Today David Braybrooke writes another interesting article on ethics if you didn’t see his earlier post I recommend you read that as well. Now I have no intention of turning this into a political blog but I think David has some valid points that will cross-over into internet marketing
Initially, I toyed with the idea of discussing the ethics of Vice-President Richard ‘Dick’ Cheney and his office staffs’ seemingly ‘unethical’ adjustments to official documents pertaining to the health effects of global warming. After all, if we are discussing the delicate subject of ‘ethics’, why not go straight to the ‘top’ for a bit of lesson learning on how one should conduct oneself in official affairs. Whether you are a political figure or simply an aspiring online marketer, the rules are the same for everyone; perhaps any potential repercussions from one’s actions will vary in gravity depending on the arena that one operates in?
On further reflection, and considering that Mister Cheney is the incumbent Vice President, I decided that it would be lacking in taste to target him. Personally, I am bipartisan in my political beliefs and trust that the Environmental Protection Agency will continue to handle this extraordinary matter with class and efficiency. So, no politicizing from my end (oh, to be the Political Editor of the ‘Washington Post’!)
Without further ado, I shall turn to the topic at hand:
* Fact: Kenneth Winston Starr, widely known for his investigation and report that lead to the impeachment of President William Clinton, was an official member of the Young Democrats at Harding University, Arkansas.
* Fact: Kenneth Starr was appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan to the position of federal judge on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals where he served from 1983 – 1989.
* Fact: Mister Starr served as United States Solicitor General from 1989 – 1993 under President H.W. Bush.
* Fact: Kenneth Starr was considered to be a potential Senator in the U.S. Government but stood aside so that Oliver North could secure the nomination.
So, where am I getting at with all of this you might ask? Think about it, Kenneth Starr had ties to the Democratic Political Party in his youth but went on to serve in various official roles under the umbrella of the Republicans. A conflict of interests?
Throw in to the mix the allegations that Starr’s own office was accused of leaking grand jury information, concerning the Clinton affair, to the press and you begin to get a slightly skewed image of who this man really is and exactly what he represents.
Yet, it is interesting to note, that Kenneth Starr was praised by Republicans and Democrats alike for his fairness and decency, throughout his illustrious career. Let me repeat that, he was ‘praised by Republicans and Democrats alike’!
Which leads me to the point on ethics that I wish to make, that being, Mister Starr’s character, values and ethical beliefs were so elevated and undeniably sound that his reputation remained intact throughout scandal and speculation surrounding his professional affairs.
How can that help you, as an Internet businessperson? Specifically, if you are of good, law-abiding character and practice fairness and even-handedness in all your online dealings, you shall create a reputation for yourself as someone who is true, just and, ultimately, supremely ‘ethical’!
And, like Kenneth Winston Starr, your reputation for ethical dealings shall remain intact if you happen to be caught up in controversy or difficult dealings associated with your online business interests. People tend to trust those that have a consistently ‘pure’ track-record and can overlook the occasional lapse.
This might be worth your consideration?
Fact: Like the American Political System, the world of Internet marketing has its own factions, special interest groups and indistinct team players. And, like the world of Politics, the Internet marketer who subscribes to the unshakeable belief in marketing with sound ethics, will secure ‘the vote’ of the masses at the end of the day.
You may not win the Presidency but you will win peoples’ trust and ongoing respect!
For more content from David check out http://www.money-fatherspirit.com/
29 Comments
Jorge EZ Affiliate
October 5, 2008Hi David,
I agree and…
If everyone in the IM community carried themselves with “good ethic”, it would certainly transform this industry.
Great post, thank you.
Jorge
Jorge EZ Affiliates last blog post..Affiliate Marketing in a Recession? ABSOLUTELY YES!
Paul
October 5, 2008this is a very good consideration. I could extrapolate these ideas differentiating those affiliates who performed the call “Affiliate conspiracy” of those who do not perform it and maintain their impartiality giving a true opinion on products and services. I also think that these affiliates will be more successful in the medium/long term.
Paul,
http://www.affiliatemakemoney.net
Pauls last blog post..3 Ways To Affiliate Marketing Business Today!
