Intriguing Helpdesk Message
me. At first I took it as a criticism, but when I thought about it
a little more, I realized that it was really fairly illogical…The email is as below: (edited for spelling,grammar etc.)
Ben,
You sent three emails to your list in less than two hours today,
and the day isn’t over yet. I’m gonna unsubscribe if you abuse me
one more time today.
[End Email]
I really love feedback. When feedback arrives at my helpdesk, I
have instructed my helpdesk staff to leave it there and I will
answer it personally. Even negative feedback is constructive and
means that I can keep in touch with you better by getting to know
you and exactly what you want from me.
What confused me about this feedback though was the context which
it was given.
Let me start by pasting the ‘three emails’ below:
———-
[1 of 3] Keith Wellman Stole From Mike Filsaime
On Page 17 of Butterfly Marketing Manuscript, Mike Filsaime speaks
about how to persuade partners to make sales for you on the front
end so that you can build your list and make bigger sales on the
back end.
Keith Wellman stole that idea with his incredibly successful ListFX
and went on to make a phenomenal amount of money with this idea.
Was this stealing, or just using a good idea and trying to improve
on it?
Best Wishes,
Ben Shaffer
http://www.replytoben.com
———-
[2 of 3] Tellman Knudson Stole From Mark Joyner and Jay Abrahams
Have you ever watched that Tellman Knudson fellow? I mean REALLY
watched
what he does. Have you noticed that many of his ideas have elements
that are copied from marketing legends?
If you really examine what he does it is not hard to see that Mark
Joyner and Jay Abrahams are obviously massive influences in his
methods.
Tellman is a genius in what he does and one of the legends of
tomorrow.
Or perhaps he is just stealing?
Best Wishes,
Ben Shaffer
http://www.replytoben.com
———-
[3 of 3] Ben Shaffer Steals From Michael Cheney
Michael recently sent out a newsletter with a survey question asking:
“What Is The Single Most Enticing Incentive I Can Offer You When
Recommending Products?”
Over 40% of respondents answered:
“A video tour inside the product”
I was not surprised at this result. The biggest problem with
product launches and sales pages seems to be that you never really
know what you are getting.
Therefore, what I am doing is stealing this information from Mr
Cheney and am going to be giving you an honest inside look at
Harris Fellman’s product which is being released at Midday EST today.
Is this really stealing? No.
Is Harris Fellman’s Site Stealer really about stealing? No.
What it is about, is making sure that every arrow that you shoot
has the best chance of hitting on target. One of the ways of doing
this is to learn from what other people do and to apply it to your
own business.
Between 11am and 11.59am today I am going to send you an email with:
a. A video review and inside tour of Harris Fellman’s new product
b. A description of the bonus that I am going to give you. This is
a very low-priced item, and the bonus that I am going to give you
is a product that I do sell everyday for more than the price of
Harris’ product itself!
If you know that you are going to purchase Site Stealer and are
unsure who to purchase it through (ie. who is giving the best
bonus) or you are unsure of what Site Stealer is, then please watch
out for my email at around 11.30am .
Best Wishes,
Ben Shaffer
http://www.replytoben.com
PS. BTW, just to reassure you, I did ask Michael before using his
survey data in this email!
———————–
Do I usually send out 3 emails in one day? NO
Have I ever sent out 3 emails in one day before? NO
Will I ever do it again? Perhaps
If you read the emails above, you will see that it doesn’t take a
genius to work out what the message is. Instead of starting afresh
with an idea you should seek guidance from others. You should take
advantage of the work that they have already done.
Is this stealing?
No, of course it isn’t.
(As an aside: Someone once told me that all stories are based on
one story. He couldn’t remember what that story was. If you know,
then please let me know.)
Stealing is wrong. Stealing is really really bad. Seriously. Many
times, I have gone back to a shop because they have given me too
much change. Perhaps I just have too much of a guilt-complex, but
as hard as I try I can’t do it.
I was surprised that someone complained about receiving too many
content emails as I would assume that the reason that you are
subscribed to my newsletter is specifically for the purpose of
learning about marketing online and being kept informed with the
latest developments. Please let me know if that is the case by
commenting below.
