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Number 4 BS-Alarm Tripper
Any time I see term "downline" I immediately think "scam".
Why? Because this is a term used in MLM (multi-level marketing) "industry", and generally indicates you will not be selling products, but rather, trying to get other people to sell stuff for you.
This is dream of every salesman and would-be entrepreneur: "To make money by getting other people to do all work." I'm not saying MLM schemes never work. Some real world MLM schemes are notoriously successful. But these schemes generally sell real products that we all need -- stuff like toilet paper and whiz wipes. Aunt Minerva is going to buy this stuff somewhere, so she might as well buy it from you (or your "downline").
But by its very nature an MLM scheme runs out of suckers very quickly. And since most web schemes like this are not selling real products -- that would be too complicated -- sucker pool is even smaller. The only people interested in buying into these things are suckers like you -- you know, other "opportunity-seekers" prepared to sell their friends and relatives $5 "memberships". And most people (not surprisingly) are not interested in doing that.
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Number 5 BS Alarm Tripper
"We will do all work for you."
I've already implied it a few times, but in case you've missed my main point it is this: There is no free lunch on web or anywhere else. If somebody tells you they can make money for you without ANY work on your part, they are either nuts or simply lying to you. Think about it. Why would somebody set up a website, stick your name on it, and then start sending you checks just because you let them use your name? Wouldn't it be a lot more profitable for these guys just to make up names and send checks to themselves.
Yes, it would. What they really want is get you on board so you can start buying their "products" (more BS), and promoting system as a member of their "downline". Sorry. Not interested.
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I can think of many more BS Alarm stimulators, but these five eliminate at least 90% of "opportunities" I've run into. If you have any comments, I'd be pleased to hear from you. Check out my website and drop me an email.
Rick Hendershot is based in Conestogo, Ontario, Canada. He spent many years as an advertising consultant, and small business owner. He currently publishes several small business websites and ezines, and provides web design and online marketing services to small business owners wanting to jump start their online marketing efforts. He can be reached at rh@small-business-online.com.