Affiliate Marketing – The SMART Way

225 responses so far ↓

• 1 Michael // Nov 3, 2008 at 4:41 pm

  I had the website up at 12:00 Noon PST (early morning for me) on the dot with the message “Get Ready – And Stay Tuned!” so I went back to bed. The page hasn’t changed since.

  When exactly did it go live?

• 2 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 4:42 pm

  I’ll start out with the first comment here guys…

  I just want to reinforce that this isn’t some kind of “planned” blog post or event.

  What you’re seeing here is an honest request for feedback regarding an actual dillemma…

  I want you to realize that I’m a marketer who doesn’t “shy away” from issues or hide behind a wall of gatekeepers or limited access.

  Please – speak your mind.

  Thank you

  -Chris

• 3 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 4:44 pm

  Hi Michael,

  Looks like you beat me to the first comment.

  You must not have refreshed your browser.

  It did go live, and now it simply displays a message saying that the offer is closed.

  -Chris

• 4 CJ // Nov 3, 2008 at 4:57 pm

  Chris, I think it’s admirable that you are having some scruples about this, but really I don’t think you have anything to feel bad about – people knew that it was a quantity-limited deal, and you weren’t to know it’d sell faster than expected. And if they can now buy it through their own Clickbank link for 75% back, that, my my calculation, means the book will only actually cost them about $17 – cheaper than your discounted launch price! (I do realise they’d have to have sufficient CB commissions to withdraw the money however).

  I am one of the lucky ones who did get a copy (I had a feeling this might happen, so I set a timer to remind me!). But if I hadn’t got it, I wouldn’t be bitching about it – I’d just get it through my own link (which would be a little more expensive for me with my local sales tax & income tax etc on the commission), but even if I ended up paying full price, I’d think that $67 is a bargain for this kind of information). Maybe it’s understandable that ppl are disappointed, but it’s just the way these things go sometimes. It’s not as if it now costs hundreds of dollars!

  I’ll probably get flamed now… : )

• 5 Cynthia // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:01 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I was 10 minutes late (thinking I had the hour) & the order link was gone. I know it was my own fault for not logging in at 12n straight up. I also thought that you would have the same problems that a lot of folks who have their launch & the server would crash so we wouldn’t all be able to get in at the same time anyway. I would’ve liked to get it at a discount but I don’t have a problem paying full price. It sounds like a steal anyway.

• 6 Rui // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:12 pm

  Hi.

  I was lucky enough, or should i say fast enough to buy it. one or two minutes after the hour i was already making the paypal payment, and noticed a delay in the website. Probably due to the many people in the site.

  All the best, for everyone

• 7 JMZ // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:14 pm

  The pre-launch price was a very cool bonus and a very generous offer. As far as I can see you did what you said you would do, you have a great reputation for being straight up and honest.

  My opinion is to leave things the way they are and get ready for a big bunch of orders on Thursday.

• 8 MA // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  Like CJ said, if they are smart they can get it at a better price anyways.

  What I saw as an issue, was that the original pre-launch page
  http://www.rankingloophole.com/order100.php
  never switched over.

  The email today was:
  http://www.rankingloophole.com/mylistonly.php

  Luckily I got in, but this may have been part of the problem

  I “guess” you could re-open for 50 ppl. But I don’t think you should be faulted either way.
  People will still complain and still will be able to buy it later

• 9 Steve // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  Chris – don’t worry about it man!

  I fell asleep for an hour, woke up and found your email and that it was all sold out! doh!

  But that is just life – tell everyone else to get over it!

  Good on you for sticking to your 100 sale limit like you said, ignore everyone else, that’s like going into a shop after they sell out of stuff and yelling at them for selling out – what’s the point in that??

  Seriously – don’t take it to heart, you’ll always get people like that, just send a polite sorry to them and then put them out of your mind.

  Oh and hurry your ass up and get the main offer up and live will you!

  Steve

• 10 Michael K // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  Chris,
  I am sorely bummed. I set my alarm clock and started refreshing at 11:30. I seriously refreshed 100+ times from 12 on – until I got your sold out message. I then went on to refresh another couple dozen times in the hopes there was an error.
  I do have an idea. Why not offer a handful of copies to people who have loyally purchased a significant number of your products? For example, this would make a nice add on for the 10 of us who have Brad making websites for us. Or who bought your Lazy Marketer book before you started this blog.

• 11 Ryan // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  Dude, congrats! Must’ve been a great offer.

  Stick to your guns, and let the losers go home.

  It’s your business, not theirs.

• 12 A. Prophet // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  I was up really late last night so when I woke up and checked mail, I saw your email and went to check the sales page. But yes, the promo was no longer available.

  I can’t say that I am very disappointed to have missed it… just a little.. but not enough to throw a fit or call you names, as you say others have.. fair is fair.

  I don’t see the price anymore on the page, so I really also do not see the value of what I missed.

  But again, I was hoping I could have purchased it at the lower price, but fair is fair. You said 100, and so 100 it should be then.

  Cheers!
  Alex

• 13 Jacqueline // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  I think you have to stick to your word of only 100 discounted copies and learn from this launch and adapt your next one.

  That’s the way the cookie crumbles, if your not first your last people! And I’m not saying this because I got a copy – I didn’t.

  Your not at fault Chris. The angry people need to take their frustration out on a punch bag or something not via email to you.

  We knew the set up before launch so we only have ourselves to blame.

  Thanks

• 14 Cynthia // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm

  I just wanted to add that I will NOT be buying it thru my own Clickbank link. Chris always over-delivers & I feel he deserves every penny. I don’t feel the need to rob Chris or his partner of a few bucks. Now if I’m recommending it to someone else, that’s another story.

• 15 savon pools // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:16 pm

  Before going live with your affiliate offer,

  Add an additional 50 or 100 for sale at
  $8 or $10 above the initial earlybird
  price- No one should take offense at that-
  except maybe your affiliates ?

• 16 Colin // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:16 pm

  Hi Chris, I bought it at the discounted WSO price but would have bought at the full price anyway. Your stuff is always great and well worth the money!

• 17 Scott // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm

  Chris,

  Thank goodness I reread my email this morning about 11:55 I was happily one of the ones to buy this guide.

  Thats a toss up on your issue, because we all here especially should know you are a business man and this is YOUR business. However you want to treat the customers is up to you, but it’s a real lesson in how the real world works. Sometimes you win sometimes you don’t.

  I could almost argue that 100 people bought this on time why couldn’t the ones who were complaining make the time? The fact is they can still get a hold of this guide for IMO a very fair price, provided the information it contains. Anyone who took the time out of their day to write you a hate email most likely wouldn’t follow the advice in the guide anyway.

  My thinking leads me to believe if you can’t fork over $67 now to make $$$$$ in the future then you most likely aren’t in a position yet to be ready to use this information for what it’s worth. Which is fine, work on the other ways Chris has written about and when you get the cash flow buy this method.

  Seems like a no brainer to me in just the sense that obviously most people complaining must have nothing better to do (like building a conduit site). Of course I have a feeling Chris you will most likely do what “they” feel is right, but thats all your choosing.

• 18 Jeremy Hier // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm

  That’s a tough call, you didn’t expect it to sell out so fast. Next time don’t give a time, just give a number.

  For those that missed it $67.00 is still a great price
  compared to most IM products about traffic generation and high rankings.

• 19 Jonathan // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm

  Chris,
  You snooze you lose. I did get the discount price (and I opted for the OTO as well), and see it as a reward for being ready to go when the ‘gun’ went off. I’ve also been ready to go on other discount launches, and didn’t get in even hitting refresh at the exact moment the page went live.

  I could see you opening it again to others IF and ONLY IF you provide the folks who did buy at the right time with something worth more than the $30 difference that the late-comers are screaming about. That will itself probably create another controversy (“Hey how come THEY get the cupcake with their pizza, and I didn’t?!!”)

• 20 CR James // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:19 pm

  You must stick to your work in my opinion. I do limited-supply promos all the time. And I think the “selling out” fast + getting cursed out (with excuses) is just part of the process… especially if you are one of the VERY FEW that is honest about the supply…

  I set an alarm to make sure I had my copy…

• 21 Kathy // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:20 pm

  Hi Chris

  It’s a nice problem to have – “that you have a product in demand” ! You do what your gut says.

  You made an offer on WSO and now this prelaunch and it was popular so it sold out. That was fair.

  If you offer it again as prelaunch – then tag $5 on or just have everyone Wait. Either way – you have been fair and true to your word.

  So, shame on anyone calling you names or being mean spirited.

  Kathy

• 22 Steven // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:20 pm

  Actually Chris…

  I did spot a glitch during your launch that I didn’t think would have a negative effect on peoples orders, but I guess I was wrong.

  When my cell phone hit 12:00 I had the discount page open and I hit refresh at the 12:00 and 12:01 marks, but it still displayed the launch message.

  So I went back to the main page and clicked the discount link down at the bottom again expecting to see the same thing, but then it took me to the pay pal order form.

  I’m not trying to open a can of worms here, but I think the page that was supposed to change at 12:00 got stuck for some people like myself. Except I went back to the main URL and clicked the discount link again and was directed to the pay pal order screen that time.

  —

  I am not stating any of this as fact, this was just my experience. Maybe there is something wrong with my browser, I have no idea.

  -Steven

• 23 Jesus // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:20 pm

  I was watching the site diligently and can confirm there were no smoke and mirrors. It went up….and then it went down. I was initially planning to buy, but later changed my mind for personal reasons.

  As for ‘making amends’…that’s your call. You’re running an ethical business and you did the right thing. As a mentor I look up to, I’m glad you did so.

  As for the pissed off visitors…don’t let them walk away mad. Create a unique expiring (or one-time) coupon and email them on a case-by-case basis apologizing and offering them the product at the same price. Or offer them another bonus as a way of saying sorry.

  You have to keep everyone as happy as possible in business and life. Now make the best of it.

• 24 Jeremy Hier // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:21 pm

  Chris, if you launched it again for the next 100 people, I’d be fine with that. These kinds of launches in my experience are usually for the first 250 people.

• 25 Scott // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:22 pm

  #20 Steven same thing for me, but thats why I got it the guide. I figured it must be some type of URL glitch and low and behold it was. I don’t know if I would consider that grounds for the complaints, but I guess for you Chris it can be a good reason to convince yourself to do another cheaper release.

• 26 Mike // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:22 pm

  IMHO, you have to keep your word, otherwise next time Chris says quantities are limited, people will think they can get you to go back on it by complaining or insulting you.

  There’s been plenty of exclusive WSO I’ve missed, and that taught me to take those deadlines more serious. All you can do is what you’re doing: Tell the truth, apologize for under estimating demand, and plan something different next time.

  Your integerity is more important than anything, especially in the IM niche.

• 27 lenoir // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm

  hi

  tant pis, s’il n’y a plus de copie, que veux tu que je dise?

  bea

• 28 Jeremy Hier // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm

  Hey Steven,

  that is what happened for me to.

• 29 Ken // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm

  Going back on your stated Policy will have 2 effects:
  1- De-value the original offer .
  i.e.- More competition.
  2-Much more important –
  adversely affect your “street cred”. You are one of the few IMs I have any respect for.
  I won’t say I would totally lose respect for you, but I will (forevermore) take everything you say with a few more grains of salt.

  I mean after all – wouldn’t any savvy IM person know that this was exactly what would happen?

  Its your call – but I know how I’ll feel about a rollback on this Policy.

  Best of Luck making the Right Decision.

• 30 Mark // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:24 pm

  I don’t understand why you limited it to only 100 in the first place. It doesn’t make sense to me, it would have been better for you and your customers to maybe have a special price for say 24 hours.

• 31 jean // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:26 pm

  Hi Chri
  You did what you said you were going to do–what are people upset about

• 32 Steven // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:26 pm

  Stick to your guns Chris! If you go back on your word you lose a lot of credibility. In these times I would rather pay extra then buy from a bullsh!ter.

  100 and 100 only.

• 33 Nick // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:26 pm

  Chris,

  I was lucky enough to get a copy at the discounted price at 12 noon. I personally don’t see a problem with running your promotion again for a set time period, say a one hour window to place orders.

  You and Dave will make more and people may feel like they have been taken care of.

  Good luck.

• 34 Carmelita // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:28 pm

  Bummer that a nice guy like you who takes care of his subscribers should get chewed out.

  My first instinct was to suggest that if you feel the need to do another pre-launch offer, go for it—but then on second thought, why should people who have sent you nasty emails be rewarded?

  It seems like the mature individuals that didn’t purchase in the first 100 are OK with the fact that they’ll be buying at a higher price (still a great value). I think you can sleep soundly tonight.

• 35 Rhonda // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:28 pm

  Hi Chris,

  That’s just the way it goes sometimes, I guess (I didn’t get there in time either). You stated upfront what the terms would be, so you really don’t have anything to feel bad about. What’s fair is fair, no?

• 36 John // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:29 pm

  Chris,

  I don’t think you need to offer anything else to make people happy. Obviously 100 copies wasn’t enough to satisfy the demand, but that’s something you know for next time. You told people you were selling 100 copies and they knew that up front, so if they missed out, they missed out.

  I was busy with something and didn’t think to check it until 20 minutes in, so I missed out. I don’t expect to get it at the lower price now, and if you flip-flopped and offered it at that again, it would make me wonder if you’d do the same thing next time you make a limited time offer.

