I saw the potential for rubbish content and teamwork tagging abuse early on in the TDC. Web 2.0 is going to have to evolve in a way to deter spam if it is going to become a permanent part of internet culture. Clearly there is nothing wrong with providing good content for a profit motive using the 2.0 infrastructure.
We are going to have to accept the fact that in short order, spammers are going to be onto this like flies on honey, especially now that the cat is out of the bag, that 2.0 sites are going to have to clean house and that we may find ourselves put out with the trash.
As everyone already knows if the search engines and sites with the potential for becoming SEO spam delivery tools don’t take defensive measures, The first pages of SEO results will (once again) consist of nothing but garbage advertisement sites. There have been periods when looking for major keyword information on the search engines has been a waste of time.
I signed up for Stumbleupon a while back because I wanted to figure out why Ebay bought it. I emailed my friends and colleagues about it to tell them that it was a place where real people where making real evaluations of sites. I didn’t realize that the search engines would inevitably be programmed to look in the same (2.0) places for the exact reason.
The TDC has been a tremendous learning experience for me as a sociologist, above and beyond the excelent curriculum it is a social experiment, which I will be writing about in a publications that few people will ever read. I would hate to see it terminated due to irresponsible or malicious behavior, but even if it is, it will still have been a great experiment and an enjoyable experience.
Great response video, Ed. I had a gut feeling the 30DC members were going to “break the intarweb” once everyone’s blogs went *live*. It was hilarious going through Digg and a few other social posting sites and basically seeing EVERY listed bookmark or link as a “How to…” with a Tumblr URL! It was even more hilarious seeing what kind of niches 30DC’ers were coming up with!
Regardless, I think you have said it the way it needed to be said. For those on 30DC who are not putting in the full effort of putting GREAT QUALITY content, I think we will need to step back and re-evaluate the STRATEGY involved in using web 2.0 avenues as an avenue for generating revenue. You are completely right, Ed…people searching Google for information do NOT want a “salesey” blog about sausage-making, speed-reading, or even male yeast infection (*ick*).
So far, all three of my Tumblr blogs are still up. I don’t know if they will be suspended or not, but I am trying to write my daily posts as if I were not “trying” to make money at it. Hopefully, the guys at Tumblr saw that and *spared* my piece of webspace on their domain.
Quote: NextInstinct Says:
August 19th, 2007 at 12:07 am
Ed,
Could you expand a bit on that “Atlanta” comment?
:End Quote
It could mean that Ed Dale will once again be at the StomperNet Live event in Atlanta.
Well, at least that is what I am hoping that means… hoping hoping hoping
well no matter, I will be at the StomperNet Live event in Atlanta.
Hi Ed,
Quite a bit of emotion there and it’s justifiable. You and the team are showing us some exceptional stuff and I am sure there will be a lot more of it to come. My internet experiences have not been pleasant, lots of dollars going out and not a lot coming in. What we are getting here for free is really unbelievable. We won’t go, losing a blog or two means b…..all and it will not take long to cut and paste again! Take care, we love what you are doing and let’s move on together.
I don’t feel you need to apologize because this was extremely unpredictable and shows us a good lesson about internet marketing… “things that work one day can cease to work the next”
There’s no way we’re going to give up now, just rebuild stronger than before.
Ed, whatever else happens over the remainder of the 30 days, I have to say, I have learned more from your straight forward approach to internet marketing, than any other source to date. And whether or not its this Web 2.0 platform or another, it still bets trying to master the PPC approach. The fact remains that you are doing a great thing here for all of us, for FREE.
One setback, certainly does not mean the doom for the entire process. Sure we have had spent some time building the blog, however, we should have all saved our info and be able to utilize it elsewhere. Web 2.0 is still evolving and we are all learning. The thing that is amazing is that such a valuable resource could be owned and controlled by one guy. Maybe instead of finding the next platform, we each just make one ourselves and then spread the love between ourselves. If this guy can do it, how hard can it be?
In closing, Ed and the rest of this 30dc team, you have went above and beyond my wildest expectations and I thank your for that. Please continue to provide your wonderful information and I will continue to do my best to put it to work to get that first sale. Thanks again for your time and effort. Keep on trucken.
Ed, I admire your integrity and I guess this is an example of giving away too much valuable information for free. Charging for it would potentially keep the spammers away. I am not complaining of course but unfortunately there will always be people who take advantage of this type of generosity and spoil it for the people who are not spammers and have marketing and business integrity and will follow your advice not abuse it.
As far as Blogs go I suggest using Blogger.com its free and its owned by Google and has heaps of great features and I find it easy to use.
I’ll still be here - “integrity” should be your middle name, and its something a lot of people lack these days.
Good for you, and thanks thanks thanks.
Hi Ed. I just want to join with everyone in showing you my support and gratitude for what you have done so far, and are continuing to do. Also for “taking the heat” for us, and indeed apologising TO us (not necessary, IMHO).
In fact, I would like to take the opportunity to apologise to you (and Dan and everyone else involved) for my (small) part in causing this “blip” over the weekend. In parts of the video, you seemed genuinely distressed, and I’m sure I speak for the vast majority of us in saying that’s the last thing we want. Also, I’m sorry you had to interrupt your weekend and your family time.
I personally don’t believe my content was spammy, but do accept that it may have been taken as such (or maybe we were just suspended en masse). There is a fine line (I think) between those who are deliberately writing spammy content to make a quick buck, and those who are inexperienced at writing content, and maybe not making such a good job of it.
I would place myself firmly in the latter category, as I’m sure would the majority of TDCers. I’m sure that with the practice that you are encouraging we take, we will all improve and find it so much easier to provide the quality content you advocate.
I for one am looking forward to the next two weeks. Even if I make $0, I have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, this experience for the learning process and the camaraderie and fellowship of the TDCers - and I’m not even in a team!!
Thanks again, Ed. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Bring on Monday!!!
