Affiliate Marketing – The SMART Way

183 responses so far ↓

• 1 Kyle Tully // Jan 16, 2011 at 4:45 am

  Right on Chris. My business primarily runs using (and teaching) the EXACT same strategies I was using 5 years ago. And you can bet I’ll pretty much be doing the exact same thing in another 5 years.

  Sure, the implementation might change slightly over time, but it’s still the fundamentals at play.

  I’ve tuned out almost every single “guru” in the Internet marketing space — big names & little names alike — because of this very reason. The obsession with new.

  The less I listen to what’s new and the more time I spend implementing what I know works, the more money I make. And I’ve doubled business for 3 years running.

  Cheers
  Kyle

• 2 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 6:19 am

  Kyle – thanks for chiming in…

  Very well put

  -Chris

• 3 PL // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:23 am

  Genius…

  I’m taking you up on that razor idea

• 4 Cheryl // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:26 am

  Hi,

  I’m just wondering if you still use the conduit method as one of your tools. I’ve read the book and it sounds very promising, but I guess the year in which it was written gives me the same uncomfortable feeling that the woman you mentioned must have had–that “maybe this technique has already been exploited and I need to move on to greener pastures” feeling. I know that feeling is wrong when applied to basic, fundamental IM strategies, but how do we know what’s basic and what’s a gimmick?

• 5 Nigel Schulze // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:26 am

  All Meat, No fluff as usual.

  Bo0-ya

  Nigel

• 6 Ian - Make It In Music // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:27 am

  Chris

  I bought ‘Confessions of a Lazy Affiliate’ in 2006 – along with a few things like Jim Cockrum and later a UK guy, Lee McIntyre, whose products were really good.

  From 2006 to 2009 I also bought a lot of other stuff that was essentially me doing exactly what you said above – feeling that I had to know every latest trick before I could start trying to make affiliate sales or my own product sales.

  Luckily for me I was learning a LOT about keyword research, SEO, sales funnels, selling tactics and more.

  BUT, I wasn’t doing anything with it.

  I then started to use the knowledge I was learning in my own businesses – and guess what? I had an ecommerce site that was selling a physcial product that had serious benefits from SEO. I ran an afiliate programme – still do. You can see it here – http://www.no1fan.co.uk

  I then also started writing about my main business – a subject that I have 20 years experience in. I started too slow as I still run two real world businesses, but I built a list and became something of an authority.

  All the time I was learning.

  Now I also have a fair few affilaite sites that I built in the last year, which I finally got around to doing. Luckily for me I had learnt that keeping it simple and doing the basics was the way to do it.

  And, THEY WORKED!

  People find the sites, read the quality content and some go off to the affiliate offer and buy. It is like magic.

  I credit you as one of the core people who helped me make it work. Because you always said not to get distracted by shiny new things.

  I was distracted, but that was by my full time businesses.

  I just wish I’d gotten around to it sooner.

  I do now run it like I run my other businesses, but it is easier in every way – if you keep it simple.

  Ian

• 7 Ted // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:27 am

  Chris,
  Thank you so much for such an enlightening post. It really reinforces a powerful message and does so in a clear and positive manor. This is extremely valuable information, and exactly why I anticipate all your communications so eagerly.
  Sadly, I have found myself caught in this same trap from time to time. I really think you nailed it in points 1 and 2 above. I do see a little of myself in there, but thanks to you I’ll be able to re-focus my efforts.
  Thanks again,
  Ted

• 8 Shane // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:29 am

  Really appreciate the time you put into that post! You have a great way with words! I completely agree with everything you have said.

  Making money online for me came down to picking good keywords, creating a site with quality content and the user in mind and then building backlinks.

  Then rinse and repeat. Another formula for success is seeing what people are selling on flippa that’s pulling in $400+ monthly and just replicate their success!

• 9 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:34 am

  @Cheryl #3,

  The conduit method was never a gimmick. That’s just my “coinage” for product-based keywords.

  And that will always, always work because it’s based on the fundamental activity of a customer researching a product prior to purchase.

  That has happened in all forms of commerce since the beginning of commerce itself.

  And I’m inclined to believe it will continue to do so for a long, long time

  Thanks – it’s a valid question.

  -Chris

• 10 Andy // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:36 am

  Hi Chris,
  Just to say thanks for the inspiration over the last year and very well said on this issue.

  I spent so long being bombarded by the latest software or methods from marketers that I couldn’t see the wood from the trees.

  KISS is something I now try and stick to.

  Keep it simple stupid,together with graft, is starting to work…at last.

  Andy

• 11 Gavin // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:37 am

  Hey Chris,

  I think its time you added a new paragraph to confessions and re-release it as “2011 Edition”

  Might help with those refunds

  I would suggest something along the lines of:

  In 2006 Google was a dumb robot that had 200 ranking factors, two of which were actually worth focusing on.

  Content and links.

  In 2011, Google is still a dumb robot that has 200 factors, only 2 of which really count…

  content and links.

  You may also want to add that in 2006 people that were looking on the internet to buy stuff were more likely to buy stuff than people on the internet not looking to buy stuff.

  Perhaps even that when someone types in “buy product x” they are probably thinking about buying product x, and you may want to rank your site promoting product X for the term “buy product x”

  Look mate, no need to pay me for my mad content creation skills, just tweet my name a dozen a times and we’ll call it even, cool?

  Gavin

• 12 Robert // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:37 am

  Hey Chris, Can you expand this quote into a full blog post please with an example.

  “Go to any major affiliate network. Look at the top selling offers. Write down the main keywords pertaining to those markets. Google them.”

  By the way, I agree 100% with your rant. As usual you are very perceptive!

• 13 Matt // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:41 am

  Hey Chris, thanks for some straight out truth about ‘internet marketing’ and marketing in general.

• 14 cif // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:42 am

  Hi Chris, one of the most vicious view to their hoax is seemingly teaching business patterns yet only giving IM tricks. A huge difference in longterm value

• 15 Alex Gray // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:44 am

  So where can I buy the vintage shaving kits? Seems to me this would be a great product to market online. North American market alone would be every male over 18. (130,000,000)

• 16 David Shillito // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:52 am

  Hi Chris – it’s Dave Shillito from UK

  Well articulated mate. Great post.

  One of the giants on who’s shoulders I stand, who has his salesletters online, has banked $80 million.

  Never uses Google.

  Never uses email.

  Less than 60,000 on his UK ONLY list!!!!

  Never uses google – as his target market are un aware of the products he sells before first contact, so they will never search (as they dont know it exists) – making keyword research (with this model) redundant

  Never uses email – as the industry standard open rate is but 16.8% & declining (according to Aweber) – and his model achieves a 100% open rate, making email marketing look sick

  7 years ago, the day I paid him $8000 for one days coaching, (not even 1 on 1) he said “See these IM ‘gurus’ banging on about their Million Dollar businesses – I do that monthly, and pocket 50% of turnover using these OLD SCHOOL methods”

  You couldn’t be more accurate or timely with this excellent post Chris.

  One amongst many ironies: Product launch specialists spend 3 months of 14 hour days putting together their products’ components, putting their marketing & JVs in place, all to launch & to sell a ‘magic button’ product which promises instant returns!

  Yours is one of the VERY few blogs I read. Keep up the valuable output mate

  My regards to you & yours Chris

• 17 mosh // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:57 am

  This is the best blog post i have read in a long time, despite it having nothing to do with a ”strategy”…

  You’re right on, this is not what peepz want to hear, but it’s the truth.

  And although, most know this – it is apparent most of us need this ”wake up call” and need it periodically.

  thanks man

• 18 Bob // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:58 am

  Chris,
  Great post. You must have had a ball writing it. I just have one question. What is Twitter? LOL

  Have to run. I am on my way to the antique shop to get a new space age razor from 1950! Hope I can find one with soap and one of those awesome brushes!

  For the new year? KISS!!!!!!

  Thanks,
  Bob

• 19 chris // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:05 am

  Many thanx Chris —once again you’ve cut the bullshit with your blade!
  It gives me hope that as Newbies we have a basic recipe ,thanks to you, in how to progress in IM.
  Although I only bought Conduit recently, I found quite a lot of value in it(must just do more work in it). Cant understand the “swiping” though.
  I sincerely believe everything you spell out as we see these “secrets” everyday.

• 20 Norman Macey // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:07 am

  Hi Chris,

  Wondered why I had not heard from you in a while.
  Must have taken some time to compile that masterpiece and I agree whith you whole heartedly to the extent that I am going to recomend my list to read your blog in to-days Newsletter.
  Well done Chris
  Regards
  Norman

• 21 paul nicholls blog // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:08 am

  hey chris

  good post, that is the harsh reality of it all as you say. Stick to the fundamentals and rinse and repeat, but so many people get distracted by the shiney things.

  I do think though, that the more experienced someone gets with IM the easier it becomes to unsubscribe from lists, ignore sales letters, and ignore the latest bit of hype and system.

  Ever since i focused on things that work and kept at it i started seeing good results and recently had my first $100 day….. funny thing ey

  anyway always good to vist your blog as you never sugar coat anything

  paul

• 22 Joseph Murray // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:09 am

  Hey Chris! Very well said! I started affiliate marketing full time in 2006; about the same time I gave up shaving. I’ll admit in the beginning I was caught in the ‘latest & greatest’ trap but soon realized I was better off using what I knew had worked last week or last month back then… and now… last year or the year before.

  Thanks for sharing a VERY realistic summary of ‘what works’ and ‘what doesn’t’.

  Joseph

• 23 Sky Caddie Sg 3 Guy // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:10 am

  Terrific Post Chris. Quite eye opening for both newbies and experienced online marketer. Thanks.

• 24 Minisite Designer // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:13 am

  I hear what you’re saying Chris, and I agree wholeheartedly.

  I used to be one of those guys who would buy the ‘latest & greatest’ product that would propel me to super stardom overnight. Then I realized (on my own back in 2005) that the ‘internet goldrush’ still needed the guys who would sell the picks and shovels to the people who were on their way to the proverbial goldmine.

  I knew people would always want nice looking graphics and mini site designs in order to sell their wares. So I set up a little ‘tent’ beside the gold mine and started selling what people wanted.