  I’m sure I’ll buy it at a higher price though, because seriously – if it does what you say it does, why would I be worried about a few dollars?

  You’re the only one who knows for sure if this was a planned strategy or an honest mix-up. As long as you’re being consistent with your own beliefs, I wouldn’t worry about what other people might be accusing you of. Remove them from your list and move on

• 37 James // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:29 pm

  Chris it is best that you keep to what you said.

  I’m one of the folks who missed this by a minute or so… yet I understand the situation… so I’ll get it later.

  It is refreshing to see someome stick to their word – that way everyone wins.

  All Good Things,
  James

• 38 Joe // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:29 pm

  Hey, Chris.
  There’s a parable in the Bible about guys being hired at the end of the day who got paid the same as guys who were hired and worked from the beginning of the day. Lots of complaining by the guys who worked all day. No surprise.
  Bottom line: the boss gets to decide–it’s his money. So do what you want.
  Your credibility as an up-front guy will take a small hit if you re-open or something similar.
  As for the IM millionaires-to-be, if a $30 or $40 discount is THAT big a deal for you, perhaps it’s time to re-think your business plan and strategies.
  BTW, I watched the clock until Noon, clicked on the link in the email from the other day, and ordered before I ever got the email saying it was “live.” Would I be upset if you allowed others the same price? Not really. Like I said above, this is your deal. Go with your heart.

• 39 Cheryl // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:30 pm

  Chris, Just for future reference, maybe don’t put limitations as to copies but maybe for 15 or 30 minutes.

  First come first served always makes someone left out – that’s life. Too bad folks get irate, though. Says something about people…

• 40 Nick // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:30 pm

  Chris,

  If you decide to open the offer again you’ll do serious damage to your cred and rep. I for one won’t believe you in the future and I can only imagine I’m not alone.

  Don’t soil your well earned reputation just because people were eating cheese and sleeping when they knew full well what was happening in advance.

  I actually think this method will depreciate as the masses get hold of it on CB anyway, so I would have sold high and at a lifelong limited amount…then exclusivity is really part of the lure of the entire system.

• 41 Lorne // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:30 pm

  You fulfilled your end of the bargain Chris with everybody having the same opportunity. Not quite sure what the problem is.

  The implied urgency tactic is a 2 edged sword. You make it too limited (which I think you did), you risk losing sales that could have been made.
  Don’t limit it enough and there is no urgency.

  I was one of the 100 who paid for it, but I never got a download link, so I still don’t have my copy.

  Maybe I should have waited and bought through my own affiliate link, I would have paid less.

  Submitted a support ticket though.

• 42 John // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:31 pm

  Here’s the problem that I have after trying to buy for an hour an a half starting BEFORE 12 noon:

  1. I refreshed CONTINUOUSLY leading up to noon,
  2. I CONTINUED to get the Stay Tuned page until 12:05,
  3. I sent a ticket to your help desk at 12:05 so that there would be a time-stamped verification that I didn’t “snooze and lose” on this one,
  4. I really cleared time in my day before and after noon to make this purchase (I wasn’t waiting around until 12:59pm),
  5. I thought that no one got through because I NEVER saw anything different than the Stay Tuned page,
  6. Now I found out that some got through. How?

  Chris, my recommendation is to find a way to honor the people on your VIP list who value your products and have shown confidence in you. Try to make something work (even if it’s adding $9 to the pre-launch price).

  I planned on one thing today: reading and implementing. I would love to be able to do just that this evening. Can you find a way to make this work? I TRULY did everything in my power to get this report today. Can you make an effort to get it to me as a loyal subscriber?

  Thanks,
  John

• 43 Derek // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:31 pm

  It’s very important that you stick to your original decision, no matter what. Hard, but ethical.

• 44 Steve // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:32 pm

  Chris

  I purchased and never received the ebook please send it. I sent you two emails with trans.ID.
  Thanks

• 45 Ken // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:32 pm

  Hi Chris,

  What should you do? Absolutely Nothing… Your “Integrity” has always been in check! When are we as Internet Marketers going to learn that this is a business — That requires an investment in ones education. Even if the cost was double it would have been a very small price to pay.

  Did everyone truly read the sales letter? Or a better question would be — Do you know how much time and or money it would take to get a listing above the fold in MSN and have it stay there?

• 46 Albert // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:34 pm

  Chris,
  Your stuff is always good, I was there right at 12 and got offer no problem. An offer like that you need to be there at the start and cross your fingers. You will have no problem selling at higher price.
  Albert

• 47 scott // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm

  I couldn’t access the website because it got blocked at my place of business as a sex site. Not sure why unless you have meta tags or something that implies that. At any rate, that is why I couldn’t access this.

• 48 Andy // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm

  Hi Chris and Dave,
  Thank goodness I was organised! I was waiting and got in straight away.
  Considering there was plenty of warning I think it was just down to being super sure you were ready if you really wanted it!
  I’m not a selfish person however, I know you guys aren’t either and I don’t see why, considering you now know the demand, you can’t offer another shot to your faithful list!
  Maybe just 50 licenses at the intro price (by the way guys if you missed out be prepared for an outstanding oto too!)
  Give it another go I say! I don’t mind at all…
  Cheers

  Andy

• 49 Fred Holmes // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm

  I will just wait and pay a little more. Even with a 6MBsec dedicated connection I find most launch pages dependent on the speed of the SERVER and the LOAD.

  It’s only money, after all. If the product is worthy, the payback will outstrip the cost multiple times, so what, ME worry?

• 50 Rob // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:36 pm

  The page you notified of us previously never went live – I just happened to see your email today in time, which had a different link.

  I don’t see why people would be pissed… they can buy in 48hrs time, and use their clickbank aff link anyway to get a heavy discount. I don’t think anyone is going to really “clean up” the opportunities this presents in just 48hrs!

• 51 Michael K // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:37 pm

  Okay. I took a walk and a deep breath. I would like to say first I have no problem with $67 or more for the package. Here are my real issues/questions – and maybe you can answer a couple questions to put my mind at ease.

  1) What do you think the shelf life of this loop hole is? Now that you have gone public, will MSN change it?

  2) With everyone buying your report having access to this loop hole, won’t there be diminishing returns for those trying to use it, even if MSN doesn’t close the hole?

  I guess I was viewing the two day head start as the real advantage here – not the discount.

  Thanks

• 52 tyler // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:37 pm

  i only care if the method works…

  so for the 100 out there, post an honest review and then we can cry and complain.

• 53 Bruce // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:38 pm

  Chris,

  I think the problem, at least in some cases (I was almost one of them) was that the ‘special’ link for VIP customers didn’t refresh right away to the order page at 12:00. I had to go back to the $37 special page, refresh it and click the VIP link again to get the order page. Fortunately I did this at 12:01 and managed to get in on time.

  Based on my own view of these things, people who didn’t get the product now have the option of deciding whether or not the product is worth the $67 when it comes back on the market tomorrow. I know that’s what I would have done if I’d missed out.

  Bruce

• 54 Peter Coughlin // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:38 pm

  Dude, you were surprised by the success of the launch and I appreciate your position, but stick with what you said. Yes, I was too slow, but that’s just the way it is. Don’t let the sore losers get to you man, do what you know is right. As CJ mentions, they can get it cheaper anyway. Well done on an awesome launch…

• 55 Tom Pettit // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:38 pm

  I agree with others that have suggested another offer to your list for perhaps $5-10 more, and this time give people a days notice and leave it up for say one hour or so. That should be fair to everyone involved, but I also agree that you should feel no obligation to do any more than you have done.

• 56 Blase // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:39 pm

  Chris,

  I did not get a copy and I am not upset.

  You told me what the deal was and I missed it.

  Don’t worry about the cry babies, you are probably doing them a favor. They’ll buy it and it will just sit on their hard drive anyway.

  Stick to your word and plan.

• 57 HT // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:39 pm

  WOW, 4 minutes!

  Well, no need “to cry over spilled milk”.

  I’ll just have to get another glass for a slightly higher price.

  Blessings
  HT

• 58 Rick // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:41 pm

  I was one of the lucky ones who was there right at 12 (3 my time) and refreshed the page to get the product and the OTO.
  I’ve had the experience before with good quality products that had a special release like this that sold out quickly (just not 4 minutes!).
  I want to persoanlly applaud those who did not get the product but are not complaining about it. These are the people that I love working with online and who will go far!
  My two cents…Let everyone who took the time to write to the blog, get a copy.
  Some quality people here, I’d go out of my way. It wouldn’t be a loss of integrity at all, but that’s my 2 cents….

• 59 John // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:42 pm

  This is John who just posted a comment at 5:31pm (a few comments above). I actually posted my help desk ticket at 12:03pm (before it sold out).

  The problem was that I was on the Secret Link page that we were told to come back to at noon today. It seems like you created another purchase page link in your email (mylistonly.php).

  C’mon Chris…can you treat this SNAFU with some common sense? I don’t know if I was the only one camped out on the page that you told us to return to, but you really should consider the fact that the rules were changed half way through the game.

  I’m not bitter, I just want to buy the product at the pre-launch price (or close to it) because I truly did play by the rules on this one and document my efforts.

  Thanks again,
  John

• 60 Paul // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:42 pm

  No way under any circumstances should you relauch or reoffer. You missed it, too bad. I got it and I changed my schedule for the day to be there, refresh the page, and buy quickly. No amount of whining for any reason should change it. Any kind of relaunch or reoffer would borderline be fraud in my mind.

• 61 Susan // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:45 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I was one of the lucky ones who got a copy, so I guess I am biased. But I am not at all surprised that it sold out in a few minutes – I expected it to and just hoped that I would be lucky/quick enough to get a copy.

  I just kept refreshing my browser from about 11:57am, and then I saw you email come in.
  I would have been disappointed if I did not get a copy, but I certainly realized that was a possibility.

  I originally bought your products because I heard very good things about you, so I understand your dilemma, but I think you should stick to your original decision. The grumblers will get over it or move on.

• 62 Michael K // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:46 pm

  Chris,

  If there is no projected “shelf life” for this loop hole – no harm done, congratulations, great launch! I will wait and pay when it comes out.

  If you think there is an advantage for the early receipients of this information – the right thing to do is to take care of your customers first. Give them the edge of a head start.

  I can’t imagine your customers will fault you for giving us/them a headstart, even if you do bank $80k.

• 63 Tanksalot // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:46 pm

  Chris,
  The number of times I see an offer along the lines of “this is the only time you will see this offer. If you don’t buy now you won’t see it again.” Then two days later click through and yup there it is again. Stick to your guns you said 100 stick to the hundred you sold, bring a little integrity to IMm marketing and yes I missed out when I came in at 3 minutes part the hour.

  Regards

  Nick

• 64 Theresa // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:47 pm

  You told us what you were going to do. You did it and now it is everyone’s turn to learn from the experience.

  #1 Rule . . . Do what you say you’re going to do.
  All the best,
  Theresa

• 65 Peter // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:48 pm

  I have to admit that I was disappointed when I missed out. The problem was that I was clicking on the original page you emailed me exactly at the right time but the original page never updated. It was too late when I realised.
  How about offering those that leave a comment the same deal. Just a thought.

  If not then don’t feel bad. I will buy at $67.
  Thanks.

• 66 A Wealthy Affiliate Member // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:49 pm

  Chris

  first, you offered 100, and not 101.

  I didn’t got it and am p..d about it BECAUSE
  - I’m a client of yours, not ONLY on your list and think that as a client we should have gotten some advantage. Could have been over a separate list or so.
  - I spend hours in front of my PC waiting, trying to figure out what the heck is PST time zone ?! I even couldn’t see the launch time, only the WAIT A MINUTE. exactly when you got live I went to my kitchen for a few minutes to take a coffee break (hell, should I have been without drinking and eating ? or what).

  So why not offering a discount to CLIENTS of Chris Rempel. I gladly send you all of the Paypal order ID’s from what I purchased from you.

  I know that I can get the report cheaper on the 5th, just buying over my own link, but I promised a review at my Forum (Wealthy Affiliates) and look like a fool now because I got a coffee.

  Maybe I will just shoot myself.

  G.
  Anyhow, you rock man. Best products I ever bought online.

• 67 Jules // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:49 pm

  Hey Chris, You said 100, 100 it should be. I missed out, by about 5 seconds by the sounds of it but hey thats my fault for not being on time. You have nothing to feel bad about. Stick to your guns dude!

  Jules

• 68 Richard // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:49 pm

  There is no ethical dilemma! You offered a great deal. The time has passed. Stick to your guns. BE A MAN OF YOUR WORDS. 100 sold. So be done with it and move on.

• 69 Conray Knox // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:52 pm

  Stick to your guns man!

  At first I experienced the same problem with the page not updating.

  But then I realized there were two different links.

  http://www.rankingloophole.com/mylistonly.php
  received in the email you sent you out was the most important.

  If you clicked on the order button it took you to
  http://www.rankingloophole.com/order100.php

  This was not the order page.

  The correct page was the link you sent out in the email. So you had to hit your browser back button to get to the original page.

• 70 Steve // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:52 pm

  Chris
  I purchased the ebook and never received it.
  I sent two emails with trans. ID.

  Thanks

• 71 Jeff // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:53 pm

  I was lucky enough to get this product because I set a timer and was looking through my email at that time, I agree that you did the right thing.

