I want to say a big “THANK YOU” to all of my subscribers – All of you folks that are on my list, I really appreciate you!
I’ve gotten to know so many of you very well, and I’ve really enjoyed the interaction thoroughly. I’ve learned quite a bit from you all. Some of us have even gotten close, and I’ve even been privileged to help in situations in your life, and I count that a real privilege – I really do.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you, and I just wanted to say a hearty thank you.
I also want to cover something that’s been on the increase I’m noticing, and it’s with regards to spam.
Whoever signs up to my list makes a conscious choice to do so because they are interested in the incentive that I’m offering to join the list, or they want to get to know me better, whatever the reason – and that’s wonderful.
But sometimes I will send out an email, and I’ll get two or three emails sent right back immediately with a bunch of links in it, and people expect me to click on their links, whatever they have for sale and so on and so forth.
Those emails get deleted. Someone shooting back an email just full of links down the email without a word of dialogue, those get sent to my trash right away, because that’s SPAM – I haven’t signed up to anyone’s list…
If I’m on a list, (where I’ve chosen to give my email address on a page with an opt in form) I’ll check out the email, and check out what they have and what the content is, and what the offer is or whatever.
But if I send an email out from my AWeber, and you’re on my list and somebody shoots back an email with just a bunch of links, it’s going to get deleted – so they’re wasting their time.
It’s a two-way street – respect is two ways. Now, I would rather have 500 loyal, respectful subscribers rather than thousands of people that just think it’s a big link fest.
If you don’t like those rules, feel free to unsubscribe, okay? I’d rather have people that respect me, and who I respect, and we all play by the good rules, so please abide by that.
I want to say there is a distinction between someone that sends me an email and says, “Carol, I’m interested in this company, or I’m interested in this offer, can you please check it out for me? What’s your opinion about it?”
Absolutely! Especially if we have a relationship going, and it’s not the first time you’ve contacted me. Even if it is, I’ll check it out, and I will help you. I will 
see what my opinion is about it, and I will share those thoughts with you. So that’s totally different, I’m not talking about that.
I just want you to know that I’m here for you, and I’m here to help you, and I wanted to give those little rules because I’m seeing that on the increase, and it’s never anybody I know. It’s always somebody that’s incognito, and doesn’t really contact me on a personal basis. I don’t know what they stay on my list for, I really don’t.
But anyway, my true followers – I really appreciate you, and let me know what I can do to help you.
Please let me know if you have a request for content, If you would like to learn a certain training, if you would like me to do a video tutorial request on something special, if you’re struggling in a certain area – I would be more than happy to help.
So please let me know.
Take Care,
– Carol
:-)
March 11, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Carol,
As you may have noticed I have been silent lately. Not commenting on anyone’s blog or even making new posts myself.
I know that is bad but I am taking some much needed time to re-establish my end of my relationship with Christ.
After reading your post I felt like I needed to make a short reply. Ok, short for me. :-)
I do not seem to have the SPAM problem you are talking about here but I am getting a steadily increasing number of SPAM comment, usually created by spambots, to my blog. It is throughly aggitating and eats up a lot of my time.
Sure wish there was a filter like there is for email.
Thanks,
Clyde
Clyde wants you to check out…Market Like FOX News
March 11, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Hi Clyde,
I thinks it’s wonderful that you put priorities in order and had the liberty of taking some time to devote to what you think is important. I do too! :)
I have very little trouble with spam comments because I use the free plug-in, Akismet. Here’s a blog post about my recommended plug-ins: http://www.carolamato.com/5-plug-ins-you-need-for-your-wordpress-blog/
I highly recommend trying it out.
Have a wonderful afternoon.
– Carol
March 11, 2013 at 7:11 pm
I THOUGHT I was using Akismet myself but when I checked it was not activated on my new blog.
Guess activating it will make a huge difference.
Thanks Carol
Clyde wants you to check out…Market Like FOX News
March 11, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Ah, so THAT’S why! :)
Great…Glad it’s being rectified.
Take Care,
Carol
March 11, 2013 at 5:28 pm
There are always a few bad apples in every bunch. Good job not letting them spoil it for the masses, Carol. ;)
Angie Nelson wants you to check out…What Are Amazon Kindle Singles? How Do I Publish One?
March 11, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Thanks, Angie!
Yep, and those ‘bad apples’ think that they have a right to spam, not! :)
Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts.
- Carol
March 12, 2013 at 12:35 am
Hi Carol,
Thanks for this interesting topic.. :) Some people just think they have the right to spam – sad but true.
March 12, 2013 at 9:18 am
Hi Cherrylene,
You’re welcome, and it’s sad indeed. Have a great day. :)
- Carol
March 12, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Ugh! Spammers,hackers! If these people would put as much effort into legitimate marketing as they do into being vermin, we would all be better off.