PS. For those thinking of giving up as “failures”, my signature in the forums is from Confucius and echoes my sentiments on this: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Hi Ed,
It is so refreshing to see someone even consider ethics in business .I have to admit it is something that can be difficult to teach but easier to demonstrate.I work as a doctor in the U.K. and a few years ago saw the introduction of an ethical role playing station,as one part of the Practical Assessment Of Clinical Skills (PACES) for the Membership Of The Royal College Of Physicians U.K.This is an exam mandatory to pass for aspiring junior doctors with non surgical specialist career paths.The amazing thing is that the changes were brought in within the last decade!Up until then it was assumed that doctors didn’t need to be trained in ethics as it was something that came with experience.So if the caring profession such as medicine needs to learn these principles you can be rest assured Ed that’s it never too late for the 30DC’ers.
If you’re wondering why a doctor is doing the 30DC that’s a good question?I wanted to learn the process and to see if it’s something that I may recommend to a few select disabled patients who have never worked in mainstream employment.This process could benefit the less fortunate members of our society and I want to thank you Ed for making it free.
I would just like to say a huge big thank you, to you, Dan and the rest of the crew for the awesome videos and education you are all imparting to us.
I know that I would indeed pay big $$$ for this sort of information elsewhere, which I am thoroughly enjoying and would like to point out, that it is really the only program that I have really followed through on. (Bit of a program jumper in the past) But you have held my interest throughout and I have been extremely focused all the way. (Awesome)
Although I only started on Day 10 and the tumblr slap has not affected me, I feel it is a great learning curve for all 30DC’s, as every business has its glitches and you have to work through them.
It is a truly a great shame that you will get just a select few ….. who will exploit any system and ruin it for others.
You look as tired as I feel!! No doubt due to this added burden placed upon you, not to mention all the hours you and your team are spending putting this program together. I hold you in very high regard and certainly do not question your integrity.
I am in this till the end buddy!! I just hope that you keep this information up after the challenge, so for those of us that left the starters gate after the other vets, can finish the race. (So to Speak)
Stop drinking the coffee, have a stiff drink and get some sleep. Tomorrows another day and it will all come out in the wash!!
Kind Regards from
Noeline
Ambition is the path to success.
Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. ~ William Eardley
Hi Ed - firstly it is not your fault that this 30DC is so overwhelmed with members. That in itself skews the net.
I personally have had 6 Blogger blogs closed down for spamming. They are back up now but useless. Because of this I watched every word I wrote. My blog is still there but I realise that it may not be tomorrow.
I know your techniques work as one of my clients made $2000 from her first article at my suggestion that she wrote it - I have never made that much but the system does work. Deep breath - I posted on twitter days ago that we would break tumblr and we did. Goodness knows how Blogger would have reacted if you had suggested them.
You are a great team and you differ from the paid army of gooo rews, you make a mistake, you own up and correct it. You all work like stink for us and if nothing went wrong it would be a gruesome course. Finally you charge nothing for this and I bet it takes far more than a month out of your annual earnings - cheer up, it’s Sunday and I bet you are all working your butt off.
Ed,
many many thanks for taking extra time out for this video.
I’m not sure if this was an apology, but 30DC have almost nothing to apologise for!
I appreciate your concern for tumblr, but for me personally, they are the ones who should apologise. Absolutely fine if they want to reject members/content, but to do it on a “heuristic” basis, at anyone with a connection for 30DS, to do it with ZERO notice, to do it and remove access from our own content, and certainly in some cases (my own for instance) to do it without regard.
I also don’t appreciate being called “affiliate scum” by Marco, just because I am a 30DC member.
I run a legitimate publishing business and I manufacture. I am doing 30dc as a legitimate businessman, trying to learn how to compete with the spammers and web mafia.
If all affiliates were scum, where would that leave every Avon agent, every VAR, every retailer???
Where would Google, Yahoo and MSN be, if resellers weren’t running adverts?
Drop shippers (Misco, Ebuyer, etc.) don’t hold (much) stock either and PROMOTE, to earn commission, just like an affiliate.
Profit is not a dirty word. Money is just a token for bartering. Without reward, why would the farmer farm to feed us all?
My tumblr site had NO ZERO ZILCH affiliate links. It was high on information content, It was 3 days old and still evolving. It broke none of their published TOS. And yet…
Anyway they are the people who have lost credibility “for me”. I will never ever use or recommend anything Davidvile or Marco do, ever, and be very suspicious of whom they work with/for.
It’s not what they did, it is how they did it. And if they are web 2 aware, they should know full well how the web community feel about losing their content and their “home” and their community, and to be accused without jury, of being a low life.
I appreciate you feel sympathy towards Tumblr.
I do not!
Sure 30DC could/should have worked with Tumblr, prior to the surge, but that’s spilt milk now.
I’ve sent you a private email , which I doubt you’ll get to read, but it’s there. Some things should not be said publicly, and I know Marco is reading this. Have a nice day Marco!
Ed, thank you!
I know you share the sadness/depression/anger of us all achieving and then being knocked down and evicted from our new web tents. But at least we’ve seen there are tents, and we may get to keep one, one day.
BTW I got to number 13 in google for my keyphrase in 48 hours.
The job was then mine to entertain, inform and eventually monetise that traffic. I was happily doing that job till the rude interruption.
A huge thanks to the entire 30DC team.
I must highlight Caro though, who throughout the weekend tried to keep us all as calm as she could. The trick with the peanuts was amazing !!
Many thanks
Peter (not an affiliate - but scum to some)
WE GET IT MATE! You are not and cannot be responsible for human greed and people using the web for their own selfish ends.
The reason I am attracted to marketing on the internet is because of the “give away ethic” - the principle of giving away $100 worth of great free info, before asking for $10.
Chin up mate, THANKS for all the awesome info, for your no b.s dinkum approach and for giving of your time and energy so freely and generously to get us newbies educated and started on the road to creating sites with great content with the highest net ethics.
Cheers & thanks
Harley, Auckland, NZ
PS Yeah Allmans Live @ Fillmore is great (Liz Reed - wow!)