  It’s been working nicely ever since.

• 25 john online!! // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:16 am

  it all seems so simple!!!

  and when you add that top some work!!!!!!

  you are on a winner

• 26 Salvatore // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:17 am

  You’ve hit the nail on the head as usual Chris.

  I’m becoming a grumpy old man complaining every time I have a shave that the razors are more expensive and worse every time (I don’t shave too often – I cannot afford to lose that much blood every day)

  I keep telling my clients that they need to measure what works for getting SALES – not what gets traffic, opt-ins, “likes”, fans, re-tweets, page rank, google quality score, or any other metric used as a surrogate for campaign success. Although all (or some) of these may well be useful as steps in the marketing funnel to getting the person to buy, and should be measured, without a direct link to sales, they are meaningless distractions.

  Unfortunately, they have often already wasted time and money being distracted away from what their business should be about. I’ll be pointing to your article as another lone voice crying out in the wilderness, and hope you convert them (into paying customers

  Thanks,
  Sal

• 27 Nick Johnson // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:17 am

  Hi Chris,

  Regarding shaving the old fashioned way a tip that I read dated 1946 – a small drop of olive oil rubbed over the shaving area makes the shave a lot smoother and protects the sharpness of the blade. You can buy shaving oils but compare the costs as Chris has done.

  Regarding new methods – “Reward always comes after effort- check the dictionary” I am as guilty as anyone of trying to get a quick fortune, this year I’m going back to the basics and ignoring the hype.

  I think the way to assess any new product is to ask the question – “Would this approach work in the off-line world?” followed by – “Would I buy if I was approached like this?”

  When dealing with prospects you need to remember you are only a click away from oblivion…..

  Looking forward to your email on Monday..

  Regards

  Nick

• 28 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:22 am

  @Minisite #21,

  I can relate to that paradox of “selling to the miners”.

  It’s honestly sometimes kinda weird being an affiliate and an “affiliate teacher” simultaneously.

  This could easily become a standalone business for me and probably generate 7 figs.

  And maybe it will become that.

  But I always feel that “tug” to stay in other markets, remain active, etc.

  If for nothing else – so I can always speak from a position of experience and reality.

  Also, it’s why I really try to keep all my stuff in the realm of the “nitty gritty”. Things like video packs, link-building stuff, etc.

  Picks and shovels – as you put it.

  That’s an honorable thing. Totally different realm in comparison to the “secret” peddlers.

  In my opinion.

  -Chris

• 29 Match Rate Plus // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:22 am

  Wow! Great analogy of the older razor and today’s overpriced less effective shaving devices.

  Internet marketing is going through an evolution that will eliminate many online marketers. Everyday, or week, another 100 blogs and new marketers are building on top of YOUR keywords, yet there only are 10 SERPS per page for each keyword! THINK ABOUT IT!

  I have found and am working smarter with a great cash commission and long-term passive income model that will go on forever. Check it out above as many who do realize a path to financial success!

  Chris, are there more of those old razors available?

• 30 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:27 am

  @Match Rate

  I kind of beg to differ re: evolution.

  Maybe in the really competitive markets, but then it’s always sort of been that way.

  The problem with that sort of thinking is that there’s literally like trillions of profitable keywords – with traffic.

  Lots for the taking, and will be for a long time.

  The web is still the wild west.

  -Chris

• 31 Andres // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:35 am

  Very true, fundamentals don’t change, but it must be pointed out that competition is a lot more sharper now than 2006, so newbies without money don’t stand a chance in making any money fast or somewhat fast.

  Another thing is that in 2,006 there was a lot more advantage to target buyer keywords because few other people were targetting them, but I’m seeing now in some markets that buying keywords are getting “more expensive” to target than other more general keywords, because too much people are taking those for their projects.

  If a keyword converts 10 times better, but it is 20 times more expensive to target, in reality you have a keyword that is half productive for your income levels.

• 32 Stephen // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:36 am

  Hi Chris,

  Great post as usual.

  In some ways internet marketing is similar to weight loss.

  Internet marketing (and many businesses in general) can be simplified, as you say in your post, to simply: selling something to someone looking to buy, by advertising where they are looking.

  Loosing weight can be simplified to simply: burning off more calories through excercise than you are taking in through eating the type of foods that you are.

  In both cases the solutions is as above, but in both cases people are looking for ‘magic bullet’ solutions for a quick and easy cure. And in both cases I am guilt as charged.

  It has took me a long time to realise that the basic fundamental approach is the right way to go. Now I am eating healthier (NOT dieting) and excercising more. In IM terms I am ignoring the latest shiny things and doing some boring old ‘work’.

  I look forward to your next email.

  Kind regards, Steve.

• 33 Piotr Obminski // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:37 am

  It was the wisest thing I read in a very long time! Not only on Internet marketing, but generally.

  (The fact is that my Oswald Spengler’s Magnum Opus somehow disappeared and I haven’t been able to localize it, but still – congrats, it’s really a great text!)

• 34 Piotr Obminski // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:38 am

  As well as the best-written.

• 35 Chris // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:39 am

  Chris,
  I agree with you 100%. I finally got off the shiny object bandwagon and started doing the grunt work to build my affiliate sites. Oddly enough that was exactly when I started making money with those sites. I’m sure some “guru” will try to convince me that it is just a coincidence and that his “new method” will triple my earnings with only 3 mouse clicks.

  Keep kicking these guys where it hurts brother!

• 36 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:39 am

  @ Andre,

  Re: making money fast.

  No newbie ever stood a chance at making money fast or somewhat fast. The times when this happens is called luck.

  Sure, some markets have tightened up a bit. But that’s nothing that isn’t solved by simply trying a bit harder than the competition.

  I’d argue, though, that for every market that “fills up” another 5 open up.

  There will always be new products, new offers and “buyer keywords” that aren’t saturated based on the sheer scale of the search volume.

  -Chris

• 37 Hamant Keval // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:46 am

  Hi Chris

  An incredible post that really hit the nail right on target.
  It’s amazing but I guess there is something pre programmed in us humans to go out and seek the latest and greatest ( at least what we think it will be)

  and no sooner than 5 minutes later we are back at stage 1.

  I think we all go through those stages at some point in time, and those that are just a tiny astute realize the the fallacy of the latest and greatest and get stuck into the simple fundamentals – is what really works.

  Thanks Chris as always – for the great post and a timely reminder in the new year 2011 before all Hell breaks loose with more Millon Dollar launches –

  Hamant

• 38 Steve Sux // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:46 am

  Funny how a “lazy” marketer loves …a simple process……called…WORK.

• 39 Linus Rylander // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:47 am

  Hey Chris.

  Fantastic post, couldn’t have said it better myself.

  Spot on with the “odd facial expression that results from the combination of a slight grin – and a sad, knowing frown.”

  Found myself making that faced just before you described it… hah.

  Cheers,
  Linus

• 40 steve sanger // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:51 am

  I had to laugh reading this as it reminded me of when i used to work in a warehouse.

  One day the cranshaft went on the forklift and the repair man who was an old guy came.

  Because the forklift was so old i thought he would say scrap it, but he didnt.

  Instead he said to make sure we repair the fault cos this old forklift would last forever. But if we brought a new one 2-3 years tops.

  That says everything about modern manufacturing

• 41 Ty Wagner // Jan 16, 2011 at 8:59 am

  This is why I unsubscribed from most “gurus” and stay reading your material Chris. Your advice is great yet simple techniques that will give people huge results. Keep it up man!

• 42 Jonathan Lake // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:02 am

  Hi Chris,

  Cracking post. I always read your posts as I always end up nodding and smiling while I read!!

  You are so spot on as there is so much garbage out there at the moment with no sign of letting up.

  I have been online for over 2 years now and it was only in November 2010 that I finally had a light bulb moment. I decided to STOP chasing the shiny objects and focus whole-heartedly on affiliate marketing of physical products.

  As you rightly say, its the simple stuff that works. I am now growing exponentially and am SOOO excited about 2011 and beyond.

  Keep up the fantastic work.

  Jonathan

• 43 Dieterlee // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:03 am

  Thank you for an eye opening post. I too have to admit I was also hooked on always looking for the “newest and greatest” IM strategies. But I never seened to find one that worked.

  Now I know that I need to get back to basics and continue to do what has worked for me in the past.

  Thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction again!

  Dieterlee

• 44 Jerry // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:08 am

  Loved the post, Chris. Any idea where I can find a safety razor and some blades?

• 45 Hitesh // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:10 am

  You wouldn’t believe how many times in my webinars I get the questions about ‘but what about Twitter? What about Facebook? Doesn’t facebook have more traffic now?”

  I always respond with — when was the last time you went to twitter or facebook to look for a review and/or buy something? even the jokers selling all of their info products are doing it via ‘buyer keywords’ and/or JV partner based email lists.

  Very few people will build any significant number of sites/pages even if you lay it out all for them and automate EVERYTHING. It’s just the sad reality…awesome post

• 46 Jeffrey // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:12 am

  Chris, every week at least one client sends me the link to download, study and implement what some Guru has sold them. Sometimes out of the box it is obvious that it will not work. I think I am going to take the link for this post and send it out to all of my clients. I would really like to save your post in a word document but I am afraid I would have to erase some of the “magic bullets” first to make room. Thanks for the reality check. Cheers

• 47 Shaun Guido // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:40 am

  IM “offers” are generally a too good to be true medium. Just think about it… if you had a loophole or system that was killing it, would you tell everyone about it? And for something as low as $47?

  Uh duh ..

  So keep that in mind, the next time you think “wow that sounds great, I wonder if this is finally what I’ve been waiting for”

  Heed Chris’s advice, you are already smart enough.

• 48 Tweets that mention The “Shaving Conspiracy” and Why This is the Single Biggest Reason Most Affiliates are Going to Fail… -- Topsy.com // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:46 am

  [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jen Sheahan, Pieter du Plessis. Pieter du Plessis said: The “Shaving Conspiracy” and Why This is the Single Biggest Reason Most Affiliates are Going to Fail…: Hey guys,… http://bit.ly/f3dw0T [...]

• 49 Jennifer // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:48 am

  As the old saying goes, “if it sounds too good to be true….”

