Or is everyone who comes just a wannabe? I don't mean that to be insulting, but I'm genuinely puzzled. I spent some time looking at Michael Fortin's site about a year ago, but didn't find anything save a circle of incestuous posts from people who were apparently barely literate. And Agora seems like a closed club, the Skull & Bones Society of the copywriting world. Bob Bly, who actually answers his emails (and whom I owe a copy of one of my books and a book of poetry by my daughter) recommended I write to a couple of people at Agora. Did they ever reply? Not a peep.

Which brings me to these forums, where I posted an proposal a few months ago, followed up by a second post, offering up to $700,000 in commissions to anyone who might like to help sell my project (you have to see the story at www.myhideawayinspain.com). I figured somebody would be out there with access to lists, or expertise I don't have, somebody who'd like to work on a fun project, practice what's taught here, collect some nice checks.

But did anybody respond? Anybody at all? Think Agora. Not a whisper.

And yet it's an easy product to sell. One guy in Bulgaria -- Bulgaria, with an average monthly income of under $250 -- is regularly making $10/15K a month representing my product.

So I'll just pop this message in a bottle and cast it yet again far, far out to sea. One day it may fall into the right hands -- hands attached to a smart, energetic, creative do-er -- and then we'll both be happy, fat and happy.

In the meantime, I'll just have to wonder if this space attracts people who do, or people who just dream. Nothing wrong with dreaming, that's where it all starts, but if Clayton preaches anything at all as a foundational principle, it's that the Universe rewards action.

Will,

Without searching through your past posts... are you looking for a copywriter or an affiliate marketer?

If it's the former, pm me and we'll talk.

Thanks,
--Barry

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Dear Will,

I want to respond to your challenge.

I have just gone over your page and I found more proof that makes me believe you're for real.


Of course, I would need to talk to you.

Do you have a budget set for the promotion? Without creative fees and consulting fees, how much can you spend on bare marketing expenses? For example, how much can you spend on Google Adwords? Do you have funds for that basic marketing expense?

My experience:about three years ago, I promoted a raffle on a college campus. When I am certain of your character (sorry so many impersonators online), I can devise a marketing campaign that can reach college students.

Last January, I was promoting an E-bay style website to college students. With very little money spent, I was able to get leads.

Plus about two years ago, I promoted a raffle. The prizes were way smaller than yours. And yes people did read my flyers and did buy tickets based on the campaign. I have also helped a teacher advertise a course on the same campus: Massasoit Community College. MA, Brockton.

Here's my offer: you pay for Google ads, I write google ad words, I write the copy, I write the order form. I will also use Taguchi Multivariate testing.

Now as your marketing partner, how do I get that $700 000 commission?

One last thing: I am doing a similar thing for this product: Lowering high blood pressure naturally, using your lungs

Sincerely,
Swans G Paul

Hi Will

Perhaps the reason people don't respond comes down to your approach.

On Michel's board the first thing people said when they saw your site was they thought it was a scam.

I don't know how much you took on board and what changes you made to your site (if any) before you came here, but it obviously wasn't enough as the exact same thing happened. People yelled scam.

What's worse is that when Paul (swans) told you this you did not reply. What are people to think when someone calls scam and you disappear?

FWIW I don't think mentioning the Bulgaria guy is doing your cause any good, if anything it just adds to the scammy feeling.

Cheers
Kyle

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Kyle Tully
No Secrets, Gimmicks or Hype...
Just Direct Response Copywriting That Sells

PS I tried to send this just as a title, but the system -- don't we all love Systems? -- didn't let me. So this is filler copy.

Thanks for the offer,

Will

Thank you, Kyle -- and yes, what I got on Michel's site was a raft of abuse when what I'd asked for was constructive criticism. It's hard to respond to people who ask if you're from Nigeria, or tell you you're a scam artist when they can't even spell. I suppose my disappointment was based in the fact that no one seemed to have actually read the site, looked at the fine print, put away their assumptions long enough to take on board all the things that make us credible.

But I accept that was my fault -- I should have led with the cred. It seems you haven't looked at the site either, since you kind of wonder if it's different. Well, it is, and I hope better. As an aside, I'd note that the site the Fortin "club" tore apart went on to draw sales of over $1.8 million to date (though still with $5 million to go to reach my goal). So I guess some people believed it. Serious newspapers wrote about us. In due course I figure I'll have the last chuckle when I've sold all my vouchers and given away almost $7 million in glorious holiday homes, and set up future income for my other hotel of about $20 million, and all those wankers, instead of doing any productive work, will still be sending each other misspelled notes covered in smilies and exclamation marks.

Do I sound like a sour graper? Yeah, I admit it, my feelings were hurt. I never mind criticism from people I respect, but those guys are bush league.

To change the subject, I take your point about Vlad. I guess I'm just so proud of what he's been able to do in a poor country like Bulgaria (poor but oh so beautiful, and I'm prejudiced because the heroine of my last book was a Bulgarian lovely with limpid azure eyes). But you're right -- the image is wrong, I'll concentrate on the folk in CA and FL who are making good money just piggybacking my project to their lists.

BTW, I didn't see Paul's comments previously, but I see he has read the site and is now back to offer his services. That's my next post.

Thanks for the input. If I knew how to send this to you privately, I'd have done it.

Will

Dear Paul, or swans -- you know who you are. Well, gasp of relief -- you sound like the kind of guy I'm looking for. You really ought to write direct to me at: gwscott@scottshotel.com since that's technology I understand. I'm steam driven, I'm afraid, and terrified I might put a smilie in my posts.

But I have to tell you I lied -- the $700,000 budget for commission and promotion is being eaten into every day; every month I send out checks. It's down now to barely over a half million. I apologize.

I'm running some AdWords, but would welcome expert advice.

But do write me with more of your thoughts and we can take it from there.

And finally, a confession, given that you note that so many, too many, people are incognito online. Well, I have to admit that my name is George Scott, not Will Stock. Will is the protagonist in my mystery book series, and he's younger, better looking, smarter and funnier than I am, so I let him take part in certain harmless online activities, like this one.

Write me. I think we can do some biz together.

I have to say your current sales page is ten times better and more convincing. The story rings true. It certainly doesn't shout 'scam'.

The properties look fabulous. I love Spain and the Balearics...

If you're still looking for help in marketing this, I might be able to help.

But it's a great idea, a neat sidestep through the loophole and an excellent pitch.

Roy

Thanks for the kind words, Roy -- I'm not sure what you're comparing the new page to, but that's irrelevant, I just keep rewriting it and hope to learn something as I go along. Clayton's site is pure gold for learning as you go along; I've never written anything remotely like a sales pitch before and visiting the Makepeace archives is like taking those smartness pills in the old joke.

Anyway, of course I'm looking for somebody to help me market, take over the marketing if you're the right guy.

Rather than clutter up the forum with a long colloquy, it's probably best just to send me your marketing thoughts care of: gwscott@scottshotel.com

And yes, it is a great idea (if I say so myself) and deserves better marketing than I can give it.

Will

Have done, Will.

Regards

Roy