing by doing nothing. Back when I started out on the Web, becoming an online publisher meant buying a book about HTML the size of the Yellow Pages. It meant spending half a year reading... Continue Reading
Posted on July 14, 2007 12:37 AM
Here's a pretty cool find...
It's a free 10-question business quiz that can help you find out how well your business stacks up when it comes to marketing, hiring, growth and making big profits.
I just took the quiz and found some very valuable insights.
And as I said, it is free. No catch!
Free Business Quiz
Continue Reading
Posted on July 7, 2007 07:07 AM
If you missed out on my Instant AdSense Templates VRE Building System in October of 2006 (we SOLD OUT in under a week), then you missed out on one of the biggest turn-key shortcuts I've ever seen to starting your own online business and receiving monthly paychecks from Google and other income streams.
Check this out... Continue Reading
Posted on July 6, 2007 10:02 AM
It was fall of 2005. I was in Charlotte, North Carolina, preparing for my very first public speaking engagement. I would be speaking before an audience of 25 people who had paid to hear me and a handful of other Internet marketers share how we make our millions online. It was at this time that I had begun preparing the manuscript for my first traditionally published book. But I was lacking a title for the... Continue Reading
Posted on June 30, 2007 12:00 AM
Aloha! As you know, I am on vacation in Maui. As I write this, I am watching the sun rise behind the mountains, listening to the waves crash and enjoying the small birds that are landing on my balcony railing. Yes, it is just another day in tropical paradise. And yet, I am compelled to write... to share what is on my mind. Because with all the success I have enjoyed, I am reminded that... Continue Reading
Posted on June 28, 2007 10:16 AM
We arrived on Maui on Tuesday afternoon, snagged our rental car and made our way to the hotel. We're staying on the west side of the island in the Ka'anapali area. It's absolutely gorgeous here. From my fifth floor balcony I can see the ocean, the mountains, palm trees, sandy beaches and a beautiful landscape. It's 6 am Hawaii time as I blog this (my body says it is 10 am MST) and I've enjoyed... Continue Reading
Posted on June 27, 2007 12:40 AM
A couple months ago, I shared the Bookwise opportunity with you. It appeared to be a solid MLM with potential.
I've seen some people jump on board this, but the past few weeks I've been skeptical that they could really make it work.
I've been using the domain BookWiseProfits.com to build my BookWise business.... until today. Continue Reading
Posted on June 22, 2007 12:30 AM
Let's play a game...
Simon says start your own website.
Simon says sign up for Google AdWords.
Start building your list.
Hey, I didn't say "Simon says!" Continue Reading
Posted on June 17, 2007 05:27 PM
Video is definitely the wave of the future online. Our world has already become accustomed to television and movies, so it makes sense that video will become a dominant force for information delivery and entertainment on the web.
Naturally, this is one reason I've chosen to launch the reality show, The Next Internet Millionaire, on the Internet.
But I just came across something very cool on YouTube. Continue Reading
Posted on June 13, 2007 12:02 AM
It's one small change for Google. It could be one giant leap in your income.
Or at the very least, a nice little increase.
Google has changed its policies (again).
Want to know what the change is and what it could mean for your revenue stream?
Read on... Continue Reading
Posted on June 11, 2007 05:56 PM
I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of my brother and his family this past weekend. They live in suburban Chicago, so it was a treat for them to come to the mountains and enjoy a little slower pace for a few days. By the way, you'll want to watch for my bro. He is a brilliant CPA with some keen insights into money management. I foresee a website and a book in the... Continue Reading
Posted on June 8, 2007 12:31 AM
I've been pretty lukewarm about Google's referral products. They've been pushing them pretty hard but I haven't been impressed. I'm not convinced that the Google Pack contains anything worth writing home about. I don't care enough about Mozilla to recommend that everyone downloads Firefox. And the commissions that Google is offering for its downloads just aren't big enough to take up real estate on my Web pages. I'd rather put together a joint venture with... Continue Reading
Posted on June 5, 2007 01:08 AM
I can't take it any longer.
I've seen a few trends taking place in Internet marketing lately, and I don't think they are right.
It's time to take off the gloves because I've got something to say.
I'm throwing caution to the wind because I think someone has got to stand up and speak the truth. If I take heat for it, so be it.
Here goes...
Continue Reading
Posted on May 30, 2007 04:57 PM
Google's done it again. When Google declared that publishers could no longer put ad units near images, it set the forums-a-buzzing. How far do the units have to be from the images? Does it matter if the images aren't related to the subject of the ads? Has anyone actually been banned for putting ad units near images? Google didn't exactly clear up all those questions, but it did make its reasoning clear. Images shouldn't look... Continue Reading
Posted on May 29, 2007 11:08 AM
You've heard it all before...
$20,000 in one day!
$100,000 in a week!
A Gazillion dollars in a month!
The Internet marketing community is being inundated with messages telling people how they can make outrageous sums of money in a very short period of time.
Sometimes these claims are valid.
Other times they seem like "pie in the sky". Continue Reading
Posted on May 23, 2007 12:03 AM
When Google takes action, they really take action. The forums have been buzzing recently with news that Google is in the middle of a content "quality initiative." There's nothing about it in the AdSense blog, but Jennifer Slegg of Jenstar.com has reported that a number of publishers have received emails telling them that they have "an unsuitable business model" and that their account will be closed within two weeks. They will be allowed to keep... Continue Reading
Posted on May 21, 2007 12:03 AM
One of the things that I love most about attending seminars is hearing people's stories. Everyone has their own reason for wanting to set up an online business. For some, it's the pull of being their own boss and working on their own terms. For others, it's the push of a job they can't bear and a lifestyle they want to change. For a few people though, it's not much of a choice. They might... Continue Reading
Posted on May 19, 2007 01:15 AM
You asked. I answered. You have made it clear that you want direct answers on a number of topics related to Internet marketing, AdSense, list building, advertising, joint ventures, affiliate programs and any number of other topics under the sun. I believe that video is the wave of the future, and I intend to use it to its maximum potential. That's why I am pleased to announce the launch of AskJoelComm.com, a video-based blog designed... Continue Reading
Posted on May 15, 2007 12:08 AM
Darren Rowse's blog at ProBlogger.net is always worth a read. He's a guy who's making a great income out of online publishing, and he's not afraid to share his knowledge. Recently, Darren put up a very interesting post about giving a second chance to old content. Sometimes, he points out, you'll put up a post that you're sure will get lots of traffic only to find that it dies away without doing anything special. There... Continue Reading
Posted on May 14, 2007 12:20 AM
It's a basic AdSense strategy. One page. One topic. One group of nicely targeted ads. But what if your website covers more than one topic? Suppose you have a blog that's about cars, for example, and occasionally you like to write about satellite radios or travel destinations. Is it enough to put an off-topic post on a separate page or should you put it on a whole different website? You'll need two pieces of information... Continue Reading
Posted on May 9, 2007 09:00 AM
Survivor.
The Apprentice.
American Idol.
We are drawn to reality television like a moth to the flame.
We watch... and we watch some more, intrigued by the characters, the challenges and the inevitable prizes.
Let's face it. Secretly, many of us wish that we could be a contestant on one of these shows.
Now imagine this... Continue Reading
Posted on May 2, 2007 02:56 PM
Here's a hot tip...
Actually, TWO hot tips!
First... If you want your website to have lots and lots of traffic, you need... links.
Okay, that didn't sound so hot, did it?
But it is hot, because so many people ignore it.
I'm not talking about incoming links. Everyone remembers that they have to work their fingers to the bone to get those.
I'm talking about outgoing links. Continue Reading
Posted on April 30, 2007 02:41 PM
I'm sitting at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia, awaiting my return flight to Colorado. After living on the front range for nearly three months, I already find myself missing the beautiful mountains and am eager to get home. I wanted to send this newsletter today because I have just spent the last few days at Big Seminar #9, where I had the privilege of speaking to four hundred attendees and teaching how anyone can make... Continue Reading
Posted on April 13, 2007 12:03 AM
Friday the 13th?
This is your lucky day!
I'm not superstitious, and I believe that this Friday the 13th is going to be a huge winner for you!
Why?
Because I've just had the opportunity to speak with Brad Fallon of Stomper fame, and he is doing something that is about to rock the Internet marketing world! (And it won't cost you a dime, so breath easy, ok?)
Continue Reading
Posted on April 12, 2007 12:34 AM
A few days back, I told you I was working on some very significant projects. I am now prepared to reveal the first of them. What I am about to show you will be valuable to you on several levels... 1) When you see what it is, you will immediately want to use it on your web site. 2) Others will want it as well, and I will pay you 100% commission to share it... Continue Reading
Posted on April 11, 2007 12:22 AM
You've probably already noticed it. The look of your AdSense units has changed. No, you didn't push the wrong button and accidentally wipe out all your formatting. And no one hacked into your code and played with your Web page. Google has redesigned its ad units. The changes aren't radical but they do offer a couple of small advantages. First, the "Ads by Google" tag is now at the bottom of the unit instead of... Continue Reading
Posted on April 10, 2007 08:12 AM
Does $10,000 for sending one email sound impossible to you?
How about $25,000?
Would it floor you to think you could make almost $75,000 with just two email promotions?
To be honest, at one time I wouldn't have believed it either.
But the fact of the matter is that it is far more possible than you think. Continue Reading
Posted on April 9, 2007 10:19 AM
*** This just in! *** Actually, TWO things just came in. Please read both items carefully... 1) I JUST received an email from John Reese, the Internet marketing legend who created the now-famous Traffic Secrets course. When this course came out, it was considered pricey, and somewhat out of reach for people. Don't get me wrong... At $997 it was worth EVERY penny. But STOP THE PRESSES! John just told me that his inventory is... Continue Reading
Posted on April 4, 2007 12:16 AM
I was on the phone with Armand Morin last night, and I've been thinking about something he said ever since.
We talked about the great ebooks that are out there...
We talked about some of the cool software tools that are now available...
And of course, we talked about AdSense.
But here's what he said that stuck with me. Continue Reading
Posted on March 28, 2007 01:04 PM
Last July, I wrote about how Amazon.com was breaking into contextual advertising with its Omakase program. Now they're at it again with another context-based advertising system.
This time though, they've taken a leaf right out of Kontera's books.
Instead of placing ads in ad units, they're linking to keywords in the text and serving floating ad balloons. You can see samples here and here. Continue Reading
Posted on March 26, 2007 08:14 AM
Everything has changed.
I remember when I first discovered computers.
I was in high school when Radio Shack came out with their TRS-80 Model I personal computer.
I remember going to the store and staring at it... ogling it... feeling the power of its keyboard...
Hey, I guess I just wasn't into girls yet. That time came along eventually as well. ;-)
Oh, those were the days. Continue Reading
Posted on March 21, 2007 12:09 AM
Ever since Google changed its Terms of Service to allow publishers to place other ad programs on AdSense pages -- provided those other ads don't look like Google's ad units -- publishers have been wondering how to make the most of this bonanza. It's like telling a child he can put as many different types of cake on his plate as he wants. On my blog for example, I'm using Kontera's text links to supplement... Continue Reading
Posted on March 19, 2007 11:58 AM
I love to write my own newsletter. It gives me an opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with you in a very personal way. However, my friend Eric Holmlund has written such a brilliant piece that I have asked him if I can reproduce it in its entirity. Being a great guy, Eric said no problem. With no further ado, here is Eric's post... ---------------------- I want to tell you about a young woman... Continue Reading
Posted on March 15, 2007 11:03 AM
Vince Lombardi once said, "A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
Take inventory of yourself...
Are you where you want to be?
