ChatToText.com: False Start But Starting to Become a Major MLM Buzz

One of the biggest Internet stories in the MLM world emanating from Facebook.com is the ChatToText.com "false start." The company behind the business driven text application (as there is a joining fee of $6.00 per month to use the texting service) appears to be getting ready for a major "re-release" to include additionally Myspace.com and Bebo.com If successful, ChatToText.com will be available to these website's members so that they can text their friends from their personal page(s). The controversy, for those not aware already, is over the MLM company's initial false start on Facebook subsequent to when it was shut down by the host site's administrators. As an application promoted as one of the social networking site's biggest applications emerging, it turns out that Facebook.com and its owners had nothing to do with the creation of ChatToText and many who bought into the application were very disappointed about the "slip shod" way of doing business. In other words, worry was created when ChatToText.com launched ostensibly without corporate approval and the application was suspended pursuant to Facebook's section 8.4 of their Platform Policy http://wiki.developers.facebook.com/index.php/Platform_Policy:

Having looked at a few false starts before, including some even the top engineers at NASA had their hands on (e.g. Apollo 13), some big ideas have "nose dived" before they recovered. This is not to suggest that ChatToText developers are equivocal to a NASA space mission team, and if they are then good for them. In any event, this author cannot compare the two. However, what is plainly evident to the internet users promiting the application is that ChatToText is taking a big idea to Facebook so that their members may be able to profit from an MLM during rough economic times. Part of what makes the ChatToText application an appealing business is the "viral" nature of Facebook and similar other social networking sites. Members of these sites give real meaning to the concept of "6 degrees of separation" and, as such, building an organization through social networking online becomes an achievable task with the right marketing approach.

Yet, the worry created by the false start revealing some lack of insight or preparation on the part of the MLM company will inevitably turn some people off to the ChatToText.com application-opportunity, but not necessarily to the application itself. This all waits to be seen and the viability of the ChatToText business will become more clear after the dust settles. A false start is not conclusive of any business's likelihood of future success but does create some reasonable cause for concern. As with many of the MLM's out there, risk will be assumed by those who partake in the opportunity. If ChatToText.com successfully launches on Myspace and Bebo, then the initial "hiccup" for the company could become simply dust in the wind, especially if major growth in members is reported. But do your due diligence as always and feel free to email me with your questions if you would like any more of my personal opinions.

Going Red: Tapping into the Chinese Market

With the recent Chinese New Year, just past a few days ago, the emergence of the Asian culture in America goes without notice. The media fanfare surrounding the holiday certainly is a testament to the importance of Chinese culture in America not just as a part of the country's diversity but also in light of the economic influence the world's largest population has had and will continue to have. China will continue to undoubtedly have ever more salience in American life in years to come according to what most analysts and commentators are saying.

The appeal, therefore, of our products and the way we market them will have to take into account the Chinese ethos and ways of life. With well over a billion abroad and millions within the United States, the Chinese make up a market share of consumption that is yet to be tapped into, whereas we the West, have been buying up their goods for decades. The trend reversal must begin at some time if our economic partnership is going to work. The growing Chinese middle class opens up the door to what may be one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century, but who is doing it? Wal-Mart has opened up a number of stores on the Asian continent and specifically within the Chinese mainland. The problem is, where are the American items on the shelves in that retail and food outlet?

What about the small business enterprise here in the United States? Can they reach out to the Chinese population? The power of the Internet is of great interest to this class of commerce in as far as even the smallest of website entrepreneurs can with the right strategies get their products or services to the Chinese. Each month and each year more and more Chinese are getting linked to the world wide web, with some limitations respectively as censorship is much greater there than in the West. Nevertheless, they are seeing American websites by the second in massive numbers.

With this being the case, offering a 'Chinese appeal' is imperative to growing one's e-business, not to mention focusing on an appeal to the entire Asian continent as as India is also a major growth spot. Using a variety of Internet resources and other consulting devices we can uncover what the Chinese are searching for, and more importantly what they desire. One source for how to do this can be found at http://www.marketresearch.com/search/results.asp?&qtype=2&bquery=China+Online+Shopping+or+China+E+commerce+or+China+Electronic+Retail%0D%0A%0D%0A&datepub=24&xs=r This is just a start, but may at least lead you in the right direction.