The weather is on the dull and drizzly side here in the uk as well…
Even though i am not taking part in the 30DC at the moment due to many other of my online
commitments, i am none the less still keeping an eye on things and if i have the time then i
watch a couple of the videos and pods that you guys put together…
This latest video almost had me in tears for you and other members as you are one of the
best and most trustworthy team of guys that i have had the pleasure to have come in
contact with. Things do invariably go wrong and some events just cannot be foreseen
until they happen. People just have to realize that FAILURE IS JUST A STATE OF MIND…
No one ever actually fails at something they attempt because they come away with some
sort of knowledge out of the situation, that at a future time will help them to achieve
something else no matter how small. To fail is to learn the meaning of failure…
Just by the fact that i have learned something from todays video makes it a winner
for me personally…
You said at the very beginning that the object is to promote yourself and i took that
on board and started applying it to what i do in my ventures that i already have…
Guess what! It gave me the boost that i was lacking and gave me the confidence of
not to hide who i am…
Thanks ED, i wish you the best of luck with the remaining days of the 30DC and also
wish to extend my thanks to your supportive and loving family…
Yes, there maybe a few spammers in the spoils, but most of your followers in the (30DC) are here to learn.
Mistakes will be made on the way, but I guess
that’s how we progress, by not making the same mistakes twice.
Ed, you and your team have brought this brilliant plan of your’s together, and now you proved it work’s. Please don’t stop now, on your Loyal followers.
I’m a little behind with the program,and I look forward to each day for your next lesson.
I’m learning at my own pace, which is slow, but I will get there from your help and guidense.
You have put this Educational Teaching Program (Free) to the world, so the little guy
could learn how to make a Dollard, Pound, or a Euro in his own pocket, and hopefully not have to depend on a (J.O.B. just-over-broke)
or maybe the social welfare system, that our
goverment control, on how we live within our means.
So, keep up the great work, that you provide
for the little guy, and we look forward to your next lesson.
Ed, from the emerald isle.
P.S.
It’s a pity, some of the well know names, on the internet that charge a leg and an arm for there programs, did not come up with an idea
that you came up with ?
( Boils down to Greed )
Say hello to Charlie for me, and tell him his Da is Brilliant !
Go have A Pint, you deserve it
No need to explain the concept of great content. You and the TDC team have provided priceless content that could easily create millionaires. The “Tumblr Massacre” is really just a great example of the success of your program. By creating great content you have in effect created movement on the internet.
Tumblr has every right to handle their website as they please but also have missed an opportunity to be part of something special.
I am very grateful for the 30 day challenge. I currently had not real intentions or creating any web based business. I took on the challenge for the fun of it.
Thank God my first internet marketing class was free, had great content and was based on integrity. I now have a quality role model should I decide to take part in this industry/community.
There’s a dark side to everything, and I mean *everything*. It was just a matter of time something like this turned up, but let’s remember how precious the whole experience really is. Don’t let it get to you Ed, you’re doing good!
Ed you and Dan are doing a great job. I’m not going anywhere and hopefully people will take your advice to heart. This is a wonderful opportunity to make money in an ethical way. I don’t think there is a program out there quite like this. Look at all the support and materials you’re providing! I’m actually having fun and meeting some cool people along the way.
Ed, thanks again for this great fun very interesting learning experience. I would never participate with scums or shady characters….I chose the TDC and from day one you proved to me that you are into Internet Marketing and in a very sane ethical way….shall I say, “the right way.” There are used car salesmen (and women! LOL) out there and then there’s that horrible image many have of the slimey salesman they have to fight off because that is “old school”….I think the web will more and more go the way of ethical internet marketing because it is good stuff and it is what the end-user client is looking for. They are not looking to “get slimed” when they hit on a web page. They are looking for GREAT content and no pressures. I love everything you teach and you taught it well. It worked for me…but my ranked page (still on page 1 of google in place 7) doesn’t exist! LOL That’s the only darn thing, but being new I didn’t even think that far out about “won’t Tumblr see this spike as spam or something?”. Doesn’t matter. Sure, I am BEHIND and that Tumblr thing didn’t help in that matter, but I am NOT behind at all IN LEARNING…..I am staying up with what you are teaching pretty much. I know it works, I have seen the proof. I know it’s good. Nobody could possibly say anything otherwise about you as you have it all on TAPE as proof of what you teach…nothing slimey, no slamming hosts, nothing at all in any way bad. So, I wouldn’t worry, but I understand your feeling bad for both Tumblr (who didn’t see it coming and over-reacted that they got slimed) and the newbies who put hard work into their sites, research and may now be behind. Guess what? Life happens. You take your hits and move on. No sulking. (Ok, sulk for a micro-second and say, “aw, that blows!” and move on and be happy soon! If you don’t move on, you won’t be happy soon.)
How can I be so burnt-out and so excited about Monday???!!! This is insane! LOL
TDC, I love you.
XO,
Kelly
(friends, you may visit my website and love me anytime )
I’m so happy my sites got nuked for the sole reason that I’ve been stuck on Day 16 for 4 days now. I felt so down because there were people getting ranked and I was still trying to figure out what we were supposed to be writing on the Tumblr page. Now I have the opportunity to catch up and start fresh with everyone on Monday. Lemonade from lemons I suppose
Ed.. I would suggest you stay on target and not let the others lead you off track. There are those of us who want to understand what you are teaching and then there are those that don’t.. so be it.. get on with it mate! Peter Brusso
Out of the dark and into the light … I am here for the long haul and appreciate your honesty. True we could jump ship but why would I want to? Days behind and yet I have still learnt more from you in this short period than all the courses I have ever attended (and paid squillions for) before.
I felt really emotional watching your video and then realised that it was excitement coursing through my veins whoo hoo
Ditto, ditto, ditto to all of the above accolades that you so justly deserve. I first came under your tutelage during the Stompernet Simple campaign and I knew immediately that I was learning from one of the best. I jumped at the chance to participate in the Thirty Day Challenge because I knew that I would learn lots of fantastic information from a wonderful teacher. I am committed to following through to the very end – and my first $10 on line! As you have said before, the most successful people have made mistakes; and they learn from them and move forward. Let’s all move forward together.
I seems to have missed to excitement and posted to tumblr after the fact within 2 hours.
