I feel really... really stupid.

I've known about the power of a list for a long...long time. It's the "holy grail" of internet marketing.

I just completed a 4 week experiment and the results are in. Figures don't lie. I still don't believe them. It's like Christmas day all over again.

Over 125 subscribers in less than 4 weeks, 22 sales, over $450 in income... only 1 un-subscriber... not one returned product or refund.

I've done it!

This whole new breakthrough strategy I owe not to a internet marketing guru but to a common house fly on my window.

In Mississippi we have a great supply of three insects. Ants, flies and mosquitoes.

Sitting at my keyboard one day in utter disgust about my dismal sign ups for my ezines, e-courses, eBooks, or anything else with an e in front of it, this one little fly was getting on my nerves. It kept flying into the window on the inside trying to break out. I can still hear the insanity of the buzz in my ears and the constant thump of hitting that window head on. I admire it's persistence but God must have not blessed the little bugger with much common sense. It kept banging it's little head over and over up against that window like something had changed about the window in the last 3 minutes. What an idiot. If I could have communicated with the little fellow I might have yelled out "hey stupid!!! Quit banging your head against the window.. you ain't getting out!" No dice. He did it again and again and again. I came to respect his persistence but not his common sense. At some point you have to quit trying and start doing... little fellow.

Eureka!

That's what I was doing with my online strategies! That's what I was doing with my opt in list. The audacity of calling that little fly an idiot. Don't we do the same things sometimes. Don't we bang our heads on a window trying to make a break through?

Oh, I know we humans sometimes justify it with stuff like "at least I tried" or "don't quit" or that really dumb saying "quitters never win". I even know that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over with the same result and expecting something different and I plead guilty to head banging. But at some point we have to stop trying and start doing.

I have news for you. Sometimes quitters do win... when they quit doing losing strategies.

I got to thinking about my list building strategies. Guess what? Having a button or a sign up now form on your website is banging your head against the window. I also hate to tell you that offering a free gift for people to sign up is banging your head against the window. Finally, building a website and giving away all your good stuff is banging your head against the window. And the biggest "head banger"? Not selling a reason to sign up.

I had to re-think my whole strategy. I had made the mistake of not adjusting to the new wave.

The internet is fluid. Always changing. What's hot now may not be next year.

So 4 weeks ago I tried to think how to break out of the measly 2 or 3 sign ups per week to my ezine, newsletter, ecourse or anything else that helps build a list of loyal visitors. I found it and am on the outside looking in and laughing at my past head banging behavior.

I wish I could find that little fly... I'd thank him. I still admire his persistence even though he doesn't have a lick of common sense.

Until next time...

If you liked this article feel free to share it. You have my permission to post it on your site or blog as long as you keep the resource box below intact.

About the author: Paul Ellis has been building websites since 1997. He is known as "The Mad Webmaster" and his blog includes simple yet power strategies for building and promoting your online web business The Mad Webmaster Blog. Paul's Free E-course "Article Writing" is jam packed with tips and techniques for getting a tsunami of traffic and back links to your site. Subscribe for FREE: http://www.fyipromo.com/article-writing.html

Before I get into this site review please allow me to make a short comment.

When I do a site review the site owner doesn't even know about it. You can't buy a site review. You can't do a joint venture to get it. You can't bribe me. It doesn't make any difference if a million people love ya. None of that means squat to me.

I don't care how pretty your site is. I don't care if your site has a thousand pages.

I only care about the following:

1.) Is your site informative? (not the same old garbage)

2.) Do you walk your talk? (are you knowledgeable?)

3.) When a site visitor leaves your site did they come away with more?

Period. End of story.

With that let's take a look at customer service.

Psst. Over here in the corner! It's me. Your customer.

I know... I know. You thought you could throw up a website, get an autoresponder and go sit on the beaches of the world. Someone lied to you. You still need to provide good old fashion customer service.

Here's the good news!

You can sit on the beaches of the world... just bring your laptop.

Can you believe I really had someone say this to me?

Now I don't know what moron said "it cost 3 times as much to get a new customer as it does to keep one" but he was wrong.

