I feel pretty stupid about even getting sucked in the way I was because I’m savvy in the offline business world. The reason I didn’t see it coming was because I didn’t understand how affiliate marketing works. It’s sad because, like in everything, the bad apples can spoil it for the people who are operating from a place of sincerity, heart and ethics like I think you are. 

I thought I was purchasing an ebook directly from a well known author I had bought before. I already had a couple of his hardback books on my shelf. Unfortunately I bought the ebook from an affiliate without realizing it and, in response to their quick follow up emails offering more products, I handed over money three more times in the same week.

Speaking from personal experience, their marketing claims aren’t the least bit congruant with what they actually deliver and their claims of customer service are an illusion. I thought about informing the author I originally thought I was buying from, but probably won’t. I think I’d be better off focusing on building an ethical presence of my own online.  

 It’s been a hard, unexpected lesson. I’m glad you’re shining a bright light on ethical selling vs sleazy selling in this forum. Sorry for being so long-winded.      

If you can understand that than money will come. But here problem is you will have to think about masses not about one visitors.

Frank Kern has a very entertaining example to illustrate this, but it’s a little too rude to share on Copyblogger.

Many tell the truth . . . but conveniently omit the truth that should or could be told. They are not lying, just deceptive and, taking the heading into consideration, I don’t think that is “Ethical Marketing”. Some of your stars write great blogs but get a failing mark when it comes to ethics.