If not, why not? Continue Reading
Posted on March 13, 2007 11:58 AM
Andy Warhol once said that every person gets their fifteen minutes of fame.
I don't know if that is true, but I do know that every person has a story to tell.
I am in the process of writing a new book centered around Internet marketing and individual success stories...
... and I am looking for real life stories to include in the book!
So what's your story? Continue Reading
Posted on March 10, 2007 12:15 AM
Buzz!
No, you didn't get the answer wrong.
In fact, that would be impossible since I haven't even asked a question yet.
I'm talking about a different kind of buzz.
I'm talking about the kind of buzz that has generated over 1500 comments on one blog in just one week.
I'm talking about the kind of buzz that indicates something BIG is about to happen.
Here's the buzz... and the big news...
Continue Reading
Posted on March 9, 2007 07:31 AM
Last time I visited Arizona, I had the pleasure of visiting the Grand Canyon. Undoubtedly, one of the most moving experiences of my life, there is absolutely nothing on the face of the earth that compares to standing on the edge of the canyon face and looking down one mile into it's deep, deep enormity. It was an experience that actually moved me to tears. (Hey, when you spend the majority of your life on... Continue Reading
Posted on March 8, 2007 08:18 AM
There's something you should know about me.
It's kind of embarrassing, actually.
I am terrible with my hands.
More specifically, I am not mechanically inclined.
In simple english, don't ask me to build stuff.
Don't get me wrong. I can fix absolutely anything
Continue Reading
Posted on March 7, 2007 12:22 AM
Let's play a game. Take the following quiz by filling in the blanks...
1) A _______ in the hand is worth two in the bush.
2) A rolling stone gathers no _____.
3) A penny _______ is a penny earned.
4) A stitch in time saves ______.
5) Without ________, you can't make any money with your website. Continue Reading
Posted on March 6, 2007 12:29 AM
One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, "How many sites do I need in order to make money with AdSense?" The answer is simple... just ONE site can do it! The truth is, I make the majority of my AdSense income from just one of my sites, though I do enjoy a little here and a little there from some of my other sites. With that said, I know of several people... Continue Reading
Posted on March 3, 2007 12:18 AM
Darren Rowse has an interesting post over on ProBlogger.net. He explains the most common reasons that users unsubscribe from blog RSS feeds.
Can you guess which reason came out on top?
Nope, it wasn't poor content. (That came in at numbers 6 and 7.)
It wasn't the advertising. (Only three people said that.)
And it wasn't too much selling. (That was number 14 on the list.)
It was too many posts. Continue Reading
Posted on February 24, 2007 10:37 AM
Saturday morning ramblings.
I know, it might be Saturday afternoon or Sunday... or even Monday, when you receive this. Nevertheless, it's Saturday morning as a write.
So there. :-P
Here come the ramblings, kind of a stew from me to you :-)
Continue Reading
Posted on February 23, 2007 12:51 AM
Five days ago, I wrote about my experience with American Furniture Warehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was not a glowing moment for their customer service team. This morning, my home phone rang and my wife informed me that American Furniture Warehouse wanted to speak with Joel Comm. I had been anticipating a call from them. Surely they monitor the web for mention of their name, and just 48 hours after blogging about my experience... Continue Reading
Posted on February 22, 2007 09:30 AM
Momentum.
From Dictionary.com...
"A force or speed of movement; impetus, as of a physical object or course of events: The car gained momentum going downhill. Her career lost momentum after two unsuccessful films."
Let me throw in one more example...
Continue Reading
Posted on February 21, 2007 04:50 PM
I've got a room with a view! My family and my office staff are finally settling in to our new home in Colorado, and it is stunningly beautiful. Every morning I awake to a new view of the mountains and every evening the sun sets behind them. This isn't heaven, but it will do for now. :-) I've put a webcam in my office, so you can see just a small portion of what I... Continue Reading
Posted on February 20, 2007 12:04 AM
Ever since Google changed its Terms Of Service to allow other contextualized ad systems on the same pages as AdSense, I've been busy taking another look at its competitors. And what I've found was that Kontera has been pretty busy. Kontera has created an ad system that turns keywords on a Web page into double-underlined links. When users mouse over those links, they get a floating tool box containing an ad. It's unobtrusive and looks... Continue Reading
Posted on February 17, 2007 10:13 PM
NOTE! - This issue has been resolved by American Furniture Warehouse customer service as of February 22nd. Please see this blog entry for the rest of the story. We now return to you the initial entry as originally posted... American Furniture Warehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado is officially on my "naughty" list. I write this entry today as an open letter to Jake Jabs, owner of this furniture chain. Since we moved to Colorado this... Continue Reading
Posted on February 14, 2007 08:58 AM
Take a look at some of the most famous web site brands online today. Imagine that it is 1994 and the World Wide Web is a new novelty. What would you name a store that would sell books at discount prices? How about Amazon.com What would you name a site that would become the world's largest garage sale. How about Ebay? What would you call a site that would become a premier portal to the... Continue Reading
Posted on February 11, 2007 09:37 AM
It's Sunday and I'm getting ready to head to church with my family... so I'll be brief.
In fact, I usually don't mail on Sundays, but it is to your benefit that I do so today.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret that can put cash in your pocket today. Continue Reading
Posted on February 1, 2007 12:27 AM
There's a look that I've seen way too many times. It doesn't happen often, but even once is enough. I'll be standing in front of an audience at a conference or teaching a class, and I'll see my audience's eyes glaze over. Instead of looking at me, they start looking at the conference program or at their watch or at anything but me. It's a look that says I've lost them. Whenever that happens, I... Continue Reading
Posted on January 31, 2007 05:33 PM
When you sign up to an ad program, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is where to put your units. Should you cram them into the sidebar? Place them above the fold? Embed them into the text? Or relegate them to the end of the page? Although there are some general guidelines you can follow, the best way to decide which are the best spots on your Web pages for your ad... Continue Reading
Posted on January 23, 2007 10:18 AM
Change.
It's one thing in life we can depend on.
And it can be the thing that frightens us most.
I've known people who don't like the least bit of change in their lives. They are most comfortable in keeping the status quo.
Change implies risk. And risk... well, sometimes things don't turn out the way we hope they will.
And sometimes they do. Continue Reading
Posted on January 17, 2007 10:59 AM
I hate it when it happens. I'm sure you do too. You've set up your site, you've optimized your ads, you've watched your income rise and at last you're getting your rewards. Each month you receive a nice fat check from the generous people at Google. And then all of a sudden, the numbers start to shrink. You haven't changed a thing. Your ad units are still in the same places. You're still discussing the... Continue Reading
Posted on January 11, 2007 09:07 AM
Ack! It was the only word uttered by Bill the Cat of Bloom County fame. If you don't know who I am referring to, here's a quick refresher course. Bill the Cat And now that we are on the same page, I felt a bit like Bill the Cat yesterday when I received questions about my Monthly Templates membership program. They were very GOOD questions. And I can't believe that I blew it by not... Continue Reading
Posted on January 10, 2007 01:13 PM
Take a look at your calendar. You probably have it marked up with important dates. Many calendar manufacturers do us a favor by including holidays and other special days preprinted for convenience. Christmas New Years Day Valentine's Day President's Day Groundhog Day Yes, they take time to remind us of the furry little rodent that somehow is able to predict the weather every February 2nd. Whatever. Now, I don't suppose the calendar's will ever come... Continue Reading
Posted on January 7, 2007 09:13 PM
I just got up from the television set to come write this entry, abandoning the program I was watching. I've been a fan of The Apprentice since the first season. I thought Trump's choice of Bill Rancic as his first apprentice was solid. Since then, the show has had fewer truly qualified contestants. I thought a new location would be an interesting twist on previous seasons, so I began watching the first episode of The... Continue Reading
Posted on January 4, 2007 09:38 PM
It was a moment in time... ... and it went by in a flash. Did you miss it? Don't feel bad. Thousands of people did. Three months ago, I leveled the playing field as much as it could possibly have been leveled. On October 10th, the Instant AdSense Templates VRE Building System hit the web with a fury, and became one of the most-talked-about and valuable products of the year! On October 15th, the product... Continue Reading
Posted on December 31, 2006 12:06 PM
It's time to drag out the cliches.
"Wow, can you believe it's 2007 already?"
"Man, that year zipped by so fast!"
"Before you know it it'll be 2008..."
You get the picture.
It's another turning of the page. Continue Reading
Posted on December 26, 2006 11:52 AM
Well, Christmas is over and 2007 is just around the corner. I hope this has been a great year for you. But regardless, we must now look forward to the coming year and all that it has in store for us. I'm not a huge fan of resolutions for the new year. I find I'm not that great at keeping them. But I see nothing wrong with taking stock of where I am in my... Continue Reading
Posted on December 20, 2006 04:19 PM
Building a successful website doesn’t happen overnight. You have to create the pages, write the content, optimize your ads, drive traffic. You can be up and running within minutes but to earn the sort of revenues that make the whole thing worthwhile (and more) you’re going to have to invest time. And much of that time is going to be spent troubleshooting. A poorly-designed, badly-optimized site might make a little bit of money. A site... Continue Reading
Posted on December 18, 2006 11:17 AM
I love this time of year. It remind me just how fortunate I am. While many people across the country will be looking forward to spending some extra time with their families over Christmas, I get to spend as much time with my family as I want every day of the year. That was always one of the big motivations for me as an online publisher: I wanted to be free to decide when to... Continue Reading
Posted on December 17, 2006 11:20 AM
I love giving gifts.
I can't help myself.
I am one of those who prefer watching others open presents on Christmas morning to opening my own.
There's just something special about seeing a smile on someone's face when they open a present I've given them that brings joy to my heart.
Continue Reading
Posted on December 14, 2006 01:09 PM
I've got a Christmas gift for you!
No strings attached.
It's a gift, pure and simple. :-)
As you are probably well aware, Google AdSense is not the only way to generate money on your site with contextual ad services.
I've written a brand new report called:
"Contextual Ad Systems: Earning Beyond AdSense"
And I want to give it to you for free...
Continue Reading
Posted on December 12, 2006 04:13 PM
I remember when I bought my first DVD player, many years ago. I instantly fell in love with the high quality audio and video that came from the DVD. And I also loved the "special feature" aspect that DVDs allowed... deleted scenes, out-takes, behind the scenes documentaries, etc. I've got a DVD collection featuring over 750 discs to date. Now I just need time to watch them! And speaking of DVDs, my friend Russell Brunson... Continue Reading
Posted on December 11, 2006 09:41 PM
Deck the Halls with boughs of holly...
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...
Frosty the Snowman, was a jolly happy soul...
You'd better not pout, you'd better not cry...
You get the idea! Christmas is coming!
And you can spice up your AdSense blocks with a little holiday cheer using their "themed ads".
Want to know how? Continue Reading
Posted on December 8, 2006 08:03 AM
I'll be the first to admit that I have made some mistakes in my life. Hey, I'm human and I don't expect to always get it right. It was a mistake for me to tell people about Mike Filsaime's report, "The Death of Internet Marketing" before it was actually time to do so. Ooops. My bad. Sorry, Mike. It was a mistake to accidently use another marketer's trademarked name in reference to a different marketer's... Continue Reading
Posted on December 7, 2006 01:46 AM
If you haven't heard of MySpace by now, chances are you have been living in the outermost reaches of Siberia.
And if you don't have a MySpace page of your own, you probably will soon.
Yes, even I have a MySpace page.
Anyhow, if you are wanting to know how to master the ins and outs of MySpace, here's a handy online guide to help you along.