Anyway, onwards and upwards.
You probably saw yesterday, I created a review video of Site
Stealer ( http://www.sitesteeler.com ). If you haven’t seen it yet,
then you can take a look at http://www.sitesteeler.com/preview.asp
. A LOT of people took advantage of my bonus so I know that I hit
the nail on the head and offered a valuable bonus.
However, from questions that I received I now know that perhaps I
didn’t explain enough about what Site Stealer (
http://www.sitesteeler.com ) actually is. I showed you exactly what
is inside the members area, but perhaps I didn’t explain enough
about how you will benefit from the product.
This product more than most others is directed towards you
achieving results.
The task of succeeding online can seem daunting at times. Not only
are there so many aspects to consider and skills to learn, but it
seems that there are multiple directions also.
The central cog of Site Stealer ( http://www.sitesteeler.com ) is
about finding an idea or model that is successful and copying
and/or improving upon it. Once again, when I say copying, I do not
mean literally taking another product and making it as your own.
That really is copyright infringement and you will be sued for
that. What I mean, is finding out what works and adapting it to
your own style.
John Reese wrote in an email earlier this week about resell rights.
He said that if you just take resell rights and put it up on the
web then you will not be successful. His reason is that there are
too many other people doing the same thing and that you will always
be beaten on price. His point is that you must outmarket other
people if you are to be a success. To me, that is what Site Stealer
is all about.
Site Stealer ( http://www.sitesteeler.com ) takes you by the hands
and shows you 5 levels of how to create a successful business model
right from the start.
Yes a business, because that is the only way that you will succeed
online.
No one is about to hand you money on a plate. However, if you do
want to be on a level where you can afford to hand cash to others
on a plate then you must learn the easiest and most effective way
to get there. And this is what Site Stealer (
http://www.sitesteeler.com ) is all about.
Harris Fellman who created Site Stealer (
http://www.sitesteeler.com ) is extremely humorous. This comes
across in the product and keeps it interesting and reasonably light
while imparting a valuable amount of knowledge and discovery. If
you like Butterfly Marketing Manuscript then you will love this.
And it is about a third of the cost!
Not only is he a funny guy, but he is also incredibly intelligent.
Although he has only been online for a couple of years, he has
quickly become one of the most successful marketers. When I asked
him on MSN recently what the secret to his success is, he answered
me with just one word. That word was ‘overdeliver’ and that is
exactly what he has done here. Just the product itself is massive.
When you add the bonuses and the unannounced bonuses you soon have
a massive package of information to devour.
In my opinion, this package of products is probably one of the most
necessary packages for any online marketer that has been released
this year. Especially for such a low price. What Harris has done is
to produce a killer product and make it available at a price that
is totally accessible.
I believe in Site Stealer ( http://www.sitesteeler.com ) so much in
fact, that I have gone to great efforts to ensure that you will
succeed with it.
If you buy Site Stealer through http://www.sitesteeler.com then I
will give you access to 2 extra bonuses which are available only
through me.
The first is an interview with Liz Tomey where we discuss the
optimal way to make a killing with resell rights products.
Honestly, if you are trying to sell online without listening to
this interview first then I will guarantee that you are making some
major mistakes.
The second is an interview with Harris Fellman. Once you have been
through the material, you may have some questions on the techniques
and action plans that are contained within. I have persuaded Harris
to answer all of your questions. Not only that, but he has promised
to reveal techniques which he felt were ‘too lethal’ to include in
the product. Exciting stuff!
Anyways, go to:
and take a look at the product. If you have any questions please do
be in touch. Your bonus will automatically be sent to you within 24
hours of purchase.
Have a great day (I am!)
Best Wishes,
Ben Shaffer
July 18th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
The individual who sent the criticism has a point. I doubt that he was alone. While I found the humor of the messages to outweigh the irritation and annoyance of the tactic, I am not sure that everyone else would find them as humours as I did.