  I also believe you should give another chance for people to purchase the product, maybe at a later time during the day as some people are working in the afternoon (America time).

• 72 Michael K // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:53 pm

  One other question: I have been working many months now putting up niche sites, trying to get my traffic, etc.

  In your sales letter for this launch you made mention of the senario where a person is putting up niche sites (following your system), has 50 sites up and is getting only a trickle of traffic and sales through google.

  This example panicked me a bit I guess. This is not too far from my experience, on a smaller scale – but I was hoping and assuming I would get better at it and linkvana would start to pay. What say you? Was this just excellent copy to sell today’s offer or does it take a loop hole to make this work?

  Thanks!

• 73 Michael // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:55 pm

  Chris,
  Ha! I was totally bummed that I missed it too, but oh well, if this product works like you say it does then who wouldn’t fork over 67 measly bucks? I know I will. A word to the slow, “Get over it you freakin’ cheapskates! You’ll make the money back on your first campaign (if ever even use it at all).” We all know you are a stand up guy, Chris, and a breath of fresh air in the internet marketing arena anyway. Forget the crybabies (me included). Maybe later you can offer something cool to us, who missed out and are still whining about it. To the ones paying attention, there is a hidden lesson in human nature and marketing gold nugget to be found in this whole incident that is worth the discount alone. Be thankful! Thanks Chris, for consistently cranking out value and integrity. I wouldn’t want you to compromise that for me or anyone else.

• 74 Louis M // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  They should appreciate the fact that you have integrity with your business. One of big reasons why I’ve bought every single one of your reports is because I trust that your not full of hype and bs.

  Seems to be a rare thing these days with the Internet Marketing business.

• 75 Deb@Wealthy Affiliate // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  Hey Chris…

  For your benefit and Mikes I think you should not have limited the copies…you should have limited the amount you sold at $37 dollar discount…

  After the 100 copies…while you had everyone and their brother sitting with their credit card in hand to purchase..

  They should have been able to purchase for the $67.00…Most folks in IM know to replace the clickbank username….

  I think that this product was so well marketed that folks would not have complained at all of the price increase.

• 76 Anne // Nov 3, 2008 at 5:59 pm

  I missed out, that’s life. Four minutes is incredible! That happened because of your great reputation, not because of hype.

  You delivered what you promised Chris, and no one can fault you for that. Thanks for opening up the debate, I hope you are cheered by all the positive comments.

  I’m really happy now, because I had not realised I could buy through my own Clickbank affiliate link and get a discount! Wow, you learn something every day.

  And this sounds a great product for $67 anyway.

  Brew up some of your wife’s lovely tea and chill out.

• 77 Jerry - ItsAboutCash // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:00 pm

  Your integrity is your most important asset so do NOT sell any additional copies at that price.

  If you feel the need to please more subscribers, offer the product at a slightly higher price than the first 100 but still below full price.

  Jerry

• 78 Rob // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:01 pm

  Chris – Got your Loophole system today and have a quick question:

  Is a “Multiple Class C IP address” the same as a “Dedicated IP address” ? Will they work the same in regards to this plan?

  Please let me know – thanks greatly!

• 79 Bev // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:01 pm

  Stick to your guns. I see you as an ethical guy and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to buy from you (missed out, though).

  Next time you do something like this, maybe do it in two stages? Sell 50 copies at noon, shut it down, open again at 6 pm, sell 50 more. Still limited, but you are making allowances for people who are at work, in different time zones, etc.

• 80 A Wealthy Affiliate Member // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:02 pm

  Heck I left a message and can’t see it here. Maybe my PC is the problem for not getting a copy.

  I just thought you should have done a TIME frame in stead of a number, and offered this to your CUSTOMERS in stead of your list in general.

  You could have then offered a separate discount to all your list subscribers.

  Just my 2cts.

  G.

  P.S. Anyhow, I love your products and will continue to purchase them. This report now over my own affiliate link at day 5 – sorry.

• 81 Cody // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:03 pm

  Chris,

  I logged in just a couple minutes late – at 12:06 – to see the “SOLD OUT” message.

  I was surprised, a little disappointed… but mad, not at all.

  Just goes to show what the demand for a product like this is, and if it works as advertised, the full price is still a real bargain.

  I’d leave it alone… you did what you said, and that should be good enough for anyone.

• 82 Frank // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:03 pm

  Well, I was somewhat disappointed. I was at a meeting (yea-I still have a J.O.B) and when I came back at 2:10 it was already closed! WOW! That was impressive to say the least. Forget about a relaunch-how about a JV deal instead?
  But seriously-it’s no big deal. You said 100 copies-your word is your bond. I would have done it slightly differently-like email a special link to your entire list that expired at say 9pm tonight. That way poor suckers like me that still work as capitalist slaves have time to order it after getting home.

• 83 Maurice // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:07 pm

  Personally, I missed out on it but you have to be a person of your word to those individuals who took advantage of your offer due to exclusivity.

  As much as I would prefer you open the door again on this offer it wouldn’t be fair. As they say you snooze, you lose…I snoozed and will have to wait for the next offer.

  Peace,
  Maurice

• 84 Tom // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:08 pm

  Chris,

  I was lucky to grab the blueprint for $27. But I think some people went to these pages :
  http://www.rankingloophole.com/future-access-only.php
  and
  http://www.rankingloophole.com/order100.php

  These 2 pages are still saying to stay tuned, if you refresh them they are still displaying the same. That was the case when it went live, I refreshed and no changes. Actually I needed to go back to the home page and click again on the “doing what works” link to be directed to the new page.

  I think you updated the homepage with the “doing what works” link but not the .php pages mentioned above.

  I don’t know what you can do, maybe offer it for $37 for the next 50 buyers, $47 for the next 50, then $57 and finally the $67 price.

• 85 Alan // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:10 pm

  Chris,

  Stick to your word – 100 and no more!

  I spent the first 4 mins trying to refresh the $27 page and then had to go back to the hidden link page. Just squeezed in at 3 mins after 8pm here in the UK!

  Bottom line: if folks are calling you names, dump ‘em. There’s simply NO excuse and those of us who have been buying your products for a while now (which are always reasonably priced) will remain loyal customers.

  The ‘foul-mouth’ brigade will not remain loyal customers.

  ‘Nuff said

  Alan

• 86 SteveH // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:13 pm

  I was one of the ‘lucky’ ones who, by dodging about between links got one of the first 100. I’ve only just come here as I’ve been reading it and taking some action since. It’s good stuff! Now, I don’t care whether anyone else gets it for the same price as I did, but I do think it will hurt your credibility to go back on what you initially decided and published.

  You would have had the same complaint if it had been the first 200, or 500, once hte limit had been reached.

• 87 Kenny the Epiphone guitar guy // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:14 pm

  Chris – you did what you said you’d do and acted honourably. I was at my keyboard waiting for the clock to strike and got in bang on 12pm.

  If you change your mind now, what happens next time you do a limited time offer?

  The one thing I would say is that the link on the ‘step 3′ page to the first video didn’t work. The link in the email does work, but the URL is different to that on the site. Maybe the URL on the site is wrong (goes to directory ‘support’ instead of directory ‘vids’)

  All the best,

  Kenny

• 88 Gary S // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:15 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I was lucky enough to get a copy at the discounted price purely by accident as I had forgotten about it until your warning email popped up.

  Maybe next time it would be better to give a time window of say ten minutes instead of a strict number count.

  As for those that missed it as they say you snooze you loose. I’ve missed more than one discount because I didn’t order quickly enough and that was on products that cost a lot more than yours will at the regular price.

  Thanks for another great product.

• 89 Tony // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:16 pm

  Hey Chris,

  Don’t worry about it. I was at the job so I knew at 12:00 I wouldn’t get a copy.

  Plus, if it’s what you describe it to be, it’s worth the price.

  I do have one concern with the product…

  These type of products seem to work for a short period of time, especially when alot of people start using it. We will see how it goes.

• 90 KG // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:17 pm

  I woke up very early to get this and pleased I did.

  For those who might have to pay a little more – it’ll still be well worth it!!! You’ll make the difference back in no time.

  But to help Chris – why not give everyone who has contacted you within x hours a special bonus – those who got up/in early as well as those who tried but missed out. I’d not be offended to receive an additional bonus & those who missed out would surely be happy too. That would honour your integrity Chris, & keep it fair to all at the same time.

  By the way, let me commend you on your honourability and integrity!

• 91 Mike H // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:18 pm

  I had to be out to do a very important errand and just missed it. A big VIP OOPS

• 92 Steve // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:23 pm

  YOU SNOOZE – YOU LOSE!

  Chris,

  You have become one of the ONLY IM dudes that I actually read every email I get from you. I’ve made you some money too in that I have bought EVERYTHING you have offered so far (including a Link Vana subscription). Here is the deal: One of the reasons I buy from you is because you seem like a man of your word and you continue to deliver. So if you have integrity, then you just have to tell the whiners to shut the F up and fork over a few more bucks.

  I read your email alerting me to the “first 100″ deal and had the page set on my browser. I set the alarm clock on my cell phone to go off at 11:55 AM. At about 11:57 AM I started refreshing the page and was able to get in as one of the first 100. I’ve been on the losing end of limited time offers before too and I didn’t go whining like a little freaking baby looking for a hand-out to save a measly $30 bucks. Oh please. Harsh? Tough luck. Suck it up and fork over the extra few bucks that it will cost you later if any of you are the least bit serious about internet marketing. Geeezuz, what a bunch of whiners for a lousy thirty bucks.

• 93 Martin // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:26 pm

  Actually, the first comment was spot on. There was a technical issue where you had to go back to the email you sent and click the link inside it again. It wasn’t enough to simply refresh the page with the ‘stay tuned’ message. I had expected that I would simply be able to refresh, but nothing happened and I went back to the email and clicked all the copies where (long) gone. Frankly, I could care less about the extra money for this product, but when you expect something to work in a certain way it can be a little frustrating when it doesn’t.

  Keep up the good work guys. You’re still very much on my hero list.

  Thanks.

• 94 alison // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:26 pm

  Hi Chris
  One of the reasons I follow you is that you seem to
  be a pretty honest ,no BS type of guy. Don’t back down on your original 100 offer. I missed out. Disappointing? Yes! But thats the way it goes.Someone is always going to miss out. Its no use people whining about it.I will happily buy the product when its officially launched,as you have always over-delivered at at very reasonable price.Keep up the great work!

• 95 Phil // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:26 pm

  Does “say what you mean, and mean what you say” ring any bells? I’ve missed out on plenty of offers. It’s the nature of the thing. You told us what the interest level was, you didn’t open early – right on time, you shut down when you said you would. You, Chris, did everything right – fair and square. Period – end of story.
  (in by book, anyway…) Phil

• 96 Neo // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:28 pm

  Chris,
  I was lucky to stumble upon the wso thread. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to get a copy since I am in a different time zone and staying online at that exact moment of lunch would have been difficult for me.

  My suggestion would be to open the pre-launch offer to your list once again, but this time keep it time based. Instead of limiting to 100 copies, you can limit the sale to one hour, so who ever is serious can get a copy.

  And postpone the clickback launch for a week. Your list will be happy. And you will have some time to get feedback from customers which you can use while launching through clickbank.

  Just my opinion.

  -Neo

  PS: By the way, the launch through clickback might result in some serious attention from MSN staff.

• 97 Jim Curtis // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:30 pm

  Didn’t bother me that I didn’t get in. Have bought a number of your products…had questions…couldn’t get ahold of you or even get have a chance to get my money back.
  Hence, I won’t be buying anything else from you.
  Learned my lesson.

• 98 Denise McNerney // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:32 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I think it goes back to analyzing the size of your list and how you value your list. The size of your list should have given you enough of an idea of the probability that 20% of your list would have been interested. Do you only value the first hundred on your list? Or do you value all of your list?

  You also know that many on your list are not in the USA. I am in Australia and so didn’t open my email until 8 hours after the release. No chance for me!

  I don’t think I would buy it at $67 on the principle that I wish you had got value for all of your list and at least kept it open for the first 24 hours or so to cater for your worldwide list.

  Never mind, better luck next time.

  Denise

• 99 Edwin // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm

  Chris congrats with the prelaunch being sold as fast as it did. It shows that we are realy appriciating your products and now are even complaining we didn’t get it right now.

  As the majority I would suggest sticking to your 100 pre-sell limit. But maybe, just maybe…can we have the normal priced copy today or tomorrow instead of waiting till the 5th?

• 100 Mal // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm

  Chris

  I’m one of your VIP customers and missed the deal also but, you MUST stick to your original deal if you are to retain credibity for the future.

  Those that missed it, for whatever reason, have a simple decision to make – “Is this info worth $67″ ?

  First and foremost keep YOUR reputation intact, as the saying goes… “you can please some of the people some of the time but you can’t please all the people all of the time”

  Don’t even try!

  Regards

• 101 Star Riley // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm

  Dude stick to your guns remember haters make us greater so do you and in the end if you say 100 then unless your mom missed out man up and let other respect your honesty you could add some 30 dollar value to the 67 thingee and still send it to those who got the deal.

• 102 Duhh-uggh // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm

  Chris,

  I was on-site at noon PST and the server was taxed so bad (or good) that I got in but had to pay $67. No prob as I’m sure it’s worth way more than that… but it would have been even nicer at $37.