MySpace Revealed Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2006 05:24 PM
I am blogging from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where I am my family are awaiting an 8:55 pm departure to Oklahoma City. We've been here since 1 pm and our first flight was cancelled. With bad weather in Chicago and OKC, I'm not sure we're going to make it home tonight at all. Such is life, right? So I thought I'd make the best use of my time and write for a bit. In particular... Continue Reading
Posted on November 27, 2006 12:00 AM
Alright, we are now headlong into the holiday season, and I wonder... Would it be ok with you if I follow a rabbit trail today? I just want to get something off my chest. It may just end up being instructive, but right now I just need to... um... well... er... rant? Yes, that's it. I need to rant. So, if you aren't interested in my little hissy fit, go ahead and delete this email... Continue Reading
Posted on November 26, 2006 08:50 PM
Video... video.. video...
I know. It probably seems like I have been harping on about video a whole lot lately.
Well, there's a good reason for that.
And if you haven't caught on yet, I'm hoping that you will now.
Think about this. Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2006 04:05 AM
I’m always going on about the importance of great content. I don’t apologize for that. You can have ad units that are perfectly optimized, blended completely into your site and packed with high-paying ads. But if your content’s garbage, no one’s going to click on them because no one’s going to come to your site. I meet so many people who dream of getting rich with AdSense but never give a thought for building a... Continue Reading
Posted on November 24, 2006 12:01 AM
You know, I haven't always taught people how to make money online. In fact, I didn't write my first ebook until January 2005. But I've been creating content-rich sites since 1995. One of my most popular sites is perfect for this time of year when everyone is looking for great deals and coupon codes DealofDay.com has become one of the web's leading bargain-hunting sites. With dozens of new coupons, bargains, discounts and special offers added... Continue Reading
Posted on November 23, 2006 12:42 AM
For those who were online in 1999, you may remember the very first "Get paid to surf" program. It was called AllAdvantage. Basically, by displaying the AllAdvantage toolbar while you surfed, you got paid. And when you referred people to the program and they surfed, you got paid. It worked VERY well, except that the management team at the company messed up the opportunity. Don't get me wrong. I earned THOUSANDS with this program. And... Continue Reading
Posted on November 20, 2006 05:19 AM
When I first started playing around with AdSense, I knew nothing. Now, I like to think that I know a few things about AdSense, but I am still learning. Want to design direct-mail flyers? Don’t ask me. I haven’t a clue. Need to know how to fill a restaurant to the rafters every night? Never owned a restaurant. Not my thing. Want to build a deck? Follow my advice and you’ll just end up with... Continue Reading
Posted on November 18, 2006 11:27 AM
The business-in-a-box. You've heard of 'opportunities' like this before. Usually, all you get is a box... ... and no business. When Paul Smithson (of XSite Pro fame) approached me with his "Build an Empire" business-in-a-box, I was VERY skeptical. In fact, I ALMOST didn't it listen to what he had to say. However, when he mentioned an industry that I happen to know is one of the fastest growing industries next to digital music, he... Continue Reading
Posted on November 14, 2006 04:47 PM
Audiobooks are the best thing since sliced bread for people who just don't have the time to read. You can download them an burn them to a CD or put them on your mp3 player. Take them with you on the go and you've got a constant source of literary goodness. Audiobook Overload provides a HUGE library of audiobooks that you can download instantly. From best-selling fiction and business books to children's novels and foreign... Continue Reading
Posted on November 11, 2006 10:03 AM
Remember the hype about "The Death of AdSense" a few months back? Of course, that turned out to be a load of silliness because AdSense is more alive than ever before.
So what are we to think when Mike Filsaime releases a free report called "The Death of Internet Marketing"?
At first glance, I thought Mike was going to give away this report and then try to sell me something.
Guess what? Continue Reading
Posted on November 3, 2006 09:04 PM
There have been a number of significant product launches this year. Brad Fallon's StomperNet. Rich Schefren's Coaching program. Mike Filsaime's Butterfly Marketing. Ken McArthur's InfoProduct Blueprint. Sterling Valentine's JV Formula. And let's not forget Instant AdSense Templates. ;-) Wouldn't you love an opportunity to go behind the scenes of product launches that grossed $50,000 in one week? How about $100,000 in two days? How about $1,000,000 in one day? Now is your chance to get... Continue Reading
Posted on October 24, 2006 01:33 AM
It's just been an incredible month for new revenue-generating resources!
First we had the SEO product of the year, The Stomper from Brad Fallon.
Then Instant AdSense Templates helped people get a site up and running quickly.
Next, Anik Singal and Rosalind Gardner launch their Blog Classroom, which is only available for a couple more days, by the way. If you haven't signed up yet, visit Blog Classroom
And now, there's this... Continue Reading
Posted on October 19, 2006 08:21 AM
As I travel to conferences and receive email from people, the questions I am asked have a recurring theme. One of the most frequent questions is not so much about technology as it is about individuality.
The question is, "What kind of web site should I build to make money online?"
And that, my friends, is the wrong question.
The right question is not about web sites or keywords.
The right question is about you. Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2006 01:24 PM
One of the most frequent comments I got during the launch of Instant AdSense Templates was how good the copy on the page was. Tons of people told me that the offer was just irresistable and that the copy sizzled!
Some of the best Internet marketers have learned what they know about writing copy from Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer.
Continue Reading
Posted on October 13, 2006 12:21 AM
With the help of my friend Mike Koenigs from the Infomercial Toolkit, I have made my very first professionally produced infomercial! The video was created to promote my Instant AdSense Templates product (which is currently on sale). We were able to easily create the script using the Easy Scriptwriter, shot the video while I was in Minneapolis teaching at a conference and Mike did the final editing and production for me. Want to see the... Continue Reading
Posted on October 10, 2006 11:40 AM
It's here.
And it's a work of art.
Not like a DaVinci or Rembrandt.
But a work of art nonetheless.
Three months ago I took a survey of my customers and asked many questions related to Internet marketing. In particular, I was interested in what they wanted in a revenue-generating product. Continue Reading
Posted on October 7, 2006 11:45 PM
I can't believe what I am about to tell you.
In all sincere honesty, I can not believe it.
But it's all true.
I have just totaled up the data size of Instant AdSense Templates... Continue Reading
Posted on October 5, 2006 12:21 PM
Time to dig into the mailbag and answer questions from readers... Question 1) I've got ads on my site that I don't want. How do I block other sites from showing their ads on my site? Answer 1) That's easy! Go to your AdSense account at www.google.com/adsense and click the "AdSense Setup" tab. Then click the "Competitive Ad Filter" link. Simply enter the url that you want to ban and it will disappear within a... Continue Reading
Posted on October 4, 2006 02:44 PM
Tick... tick... tick...
Can you hear that?
It's the sound of the countdown clock leading to Tuesday, October 10th.
At 12 Noon EST on that day, I will be revealing my greatest AdSense product EVER! Continue Reading
Posted on October 2, 2006 11:41 PM
I've had a BUNCH of people ask me if Brad Fallon and Andy Jenkins' product, StomperNet, is a bunch of hype... or if these guys and their product is the 'real deal'. I've known Brad Fallon for six years. He and I have shared many meals and spoken at length about what he does... and what he knows. I can say without a DOUBT, that Brad is THE leading expert on search engine optimization on... Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2006 10:15 PM
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
The rumors of the so-called "death of AdSense" have gone too far.
Now, it is time for someone to SHATTER the Myths and TELL THE TRUTH!
I invite you to download my new report...
"AdSense is ALIVE!"
The report contains an entertaining fable and a point-by-point rebuttal to the half-truths that are being believed by way too many people.
Can you handle the truth?
Download "AdSense is ALIVE!" Now!
Continue Reading
Posted on September 22, 2006 01:18 AM
One of the most important things you can do to get traffic to your AdSense sites is to incorporate the use of a mailing list. With a list, you can mail your members and invite them back to your site again and again. With a list, you can profit by sending offers that your members would find interesting and useful. With a list, you have both momentum and leverage, two of the greatest keys for... Continue Reading
Posted on September 18, 2006 01:42 PM
I'm blogging from my office PC... only I'm not in my office. I am, in fact, in the American Airlines Admirals Club at D/FW International Airport, awaiting my flight to Oklahoma City. With GoToMyPC, I can login to my office PC from any PC in the world. It's pretty cool stuff! And I must say, the Admirals Club is awfully nice. I'm on a one-time visit pass and am not sure it's worth the annual... Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2006 01:02 PM
Today is a day of reflection. I can't believe it has been five years since Islamo-fascist terrorists barbarically hijacked airplanes and flew them into the World Trade Center and The Pentagon. Time really does pass by in an instant. As we remember the destruction wrought by evil people, lets take time to remember the lives that were lost and the impact that it has had on so many other people. I'm sure that the trauma... Continue Reading
Posted on August 28, 2006 12:29 AM
One of the fastest ways to get started with a web site is to create a blog. Absolutely anyone can get started with blogging in less than FIVE minutes by setting up a free blog at Blogger.com. Yes, it's free.
Once you get the blog set up, follow their simple instructions for creating your blog content.
And then, the real fun starts... Continue Reading
Posted on August 25, 2006 10:36 PM
Citibank credit cards - I have them in my wallet.
Why Citibank? Because these are American Airlines Aadvantage credit cards, and I charge absolutely everything in order to earn as many air miles on American Airlines as possible. I do a lot of traveling and enjoy flying free or upgrading to First Class when I can.
But I am really upset with Citibank at the moment. Continue Reading
Posted on August 20, 2006 10:38 AM
Today's entry has nothing to do with Internet marketing, making money online, AdSense or anything else of this nature. It is of far greater importance and consequence. Several weeks ago, a church that we had visited had announced an upcoming series called "My Secret". Acknowledging that people within the church have just as many problems as people outside the church, the point of the series is to help people see that they are not alone... Continue Reading
Posted on August 14, 2006 09:13 AM
Alright, it's time for some fun and games. Are you familiar with the abundance of "tycoon" games on the market? You know the ones... Lemonade Tycoon Sim City Mall Tycoon Rollercoaster Tycoon etc... I thought it would be fun to put together an online game focused on making money with AdSense, and I'm pleased to invite you to come and try out The AdSense Game now! Be sure to follow the instructions so you can... Continue Reading
Posted on August 11, 2006 11:08 PM
Here are some quick answers to questions that have been recently submitted at AskJoelComm.com. I read in your book "The Adsense Code" about taking ebooks and making them as free content website(s) and adding Adsense to the pages. I have several books I have authored over the years. Should each book (topic) be its own website or is a one "master" website with pages or directory by topic okay? This is a great way to... Continue Reading
Posted on August 9, 2006 04:45 PM
Before another word is spoken about the Butterfly Marketing Manuscript, I want you to listen to this FREE exclusive interview that I conducted with Mike Filsaime the day before his groundbreaking manuscript became available. Please note that this was recorded BEFORE we knew the rock-bottom price of the manuscript. This revealing interview will tell you everything you need to know about Butterfly Marketing Manuscript AND the man behind it. I hope you enjoy it... Continue Reading
Posted on August 5, 2006 06:13 PM
Bionicles. A Lego creation that has an incredibly rabid fan base and has spawned numerous made-for-DVD videos and a comic book series. Why am I writing about Lego Bionicles? Because my son has been collecting them for years. And because he just dropped over $100 on the newest sets to hit the market and is incredibly upset. So much so that he is returning them to the store, disheartened and disappointed. I suggested that he... Continue Reading
Posted on July 26, 2006 01:33 PM
What's in an hour?
Yes, I see the hand in the back of the room.
Sixty minutes, you say?
Ok, smart aleck. You can put your hand down.
You've probably heard the old adage that we all get the same number of hours in a day. You've probably also heard Gerber's advice to spend an hour a week working on your business not "in" your business.