I found them irritating enough that my first response was to delete #2 and #3 …
Later in the day (since I am apparently on multiple lists of yours) I did read #2 and #3 … ironically the 2nd or 3rd time you sent them …
Personally, I enjoyed them … but I can certainly understand the annoyance they created … I would certainly respect someone who actually took the time to reply to you about how they felt …
So rather than dismiss the writer by calling it preposterous (which is preposterous in and of itself) … his view should be weighed seriously – because it was an HONEST expression that he shared with you …
It would be interesting to set up a fair and balanced poll of your list … and see what the bulk of your list actually thinks … and if you *really* want to know what people think, try to make sure that there are enough answer options to take into consideration views like mine …
Vote me – “Irritated but ENJOYED it Anyway!
Greg
July 18th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
What you say is all well and good, but it could have all been said in 1 email. It’s interesting to me that I got 2 copies of exactly the same email inside of 10 minutes this morning. And it was the email where you raise this question.
Modeling your business after another successful business it really good practice. But overdoing it, thinking you’ll make it better, is not such good practice.
July 18th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Hey Ben, It’s only one guys opinion. Don’t let it get to you. maybe the mailserver got backedup.
At any rate I can read between the lines and I know where you are coming from. There are bigger issues in life.
hawaiicomputer@yahoo.com
Daryl Mau
July 18th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Why do people subscribe to lists, then complain when they receive the emails they asked for?
I would fire him from your list if he is still on it- what a loser. Then drop by the Taco Bell where he works and say hi.
I get a ton of email, but nobody forces me to read any of it.
It is OUTRAGEOUS to use a word like abuse in this situation!
July 18th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Hi Ben! Great idea… But I’ve just start to build my blog today. I’ll join this program within this week. Is it too late?
July 18th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Hi Ben,
I think it was Abraham Lincoln who, as he was sorting through his post, muttered:- “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him the potential to send Email”.
I personally got your email ‘trend’ and bought into it but you are one of few that are allowed into my Inbox, so I guess I am not deluged like some might be.
By the way I just stole one of your sites but you can get it back for a very reasonable bonus within 24hrs.
Kind Regards
Al (not Sal)
ps: What was the other one?”You can please some of the punters, some of the time but not all….etc etc
July 18th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
As annoying as it may seem, it worked. It got peoples’ attention. This is all part of the psychology of advertising. First you have to get people to notice you (preferebly in a good light).
Now this might have been better spread out over 3 days vice 3 hours or however long but you received a response, which is a step in the right direction.
And of course if you want to learn more about the psychology of advertising you can go to my site and buy my ebook on it
Nobody on the internet has a book like this out and I’m working on a huge sequel to it. Dang those days not having enough hours in them.
July 18th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
I have the habit of filtering the IM emails one side and read them as and when I’m ready, So honestly, I didn’t even realize the 3 mails were sent one after another. I saw the “[1 of 3]” though so I was expecting more to come.
When I read your emails one after another, it’s kind of refreshing. And it caught my interest.
Anyways, I for one am always for trying out new things. Whether it works or not you can’t tell before hand. BUT, if you don’t try it out at all, you will never know.
July 18th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
I find this all of the time. Rachel Long sends more emails than anyone else. Thanks, Ben for explaining all this. About speaking about Rachel Long. I will watch and ocassionaly read one, which I am glad I do. But I admire her persitance and tenacity because it yields
results. I am still not sure whether I understand site stealing I do understand duplicating some one else’s way of producing. Just can’t do. Is site stealing just an explanation of duplicating? I feal I should know this. Being new is really a confusing time. But I’ve been out here almost a year. Dosen’t seem to count for much unless we get things explained.
THANKS BEN,
Margaret
Margaretfay1@att.net
July 18th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
First thing right off. Thank you for the three e-mails you sent me today. very eye opening info if i order site stealer it will be though you. not anyone eals. Thank again Ben.