  I try to avoid these IM offers where they make crazy promises. I guess I’ve just been burned too many times in the past.

• 50 Ellery // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:57 am

  Really thank you for this post Chris.

  I will remember this: Simply stuff works.

• 51 Scott // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:58 am

  Very true, Chris. I sometimes get caught up in this in the video production industry. Everything is constantly changing as far as “resources” are concerned to make better productions, making you feel like you have to have the new version of the software, better camera, etc. …. but then I snap out of it when I see the simplest videos/commercials that could have been done with resources available in the 1980s that are killing it in direct response.

  This post reminds me of something Tony Robbins pointed out from one of his seminars, when he asked the group why they didn’t achieve a certain goal (not just business, anything) and after everyone threw out their excuses he asked the audience what they all had in common… one of the wise answered, “They’re all resources.” …

• 52 maddog53 // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:03 am

  Chris,

  Guilty as charged !! I am one of those you spoke of who are always looking for the next “big thing”, and, in the meantime, not moving my business forward. I purchased and read about the conduit method a few years ago. And, although I thought it made perfect sense, I put it on the back-burner as I continued to pursue the “ultimate ” program. Of course, in my mind anyway, newer just had to be better. Looking back though, having read your blog, I can honestly say that I have been making a tremendous mistake.

  Actually, I came across the conduit method again recently on the Warrior Forum and realized that of all of the programs I have looked at and/or have purchased over the last few years, yours is the most practical and down to earth. There is no fluff … no hype … just good practical teaching of an idea that will work with a little effort. Maybe it’s time to stop spinning my wheels and get to work. Thanks.

  Dave

• 53 Fran // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:05 am

  I just loved your message. I think for me, as a newbie, I just didn’t know what the fundamentals WERE in IM and so I simply deferred to anyone who had anything to say. I’m not afraid of work and am, today, once again inspired by the thought of that “actionable” word. Can’t thank you enough!

• 54 openyoureyes // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:05 am

  Well said Chris.

  This misinformation is going on in every industry, in order to keep people deluded into thinking that they need a solution.

  It is much worse now because of 24 hour news and 24/7 internet. People need to think for themselves now more than ever, instead of relying on the next guru.

  I agree the conduit method will always work, it just common sense.

• 55 Rhonda // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:10 am

  Really enjoyed your post. People always want the easiest, fastest, latest, greatest, “sexiest” things. It seems to be that way in a lot of areas of our culture – so paying for these gimmicks in the internet marketing area is just another extension of this mindset. Good old-fashioned hard work is just too UN-sexy for most people!

• 56 Forex Superstar // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:17 am

  I have been telling people what my dad’s dad’s dad passed down to my dad “Nothing new under the sun”.

  i think most people get caught up in making fast crazy money instead of focusing on steady and growing streams of income

  Thank’s for another great 1 Chris

• 57 Alan // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:21 am

  You know Chris I was thinking about this in a round about kind of way.

  First I always wondered about those razors. I’ve found it to be truly irritating having to purchase razors that are priced ridiculously expensive.

  Honestly I stopped purchasing them at Mach 3 just for the record…. because it’s like why am I going to pay this much for these darn things when I just knew that Gillette is just manipulating me into buying more and more expensive razors. Just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

  Your cost break downs are right on the money however. Its important to remember that at the end of the day with the vast majority of companies that the profit margins is where the rubber hits the road.

  So for Gillette for example way back when decided if we can condition people to use disposables razors and make them more cheaply using cheaper alloys we can sell more of them and more frequently, thus you get disposable razor cartridges.

  Couple that with slick, and constant marketing and you increase the profit margin.

  A company like Gillette can easily calculate the lifetime value of a customer. Knowing darn well that most will just do what everyone else does and get the latest and greatest razor that they come up with.

• 58 mike // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:29 am

  Awesome post. This must be a God send. I’ve been stuggling for some time now and have seen my sites get knocked down from a number two spot that took me a year and a half to build.

  I guess I really did not take care of the customer or the searcher and Google did not like my sites. could be that it had too many links pointing to clickbank.

  what ever the reason, I am upset because I put a lot of work into that site.

  But I have decided to stay out of my emails, and stick to the basis stuff.

  It really suck to see your small income just dry up.

  Thanks Chris for your post. I woke up and there it was. Im burned out, exasted from trying so many different and will stop today. No more bull %$#@ software crap that they are promising instant success or the latest and greatest thing.

  Im DONE!! NO more!

• 59 Larry // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:33 am

  Great Post Again Chris! Could not agree with you more. Marketing for that razor 50 years ago used all the marketing basics we use today, just using a different or multiple mediums to convey the same message.

• 60 David // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:38 am

  Speaking of shaving, you need to check out the products from GreatRazors.com. I’ve been using them for years, and they honestly last 3-4 times longer than store-bought products. I shave every other day, and a single Mach 5 cartridge lasts me a full month. And I use regular bar soap while I’m taking my morning shower.

  As far as the latest “guru” stuff goes, you’re probably right. I have a friend who can’t afford to pay his light bill who got suckered into paying for the latest “franchise” model one guy is promoting. He figured, “Hey, this is gonna pay for itself within a couple of weeks!” Well, he found one hidden cost after another, and so far has spent more than he expected and still cannot promote anything because the vendors he’s required to work with are overwhelmed supporting all of the folks on this particular bandwagon. The guy selling this system makes a couple grand a pop and doesn’t really need to sell anything because the whole deck is stacked in his favor — he’ll make a killing whether you ever make a penny or not. Why do people fall for this crap?

• 61 Dale Martin // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:45 am

  Nice Job Chirs. As alway solid advice. After reading, I’m going to dust off my copy of “Confessions of a Lazy Super-Affiliate” and give it a re-read.

  As I look back, my best performing sites have followed the principles you have outlined in there.

• 62 Matt Ohms // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:10 am

  Damn Chris, does your face grow steel wool? One fusion blase usually lasts me a month or two! But then again, I shave AFTER I shower so my facial hair is much softer

  Anyway, thanks for another great blog post. I always enjoy reading your “in your face” rants

• 63 Paul // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:23 am

  It took me a while to realise but, yes, Google have been around a while and if you want free traffic then you have to be at the top. You can get traffic from areas like web 2.0, articles and so on but if you ain’t on page one then forget it, unless you want to pay!!!

• 64 The Electron Plumber // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:24 am

  Wow, I’m totally going to get a regular old razor now.

  And it’s so true how almost all online marketing “courses” these days are the same way, it’s all misdirection and false excitement to benefit the seller, not the buyer. Yet people keep buying and failing over and over.

• 65 David // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:35 am

  Nice post about the razors.

  There is an old school method of increasing the life of razor blades by orders of a magnitude. It works with both old, and new fangled razors as well. Why does a razor blade get dull ? Not from use, but from moisture. Dry the blades off after each use immediately, and the blades will last much, much longer. How to dry them ? Well, what displaces water the best, is cheap, and has been around ? 90% rubbing alcohol – dry the blade off with a cloth, then douse the blade with a little alcohol. The razor blade manufacturers don’t want you to know this, of course.

  What does this have to do with the shaving analogy ? Even new tools will work better with old tricks like this. I’m sure someone else could extend the analogy further.

  Best…

• 66 Jerry // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:36 am

  Nice dose of ‘reality’ Chris.

  I’m thinking of writing an ebook that will cover 3 things that I find work and work well:
  1. blogging
  2. list building
  3. product creation

  The basics!

  This post, made me determined to complete it!

  And you have given me the way I’ll market it…’my get back to the basics’ and ‘do what has always worked and will continue to work for most anyone who wants to put in a little work online approach’.

  I get emails from about 75 marketers, just to see what their up to. And most are hawking the latest, greatest, can’t miss, the one and only, what you’ve been looking for, this one will put you over the top, etc. etc. etc…ad nauseam!

  I, too get tired of the mile long sales pages, all the pop-ups, pop-unders, popovers…hell…all that pop-up crap! I never click on them (except to get rid of the damn things!)

  Basically, The tactics that some marketers will try, to squeeze in just one more sale, just piss me off!

  That being said, (my own mini-rant;o) the fact of the matter is…these tactics WORK!

  So bottom line…I, too, will have to make use of some of these sales gimmicks, as most marketers will.

  Except for that pop-over stuff…screw them!

  Anyway, a really good, thought provoking post as always Chris, keep them coming!

• 67 Nick Brighton // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:41 am

  Hi Chris,

  What you’re pointing out is – as you know – not just IM related, but the basic model of profit in the world.

  The problem is, most companies are based around products that could be sold once and be done with it.

  But – as you pointed out – they don’t create the perfect product because there’s no profit in happy customers and solved problems.

  It’s why diet solutions don’t solve the underlying issues.

  It’s why kitchen equipment breaks after a year.

  It’s why your clothes don’t sustain more than three washes.

  It’s a perfect business model:

  Create a product at low cost, to increase profits. If it breaks quickly as a result, then not to worry, because we’ll release a new one next year anyway.

  So the problem is, how do we avoid becoming the company with this ethos?

  My suggestions would be…

  1. Create products/services that have a built in need for recurring payments.

  Think of the real money making businesses in this world. Banks, insurance, utilities, food etc. These are the companies that can continue to take your money, regularly, without having to feed you bullshit about the “why.”

  2. Focus on products/markets where the value is not associated with the singular product itself.

  Things like insurance, self improvement, hobbies… things where people can continue paying for products because there is a genuine need and end result.

  Although, having said that, many of these markets exploit the “build shit, often” philosophy, but that’s a choice.

  Bottom line is… some markets have a final solution that could be sold from day one (like the IM market) and be done with it.

  Other markets have a genuine need for repeat payments/products.

  The question is, which one do you want to operate in?

• 68 Mike // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:45 am

  Great analogy with the razor blade but speaking as one of your older readers, I can tell you that the newer blades may be built to dull quicker but they definitely don’t cut your face nearly as much as the old blades. It used to be very common to see guys come into work in the morning with patches of toilet paper on their cheeks and chins.

  Nevertheless, your post is spot on! Maybe the old razors just took more WORK to get a good shave.

• 69 Sunganani // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:49 am

  I agree. Simple does the trick. Took me three years to come to that realization.