And both are true . . . and false. Continue Reading
Posted on July 24, 2006 01:12 AM
Omakase is a Japanese word meaning 'leave it up to us'. It is commonly used in Japanese restaurants for a meal where the chef uses their experience and knowledge to select and prepare the meal for a customer without specific directions.
And with the beta launch of Amazon.com's new contextual ad service, Omakase takes on a new meaning.
DId you just say, Amazon.com and contextual ad service in the same breath?
Yes... yes, I did. Continue Reading
Posted on July 16, 2006 10:56 AM
Last night, my family and I went to see Glenn Beck at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. For those not familiar with Beck, he claims to have the third most popular radio show in the country. I guess that would be behind Limbaugh and Hannity. I started listening to Glenn a few years ago when his program began airing on our local radio station. He says that you need to listen to the show for... Continue Reading
Posted on July 6, 2006 10:17 PM
What an incredible 48 hours this has been. The sale of Instant AdSense Templates is officialy CLOSED, with volumes 1 and 2 no longer available. Gone... gone... gone.
Sorry to those who missed the opportunity to get this incredible set.
Yes, we are hard at work on a 3rd volume which we hope to offer you not to far into the future. Continue Reading
Posted on July 1, 2006 12:39 PM
Who's Matt?
Just some guy who likes to dance.
Well, he likes to dance and he likes to travel.
In fact, he likes to dance in the places he travels to.
Sound confusing? Continue Reading
Posted on June 30, 2006 11:14 PM
Who knew one week ago that my 500Words.com site would have caused such a stir?
Take a look at all the places that are buzzing with news of the site...
Revenews
Warrior Forums
Digital Point forums
It's interesting to see people's reactions to the site. Some are knee-jerk and others are very well thought through.
Anyhow, here's the good news... Continue Reading
Posted on June 29, 2006 02:13 PM
This software is no longer available. Continue Reading
Posted on June 21, 2006 11:07 AM
On the road again... Just can't wait to be on the road again... ... that is as long as I am either on vacation with my family or traveling to a seminar! And that's what I am doing tomorrow... heading to Philadelphia for Ken McArthur's JV Alert Live seminar, where I will be joining other speakers and attendees for three days of intense learning, brainstorming and networking. I absolutely love going to seminars. Want to... Continue Reading
Posted on June 15, 2006 09:21 PM
Who would have thought that my post about Arbonne would have generated so much discussion? Admittedly, it does get heated from time to time. But I have allowed the post to be a forum for free speech as long as people keep it clean and don't abuse each other. If you try to read it, expect to spend at least an hour... it just keeps going and going... A few months ago, I put up... Continue Reading
Posted on June 14, 2006 08:09 PM
About six years ago, I met a guy named Todd Vinson. Todd is one of the most incredible people I have met in my life because he has dedicated his life to serving others. In particular, he has a heart for helping teenage boys who are displaced or whose families are in crisis by providing a long-term home solution where they will be properly cared for. This happens at Willow Springs Boys Ranch in Chandler... Continue Reading
Posted on June 13, 2006 10:42 AM
Search the web for AdSense and you will find an absolute avalanche of products and services related to Google's popular contextual advertising service. Most of the these products are software or tools designed to game the system, taking advantage of the weaknesses in the search engines in order to generate a quick buck with AdSense. You know what I am talking about. These are the tools that build "garbage" pages that exist for no reason... Continue Reading
Posted on June 11, 2006 12:04 AM
First you are born. Then you go to school. Year upon year upon year of the best public education your tax dollars can buy. After twelve years, you hit a fork in the road with a choice to make... Do I get a job or go to college? For many, the decision to go to college seems clear cut. After all, we're told that you need a college degree to get a good job in... Continue Reading
Posted on June 8, 2006 12:51 AM
I've known Russell Brunson for a year of so. He is an incredibly smart young man who has become very successful online in a very short amount of time. Wildly successful.
How has he done it?
He has learned how to master the power of affiliate marketing.
And now, Russell is offering a FREE CD called Affiliate Inferno. Continue Reading
Posted on June 7, 2006 12:07 AM
If you have a site and want to get your visitor's attention, this is really cool stuff...
Over 86% of web surfers have some sort of popup blocker installed. If you want to gather email addresses or request your visitors take some other action, popups have become ineffective.
Until now...
Impact Popup gets around popup blockers to display a very slick popup that you can install on your site in a matter of moments. Continue Reading
Posted on June 1, 2006 09:23 AM
Stop the presses!
Jeremy Gislason just sent me an email telling me that the Marketing Main Event 2 is now available for 1000 people.
What is the Marketing Main Event?
Only the largest collection of membership reseller licences, private label rights, master rights, resell rights, contributed products, instant sales pages and sales links, exclusive joint ventures, special offers, V.R.E. content generators, training and learning zones EVER! Continue Reading
Posted on May 29, 2006 12:05 AM
I received this question via AskJoelComm.com Joel, I can't find my passion. I have been a workaholic my whole life in areas that I do not enjoy. I don't even know what I enjoy doing. To make matters worse, my experience is not something that can become a product unless I compete with the top corporations. I have gathered and researched a lot of information on how to market, sales pages, setting up websites, etc... Continue Reading
Posted on May 21, 2006 11:31 PM
I feel a rant coming on. Yes, it is time for "Joel's pet peeve".
So what's my beef today?
It's fast food restaurants that treat you like a second class citizen if you request water instead of a soft drink by giving you a special cup for your water.
And this cup is different than the regular soft drink cup. It's always smaller than the smallest soft drink size. Continue Reading
Posted on May 19, 2006 02:11 PM
A week does not go by that I don't get an email from someone telling me that their AdSense account was closed. Most often, the email from the AdSense team starts with... "It has come to our attention that invalid clicks have been generated on the Google ads on your site(s). We have therefore disabled your Google AdSense account. Please understand that this step was taken in an effort to protect the interest of the... Continue Reading
Posted on May 17, 2006 08:40 AM
Just how much money can you make with Google AdSense?
In January 2006, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of copywriters on the topic of AdSense. In the video clip that follows, I share the story of how I initially failed with AdSense... and then I share what happened next. Continue Reading
Posted on May 9, 2006 01:09 PM
Here's a copy of the news release that went out on PRWeb today. Edmond, OK (PRWEB) May 9, 2006 -- With Internet publishers looking for ways to monetize their sites, Google has become one of the most revered sites due to their contextual advertising program, Google AdSense. This text-based ad service is generating four, five, and six-figure incomes for many website owners. With this increased interest in this revolutionary revenue-generating program, site owners are looking... Continue Reading
Posted on May 8, 2006 04:49 PM
Friday, May 5th, was my 42nd birthday. So I decided that I would throw a virtual birthday party and invite some of my readers to join me!
I scheduled a teleseminar and began thinking of who I wanted to interview as a special guest for my birthday.
Now, I could have called up one of my Internet marketing buddies, but I decided to invite an "unknown" to join me for the call. Continue Reading
Posted on May 7, 2006 11:29 PM
Lara Croft is back. And this time she means business. Back in the late nineties, Lara Croft came on the scene in the game Tomb Raider. A female "Indiana Jones"-style character, Lara spelunked tombs in ancient ruins of Rome, Mexico, Egypt and Atlantis, fighting off creatures and bad guys while on the hunt for priceless artifacts and treasure. Rather than just shooting to kill stuff, Tomb Raider challenged the player mentally with a series of... Continue Reading
Posted on May 1, 2006 09:49 PM
Whenever I do teleseminars and publicly speak, I tell people that we are entering a new age of the Internet. Internet v1.0 was the beginning of the web. Money was tossed about like confetti as venture capitalist waved millions of Benjamins at anything with a dotcom for a suffix.
Then the bubble burst.
Enter Internet v2.0. Continue Reading
Posted on April 28, 2006 11:09 PM
Google AdSense is currently the reigning King of contextual advertising services. But the King always faces challengers to the throne. Kontera, Chitika and Intellitext have managed to absorb a small piece of Google's market, but they've barely made a dent thus far.
So who can take on the 100 pound gorilla?
Only another gorilla.
Enter Yahoo! Continue Reading
Posted on April 23, 2006 02:14 AM
Tupperware.
Say it with me.
Tupperware.
One more time.
Tupperware. Continue Reading
Posted on April 16, 2006 11:13 AM
There are so many ways to promote business online. Adsense is a focus for me, because it has been so lucrative, and because there are so many businesses building their brand through the Adwords program. What's very interesting is that there are entire worlds of promotion outside of the Adwords Pay Per Click model. "Sponsorship" type programs are one example, which can bring traffic to not only your web site, but to your brand, through... Continue Reading
Posted on April 10, 2006 12:50 AM
It's been just over a year since I first discussed my experiences with Arbonne, the multi-level marketing skin-care company. Since that time, over 600 comments have been posted to that single entry! Diehard Arbonne supporters and vehement detractors have enjoyed spirited discussion and debate via my blog. Isn't the Internet great? My take on the company remains the same. They have good product, albeit overpriced... and an unfair Internet marketing model that favors those who... Continue Reading
Posted on April 8, 2006 12:55 AM
With over 65,000,000 members, Rupert Murdoch's My Space is a juggernaut in the online world. Sure, it is largely a wasteland of 18 to 22 year olds trying to "hook up" with each other. But I can see where the networking tools of the site can be used for those who aren't just looking for a "date". Continue Reading
Posted on April 1, 2006 09:03 PM
I got invited to the beta test of the MSN AdCenter a month or so ago. Not many people have had the opportunity to advertise via MSN, so I thought I would give it a a try.
I finally got around to running a test campaign to promote my AdSense ebook using their contextual ad system.
MSN rejected my ads!
Continue Reading
Posted on March 30, 2006 11:24 PM
It was a pretty exciting day yesterday. The UPS man dropped four boxes at my front door. I instantly knew what they were.
Carrying the boxes insides, I quickly found scissors and gently cut the tape that sealed the cardboard boxes.
It was just as I had expected. Books. Dozens of copeis of the same book. My book.
It had finally arrived... Continue Reading
Posted on March 29, 2006 01:25 PM
I occassionally receive email that looks like this... "Dear Joel, I have purchased your ebook and applied your strategies to my web pages. It's been a week and I am not making any money. It just doesn't work" Welcome to our microwave society. We want our popcorn done in sixty seconds. And if we can get someone else to put it in the microwave and prepare it for us, all the better. So what is... Continue Reading
Posted on March 27, 2006 08:40 AM
I offended Vern Troyer, the actor who played the role of "Mini Me" in the Austin Powers movies. Why would I do such a thing? I didn't mean, to, but it happened anyhow... If you've been following my blog, you would know that I've been in D.C. attending Yanik Silver's Underground Seminar. Yanik was very clever in putting the seminar together. He gave the entire thing an "Austin Powers" secret agent feel, which each attendee... Continue Reading
Posted on March 26, 2006 01:05 PM
As you may know from my blog, I am currently attending Yanik Silver's Underground Internet Marketing Seminar in Washington, D.C. I'm meeting so many brilliant and fascinating people, and I'm constantly learning more about ways to grow my business, and ultimately help YOU grow your business online! Anyhow, I just got back from lunch at Subway. Subway is NOT my restaurant of choice. I ate there by default. You may like it, but it's blech... Continue Reading
Posted on March 24, 2006 11:19 PM
I'm coming to you live from Yanik Silver's Underground Seminar in Washington, D.C. I'm sitting in my hotel room with Tim Carter and Christopher Knight. We've just enjoyed a long meal at a fancy-schmancy restaurant a few blocks from the JW Marriott. And, of course, we've all got our laptops jacked in as we catch up with our email and discuss ways to capture more doubloons! But I have another reason for blogging tonight... Today... Continue Reading
Posted on March 23, 2006 11:06 PM
Arrived in Washington, DC today for Yanik Silver's Underground Seminar. I'll be writing about my experiences this weekend. I've already encountered many friends, some fans and some folks that I hadn't met before. But that's another story.