Phrase match #2
Broad match #8
But don’t get discouraged…let this be a lesson learned early. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” as the saying goes. Links can be here today and gone tomorrow. Think “redundancy”. The internet is dynamic…always changing and platforms change. Be sure you spread you efforts out, so if you lose one marketing channel, you are backed up with another. If you don’t it could cost you a lot of money and heart ache down the road.
Farewell Tumblr.
Good riddance Marco. You were but a blip in the 30DC.
Thank you Ed. You are a gentleman, a shining beacon to all of us internet marketing wannabes.
Ed, Dan and crew - I know you’ve been here before, and if you keep being your great selves, you’ll be here again, but know that we appreciate you…IMMENSELY.
Thank you for taking your family time to address this. I believe that you were abundantly clear over and over about providing quality content from the beginning… so you are not to blame for anything close to spam. And that is exactly why I am in the 30DC for the long haul. You are an incredible teacher and your lessons are overflowing with professionalism.
I would like to think that this may weed out those who are not so ethical, but reality is that things like this tend not to phase those who don’t have morals in the first place. It may weed out those who were looking for an excuse in the first place.
Keep on and realize that there are many of us who ARE ethical and appreciative of your time and efforts.
Thank you again!
I’m sticking it out with you sir! I’ve learned so much already (even though I joined 10 days late and only got to this video now because I’m playing catchup) and I thank you so much for this opportunity! Let’s hear it for the white hats like Ed!
Great video and comments Ed. Thank you for doing this and thanks for keeping to the high road. Your a model of integrity in cyber world which can get pretty sleezy. I am fortunate and and my tumblr is still active . Can’t wait for more of your good juice tomorrow!
You folks are and have been nothing but awesome, ethical, generous, brilliant, and I could go on forever. Thank you Ed for this wonderful and sincere message today. As others have said, I’ve learned more even in the pre-season, than I have overall about IM. Having not felt that I’m really a ‘marketing kind of guy’, you’ve changed my opinion due to your values and all that you have given us so freely. I’ve even written my first article, after procrastinating with anything like that for over a year!! I’m ready to do another one or two today!
Sending good thoughts, prayers, and immense gratitude.
You’re a classy guy. Thanks for keeping above the fray, and for focusing on good content instead of how to make a quick buck. It’s much the same message I try to give to my university students–focus on the writing, not the grade! Write well, and the A grades will follow.
I want to take a moment to chime in here about how wonderful it is to work with an Internet Marketer of high integrity such as Ed Dale. The fact that he was bothered enough to post a video on a Sunday speaks volumes because there are very few others I’ve worked with who would care so much.
This year’s 30DCIII is SO different from the last two that I feel like I’m starting from scratch in many ways and I’m glad to be guided by Ed and his team of experts once again. One thing is for sure - no matter how unpredictable the web may be, the Thirty Day Challenge is never boring!
Thanks Ed and 30DCIII team for the lessons learned so far and for all those yet to come.
I met you about 4 weeks ago on the web and joined the challenge.
I have learned tons from you and have also enjoyed your energy and wit.
As time has gone by and having you both also twittering into my cell I have been feeling you as part of my world.
Your message is brilliant on the technical level, on marketing, and on the human level.
I am a few days behind so didn’t yet get onto tumblr and even though I was thinking of using my own hosting account, I will ‘follow’ you on what you show us next, to learn, and to keep within the spirit of the challenge.
Ed, Your Sunday message is a tribute to your integrity and was very moving.
I was in Atlanta in Feb but won’t make it now. I do hope to meet you both in person one of these days.
So for now just to say that I am Big Fan, that I wish you the best, that the 30DC is Great Fun, that I send love,
and once again Thankyou,
God Bless,
For us new guys, if our article still is in Tumblr and we still have a #5PR, do we leave it alone and go somewhere else with the next article. I am holding on and will stay with the tremendous program.
I guess I don’t know how to write spam.
Ed you have created a sense of family with all the 30DCers. You certainly have been patient.
Keep a stiff upper lip, mate.
Thanks for the honesty and support you continue to share with us . The important thing is the principle behind the training. I have learned a lot and I am sure I will continue to learn a lot more from you. I am still concentrating on my content because as you rightly said “good content is King”. I know there are no short cuts in life.i look forward to finishing the rest of training. You have been genorous with your knowledge and the training I have received will certainly go beyond the TDC.
There’s not enough words to say how much I appreciate the lessons you’re teaching on Internet marketing, business, and life.
I look forward to when I can afford to get a membership for the immediate edge. With all the dodgy gurus out there these days and the $1000 products, I’m glad to see someone with honesty and integrity.
Hi Ed, I havnt got a URL ,when I log into tumblr, they ask me for a URL, what is it and how do I get one?
since I havnt even got onto Tumblr I dont even Know what all the furore is about, have I missed something important here that I should know about? Im sure I am not the only one in this situation.
oh and btw - Boot Camp in Cairns would be fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi gang,
I saw the potential for rubbish content and teamwork tagging abuse early on in the TDC. Web 2.0 is going to have to evolve in a way to deter spam if it is going to become a permanent part of internet culture. Clearly there is nothing wrong with providing good content for a profit motive using the 2.0 infrastructure.
We are going to have to accept the fact that in short order, spammers are going to be onto this like flies on honey, especially now that the cat is out of the bag, that 2.0 sites are going to have to clean house and that we may find ourselves put out with the trash.
As everyone already knows if the search engines and sites with the potential for becoming SEO spam delivery tools don’t take defensive measures, The first pages of SEO results will (once again) consist of nothing but garbage advertisement sites. There have been periods when looking for major keyword information on the search engines has been a waste of time.
I signed up for Stumbleupon a while back because I wanted to figure out why Ebay bought it. I emailed my friends and colleagues about it to tell them that it was a place where real people where making real evaluations of sites. I didn’t realize that the search engines would inevitably be programmed to look in the same (2.0) places for the exact reason.