  I’d say stick to your word — if someone doesn’t like it they can get a refund.

  BTW, you should check and see if I actually paid for this, because I never got an email from Paypal confirming the sale, and I went to my PP account and it shows no transaction there (2.5 hours later). I WAS able to download the report.

  Thanks a million!

  Duhh-uggh

• 103 Rhonda // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:35 pm

  I teach high school Economics until 4:00 pm ET so I obviously couldn’t be at the computer at 3pm.

• 104 sterling // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:35 pm

  so what if i let the fact that i missed out on your offer bothers me than i loose. God always sends me what i really need. Dont worry about those that lost out and those of you that did loose dont be sore loosers calling names and stuff like that it wont get you any where. there are many sources to show you how to do these thing do your research on the internet!
  sterling myers
  http://www.fatcitysocial.com

• 105 Mike H... // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:36 pm

  Hi Chris,
  11:55 — refresh — refresh damn keep refreshing then bang there it is click click click sold
  I must have been #2
  I see your problem … but you do want that nice vacation for the Mrs?
  Ok I’m sure most who bought on time would say yes sell some more if we get a nice first 100 bonus gift exclusive for the 100 only club — Something they (we) don’t pay for and nobody else gets? Also you make any other sales at a higher price with out the exclusive first 100 bonus gift?
  It is an interesting problem you have.
  Great knowledge…
  Great product.
  Thanks
  Mike H

• 106 Mark // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:37 pm

  I don’t believe you owe anybody anything. You’re standing by the rules of engagement you offered up.

  That said, me being one of the folks that suffered from one of the two problems mentioned – I think the two different URLs sent out, and the page that didn’t referesh properly (probably a cache problem at the user’s end) give you a legitmate second chance not lose your valuable street cred.

  So as not diminish those lucky 100 buyers, I’d consider re-opening for 30-60 minutes at a price $5-$10 higher than the 100 owners got.

  I beleive your loyal followers deserve a legitimate chance to get this cheaper than the public.

• 107 Rhett // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:37 pm

  Chris,

  Don’t back down and drop the price–as many have said, it would devalue your current reputation as one of the few guys out there who truly take care of your customers.

  Additionally, if people carefully read the email you sent out, it is quite clear to select your “special” link (http://www.rankingloophole.com/mylistonly.php) to receive the discount, and not the other.

  Sorry to hear about the guy who was constantly refreshing and the page didn’t update…I experienced the same problem as well, however I quickly reloaded the link (went back to the email, opened the link in a new tab), and still got my copy before 12:02…guess I just got lucky

  Rhett

• 108 Dave // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:42 pm

  Hi Everyone, this is Dave Kelly, Chris’ partner on “The Ultimate Search Engine Loophole”

  I have to tell you that everything Chris is telling you is 100% accurate, I was working on some training videos mid afternoon today, when my phone rang and it was Chris, telling me that he couldn’t believe what was happening.. Both of us were stunned at the rate orders were coming in.. It was WAY beyond our wildest expectations..

  I want to thank each and every one of you.

  I’m sure most of you know Chris better than you know me unless you’ve been in the SEO game for a long time.. but my way of doing business is just like Chris’.

  I promise to do my best to make this work for each and everyone of you without all the BS you normally have to deal with.. And you already know that applies to Chris..

  Dave..

• 109 Chris // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:43 pm

  I think that part of the problem is that the order100 page never changed after launch. I had it up and refreshed it to find that it was still saying that it wasn’t ready to launch yet. I went back, refreshed the main page and found that the buy now links went to paypal instead. I was lucky enough to get a copy, but I think that is something you need to do differently next time.

  Chris

• 110 Terry // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:50 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I really would suggest a 24-hour sale next time. These launches are real hard on us Australians – I got out of bed in the middle of the night, but missed out.

  My suggestion – offer at an extra $10 above prelaunch as a thank you to those people giving you feed back here.

  Alternatively, next time go live at 3.30am so we Aussies get a fair go

  Regards,

  Terry

• 111 Tony // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:52 pm

  Hi Chris – No worries…

  What about just launching early all the way around for the $67? I missed the launch by about 2 minutes it seems, however I couldn’t care less about the discount (I’ll buy through my own affiliate link), however I WANT THE INFO ASAP!!!!! Can’t wait for the 5th…please, please, please?

• 112 Buddy // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:57 pm

  Hi Chris,
  I guess I was one of the first to comment to the blog.
  To those who say – you snooze you lose, that’s an asshole attitude, even if true. Scarcity bullshit. Obviously you got a copy and you fell you should gloat. Sorry attitude IMO.

  That said, I regret not getting in, but Chris, you must stick to your word.
  And we can all buy it through our own affiliate links but..or…
  Like a progressive WSO you could offer it at a progressively higher price.

  Whatever you decide Chris, you’re still a standup guy in my book.

  Buddy

• 113 albro62 // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:57 pm

  You made an offer, we accepted the offer. The start was an equal playing field for all. Case closed.

  If this were the marathon, would it be re-run just because someone who had registered got delayed by traffic and got there late? I rest your case.

• 114 Daniel // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:59 pm

  Nobody likes being called names especially a young fella like Chris. And I believe he really was surprised by the 100 sales in 4 min. I’m not sure you can really predict that.

  Actually, I think the series of emails leading up to this whole MSN code are brilliant. I get a lot of autoresponse emails from “gurus” who do very little to inspire action like this series did.

  Anyway, great work Chris. No ethical dillema here. You just feel bad that some folks went way overboard with their reaction. And in most cases they had bigger problems prior to this anyway. You just happened to be the nearest pin cushion.

  Someone gave great advice above and I’ll second their statement that a soft answer does turn away wrath in most cases. I’d stick to my guns and empathize with the rest and try harder next time or somethin’ like that. That’s my two cents.

• 115 Oran // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:03 pm

  Hi Chris,
  I missed the launch. My bad.

  You are seriously concerned about ethical issues. Your good.

  I propose that us unlucky hordes who want in:
  1. Pay FULL PRICE.
  2. Be able to get in very soon, before the official launch.

  That way your customers are getting a time deal at a price penalty. That seems a fair compromise to me.

  Best wishes either way,
  Oran

• 116 Kitwana // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:07 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I actually placed my order, paid for it, but didn’t get the download link!

  I’ve emailed you guys about this, but I haven’t gotten a response.

  I’d be grateful if you could resolve this for me. If I can’t have the download could you refund my paypal payment so I can purchase the course on Wednesday?

  Thanks,

  Kitwana

• 117 Iain // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:10 pm

  Hey Chris, I didn’t get a copy, but then i knew i couldn’t as there was no way i could get to a computer at the time it was released.

  I agree with many others that a limited number of a digital product is a little unfair on those that are working for a living and can’t get to a computer or like me live in a completely different timezone to the launch timezone and could not ohysically wait by a computer for that time to arrive. I think that a 12 or 24 hour launch would probably be a fairer way.

  Having said that – i knew what the rules were, i knew i couldn’t be there and i wouldn’t bitch about it but i could see that some of your VIP members would feel there noses were out of joint a little that anyone could get it from WSO and they are left out in the cold.

  For my money though I think it would be a nice touch to offer your VIP advance members an opportunity to get it at some sort of discounted price if not the previously offered VIP price.

  Thats my two cents worth – whatever you do will be ok, people soon move on and forget.

  Iain

• 118 Julie D. // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:10 pm

  I also agree that the offer should have run for at least 24 hours. You caught some people at work, some people who were asleep because they worked graveyard shifts, etc. etc.

  Opening this up to a few more people wouldn’t hurt you at because the bottom line is you are helping folks and those that want to bitch, cry and moan about you re-opening it up to those who did not get in are just selfish and greedy.

  Statistically speaking most that bought will not do anything with it anyways so might as well give folks who would act on this information a chance to get in.

  You guys are the owners and creators of the product and system and you can not let others dictate to you what your heart is telling you to do. Stop being political about it because the fact that you’re asking us what to do in reality is already causing you to lose face with some people.

  So if I were you I would just do what your heart tells you do to. If you truly want to help more people then do it and you will be rewarded for it but if you want to bow down to the pressure of what some whiners and cry babies might think of you for re-releasing it then you’ll never be right with folks who did not get in.

  You built up their excitement and hope then pulled the rug from under them. Until you do right by those folks you probably not be fully whole in my opinion. You can’t please everyone but those who you do help and take advantage of your offer will return the blessings to you.

  Sorry so long but that is my humble opinion. I would not listen to those who claim this was only their opportunity for being available to purchase. It is not fair to the working folks who were not by a P.C. ready to act on the information. Ask yourself what King Soloman did when both mothers cried and fought over the baby. He offered to cut the baby in half but when the real mother spoke up and said no let the other who claims the baby have the baby King Soloman said that the baby should go to the mother willing to give the baby up! That showed a true giving spirit.

  

• 119 Rich // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:12 pm

  Chris –

  Very refreshing to know you are concerned about your customers in a “no-face” environment we work in as affiliates. Most, experts in the field have turned a blind eye and ear to proven buying customers, in my experience. Not sure why, maybe they do not have the resources to handle the feedback and concerns, maybe they do not have the bandwidth and wherewithall to manage the relationship for short and long term? Not sure, just know that publishers in this space do not focus on nurturing on-going customer relationships for the long term but rather protect the buck for the short run. My concern falls somewhat on my shoulders and yours (50/50). Although I tried to purchase at noon, the system would not allow. I assumed, although I did not anxiously refresh my browser to the second, I was customer 101 and thus missed out. I don’t have problem with that.
  However, I do have a problem with your approach to pre-sell at discount for limited volumes to all your customers. This is the tactic most internet experts (gurus) use to create unnatural hype and undo stress on customers and students learning the trade. This tactic would be ok if you were one on those self proclaimed gurus. But in my experience as a loyal buying customer, this is not the impression I have about your style as a businessman as you have delivered and even over deliver time again.

  So, although I was disappointed I do not have the product today, as some of your customers have mentioned in this blog, I am still on board to learn from you as you have provided solid information I understand and use.

  So, I am unclear as to your objective to offer this limited discount? If the value of the product far outweighs the price and you honestly believe that the quality will carry the price ($67), why not release the product to all your customers in a fair and equitable manner.
  If anyone has purchased from you in the past, they will know you deliver value and not hesitate if the time is right for their respective business.

  If you’re intent is to build on loyal relationships and offer a “thank you” incentive to those customers that continue to purchase and grow using your techniques, then creating tiered lists based on amount of purchase or sales may be a way to do that. And if only 50 of those tier 1 customer respond and buy, you can sell 50 to the next tier, and so on. I know this sounds like high maintenence, and probably is too much to manage, but may be the way to go if you are truly concerned about customer sat and building loyalties and jv’s within your teachings?

  All this is obviously just my feedback and ideas that may help, since you asked.

  What ever you decide I’m sure you will have put your best foot forward. And if you continue to provide services/products that is customer driven, you will continue to see growth in your business and I will be the first in line. (again)

  Thanks for listening.

• 120 Steve // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:16 pm

  Chris
  I purchased the ebook but did not receive it, sent two emails with Trans. ID please send to this email.

  Thanks
  Steve

• 121 Jon // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:17 pm

  Here’s the problem that I have after trying to buy for an hour an a half starting BEFORE 12 noon:

  1. I refreshed CONTINUOUSLY leading up to noon,
  2. I CONTINUED to get the Stay Tuned page until 12:05,
  3. I sent a ticket to your help desk at 12:05 so that there would be a time-stamped verification that I didn’t “snooze and lose” on this one,
  4. I really cleared time in my day before and after noon to make this purchase (I wasn’t waiting around until 12:59pm),
  5. I thought that no one got through because I NEVER saw anything different than the Stay Tuned page,
  6. Now I found out that some got through. How?

  Exactly the same for me, with the exception of sending the support ticket. I’m on your VIP list, I refreshed constantly, at least once a minute from Noon on, and never saw the offer.

  Dissappointed, think you should make it right for your VIPs, since it looks like something went wrong on your end…. is it possible you swapped the link on the original page rather than changing the actual page, so those of us refreshing from the link you sent out the day before, never actually got a chance to see the offer?

• 122 Robert Nelson // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:22 pm

  I was lucky.. I got my copy at 12:02
  I can understand your dilemma with upset potential customers.
  You may want to allow more people to purchase at the discounted rate, but give a bonus to the 100 who did get the product.

  I have missed out on offers by other marketers by not being there on time and understand the frustration.

  I’m sure whatever you do will be fair!

  Rob

• 123 alain // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:27 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I think as others that you don’t have to be shame, for this. The rules are the rules.
  That said, I didn’t get your offer because I am in a foreign country, so I was not sure, precisely at what time your product will be live, then I expected to be outdoor at that time.
  So when I returned at home, obviously the loophole was closed
  That said (an other time), I am tired, as many, of these marketing gimmicks, these pre-launches, the up-sell etc.
  If you have a good product to sell (and habitually you have), put it on the market, don’t hype it and give good facts and clear vision of what it is about.
  If you want to give some advantage to your good customers, simply give them, no limit.
  I sell physical products on my site, and time to time, give some advantages to my good customers.
  All of them benefit from the promo. No limit.
  New customers haven’t.
  I think many are going to be blind from the gimmick.
  When I read a sale letter, I pass the hype and go directly to the facts.
  Either it is clear and eventually I buy, either it is not clear and I don’t.
  That said (third time , your honesty and the quality of your products are undisputable, so don’t mind.
  I will buy it tomorrow with my hop-link )

  Best regards

  Alain

• 124 Mark // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:34 pm

  Just so we all can learn a little, I would like to know why you limited this to 100 copies, and then still plan to open it to the world at CB? Just curious.