• 70 Terry // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:53 am

  Chris,

  I own every one of your products and I printed them all out, three hole punched them and they lie on my coffee table, marked up with stikey notes on them — and I reference them almost every day.

  Don’t think I’m kidding you when I say; I’ve purchased almost every IM product on the market; yet printed out only a hand full – and non reside on my coffee table like yours.

  It’s really the link building that has held me back however lately I’ve found that solution and my sites are ranking very well – looking forward to your backlink info tomorrow.

• 71 Scott Soloff // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:57 am

  Chris,

  As always, thank you. There are two guys that keep me on the straight and narrow-you’re one of them.

  I wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

  Please, keep up the good work.

  Best,

  Scott

• 72 Zack // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:03 pm

  Your 2011 update should be I looked over the information and it works better than ever.

• 73 Tony // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:05 pm

  Hi Chris

  Great forthright post of truthfulness, as usual.

  I was having a conversation this morning with a friend of mine when he said “The Internet is changing for people trying to sell on it isn’t it?” My reply was “No it it’s not. Only the perception is changing and it’s a smoke screen. What worked five years ago still works best now.” Funny that in the afternoon I read this post saying more or less the same thing.

  Your analogy about shaving is also true in another way. A way which applies to many products, including aircraft jet engines and Aston Martin cars. The manufacturers make nothing, or even a loss, on the basic product. The money is made in the maintaining of those products. You have to keep buying blades for razors. The IM marketing guys sell you the myth of having to maintain your ‘edge’ by buying their latest product.

  There are two other things to take into consideration when selling on the Net.

  The first one is that you are selling to a parade not to a crowd. If you were selling to a crowd once everyone has bought what you are selling you are out of business. The human chain of buyers never ends. You are selling to this parade, or chain, as they pass your offer. Their needs, or rather their wants, change occasionally so you must adapt a bit now and again but that’s all. This is why some sites can be built and left to work for years.

  The second thing is the ratio of buyers to sellers. I don’t think it’s changed that much since I first got on line 13 years ago. I don’t know even the approximate figures but using some made up ones I’ll try to explain what I mean.

  Let us say that years ago there were one million Internet users that would buy online. There were only about 10% of that number set up to be able sell on line. It was hard to do in those days.

  Today there may be a billion users of the Internet. Still only 10% of that number may be actually selling online. I appreciate that’s now millions creating a lot of sites so it may look very busy. However, in terms of sellers to buyers it’s still not overcrowded.

  If you think my figures are way out go and ask 100 people in the street if they have they have ever bought or sold something on the Internet other than at an auction site. Depending where you are when you ask I’ll bet you will be lucky to find one in one hundred that are selling anything on line but quite a few that will have bought.

  I now ignore any offers that do not apply to my chosen plan. I will buy automation tools or ideas that will support my plan but ‘shiny objects’ no longer shine for me. I am looking forward to tomorrows post though Chris as I do incorporate a few ideas that came from you. The Conduit Method is one of them.

  Thanks again

  Tony

• 74 Andrew Sikorski // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:08 pm

  I’m very impressed with your synopsis. All I’ve been doing for the last two and a half years is spending huge amounts of money with little results. Sure I get a sale here and there but they are few and far between. Honestly, I could use your help. Until tomorrow,

  Andrew Sikorski

• 75 Jim Lorenzo // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:11 pm

  Oh man… you nailed it!!!!!

• 76 Today’s Headlines | Imraker.com // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:24 pm

  [...] last one came from Chris Rempel’s blog. This was written by Brad Sherwood. Posted on Monday, December 20, 2010, at 7:45 pm. Filed under [...]

• 77 Damien Penn // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:27 pm

  Yes, I fell for the newcomers.

  I too, came to this realization after a few years
  of buying into the bullcrop.

  ANd since then, for the past few years i keep receiving those well written and enticing salesletters in increasing numbers – and each and every time I have a quick thought for all the newbies that will fall prey to their crap.

  …and it genuinely make me feel sad for their.
  Sad for the time and money they’ll waste.
  For the time wasted in particular, because time is the one thing we never get back.

  Damien Penn

• 78 Will // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:30 pm

  I enjoyed reading this post, for the insights into marketing as well as the writing itself. You definitely have a way with words. On a side note, as I read through the comments I couldn’t help but notice how many of your readers were interested in buying old razors!
  Thanks for the reminder of what works.

• 79 Dr. Michael Quadlander // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:35 pm

  Great post Chris,

  I also use a simple razor. Works for me…

  But I do like to have the Victoria Secret models around while I do shave !

  Oh well, back to reality…

  Had to copy/paste your lonnngggg post
  into my Speed Text Reader and set it
  to 2.5x speed to get through it !

  Unfortunately, I don’t think most readers
  will take the time to read the whole thing,
  and learn the important lessons you highlighted.

  That’s why Speed Reader software and
  Speed Video Viewing software is so
  important to use.

  I would not have “read” your entire post
  in the traditional sense…

  The speed-reader allowed me to read and
  HEAR your message (an extra benefit
  in itself) , and in only 20% of the time
  it would have taken me to actually read it !

  I used the saved time to be able to write you
  this long post myself…

  I use both Free and Paid software versions
  for reading and viewing longer pieces of
  online content.

  Of course , you can slow things down as well
  with the softwares.

  This comes in handy when viewing the latest
  big guru sales launch video.

  It really dulls the hyped up Excitement and
  fake Urgency of their latest Whiz-Bang offer.

  They sound and look drunk at one-third speed.

  Really funny to watch / hear about 60 seconds worth. Try it when you want a good laugh !

  The joint effort John Reese, Frank Kern, Tony Robbins launch videos from about 2 years ago were hysterical at slow speed.

  Reese’s little boy look of awe being in the hotel
  room of the legendary Robbins was priceless !

  I have personally met these 3 guys, and have
  a lot of respect for them…

  But I like to poke a little fun, too…

  Okay Chris… I have purchased some of
  your offers in the past.

  If I recall, I purchased a Special Offer from
  you back in 2006 where you offered every future product you would create for a large lump sum payment up-front !

  I think I might look up the purchase details
  and read the fine print…

  But just the 6 or 7 products that came with
  your original lifetime offer was well worth
  the price !

  So I think I got my money’s worth…

  Anyway, this post got way too long.

  Chris, come visit me at
  InternetMarketingAdvancedTraining.com

  I posted some plain vanilla outside content
  on it to get some ranking, traffic, and SEO love.

  But from January 14, 2011 ALL the posts
  are mine, starting with the FreeMind Training
  Video…

  ALL good, original Internet Marketing stuff
  from here on out.

  I will be making some of these posts private in a
  membership area in the near future, but for
  now they can be freely accessed by anyone.

  Chris, thanks again for your stellar post above!

  Your friend in Texas,
  Dr. Michael Quadlander
  ______________________________

  P.S. Had my first $10,000 plus month
  from my Online Income, and the month
  is only half done !

  I think I will surpass my chirpractic doctor’s
  offline income for the first time this year.

  I hope the 2011 year is your best and most
  fulfilling as well, and to all your loyal readers…
  _______________________________

• 80 Terry // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:44 pm

  Hi Chris,

  Really enjoyed another “Fantastic” post. A great read to start off the day and 2011. I look forward to all of your quality posting.

• 81 Shirley // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:51 pm

  Hi Chris,
  This is my first time ever on your blog…I’m happy I found you..this post was so right on…even though I’m a newbie…I quickly realized what a scam with all of the “New This And That” I always find it funny that with almost every new “thingamaging” the stuff the new software they want to charge you for…can be done without buying the software! It simply requires a few extra steps…but you can do most of it for free…but at the end of the day…they sell because people want a “quick fix” Anyway you have a new fan…Thank YOU!

• 82 Paulette Quann // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:51 pm

  THANK TOU GOD! This is so refreshing! I simply can’t believe the amount of snake oil sales people are out there! It’s becoming a flashy zoo~It’s disgusting really. I find myself referring to some IM guru’s as “whores” . It’s nice to read info about simpy getting back to the basics. Thank You. Looking forward to tomorrow’s email.

• 83 Cathy // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:51 pm

  I’m with you EXCEPT Google does change things quite a bit. And there are a lot of things that worked in 2006 that will not work now.

  Sure a lot of the basics are still there but things do need to be updated as the search engines change their algorythyms.

• 84 Christian // Jan 16, 2011 at 12:53 pm

  This year I had quit my job, and I’m going to build an internet business doing the basics.

  First I’m selling my article writing skills (these are my bread and butter) secondly I’ll be investing in building sites and taking them to the first page on google.

  That’s it! Thanks for this post, it just confirmed that I’m in the right path.

• 85 Jason Parker // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:01 pm

  AWESOME post Chris.

  I can tell you put a lot of thought, time, and energy into this on.

  Much appreciated.

  The aversion to simplicity and what has already been proven to work is dead on…

  It’s like you have to fight against your own human nature to have a successful business.

• 86 Thomas Ingram // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:01 pm

  Great post Chris. At first I thought you meant the other kind of “shaving” in affiliate marketing. It’s true that the fundamentals will always work for you.

  Most courses do a great job explaining the basics but they rarely show you comprehensive examples of campaigns that worked.

  It’s all the difference between reading a guide about a sport and seeing a professional gamesmen in action.

• 87 Dr. Michael Quadlander // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:06 pm

  Oops… looks like I mis-spelled chiropractic in my post above ! :-0

  Three Hail-Mary’s ought to take care of that
  egregious transgression…

  Dr. Q…

• 88 Cheryl C. Cigan // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:10 pm

  Hi Chris!

  I love the perspective you’ve shared in this post.

  Especially the Gillette razors blades. This is a great business model I read about years ago and often think of when I observe different market offerings and other consumer products.

  The Gillette “take away” includes this: he was advised to invent something people use and throw away, i.e., disposable and in need of repetitive replacement (Warren Buffet looks for similar companies to invest in).

  It took Gillette many years to perfect his invention. It was his second great idea which propelled him into “Millionaire” status – and that was when he came up with the idea to give away the actual razor and that drove men to the stores to buy the disposable-replaceable blades.

  Brilliant strategy. You see it repeated throughout the IM space as well. Give away or price very low the core product or structure, but sell the modules needed and incremental wisdom points to make the whole thing work.