Arthur WEbster
October 5, 2008All that you say is very valid but with internet marketing you are not dealing with people whose sense of their own importance might lead them astray and whose miss-deeds will eventually be brought under the public spotlight – you are dealing with a class of people for whom profit at any cost is spelled G O D.
Don’t believe me? – read between the lines of just about any promotional email you receive – whether it be from an internet marketing guru or viagra Sally.
Internet marketing has no supervisory body. It has no advertising standards organisation and absolutely anybody can join.
It is simply crawling with the worst type of crook, villain and exploiter of the good will and innocence of others and there seems to be neither the will nor mechanisms to bring them under control.
You will find ethical behaviour on the web but you will have to seek far and wide to discover it.
Give villains a free hand and you will get villainous behaviour – ethics doesn’t stand a chance in such a heady atmosphere.
I do understand the message you are trying to get across but I’m afraid I live in the real world where a shovel is used for shovelling – not for building a pretty pile to hide an ugly one.
I might sound bitter but I am not – I am very sad that the bleeding obvious is over-looked all the time – it is time for some sort of control of the web. If internet marketers cannot do it for themselves then, I’m afraid, it will have to be imposed.
Maybe a start could be made by insisting that all email account holders give and validate their true identities and not be allowed to have multiple accounts to hide behind.
Kenny Ritchie
October 5, 2008I don’t see there going to be much of a debate here if you have pesonally bought something based on great over hyped advertising how did you feel?
Great I’ve got what I need to be the best ……. fill in the blank.
Then you use the product. Doesn’t quite live upto expectations and massive disapointment hits home, this turns to bitterness directed at retailer and generally a descision not to use or purchase their top recommendations again.
This doesn’t have to happen online but there are alot of faces on testimonial pages these days. If yours is one of them and the product stinks get it off people remember bad smells longer than god ones.
Rant over
Kenny Ritchies last blog post..three free internet marketing resources
Charles Evans
October 5, 2008I had an old friend once tell me, “It’s not what you do or say that is important, it’s who your are: What a man says or does is unimportant but what a man is is the critical criteria. Ethics is what you are. Each of us must keep our own ethics. The way to change the world is one small step at a time. Each of us must take that step in the area that we can control, our own actions.
Peter
October 5, 2008Hallo Reed,
If a politician is giving empathically a lesson on ethics then there is something wrong.
I don’t know this man but it is an administrator who wanted to find out the intentions of the US Vicepresident and his behaviour. I had every information what will happen 10 days before the Kaukasian crisis and the “ethical” friendship of this DC and the president of Georgia and all the NGO’s at this country started to play around why could this happen?? Ethics no, Friendship ? no ! only to be master of the world ? YES.
this is the same when the internet gurus are presenting their results the more the better but never telling about the workload to do this… the bribing, the stealing the misinformation etc,etc,etc. The highest over a long period are 63 billions 20 Years Microsoft but chris made only 23 Million in 65 minutes peanuts but the time is remarcable.
Peter
Richard Posner
October 6, 2008Unfortunately, many marketers follow the vapid path of too many of their predecessors and lead with the green stuff, gorgeous homes and $200,000 sports cars in the circular driveway. Then they go on to the numbers to show they are credible – how much they made on ClickBank, Google Words, etc. Then on to testimonials for more credibility, and then, at best, a footnote about character (theirs and in general). Scant ink is given to the reality of what it takes to come out on top of the heap. “You can be rich!” “You can make a bundle with Google Adwords” (if you follow me and part with your $100~$1700) – these are the the subliminal messages blowing in the wind.
Reed, I do appreciate that you are a thinker as well as a doer. You are wise beyond your years. Too many of your brethren are not. Keep up this provocative blog.
Richard
Lynda Mekalick
October 6, 2008Well, you’ve said it all, David, and I agree with your opinion 100%.
Reed, good choice of guest post writer for today.
Cheers,
Lynda
Wayne Bell
October 6, 2008Great Post and some Excellent advise. I personally believe Honesty and Integrity are the back bones of life no matter what your goals may be, and a definite attribute in any type of business dealings.
Regards
Wayne
Renegade Entrepreneur
October 6, 2008Business ethics is a core subject that could be argued for weeks and years. Many believe the only path to ethical business is government regulation.