  I’m sure there’s some marketing strategy in there somewhere. ;>)

• 125 Shelby C. // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:35 pm

  100 is 100 don’t go back on your word, a happy customer is one thing a manipulative customer is another.

• 126 Chuck Staff // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:37 pm

  Chris:

  This thread is the reason I dropped all the other “gurus” and stayed with you — you’ve got ethics and class (and you’re definetly the ugly one on the left…)

  Stay the course, man. I missed out and I’m very bummed-out but it is what it is…

  I, of course, would love to see another “not quite so limited time” offer for a bumped-up price but, if that doesn’t happen, it’s no biggie.

  I just want to get my hands on it.

  Chuck Staff
  Palmyra, Virginia

• 127 chrisg // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:45 pm

  If the product was completely sold out, I’d say offer more, but it’s not since you already will be reoffering the product.

  The people who missed out still have a chance to get it at a great price, and they know to be on the ball this time.

  So I’d say simply do nothing, except maybe take the ones who sent you nasty emails off your list (give the gracious people a better chance). Who do those people think they are?

• 128 Cindy // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:46 pm

  Hi, Chris:

  I’m one of the lucky one to get a copy of your launch. I kept checking my watch every hour basically because you and me are not at the same time zone. I almost missed because I needed to do something outside the house very close to your time launch!
  Anyway, is very kind of you to be worried about the guys that didnt get a copy but, You should stick to your word. I’m not a selfish person and if you decide to re-open again the pre-launch, there is no problem to me.
  The only thing there will be a problem is( if you do another pre-launch) will your credibility. A man of his word, is a man of his word, period! Next time , with a new product, people will always expect a second chance.They can always get a copy with the official launch, if they really want to. Even your regular price is a very fair one!

  One more thing: now You realize how important are your information and launch for us ( your loyal buyers, ). Next time Instead 100 copies, let’s get 250 people on it, or set up the sales for one or two hours. You Really need to increase your profits allowing more people in these pre-launchs. Your products always worth it every penny.
  Thanks a lot for being YOU!
  Cindy

• 129 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:51 pm

  Hi everyone.

  Thank you for all your responses and input.

  Here is what I’ve decided:
  ——————————–

  The launch will proceed as previously planned, and I will stick to my word. 100 promised discounts, and 100 discounts given.

  Obviously I made some MISTAKES in regards to:

  * Gaging demand

  * Using those order links initially, and then just going to the payment links

  * Perhaps even doing a limited discount offer to begin with

  In the future, I will do things like this in such a way so that it’s more accessible to people on an international scale, and so that it’s not so “scarce”, and perhaps not scarce at all.

  Needless to say, today’s mis-hap has been a learning experience from which I will adapt and IMPROVE on in the future, now knowing this.

  For people that missed out for any of the reasons listed above, I need to offer my sincere apologies.

  I can’t go back on my word, and so I have to accept whatever consequences that might have (unsubs, loss of future sales from those customers, etc).

  I am truly sorry.

  Of all the options, this is the one that I believe is fair.

  I wish there was some way to “fix” this, but there simply isn’t.

  Therefore, if you’re still interested in this product, it is scheduled to go live on the 5th, pending CB approval, which should hopefully be by tomorrow.

  Even at $67, it is still a bargain. Rank just ONE minisite for a competitive, profitable keyword and that will be a pittance.

  Now to address some other issues:

  NON-DELIVERY: We are addressing these tickets as fast as we can. If we got one from you, it WILL be answered!

  LONGEVITY: This strategy/method has been working for more than 2 years.

  And while rankings can fluctuate, most of the sites that have been ranked well with this have maintained their positions rock-solid.

  The way in which this method is executed is truly non-traceable.

  And in comparison to how many domains MSN indexes and spiders on a daily basis (hundreds of thousands), the “impact” of this strategy in the hands of a comparitively tiny percentage of webmasters who target MSN on a whole should be minimal…

  Even so – if even this only lasted a month or two(which it won’t), think of the traffic you could drive in even THAT time…

  Anyway – again, my apologies for those who missed out.

  Please accept my apologies.

  And stay tuned for the official launch on Wed, Nov. 5th.

  Thanks everyone.

  -Chris Rempel

• 130 Steve // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:53 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I set an Outlook appointment to remind me 15 minutes ahead of the launch that it would be going live. I was planning to order from my desk at work.

  Luckily, I tested the web site in the morning and found out that the site was blocked by our proxy server. I ended up leaving work 2-1/2 hours early so I could be in my office at home to make the purchase. I made a decision to do what I had to do in order to get in on the offer.

  My confirmation emails came back at 13 and 14 minutes after the hour.

  I know that if I missed out I would probably be pissed, but it would be at myself for missing the opportunity.

  I have bought all of your VIP products and think they are of the highest quality. I also feel that you are one of the few IM gurus who is totally straight with his customers. I think you have a very high level of integrity.

  It would be unfair to re-open the pre-launch at the discounted price but, why not re-launch it at a different ‘discount’ price before the real launch actually goes live?

  You could offer it for $55 and leave it open to a larger number of people. You could still make some good jack on the pre-release without the affiliate comissions and still appease those who missed out.

  I for one, appreciate that fact that you kept your word and closed the offer down as you said you would.

  Thanks for the quality of all the products you release and thank you more for the integrity with which you deliver them.

• 131 Dean // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:54 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I do understand the frustrations of some people, given that the first 100 sold out so quickly. That said, I made a point of being at my PC when it launched and I didn’t type at the speed of light to make the purchase. 4 minutes though…….that’s quick. “Blink and you miss it” quick.

  I would release another 100 ( or even 200 given the demand ) at $10 higher as a 2nd round pre-launch so some more on your list have a chance to get in cheaper than full market price and then shut it down until full launch price.

  I know some people won’t agree with this but it’s another bite at the cherry at a nominal price hike for those that missed out earlier.

  Whatever you do is cool with me. There is enough to go around and I’m all about abundance and ‘the little guy’

  Cheers,

  Dean

• 132 John Leith // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:56 pm

  G’day Chris,

  I’m no expert, but the terms of the sale were very clear and if you feel they were wrong in hindsight, then I’m sure you’re astute enough to use a different approach next time.

  As you can tell, I’m in Australia and I was ready at 7 am and got my copy. There have been times in the past where I’ve had to be at my computer at anywhere from 1am to 4am and have missed out… as Ned Kelly said, “such is life”.

  If you re-open your launch, you not only reduce your credibility, but you’ll still have people abuse you for missing out a second time.

  I think we’ve all learned something today.

  Cheers,
  John

• 133 Gary Garnett // Nov 3, 2008 at 7:59 pm

  Hi Chris,

  Well it is a problem that will be very hard to correct to please everyone. You should stick to your guns as far as the 100 pre launch copies. However there was a technical problem that many of us encountered including me.

  So a good compromise would be to offer everyone on your list or who left a comment a discount slightly above the original discount. That would be fair and make you more money because many people are going to use their own affiliate link now to get a better deal!

  My 2 cents worth

• 134 Joseph Murray // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:00 pm

  Hi Chris,

  That took some guts to write and submit that post and for me that says a lot about who you are. I for one wasn’t surprised when I got to the page and the offer was closed – disappointed – but not surprised.
  As a fellow marketer I have purchased and promoted all of your products. I use them myself and I recommend them to my subscribers. So this product won’t be any different.. I will purchase it either way – discounted or full price – and I will use it and recommend it – if I like it… which I’m quite sure I will.

  Thanks for being honest

  Joseph

• 135 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:03 pm

  Hi Gary,

  Just wanted to address something regarding the CB links and discounts…

  Listen – I really don’t care if people buy through their own ref link if they’re buying directly from me.

  BUT DO NOT, EVER, CHEAT AN AFFILIATE OF THEIR COMMISSION BY CIRCUMVENTING THEIR REFERRAL WITH YOUR OWN!

  If you receive a recommendation from any marketer about any CB product, don’t be a slimeball and change the affiliate link to your own.

  You’re cheating people of their revenue.

  It’s called commission theft, and yes – it IS theft!

  I hope I made myself clear about that…

  Thanks

  -Chris

• 136 Len McGrane // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:03 pm

  I missed out, also. But I am confident enough about Dave Kelly and you to pay the full price when the November 5 launch arrives. I am sure your tactic will work. Dave Kelly’s linkvana is really working for me and my clients and I won’t mind paying the full price to get them onto page one of MSN also.

  Having said that, it would be nice to get a small $15 discount at launch time,. Call it something for my bruises. Perhaps make it available to people who have posted a comment here? Is there a way to exclude the angry and agitated who emailed you?

  Bottom line, though, we who missed out missed out — and your tactic is almost certainly going to be well worth the full price anyway.

  All the best,
  Len

• 137 Rob Mills // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:05 pm

  Hi Chris.

  I’m on your VIP list too so I was looking forward to getting in at the discounted price. Unfortunately I remembered what time it was about 36 mins too late (having a 4 week old daughter will do that to you).

  Am I disappointed? Yep. But since you over deliver on all your products, which is why I became a VIP member in the first place, I’ll have no problem paying full price come launch day.

  Rob

• 138 Doiron // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:10 pm

  I missed out because of a slow driver in front of me on the way home – but that’s life. I probably could have left earlier.

  Nobody has a right to complain because you kept your word. They don’t have a leg to stand on in my opinion.

• 139 paul // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:17 pm

  Chris
  Since your are going to sell this through other affiliates and the number of sales are not limited, I don’t believe that you are watering down the offer. I think that a compromise offer to those on your list would be fair. From what I gather you end up making more anyway. That should make your partner happy. Probably an exclusive offer (maybe with a coupon) to those on your list before it is released to other affiliates at large would be fair to all
  paul

• 140 Ken // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:18 pm

  Heroes never complain. They will just move forward and buy at full price.

• 141 Maria Gudelis // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:27 pm

  Hey Chris, you kept your word and that is what is important…I missed out on it when I checked around 12:20 and if most of your list have your other products, they should know that you stand behind your word, offer great value for the price, and what astounded me – you even answer any questions one might have after buying one of your products.

  And gee – you do teach affiliate marketing so everyone on your list should be clapping their hands in anticipation for selling it as an affiliate as you have just showed a phenomenal demand and conversion rate!

• 142 Ron // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:28 pm

  Hey Chris
  Stick with your original plan or people will think they can bully you into doing what you don’t want.
  We should all have problems like this !

• 143 Michael // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:28 pm

  Well I had no chance as I work during the day and although would have liked to have gotten a copy can understand the value of limited time special offers. Seems like is your buiness and if it meets your plan then your are good. However from a business stand point if it is costing you customers may be worth the rethinking.

• 144 Anthony // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:38 pm

  I started reading all the blogs and gave up. I don’t mind if you open it up to more people. My only concern is that if too many folks use the strategy, MSN will get wise and shut it down. Outside of that I release you from any commitment to me on the issue and give you free reign to do what you think best for you clients. I do agree it would be frustrating to miss out, but I don’t have the answer for you.
  Take care,
  Anthony

• 145 Arindam // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:43 pm

  Excellent prelaunch technique. If you are targetting $1000 per day, it does not matter whether you purchase it at discounted price or full price

• 146 Kevin // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:45 pm

  You got more comments than buyers –
  Any sale is while stocks last and that’s that. However Jesus made quite a good suggestion (comment 23)
  I missed the sale but intended to buy anyway. My concern now is will the strategy be diluted if there is such widespread application as your initial sales stats indicate

• 147 Mitch Powell // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:49 pm

  I was probably the very first one to get in. I’m busy studying now, but the affiliate commission theft topic hovering in this thread got me thinking: isn’t there a way I can send people to a page where the address doesn’t read http:…?hop=AFFILIATE ?

  I guess if I framed the page on my own site; but that’s probably frowned upon, right? Isn’t there some way an affiliate can take away the temptation of switching affiliate IDs?

  Mitch

• 148 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:51 pm

  Hi Kevin

  This strategy won’t be diluted.

  We need to think about the sheer scale of content that search engines index daily.

  As a marketer who controls a few sites, or even a few hundred sites, it’s easy to think “if thousands of people do something…”

  But the reality is that search engines are indexing millions of pages daily.

  Outright spam and blackhat stuff is always short-lived, but this isn’t blackhat.

  It’s proprietary, but it’s not a violation of anyone’s TOS, and it doesn’t pollute the web.

  -Chris

• 149 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:55 pm

  Mitch,

  Many affiliates use programs like http://covertlinks.com/

  To cloak and protect their CB hoplinks

  Thanks!

  -Chris

• 150 Jackie // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:56 pm

  Chris,
  I knew I would miss the pre-launch because I would have to be out of town today. That’s just life.
  I plan to just move on and purchase the product at full price.
  You stated 100, I would stick with 100 and not feel bad about it at all.

  Jackie

• 151 Terence // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:56 pm

  I missed the offer like many people here but I knew the score so I have no complaints.