  Think of refillable items – both tangible and the intangible.

  Walk through your life and look at how many items are in your home or office which hold or contain things which need constant refilling – printers and ink cartridges, trash cans and trash bags, paper towel holders and paper towels…. I could go on but I think you get the idea.

  Is Hewlett-Packard really in the printer or ink business?

  Another observation I’ve made about the IM space is how the market is being flooded by enthusiastic individuals with no business or marketing experience who are hopeful their mine will contain “the” vein of gold. Unfortunately we’ve all experienced the “dig a little deeper until you find it” mindset.

  So yes, it is the fundamentals which make the difference. Look behind the curtain of any guru and discover who taught them. We all had to learn from somebody. Then look behind those curtains, and keep taking those steps back to discover the core teachings. I bet you’ll find they’ll have their roots in the likes of the old time direct marketing pioneers – they are the legends.

  Don’t you think though that as a society we have been socialized into the “quick and easy solutions” and have lost the foundational lessons along the way which make quick and easy possible?

  Chris, your teachings are sound. I love your products because they match the logic of the ‘old timers.’

  Content and links.

  Simple.

  Targeted simplicity. It’s all about the words and the solution your product solves for them right then and there. I don’t care how many guys you can drive to a site selling long term safety and security products when they’re looking for steel belted radial tires. They’re going to go right by your message.

  Keep the “Good Stuff” coming Chris. I appreciate your perspectives.

  Cheryl C. Cigan

• 89 Jon // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:12 pm

  For those who wonder if the Conduit Method is out-dated, I can say I started using it last year and now it’s my central strategy. Within less than a year I’ve started earning 4 figures per month and climbing.

  I use the Conduit Method approach and tweak it depending on the niche. The key is writing great, informative content that targets buyers. Then syndicate the content to drive traffic to key selling pages. It works like a charm. More targeted eyes reading my content = more money.

  Chris, I think your point about people enjoying the thrill of the “NEW” is right on. I’ve been guilty of it … a lot. The thrill and hope of a new approach. “This is the magic bullet” I’d think. Yet, then failing to roll up my sleeves and do the work. Since I’ve dug in and produced targeted and informative content on my key sites (hundreds of pages each – I like big sites), I make money.

  The Conduit Method was the best IM product money I’ve ever spent (and probably the least amount of money I’ve ever spent on an IM product). It’s old-school but it works incredibly well. I’m not paid to praise the Conduit Method. This is genuine.

  Chris, I hope you keep the Conduit Method priced as low as it is so many other people can benefit as I have.

  I think this post is exactly what the doctor ordered. We fear we’re always behind the 8-ball, when we’re not. Most know exactly what to do – but for the reasons you set out, we don’t do it. Thanks for the info.

• 90 Jake // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:20 pm

  Speaking of marketing lies, whatever happened to your “lifetime” VIP club? Last release was what, a few YEARS ago. Moved on to something “new” did you? Forget about previous commitments. You seem to be a part of that conspiracy.

• 91 Ian Roche // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:23 pm

  At Last! someone who is prepared to call bullshit bullshit…none of this namby pamby B…S. I’m new and yes I have just read all your stuff, so the old cerebral area is reeling and I am kicking myself for all the bloody money I have wasted on bullshit…blunt razors.
  Good one Chris

• 92 Howard // Jan 16, 2011 at 1:51 pm

  Amen…

• 93 Abu // Jan 16, 2011 at 2:33 pm

  Re@ Funny how a “lazy” marketer loves …a simple process……called…WORK http://twitter.com/Abu_So

• 94 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 2:41 pm

  Actually Jake, the next VIP release is in Feb.

  And all the others in the past I’ve produced have been delivered as promised.

  Considering the entry ticket was $47 and the current retail of all current VIP prods is something like $250 including upsells – not to mention all of the comps and exclusives I’ve done for the list over the years…

  I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

  The next report is on blackhat linking, specifically on what I use that works.

  If you’d rather not receive it, let me know and I’ll take you off the list.

  Chris

• 95 Steve // Jan 16, 2011 at 2:45 pm

  An excellent article!

  I find it interesting though that I use one of those “cartridge” razors and have done for years, but I get 4 – 5 WEEKS out of a cartridge!! (Even though I have tougher than average whiskers)

  That’s because, years ago, I discovered quite by accident (when I ran out of my usual shaving cream) that if I used my body wash instead, I got a much closer, more comfortable shave!

  I decided to keep on using it and forget about buying their expensive shaving cream. Suddenly, my blade life went from 4-5 days to 4-5 weeks.

  The only explanation I can come up with is this:

  I willing to bet that the manufacturers are putting a subtle abrasive in the shave cream that you can’t feel on your skin, but it’s designed to dull your razor.

  That way, you can test the steel in their razor cartridges all you want, and you still won’t catch them at it.

  If you’re still using a cartridge razor, try it and see if I’m right! Would love to hear any feedback.

• 96 Adam // Jan 16, 2011 at 2:49 pm

  Nice post Chris!

  It has taken me 14 years to start making money fast!

  -Adam

• 97 Almin // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:09 pm

  Chris,

  Your post is very sofisticated and beuatiful,
  but I’m mostly interested in those PR5+
  backlinks from your P.S.

  Please send two emails to me tomorrow

• 98 Peter Rose // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:13 pm

  Probably one of the best pieces of home truths I have read in a long time, eloquently written I may say.

  Incidentally Chris have you tried Braun electric shavers (made in Germany) they are wonderful
  and mine is over twenty years old and far better then the new ones according to my shaver repair shop.

  Look forward to your email tomorrow.

  Peter

• 99 Gus @ Curing Eczema // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:14 pm

  I had a sort of epiphany these holidays that was quite related to this post. Instead of buying any new IM products I’m going to focus on just a bare handful of my affiliate sites this year. I intend to keep building links to them every single week by article writing, blog commenting, forum links, guest posts and a few other methods that I’ve known about all along. The difference is that I now will apply this religiously, just plugging along until I get on the first page of Google for my buying keywords.

• 100 Kal // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:16 pm

  Hey Chris,

  Upset about something?
  Keep up the good work. The internet is evolving and the crap falling by the wayside. Even though this is the wild west in it’s infancy, it’s taken 3 years for me to get my feet wet.

  Frankly I don’t trust internet marketers because the technique is always about conversions instead of quality. Multi-level marketers, real estate agents, insurance agents, peddlers and vacuum cleaner sales people for the most part have the same cunning mentality because of the all or nothing greed syndrome.

  Your rant was a good start to the year. I hope you follow through, tons of folks need help out there!

• 101 Agarta // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:28 pm

  A few years ago I was working a J*B (sorry for my language there) and we had a temp start working one day. At lunch he revealed that he was on strike at another company. One of his complaints was that they had to work on a machine that was made in 1905! I asked him how often the machine was down and his reply was “never”.
  The Idea back then was to build things that last. This was the idea for customer satisfaction. It was never the idea to make it pretty or fashionable, just simply dependable.
  People are still looking for this today even though they are not consciously aware of it.
  Since then, I have always kept that in mind. Give the people what they want from a core perspective and you are gold! Now I’m not saying not to make it pretty but it must have the core principal of dependability. Just like your email program, when you click “send”, what do you expect it to do?
  It really is about the core fundamentals. Thanks for posting this reminder and have a great day.

• 102 Wealthy Affiliate Review Bonus // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:29 pm

  Chris

  great like all your other posts

  I purchased almost all of your products due to the reasons that those are with the “feed on the ground”.

  My dad’s car broke less, my old TV lasted longer then the plasmas, even food tasted better in the past before genetic modification to make vegetables look nicer and bigger.

  So to stick to what works is always a go, but newbies are not aware what are the principals and get into the guru’s trap, to get milked for the latest and newest gimmiks.

  Sad, but part of the game.

  Your always on my top IM list man as you hardly change course with what you deliver (was once affraid when you co-launched the Loophole, but you go tback to the roots .

  G.

• 103 Anthony // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:50 pm

  Chris, I figured out the disposable razor stuff a long time ago — that’s why I went electric
  PS. good post! Have a great NY.

• 104 Lunatic Fringe // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:55 pm

  Refreshingly real.
  Never let commonly held beliefs get in the way of the facts right in font of your face!

  Thanks Chris.

• 105 Randy // Jan 16, 2011 at 4:12 pm

  Excellent posting.

  I was definitely the guy that used to buy all the different up to date products and then realized that there were a few things in common with all of them, that being the essentials.

  I am also thinking of trying out your razor idea haha I hate paying all that money especially when you shave every day.

• 106 Jake // Jan 16, 2011 at 4:15 pm

  Not to worry, Chris. I pulled the plug myself after the MSN Loophole fiasco with what’s-his-name. Cheers.
  

• 107 Glenn // Jan 16, 2011 at 4:24 pm

  Hey Chris:

  Brilliant use of the razor analogy to the current state of IM.

  As usual, it was entertaining and yet full of value.

  Appreciate your knowledge and honesty.

  Thanks,

  Glenn

  P.S. Even those Fusion Razor multi-packs you buy from Costco don’t last long … and they’re expensive to boot!

• 108 Jim James // Jan 16, 2011 at 4:50 pm

  Chris,
  I think you showed a good deal of restraint in not outing ‘The Syndicate’ in your post.
  (Although you may have done so previously; I haven’t kept up with your blog lately.)
  Learning about that will cure anyone of chasing the latest guru-boohoo launch, PERMANENTLY.
  (A little droid told me…)

• 109 Adan // Jan 16, 2011 at 5:06 pm

  Wow!! This is by far the most on-target post I’ve read in a very long time!!

  Last month I went through and removed myself from the email lists of nearly every internet marketer except for you, Travis Sago (Bum Marketer), and Frank Kern.

  Every other marketer seems to care more about selling than actually providing good contact or providing information about products that are actually any good.

  I’ve enjoyed your products and I enjoy your posts because of the fundamental ingredient called quality. You are a truly outstanding guy. Keep up the great work!

  Adan

• 110 The Mad Scientist // Jan 16, 2011 at 5:23 pm

  What a great read Chris, I have found similar responses that you found from the lady who didn’t like the publish date.