The TDC has been a tremendous learning experience for me as a sociologist, above and beyond the excelent curriculum it is a social experiment, which I will be writing about in a publications that few people will ever read. I would hate to see it terminated due to irresponsible or malicious behavior, but even if it is, it will still have been a great experiment and an enjoyable experience.
Hakuna Matata, Ed!
No worries . . .
I’m still here, too. Not going anywhere! They can kick us but we won’t stay down!
~Annie
Great response video, Ed. I had a gut feeling the 30DC members were going to “break the intarweb” once everyone’s blogs went *live*. It was hilarious going through Digg and a few other social posting sites and basically seeing EVERY listed bookmark or link as a “How to…” with a Tumblr URL! It was even more hilarious seeing what kind of niches 30DC’ers were coming up with!
Regardless, I think you have said it the way it needed to be said. For those on 30DC who are not putting in the full effort of putting GREAT QUALITY content, I think we will need to step back and re-evaluate the STRATEGY involved in using web 2.0 avenues as an avenue for generating revenue. You are completely right, Ed…people searching Google for information do NOT want a “salesey” blog about sausage-making, speed-reading, or even male yeast infection (*ick*).
So far, all three of my Tumblr blogs are still up. I don’t know if they will be suspended or not, but I am trying to write my daily posts as if I were not “trying” to make money at it. Hopefully, the guys at Tumblr saw that and *spared* my piece of webspace on their domain.
Quote: NextInstinct Says:
August 19th, 2007 at 12:07 am
Ed,
Could you expand a bit on that “Atlanta” comment?
:End Quote
It could mean that Ed Dale will once again be at the StomperNet Live event in Atlanta.
Well, at least that is what I am hoping that means… hoping hoping hoping
well no matter, I will be at the StomperNet Live event in Atlanta.
Hi Ed,
Quite a bit of emotion there and it’s justifiable. You and the team are showing us some exceptional stuff and I am sure there will be a lot more of it to come. My internet experiences have not been pleasant, lots of dollars going out and not a lot coming in. What we are getting here for free is really unbelievable. We won’t go, losing a blog or two means b…..all and it will not take long to cut and paste again! Take care, we love what you are doing and let’s move on together.
Hey Ed, good stuff.
I don’t feel you need to apologize because this was extremely unpredictable and shows us a good lesson about internet marketing… “things that work one day can cease to work the next”
There’s no way we’re going to give up now, just rebuild stronger than before.
“# NextInstinct Says:
August 19th, 2007 at 12:07 am
Ed,
Could you expand a bit on that “Atlanta” comment?”
I was referring to Stompernet Live in Atlanta.
Ed, Glad you are going to be there. I have a big frosty cold beer with your name on it.
Ed, whatever else happens over the remainder of the 30 days, I have to say, I have learned more from your straight forward approach to internet marketing, than any other source to date. And whether or not its this Web 2.0 platform or another, it still bets trying to master the PPC approach. The fact remains that you are doing a great thing here for all of us, for FREE.
One setback, certainly does not mean the doom for the entire process. Sure we have had spent some time building the blog, however, we should have all saved our info and be able to utilize it elsewhere. Web 2.0 is still evolving and we are all learning. The thing that is amazing is that such a valuable resource could be owned and controlled by one guy. Maybe instead of finding the next platform, we each just make one ourselves and then spread the love between ourselves. If this guy can do it, how hard can it be?
In closing, Ed and the rest of this 30dc team, you have went above and beyond my wildest expectations and I thank your for that. Please continue to provide your wonderful information and I will continue to do my best to put it to work to get that first sale. Thanks again for your time and effort. Keep on trucken.
Ed, I admire your integrity and I guess this is an example of giving away too much valuable information for free. Charging for it would potentially keep the spammers away. I am not complaining of course but unfortunately there will always be people who take advantage of this type of generosity and spoil it for the people who are not spammers and have marketing and business integrity and will follow your advice not abuse it.
As far as Blogs go I suggest using Blogger.com its free and its owned by Google and has heaps of great features and I find it easy to use.
Keep the chin up and forge forward.
Well said Ed.
I’m still in.
Onwards and upwards!
Well done Ed
I’ll still be here - “integrity” should be your middle name, and its something a lot of people lack these days.
Good for you, and thanks thanks thanks.
Can’t wait for my 1st $10….
Cheers
Brad
“Is it over”!
I’m still trying to catch up!
(along with my wife and daughter)
The next thing on my agenda was (is?) the tumblr video of day 16.
See you Monday
Maybe.
I have to work 10 to 10 at the unethical job– labor.
So I’ll probably be playing catch-up again on Tuesday.
Thanks Ed.
(But what do we do when Google drops GTrends?)
Thanks Ed - for everything
D
Hi Ed. I just want to join with everyone in showing you my support and gratitude for what you have done so far, and are continuing to do. Also for “taking the heat” for us, and indeed apologising TO us (not necessary, IMHO).
In fact, I would like to take the opportunity to apologise to you (and Dan and everyone else involved) for my (small) part in causing this “blip” over the weekend. In parts of the video, you seemed genuinely distressed, and I’m sure I speak for the vast majority of us in saying that’s the last thing we want. Also, I’m sorry you had to interrupt your weekend and your family time.
I personally don’t believe my content was spammy, but do accept that it may have been taken as such (or maybe we were just suspended en masse). There is a fine line (I think) between those who are deliberately writing spammy content to make a quick buck, and those who are inexperienced at writing content, and maybe not making such a good job of it.
I would place myself firmly in the latter category, as I’m sure would the majority of TDCers. I’m sure that with the practice that you are encouraging we take, we will all improve and find it so much easier to provide the quality content you advocate.
I for one am looking forward to the next two weeks. Even if I make $0, I have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, this experience for the learning process and the camaraderie and fellowship of the TDCers - and I’m not even in a team!!
Thanks again, Ed. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Bring on Monday!!!