If that were true, then why are we seeing all the shenanigans in major corporations? It seems like many big businesses have the attitude it is ok to do whatever brings the money in until they get caught.
Ethics has to be a personal value before it is a business cornerstone. Ethics cannot really be regulated, because it starts on the inside.
It is a learned and nurtured mindset. It is helpful if it starts in a loving family environment, but that is not a prerequisite for ethics.
We all bear personal responsibility for our actions and the standards we set. And we can make a conscious choice to modify actions and behaviors from negative self serving interests to a higher standard and more positive mindset at any given moment in time. Nobody is too young, too old, etc.
Thank you, Reed, for the thought provoking post.
Sunny
Adrian Quinn
October 6, 2008Kenneth is not the only ‘Star’ concerning this blog post! Nice work Dave!
Adrian.
Tacs
October 6, 2008Awesome post Reed, but in the internet game it all seems to have gotten lost somewhere.
Tacss last blog post..University Team Helps Nissan Unveil its Green Future
Jorge EZ Affiliate
October 6, 2008@Arthur WEbster
I agree with what you are saying… Sadly agree!
However, there is always the possibility for transformation. All it takes is to touch move and inspire people one at a time, and register them into the possibility of integrity and honesty.
Jorge
Jorge EZ Affiliates last blog post..Affiliate Marketing in a Recession? ABSOLUTELY YES!
Afam Uzoechina
October 6, 2008Hey,
I agree with you,if all practitioners of IM should shun dubious dealings,cheating in any way and start abiding by a high ethical and moral values.
This business will soon grow into a mega industry that we all will be proud of but we are still far from that.
I believe however that this article could be likened to a spark that will bring about the needed reactions.
Thanks
http://www.free-trafficsecrets.com
PV Reymond
October 6, 2008Yes, I agree.
There is too much HYPE in our industry and it is difficult to kick it out.
These people are interesting in making money and they do whatever it takes to put more money into their pockets.
They should read this post and learn the lesson.
Thanks,
^PV Reymond
http://www.pvreymond.com
Hype
October 6, 2008There is only one reason Every one on the net over hype on the net…IT WORKS..I have been in this business since mail order..There is a Thin line between hype and lies. if you want to read hype that works but is also TRUE go to my site http://www.katpub.com Unlike most on the net I did it first then i boiled it down to the bare basics and that is what I sell..it is real simple if you want X do Y–
As for politcs go to my blog http://www.savetheleft.com
David Braybrooke
October 6, 2008Thanks to everyone for your kind comments on my ‘ethical ramblings’!
I had considered writing Part 3 on ‘The Ethics of Hollywood’ but Reed has final say!
Personally, I’ve never won an Oscar, but I have worked with people who have.
Keep you posted!
D. Braybrooke.
David Braybrookes last blog post..Original, #1 Rated Poem By ‘Fatherspirit’ – Copyright © 2008.
Paul Penafiel
October 6, 2008I’m happy that finally, I mean finally people are starting to talk about injecting a dose of reality into online marketing.
For years IM gurus have preyed on those who ‘don’t know better’ with impunities and have made millions along the way.
They will use every trick in the book to pad their wallets without any considerations, business ethics or otherwise.
I can tell that this is a thorny subjects for alot of people yet we don’t really know how to handle or how to respond to it. I don’t know, maybe it’s time to hold some of these people accountable. Talking about is a good start though.
How many programs do you belong to where you have accumulated hundreds of dollars of commissions and you’re not sure if you are ever going to get it and spend it.
Spread the word!
Jussi Koiranen
October 7, 2008What ever happened to Starr? This business needs more integrity. I don’t mind hype! I love hype! I’m a promoter by heart and like when advertising gets to my feelings, but I like the facts aswell. More facts and less out right scams.
I think the whole MLM industry would need more structure and integrity. I look at the world of IM to be postly about MLM, even if it has 1-tier programs, it’s MLM if everyone can get people on their 1-tier. And the downright scams should be easier to get cleaned off the web.
Support and service is what most people never or scarcely receive after purchase. That is a huge problem.