  Some LLCM buyers complained that they did not expect that learning and work was involved with implementing the information in the program.

  The facts are simple we all have to work – it is just a matter of whether you are going to work hard or work smart.

  Your practices still work today as well as they did back in 2006.

  Keep up the good work…

  P.S. Wait to you see the new #$%^& I have been working on dude it is so simple yet so effective.

• 111 Allen Sayer // Jan 16, 2011 at 5:29 pm

  Cool post to start the New Year with … good reminder not to get caught up in the herd.

  Makes me think of all those product reviews that say “Same old re-hashed stuff and nothing new” as a negative when it might actually be a benefit – reminding people of the fundamentals.

  Thanks

• 112 Trevor // Jan 16, 2011 at 5:59 pm

  Dear Chris,

  I respectfully disagree with you, and here’s why.

  The web is changing very fast in terms of paid traffic and social media marketing. But organic traffic has remained relatively the same in terms of generating sustainable results. You specialize in organic/seo traffic, so you personally feel that nothing “new” is deserving of attention because there is nothing new in terms of organic marketing, which is your specialty.

  If your readers all decided to take the route you have (generating sales through organic marketing) they most likely wont have to keep themselves as updated with the latest online marketing channels/methods as those marketers who are utilizing social media to sell boat loads of products and make money much faster.

  You seem to think that the whole online marketing world revolves around SEO and “the basics.” In reality, there are hundreds of companies that rely completely on social media that are generating millions of dollars per month using solely NEW technologies. These companies are using what’s NEW and they are making millions.

  The big money online is in creating web properties/applications that people use and share with others. The slow consistent (tortoise money) is in building content sites and links and waiting for sales.

• 113 admin // Jan 16, 2011 at 6:10 pm

  Trevor – how’s that working for you?

• 114 ElizabethAdamsDirect // Jan 16, 2011 at 6:38 pm

  How to Keep Your Razor Blades Sharp …

  •> use baby oil …

  exposure to air causes corrosion of blades …

  storing razor/blade in container filled with baby oil prevents corrosion …

  it will stay sharp for at least a year …

  my husband is into his 18th month with a Mach cartridge …

  has saved huge money !!!

  plus gets great shaves !!!

  Enjoy !!!

  P.S.

  Razor-blade cartridges are the most-shoplifted item in the world …

  “… the ability to move products online has made felony theft more popular.”

  http://bit.ly/cYfGC6

  

• 115 Tim Warren // Jan 16, 2011 at 6:57 pm

  Great post Chris and “dead on”, but how in the hell did you find out about the ancient Sumerian Annunaki aliens working with Obama and his new world order run by illuminati reptilians?

  P.S. I’m headed to Craigslist to find me a vintage razor… Screw Gillette (hey there may be a product here).

• 116 Dirk // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:12 pm

  The biggest reason I am failing (in my mind) as an affiliate marketer is I have not implemented consistently and been focused on what I should be doing during the limited time I have to do those things. (ring a bell readers?)

  I have spread myself too thin. Too many different directions. *

  It’s not that I don’t know how to do it and it’s not that I don’t spend time doing it.

  I am the reason I am not where I should be with affiliate commissions etc.

  Chris,

  I really enjoyed this post. This morning I opened up another 6 pack of Mach111 blades.

  Got to love those membership programs.

• 117 Rich // Jan 16, 2011 at 7:50 pm

  Chris, Thanks for the well thought out post. I have been having this conversation with another Internet Marketer. We are concentrating on what works and staying away from the shiny baubles that the Carny Barkers are trying to feed us.

  If I could make $7,482.46 per day from just 3 clicks, Why would I sell it to everyone else?

  P. S. I just went away from the expensive razor blades a month ago (another blinding insight)!

• 118 Billy // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:08 pm

  LOVE this post!

  Chris, you are on a ve-e-ry short list of marketers that I follow very closely. Just wanted to thank you for the practical information.

  Thank you also for the great recon on shaving. I’ve long been fascinated by absurd evolution of the the shaving industry and I will try a vintage system myself.

• 119 Mainos Toimisto // Jan 16, 2011 at 9:25 pm

  straightrazors.info is still available ($2.34 avg. CPC).

• 120 Phil // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:24 pm

  hey chris.

  as usual, you speaketh the truth…

  thank you SOOOO much for your rants. i love them. even though anyone following you for a while *knows* these fundamental home truths, it is so POWERFUL to be reminded…thanks for your clarity on the conduit method and it’s continuing (and probable forever) relevance in approach…

  it is too easy to allow *brain-daze* to set in if one falls for all the BS out there…

  thx again,

  phil

• 121 Phil // Jan 16, 2011 at 10:27 pm

  i have decided to now grow a beard.

  maybe sporting a beard could be our *secret code* that we are indeed, the successful internet marketers all following chris rempel…

  there’s a thought.

• 122 Hayley // Jan 16, 2011 at 11:03 pm

  Well. You hit the nail on the head. I’ve tuned out of all the “gurus” and the Warrior Forum (it’s turned into a bit of a mess in my opinion) and all the hype.

  The ONE thing that turned me into a full time affiliate was the same program that the lady was complaining about.

  That’s all I’m gonna say about THAT.

  Thanks Chris. I owe you big time.

• 123 ElizabethAdamsDirect // Jan 17, 2011 at 12:49 am

  Source of Quality Shaving Products and Accessories …

  http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/

  traditional safety razors

  platinum blades

  nice

  

  .

• 124 Dr.Mani // Jan 17, 2011 at 1:34 am

  Interesting. I still use one of those “vintage razors”

  Does that make me ‘old school’?

  Is that why my affiliate marketing works?

  

  All success
  Dr.Mani

• 125 Nic // Jan 17, 2011 at 2:02 am

  Speaking of “ancient technology”, the concept of SPLIT-TESTING in advertising was written about in 1923 by Claude Hopkins in “Scientific Advertising”.

  Do you think that strategy still works?

  BTW, anyone can download “Scientific Advertising” for free online in a gajillion places.

• 126 Greg Gillespie // Jan 17, 2011 at 6:17 am

  Solid advice as usual.

  I love the last tip you gave re:Elite Niche Research
  (about a few weeks ago) – got it – acted on it and sending my offer pages up the charts x 2 right now.

  Long way to the top but worth it when you get there. Yep work – hard work and staying focused and not running after the next shinny object.

  That is fantastic source for the first part of the equation: Offers – and where to find the good ones.

  Now for part 2 of the equation: Traffic – looking forward to some decent PR5 site links – so powerful.

  Greg

• 127 Pat // Jan 17, 2011 at 8:18 am

  OK, so I had a look at “Content Links” as per your email from earlier today

  Just Curious, what is your take on the importance of relevance… cause even though these links are PR5, they have NO relevance

  From all the testing I’ve done throughout my 10 years as an affiliate marketer, I would say that a relevant PR 2-3 is more powerful than a non relevat PR5

  Also, lets not forget dilution… how many links will be on those pages?

  For 250.00 per link, I ‘d rather build my own… and trust me, it would not take me more than a day to find five of them (a value of $1250.00) according to their service.

• 128 David Elmes // Jan 17, 2011 at 9:41 am

  God i love your straightalking Chris

• 129 Kal // Jan 17, 2011 at 12:15 pm

  Hey Chris,

  Somebody mentioned making millions on social networking and web 2.0 properties.

  That’s for the hare and the tortoise because it’s changing all the time and quite frankly that’s a lot of work just to keep up!

  Kal
  PS. I have a dotcom that needs your input or advice how can I get in touch? (hint…It’s directory related)

• 130 Kal // Jan 17, 2011 at 12:16 pm

  I meant;

  For the Hare and NOT the tortoise!

  Kal

• 131 ThinkPadGuy // Jan 17, 2011 at 12:26 pm

  Chris, the article is superb, and so very well written! A couple of comments.

  1) First off I am going to buy a vintage razor!

  2) vintagerazor.com is taken but there are lots of variations available. Who is going to be the first to set up an ecommerce site to take this market?

  3) The encapsulation of this is so very simple. Traffic with High Commercial Intent and a site that delivers the goods.

  We have been following these principles (with a few distractions on the way), and the more we concentrate on the simple basics of of high OCI keywords, anchor text and backlinks, the better we do.

  We have gone from $290,000 in sales in 2008 to over $5 million last year, and we should hit $8 mill this year. Without the distraction, in other words chasing all the latest ‘crap’ we would have done better!

  And let me just say this. It actually isn’t difficult. They told us we had ‘no chance’ of ranking for the keywords that we do across various sites and markets. Thats Bull*** and also a conspiracy and a smoke screen.

  You keep at it, keep at the basics, and you can establish a worth while and financially rewarding presence in any market.

  Thanks again Chris for keeping things real!

  Ian Orford – CEO, Netprofits LLC

• 132 Ziah // Jan 17, 2011 at 3:32 pm

  Thanks for this….really inspirational. I’ve been down on my luck, but just not applying myself. It’s back to the basics…it would have been easier for me to just quit a week ago….but I just don’t have a quitter in me. If I learned anything last year, it’s that I’m over-analyzing everything and making it harder than it really is.

  And so on…starting from the basics and staying away from the gimmicks. I hope this will be my year finally…I have to believe it will be.

• 133 Antonio // Jan 17, 2011 at 4:08 pm

  Chris,

  It’s funny, I just signed up as a affiliate with your “instant commission” via paypal products yesterday!

  I couldn’t said this better. This is a post that our entire industry should read, and bookmark, re-visiting over 2011.

  Thanks for the Post Chris!

  Antonio Easter – CEO J. Gahas INC.

• 134 Mannen Ondergoed // Jan 17, 2011 at 4:47 pm

  This is one of the best things i read about internet marketing the last 3 years. Back to basics.

• 135 Cy // Jan 17, 2011 at 5:42 pm

  This is a odd post, just yesterday I was cleaning up some boxes left over from an estate and found a old time razor and we got mentioning your analogy with the razors.

  How increasingly they are getting more and more razors to the point it is looking like a Cheese Grader razor from Mad TV.

  A great read! Thank you.

• 136 Tom // Jan 17, 2011 at 6:17 pm

  Chris!