PS. For those thinking of giving up as “failures”, my signature in the forums is from Confucius and echoes my sentiments on this: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Hi Ed,
It is so refreshing to see someone even consider ethics in business .I have to admit it is something that can be difficult to teach but easier to demonstrate.I work as a doctor in the U.K. and a few years ago saw the introduction of an ethical role playing station,as one part of the Practical Assessment Of Clinical Skills (PACES) for the Membership Of The Royal College Of Physicians U.K.This is an exam mandatory to pass for aspiring junior doctors with non surgical specialist career paths.The amazing thing is that the changes were brought in within the last decade!Up until then it was assumed that doctors didn’t need to be trained in ethics as it was something that came with experience.So if the caring profession such as medicine needs to learn these principles you can be rest assured Ed that’s it never too late for the 30DC’ers.
If you’re wondering why a doctor is doing the 30DC that’s a good question?I wanted to learn the process and to see if it’s something that I may recommend to a few select disabled patients who have never worked in mainstream employment.This process could benefit the less fortunate members of our society and I want to thank you Ed for making it free.
Regards
Mohammed
Hi Ed! I think you already did everything we neeed! Take time for your wonderful kid and go out with her
It’s sunday!
Ed,
I would just like to say a huge big thank you, to you, Dan and the rest of the crew for the awesome videos and education you are all imparting to us.
I know that I would indeed pay big $$$ for this sort of information elsewhere, which I am thoroughly enjoying and would like to point out, that it is really the only program that I have really followed through on. (Bit of a program jumper in the past) But you have held my interest throughout and I have been extremely focused all the way. (Awesome)
Although I only started on Day 10 and the tumblr slap has not affected me, I feel it is a great learning curve for all 30DC’s, as every business has its glitches and you have to work through them.
It is a truly a great shame that you will get just a select few ….. who will exploit any system and ruin it for others.
You look as tired as I feel!! No doubt due to this added burden placed upon you, not to mention all the hours you and your team are spending putting this program together. I hold you in very high regard and certainly do not question your integrity.
I am in this till the end buddy!! I just hope that you keep this information up after the challenge, so for those of us that left the starters gate after the other vets, can finish the race. (So to Speak)
Stop drinking the coffee, have a stiff drink and get some sleep. Tomorrows another day and it will all come out in the wash!!
Kind Regards from
Noeline
Ambition is the path to success.
Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. ~ William Eardley
Thanks for all the great comments guys and gals. Much appreciated.
Dan
Hi Ed - firstly it is not your fault that this 30DC is so overwhelmed with members. That in itself skews the net.
I personally have had 6 Blogger blogs closed down for spamming. They are back up now but useless. Because of this I watched every word I wrote. My blog is still there but I realise that it may not be tomorrow.
I know your techniques work as one of my clients made $2000 from her first article at my suggestion that she wrote it - I have never made that much but the system does work. Deep breath - I posted on twitter days ago that we would break tumblr and we did. Goodness knows how Blogger would have reacted if you had suggested them.
You are a great team and you differ from the paid army of gooo rews, you make a mistake, you own up and correct it. You all work like stink for us and if nothing went wrong it would be a gruesome course. Finally you charge nothing for this and I bet it takes far more than a month out of your annual earnings - cheer up, it’s Sunday and I bet you are all working your butt off.
Di - have a hug
30 Day Challenge Work Gets A Slap In The Face
Ed,
many many thanks for taking extra time out for this video.
I’m not sure if this was an apology, but 30DC have almost nothing to apologise for!
I appreciate your concern for tumblr, but for me personally, they are the ones who should apologise. Absolutely fine if they want to reject members/content, but to do it on a “heuristic” basis, at anyone with a connection for 30DS, to do it with ZERO notice, to do it and remove access from our own content, and certainly in some cases (my own for instance) to do it without regard.
I also don’t appreciate being called “affiliate scum” by Marco, just because I am a 30DC member.
I run a legitimate publishing business and I manufacture. I am doing 30dc as a legitimate businessman, trying to learn how to compete with the spammers and web mafia.
If all affiliates were scum, where would that leave every Avon agent, every VAR, every retailer???
Where would Google, Yahoo and MSN be, if resellers weren’t running adverts?
Drop shippers (Misco, Ebuyer, etc.) don’t hold (much) stock either and PROMOTE, to earn commission, just like an affiliate.
Profit is not a dirty word. Money is just a token for bartering. Without reward, why would the farmer farm to feed us all?
My tumblr site had NO ZERO ZILCH affiliate links. It was high on information content, It was 3 days old and still evolving. It broke none of their published TOS. And yet…
Anyway they are the people who have lost credibility “for me”. I will never ever use or recommend anything Davidvile or Marco do, ever, and be very suspicious of whom they work with/for.
It’s not what they did, it is how they did it. And if they are web 2 aware, they should know full well how the web community feel about losing their content and their “home” and their community, and to be accused without jury, of being a low life.
I appreciate you feel sympathy towards Tumblr.
I do not!
Sure 30DC could/should have worked with Tumblr, prior to the surge, but that’s spilt milk now.
I’ve sent you a private email , which I doubt you’ll get to read, but it’s there. Some things should not be said publicly, and I know Marco is reading this. Have a nice day Marco!
Ed, thank you!
I know you share the sadness/depression/anger of us all achieving and then being knocked down and evicted from our new web tents. But at least we’ve seen there are tents, and we may get to keep one, one day.
BTW I got to number 13 in google for my keyphrase in 48 hours.
The job was then mine to entertain, inform and eventually monetise that traffic. I was happily doing that job till the rude interruption.
A huge thanks to the entire 30DC team.
I must highlight Caro though, who throughout the weekend tried to keep us all as calm as she could. The trick with the peanuts was amazing !!
Many thanks
Peter (not an affiliate - but scum to some)
Hi Ed,
WE GET IT MATE! You are not and cannot be responsible for human greed and people using the web for their own selfish ends.
The reason I am attracted to marketing on the internet is because of the “give away ethic” - the principle of giving away $100 worth of great free info, before asking for $10.
Chin up mate, THANKS for all the awesome info, for your no b.s dinkum approach and for giving of your time and energy so freely and generously to get us newbies educated and started on the road to creating sites with great content with the highest net ethics.
Cheers & thanks
Harley, Auckland, NZ
PS Yeah Allmans Live @ Fillmore is great (Liz Reed - wow!)