Ed
July 18th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Your 3 e-mails didn’t get read (by me) because of a server problem (couldn’t download e-mail for about twelve hours). I did however jump on your help desk e-mail unfortunately it was about 14 hours too late because I jumped on Site Stealer last night through another source (Sal). Anyone with marketing know how should recognize the “rule of three”. You have put it into practice in (in my experience) a unique way, one that anyone who values your opinion/information should realize is a concentrated effort designed to get the attention of even the most deluged of us and give us cause to follow up on one of the best presentations I’ve seen in two years (Site Stealer). Thanks for the effort I’m just sorry I missed out on your bonuses because they’re a great offer.
Better Luck next Time …… for me!
Allen Conway
July 18th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Don’t think this is going to help any either …. I am subscribed to dozens of email lists so it is impossible to read them all. I can decide from a list of hundreds which ones I’m going to read within under a minute. First I look at the From column in Outlook Express, some I always read. Next it’s the subject line, it’s got to get me interested otherwise its consigned to the trash bin immediately. Unfortunately, I didn’t get past the [1 of 3], [2 of 3], or [3 of 3] and deleted them all without reading any.
This didn’t happen with your email of today however, I couldn’t resist knowing what an ‘Intriguing HelpDesk Massage’ was all about. (I’m on a couple of your lists and noticed you changed it to read message in later mailings – not sure if the original wouldn’t get more openings;-)
I don’t imagine that I’m unique in this selection process so I would suggest that you don’t use a number format if you intend multiple mailings on the same day again. Just my 2 cents, hope it helps,
Phill
July 18th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
As the owner of a website, I put myself onto your list somehow, and I’m glad I did.
I was not reading your e-mails for the most part, but I found the 1 of 3, 2 of 3, and 3 of 3 so darn funny, and so interesting I just had to read them.
And I actually did click on the hotlinks on the third e-mail, and not the previous 2 to go to the recommended website.
Because the information was exactly what I signed onto, it was not SPAM to me. I know SPAM is undesired stuff that in either not wanted or of unkown or suspect origin, not good stuff.
The aspect of the complaint I found most funny that no one verbalized was in the third e-mail he said he/she would unsubscribe to was a fourth e-mail was coming, which would be the trigger point to unsebscribe!
I found “abuse” really funny from a third-party point-of-view, which meant somehow he/she subscribed to the wrong list, or just didn’t see the humor of the event: multiple parts on the same day, rather than spread across days or weeks as per what is usually done.
I really appreciate the twist, and my warmest regards are intended.
Too funny for words.
July 18th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Ben,
I guess you had told people you would send fewer emails and now you’re sending more for this Harris deal. That’s the way it goes. It’s your list.
We all know what to do if we want to leave. I for one don’t. Keep up the good work.
Lowell
July 18th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
The email you sent about this had a subject of “Intriguing Helpdesk Massage” … here I was thinking you had a professional masseur at your desk working on you while you did internet marketing… I just HAD to read more about your intriguing MASSAGE!
July 18th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I receive masses of daily emails as I am subscribed to a number of lists, so I received something in the way of 100 different sales emails for Sitestealer yesterday.
I dont mind how many email you send, I signed up to be given information to help me with my online business, why then should I complain when someone does just that!
If I ever log on and find my email box empty, I will not have a clue what to do with myself!
Thanks for all of your helpful emails, there always welcome here!
regards,
Katie Rich
July 18th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Well we should always put ourselves in the others shoes. If Im a Marketer I have to understand Im not the only one sending emails and more often than not, multiple marketers hawking the same product or service! The only way to stand out is offer something free and useful.
July 18th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Ben,
Thanks for taking the extra time to explain the benefits of sitestealer. I get the idea of “modeling” success, but was unclear as to what exactly this product does… Is it an ebook? a piece of software that lifts code and images for easy editing? a template maker? I confess that I usually skim sales letters because they are so long and I may have missed the details on this one. Anyway, I think a product demo is usually the most powerful sales technique.
-Gene
July 18th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Hey Ben
I thought it was great fun, i get a lot of emails
everyday the same as everyone else here and i sincerely thought to my self hey hey thats unique ben must of realy thought about that one
as the first mail said 1 the second 2 etc it was pretty obvious you were providing what you beleive to be very important to your client
lets face it its not a huge payment here hahah.