  What a post, and on the same day I blogged about the same things (see my link), basically saying the same things but not with your style.

  My post is about applying the basics with consistence to get results, and guess what are the types of websites I build! The ones described in The Conduit Method.

  In fact in several of my posts I mentioned your work and logic: you created the Conduit Method, detailed in Confessions, then created VIP essentials that are the html, XSP and WordPress templates for conduit sites, and then Affiliate Genie, a script to build Conduit sites.

  I build conduit sites consistently, build backlinks to them, target buying keywords, have a featured offer above the fold on all my pages.

  One of the “new” model of SEO I’ve seen is linkwheels. So many eBooks have been created to tell us that backlinks from authority websites will get you better rankings. Can you believe it!? And the more you do, the better your rankings!

  Incredible, that’s so “new” SEO…

  I just wanted to say thanks.

  You are a true authority.

  But you forgot something: your affiliate link to that shaving kit!

• 137 David // Jan 17, 2011 at 6:33 pm

  This just came out…It’s a solution that extends the life of your razor blades so they last 10x longer.

  Supposedly prevents oxidation which dulls the blade:
  http://www.razor-rack.com/

  Thought this might be helpful…since we are talking about shaving…

• 138 Syed Akram // Jan 17, 2011 at 11:16 pm

  There are no short cut to do online business. It only how it can be be done faster…in this case you must invest, I mean you need money. Love your post.

• 139 Mark Andrews IMCopywriting // Jan 18, 2011 at 12:01 am

  Bang on the money Chris.

  What more can I say?

  A beautiful close shave illustration, probably too close to the truth for some.

  Keep up the good work, this was a fantastic post!

  Best regards,

  Mark Andrews

• 140 Grateful Al // Jan 18, 2011 at 3:05 am

  Have to laugh at all the old-time names of some of those posting comments. They used to market it as “make a bunch of Spam Comments using your Keywords as your ‘Name’ on popular blogs and watch your traffic soar!”

  Speaking of marketing. One of the most popular stories is the phrase, “wash, rinse and repeat.” Those two words added increased hair shampoo sales. Right, almost two-fold.

  I might suggest some oldies but goodies like the works from W. Clement Stone or Claude Hopkins to dig out some gems of wisdom.

• 141 Bill Davis // Jan 18, 2011 at 3:48 am

  I’ve written about this before, too, Chris. Your analogy with the razor blade company is well-considered.

  I liken it to fishing lures (they catch fishermen, not fish). Any old thing (especially REAL food that fish eat) will catch fish, but only “bright shiny objects” catch fishermen.

  When your brain is only the size of a fingernail, only primal instincts rule. Draw your own conclusions about whether I’m talking about fish or newbie internet marketers.

• 142 Andy // Jan 18, 2011 at 3:56 am

  Right on the nail… Tweeting is for the little birdies out in the garden!

  Thanks for a great post,

  Andy

• 143 Online Marketing is Hard Work that makes You Rich | waveCommerce UG // Jan 18, 2011 at 4:00 am

  [...] So what made me write this post was actually reading this fantastic blogpost by Chris Rempel. [...]

• 144 Alex // Jan 18, 2011 at 6:54 am

  a real knock out of a post Chris. The other simple example that I thought of while reading your post was printers and print cartridges.

  I totally agree about I.M. being about the basics – a good offer and then hard work building links to it.

  All The Best

  alex

• 145 steve // Jan 18, 2011 at 8:10 am

  Hi Chris

  You have made some good points here but it also hides another truth.

  In any debt based economy there is huge pressure for businesses, business owners, sales people and marketers to extract the maximum profit.

  We can skirt around this as much as we like but the truth is simple.

  A debt based economy is not designed to provide the best products or services because to do so will reduce a businesses profitability.

  There are only two profit centres for any business – One is innovation and the second is marketing. Unfortunately, much of the innovation is focused on marketing and not on the product or service.

  Money traps us unless one can take a step back and see it for what it truly is. All governments in the western world deliver debt based money via private banks.

  So appalling is this situation that if all the money in all the world were used to pay off all the worlds debts we would experience four things;

  No money in circulation
  There would still be debt money owed due to the interest charges
  Banks would need to create more debt as a loan and so it goes on
  All the houses, cars etc would still exist… but there would be no money

  I know this is bordering on the philosophical but it’s the truth based on my research.

  The ultimate end game of a debt based economy is a collapse. There comes a point where the system which creates ever more interest charges can no longer cope. The system that requires people to spend or borrow money and consume products, services etc no longer works because we have exhausted the planets resources.

  Personally I would prefer a razor that was lower cost and did the job needed even though to do so would reduce a countries GDP. I would be better off although the so called economy wouldn’t be. I don’t know whether you can see the reality of this situation or not but if you buy a cheaper razor you are helping to destroy the economy and save the planets resources.

  We live in a crazy mixed up world!

• 146 lmp // Jan 18, 2011 at 9:05 am

  This is exactly what I needed to read today. I find myself chasing shiny object, instead of working on the conversion rate of my current site and getting it ranked better in the search engines.

  Thanks – great post.

• 147 paul // Jan 18, 2011 at 9:12 am

  I am one seeker you are mentioned: seeking all the markeing materials, seeking next great idea,
  then make no progress with my carrer. Now I can’t agree with you more: most guru sells with trick not really for the user.It is right time to say bye for them.

• 148 Daniel // Jan 18, 2011 at 6:10 pm

  Another insightful post!

  You’re right about the fundamentals outperforming the so-called “gimmicks”.

  I’m building my first list this week.

  I figured I should just go for it.

  - Daniel

• 149 Neil // Jan 18, 2011 at 10:04 pm

  Well put – very insightful.

  My gal’s been doing vintage for 35 years now and has a store in Eugene Oregon.

  So I too am a “helper monkey.”

  Fun stuff.

• 150 Jay // Jan 18, 2011 at 11:49 pm

  I am so glad I prurchased your book and became a member of your blog. Fresh air and sunshine my friend. Fundamentals are always going to trump fads and gimicks. Thanks Chris. Excellent post

  Jay

• 151 admin // Jan 19, 2011 at 12:08 am

  Thanks for all the feedback guys. I’ll have more in-depth responses shortly – still in transit (traveling from Oahu to Maui)

  Same with recent emails – will be on those shortly

  Cheers!

  Chris

• 152 Ken // Jan 19, 2011 at 12:14 am

  When I first saw the title of this post, I thought it was going to be about the “other” kind of shaving…the kind where merchants refuse to pay their affiliates for all sales/leads generated. Then there are the ones who pay you for a little while and then eventually stop. (Yes, Melvin Perry, I’m talking about you.) This seems to be happening with greater and greater frequency, and it’s driving me away from promoting products as an affiliate and toward creating and selling my own products. Assuming that I do it right, getting paid is guaranteed.

  Anyhow, this post was a good one nonetheless.

• 153 Ed Akehurst // Jan 19, 2011 at 5:35 am

  Fantastic post! We all get caught up in the new shiny object. This is a great lesson to help cure that. (also, it night help me shave better!)

  Thanks – very good timing for me to be reading this now.

• 154 Mike // Jan 19, 2011 at 6:18 am

  Hi Chris.

  Thank you for sharing, yes there are many “disposable razors” out there, the funny thing is that these types usually have a cutting edge of twice. I like the way that you use this approach to internet marketing, in fact one of the underground marketers in his new blog post was most incensed by the get rich quick, “push button” overnight success”, he then went on to mention that many were now hitting the unsubscibe in large numbers.

• 155 Michael Firer // Jan 19, 2011 at 4:00 pm

  Hi Chris,
  Beautiful post.
  You’ve translated the same phenomenon that occurs in the stock market and most other mass activities to IM.
  The main problem is the wish of most people to follow a so-called easy path rather than to invest some time and effort, and dicipline to consistently follow a few basic principles. It’s true in any business as well as in any economy.
  So many have been sucked into the fog of Twitter and Facebook. I totally agree with your term “Conspiracy.” It’s just basic marketing strategy.

  I’ve been in IM and Affiliate marketing for only a few years and now steer away from those “gurus.” I purchased a system you are involved in BECAUSE it is based on simple principles.

  Keep up the good work,

  Mike Firer

• 156 Jon // Jan 21, 2011 at 2:59 pm

  Hi Chris,

  Got here from a link by Shane Melaugh. I wasn’t sure if it was another affiliate link, but because I trust Shane (to a certain extent hehe), I’m here, and boy am I glad. Loved your article. So now, the shades are down, no more shiny stuff! Keep up the good, honest work, and take us with you

  - jon

• 157 Peter Downs // Jan 23, 2011 at 6:30 am

  Nice work Chris

  I think the ‘thrill of the hunt’ rings true with many people starting out. Naturally, this seems to wear off quickly before the next thrill appears around the corner.

  Actually doing something after the thrill – the boring stuff (that happens to work) is no where near as exciting eh!

  Pete

• 158 Michael Brown // Jan 27, 2011 at 4:32 am

  Ah yes, shiny and new vs. tried and true. How come it took two years to find this out? I guess one has to go through it and get banged around a bit before he comes to his senses. I love the razor analogy, it is too true and nice to know that they still make good old double edged blades. Now I’m off to set up my hot-dog stand. Thanks for doing what you do, hopefully more people will find this earlier in their pursuit of instant riches and realize the basics are all it takes.
  Mike

• 159 Will All the “New” Things Really Help You Grow Your Online Business? » Home with the Kids // Jan 27, 2011 at 10:59 am

  [...] the point of a post over at The Lazy Marketer I read over the weekend, and I have to agree with it. New doesn’t mean better. Not with [...]

• 160 Albert // Jan 28, 2011 at 2:41 am

  Great content brother,
  I get ur feeds from RSS so not on any email list, how do i get on one ?
  cheers
  Al

• 161 admin // Jan 28, 2011 at 3:41 pm

  @Pat #127

  Relevancy isn’t as important as people think. Though there is an argument based on SEO “split-tests” that’s pretty convincing in terms of CONTEXTUAL TEXT BLOCK relevance – meaning that the link is contained within a paragraph about the topic, where some of the test sites seemed to fare better.