There's something wonderful about coming to this city, especially for someone who isn't jaded by living inside the Beltway. Continue Reading
Posted on March 19, 2006 10:08 AM
Spore is Will Wright's latest computer game, and it is set to revolutionize the PC gaming world.
Creator of Sim City and The Sims, Spore is unlike anything else you have ever experienced in computer gaming. Due out in 2007, Spore will offer an open-ended gameplay style that will appeal to a wide variety of gamers. Continue Reading
Posted on March 17, 2006 04:57 PM
I was thirteen years old when Star Wars hit the big screen. I instantly fell in love with George Lucas' galaxy far far away and long ago. Barely redeemed with Episode III of the series, Star Wars buffs worldwide were saddened knowing that this was indeed the end.
But is it really? Continue Reading
Posted on March 16, 2006 04:45 PM
I am just thrilled with my mom right now. A few days ago I wrote about her new blog, TravelsWithSheila.com. Since starting her blog, she has been dilligently working hard to create new content and understand the entire blogging process. I love the way she has taken the bull by the horns and is really wanting to excel with this project.
Continue Reading
Posted on March 12, 2006 11:26 PM
When I was sixteen years old and purchased my first computer (A Tandy TRS-80), my mother asked me "What are you going to do with a computer?"
Many years later, she now knows exactly what I will do with a computer...
My mother has been slow to adapt to new technology, but I have nudged her along gently and she now can't imagine not using the Internet to research her adventure travel escapades. Continue Reading
Posted on March 6, 2006 07:06 PM
When I came out with "What Google Never Told You About Making Money with AdSense" in January 2005, I never imagined that it would become so popular. Since that time, I have released a second edition, several other ebooks, a member site, a telecourse series and find myself booked for multiple speaking engagements. Life is funny... Today marks another milestone for me as I am pleased to announce the revised and expanded third edition of... Continue Reading
Posted on March 4, 2006 11:12 PM
My friend, Scott Hamlin, just told me about a cool site that allows other website owners to download games and place them on their pages for their visitors to enjoy. The site is called Pixel Toys and it has several family-friendly games that can be downloaded instantly or played online. Check it out! Continue Reading
Posted on March 3, 2006 06:04 PM
I can't remember the last time I had so much fun playing guitar.
No, I'm not talking about my Yamaha Strat knock-off or my Ibanez steel string.
I'm talking about a plastic guitar with no strings and five frets.
Huh? Continue Reading
Posted on March 1, 2006 12:00 AM
Blog networks are all the rage right now. You can sign up at a number of sites and instantly have your own blog. Take Trooblog.com for example. Sign up your blog and have instant access to all the power of Wordpress. Blog to your heart's content. Continue Reading
Posted on February 24, 2006 11:33 AM
Three months ago, I told you that my cholesterol levels were high. My LDL (bad cholesterol) was approximately 138. My total cholesterol was 214. My primary care physician immediately wanted to place me on Lipitor. I told him that I was not eager to get on this medication as I heard it had some long-term side effects. I also do not like the idea of becoming dependent on the chemical compound du jour. So I... Continue Reading
Posted on February 19, 2006 05:25 PM
Ok, so Dick Cheney accidently shot a guy.
The mainstream media has had a grand old time focusing on absolutely nothing. I figured by this weekend it would be over.
Not so. Continue Reading
Posted on February 15, 2006 11:51 PM
I recently received an email from a reader lamenting how I have strayed from my political rants. Believe me, it's not for lack of material. Between the mainstream media's pathetic obsession with VP Dick Cheney accidently shooting a friend while hunting (don't get me started) and the never-ceasing parade of Democrat leadership attempting to undermine America, I could blog for hours on end. I have just become fed up with the lunacy and have focused... Continue Reading
Posted on February 14, 2006 12:24 AM
Instant Article Ghost Writer is no longer available... Continue Reading
Posted on February 8, 2006 11:53 AM
Ever since I attended Armand Morin's Big Seminar in Los Angeles last November, I have been telling others about the incredible experience and value of this bi-annual Internet marketing event. I can say with no reservations that Big Seminar CHANGED MY LIFE! The conference opened my mind to new possibilities and revenue streams that I had under my nose all along. And the networking opportunities... the people I met... were the most valuable part of... Continue Reading
Posted on February 7, 2006 01:07 AM
I love finding promising online businesses and bringing attention to them. Last year, one of my clients introduced me to a product that he was creating called Got-Zip. As a long-time affiliate to many merchants, I took special interest to this new service as it turned the affiliate system on it's ear. Instead of paying out commissions for sales that orginated on a link through your web site, Got Zip levels the playing field and... Continue Reading
Posted on February 5, 2006 11:32 PM
There's only one thing I hate worse than email spam. It is junk fax spam.
I got a fax machine so that I could send and receive important documents for my business. I use it for this purpose maybe once each week. But my fax machine is active far more frequently due to fax spam. I HATE junk faxes!
So I decided to do something about it. Continue Reading
Posted on January 30, 2006 10:26 PM
What are people searching for? The Google Zeitgeist knows all.
The Zeitgeist examines all searches made through Google and examines patterns, trends, and surprises. You can check the site regularly to see the most popular searches aroundt the world. Continue Reading
Posted on January 26, 2006 11:31 PM
What makes you tick? What is the source of the "fire in your belly" that keeps you dreaming and reaching for... whatever it is? What is the one thing that you care about most and would give anything to have, be or do?
That is your passion. Continue Reading
Posted on January 25, 2006 12:53 PM
We' ve all seen the commercials of orphaned children on late night television. The images tear at our hearts, but it is so easy for us to turn a blind eye to their plight.
Ken Surritte is a great friend of mine. Not only is he a great guy, but he also has an extremely compassionate heart for people who are in need. Continue Reading
Posted on January 24, 2006 10:35 PM
Tonight was the official announcement of "The AdSense Code", an 8-part telecourse series that is starting on Thursday, February 2nd, 2006. Over 1500 people signed up for my free preview call and we only were able to secure 300 lines. Within the first ten minutes, every line was taken! Continue Reading
Posted on January 22, 2006 12:41 AM
Just the other day I was telling you about Glenn Dietzel from Awaken the Author Within. I had the opportunity to spend a couple days with Glenn. We had a fabulous time getting to know each other and at the last minute decided to put together a podcast as I was driving him to the airport so he could catch his flight home. Since we recorded this in the car, I am calling it a... Continue Reading
Posted on January 21, 2006 07:32 AM
When I was in Las Vegas, I spent a little time with Paul Colligan. Paul is an expert in Affiliate marketing. But recently he has began beating the drum for podcasting.
Now admittedly, I have been slow to come to the podcasting table. However, after spending some time with Paul and Declan Dunn in Las Vegas, the light has turned on above my head. Ding! Continue Reading
Posted on January 17, 2006 11:58 PM
I had two telephone consultations today. One of them was scheduled with a client. Another was spontaneous with a contact that I met at a seminar a few months back. But both of them had something in common. Each person was trying to figure out how they could create a profitable business online. Continue Reading
Posted on January 15, 2006 07:10 PM
It's been a fascinating weekend. I've been hanging out at Harlan Kilsteins Copywriting Workshop and have met some fascinating people. I presented advanced Google AdSense strategies to the group today and was excited to see the light bulbs go on over so many heads. I am pleased that a select few have decided to join my AdSense Apprentice program, and excited that they will be jioning me on a series of telecourses scheduled to take... Continue Reading
Posted on December 25, 2005 01:36 AM
It doesn't always feel like Christmas in Oklahoma. The temperature on Christmas Eve peeked at 58 degrees. There is no snow on the ground. It's a far cry from my childhood in the freezing Chicago lakefront suburbs.
And yet, Christmas really has very little to do with snow. It has little to do with jingle bells. And it has little to do with the materialism which drives our economy at this time of year. Continue Reading
Posted on December 19, 2005 12:31 AM
I remember a story on the cover of Time magazine about ten years ago. It had the following headline which was just a tremendous shocker to me. It said... Continue Reading
Posted on December 14, 2005 12:40 AM
Two totally conflicting stories out of Hollywood today that explain absolutely everything you need to know about how out of touch Hollyweird is with the American mainstream. Continue Reading
Posted on December 9, 2005 01:36 PM
Republicans and Conservatives are having a great time this week as the far left continues to repulse more and more Americans with their extremists views. Continue Reading
Posted on December 7, 2005 10:13 PM
I just received an email from Mike Filsaime.
For those who already know Mike, you already know he is an Internet Marketing legend.
For those who don't know him, you are about to find out WHY he is a legend. Continue Reading
Posted on December 4, 2005 11:21 PM
Here's an interesting story out of Pakistan. Pakistan censors poetic salute to Bush by Isambard Wilkinson in Islamabad (12/05/2005) A poem in a school textbook has been removed by embarrassed education officials in Pakistan after it was found that the first letters of each line spelt out "President George W Bush." The 20-line anonymous poem, The Leader, lists the qualities of "a man who will do what he must" and bears a passing resemblance to... Continue Reading
Posted on November 28, 2005 11:37 AM
Are you going to Affiliate Summit? This is the PREMIER event for webmasters and merchants online. My friend, Shawn Collins, tells me that the event is nearing sellout and record attendance. I would love to see you there! Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2005 05:15 AM
"Bush is stupid" is always a great way to start a conversation. Seriously... bold, definitive statements are the doorway from which we can expand our knowledge base and increase in wisdom. Continue Reading
Posted on November 21, 2005 01:14 PM
I am sitting in Chicago O'Hare airport reflecting on this past weekend. Yes, I am taking the long way home from North Carolina, but you do what you gotta do. Anyhow... Continue Reading
Posted on November 19, 2005 02:36 PM
I'm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Of course, all hotels are beginning to look the same to me. Though were it not for the fact that I looked out the window of the airplane and took in a spectacular view of the Smoky Mountains, I wouldn't know the difference. Continue Reading
Posted on November 13, 2005 06:24 PM
The Firebox browser has come out of nowhere to give Microsoft's Internet Explorer a run for their money this past year. Now, Firefox has Google on their side. The browser is superior to IE in every way and I recommend that you download and install a copy now. Your web surfing will be more secure. Your machine will crash and lock up less. And you will be a happier person. :-) Click the button below... Continue Reading
Posted on November 11, 2005 04:44 PM
Who is Michael Lee Austin? And why am I blogging about a country/western singer? I have my reasons. For now, let's just call it a friendly wager with a certain 5'9" slightly balding Jewish man that I know. Continue Reading
Posted on November 8, 2005 03:01 PM
I just got back from one of the the most educational and inspiring seminars of my entire life. My friend, Jeff Walker, suggested that I go to Armand Morin's Big Seminar in Los Angeles. On his advice, I registered just a couple weeks ago. It cost $2000, but I trust Jeff and took his advice.