  I think most of us know by now that Chris is an ethical marketer and made a simple error of judgement, which he humbly acknowledges. His integrity is still intact in my opinion.

  I am not one of these blind guru followers who hang on their every word, but every time I see an email with Chris Rempel in the from field I know it won’t be some cut and paste job but a message from someone who is worth listening to.

  The bottom line is that we will get another chance to buy it there’s no lasting harm done.

• 152 Raul Caro // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:56 pm

  Chris: (Please excuse my English)

  I-ve been awaiting a nice moment to express some feelings to you, better so if its this way, publicly:

  I didn-t take your discount because there are certain things I dont care to pay more.

  If people are calling you names because they didnt save 20 miserable dollars I think is time for these people to learn some manners.

  People shoudn-t be rude about this nonsense, if they have a real measure of what your product can do, they-d know how much you could be charging, MONTHLY.

  I don-t think this is a proper way to treat an honest one like you. If the remain on your list, they KNOW what your quality is made of, and your delivery.

  No, Its- not your fault as far as I see: The problem is, we are intoxicated with inflated and false speechs, from politicians to marketers, they say something and are meaning and thinking something different. You spoke your meaning- as you stressed, and people are not used to that, that-s the problem.

  I think – and I dont want to sound bully or rude – that at moments like this one is time to put certain people in their place.

  I remember an anecdote from some airline where a rude client was offending a flight attendant and he was expelled from the plain – not while flying of course! – because it was a good moment to say to a rude one: “Mister, the client not always is right, GTFO!!”

  Nevertheless, If rude people at you werent THAT rude, excuse me for my exaggeration, either way, I wanted to say it aloud.

  Sorry abut the rant, I hope I made some point here. Keep working on Chris, thanks for been an honest marketer, the kind of people that represents the good and encouraging part of this new world, this new soil.

  The best of regards,
  Raul.

• 153 Shane // Nov 3, 2008 at 9:06 pm

  Chris,

  I’m glad you haven’t rewarded the minorities negativity. To my mind you are respected by the majority of your customers because you are open about you learning and development which is where most of us are at also.

• 154 Brian // Nov 3, 2008 at 9:36 pm

  Chris,

  I had a doctor’s appointment for exactly your launch time so I knew that there wasn’t a cat in hell’s chance of making it before you sold out. I’m sure that there must have been many others in a similar situation.

  For future reference, if there is no technical reason for limiting the number of products sold, why not make your discount offer valid over a specific time frame rather than a set number? If you could make it a 24 hour time slot, this would give everybody time to get in regardless of conflicts or time zone differences.

• 155 Dax Cheng // Nov 3, 2008 at 9:36 pm

  Chris,

  I just like to say to everyone that I am one of the “Lucky” people that got the package. I said “Lucky” because I live in Malaysia and it was 4am when it launched. I set my alarm at 4 and woke up just so that I can buy it and then go back to sleep.

  As for opening it back up. NO! Once you do that, you will have to do that again and no one will ever believe you the next time. You are the Lazy Marketer not the I go back on my word marketer.

  BTW, I’ve just gone through the ebook and all I can say is wow…. it sure is a Lazy Marketers dream – quite a bit of work to start off with but once it is done, the only work is to cash in the check. I say the full price of $67 is too low.

  Cheers
  Dax

• 156 Rusty - Fitness Black Book // Nov 3, 2008 at 9:47 pm

  Chris,

  No worries man. We can wait a few days. It will give me a few more days to build out my Conduit Site (coming along nicely I might add thanks to your templates).

  You are helping a lot of people, buddy!

  Rusty

• 157 Mike // Nov 3, 2008 at 9:52 pm

  I just got all my stuff cleared up and got the book now. I was lucky enough to get one of the 100 copies. I am going through it now and plan to put it to good use.

  I do have to say the Customer Service here is amazing. Some problems came up and they were all taken care of and real quick responses. Just the great customer service alone makes me know this product will be great when I get through it.

• 158 Dax Cheng // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:00 pm

  Hi Chris,

  Sorry for the multiple post, but I was just thinking of ways to outsource some of the heavy initial work required. Can this be done? Would you share with your buyers on how to outsource the work?

  Thanks.

  Regards
  Dax

• 159 Brent 'Puppy trainer' Milne // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:10 pm

  Hang in there Chris, I believe you’ve made the correct and right decision.

  It is far better to be dissed for having ethics than not having them. I agree with all the comments about being in the wrong timezone, happens to me all the time.

  Sending emails to launch is problematical because emails are not always delivered immediately, depends on your ISP and their rules.

  There does appear to be a technical hitch in your pre-launch and that is a problem but others found wasy around it so it wasn’t just the quick who benefited, they had to be problem solvers as well.

  There are technical wasy to solve all of those things. How about a launch which begins at the exact same time of day everywhere in the world which is only open for, say, 10 minutes.

  That’s do-able and would kill all the arguments, you can’t buy before your local clock (give or take and hour) rolls over and you can’t buy after the time limit.

  Must write the script…

• 160 Leslee Russell // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:22 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I live in South Africa and it’s really nice not to have to wake up in the middle of the night ( cos’ the go live is 2am your time) to get the special offers and then probably oversleep and miss whatever it was you were trying to buy at a discount.

  I wouldn’t worry about your dilemma, you clearly told everyone what was happening and when so they shouldn’t be angry, it’s happened to me enough times and I don’t write angry emails.

  As someone said earlier you can now buy it through you affiliate link and save an extra $17, whats wrong with that.

  Regards
  Leslee

• 161 Mark Wagoner // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:30 pm

  Hi Chris,
  I was sorry to miss out, but your word is your bond. Stick to it, keep your word, because that’s who you are. Everything you’ve shown us has been right on and a very good value. To those who whine about 20 bucks, consider the sales you’ll see as a result of this report. If you can’t make up the 20 bucks, you’re not doing it right.

  All the best,

  Mark

• 162 Travis // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:39 pm

  Chris:

  As a VIP customer, I love your stuff. It’s some of the best stuff out there. And up until this gimmick, you were one of those guys I didn’t see as the typical “IM guru” who does all kinds of tricks and gimmicks when launching stuff.

  Based on how you have operated up to date, I would have expected you to give your VIP members a simple discount that was good for “X amount of hours.” You simply tell them that they can get this report at the reduced price for 24 hours (or whatever the time is) and after that, you’ll be launching it to the general public at a higher price.

  I’m not sure why you felt the need to create such hype – especially from your existing customers. We already know what you produce is good.

  I think you did a disservice to your loyal customers – and in my eyes if these hype/rush tactics continue you’re just one of “them.”

  Like I said, I love your stuff and will continue to buy your products, I’m just not happy with the way your marketing methods are heading (assuming such tactics continue).

  Use these rush/hype tactics all you want, but not with your loyal, VIP customers. It just doesn’t feel right.

  Travis

• 163 Maartin Strydom // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:40 pm

  Chris,

  I was one of many that couldn’t get a copy, and I accept the fact. I think others should too.

  So, I’ll just wait a little longer, no problem!

  Stick to your guns – I adminre the way you do business. Keep up the good work!

• 164 Travis // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:45 pm

  And just one more comment after reading through some of the comments left here…

  I think it’s crazy that your loyal customers are setting their alarms to get up early or clearing their calendars just to get this product. I don’t think I would ever do that to my past customers. They deserve better.

  Like I said, make the general public go through hoops but not your current customer base.

  P.S. My comments are based on not knowing anything about your business model. You may have a very good reason for having such a multi-tier, super scarce product launch so in the end you probably achieved what you were hoping for. I’m just saying from a customer’s point of it was a strange marketing tactic that caused more upset than good.

  Travis

• 165 admin // Nov 3, 2008 at 10:46 pm

  Travis,

  Thanks for your input.

  This is called the learning process.

  I didn’t know it would explode like this.

  Sorry.

  -Chris

• 166 Nick // Nov 3, 2008 at 11:16 pm

  How about raising the price above the introductory price, but bellow full retail for another 200 copies?

• 167 Raymond // Nov 3, 2008 at 11:27 pm

  Chris,

  Why set a limit on a number of sales?
  If you set a limit on time, with enough time to give each of your customers a reasonable chance to get the email and take the opportunity (24 hours?), you get much less frustrations.

  Going one step further: if you are making a confidential pre-launch for your own customer list, why limit it at all ? Make it long enough so you squeeze every possible sale out of your own list, then turn the official launch to your affiliates, maybe a few days later.

  When your affiliates bring you extra sales that you wouldn’t have made from your own contacts, you don’t lose.

• 168 Cynthia // Nov 3, 2008 at 11:43 pm

  I find it quite ironic that some people here talk about Chris’ integrity & how ethically he should honor his word, but on the same token they talk about buying through their own hop-link to get it for much less than the $27 or $37 they got it for today. I know Chris says he doesn’t care (he can’t stop you anyway if you do) but how ethical are YOU being if you do that? And if that’s what you plan to do, why cry about missing out today? FYI, I missed out too.

• 169 justakid // Nov 3, 2008 at 11:44 pm

  i was so eagerly waiting to get on the $37 bus, but hey, fact is, the bus can only cater to 100 passengers, and now there’s already a 100 passengers inside. so all i can do is wait for the next bus, so what if it will cost me a little bit more time and fare.

  i cant possibly yank out any of the “passengers” inside, can i? that’ll be insane.

  so, i’ll just have to wait for the next “bus”. at the end of the day, most important is to get to my destination.

  thanks chris, i know this will be one hell of a ride.

  justakid.

• 170 Ade Lamidi(20 Ways To Make $100 Per Day' Lamidi // Nov 3, 2008 at 11:52 pm

  Hi Chris,

  I believe you have been fair to your loyal customers and I personally didn’t make it in time to get in on the pre-launch price. However, I plan to buy a copy at full price . The information you are given out is worth a weight in gold so whether it be $17, $37 or $67 it really is a must have.

• 171 Ade Lamidi(20 Ways To Make $100 Per Day' Lamidi // Nov 4, 2008 at 12:00 am

  Chris,

  I just like to say you mentioned the fact that only 100 copies were going to be made available during the Pre-Launch phase so we all knew that there was going to be a frenzy when the product launched. You did what you promised so I really don’t know what the issue his with customers bombarding you with angry email.

  I missed the deadline cause of time difference here in the UK but not withstanding I do plan to buy the product and the launch price because the info you are given is surely worth a weight in gold.

  And your loyal customers will just have to understand

• 172 Shaan Yuhas // Nov 4, 2008 at 12:17 am

  Honestly, Chris and Dave have never disappointed me… I paid the full $67 b/c I was late but it was well worth it.

  I went to the site about 12:15… It sux but I think being true to your word speaks volumes compared to other well known guru tactics.

• 173 Wealthy Affiliate Review // Nov 4, 2008 at 12:39 am

  It’s fine, I will happily purchase at full price at launch date and now we have 100 people telling everyone how great the product is. You probably should have made it 500 instead then you would have a ton of people spreading the word.

• 174 Michael // Nov 4, 2008 at 12:41 am

  I was using this link – http://www.rankingloophole.com/order100.php

  The main index page wouldn’t load for me. If that is the right url, I must have only been a minute late.

  Anyway, I don’t mind paying full price and Chris shouldn’t feel bad. Most marketers don’t let their product go for cheap in the first place.

  Only problem for me is the crap exchange rate. I have to pay almost twice the price in Australian Dollars, whereas 2 months ago it would have been almost the same price.

  One question: when can we purchase the product at full price?

• 175 Shane // Nov 4, 2008 at 12:53 am

  To All,

  Let’s bear in mind this was a JV and that Chris has stated that as such there where limits to what could be offered to his list.

  As for setting the alarm for a $30 saving and a day or two head start on using the product, I would say let me know, Chris or anyone else, if you are giving away $100,000 on a first come first served basis and I’ll be sure to be awake for a crack at that one, day or night. Other than that I really do have better things to do.

• 176 Scott // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:08 am

  Chris – I don’t think I have anything new to say here, but I will add my 2 cents to reinforce what I think is the “right call”.

  You made a straightforward, transparent offer with explicit parameters, and even warned people that it could go fast. Unfortunately, it went faster than you or anybody else thought it would.

  In hindsight, 100 units aren’t much, and so maybe next time it can be a slightly higher amount…if the offer makes sense for more people. If not, that is okay too.

  I think it would be a more difficult quandary if the doors were closed permanently after 100. However, even if that would have been the case, well, you told it like it was and the playing field was level.

  As it is, it costs a few more bucks to get in. Anybody that is so upset about having to spend a few more dollars for a great product from a great team is making excuses and looking for something to complain about. Trust me, I’ve been there in the past, and I’d let somebody really have it over something like this and it might just have been because I had a bad day that day.

  Personally, I was expecting this product to have another zero behind the price tag when it was launched, so even at $67 it is very inexpensive in my humble opinion. If people can’t justify the price for something that could pay them back hundreds of times over, then they are perhaps too shortsighted.

  Enough babbling, but I think – as most of the others here have – that sticking to your word is the way to go. As you have already done, just continue to talk openly and honestly when you make your final decision/post/email. Hopefully after all this additional transparency, nobody will fault you much more. If they can’t see the honesty and follow through on your word, well, such is life.

  I’d feel for them as well if I was in your position, but I can’t see doing anything more than you’ve already done.