It cost a lot more than that.

I was in the insurance business for 14 years, selling on eBay for 7 years, and I own 7 websites and a blog.

I assure you it cost a lot more to get a new customer, subscriber, client or site visitor than it cost to keep one.

So when you are building your websites and talking "hot deals" with your joint partners or affiliates, you might want to stop and pay attention to that guy or gal over there in the corner. You know? Your customer.

You might get rich quick or get rich slowly, but is your customer the one left holding the bag? What do they get? What do they come away with?

Unless you're in this for the short haul, I would advise you to pay special attention to them. They might just become lifetime customers.

Now we all know the value of customer service but it wasn't until I viewed Customer Service Point that I really learned about how, when, why to do it.

The owner of this site has over 12 years in customer service. In fact Erwin allows you to view some of the good, the bad, and the ugly stories of how well known companies dropped the ball on this one.

If you go take a look at his site, you'll even be able to listen in on some of the most recent horror stories about how companies blew off their bread and butter.

Do you cringe when you have to deal with a pissed off customer. I use to until Erwin showed me how to make money with that complaint. In fact, until I looked at his site I thought I knew a lot about customer service. Wrong. I knew very little until I went to his site.

So I don't care if you want to take a look or not, just don't get mad at me if you loose a couple thousand bucks because you were too lazy to take a peek and learn about customer service.

If I had to sum up Customer Service Point in one sentence: Provide Good Customer Service, your Customers Demand It!

Until Next time...

Want to know what really burns my butt?

When people start talking about stuff they "parrot" from other gurus and have no idea what they are talking about.

Do web page graphics or pictures really matter or is it the content that matters?

Let's quit being silly. Ok?

I can't remember the news show, either 60 minutes or 20/20, but they did an experiment of sending out overweight ladies for job interviews for secretarial
positions or office managers and discovered that regardless of background or work experience, thin pretty ladies were hired for the jobs. Only one of the overweight ladies got a follow up interview. In fact some of the thin pretty ladies with no prior experience or background for the position got the job. Can you believe that?

Is that fair? No.

It's life.

I don't know who said "a picture is worth a thousand words" (some chinese guy I think), but it's true.

Men dressed in nice suits get more respect than a guy in blue jeans. You just don't see Senators on the floor of the Senate in blue jeans and turtle neck t-shirts.

I didn't make the rules up. "How to Dress for Success" was a best seller for a long time.

Is content on a website or sales page important? Absolutely. But people do judge a book by it's cover. That's just the way we humans are.

But instead of me trying to sell you on why web page graphics, clip art, and pictures matter, why don't we take a look together and let you be the judge.

Fair enough?

What do most "opt in" ezine or newsletter forms look like?

They usually have a little box for your name and email address and then a submit button. Right?

Kind of boring.

Now let's look at a new sign up box that gave me 3 times the number of subscribers.

Now here's my question for you.

If the content you see in the box above is the same word for word as the content on my old "opt in" box, why was my opt in rates 300% better?

I don't know.  Maybe it's the cute gator.  Maybe it's the "count me in" button.  Who cares?

All I know is that I get 3 times the sign ups.

Still not convinced?

You've seen testimonial boxes on sales pages and websites... right?

They usually have a colored background that offsets from the main copy of the page to draw attention to a testimonial. Kind of boring but effective with good copy. Want to see an example of a kick butt testimonial template?

Does this one make a difference?

Good. Maybe I have your attention now. Web page graphics make a big difference and they do grab attention.

Don't buy into the garbage that pictures or pretty doesn't matter... just content does.

If you don't believe me, go to your next job interview in blue jeans and a tee shirt and then tell me if you got the job.

By the way. If you want some great web page graphics templates for "opt in" emailing, testimonials, or websites for less than the cost of a movie and dinner out you can get them here.

Until Next Time...

The Art of Testimonials: I know I'm kinda slow sometimes and even a goober at other times but I'm not real impressed with some of the testimonials that some site owners use on their websites and sales pages.

For example: "I think this stuff is really cool!" J.B. Crock City, Wy.

Now that's credible!