Good post, Carol.
Patricia
Patricia Haag wants you to check out…How To Use The Call To Action
March 12, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Hi Patricia,
Your first reaction made me smile….You certainly have a wonderful and picturesque way with words. Love it!! :)
Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. :)
- Carol
March 12, 2013 at 3:07 pm
Great vlog Carol! I get those return links once in awhile – bugs me. I delete them and ban them too :)
Tiffany Dow wants you to check out…The Freaking Fantastic Blog and List Building Challenge Day 11
March 12, 2013 at 7:08 pm
Thanks, Tiffany. :) You’ve inspired me to go in and ban them! btw, found your comment in spam. Thanks to Tim Pooler, checked it manually!
March 12, 2013 at 3:10 pm
I feel ya! I get 35 emails minimum each morning. I scroll down and delete usually half without opening. But I see no answer. And I don’t blame the senders. We have spam filters. We can opt out. These people are not the enemy, (psst…google is, but you didn’t hear it from me!) They are just frustrated and trying to compete in a very strange, hectic, competitive medium. If you get spammed, and it seems like evryone is spamming, then can you afford to stay out of it all. I personally haven’t started my spam campaigns yet because I don’t really have an agressive business but a poetry site and creative writng site and don’t depend on it to pay bills etc. But a lot of my spams come from your fellow marketters who incidently are always pushing build the e-list, autoresponders etc, plus teaching student marketers to Spam! Spam! Spam! I too get frustrated when google ranks some junk that was written four years ago on page one. A lot of reform is needed to fix the web. I seriously doubt your vent will accomplish your goal of getting less spams. I truely wish it were that easy. I’d like to hear an update on the results though. You and I know those spammers are just get rich quick dreamers trying to take advantage. Take solice in the knowledge that they never get results that way. And possibly instead of deleting reply with an offer to teach them how it is really done.
March 12, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Hi Stu,
I was mainly referring to when one of my subscribers hits the “Reply” button on one of the emails I send through my AWeber…With a ton of links…
So my message was to my subscribers only, really…And anyone else that wants to be a respectful subscriber. :)
Have a good evening.
Take Care,
Carol
March 12, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Yes mam. I’ve been around for several years in futile attempts at making “anything” online. Having to go in and strip out the garbage is a pain. The off color stuff is also irritating. There’s really some dubious stuff out there. The Henri site was done on a lark because he’s my wife’s cat and he’s a character. I kinda like using his “alter ego”. Being an ADD old “Geezer” hasn’t helped much either. I’m glad for you that you’ve been able to take it beyond mere what-ifs to something of more substance. Unless I’m mistaken you have connected to Wellman/Counts stuff. On that assumption I think I remember you off some of the early marathon coaching calls. You give me hope that if I keep plodding I might eventually get there. Sorry, I,m rambling.
Go well and GOD bless,
Jerry
March 12, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Hi Jerry,
Yes, I met the Real Guys right when they first came out as a threesome…. Men of integrity for sure! Whoever takes massive action, gets results…That’s the name of the game, in my opinion. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but keep at it for sure. The hunger has to out-weigh the fear…
Let me know if you have any specific questions, would be glad to help. :)
- Carol
March 12, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Okay, how about a completely off subject comment? I love what you have done with your hair. Totally changes your look. Makes your face appear longer and thinner.
Hope you don’t mind a personal comment about your appearance. Love the change.
March 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Well, thank you very much. I’ve been wanting to grow it out for quite some time, but never could get past the “awkward” stage…but this time, just did it no matter what. :) Appreciate it. – Carol
March 12, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Hi Carol another Great post I love that you tell it how it is good for you and all of us out here that are true and play by the rules! I have a question about spam , I use a wordpress site and I have akismet on on my site. When comments come in, in the spam box some comments seem legit you can usually tell which ones are real or not but sometimes I have a hard time telling if they are legit or not. How do you tell which ones are real and which ones are crap? Thanks for all your help God Bless Tim
TIM POOLER wants you to check out…Tips for Swimming Pool Construction
March 12, 2013 at 6:43 pm
Hi Tim,
So glad you liked the post/video. :)
MOST of the ones Akismet flags as spam, are…But occasionally a few slip through…
If they address you by name, a good sign. If they reference something more than “thanks good post”…Better…
If there is a spammy name like a website or a keyword in place of their name, it’s definitely spam. If you’ve never seen or heard from them before and they have a commercial link, and weird name, spam!
To be honest, I don’t manually check Akismet as often as some people…cuz it does a really good job.