Words cannot describe the weekend I just experienced. Continue Reading
Posted on November 6, 2005 10:11 AM
I am currently in Los Angeles attending Armand Morin's Big Seminar, an Internet marketing conference unlike any I have previously attended. This is Armand's sixth conference of this nature (he does them bi-annually) and you can tell that he really loves what he does. There are over 400 people here and the atmosphere is absolutely electric. It is a top-notch, classy operation. From the hotel to the speakers to the food and everything in between... Continue Reading
Posted on October 31, 2005 07:53 AM
Here's a cool way to find all kinds of information on just about anything you can think of. The site is called HelpFox. Go ahead, click the link and enter something in the search field. You'll instantly have access to pages that contain the term in a number of categories, including encyclopedia, news, links, blogs, shopping and more. Your term will be highlighted in yellow everywhere it shows up on the page. Continue Reading
Posted on October 29, 2005 12:36 AM
My family recently returned from a fall vacation to Eureka Springs. While it was unfortunately cut short by a death in the family, we still enjoyed a few days in a tranquil and beautiful setting. Continue Reading
Posted on October 24, 2005 10:38 AM
I really don't take enough time away from my Internet business. That's why I am glad to be on vacation this week. We are in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, nested in the Ozark Mountains in the northwestern corner of the state. Continue Reading
Posted on October 19, 2005 11:09 PM
Clever copy and limited supply is the modus operandi at Woot.com. I wish I had thought of this concept. But I didn't. Instead, I am a customer. Woot.com features one product each weekday. They have a limited supply of these products and they offer tham at a great price. But the coolest part is the witty copywriting that accompanies the product of the day. No reason to copy their text here. It is fresh every... Continue Reading
Posted on October 15, 2005 12:03 AM
This cold is really the pits. I am megadosing on vitamin C and other stuff. Cough cough, sneeze sneeze. Blech. I remember being sick when I was a kid, glad that I got a day off of school. But times have changed. Having a cold now has absolutely no side benefits. And so, I blog. And I test some new ideas for linking. What else is there to do? Continue Reading
Posted on October 11, 2005 02:55 PM
Random thoughts for today... I'm finally starting to see through the scam known as "insurance". What ticks me off most is health insurance. It doesn't matter how healthy you are. Once you are accepted by a company, they religiously increase your rates every premium period just because they can. So what to do? Change insurance companies. My premium got cut in half when I did this. Of course, in just a few years, it will... Continue Reading
Posted on October 10, 2005 12:34 AM
All you hear from the liberal democrats these days is "Bush lied... no weapons of mass destruction... Get out of Iraq... Saddam was not tied to terrorists... etc and so forth." I came across this series of quotes from the beloved liberal leadership that should make anyone who has supported them in the past go "hmmmm" Their own words nullify their objections with this administration, and make clear that they have absolutely no platform to... Continue Reading
Posted on October 7, 2005 02:00 AM
If a conservative would have said what Howard Dean said on Hardball with Chris Matthews, the mainstream media would deem it worthy of front page mockery. But since it was far-left wacko Dean, he gets a pass. That's ok. The entertainment value is to good to pass up. So what did Howie say? On the October 5th edition of "Hardball with Chris Matthews", the chairman of the Democratic National Committee was asked this question in... Continue Reading
Posted on October 6, 2005 01:46 PM
One of my best friends in the whole world is Mark Jones. I met Mark and his wife Rebecca when attending Trtinity Bible Church in Richardson, Texas. Mark was the worship pastor and we just gravitated towards each other. He and his family are the definition of kind and trustworthy. I love him like a brother and would do absolutely anything for him. *Though he did NOT ask me to do this...) Continue Reading
Posted on October 1, 2005 10:40 PM
I received an 8 1/2" x 11" envelope today addressed to my business. Real official looking stuff. I open it up and it is a notice of estimated cash payment and claim form for a class action suit. Apparantly, my company is a member of the Class in the Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation. Don't ask me how I got in the class. I have no idea. The cash payment that I am entitled to as... Continue Reading
Posted on September 27, 2005 01:02 AM
I've had the privilege to meet quite a few people in the Internet industry over the past ten years. I've had the pleasure of turning many business associates into dear friends. One such friend whom I am honored to know is Dave Taylor. Dave is one of the brightest, thoughtful individuals I know. And that's on top of being a super nice guy! Dave is also a "go-to" guy when it comes to blogging. In... Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2005 12:50 AM
I will never forget the thrill of seeing my first video game. Pong opened the doorway to electronic gaming bliss and most in my generation have never looked back. I remember when Space Invaders and Asteroids came out, displacing the pinball machine as the game du jour. I remember begging my father for a Fairchild video game system, the predecessor to the Atari 2600. I remember playing games on my TRS-80 and being absolutely floored... Continue Reading
Posted on September 6, 2005 12:32 PM
Liberal democrats and the mainstream media have been incredibly quick to bash President Bush and the Federal Government for their handling of the rescue efforts in New Orleans. Sid Blumenthal, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , and Molly Ivins shots off condemnation pieces within 24 hours of this tragedy, revealing their true colors once again. Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling for a 9/11-style investigation of Katrina, seeking to point fingers and cause disruption for the President... Continue Reading
Posted on August 24, 2005 12:06 AM
You knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. There is Yahoo Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, Aol Instant Messenger and ICQ. Now, the Big Dog of search engines has entered the instant messaging market with Google Talk. The beta is now available for download. Google Talk has a colorful and simple design, similar to their web site. Your Gmail account name is your Google Talk login. Not only can you instant message friends, but... Continue Reading
Posted on August 21, 2005 12:41 AM
I've always been a fan of the Broadway musical. When I was young, I remember hearing my mom and dad play the soundtracks to many popular musicals on their record player. Fiddler on the Roof, Company, Carousel, The Sound of Music and West Side Story were staples around my house. Combined with a few trips of my own to the theater, I developed a taste for this genre before I became a teenager. Continue Reading
Posted on August 16, 2005 12:54 AM
Building a web site is easy. Getting traffic to it is a whole different beast. Google, Yahoo! and MSN rule the roost of the search engine market, but figuring out how to show up at the top of the results is no easy task. My friend, Rick Butts, has come up with a killer tool that I starting using today. When I say killer.. I mean killer. If you have a web site, you've got... Continue Reading
Posted on August 12, 2005 10:58 AM
Tupperware. The word just flows from the mouth like margarine, conjuring images of neighborhood wives gathered around the living room discussing the latest method of food storage and preparation. While the Tupperware Party is still around, the Internet has paved the way for virtual Tupperware parties! And the Tupperware business opportunity to riper than ever. So where do Tupperware consultants go to discuss the ins and outs of the Tupperware business? BurpIt.com, or course! The... Continue Reading
Posted on August 11, 2005 02:40 PM
Netflix, Blockbuster, Wal-Mart and many others have entered the online DVD rental game. It is a very competitive market with each merchant bringing something different to the table. Today, I ran across a novel approach to DVD viewing. Peerflix.com invites you to TRADE DVDs instead of renting them. It's a pretty spiffy idea, and they have a free DVD offer which is very attractive. Here's what they offer: - Risk-free trial today. - Free DVD... Continue Reading
Posted on August 9, 2005 11:19 AM
I present this story without commentary. It stands on its own. CABLE CONTROVERSY: CNN AGREES TO AIR BLOODY ABORTION AD ON JUDGE ROBERTS Tue Aug 09 2005 19:41:54 ET CNN has reviewed and agreed to run a controversial ad produced by a pro-abortion group that falsely accuses Supreme Court nominee John Roberts of filing legal papers supporting a convicted clinic bomber! The news network has agreed to a $125,000 ad buy from NARAL, the DRUDGE... Continue Reading
Posted on August 3, 2005 10:34 AM
In the midst of a global war on terror, it's good to see the President coming out for some of the battles on the home front. WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush reignited debate over evolution by advocating teaching concept of intelligent design in schools. That view promotes the idea that an unseen force is behind the development of humanity. Scientists claim intelligent design has no supporting evidence and is an attempt... Continue Reading
Posted on August 1, 2005 01:08 PM
Finally, we have an Ambassador to the United Nations. The liberals and mainstream media are going nuts because the President assigned John Bolton as a recess appointment, while Congress is out of session. The recess appointment is nothing new. Clinton did 144 of them during his two terms. Reagan did around that many as well. Bolton had the needed votes in the Senate, but a few radicals filibustered and would not allow the vote to... Continue Reading
Posted on July 20, 2005 07:51 PM
I was 13 years old in 1977. The release of Star Wars that year had whet my appetite for sci-fi space movies. So when Disney released The Black Hole in 1979, I had to go see it. I can't remember if I liked it or not, to be truthful. I recently purchased the movie on DVD, thinking it would fondly remind me of my childhood. Instead, it put me to sleep. Seriously. Waaaay asleep. Mary... Continue Reading
Posted on July 17, 2005 04:31 PM
When I first heard that Tim Burton was doing a version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I thought "Oh no. He's going to butcher it." Don't get me wrong. For the most part, I like Tim Burton's work. Yes, he is bizarre, and probably somewhat twisted. But I like his creative flair. I enjoy his unusual characters and camera angles. But I also have read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and thoroughly enjoyed Willy... Continue Reading
Posted on July 16, 2005 06:26 PM
It's been a long day. We just got back from Westcliffe, Colorado, where my family and I have spent an extremely refreshing week at family camp. Take beautiful surroundings (the Rocky Mountains), wonderful people, an incredible staff, fun activities and spiritual nourishment... mix them all together... and that sums up the week. Well, I WAS feeling refreshed. Then I came back to tons of email, a desk loaded down with to-dos and the plain-ness of... Continue Reading
Posted on July 7, 2005 09:51 PM
By now everyone knows the news. It is a tragedy, without any doubt. Innocent people once again slaughtered at the hands of animals. And we knew this would happen. It was just a matter of time. Make no mistake. This was not an attack on London. This was an attack on Western Civilization, which these animals despise with every fiber of their being. Perhaps this will silence the Chucky Schumers, Howard Deans and Dick Durbins... Continue Reading
Posted on July 6, 2005 11:44 PM
For nearly ten years I have provided useful resources for parents who want to keep their kids safe online. With the overwhelming amount of pornography, predators and violence on the Internet, how can wise parents allow their children to surf the web, check email and instant message without fear of these modern-day ills?