Makes me want to go out and buy that stuff. How about you?

First of all there are only about 83 people that live in Wyoming. Their phone book is thiner than a postage stamp. I could not find anyone named J.B..

I even called a guy named Jack Brunson and he said he had never heard of "that stuff" and then hung up on me, so I know it wasn't he who gave this testimonial. So I gave up trying to find J.B after about the 15th phone call. I would have liked to talk to J.B. about "stuff". (I know I should have tried a few more times but I don't like rejection)

Second, I could not even find Crock City, Wy. Maybe my 2007 road atlas is out of date. I don't know.

Needless to say, I did not buy "this stuff".

Here's another example of a really stupid testimony.

"Thanks so much for your product. I made $6,285.15 last night while I was asleep. In fact, I'm still asleep and am using an autoresponder to send you this e-mail. As you can see from a copy of my bank statement, I've earned $15,675 in the last week."

Makes me want to puke when I read something like this. At least this guy can sleep some more if he wants to. I might have respected him a little more had he said "he was sleeping on a beach in Tahiti". I won't trash this attempt to show the income to the last penny, but come on. Do you really believe someone is going to believe this crap even if it's true? Would you really want to display a testimonial like that... even if true?

I might be more inclined to get involved with your product or service if you had a testimonial like this:

• "Paul, I wish I could say I earned $10,000 last month and show you my bank statement, but the truth is I earned $1,249.25. To me that's a lot of money because I only worked about 50 hours to get it. That's not too bad for a "stay at home mom". I know I have to put in more effort to increase my income, but just wanted to say thanks for a "easy to understand" program that gives me the freedom to be a mom and not a slave to some employer. It was work but fun work. I look forward earning more." Janet Hansen Peoria, Il. fyipromo.com

The Power of a Testimonial:

Testimonials can be very powerful if used correctly. I read a bunch of garbage from "copy write gurus" who say "the more testimonials you can get, the better".

They are half right and half wrong.

It's what you do with the testimonials that give them power.

Let me show you what I mean.

In order for a testimonial to be powerful it has to be believable, confirm-able, and un-solicited.

If I had a website that sold weight loss products, I would not want any testimonials about people who dropped 80 pounds in about 2 weeks. If that truly happened to one of your customers you might want to get them medical help a.s.a.p. because they may not be around much longer. (get you a good lawyer too!)

A much stronger testimonial might be "I was tired of looking for quick fix diet fads. My weight gain and loss was like a yo-yo. I've tried every diet and almost gave up until I discovered "fat loss 3". It's not a magic fix or diet plan. It's a program that helps me lose fat not pounds... inches not weight and it's not a temporary or short term fad." Thank you for saving my life... Janet Gibson Dallas Texas.

Now I assure you that is not the strongest testimonial. A better one would have a picture (maybe before and after) and an email address if you can get it and a link to a website if they have one. If you only get one of the three or none of the three, at least get their real name, city and state. (note: make sure you get their permission in writing)

Finally, contrary to popular belief, you do not need 150 testimonials on your site or sales page. What you need is 4 or 5 of the best with a link to the other 145. Does that make sense?

Trust me on this one. There's something a little fishy about someone who does over-kill with a phone book of testimonials. All you really need to do is say something like this: "you can read 145 more life changing testimonials about (fat loss 3) here"

If your site visitor needs more convincing, they will read more.

Your testimonials need to be un-solicited and your site or sales page needs to say that. Don't take it for granted that your site visitor knows this. Say it.

"Look, anyone can buy testimonials. Some sites beg for them. We refuse to do that. These testimonials were mailed to us... Un-Solicited and from the heart."

Let me tell you what I did with my first website back in 1997. You may not want to do this but I did. I put the testimonials with bad grammar and mis-spellings as well as one or two who did not have success with my product or service.

Why would I do something like this?

Well, let me share with you an email I received from one of my site visitors who went on to become one of my largest customers and sales producers in the U.K..

• "Paul, I've never told you this, but what sold me on your product and service was your testimonial page. You listed a lady who was not happy with your product right along with the majority who love it. That gave you the most credibility in my eyes."