Opportunity abounds from the Asian market and ought not to be ignored where there is so much competition. Having a focused marketing campaign each month that specifically targets Chinese and Asian Internet users is something that can be achieved with some time and perhaps a small investment. Some, like Wal-Mart, are already "Going Red" and are sure to reap the benefits. Putting cultural and ideological differences aside may be the key for those "turned off" to the Chinese system. In the end, we can learn much from each other and the differences that make us unique. What is more, in researching the Chinese and their growing economy we may be able to use some of their innovations to improve our own system from the large corporation down to the small business owner.

Warning: Is AdGateWorld the New ASD???

Many of those in the home based business, MLM, and Network Marketing crowd may already be aware of the ASD, adsurfdaily.com, debacle that has cost thousands of people somewhere in the range of $57 million dollars subsequent to when the U.S. Attorney's Office began their investigation and prosecution. The ASD business model was an "auto surf" program that in essence paid members to both surf sites and refer new members as part of their compensation plan. The real issue of controversy was over ASD's promise of a rebate of up to 125% of ad packages purchased that was paid to members at a rate of around 1% per day. The allegations and thrust of the complaint against ASD are that the company was operating an illegal ponzi scheme under the guise of an Internet advertising business.

A new company has emerged under the name of AdGateWorld, where you may view their site by searching for them at your own risk. I hesitate to even post the URL for AdGateWorld given all the legal intensity surrounding ASD and the Federal lawsuit that ensued. It appears, though, that this new version of the ASD, "auto surf," program operates out of Panama and is therefore a foreign entity. However, when reviewing the AdGateWorld offer it is almost a clone of ASD in terms of the rebate program and Internet advertising product incorperated therein.

Word to the wise: despite the facts that AdGateWorld is operated outside the U.S. and is not a U.S. owned company does not mean it can legitimately do business inside the U.S. borders. The "Wild West" aspect of the Internet does beg the question as to how much illegal activity can take place without law enforcement and inevitably you will have rampant lawlessness until there is a "crack down." Regardless of the current ease with which Internet scams can flourish for some time, law enforcement officials, namely through the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office, the Secret Service and other departments of government, will eventually find ways of busting illegitimate business. AdGateWorld, in other words, may do business without a penalty to the officers and owners, but those involved in the business here in the States may end up getting prosecuted either through a civil or criminal action depending on the rule of law that is enforced.

So, with all that being stated it would behoove anyone who wishes to promote a business that is essentially the same thing as ASD to consult with an attorney first before engaging in it. It would be a legal conclusion to hold that either AdGateWorld or ASD are illegal ponzi's within the meaning and definition of the laws and I will not go that far. But, with all that has taken place in the Federal Courts against ASD it does not hurt to stay away from an opportunity, AdGateWorld or any other, that has all the appearances of one that is currently being adjudicated against without much chance of successfully surpassing the prosecution at this time. AdGateWorld may be deemed legitimate and it would be wrong to cast judgment at this time -- the point here is mainly to take caution and warning before exposing yourself to what may be a real liability.

Inauguration Time: Reigning in Your Business

"We are not

going to fail."

Inauguration time always brings with it a mix of cheer and confidence for some while at the same time a general malaise for others who voted for the losing candidate. Despite any one's political leanings there is no denying that a new President and administration changes the focal point of discussion and analysis into what the next four years (at least) will bring. Internet bloggers are stepping up their own discussion and analysis into the meaning and importance of the new Obama Administration in terms of both politics and history. They are also proliferating their opinions as to what the first black President ever elected means to the American people, especially to African Americans, in which such opinions are all the more pronounced today during the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, just one day before the inauguration event.

Business people, in particular small business owners, are weighing in closely and seriously watching President Obama as they, regardless of their ability to adapt through many bad economies, are concerned about the economic crisis and "bailout" for American businesses. Small business is part of the heart and soul of American capitalism as they often are the source of much innovation and new ideas that eventually create greater expansion of the economy. Internet businesses and the blog based businesses are more recently a part of this innovation, and there is much curiosity that now surrounds the business models that are successful. What is more, during bad economic times people are turning to less conventional methods to make ends meet, which is why we may be seeing an unprecedented expansion into the Internet, home based, businesses all over.

The new administration is admittedly heading into office, full speed, to confront what is a great challenge, perhaps as great as that which Franklin D. Roosevelt had to face during the Great Depression. With unparalleled deficits, mortgage scandals and failures abounding within the industry, 7% unemployment and increasing monthly, real estate values plummeting in areas and national sales down, and the "big three auto" debacle, just to name the big ones, the Obama Administration will have its hands full with confounding domestic issues in addition to ending the war in Iraq as early as is possible. Consequently, many Americans are understandingly sharing worry and anxiety.