I've written an ebook on this topic called "Internet Safety Secrets". Continue Reading
Posted on July 2, 2005 12:00 AM
Tonight, I grudgingly sat through War of the Worlds. I went with Mary and another couple because we wanted to do something and all the other movies looked like garbage. The movie promised that I would be "on the edge of my seat". And I was. But that was only because I was slumped so far into my chair that my butt was hanging over the edge of the seat. With the exception of some... Continue Reading
Posted on July 1, 2005 01:44 PM
The news is out. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner is retiring from the Supreme Court. I know she has struggled with cancer and I wish her well with her health and family life. However, I could not be more delighted that she is leaving a vacancy on the highest court in the land. In fact, I am reminded of the elated feeling that the munchkins felt when Dorothy's house landed on the Wicked Witch... Continue Reading
Posted on June 30, 2005 08:19 PM
In January of 2005, I released my first ebook. It was called "What Google Never Told You About Making Money with AdSense" and it was written to help people make more money on their web sites using the AdSense program. As it turned out, the ebook was very successful and I have received many emails from people thanking me for the material. Since that time, I have been at work on a second edition. I'm... Continue Reading
Posted on June 29, 2005 08:45 PM
I believe there are insidious forces at work in America to tear down the fabric of this great nation. I believe these forces primarily reside in the extreme leadership of the Democrat party and the mainstream media. I believe these forces are the ones responsible for swaying public opinion against our brave men and women fighting the war on terror. These people despise our President and the tremendous successes he has had in this war... Continue Reading
Posted on June 27, 2005 10:10 PM
Last week, I was contacted by a gentlemen asking me if I would take a look at his product. He claimed that his CD presentation would help anyone start a web business by following his simple instructions. I said, "sure, go ahead and send it" I now have previewed a copy of EZ Web Business Builder, and I have to say that it is a truly fabulous product. The author's name is Jim Daniels, and... Continue Reading
Posted on June 25, 2005 11:08 PM
Here's a site that grabs you by your psyche, tosses you about like an emotional spin washer and causes you to marvel at the tremendous pain in the world. The site is called Post Secret. What is it, you ask? Imagine your deepest, darkest secret. Imagine that you couldn't tell a soul. But what if you could create an image on a postcard and anonymously mail it to a web site where your secret could... Continue Reading
Posted on June 23, 2005 12:01 AM
A few months back I really got sick of my computer always being slow and having system errors. As it turned out, many of the problems I am having are related to the Internet Explorer browser (surprise, surprise...) Some friends told me about a new browser called "Firefox". Continue Reading
Posted on June 7, 2005 01:31 PM
The schizophrenic thinking of our increasingly sick culture continues unabated. Check out this story from Texas. Teen Gets Life Sentence For Helping Girlfriend End Pregnancy 19-Year-Old Stepped On Stomach While Girl Punched Self LUFKIN, Texas -- A 19-year-old East Texas man faces a life prison sentence for causing his teenage girlfriend to miscarry twins, even though she wanted to end the pregnancy. Gerardo Flores was accused of causing the miscarriage by stepping on his girlfriend's... Continue Reading
Posted on May 29, 2005 07:27 PM
Ever since I took part in my first MMORPG (massive multiplayer online gaming) I have thought it would be fun to blog my experiences, starting as a newbie and continuing for as long as I played the game. Today, I purchased The Matrix Online, the game that promises to continue the story of the Matrix in an ever-unfolding interactive storyline. As a fan of The Matrix mythology, I think this will make for an interesting... Continue Reading
Posted on May 28, 2005 10:49 PM
Silly fun. That's my two word review of the new animated film from Dreamworks Entertainment, Madagascar. A light-hearted story about some Central Park Zoo animals that wind up in the title country, Madagascar is an enjoyable way to waste 90 minutes, especially if you are in a theater of kids who make laughing at the silly gags even more enjoyable. As a children's movie, Madagascar succeeds with it's colorful animations and goofy characters. Dreamworks tossed... Continue Reading
Posted on May 21, 2005 02:54 AM
Like I really need another site, huh?
I am putting the finishing touches on BestDates.info, a site designed to help people seeking information on online dating. The site contains over 150 articles on the topic and will have reviews of the most popular dating web sites. I will also be making my ebook available for download on this site. It is called Online Dating Secrets. Continue Reading
Posted on May 19, 2005 11:14 PM
A long time ago in galaxy far, far away, a thirteen-year old boy discovered a new world of action and adventure which had captured his imagination unlike anything before. Star Wars hit the theaters in 1977, and I still remember sitting in the very front row, completely in awe by the images on the screen. I probably saw the film ten times in our local cinema, and waited patiently for George Lucas to churn out... Continue Reading
Posted on May 17, 2005 09:28 PM
Sick and tired of going to web sites and seeing nothing but content? Don't you hate when you are looking for ads and an article gets in the way? Do you long for flashing banners that throw you into epileptic fits but are constantly distracted by news and weather on a web page? Finally, there is a solution! Google Content Blocker will fix your web browsing experience so that no more annoying content haunts your... Continue Reading
Posted on May 11, 2005 01:13 AM
Well, my new dating ebook is almost ready to go. In fact, I have a web page up for it now and it is actually available now. It still needs a little fine tuning, but I think it is a great value for the money! If you are single and interested in online dating services, you'll definitely want to pick up a copy of Online Dating Secrets: The Guide for Real People Who Want Real... Continue Reading
Posted on May 5, 2005 03:02 PM
I have been in Atlanta, Georgia since Monday, attending an Internet conference. On Monday, I played golf with some of the guys, if you can call it "playing golf". I really stink at the game, but I had fun. The rest of the week I've been attending workshops and hanging out with some very cool and interesting people. Tomorrow I head back home. Anyhow, today is my birthday and I have been receiving phone calls... Continue Reading
Posted on May 2, 2005 08:57 AM
As a Christian, I occasionally struggle with the truths of the faith. It is normal and healthy to wrestle with God, continuing to seek Him and coming to know Him better.
A recent conversation with my good friend Ken led him to recommend a book to me. The title is Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. Continue Reading
Posted on April 16, 2005 11:08 AM
Howard Dean as head of the Democratic National Convention. Could this be any more fun? The Democrats are imploding and it is a joyous site to see. Check out this story... Dean Says Democrats Will Make Schiavo Case an Election Issue Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Friday that his party would wield the Terri Schiavo case against Republicans in the 2006 and 2008 elections, but for now needed to stay focused battling President... Continue Reading
Posted on April 15, 2005 12:01 PM
I've been slaving away attempting to make sense of this thing we call the Internet. In order to put things in proper perspective, I have composed this paper which I hope will prove useful. Continue Reading
Posted on April 14, 2005 12:18 AM
In 1996, Eidos Interactive came out of nowhere with a game that has become one of my all-time Top 10 computer games. (Maybe I'll do a top 10 series if I ever finish my 15 Best Movies of All Time) Continue Reading
Posted on April 13, 2005 12:59 AM
I am sick to my stomach after reading this story about some High School punks sexually abusing a 16-year old disabled girl while other students stood by and watched. Rather than rehash the incredibly disgusting story (and the castrated administrators and teachers who have NO business being in the educational system), I want to address the real problem. Our society has not only become to permissive, but corporations and many leaders are now endorsing immoral... Continue Reading
Posted on April 12, 2005 12:12 AM
Since my ebook has become popular, I have been inundated with emails from people wanting me to look at ebooks and Internet tools. Many of them are a waste of time and money. But occassionally I come across something of real value. Today's entry is about one such tool. The tool is called Search Automator and, to be candid, it is one of the most incredibly useful, and powerful new tools I've seen this year... Continue Reading
Posted on April 6, 2005 12:44 AM
I believe abortion is genocide, a modern-day holocaust of Biblical proportions. Slowly but surely, people are coming around to recognize the obvious truth. However, what many people have not recognized is that more than one person is hurt by abortion. It is true that an innocent life is killed before it has a chance to truly live. But what about the woman who commits the act? What about the husband who either encourages or stands... Continue Reading
Posted on April 4, 2005 03:26 PM
Have you caught any of the recent news stories about (the lack of) Internet security for people with Windows PCs? I have and it concerned me enough to actively seek help. Frankly, there are some frightening threats out there that you need to be aware of. For instance, are you familiar with "Spyware?" This is monitoring software that is secretly copied onto your computer without your knowledge or consent. Its purpose? To record as much... Continue Reading
Posted on April 1, 2005 02:58 PM
After a long drawn-out fight, Michael Schiavo has succeeded in his goal to starve his wife to death. Terri Schiavo is dead and has entered eternity. Michael Schiavo must live on with the consequences of his murderous choices. It is a dark day in American history. We have been tested ethically and morally, and have failed as a nation. We are moving towards the European model of euthenasia, where other people decide whether or not... Continue Reading
Posted on March 29, 2005 06:40 PM
It is true. I am an Arbonne consultant. (Actually, that may be past-tense by the time you read this...) For those unfamiliar with Arbonne, they are a fast-growing company focused on health care and skin care products. They claim the products are all natural and most of the people who try them truly love them. The downside is that they are ridiculously expensive. Still, you get what you pay for. For the record, I have... Continue Reading
Posted on March 25, 2005 02:20 PM
I love finger food. There's nothing like the simplicity of enjoying cheese sticks and chicken fingers off the platter. But Wendy's has apparantly taken finger food to the next level. SAN JOSE, Calif. Mar 23, 2005 — A woman's meal at a Wendy's restaurant brought a whole new meaning to the term "finger food." The woman bit into a portion of a human finger while eating a bowl of chili Tuesday night at the San... Continue Reading
Posted on March 22, 2005 06:00 PM
Think you know everything about the Terri Schiavo story? If you are depending on the mainstream media, you might be surprised at what you will hear in this interview with Terri Schiavo's brother, Bobby Schindler. Buckle up and prepare to hear a side of the story that you probably haven't heard before.
Click here to listen Continue Reading
Posted on March 22, 2005 12:30 AM
And the award for Scumbag of the Year goes to Michael Schiavo, a reprehensible man that may be the very person responsible for his wife, Terry, being in the state she is in today. Ask yourself these questions... 1) Why won't Michael Schiavo divorce Terry and let her parents take care of her? 2) Why does Michael Schiavo care so much about Terry now when he is with another woman? You would think his current... Continue Reading
Posted on March 19, 2005 05:01 AM
We have just returned from Spring Break vacation with the kids. It's good to be home! We spent the week in Ruidoso, New Mexico, a quaint village in the southern Rocky Mountains. Near the base of Sierra Blanca (elev 12003), Ruidoso is a blend of old west charm, mountain wilderness and desert atmosphere. Known for being the stomping grounds of Billy the Kid, Ruidoso is also home to the Mescalero Apache Indians (who operate the... Continue Reading
Posted on March 7, 2005 09:45 PM
What makes people tick? Why do we respond to certain words, images and advertisements, while others seem entirely invisible to us? My friend from down-under, Sean D'Souza, has done a vast amount of research into the human mind. His site, Psychotactics, contains a wealth of free information that is beneficial to anyone who wishes to sell a product or service. But his information is also useful for discovering how to strengthen your relationships. Sean offers... Continue Reading
Posted on March 1, 2005 07:13 PM
Ron Enderland has been writing online for almost a decade (that's forever in Internet years). His bizarre sense of humor and keen insight into today's top stories has provoked many individuals to laughter and/or anger. Now, Ron is back as the Editor-in-Chief of Warped, a site devoted to the controversies of the day.
There are no sacred cows, or chickens, in Ron's world. Check out Warped and find out just how strange people really are.
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Posted on February 25, 2005 12:17 AM
Why is dyslex so hard to spell?
Why do airplanes have flotation devices instead of parachutes?
Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime?
Do pediatricians play miniature golf?
How can a house burn up while it burns down?
Why is it called "after dark" when it is really after light?
What do you do about an endangered animal that eats only endangered plants?
I would just like to know... Continue Reading
Posted on February 22, 2005 12:16 AM
Galoshes. Mukluks. Gazeebo. Macadamia. Blubber. Baluga.