@Hype I couldn’t find a prize anywhere on your page. A huge minus from my view.
David Braybrooke
October 7, 2008‘What ever happened to Starr?’ Hi Jussi. Mister Starr is still a very busy man (see below). Granted, it was a few months ago but he is still very much active at Pepperdine in his official role (so my sources inform me).
Starr is still very much in demand and has a full schedule ; I try not to stalk the poor fellow of course (wink) but I can report that, even though he may no longer be Time’s ‘Man of the Year’ he certainly doesn’t deserve your pithy quip! (Perhaps I took it from an angle that you didn’t intend to mean?)
Best to you!
Dave.
February 12, 2008 (NEW YORK) – Kenneth W. Starr, dean of Pepperdine University School of Law, will speak Feb. 15 at Columbia Law School on “The Roberts Court: The Enduring Hamiltonian-Jeffersonian Colloquy.” The speech is sponsored by the Columbia Law School Federalist Society.
WHAT: “The Roberts Court: The Enduring Hamiltonian-Jeffersonian Colloquy,” a speech by Kenneth Starr.
WHEN: 12:20 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2008.
(This particular clipping was of interest to me as my Grandfather, E.K. Braybrooke, was a former student at Columbia.)
David Braybrookes last blog post..Original, #1 Rated Poem By ‘Fatherspirit’ – Copyright © 2008.
Jussi Koiranen
October 7, 2008@ David perhaps you did, perhaps you didn’t. I unfortunately have no idea what pithy quip means.
I was simply wondering what happened to Starr after that incident, it would have made a good follow-up to the example in my viewpoint. I see my paragraphing wasn’t the best possible on that comment.
David Braybrooke
October 7, 2008‘@ David perhaps you did, perhaps you didn’t. I unfortunately have no idea what pithy quip means.’
Easy to Google. ‘pithy’ – ‘concise and full of meaning’. ‘quip’ – ‘A smart, sarcastic turn or jest’
The pleasure was all mine! 🙂 Don’t get the wrong idea Jussi, I don’t come from a spoiled academic background. I had to learn everything the hard way! If I don’t know what something means, I don’t make it in to a ‘scoring session’; I ask the question. Or look for answers myself!
An old saying, ‘the reason why we were given two ears and one mouth is that we should listen twice as much as we speak’. Perhaps I come across as excessively verbose (wordy) but I can assure you that I am a very sincere and practiced listener.
And I’m listening to what you’re saying Jussi.
Have a great day!
Dave.
David Braybrookes last blog post..Original, #1 Rated Poem By ‘Fatherspirit’ – Copyright © 2008.
admin
October 8, 2008Thank you David and thanks everyone for your comments.
David Braybrooke
October 9, 2008‘Hi David,
I agree and…
If everyone in the IM community carried themselves with “good ethic”, it would certainly transform this industry.
Great post, thank you.
Jorge’
Thanks for your kind compliment Jorge! If even only half the IM community practiced good ethics, it would still make a big difference! They would become the benchmark on how one should conduct oneself in the online market-place and be a shining beacon of admirable business standards!
May we all shine like stars!
Regards,
David Braybrooke.
David Braybrookes last blog post..? Selling Madonna! ?
David Braybrooke
October 9, 2008‘All that you say is very valid but with internet marketing you are not dealing with people whose sense of their own importance might lead them astray and whose miss-deeds will eventually be brought under the public spotlight – you are dealing with a class of people for whom profit at any cost is spelled G O D.’
Thanks Arthur, I think that you raise a good point here, however, the ‘misdeeds’ of online marketers are often caught out and ‘brought under the public spotlight’! Take a look at that ‘rich dude’ who marketed the ‘Get Google Adwords Ads. For Free’ product! Many sites shut-down this product and called it in to the ‘scam’ zone!
Just on the GGAFF debacle, some of my Ezine Articles were refused as I had a non-affiliate link in the under-box (beneath article) that lead to a website that was not directly promoting this product at all. However, there was a small banner on about page 124 on the website concerning the Google Ads Free item that triggered off the sensors at Ezine Articles.
My business writings were rejected and I had to do a lot of adjustments and re-tooling in order to get them through! (One featured on Twitter today.)