  Scott

• 177 Graham // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:13 am

  I’ve read a load (but not all) of the comments above, and I feel most miss the point I feel most strongly about.

  I’ve always valued your no-nonsense get-it-straight way of working/selling. However with this offer I really disliked the early-bird sales tactic. I feel it puts you amongst the other marketers who try to time pressure people. If I see a time-pressured offer I generally avoid as it is such a cheap ploy, especially if you go back after the so-called offer and it has moved forward to accommodate you.

  I wonder why you did it, a few early sales, a lot of cheesed off would-be purchasers, and the possible loss of your hard-earned and up till now well-deserved credibility. It doesn’t seem worth it!

• 178 Bill "Building Muscle" Davis // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:13 am

  Chris,

  A deal is a deal. You did the right thing. What you could do to try to appease, save, or keep existing followers and customers would be to bundle this product with another at a discount. It’s a technicality, but you would be offering multiple products at one price; people would be hard-pressed to prove that you offered this ONE product at ANY specific price.

  It’s safe to say that you deliver on your promise. I commend you for that. Your products always kick ass. Thanks for all you do.

• 179 admin // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:20 am

  Thanks guys for all the comments – very much appreciate the feedback…

  @Graham (#176): Trust me, hindsight is 20/20. You are preaching to a beyond-converted choir…

  -Chris

• 180 Kathy // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:33 am

  On another related note. I felt that the upsell product was kind of sneaky. The produc that you marketed was the rankings loophole – however during the LONG sales page process, the upsell product was presented as ‘you don’t have to get it, but if you don’t, you’ll spend an inordinate amount of time doing what this upsell product does’. It seems like you should be more upfront that you are actually selling TWO prodcuts – the guide and the linkubaitor product.

• 181 Stan // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:36 am

  I was ready at 11.55 and refreshed until 12.30 … nothing happened and then the sold out message came.

  Tough luck, this is how the internet works sometimes.

  Good job on creating this kind of buzz !

• 182 admin // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:37 am

  Hi Kathy,

  I’ll take a look at the OTO offer tonight and see if I can re-phrase it, because in actuality the report clearly lays out how to succeed with this strategy both WITH and WITHOUT our complimentary automation script on the backend.

  It’s helpful for mass scaling, but it’s not essential.

  It simply automates certain tasks, but it in itself is definitely NOT the “method” in and of itself, nor is it required.

  Thanks,

  -Chris

• 183 Ken S // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:01 am

  I guess I was in the right place at the right time (for a change) I sat down at my PC just as your email arrived in my gmail account. I responded immediately and got in – even from here in Australia!

  But I would have been happy to pay at the full price anyway for such good potential value.

  Chris, leave your good reputation intact – your intentions were good. Please keep them that way.

  Ken

• 184 Solar Power Systems // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:33 am

  I am one of the lucky hundred. I think I had bought it 30 seconds after it went live. Everything went very smoothly.

  Having said that, I wouldn’t feel cheated or anything like that if you offered the same price to your loyal customers or your subscribers for example.

  I know very well that you don’t use those silly and annoying marketing methods like “Buy now or the Earth will go down.”

  I f I may say so, I found it strange that you only allowed for a hundred copies. I immediately thought they would be gone in minutes as it happened.

  Mei

• 185 Santa // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:43 am

  As in a comment further above stated: A deal is a deal.
  What should all those people selling on ebay do with those sellers that missed the end of the auction? You gave us time and quantity and the sale goes on first there, first serve basis.
  Next chance is at a higher price (with unlimeted quantity) – so what?

• 186 marketing web site // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:47 am

  I WOULD GIVE A FREE VIDEO TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR LIST GIVING A SMALL TRICK TO GET HIGHER IN MSN TO MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY ON YOUR LIST.

  OR RAISE THE PRISE WITH 10 $ for 205 members AND ADD A VALUABLE BONUS, to make it a different offer.

  Hope this helps, keep up the good work !

  David Norden

• 187 Mike H... // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:53 am

  Hi Chris,
  RE: your comment #128.
  Good Job. The doors are not locked everyone still can and I’m sure will be knocking on Wednesday. Your the man for standing your ground.
  Looking forward to long term business relationship
  Thanks
  Mike

• 188 Roger // Nov 4, 2008 at 3:05 am

  Hi Chris,

  I agree with Kathy above – but only on the basis of IF you are trying to differentiate yourself from the guru crowd.

  Personally, I can handle the upsell and expect it. But, if you want to appear different to the average guru, you must spend time analyzing your wording and anticipating customer reactions to anything you do that resembles ‘the usual guru methods’. A tough job, and I don’t envy you if that’s your aim. We’re a cynical crowd, burnt many times before

  EG I was one who was refreshing the original offer page and could have been caught out by you using a fresh link in the email, but due to past experience I had the email refreshing as well as the ‘non-VIP’ offer page so once the ‘non VIP’ page went live and the other one didn’t, I knew to check my email.

  Everyone loves a bargain (especially when we know there will be an upsell.)

  My one query – because you are suggesting that you completely underestimated demand for this (not trying to sound like a clever dick here but I scoffed a little when I read that it would be open for an hour to only 100 buyers – do you and Dave believe that between you, you cannot raise a hungry crowd of 100 who would like to top the third biggest search engine? Hence I was ready for the rush) – I am wondering about your belief that this technique will not be closed off, once it gets in the hands of the masses and the usual suspects distribute the info via warez sites etc.

  If you were MSN, would you want the IM crowd taking the mick out of your search engine by getting their one page sites all over the top of your SERPs?

  Regardless, for the price, I am certainly not complaining. But I reckon there might be more lessons learnt further down the line – once the product is available to all on CB, will you again be shocked at the demand?

  I hope so, because you deserve the profit and recognition. But I do think that the market is currently desperate for decent traffic solutions because most of the solutions sold to IMers at the moment are ineffective and I think the SEs are chuckling at how sellers are suggesting that search engines don’t have dedicated staff researching the publicly available SEO products and quickly rendering them ineffective.

  IMO there are a lot of people paying for solutions that stopped effectively working the day that they were made publicly available. And because you can’t copyright ideas, you also get all the copycats rolling out their own versions weeks and months later. C’est la IM.

  HTH

• 189 Paul // Nov 4, 2008 at 3:32 am

  Hey Chris

  We all admire you for your no bs candour. Stick to your guns. I missed out on the offer. But, hey-ho, you snooze, you lose.

  ATB

  Paul.

• 190 Sally // Nov 4, 2008 at 4:31 am

  You are to be commended for being so concerned about this. It shows you really do care – a rare trait in this business.

  Unfortunately, you’ll never be able to please everyone no matter what you do. Such is life and human nature.

  In this case, you need to stick to your guns for the sake of credibility. If some folks were unclear on the instructions or experienced technical problems on their end, it wasn’t your doing.

  I only have one general complaint. There are many of us who haven’t been able to quit our nine to fivers yet. Once in a while it would be nice if you guys would do these things in the evening or on a weekend so we could have a chance, too.

• 191 Mark Thompson // Nov 4, 2008 at 4:32 am

  Ahh The perils of internet marketing, one day your everybody’s friend the next you are the local pariah..

  Don’t sweat it Chris, I missed out , I got the message at gone 9pm here ( despite the rumours I do have a life so wasn’t at my PC) But am i bothered ..no. It’s just one of those things that happens.

  If you knew the outcome before you did the pre launch I am sure that you wouldn’t have done it. So I know that this will make your next launches smoother and better..

• 192 Roger // Nov 4, 2008 at 4:40 am

  Hi Chris,

  Just noticed this on your last blog post -

  ‘This will sell like crazy because it’s legit and we have the proof to back it up’

  And in the comments of this post -

  ‘I didn’t know it would explode like this.’

  Hmmm

• 193 admin // Nov 4, 2008 at 4:45 am

  Roger, re: #191

  My list is way smaller than you think it is.

  Selling 100 copies in 4 minutes, with the “size” of my list, is insane by anybody’s standards.

  It was truly a shock, regardless of what you may think.

  Thanks for the feedback,

  -Chris

• 194 Steve // Nov 4, 2008 at 4:46 am

  logged on in the UK at 8:15pm (12:15 PST). I guess it was a bit frustrating to see the sold out sign but I don’t have any real gripes about it.

  I do though have a suggestion about how to apply some of these techniques to drive traffic and reward loyal customers.

  I don’t know how you manage your lists and your relationships but here’s an idea or two;

  What is so interesting is that we are all prone to act on scarcity. This can and does work very well in the offline world where there is a finite limit on physical products. In the OnLine world we also use scarcity to drive/encourage people to act. The OnLine world is different though because we are transmitting digits ands we have more control in how we apply it.

  One option could be to reward loyal customers with a special price that is time limited and not quantity limited. Give people 1 hour to buy at the special price.

  One things for certain, scarcity as a persuader works great. I just think we should be aware we may alienate some people who could feel frustrated. This feeling is likely to be more acute because many/most Internet Marketers understand what’s going on.

  Persuasion techniques are great and very powerful. Just be aware that they might frustrate some people.

  Best wishes

  Steve

• 195 Roger // Nov 4, 2008 at 6:09 am

  Hi Chris,

  Thanks for the response. I have no idea of the size of your list, but I reckon I have a good guage of your level of influence and respect (for the way you conduct yourself) in this market, therefore I believe a small list of yours could outsell a large list of someone elses.

  You asked for advice and input. I realised before I posted that my last comment could be construed as unhelpful.

  I saw it as fitting into the ‘input’ category.

  Personally, I would like to see more people prove the majority wrong – the majority of successful IMers act as though because their customers are ‘marketers’ they should appreciate borderline-ethical hard sell methods being used upon them – and they constantly push those boundaries while using the same excuse – ‘Huh! Marketers complaining about being marketed to with marketing tactics they can learn from!’

  Therefore I would love to see you prosper by proving them wrong – but I also appreciate that it is not easy – (that’s why the majority take the ‘easy’ route).

  Hence, I wanted to bring that incongruence between your two statements to the fore sooner rather than later so that you could deal with it.

  And perhaps next time, when you team up with people like Dave and sell real working techniques for knock down prices – you won’t be surprised when people rip your arm off in four minutes and are gutted when they miss out.

  Put another way – the way that others conduct themselves gives you more clout than you possibly realise. I only have to imagine how others would have dealt with this…I reckon they would have bullet holes in their feet by now by having a hissy fit and using the word ‘whiners’ in their response to the angry emails they had received.

  I don’t know if this is a suitable idea, but if you came up with some sort of ‘Woops, I’m sorry’ small bonus and gave it to all parties, then you could stick to your word AND still win.

  Personally I don’t think it’s necessary, but perhaps that’s the key – do great things that aren’t even necessary (AKA over-over-deliver). Just a thought.

  I hope this explains.

• 196 Joe // Nov 4, 2008 at 6:17 am

  I say to hell with the ones who didn’t get it. That’s life – win some, lose some. Deal with it.

• 197 Susan at U2-Make Money Online // Nov 4, 2008 at 6:18 am

  I appreciate your concern for the people that missed out on the pre launch of your product. People who missed out on the pre launch can very well wait for another two days and pay the $67 full price for the MSN. It is not really a question of closing the doors forever and never selling the product ever again, so people can still get their MSN after 48 hours.

  I think you should do what you have to do and what you intended to do as planned. You explained what happened and we would just have to accept that.

  Good luck with the launch.

  Susan

• 198 Larry // Nov 4, 2008 at 6:43 am

  Hi Chris,
  Thank you for your integrity and for following through on your word. I did get the package and like the work you have created personally it is to the point and clearly stated. It is worth the $67 price tag and I would recommend to all to pay attention to the up-sell. You may not understand the value of the up-sell until you have read the report but believe me, if you do not buy it you will be kicking yourself in the butt later.
  All the best,
  Larry

• 199 Laurence // Nov 4, 2008 at 6:51 am

  Hi Chris

  I didn’t get a copy but you don’t owe anyone anything – it’s always best to be transparent and honest. Anyway, what’s $67 at launch time if you’re serious about your online business anyway?

  You said it would be 100 copies and that’s how it should remain – otherwise it is BS!

  Cheers!

  - Loz

• 200 Sprachurlaub in Spanien // Nov 4, 2008 at 7:08 am

  Chris,
  don’t worry – you said it is 100 copies and they are gone. But getting this blog post started is a clever tactic in my opinion. It creates an ongoing discussion and probably makes more people buy tomorrow when you actually launch. I will be one of them – count me in.

  All in all, thanks for providing exellent products in the past. Although this one is not 100% yours I believe you have chosen the right partner to JV with.
  Good luck – and keep your servers in good shape
  (review Ryan D’s lessons learned from his recent launch)

• 201 Holly // Nov 4, 2008 at 7:42 am

  You either do what you say you’re going to do, or you don’t.

  If you keep your word, you prove you’re worth trusting.

  If you don’t keep your word, why in God’s name should anybody spend money with you, or trust you on anything?

  We are what we do, not what we say we’re going to do.

  You did the right thing.

  Yes, I got a copy, and it really kicks ass. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have bitched to you because my trigger finger wasn’t fast enough. I would have come back for the regular opening—BECAUSE you did what you said you’d do.

• 202 Edward Light // Nov 4, 2008 at 8:03 am

  Hi Chris,

  The rules were clearly stated.There’s no need to apologize and certainly no reason to offer alternatives.Stick to your “guns”.Don’t sacrifice your integrity to satisfy those looking to save a few bucks.The product is still available.