Being proactive as opposed to sitting around and worrying is the best approach to the current times. Blogging has become ever more popular especially for the many unemployed trying to be productive while trying to find work. With the right amount of time and effort, the even the average blogger can discover how to make money while engaging in the written word. There are many programs out there that will help unlock the secrets of making money online. Some are even passive means to achieving Internet wealth. One of the most simple is offered by Squidoo.com. You can make a Squidoo lens that is both fun to do and does not take much time. The fruits of your labor may one day pay off as well. The key is being consistent, routinizing your productivity, and doing your research, because results from your Internet business are not an over night process. Educating yourself in blogging and learning the art of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) takes discipline. The beauty is that you do not need to be a computer guru to learn how and be successful.

The economic crisis may bring hard times. But, it is during these times that people find innovative ways to make money. Using the power of the Internet, one can go on a quest to find financial freedom just like the old pioneers who headed West and found their fortunes over a century ago. Most importantly, you must have hope and keep an open mind. These will carry you along the path and without them you will be caught in the dust left by the other trailblazers.

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Looking for some Obamabelia? Or just some ideas for your blog? Go to:

http://www.squidoo.com/Obama44

Competing with Google AdSense and the Pay-Per-Click Conundrum

There is an old saying that goes as follows: "There is more than one way to skin a cat." My apologies to cat lovers out there reading this. However, I am applying this old adage to the myriad of ways you can use to "monetize your website or blog."

Eventually trial and error will uncover what works. Yet, in this world of instant gratification and time being money if you can follow the lead of others using the effective methods available, there is no sense in wasting your most valuable resource, which is your time itself. The question is truly where to find the right information. Perhaps, I can be of help in this short post.

Once your website traffic has reached a significant threshold of visitors, some will eventually click on ads that they see. Google's Adsense has for the most part filled the void of what are commonly referred to as "pay-per-click" advertising programs. Whereas for the less knowledgeable, a website or blog owner may post a banner ad provided by Google which can vary in size that exhibit small "tidbit" type ads therein. When clicked on, Google pays a portion of the ad revenue from the advertiser into the AdSense user's account. Seems simple enough?

The key in getting AdSense to work for you is to receive frequent clicks on your AdSense ads from legitimate "clickers." If the AdSense system observes any indication of abuse, your AdSense account will be terminated. So, needless to warn, being honest pays off.

Something that AdSense does not do, however, is place the highest bidders in your banners. They are randomly placed. An interesting new competitor to AdSense that does this is BidVertiser, which works in many ways like AdSense, but also has an MLM style or Affiliate marketing component where you can refer new users and receive compensation. Their "pay-per-click" model has a very professional layout and appearance offering a variety of insight as well as support to help you "cash out" on Internet advertising that can easily be placed on your empty website or blog space. And why not capitalize on your space that is just an empty void in any event?

Google AdSense has certainly held a monopoly on the "pay-per-click" programs and BidVertiser has all the looks and feel of a truly worthy opponent. The question is whether the Internet Behemoth will try to use its size and money as leverage over newcomers. But as we have seen before, Google also was once the "new site on the block."

Beware of Deceptions, Trickery, and Scams

With wisdom comes foresight, and with experience comes wisdom. Being able to see what lies ahead will save valuable resources, the most valuable of which is our time. In the world of the Internet with the traps that lay within it for the less astute or "wise" there are many seemingly lucrative offers out there that lure the unfortunate. We saw this recently with ASD's adsurfdaily.com and/or 12 Daily Pro and others like them that have all the underlying appearances of legitimacy. The Internet community as a whole ought to flag these sites early on before people are hurt. This is a responsibility that is shared by even those promoting Internet based businesses and their ilk. Scam sites that focus their time and efforts on the newest ponzi schemes and illegal pyramids need not be the only ones who are the "consumer watch dogs." The Internet and those who use it ought to share their wisdom without being overzealous so as to disparage legitimate businesses.

Here is a little history lesson for those unaware. In 1903, Charles Ponzi (picture, "mug shot" above) came to the United States from Italy and started what became known (after it was busted by authorities) as the first Ponzi Scheme. Promoted as what seemed like a legitimate investment program, Ponzi deceived many innocent people into "buying in," and like the other schemes that followed most of them lost and very few profited. More specifically,

"A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors out of the money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit. The term, "Ponzi scheme," is used primarily in the United States, while other English-speaking countries do not distinguish colloquially between this scheme and other pyramid schemes.[1] [sic] The Ponzi scheme usually offers abnormally high short-term returns in order to entice new investors. The perpetuation of the high returns that a Ponzi scheme advertises and pays requires an ever-increasing flow of money from investors in order to keep the scheme going."