Hi, ED
The weather is on the dull and drizzly side here in the uk as well…
Even though i am not taking part in the 30DC at the moment due to many other of my online
commitments, i am none the less still keeping an eye on things and if i have the time then i
watch a couple of the videos and pods that you guys put together…
This latest video almost had me in tears for you and other members as you are one of the
best and most trustworthy team of guys that i have had the pleasure to have come in
contact with. Things do invariably go wrong and some events just cannot be foreseen
until they happen. People just have to realize that FAILURE IS JUST A STATE OF MIND…
No one ever actually fails at something they attempt because they come away with some
sort of knowledge out of the situation, that at a future time will help them to achieve
something else no matter how small. To fail is to learn the meaning of failure…
Just by the fact that i have learned something from todays video makes it a winner
for me personally…
You said at the very beginning that the object is to promote yourself and i took that
on board and started applying it to what i do in my ventures that i already have…
Guess what! It gave me the boost that i was lacking and gave me the confidence of
not to hide who i am…
Thanks ED, i wish you the best of luck with the remaining days of the 30DC and also
wish to extend my thanks to your supportive and loving family…
WAY TO GO ED…
Vince
[...] and responsibility. I’ll leave you with Ed’s response to what is now being called Tumblrgate which I find equally [...]
Ge-day Mate,
Yes, there maybe a few spammers in the spoils, but most of your followers in the (30DC) are here to learn.
Mistakes will be made on the way, but I guess
that’s how we progress, by not making the same mistakes twice.
Ed, you and your team have brought this brilliant plan of your’s together, and now you proved it work’s. Please don’t stop now, on your Loyal followers.
I’m a little behind with the program,and I look forward to each day for your next lesson.
I’m learning at my own pace, which is slow, but I will get there from your help and guidense.
You have put this Educational Teaching Program (Free) to the world, so the little guy
could learn how to make a Dollard, Pound, or a Euro in his own pocket, and hopefully not have to depend on a (J.O.B. just-over-broke)
or maybe the social welfare system, that our
goverment control, on how we live within our means.
So, keep up the great work, that you provide
for the little guy, and we look forward to your next lesson.
Ed, from the emerald isle.
P.S.
It’s a pity, some of the well know names, on the internet that charge a leg and an arm for there programs, did not come up with an idea
that you came up with ?
( Boils down to Greed )
Say hello to Charlie for me, and tell him his Da is Brilliant !
Go have A Pint, you deserve it
Ed,
No need to explain the concept of great content. You and the TDC team have provided priceless content that could easily create millionaires. The “Tumblr Massacre” is really just a great example of the success of your program. By creating great content you have in effect created movement on the internet.
Tumblr has every right to handle their website as they please but also have missed an opportunity to be part of something special.
I am very grateful for the 30 day challenge. I currently had not real intentions or creating any web based business. I took on the challenge for the fun of it.
Thank God my first internet marketing class was free, had great content and was based on integrity. I now have a quality role model should I decide to take part in this industry/community.
Thanks TDC Team
Brian M
There’s a dark side to everything, and I mean *everything*. It was just a matter of time something like this turned up, but let’s remember how precious the whole experience really is. Don’t let it get to you Ed, you’re doing good!
Ed you and Dan are doing a great job. I’m not going anywhere and hopefully people will take your advice to heart. This is a wonderful opportunity to make money in an ethical way. I don’t think there is a program out there quite like this. Look at all the support and materials you’re providing! I’m actually having fun and meeting some cool people along the way.
Ed, thanks again for this great fun very interesting learning experience. I would never participate with scums or shady characters….I chose the TDC and from day one you proved to me that you are into Internet Marketing and in a very sane ethical way….shall I say, “the right way.” There are used car salesmen (and women! LOL) out there and then there’s that horrible image many have of the slimey salesman they have to fight off because that is “old school”….I think the web will more and more go the way of ethical internet marketing because it is good stuff and it is what the end-user client is looking for. They are not looking to “get slimed” when they hit on a web page. They are looking for GREAT content and no pressures. I love everything you teach and you taught it well. It worked for me…but my ranked page (still on page 1 of google in place 7) doesn’t exist! LOL That’s the only darn thing, but being new I didn’t even think that far out about “won’t Tumblr see this spike as spam or something?”. Doesn’t matter. Sure, I am BEHIND and that Tumblr thing didn’t help in that matter, but I am NOT behind at all IN LEARNING…..I am staying up with what you are teaching pretty much. I know it works, I have seen the proof. I know it’s good. Nobody could possibly say anything otherwise about you as you have it all on TAPE as proof of what you teach…nothing slimey, no slamming hosts, nothing at all in any way bad. So, I wouldn’t worry, but I understand your feeling bad for both Tumblr (who didn’t see it coming and over-reacted that they got slimed) and the newbies who put hard work into their sites, research and may now be behind. Guess what? Life happens. You take your hits and move on. No sulking. (Ok, sulk for a micro-second and say, “aw, that blows!” and move on and be happy soon! If you don’t move on, you won’t be happy soon.)
How can I be so burnt-out and so excited about Monday???!!! This is insane! LOL
TDC, I love you.
XO,
Kelly
(friends, you may visit my website and love me anytime
)
I’m so happy my sites got nuked for the sole reason that I’ve been stuck on Day 16 for 4 days now. I felt so down because there were people getting ranked and I was still trying to figure out what we were supposed to be writing on the Tumblr page. Now I have the opportunity to catch up and start fresh with everyone on Monday. Lemonade from lemons I suppose
Ed.. I would suggest you stay on target and not let the others lead you off track. There are those of us who want to understand what you are teaching and then there are those that don’t.. so be it.. get on with it mate! Peter Brusso
Hi Ed,
I could give up now and still walk away with more knowledge that A GURU can autoresponder me in a year.
If it was a smooth ride all the way then i and many others would take it for granted. This is a great lesson and a good learning experience.
Fair play for putting this video up and saying it from the heart.
I am in for the duration and wont give up until i have made mt $10.
Keep going, we all support you guys.