This person bought my product, became one of my distributors, and sold more product in the U.K. than any of my other distributors.

It takes a special kind of "guts" to list a couple of un-happy customers... doesn't it?

So no matter what testimonial strategy you decide to use... make it powerful!

Until next time...

"The Mad Webmaster"

Tired of the bull crap about low cost reliable web hosting?

There are a lot of web hosting services but I only trust about three of them.

Let me explain what I mean about trust.

I won't consider a web hosting solution unless they've been around for at least 5 years and do a considerable amount of business. I don't care about fancy sales pages or cute little websites. Do they have a lot of customers? Do they host a bunch of sites. Period.

I won't consider a web host that does not have at least a 97% uptime guarantee.

I'm going to give you two of the best web hosting companies I've found on the web and then I'm going to tell you why.

The first is SBI ( Site Build It!).

I love SBI and two of my 7 websites use this service. SBI is a lot more than just web hosting. It's really for people who do not want to mess with site design, templates, email set ups, forms, and all the other stuff you have to do when you build your own website. It's also for people or small business companies that want to focus on content. Not site design.

What do you get for their service? How about over 43 different tools to help you build a site that works. Need a ezine or newsletter? SBI can do it. Need forms for site visitors to use on your website? SBI can do. Don't want to mess with submitting your site to the search engines? Let SBI do it with the click of a button. Maybe you need email auto responders to send out a class or instructions. Just write your email and let SBI send it when someone fills out your online form.

So if you want a powerful online building system and not just low cost reliable web hosting, then SBI is the way to go.

Now let's say you don't need any tools. Let's pretend that you are a web pro. You know what you are doing and you want to save money. In other words you're cheap. You want the best deal you can get for your site or maybe you just enjoy pain and doing all this stuff yourself.

I've got the best hosting, cheapest hosting, and most reliable hosting solution for you!

I know what you are thinking. Yea that's what they all say.

Let me ask you a question before you start looking for this kind of service.

How do you define cheap?

Are you just looking to save a buck?

Hey Einstein! Ever head of "you get what you pay for"?

Be careful when you talk about the cheapest web hosting... Maybe you need to think about the cheapest reliable web hosting service.

For example. Did you know that most web hosting providers that charge $4 per month for hosting put your site on a shared server IP address where you can be with another gazzilion websites. Know what that means? You share your IP address with maybe some porn site that gets a million hits a month. Think that might slow down your site server because of overload. Yep. So don't get mad at me when you decide to go to some "cheap butt" provider and your site visitors have to wait 10 minutes for your pages to come up on the screen.

Is it important to get your email. I might think so.

So don't just think about cheap. OK?

With that let me give you my second recommendation. Now this one is for those of you who know what you are doing when it comes to uploading your own pages.

FYI Hosting Scout is one of the best. Why?

It offers a variety of choices. It really is like going to your favorite restaurant and going through and picking what you want to eat. What do they call that? A Buffet I believe.

So if all you need is a one page website and don't mind sharing an IP address for about $4 per month. They have it. Want a dedicated IP address for an additional $2 per month? They've got it. Maybe you've got a giant site with thousands of visitors. FYI Hosting Scout will even sell you a dedicated server. Want to blog and want something that's easy to build? They have it. Maybe you want to just purchase domain names and re-sell them later. No problem. In fact, FYI-Hosting-Scout.com allows you to purchase email accounts if that's all you want.

So there you have it. SBI for those of you like me who are lazy and just want a great program to build and host your website. Then there is FYI Hosting Scout for those of you who are real bright and want some good cheap hosting and other site tools.

Just be sure you know what you want when searching for low cost reliable web hosting.

Until next time...

So how do you get your site to "a website that rocks" status?

If you've got the sense God gave a second handed screwdriver, you'll understand that information... information... information has replaced the phrase "location, location, location" on this thing called the world wide web.

So if you want your website to be a "website that rocks"... you need to shut up and listen for a moment. I get tired of talking about this stuff so I'm going to show you some websites that rock!  I wish I could take credit for teaching these webmasters about adding great content, but they figured this stuff out a long time ago.  So with that, let's take a look at:

Love-Of-Roses.com

Jesus loves me.