Hope to help. :)
- Carol
March 12, 2013 at 6:53 pm
If they are commenting about your blog post and have a legitimate question but it shows up in your spam box do you just delete them? Will people feel like you didnt think there comment was good enough to put on your site if you dont approve there comments in some cases? I am new to this so i realy dont want to get in the habit of putting spamy comments on my site i know that can hurt your rankings. Not that I have any yet LOL but I am working on it. Thanks Again Tim
TIM POOLER wants you to check out…Tips for Swimming Pool Construction
March 12, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Hi Tim,
I uploaded a picture of one of my comments in spam:
http://www.carolamato.com/images/spamcomment.jpg
You can tell by her verbiage that it’s not a real person commenting… Hope to give you a live example of what a spam comment really looks like when it’s questionable. Sometimes it’s tough…But then you get better at it.
By the way, because of your comment and me going into my spam comments to look, I found a legitimate comment from Tiffany Dow…So thank you for bringing this up. Will check that manually more often. :)
Take Care,
Carol
March 13, 2013 at 8:25 am
Carol, thanks for a great and timely vlog. I clicked on the link above and it came back with an error message.
Just wanted to let you know that. It may be on my end, too.
While I was reading this post, I thought about the very early days when you were the first HONEST person I had met. I was then and am now very grateful for the integrity you’ve shown to the Internet Marketing world.
You also introduced me to other marketers who would rather have a few loyal followers than to become a billionaire. Thanks for who you are and what you stand for.
March 13, 2013 at 8:36 am
Hi Ruth!
Thanks for the kind words – I feel so blessed to have met you and other wonderful people through this journey we all share!! :)
You didn’t have to take the time to comment with those encouraging words, yet I am thankful you did!
Take Care,
Carol
P.S. Which link? The twitter share, or what? They all work for me…
March 12, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Hello Carol,
I’m with you on this pet peeve, I don’t understand what these people are thinking they’re going to accomplish.
I recently received a comment on my blog, where the commentator didn’t even mention my blog post, but offered to do a “link exchange” with me.
I had to look the term up, since I had never heard of it. When I looked up their blog it was a niche totally unrelated to mine. Needless to say, I didn’t approve the comment.
I have been using Akismet since I set up my blog to deal with spam, but I had to daily go in and delete the comments it caught. Adrienne Smith suggested a plugin called “GASP”. Since I installed it my spam problem has completely gone away in the comments to my blog.
Thanks, Carol. – Steve
Steven Stuart wants you to check out…Social Media: Moving Ahead With a Facebook Fan Page
March 12, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Hello Steven,
It’s annoying to say the least. I don’t mind unrelated topics being discussed in my comment area, as I want to encourage any sort of dialogue for our community, but personal conversations like asking for a link exchange, etc. should definitely be done via email. I’ve never done a link exchange, not once.
Off topic, have you used your gift card? ;-)
Have a good evening.
- Carol
March 12, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Carol, I am so sorry, I completely forgot to thank you for the gift card. I have used it a couple of times. I really appreciate it. I am so grateful you were so thoughtful to send it to me.
Thanks again, Carol. – Steve
Steven Stuart wants you to check out…Social Media: Moving Ahead With a Facebook Fan Page
March 12, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Hi Steven,
You’re welcome, and no worries, my only intention was to make sure you got it. :) Happy you’ve been enjoying it.
Talk soon,
- Carol
March 13, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Hi Carol
How do you use Twitter?
I have people on it but do not know
how to use it.
I enjoy all of your email, and I’m
learning from them. No I haven’t
started trying to sell anything
yet. I am a little unsure of myself.
But I will get there.
March 13, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Hi Dorothy!
I use Twitter daily to share thoughts, quotes, links of my blog, share other people’s content, etc.
Here’s my profile page: https://twitter.com/Carol_Amato_ You can get an idea by looking at my page.
Yes, I was lacking confidence in the beginning, and it comes with taking action!
Let me know any specific questions you have, and I’ll do my best to help you. :)
Take Care,
Carol
March 15, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Right on Carol!!!! This was great! I agree 1000%!
I will be starting my list soon and I was wondering if we can just delete their emails? Altogether– forever. I will be using aweber.
Also, could they be spam bots? I am not sure what spam bots are or what they are for. Do you know much about them?
Keep up the good work! Mary
March 15, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Hi Mary!
Absolutely – you can go in and ban anybody you want in AWeber.
The people I was referring to in my article above are actually my subscribers that hit the “reply” button after receiving one of my emails from AWeber.
These are not bots, but Un-engaged selfish people who don’t understand marketing…
bots are used a lot of times to leave spam comments on blogs and websites.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Mary, and thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts.
– Carol :-)