Richard
I can’t add much that hasn’t been said already so I’ll just take this opportunity to say thank you very much and keep going.
Out of the dark and into the light … I am here for the long haul and appreciate your honesty. True we could jump ship but why would I want to? Days behind and yet I have still learnt more from you in this short period than all the courses I have ever attended (and paid squillions for) before.
I felt really emotional watching your video and then realised that it was excitement coursing through my veins whoo hoo
J
Ditto, ditto, ditto to all of the above accolades that you so justly deserve. I first came under your tutelage during the Stompernet Simple campaign and I knew immediately that I was learning from one of the best. I jumped at the chance to participate in the Thirty Day Challenge because I knew that I would learn lots of fantastic information from a wonderful teacher. I am committed to following through to the very end – and my first $10 on line! As you have said before, the most successful people have made mistakes; and they learn from them and move forward. Let’s all move forward together.
My Best,
Corinne
I seems to have missed to excitement and posted to tumblr after the fact within 2 hours.
Phrase match #2
Broad match #8
But don’t get discouraged…let this be a lesson learned early. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” as the saying goes. Links can be here today and gone tomorrow. Think “redundancy”. The internet is dynamic…always changing and platforms change. Be sure you spread you efforts out, so if you lose one marketing channel, you are backed up with another. If you don’t it could cost you a lot of money and heart ache down the road.
Farewell Tumblr.
Good riddance Marco. You were but a blip in the 30DC.
Thank you Ed. You are a gentleman, a shining beacon to all of us internet marketing wannabes.
I’ve posted a message to myself and everyone else at my 30DC blog:
http://blogs.thirtydaychallenge.com/suzanne/up-the-down-hill-and-back-again/
Ed, Dan and crew - I know you’ve been here before, and if you keep being your great selves, you’ll be here again, but know that we appreciate you…IMMENSELY.
Suzanne
Thank you for taking your family time to address this. I believe that you were abundantly clear over and over about providing quality content from the beginning… so you are not to blame for anything close to spam. And that is exactly why I am in the 30DC for the long haul. You are an incredible teacher and your lessons are overflowing with professionalism.
I would like to think that this may weed out those who are not so ethical, but reality is that things like this tend not to phase those who don’t have morals in the first place. It may weed out those who were looking for an excuse in the first place.
Keep on and realize that there are many of us who ARE ethical and appreciative of your time and efforts.
Thank you again!
I’m sticking it out with you sir! I’ve learned so much already (even though I joined 10 days late and only got to this video now because I’m playing catchup) and I thank you so much for this opportunity! Let’s hear it for the white hats like Ed!
Great video and comments Ed. Thank you for doing this and thanks for keeping to the high road. Your a model of integrity in cyber world which can get pretty sleezy. I am fortunate and and my tumblr is still active . Can’t wait for more of your good juice tomorrow!
Ed, Dan, & Team,
You folks are and have been nothing but awesome, ethical, generous, brilliant, and I could go on forever. Thank you Ed for this wonderful and sincere message today. As others have said, I’ve learned more even in the pre-season, than I have overall about IM. Having not felt that I’m really a ‘marketing kind of guy’, you’ve changed my opinion due to your values and all that you have given us so freely. I’ve even written my first article, after procrastinating with anything like that for over a year!! I’m ready to do another one or two today!
Sending good thoughts, prayers, and immense gratitude.
Ed,
You’re a classy guy. Thanks for keeping above the fray, and for focusing on good content instead of how to make a quick buck. It’s much the same message I try to give to my university students–focus on the writing, not the grade! Write well, and the A grades will follow.
I want to take a moment to chime in here about how wonderful it is to work with an Internet Marketer of high integrity such as Ed Dale. The fact that he was bothered enough to post a video on a Sunday speaks volumes because there are very few others I’ve worked with who would care so much.
This year’s 30DCIII is SO different from the last two that I feel like I’m starting from scratch in many ways and I’m glad to be guided by Ed and his team of experts once again. One thing is for sure - no matter how unpredictable the web may be, the Thirty Day Challenge is never boring!
Thanks Ed and 30DCIII team for the lessons learned so far and for all those yet to come.
Hi Ed and Dan,
I met you about 4 weeks ago on the web and joined the challenge.
I have learned tons from you and have also enjoyed your energy and wit.
As time has gone by and having you both also twittering into my cell I have been feeling you as part of my world.
Your message is brilliant on the technical level, on marketing, and on the human level.
I am a few days behind so didn’t yet get onto tumblr and even though I was thinking of using my own hosting account, I will ‘follow’ you on what you show us next, to learn, and to keep within the spirit of the challenge.
Ed, Your Sunday message is a tribute to your integrity and was very moving.
I was in Atlanta in Feb but won’t make it now. I do hope to meet you both in person one of these days.
So for now just to say that I am Big Fan, that I wish you the best, that the 30DC is Great Fun, that I send love,
and once again Thankyou,
God Bless,
George
For us new guys, if our article still is in Tumblr and we still have a #5PR, do we leave it alone and go somewhere else with the next article. I am holding on and will stay with the tremendous program.
I guess I don’t know how to write spam.
Ed you have created a sense of family with all the 30DCers. You certainly have been patient.
Keep a stiff upper lip, mate.
Thanks for the honesty and support you continue to share with us . The important thing is the principle behind the training. I have learned a lot and I am sure I will continue to learn a lot more from you. I am still concentrating on my content because as you rightly said “good content is King”. I know there are no short cuts in life.i look forward to finishing the rest of training. You have been genorous with your knowledge and the training I have received will certainly go beyond the TDC.
Ed,
There’s not enough words to say how much I appreciate the lessons you’re teaching on Internet marketing, business, and life.
I look forward to when I can afford to get a membership for the immediate edge. With all the dodgy gurus out there these days and the $1000 products, I’m glad to see someone with honesty and integrity.
~Shannon
Hi Ed, I havnt got a URL ,when I log into tumblr, they ask me for a URL, what is it and how do I get one?
since I havnt even got onto Tumblr I dont even Know what all the furore is about, have I missed something important here that I should know about? Im sure I am not the only one in this situation.