Do I have to start worrying about the color of roses now?

I ain't goin to do it!

Ok. I changed my mind.

I'll tell you more about how this site saved my butt with my girlfriend (now my wife) in just a moment. But what's the big deal with Love-Of-Roses.com and why would I give this site a big 5 thumbs up?

One word.

Content!

AJ has pages on this site about: Rose meanings, clipart, wallpaper, red roses, pink roses, white roses, yellow roses, rose poetry, rose books and everything "coming up roses".

I feel like "Bubba" in the movie "Forest Gump".

What the heck is a "Timaru Rose"?

Go take a look at this site and you'll learn something.

Here's how this site saved my rear end.

I bought some roses for my girlfriend last year to say I love you. I bought her a dozen yellow roses. I was proud that I even remembered Valentines Day.

Not real bright of me.

Why?

I didn't know that yellow roses were a sign of friendship and red roses meant love.

Can you believe that?

Back to the rose store I went and I exchanged them for red roses. I later asked my girlfriend (now wife) had I given her the yellow roses what would she have said about that.

I'm sorry I can not print her words here but they were something along the lines of sticking something thorny up my south end of a donkey going north.

So if you're looking for the meanings of certain color roses you can find them on this page: Meaning of Roses.

If I still drank beer... for all you do here's a bud for you AJ

Until next time...

(blogger note: I choose which sites I want to review. Quit e-mailing me and trying to bribe me to review your site... you don't have enough money to buy me and if you have to do that, your site probably isn't worth "squat" anyway.)

See that little orange button over on the left hand side?  Do yourself a favor and put your email address in there and subscribe so you don't have to keep coming back here for more good stuff.

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Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), will treat any personal information that you submit through this site in accordance with its Privacy Policy as set forth on this site.

Disclaimer

You understand that Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), cannot and does not guarantee or warrant that files available for downloading from the Internet will be free of viruses, worms, Trojan horses or other code that may manifest contaminating or destructive properties. You are responsible for implementing sufficient procedures and checkpoints to satisfy your particular requirements for accuracy of data input and output, and for maintaining a means external to this site for the reconstruction of any lost data. Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Internet.

The Content is not necessarily complete and up-to-date and should not be used to replace any written reports, statements, or notices provided by Paul Ellis d.b.a./a.k.a /"The Mad Webmaster"(TM), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), . Investors, borrowers, and other persons should use the Content in the same manner as any other educational medium and should not rely on the Content to the exclusion of their own professional judgment. Information obtained by using this site is not exhaustive and does not cover all issues, topics, or facts that may be relevant to your goals.

YOUR USE OF THIS SITE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. The Content is provided "as is" and without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), disclaims all warranties, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, TITLE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)) , (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), does not warrant that the functions OR CONTENT contained in this site will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that this site or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or other harmful components. Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), does not warrant or make any representation regarding use, or the result of use, of the content in terms of accuracy, reliability, or otherwise. The content may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors, and Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), may make changes or improvements at any time. You, and not Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), , assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction IN THE EVENT OF ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS SITE OR ITS CONTENT. Paul Ellis d.b.a./a.k.a /"The Mad Webmaster, (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), MAKES NO WARRANTIES THAT YOUR USE OF THE CONTENT WILL NOT INFRINGE THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS AND ASSUMES NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN SUCH CONTENT.

All of the information in this site, whether historical in nature or forward-looking, speaks only as of the date the information is posted on this site, and Paul Ellis d.b.a./a.k.a /"The Mad Webmaster"(TM), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), does not undertake any obligation to update such information after it is posted or to remove such information from this site if it is not, or is no longer, accurate or complete.