Guess what i even saved them in my tips folder for future idea generation.
Good work
take care
Ronnie
July 18th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
The emails contain a very wise tip for those who listen. It’s not like you’re spamming anyone here.
But look, when someone gets home or is away from their inbox for awhile, and then they come back and there’s 3 different emails from the same list, the thought that comes to mind is “someone’s REALLY pushing an affiliate program”.
It’s not your fault, rather the fault of some other big marketers who I will not name here out of politeness who’ve abused the crud out of their lists.
July 19th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Hi Ben
Actually – I was thinking the saem when I received the 3rd email
Now Dont get me wrong – I like Harris – He’s a great guy –
What I hate is when every single top marketer trying to sell you the same package – but with even better deals.
I would just have been happy buying the package if the content was the most important thing and the bonuses were just bonus.
Anyway – Thats my 2p worth but as I said I like your content in the past and the odd sales – keep it that way
I dont mind buying from affiliate links but there has got to be a sane balance
Take care Ben
Hamant http://www.FreeMonthlyGifts.com
July 19th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Ben,
I have been a subscriber of yours and about 50 other great marketers. I am even on Tellman’s list. You sending out 3 in one day only puts your emails at 10% of the number of emails that Tellman puts out and I don’t unsubscribe from his lists.
I know how to judiciously use the delete key on my keyboard when I don’t want to read something. If someone really ticks me off, I unsubscribe, but it is usually when a person (Cody Moya comes to mind) sends repeatedly the exact same email day in and day out.
I have people complain when I send out 5 emails in a day, usually as they are unsubscribing. That just means my list got a little more positive.
After all, if you are too inconvenienced my having to delete an email, clicking an unsubscribe button must really hurt.
Have an amazing day!
Micheal Savoie
http://productinaweekend.com/now
July 22nd, 2007 at 6:49 am
Ben
Lets say on a given day Our Emails hit 1500 or more so We do mainly a View through with a hit Shift and Down Arrow to take out all the Junk Mail with a single hit of Delete Button
Yeah what’s the Biggest Time Loss and what would We Request “Less Junk Mail” and less Disguised Great Headlines that only show Prescription Ads Male and Female Enhancement Products and Oh Yes Adult and Dating Service Ads … Plus with the New a Friend a Mate Your Neighbor sent You a Card aka Virus it’s a wonder if People even send Post Cards any more
So when saw the What Did 1 to 3 it tweaked up Curiousity of Ok what’s Ben Shaffer up to now … Then Blam what a Great Video … Our Word Ben very informative Very Professional
Though we can say Yes Our Email not only had it 1st Time but 2 Additional Times being Subscribed or Bought Other Products from You with additional Emails … Again another Complaint why isn’t there a Program that See’s Same Name but Different Emails and Fix it so combines it as Only EMail sent
The thing is Ben if You hadn’t done the “What Do These All Have in Common” and Manner did them … We might have never Opened them …
Now especially being on Internet History July a Notorious Slow Month and everybody Bombarding with Great Deals … Can also feel Distraught Customer Complaint is illogical though in right frame very sane… Maybe a bit of Gee already Spent Money on other Products can’t afford this one Frustration …Also as Yourself has said Harris Fellman when does a Launch it is very Hit the Emails hit the Video Blogs hard
Where’s the Secret to how gets it all over Internet Never seen that in any Tip Trick or Technique Course ever bought so Must be something said about having a List
We can also say enough sometimes is enough with also the Got Banned from PayPal and Blogger too Ads got Bombarded with Everybody hit Us with Gee Affiliate Cloning at it’s Best Same Headline Delete Delete
Your Strategy the 1to3 Plus the Video Review Plus Bonus’s all we can say is Great Job though Others may complain the Emails sent …We’ll stay on Your List because Sometimes amaze us with Deals on Products and love the Reviews
Jer&Sooz
JerSooz.com/ezine
PS Harris should learn Mob Talk his Video’s are Hilarious but Spelling no where near the lingo we’re Internet Mob connected already with the Mafia Guy but having fun makes you money Never Forget that