When you read those words, you either know what I am talking about and are busting out laughing, or you think I am totally insane and should be committed (well, you may be right on both counts). Continue Reading
Posted on February 10, 2005 03:24 PM
Are you a teacher or a webmaster? Do you have your own personal web site? Did you know that you can add a variety of fun games to your pages? It's a great way to build content and invite others to visit your web site. Barb Feldman has written a fabulous eBook called "How to Add Games to Your Web Site". It contains a boatload of fabulous tips and specific steps to take in... Continue Reading
Posted on February 1, 2005 12:00 AM
Who would have thought that the rubber faced wildman from In Living Color would become an accomplished actor? While not crazy about Ace Ventura, I thoroughly enjoyed Jim Carrey in The Mask. I even appreciated the dark turn he took in The Cable Guy. But it was his part as Truman Burbank in The Truman Show that caused me to truly respect Jim Carrey's talent. With a superb screenplay, excellent cinematography and a top-notch supporting... Continue Reading
Posted on January 26, 2005 11:39 PM
If you have played computer games for many years, you may recall an early real-time strategy game called Lemmings. Available on many computer and video game platforms, Lemmings was one of the first truly addictive real-time strategy games that appealed to boys and girls (er, men and women?) The idea was simple. Escort a predetermined number of lemmings through a level by assigning them various skills, such as digging, building staircases, climbing, floating, bashing and... Continue Reading
Posted on January 20, 2005 11:13 AM
The Amazing Race 6 has turned into a hit show, gathering more steam as each season goes by. Pretty impressive for a show many thought would not return after season 2. Unfortunately, this season contains some of the least likable people the show has seen. The producers have opted for cookie-cutter model types for many of the couples. Several of the others have just been utterly uninteresting. Fortunately, the exotic locations and unusual tasks continue... Continue Reading
Posted on January 19, 2005 12:04 AM
About a month ago, Mary got pulled over for speeding. The cop let her off the hook for whatever reason, but he noticed that the tags on the minivan had expired. I always take care of tag renewal and recalled that I had just sent a check in a few days prior. The city record showed that the tags had been expired for 8 months. Mary got a ticket and we had a court day... Continue Reading
Posted on January 15, 2005 11:11 PM
I just got back from seeing The Aviator with Leonardo diCaprio as Howard Hughes. I believe Leonardo has gotten a bum rap as an actor for some time. I liked him in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I thought he was perfectly cast in Catch Me if You Can. And whatever else you say about Titanic, his part as Jack Dawson will go down in history. But as eccentric inventor/businessman/aviator Hughes, diCaprio should be awarded an... Continue Reading
Posted on January 10, 2005 09:49 PM
We are in the process of designing a new home which we intend to build this year. A few years ago, we bought two acres of land in our city. We have been holding on to it and think the time is ripe to place a home on the property. My father is an architect, so he is drawing the plans. Thanks Dad! But I thought it would be a fun thing to play with... Continue Reading
Posted on January 4, 2005 06:46 PM
I'm getting real tired of the mainstream press and other countries telling the United States that we are stingy over the amount of support we are giving and bringing to the Tsunami victims. Granted, the irrelevant and ever-more annoying United Nations is backpeddling from their comments, but many are continuing this lament just the same. The fact of the matter is, the United States and our people are the most generous people in the world... Continue Reading
Posted on December 27, 2004 08:46 PM
Ok, let's face it. The only people who think that Jesse Jackson is the leader of the black people is the mainstream media. They adore this man, even though he makes no sense. Top it off with the fact that he has had decades to make a difference in the black community, and he has failed terribly. Which makes it all the more entertaining when the "Reverend" Jackson says something as absurb as he said... Continue Reading
Posted on December 26, 2004 12:31 PM
The biggest earthquake to hit planet earth in 40 years hit Southeast Asia with a vengeance today, triggering tidal waves and tsunamis that have killed thousands of people. JAKARTA, Indonesia - The world's most powerful earthquake in 40 years triggered massive tidal waves that slammed into villages and seaside resorts across southern and southeast Asia on Sunday, killing more than 7,200 people in six countries. Tourists, fishermen, homes and cars were swept away by walls... Continue Reading
Posted on December 25, 2004 05:45 PM
In spite of the increasingly hostile environment by the hyper-sensitive political correctness mob, Christmas is ALIVE and well in America and around the world. Place aside the insanity of not allowing children to eat red and green M&Ms at school. Forget the silliness of removing manger scenes from public places. And disregard the bizarre attitudes of department stores and other merchants that feel it unsafe to wish anyone anything but "Happy Holidays". Jesus Christ was... Continue Reading
Posted on December 24, 2004 10:29 AM
What a great Christmas Eve present! President Bush is going to renominate the qualified judges that were arrogantly filibustered by the Democrats in Senate last term. The Dems can still attempt to do the same thing this time around, but hopefully they will remember the fate of Tom Daschle, and they will think twice before standing the way of the majority. Of course, some Senate Democrats are already crying out about this, claiming that Bush... Continue Reading
Posted on December 21, 2004 08:53 AM
Are we creating a generation of mutants? While reality TV may be hazardous to our health, I am talking about a different danger. Recent studies have shown that electromagnetic radiation from cell phones may be causing permanent physical damage. What they are finding is that there is a significant break to single and double DNA strands when animals are exposed to this form of radiation for extended periods. Think about it. We are continually wearing... Continue Reading
Posted on December 20, 2004 10:41 AM
I friend recently recommended that I give a look at World of Warcraft, the latest MMORPG to hit the market. WoW comes with a boatload of hype, mostly due to the incredibly successful Warcraft: Orcs vs. Humans RPG series. WoW, however, is an entirely different beast than the previous games (which didn't interest me in the least). WoW is a fully 3D world teaming with life and critters of all kinds. Since I enjoyed Star... Continue Reading
Posted on December 14, 2004 10:05 PM
This has got to be one of the most heart-breaking stories I have heard in a long, long time. It is one that actually had me weeping after seeing the video. It's a story of God's grace and of gratefulness for how good the majority of us have it in this life. Jeannie Blaylock of First Coast News in Florida reported this story of a baby girl born without a face. Here are some excerpts... Continue Reading
Posted on December 11, 2004 12:58 AM
A few days ago I wrote how Target stores have decided to no longer permit the Salvation Army from collecting donations in front of their stores. Big mistake. Today, the headline read Church Leaders Announce Christmas Boycott of Target Stores. Now, I do not necessarily believe that it is the Church's responsibility to boycott businesses as I don't think it really provides a witness that says to the world, "Hey, we want to have what... Continue Reading
Posted on December 10, 2004 12:40 AM
Over the years, many atheists and agnostics have enjoyed mocking Christians and people of religion who choose to believe in God. The most frequent criticism is that belief in God is unscientific, therefore it is foolish. What many people don't realize is that the Bible and the stories within have an incredible amount of evidence to support them. More and more scientists are recognizing that the complexity of the universe necessitates a divine Creator as... Continue Reading
Posted on December 3, 2004 11:42 AM
Not that anyone should be surprised, but this story out of the Netherlands gives a glimpse into what will undoubtedly be heading towards our borders in the future. AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) - A hospital in the Netherlands - the first nation to permit euthanasia - recently proposed guidelines for mercy killings of terminally ill newborns, and then made a startling revelation: It has already begun carrying out such procedures, which include administering a lethal dose... Continue Reading
Posted on December 2, 2004 12:52 PM
I am ticked off at Target. We shop there regularly, but not today. You may ask "why Joel, why?", and I'll tell you. For years, the Salvation Army has stood in front of various department stores and chain outlets ringing their bells, spreading good holiday cheer and collecting funds for very worthwhile causes, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the poor. When I was at Target earlier this week, I remember noticing the absence... Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2004 04:56 PM
Friends occasionally ask me which credit card I like to use. I have had dozens of cards over the years. First USA. Citibank. Bank One. Etc, and so forth. I have tried multiple programs. Cashback from Discover. Sharper Image store credit rewards from First USA. General Motors rewards (never did buy another GM vehicle). American Express privileges. And so on. I finally settled on Citibank Aadvantage card as giving me the most bank for my... Continue Reading
Posted on November 26, 2004 10:15 PM
On Thanksgiving Day, I did what any respectable guy would do. Besides stuffing my face, I took some time to browse the sale papers for Friday's big bonanza. I found the usual suspects. Circuit City, Comp USA, Best Buy and Ultimate Electronics. Even Target's ad got a once over from me. Many of the bargains looked quite appealing, but there was no way in the world I was going to get up at 5:30 am... Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2004 12:07 AM
It is political correctness and anti-God behavior gone nuts. From the Reuters news wire... LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California teacher has been barred by his school from giving students documents from American history that refer to God -- including the Declaration of Independence. Steven Williams, a fifth-grade teacher at Stevens Creek School in the San Francisco Bay area suburb of Cupertino, sued for discrimination on Monday, claiming he had been singled out for censorship... Continue Reading
Posted on November 24, 2004 01:19 AM
Admit it. Burning deep in your soul is a desire to be a computer geek. You want nothing more than the ability to write perl code in your sleep. And on a very good day, you'd leap over cascading style sheets in a single bound. Or maybe not. In fact, one thing that stands in the way of me getting anything done is all the technical nonsense I need to wade through in order to... Continue Reading
Posted on November 21, 2004 02:32 PM
I just love this guy. The President is in Chile for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He is entering the cultural center and gets inside the building when he notices a scuffle taking place outside. As it turns out, Chilean security officials had detained one of Bush's Secret Service agents and were not letting him inside. The President went back outside, reached in to the crowd for his agent and pulled him in. End of... Continue Reading
Posted on November 18, 2004 12:01 AM
Stop whatever you are doing. Really. Unless you are caring for your sick mother, desperately need to go to the bathroom or there is a tornado heading for your house, stop whatever you are doing. I have just installed one of the coolest applications I have seen in a long time. I'm sure you will agree. Earlier this year, I wrote about Microsoft's Terraserver, which give an ariel view of the US using USGS topographic... Continue Reading
Posted on November 10, 2004 02:37 AM
Over the past few months, I have helped several family members, friends and associates remove spyware from their computers. Often, people don't even realize they are infected with this insidious stuff. All they know is that their computers are running slower and those blasted pop up ads just keep coming. My son didn't know any better when he clicked on a popup ad for "free smilies". He meant well, but that one click managed to... Continue Reading
Posted on November 8, 2004 10:43 PM
Way back in July 2004, Disney released America's Heart and Soul without any fanfare. I reported about the release of the movie and indicated that I was eager to see it. While the film received virtually no screen time, it is now available on DVD. I finally viewed the movie tonight and I am perplexed as to why Disney did not put some promotion muscle behind this brilliant and inspiring picture! America's Heart and Soul... Continue Reading
Posted on November 7, 2004 11:54 AM
The Incredibles is Disney/Pixars' latest cash cow. Can these people do no wrong? Pixar has animated toys, bugs, monsters and fish. But one realm they had not covered to date was people. The wait is over. I took the kids to see The Incredibles yesterday and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The Incredibles is a story of super heroes who have been exiled by the government and the people, due to ever-increasing litigation incurred as... Continue Reading
Posted on November 4, 2004 11:01 AM
Off the top of my head, here is what I would love to see take place during Bush's second term... Finish the war in Iraq within the first year. Level Fallujah if absolutely necessary. We MUST show strength and send a message that we are serious about taking out terrorists before they take us out. Mr. President, it is time to CLOSE our borders to illegals! There are over 20 million illegal aliens living off... Continue Reading
Posted on November 3, 2004 09:37 AM
It's a great day to be an American! I just woke up after a few hours of sleep and feel like I have a political hangover. Yet, I can't take my eyes off it. Let's look at some incredible things that came out of this election... George W. Bush won the most votes EVER, beating even Ronald Reagan. George W. Bush beat John Kerry by over 3.5 Million votes, making him the clear winner. A... Continue Reading
Posted on November 2, 2004 12:18 AM
A collective sigh of relief is heard across the fruited plains...
George W. Bush is the first President to win a majority of the popular vote in 18 years.
The Republicans have picked up seats in both the Senate and the Congress, as well as what appears to be a Governor's seat.
It is a good day for America. Continue Reading
Posted on November 1, 2004 02:46 PM
The day is nearly upon us. After an excrutiatingly lengthy campaign season, the American people will go to the polls tomorrow to decide the next President of the United States. This last week, I went to a conference and met with others in the Internet industry. I was surprised to find some small-business owners supporting John Kerry. I was even more surprised to find out that an extremely intelligent gentleman was an "undecided" voter. One... Continue Reading
Posted on October 30, 2004 01:33 PM
By now, everyone and their dog has seen the hilarious Election 2004 political parody at JibJab.com. Their "This Land is Your Land" parody of Bush and Kerry, et al, stormed the Internet and skyrocketed their web site to instant fame. JibJab has since come out with another parody, "Good to Be in D.C.", another must see. But the funniest parody of all is found at LOL Fun. The name of the parody is Political Bohemian... Continue Reading