Talk about a lot of hassle!
Maybe those who have a profit ‘G O D’ will someday be brought in to account by a Profit GOD! Time shall tell!
Thanks again Arthur,
Regards,
Dave.
David Braybrookes last blog post..? Selling Madonna! ?
David Braybrooke
October 9, 2008‘I had an old friend once tell me, “It’s not what you do or say that is important, it’s who your are: What a man says or does is unimportant but what a man is is the critical criteria. Ethics is what you are. Each of us must keep our own ethics. The way to change the world is one small step at a time. Each of us must take that step in the area that we can control, our own actions.’
Great advice, thanks Charles! By a man’s actions, so he shall be judged! (replace ‘man’s’ with ‘person’s’ if you are a part of the P.C. crowd!)
There seem to be a growing number of scam artists out there in the online world and, although, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, it may take a long time before the international digital community is cleansed of this unfortunate scourge! (nuisance/pest).
One thing that I have learned in life; it is just easier and less hassle to tell the truth in all things! Sometimes, your truth may be somewhat subjective (personal) but at the end of the day, the real ‘truth’ will out!
Someone once said that ‘the truth is the truth is the truth’! … And ain’t that the Truth!
I appreciated your contribution Charles!
Kind Regards,
David Braybrooke.
David Braybrookes last blog post..? Selling Madonna! ?
David Braybrooke
October 9, 2008‘Hallo Reed,
If a politician is giving empathically a lesson on ethics then there is something wrong.
I don’t know this man but it is an administrator who wanted to find out the intentions of the US Vicepresident and his behaviour’
Hello Peter, thanks for your comment on my article. I wasn’t totally sure how to decipher this part of your message. You seem to be implying that maybe I myself are some sort of political figure.
‘I don’t know this man but it is an administrator who wanted to find out the intentions of the US Vicepresident and his behaviour.’ Surely you are not suggesting that I may be the stated ‘administrator’ (sic). {quoting the source exactly}.
I was confused by your comment Peter, as Kenneth Starr was not investigating the conduct of the US Vice President, he was targeting the actions of the then President, William Jefferson Clinton.
In my article, I did reference the behaviour of incumbent Vice President, Richard Cheney but this was in no way directly connected to the case study topic: Kenneth Starr.
Maybe this has all just been a co-incidental mix-up?
Thanks again.
Regards,
David Braybrooke.
David Braybrookes last blog post..? Selling Madonna! ?
David Braybrooke
October 9, 2008‘Well, you’ve said it all, David, and I agree with your opinion 100%.
Reed, good choice of guest post writer for today.
Cheers,
Lynda’
‘Great Post and some Excellent advise. I personally believe Honesty and Integrity are the back bones of life no matter what your goals may be, and a definite attribute in any type of business dealings.
Regards
Wayne’
‘Thank you, Reed, for the thought provoking post.
Sunny’
‘Kenneth is not the only ‘Star’ concerning this blog post! Nice work Dave!
Adrian.’
‘By Tacs
Awesome post Reed, but in the internet game it all seems to have gotten lost somewhere.’
‘I believe however that this article could be likened to a spark that will bring about the needed reactions. – Afam Uzoechina’
Sincere thanks to Linda, Wayne, Sunny, Adrian, Tacs, Afam and to everyone else who read and commented on my blog post. All noted and appreciated!
And of course, best of luck to Mr Kenneth Starr himself. One article is not enough for one to fully examine and appreciate the superlative contributions of this outstanding American citizen!
God Bless America, and all who do business with her!
Yours sincerely,
David Braybrooke.
David Braybrookes last blog post..? Selling Madonna! ?
Brian Carelse
October 17, 2008Hi Reed,
Ethics and morals are the very fibre of society, without it we have total anarchy.
When online marketers sell based on honesty and customer service they automatically attract the best.
Birds of a feather flock together … You will find more honest people wanting to do business with you. You will be recommended by word of mouth … forwarded emails!
I am a firm believer in this!
Your Friend
brian Carelse
http://www.e-marketingsolutions.info
Get an ethically based product called The revolutionary Internet Marketing System which only answers emails based on questions.
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