  Regards,
  Ed

• 203 Alan H (UK) // Nov 4, 2008 at 8:52 am

  Hi Chris,

  First of all…

  Congratulations!! You stuck to your guns on the limited copies offer, and by doing so you’ve maintained and upheld your ethical stance in the marketplace.

  That’s a lot more than can be said about the VAST majority of the “self proclaimed” internet marketing GURU’s out there.

  I have no doubt that you will do what you see is fit once you’ve received the desired “feedback” from the threads.

  Like Steve, I am also in the U K , and after receiving your email in regards to the “open window”, I made it my priority to first of all find out what the time difference was between PST and GMT (London), and then make damn sure my finger was on the trigger when the clock struck 12 noon (PST).

  Yes folks, I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky 100, and for those of you who also had your finger on the trigger but missed out for whatever reason …”you win some, you lose some”.

  To be frank, even if I’d have failed to get the discount, I would still have been more than happy to pay the FULL asking price, because from my own experience – Everything that Chris puts out, or recommends, is top quality, and ALWAYS at a fair price.

  I’ll leave you with a saying that’s just crossed my mind…

  “You can please SOME of the people SOME of the time – but not ALL of the people ALL of the time.

  The best of luck to everyone! Early takers, late takers, and non takers too!

  Alan H

• 204 Jim Somchai // Nov 4, 2008 at 8:57 am

  Hi Christ,

  The time mentioned in the email for this promotion is 2AM at my time (Thailand). I woke up at 2.20AM hoping to get it but I missed.

  I just think may be because I am in the wrong place.

  Cheers,

  Jim Somchai,

• 205 Mary // Nov 4, 2008 at 9:34 am

  I don’t buy through my own link because Karma is real, however woowoo it sounds to anybody else.

  I think you offered a great deal and got a great response. But treating customers well is important.

  My suggestion: Offer another not quite so great deal to your VIP and regular customers, maybe a combo original/OTO deal if the OTO deal has more value than greasy French fries. Do it through email with a time limit of more than four minutes.

  You’ll produce more great profits and karma. But hey, I have no ego invested in this suggestion. I truly trust you enough to figure out a good solution.

  Take care,
  Mary

• 206 Luke // Nov 4, 2008 at 10:17 am

  Damn! I’d never heard about covertlinks. Why didn’t you email us about it?

  After reading the sales page, I checked my cloaked links and Clickbank cookies are NOT being set through Internet Explorer. AGGH. So that’ll be a huge benefit from having spent time here today.

  On the topic at hand I’d decided not to order at the discounted price as I don’t have the time to use the product for a few months. By then full price will be fine.

  I don’t think it’s acceptable to curse someone when you couldn’t buy their stuff at a discount. That’s rude and when you were a baby, momma taught you not to do that. Second, its not being pulled of the market is it? Many marketers would have done that. Third, there are several big-ticket/seminar marketers that we all know that would have sold this (or even far less) for $3000. You all know it’s true.

  Off to buy a new cloaker.

  Luke

• 207 Kelly // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:27 pm

  Hiya,

  I was refreshing the page and went from coming soon to sold out, so was too dissappointed.

  I understand that you were only selling 100 at that price, but if everyone on your list is happy to pay the $37 and you get more from this than through clickbank when it goes live why not let us have it. We are happy and so are you.

  If I had got it I would not be mad if you let your whole list have it. You are not going to limit the copies whan it goes live, so I don’t see what difference it makes.

  Warm regards and good luck with it all.

  Kelly

• 208 Bob // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:59 pm

  Although I bought “Confessions” I’m not really a customer yet. I feel like I am standing on the balcony looking down at the masses. After reading most of the responses I say “no more special offers to appease”. Why is it any different than trying to buy from Ebay and missing the closing. Or a brick and mortar sale: if Fry’s says 5 special monitors available and I miss getting there early, tough for me.
  For the people cursing: “Lttle People Sleep in Little Beds”.
  I guess I even am wondering why you decided on the particular method. Maybe next time the time limit system would be fair to all, with enough copies to finish the day’s or hour’s orders.
  I like your style and credibility, stick with it.
  Bob

• 209 Greg // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:15 pm

  Hey Chris,

  No problem….you set a limit and as far as I’m concerned you MUST stick with it…….even though I’m one of those who didn’t get a copy…

  This goes to your integrity!!!!

  Regards

  Greg

• 210 Michael // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:27 pm

  Hey Chris,

  I think it’s great you’re concerned about what to do, but especially after going through so many posts here I think you’ll find that you can’t do the wrong thing no matter what. Even if you do a “second chance” offer, none of us could fault you for it. We all just think too highly of you for it to make any difference. Your intentions are honorable, and you’ve always offered a lot of value for very little money.

  For some reason, I had it in my head that the product wouldn’t go live till the 5th – even at a discount. I just happened to check my email yesterday at 3:02 eastern and saw you’re email announcing it was on, clicked the buy button, then the oto. I was surprised to find out later that the 100 had gone so quickly. It seems to me, with the serendipity of getting in when I did – without even trying, it just means to me that I was really meant to use it – and use it I will. (maybe with the money I make, I’ll finally be able to afford LinkVana! ;–)

  All the best

  -Michael

• 211 Kathee // Nov 4, 2008 at 2:44 pm

  Hi Chris, love your stuff & totally agree with everyone who says “that’s life” – because it is. I was lucky enough to grab a copy and greatly appreciate the reduced price offer ****which was completely generous on your part*****.

  How to decide what to do: put yourself in the flamers’ shoes & do what you would want done if you had missed out.

  I think you’ve just proven the awesome power of the Jeff Walker-style “product launch” process.

  For next time: instead of sending instructions to find the download page, just send the URL for it. It was a bit confusing to find the right page.

  Also, if nothing else, this tells you the size of your fan base! For your next launch, consider the uptake you got here and plan your quantity & deadline accordingly.

  You rock, man. Thanks for another great product.
  Kathee

• 212 Vanessa // Nov 4, 2008 at 3:53 pm

  I agree with the comment that a time frame rather than a number of products would be preferable.

  Knowing that I need to log on between 12- 1 allows for planning time for those of us who are not at our computers all day.

  I think a re-do for your loyal followers would be a great good faith offering.

• 213 Peter Coughlin // Nov 4, 2008 at 5:40 pm

  Hey Chris, did you know your rankingloophole.com order button is live?

• 214 admin // Nov 4, 2008 at 7:23 pm

  Hi Peter,

  Yes, we were required to have a live test/order link for ClickBank’s review staff, which just recently approved and activated the product.

  They wouldn’t activate the product with our “Stay tuned” order page.

  Immediately after this, affiliates on CB started sending traffic – one guy (who we don’t recognize) must’ve done a mailing already, and a few other nicknames that that we don’t recognize seem to be sending traffic via PPC or some other source already.

  We did not instigate this or otherwise make it known to the public in any way.

  It’s not even in the marketplace listings yet.

  Since it gets officially announced tomorrow, and since there’s no limitations or scarcity being used at all, I think the lesser of the two evils here is to *not* pull the rug under the current affiliate efforts (who we don’t even know – it must be people who’ve simply been watching this pre-launch and saw that the order links were all of a sudden live on the home page)…

  It’s on ClickBank’s retail network now and subject to their terms, as per:

  “…You agree that You will not engage in activities that interfere with our tracking of commissions, or with the normal flow of traffic from affiliates.”

  We had submitted the product for acceptance and activation several days ago, but it took until this afternoon for approval and activation to take place.

  Meanwhile, we’ve had to display live order links on our destination page for CB to approve…

  Bad timing, but we had/have no choice.

  So if you’d like to order now, rather than on the official announcement tomorrow – there’s nothing we can do to stop you.

  Thanks for bringing that to our attention, though, Peter.

  -Chris

• 215 admin // Nov 4, 2008 at 7:35 pm

  NOTICE:

  I’ve deleted/unapproved a few blog comments now that are essentially support tickets, and contain or divulge information that others have had to pay for.

  Please use the proper channels for support as provided to you on purchase.

  NOT this blog – it’s not fair to you, or anyone else, to do that.

  Thank you

  -Chris

• 216 Paul // Nov 5, 2008 at 12:51 am

  I’d say it’s basic boundary-setting and congruency.

  I’m not sure if I really even understand what the problem is.

  You made a commitment. You stayed accountable to the commitment. You have integrity.

• 217 Edwin // Nov 5, 2008 at 1:02 am

  Hi Chris,

  As a customer with multiple purchases from you in the past, I had flagged your email about this product. When I later saw others promoting it, I returned to your email, site and this blog, expecting you might have a better offer for your subscribers.
  Of course, I had missed the initial fast-action discount, but I still think you could reward your loyal customers by passing on some of the commissions you save by selling directly to your list. So I suggest a discount, perhaps less than the initial one. You’ll be living up to your word about the initial discount, while still rewarding your regulars. Or give all your subscribers the discount and send a bonus of some sort to the fast-action 100. It will still cost you less than the commissions on all those copies, and everyone will be happy.

  Thanks.

• 218 Matt // Nov 5, 2008 at 5:14 am

  Chris, I wouldn’t worry about upsetting folks with the scarcity tactic.

  Personally, I was a little disappointed with the upsell which… although as you say you don’t need it to work the system… it makes it a hell of a lot easier.

  Also the plug for Linkvana took the shine off (for me) what could have been a great product.

  I guess I’m only disappointed because of the high standards you’ve set for yourself

• 219 Robert Cadle // Nov 5, 2008 at 8:48 am

  Chris..

  After so many people have told you what I will say, it may well be redundant, but the more you hear it, the better it will be.

  Your pre launch info didn’t even get into my inbox until late LAST night.

  Why? Who knows?

  But such is the “fortunes of war”. As many have said, you are a nice guy and a word-keeper, and on the net these days, that is a badge of honor.

  Anyone who would call you names or such should just apologize (they won’t) and buy your product.

  There are legitimate reasons, sometimes, to feel angry, as an example when you buy DSL or such at say 49 bucks and then later they offer it to newbies at half of that.

  But that in no way compares to this situation. There are a handful of good honest marketers from whom I have purchased quite a few products.

  You are one of those. A deal is a deal. The suggestion made by some to make it an X number of hours the next time may be a sound idea for you.

  Example: Yesterday Michael Rasmussen had a product , the lower price on which expired at 9PM Pacific Time. I knew that. But the tragedy of yesterday’s elections kept us enraged until about ten after nine. I shot in here to buy at 77.00, but lo and behold it was 97.00 as promised.

  Is it Michaels fault?

  Heck no. If you start to baby those who vent their frustration on you, the long term loser on that deal will be you.

  Stick to your guns. You will gain more good customers in the future as people like us recommend you even more as a “man of integrity”, whereas those who bitch now, will do so again and again.

  GOD bless you and your family

  Bob

• 220 justakid // Nov 5, 2008 at 9:24 pm

  hi chris

  just wondering, with google now pulling out of the google-yahoo alliance, and this will surely led to microsoft buying over yahoo’s search engine, how will the ranking loophole be affected should that happen?

• 221 Lesley // Nov 6, 2008 at 2:04 am

  Hi Chris

  I want to get this, but after reading the comments, it really does suggest the upsell is imperative. At this time of year US$67 might just kill me. But US$114 is pretty much out of the question.

  Will I be kicking myself in the butt if I don’t get the script. Just how much work will it save me per site? Hours? Days?

  Do I reeeeeally need it, or will I manage with just the book alone?

  Thanks

  Lesley

• 222 admin // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:43 am

  @justakid – Even if that happened, it’s not like buying a site on “SitePoint.com”.

  When corporations of that magnitude acquire technologies or assets, there’s a maze of BS they have to traverse through before anything actually happens. Acquisitions can take literally months.

  All the more reason to get going on this NOW and start building mailing lists…

  @Lesley – The script is helpful, but not required.

  In fact we just added a quick-start guide to the product that clearly explains how to use this strategy WITHOUT buying anything other than domains (and hosting, where applicable)

  Thanks

  -Chris

• 223 Alex // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:46 am

  What a nice problem to have man

  Tricky little conundrum, ethically & openly handled IMHO.

  Best wishes..
  Alex

• 224 Fred // Nov 7, 2008 at 10:15 am

  Hi Chris,

  I was wondering where should i write to get answers to my questions regarding the MSN loophole training…

  I have bought it and i have all the system already in place….

  I only have on little issue that needs to be addressed and it’s a critical issue in my opinion…something that is not addressed properly in the training…

  Where can i get help as fast as possible?

  i have already written to contact@rankingloophole.com

  it’s been more than 24h and i haven’t received any answer is that normal?

  i know you guys are probably busy, i just want to know where i can get help..

  Regards
  Fred.

• 225 admin // Nov 9, 2008 at 6:08 am

  Hi Fred,

  I think this was answered via email (by me, actually), but if not contact me at TheLazyMarketer.com/contact.html and it will be addressed ASAP.

  Also, Dave has been having problems lately with his email ISP filters. Some emails are bouncing and not being received for some reason – both on the incoming and outgoing end of things.

  So if you haven’t heard back yet, it’s not because you’re being ignored.

  It might simply have not been received.

  Please use my support desk if that’s the case

  Thanks!

  -Chris

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