Limitation On Liability

Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), , ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, CONTENT PROVIDERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OFFICERS, AND DIRECTORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, ACTUAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF REVENUE OR INCOME, PAIN AND SUFFERING, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR SIMILAR DAMAGES, EVEN IF Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT WILL THE COLLECTIVE LIABILITY OF Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, CONTENT PROVIDERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OFFICERS, AND DIRECTORS, TO ANY PARTY (REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE GREATER OF $100 OR THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO Paul Ellis d.b.a./a.k.a /"The Mad Webmaster"(TM), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), FOR THE APPLICABLE CONTENT, PRODUCT OR SERVICE OUT OF WHICH LIABILITY AROSE.

Indemnity

You will indemnify and hold Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), , its subsidiaries, affiliates, licensors, content providers, service providers, employees, agents, officers, directors, and contractors (hereinafter known as the "Indemnified Parties") harmless from any breach of these Terms of Use by you, including any use of Content other than as expressly authorized in these Terms of Use. You agree that the Indemnified Parties will have no liability in connection with any such breach or unauthorized use, and you agree to indemnify any and all resulting loss, damages, judgments, awards, costs, expenses, and attorney's fees of the Indemnified Parties in connection therewith. You will also indemnify and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless from and against any claims brought by third parties arising out of your use of the information accessed from this site.

Trademarks

Trademarks, service marks, and logos appearing in this site are the property of Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), , or the party that provided the trademarks, service marks, and logos to Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)) , (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), . Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com) and any party that provided trademarks, service marks, and logos to Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), retain all rights with respect to any of their respective trademarks, service marks, and logos appearing in this site.

Information You Provide

You may not post, send, submit, publish, or transmit in connection with this site any material that:

· you do not have the right to post, including proprietary material of any third party;

· advocates illegal activity or discusses an intent to commit an illegal act;

· is vulgar, obscene, pornographic, or indecent;

· does not pertain directly to this site;

· threatens or abuses others, libels, defames, invades privacy, stalks, is obscene, pornographic, racist, abusive, harassing, threatening or offensive;

· seeks to exploit or harm children by exposing them to inappropriate content, asking for personally identifiable details or otherwise;

· infringes any intellectual property or other right of any entity or person, including violating anyone?s copyrights or trademarks or their rights of publicity;

· violates any law or may be considered to violate any law;

· impersonates or misrepresents your connection to any other entity or person or otherwise manipulates headers or identifiers to disguise the origin of the content;

· advertises any commercial endeavor (e.g., offering for sale products or services) or otherwise engages in any commercial activity (e.g., conducting raffles or contests, displaying sponsorship banners, and/or soliciting goods or services) except as may be specifically authorized on this site;

· solicits funds, advertisers or sponsors;

· includes programs which contain viruses, worms and/or Trojan horses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications;

· disrupts the normal flow of dialogue, causes a screen to scroll faster than other users are able to type, or otherwise act in a way which affects the ability of other people to engage in real time activities via this site;

· includes MP3 format files;

· amounts to a 'pyramid' or similar scheme;

· disobeys any policy or regulations established from time to time regarding use of this site or any networks connected to this site; or

· contains hyper-links to other sites that contain content that falls within the descriptions set forth above.

Although under no obligation to do so, Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), reserves the right to monitor use of this site to determine compliance with these Terms of Use, as well the right to remove or refuse any information for any reason. Notwithstanding these rights, you remain solely responsible for the content of your submissions. You acknowledge and agree that neither Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)) , Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), will assume or have any liability for any action or inaction by Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), or such third party with respect to any submission.

Security

Any passwords used for this site are for individual use only. You will be responsible for the security of your password (if any). Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), will be entitled to monitor your password and, at its discretion, require you to change it. If you use a password that Paul Ellis d.b.a./a.k.a /"The Mad Webmaster, (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), considers insecure, Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), will be entitled to require the password to be changed and/or terminate your account.

You are prohibited from using any services or facilities provided in connection with this site to compromise security or tamper with system resources and/or accounts. The use or distribution of tools designed for compromising security (e.g., password guessing programs, cracking tools or network probing tools) is strictly prohibited. If you become involved in any violation of system security, Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), reserves the right to release your details to system administrators at other sites in order to assist them in resolving security incidents. Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), reserves the right to investigate suspected violations of these Terms of Use.

Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), reserves the right to fully cooperate with any law enforcement authorities or court order requesting or directing Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), to disclose the identity of anyone posting any e-mail messages, or publishing or otherwise making available any materials that are believed to violate these Terms of Use.