  But from my own experience, it’s just honestly so much easier to build high-profile links from “irrelevent” sources that I don’t bother searching for the perfect source.

  And maybe I’m missing out – but all of my sites where I put in this kind of linkbuilding effort rank on page 1 for the target kw.

  (Takes time, though – be ye not deceived).

  I do have to argue against your point of finding links like this “in a day”.

  I’ve run ScrapeBox and SEOSpyglass for days on end looking for solid auto-publish sources for high PR links where:

  1) It’s dofollow
  2) It’s not abused or “found” by the comment-spammer crowd
  3) OBL’s are 10 or less

  And it’s pretty damn difficult.

  Finding moderated link sources is different, but 9 times of 10 the blog owner will either ignore the comment due to the anchored backlink (regardless of comment quality), or they’ll post the comment but strip out the URL.

  I do agree that it’s not for those who don’t have the budget.

  The way I look at it is it will probably take me about a full day or two to find ONE link like that using my own tools.

  One or two days of my time is worth more to me than $250.

  Hence, it’s cheaper to use a service like ContentLinks.

  It’s strictly a question of ROI.

  If you’re not at a point where the time is worth it – then I do not recommend you purchase. It’s too much capital to outlay in that position.

  But if you’re established, have cash-flow, understand your kw targets, etc. – it makes a lot of sense.

  Cheers

  -Chris

• 162 EzSEO Newsletter #302 // Jan 30, 2011 at 10:47 am

  [...] Shaving Conspiracy [...]

• 163 John Pickering // Jan 30, 2011 at 11:53 am

  Chris – Great Post.

  Simple, neat, true, old fashioned, no magic silver bullet, no newness, no new fresh formula.
  I’m going to subscribe to your list.

  Pity your eBook is out of date though… I might have bought it, if it gave me the facebook and twitter key to unfound wealth

  Only joking, great stuff, keep on!
  John

• 164 Tim // Jan 30, 2011 at 2:19 pm

  Hey Chris,
  I just found you through another marketers recommendation, I just can’t remember who.

  I know you are really busy and problably don’t have time to read all the responses, but I hope you read this one. I am not a newbie, but I’m struggling with all the “latest and greatest” startegies out there. They have consumed my every waking moment for about 6 months now. Consiquently, I’ve gotten nowhere, and now I know why. You really put a “reality” spin on this subject. I now see where I’ve been going wrong.

  I just purchased Backlink Battlefield and found it very refreshing and informative. Shane really puts it into simple and understandable terms. Thanks for recommending him.

  I now know what I have to do. I have to focus on the fundamentals that I’ve learned over the last few months and get to work.

  Thanks again for opening my eyes to where I was going wrong. I’m now ready to get this all going and having success, finally, this year.

  You’re a good man and I look forward to learning more from you.

  All the best,
  Tim

• 165 James Stein // Jan 30, 2011 at 4:26 pm

  Nice article … Loved it … Only thing is you did mis-state one thing.. Not all forums are that way. I created a forum that is 100% opposite of loser forums like Warrior Forum. No hype, No gurus, No Ads, 100% ad free, real marketers actually helping and not pushing no junk on you.

  This is the way things should be, if you claim you want to “help” then do so with no junk products and without expecting anything in return for your help.

  Hopefully maybe one day we keep fighting these loser gurus and they will either fade away or turn over a new leaf.

  James

• 166 James // Jan 31, 2011 at 7:56 am

  Top notch blog post as always Chris…. I wish you would blog more often!

• 167 6 Easy Steps to Building Money-Making Product Review Sites! // Feb 1, 2011 at 3:26 am

  [...] The "Shaving Conspiracy" – and Why This is the Single Biggest Reason Most Affiliates…: There is hardly a post of Chris Rempel that I don't like; this post obviously falls in my "favorite posts of all time" category. In fact I learned about writing product reviews from his ebook only! Along with that, his conduit report is equally good, if not better! [...]

• 168 Stephen Wharton // Feb 4, 2011 at 6:06 am

  Best interpretation of the crazy world of marketing internet marketing products I have EVER heard in my time as an avid student of 6 years.
  Unfortunately it has taken me most of those years to get to the point where I “saw the light”, (about 6 months ago), and now I’ve got something happening. (It’ll only take several years to re-coup the cash I’ve poured into my self education).
  Great post Chris. I’ve just found you through Arandim and I’m glad I did.
  BTW. Off on a tangent…..
  While streaming down to the bottom of your many, many positive comments I happened to see a comment that reflected that “his dad’s car never broke” or words to that effect; implying that old cars also had that same lasting quality as the razor blades ……. WRONG …….. while I love the “classics” and cosmetically they still draw admiration, especially the American Fords, Dodges, Buicks and Chevs of the 50′s and 60′s; in regards to performance, reliability, safety, etc. you can’t compare. The latest models are miles in front…… and that is from a guy who remembers all those classics as brand new vehicles because his dad loved them too …. and owned several of them.
  So lets not get carried away by this “old” thing. Totally agree about the razor blade comparison but there are very few other “old” models of anything that compare to today’s technology.

• 169 Darrin // Feb 6, 2011 at 8:34 pm

  I’m having a problem that I hope some of you can help me with. It’s one of those things that should have a very simple answer, but I’ve already spent far more time thinking this than I should have.

  When you’re producing content, how do you know what to actually post to your site and how do you know what to submit to article directories? In other words, when do you say, okay, that’s enough content for the site. Now I’m going to submit content to help build back links?

  Obviously you want to use original content in both cases, but how do you decide what to post where?

  Thanks,

  Darrin

• 170 Francis // Feb 9, 2011 at 5:38 am

  Hi Chris

  Well, what can I say? I’ve been dabbling with affiliate marketing for about a year and so far have magaged to make the princely sum of around $45. This article has just opened my eyes as to why. I’ve spent too much time reading the latest ebook and trying to find that magic pill when all the while it was right in front of me. Stick to the simple stuff and get it done properly. I just wish I’d found you earlier.

  Many thanks for a great post, it’s rare to find a “true gent” amongst all the “gurus”

  Cheers

  Francis

• 171 Costa Blanca // Feb 16, 2011 at 5:03 am

  Thank you Chris for telling me what my subconcious mind was nagging at me. I’ve been close to giving up at times because of the time I have had to spend in keeping up with all the latest developments. Now I’m going to concentrate on the basics and nothing else!

• 172 Stacy's T1 Connection // Mar 15, 2011 at 5:48 pm

  Chris, I see that you added the link to the EzSEO article which mentioned the “Shaving Conspiracy”. I’m on Dr. Andy’s email list and I remember reading that. At the time I didn’t think he had given you credit, but I see that he has linked it to here.

• 173 Link Building Strategies // Mar 23, 2011 at 11:14 am

  Hi Chris,

  It’s so refreshing to hear someone not hyping something… After 10 years of exploring all of these “latest and greatest” product launches, it becomes quite transparent as to whom the product serves and that the intention is to overwhelm people with information overload so they perceive that they are receiving value when in fact it’s just a numbers game because many of the purchasers have hung their last credit card around being invested in the newest and greatest loophole.

  It’s the same thing in the investment world… you have true investors, and then you have speculators, the latter being the ones who through money into the market to be scooped out by the former. It’s always been that way, and as long as there are market mechanisms that serve that process, it always will be, in one form or another.

  I am going to go track down an old-fashioned safety razor now, and some shaving soap!

  Thanks,
  Michael

• 174 rargz // Apr 28, 2011 at 8:58 pm

  Your post made me remember an audio I listened some time ago, from Perry Marshall where he mentioned that business is based on principles and many of the guys failing are trying to replace principles with techniques.

  Some of the principles that I have found to be effective were published more that 50 years ago.

  Anyway, we like the “new”. It’s cool. It’s sexy. More than anything else, it makes you feel ahead of everyone else.

  Thanks for your thoughts.

• 175 hagar // May 27, 2011 at 9:24 am

  Totally true – and extremely perceptive.
  Got linked from the new “Fat Content” download, btw.
  Kudos for an awesome post! Now I have to go stare at my hard drive full of “new”… (sigh)

• 176 Canklefish // Jul 13, 2011 at 1:24 am

  Eye opening stuff, to be sure. I’ve spent the better part of two months now trying to tune out the ‘shiny objects’ people, and it’s a liberating process to say the least.

  BTW, is there any way to coax the make and model of that shaving kit from you, from one frustrated shaver to another…?

  Either way, really enjoyed the great read!

• 177 Internet Marketing Tacoma WA // Jul 28, 2011 at 10:29 am

  What a great post. I’m off now to blast a few dozen tweets about my newest info course on how to get the closest shave.

  Chris, what would it take for you to do an interview for me?

  Derek

• 178 Drama // Aug 10, 2011 at 2:18 pm

  Wow. I’m glad I read this before getting into IM – you probably just shaved years off of my learning curve

• 179 What do you need to make money online if you are new to online marketing? - LeoDimilo.com // Aug 12, 2011 at 2:48 pm

  [...] with offers of better, bigger, faster, shinier tools is an article written by Chris Rempel, called the shaving conspiracy.  If you can take that to heart, you will be able to save your [...]

• 180 Maritza // Aug 20, 2011 at 4:47 pm

  We have really had quite a ride so far this year. Can’t help but wonder how many new and different changes still await us…:-)

• 181 Internet Marketing Guided Tour // Aug 31, 2011 at 2:50 pm

  Hey Chris,

  Great post! This information is like the idea of you throwing the rope to save all newbies, and even some older IMers from drowning in the quick sand of “too much bad information pulling us away” from what really works in order to make this working online dream come true! Thank you.

  Question: How do I get a hold of “tomorrow’s e-mail” about backlinks?
  Jolene

• 182 Water Filters In Ireland // Sep 18, 2011 at 1:08 pm

  Wow! Chris…

  I love it. You got me just in time before I wasted any more of my life chasing “Bright Shiny Objects” and “Magic Bullets”…

  If we just calm down and stick to the old stuff for the “G” … Good Quality Useful Content, and relevant links from good websites, I think we’ll be OK.

  But boy it’s hard to keep focus!!

  Thanks for the reminder.
  Del

• 183 mitchell // Jan 6, 2012 at 5:23 am

  what about the conspiracy against beards Dork!

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