I suppose there must be some profit in being an internet snake oil sales person because there is a never ending tsunami of get rich quick schemes that choke both my in box and my junk folder - I guess my Jewish friend was right: 'Nail two sticks together and some schmuck will buy it!'
There is one foolproof (dare I use that word?) method to gaining some perspective on the wild schemes floated daily past your eyes: read the LEGAL DISCLAIMER - it hopefully will be the slap in the face - or wake up call you might need if you are considering taking a flyer at one of the imaginary carrots being dangled before your salivating palate.
Here is a good example:
Legal Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to accurately represent our program and its potential. Any claims made of actual earnings or examples of actual results can be verified upon request. The testimonials and examples used are exceptional results, don't apply to the average attendee/purchaser and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual's success depends on his or her background, dedication, desire, and motivation. As with any business endeavor, there is an inherent risk of loss of capital and there is no guarantee that you will earn any money.
Ok, so let's analyze this piece of legal weasel work. To anybody with even the slightest bit of reading comprehension, it should be clear that there are some very strong key words here:
-The testimonials and examples used are exceptional results...
-...don't apply to the average attendee/purchaser
-...not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results
-...there is no guarantee that you will earn any money.
For those with poor reading skills let's take a minute to analyze what is stated:
First off, the amazing money making results used to entice you are EXCEPTIONAL - dictionary definition = forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary: which should be interpreted in the vernacular to mean 'no f***ing way will you make money'.
Second. Sorry if I am insulting you...but...if you are thinking of pursuing some wildly overstated method of earning easy money, then you, without a doubt, are an average person...i.e.: there is definitely no f***ing way you are going to make money.
Third. This one is real simple: most likely no one will achieve the stated results.
And finally...there is a guarantee that you will lose money investing in this harebrained idea.
So, this begs the question: surely all the people who part with their hard earned money to get rich quick are not all stupid. Well, the answer to this deep question is, "Yes".
So why, you ask, do un-stupid people fall for these gimmicks?
Well, you can choose one, more than one, or all of the reasons below:
1. Thinking they are above average - it doesn't apply to them
2. It only costs a few (hundred?) bucks
3. They were a victim of Jabba the Hutt (a master manipulator)
4. They kept it a secret so no one would know
5. The snake oil salesperson seemed so down-to-earth and genuine
6. Nothin' ventured - nothin' gained
7. They were longing to be duped
8. They think riches are the way to happiness
9. A sucker is born every minute
10. Despite what they thought in #1 - they really are gullible.
11. They do not read disclaimers.
So, knowing that we all (yes, even myself) are susceptible to the Jabba Hutts of this world, it is imperative
that the next time you begin to feel the pull of easy money, you immediately go into pg. dn. mode and read the Legal Disclaimer...if that does not help, denial after the fact is the most accepted form of obtaining absolution.
Good Luck!