BY ACCEPTING THIS AGREEMENT YOU WAIVE AND HOLD HARMLESS Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), FROM ANY CLAIMS RESULTING FROM ANY ACTION TAKEN BY Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)) , (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), DURING OR AS A RESULT OF ITS INVESTIGATIONS AND/OR FROM ANY ACTIONS TAKEN AS A CONSEQUENCE OF INVESTIGATIONS BY EITHER [Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), ] OR LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES.

Miscellaneous

These Terms of Use will be governed and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the state of Mississippi, United States of America, notwithstanding any principles of conflicts of law. You specifically consent to personal jurisdiction in Mississippi in connection with any dispute between you and Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), arising out of these Terms of Use or pertaining to the subject matter hereof. The parties to these Terms of Use each agree that the exclusive venue for any dispute between the parties arising out of these Terms of Use or pertaining to the subject matter of these Terms of Use will be in the state and federal courts in Biloxi, Mississippi. If any part of these Terms of Use is unlawful, void or unenforceable, that part will be deemed severable and will not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. These Terms of Use constitute the entire agreement among the parties relating to this subject matter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any additional terms and conditions on this site will govern the items to which they pertain. Paul Ellis (d.b.a./a.k.a "The Mad Webmaster"(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a FYI-SCOUT(TM)), (d.b.a./a.k.a fyipromo.com), may revise these Terms of Use at any time by updating this posting.

You may also read or view earnings disclaimer here and privacy policies here and your legal rights here.

Last updated: February, 2008

Guest Blogger: Julie from Internet Business Detective

It was 1963 and 'The Crystals' were singing up a storm with "Da Doo Ron Ron" and the whole world was hopping right along with them.

The excitement and expectation that went into the prospect of the girl 's avowed intent to "make him mine" is powerful and contagious. Nothing can stop this girl - she knows what she wants and she's going out to get it.

The reason I bring this up is because about a year ago a friend of mine was trawling through a domain name suggestion list getting all excited about the prospect of registering a new domain name and as she sat at her computer screen, she was humming this song.

I asked her why.

"Because," she said, "I've found some BRILLIANT domain names."

"Like what?" says I.

"Like 'netspida.com' and 'comicsale.com'. Aren't they great?" Says she.

"But you don't know a thing about web spiders or selling comics." Says I in disbelief.

"No but they're great names so I can build sites around them." Says she looking at me as if I had two heads.

The thing is, what my friend was doing is exactly what so many people do when they start thinking about building a website. Find a domain name, build a site, then sit back and wonder when someone is going to visit the site because it has a great name.

Ask yourself this question; "When I go to Google or Yahoo! or Dogpile, what do I type in?"

Do you type in a great site name that you just thought of? Or do you type in something much more mundane like "US election results" or "cheap laptops" or "alligator curry"?

Of the 86 billion searches made daily on the internet, 99% of them are searches looking for INFORMATION. So what you ought to be thinking about first when you create a site is not the catchiest domain name, but the kinds of information you can provide for your visitors.

That means asking yourself what you know about, what you love, what you can write about for weeks, months or years without getting bored. Once you have discovered your passion, you can go on and choose a domain name that fits your site concept or theme.

There is so much to think about in creating a website that you really need to have a systematic way of thinking it all out. The most comprehensive and systematic set of tools to help you do that in the world today is the Site BuildIt! package. With this set of tools behind you, you can eliminate the guesswork from building an effective site.

Site Build It! Will take you through the whole research process from A to B to C to Z and it gives you everything you need to get it right every step of the way.

Remember my friend and her domain names? Well here's what happened. She registered 2 great sounding domain names; she built 2 very small sites; she's still waiting for some traffic to roll up - and she's stopped singing!

The moral of the story? If you get tempted to "da do a domain name" without da doing the proper research, da do RUN RUN RUN" from that temptation and go check out Site Build It! where you'll learn how to da do it right from day one.

All the best,

Julie

About the Author: Julie is the owner of Internet Business Detective. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.