Tuesday Q&A: Finding Good Info For Free

by Jeff 6/17/2008 9:08:00 AM

I don't normally have much time to write on Tuesdays. So instead of writing nothing at all, I thought I would open it up to you guys for a little Q&A. As you can expect here at BuzzMyBlog.com, I am going to do things a little differently though. I am going to answer some reader questions first. Then, instead of pretending to know all the answers, I am also going to reach out to you guys with some questions of my own. Sounds like fun, right?

Your Turn

Alex from the Commentator writes and asks:

I've been reading about the Rich Jerk. I've even contacted a few people who claim it works. My research essentially leads me to believe that it does work but it's info that is readily available. But for a useless newbie like me $10 is tempting. Any thoughts?

My response to Alex is as follows:

Hi Alex. I think your research is right on target - it probably is information that is already available. Whenever I see stuff like that, the first question I ask myself is "if he is making so much money, why does he need to sell his secrets for $10?". I think in reality, he is making money by selling nothing but the promise of making money.

If you are serious about making money online, there is plenty of free information out there. JohnCow.com is in the middle of a month long competition with GarryConn.com to see who can make the most money. They are sharing everything they do with their readers - for free. Another good source of information is ZacJohnson.com, who does really well making money online. All three of these people I mention are very friendly and accessible. If you have any questions, you can just ask them.

Meeting people who are successful is the way that I prefer to learn things when it comes to anything online. Still, if you won't miss the $10.00 - go ahead and buy the Rich Jerk program. My guess is that you will eventually conclude that all the information is either obvious or freely available elsewhere.

My Turn

I have been contacted a few time by Kontera who want me to try out in-text advertising on BuzzMyBlog.com. You've seen these before - they look like links but have a double underline under a few select keywords. When you mouse over these special links a little popup dialog appears with a links to paid advertising. As you may know, I am very careful about maintaining the integrity of my blog, so I am on the fence about trying this out. On one hand, it could be a good source of revenue without too much "in your face" advertising. On the other hand, I have heard that it slows down your blog and could affect other important things like PageRank. What do you guys think? Should I try it out? Have any of you had any experience with Kontera, good or bad? I suppose I could always give a test run and let you know how it works out. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

If you want to be included on a future edition of the Q&A (along with a nice link!) feel free to contact me with your questions.

Jeff

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Tags: q&a, kontera, rich jerk, free info

Q & A

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Comments

6/18/2008 2:24:00 AM

I didn't use Kontera but did try out another similar service - it may have been chiquita (sp?) but I honestly can't remember. I removed it because a couple of readers got 'lost' meaning they clicked the link by mistake and were taken away from my blog. I also didn't like that people would think the links were suggested / recommended by me when they weren't. IMO, I'd say no and make sure your readers know that when they click a link they will find relevant and useful info instead of ads.

H.E.Eigler

6/18/2008 2:35:56 AM

Thanks Heddy. I take pride in providing content my readers find useful. I would rather continue to do that than make a few easy bucks, which is why I am leaning against it.

Jeff

6/18/2008 4:32:32 AM

I have been using kontera for four months and have not had any problems or complaints. Most users now know what the double lines are anyways so I don't see people getting lost that much.

It makes pocket change but it does very well when there is a traffic spike.

I have not seen it hurt any rankings at all.

cuzzy

6/18/2008 5:49:42 AM

You can download The Rich Jerk's e-book for free at <a href="http://www.mininova.org/search/?search=the+rich+jerk">any torrent site</a>. Get it, and if you think the advice is good, send the guy $10. That's the fairest way for all parties. That's how all e-books should work - on a donation basis.

The reason why people should be rightly concerned about paying for e-books is that you are not afforded the opportunity to read through them before deciding to purchase. You know, like you would any other book you were thinking about buying.

You're being asked to throw caution to the wind by being told you need to part with your money before you've even looked at one word.

Now you tell me - is that good advice for anybody trying to make money online?

No.

And as above, ask yourself: if this advice was so good, why would somebody willingly part with it for a measily $10? Why not just make the big bucks themselves? And is it possible these two questions are directly linked? I wonder, I wonder...

File it away with other 'HUGE OPPORTUNITIES' like poker systems, horse racing tips and anything that says you can make thousands working from home with zero investment.

Here's my parting word: save your money.

The Richer Jerk

6/18/2008 8:09:59 AM

If it can make you a penny, why not give it a shot? You can always ditch it if its having negative effects.

Mr Pappagiorgio

6/18/2008 8:26:15 AM

I'm speaking completely from a reader perspective here: Please do not install the evil double-line pop-up ads.

They are annoying. They can be confusing and distracting if you are not careful where you put your mouse. They can get you lost and frustrated.

Rahsheen Porter

6/18/2008 5:53:34 PM

Richer Jerk - Excellent advice. My honest opinion is that there would be no such thing as a Make Money Online niche if people stopped wasting their money on useless garbage.

Mr. P - I don't know...I don't think I'd risk annoying my readers for just a penny.

Rahsheen - Thank you! That is what I want to hear from a reader. I don't think I will try it out. I think those ads are annoying, so why would I inflict that upon my readers.

Jeff

6/19/2008 10:31:39 PM

Jeff, I use Kontera, but I have made virtually ZERO money from it. I've made more from Google ads and affiliate offers.

Flimjo

6/23/2008 6:52:19 PM

Hey man.. thanks for the mention. Kontera is just like any program out there, success will come with devotion and hard work. I think Kontera just like many other programs has some potential. I ran a post a few months ago ranting about it not being a good program, but I don't think I really gave them a chance.

Garry Conn