(See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzi_scheme which has a lot of good information on the Ponzi topic)

As such, the math does not work out and neither does the morality. Legitimacy requires a certain modicum of honesty.

In light of this history lesson, I stumbled upon a new program out there, which from looking at the website alone raises "red flags." It is called 10 Stage Doubler, which you may view with caution at http://www.10stagedoubler.com/index.php This may be a good example of a ponzi scheme that from first glance has all the makings of the prototypical scam as it has neither an ostensible nor a real product and/or service, and by the simple "1 +2 = 3's" of it you can conclude that the only way you will make money is by new people coming in to "invest" so that enough money comes in to pay out those already "in on it" who want to cash out. Thus, in the end the people who come in last will lose everything as either the authorities will have shut it down before you can make a withdrawal or there will not be enough new people (new capital) to feed the system.

A "money matrix" or pyramid structure for an MLM or network marketing business may be the method of paying out sales personnel. However, legitimate programs offer a tangible product or service that allows for "organic" growth and ongoing sales to support the program. New money coming in is paid to be registered as a "business owner" or to buy the product or service. As with any business an MLM may fail due to insufficient growth or sales to keep operations running. Yet, that is a principle in economics as opposed to a money scheme that simply cycles new cash in that pays to those who got in early on so as to draw in "new blood" who heard about the 20% or so gain made in a short amount of time that also want a piece of the pie.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Treasury, have however, become very keen to the methods and tactics of those who have followed in the footsteps of Ponzi. Many have been "busted." But, they are not always there in the beginning to protect us. Therefore, when you hear about a 10 Stage Doubler or anything like it, take heed to the caveats posted or communicated anywhere and do your in depth investigation before getting involved. For those blogging or on the forums that are the "eyes and ears" of the Internet, pass it on when you see things like '10 Stage' and put a simple post on your site if you have one, sort of like a "neighborhood watch." If it works to keep crooks out of people's homes, hopefully it can work online just as well.

The Unemployment Struggle: Job and Career Woes for Many

Recent unemployment numbers are staggering. According to recent figures job losses reached 7.2% as of December of 2008. (For more information on the unemployment numbers see: http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/saturday/news/ny-bzjobs105993713jan10,0,7495063.story ) While there arguably lingers one of the worst economic crunches we have seen since the Great Depression, the trend in the unemployment figures appears to be a strong indicator of at least a recessionary economy. Many either recently laid-off or graduating from a degree program are seeing the fierce battle to find suitable employment and their woes are definitely shared across the country.

The current economic circumstances are truly challenging the job-seeker compelling them to take a "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" mentality, at least among those with a more positive attitude in the midst of so much negativity. And so they should! Competition to find work, let alone good work, is now at a high benchmark.

A lot of the successful principles that apply to marketing and advertising cross over well into the job seeker's strategies playbook which have been employed by the well taught and/or experienced. Your key marketing pieces are your resume and cover letter and they ought never to be generic or "cookie cutter" like as employers have become more keen in their hiring methodologies over the years. Some may already be aware of this, however for those who are not, Web 1.0 and 2.0 have been used by Human Resources departments of many mid to large size companies. They use these kind of computer technologies to decipher or to "mine" for certain words, terms or phrases, within the thousands of resumes received that the employers are looking for in the ideal candidate.

With all the obstacles inherent in the job seeking process, not to mention demonstrating why you are the best for the job, it is important to stay on the cutting edge. This means more than just how well you can articulate your skills and experiences, it also means how well you do your research into the company and the drafting process for your "marketing pieces" mentioned above. Investing into the advice of a consultant if you have the means to do so will therefore be helpful even for the most acute of job seekers as much of what they do is research all the new trends in the job market as well as the techniques HR departments all over are utilizing.

Just like with any other endeavor a second opinion and a fresh perspective will help to better refine your own techniques and methodologies. Never pretend to know it all because no one does. We let our egos get in the way all too often because that is just human nature. There are obviously many job related services out there. However, I suggest getting a referral from someone who has had success with a particular company and/or professional. You may find one through thorough and diligent research and it would be wise to scan the company through the Better Business Bureau or some other similar rating service or consumer watch dog.

So, for now best of luck to all those struggling. My hopes are certainly with you and for you. In the meantime look for other means out there to make income, which is why many are flocking to home based businesses in the face of hard economic times. Yet, that is another topic altogether.

Dating for Jobs. Find the company and career that fits you the best.