Good for you. Integrity IS THE ISSUE... but it has become so rare, that people don't recognize it. Keep it up regardless of the personal cost. I do...

Brent Riggs
www.brentriggs.com

As a person in media & marketing for more decades than I care to remember, I wanted to post a few thoughts. A rambling rant possibly.

Yes, squatting on another's name for profit, wrong wrong wrong .. period! No debate, no opinions. There is nothing credible to support such a violation. End of that!

Another matter that drives me crazy. And Michel, you touched on it. People wanting, expecting, even demanding freebies. It's just not their fault, they have been conditioned, let me explain.

Guess what? We are guilty as charged here. Every marketer, from long ago & current, offers enticements, freebies etc to lure in the buyer. "Buy my product & look, I'm also giving away $2,000.00 in bonuses" ... we have all seen it, done it ourselves, in fact all the gurus still use it, I personally HATE IT ... PERIOD! A huge distraction.

As a purest, if the product is truly worth the price you are charging, then that's it! No need for all the extra fluff. These 25 DVD packages, come one! Edit the freakin thing down properly to 5 DVD's and be done with it.

I am sure you agree, editing is an art form, and it's completely lost on the best gurus of the day. Good at what they do yes, really lousy at staying on point, drifting and rambling and boom it's a 300 page PDF and 25 DVD's.

With so much material, the package itself gets pretty pricey just to produce and so the "bonus added" trick. As if the 25 DVD package isn't enough information to strangle a gorilla, we are now making it 3 times the size with these bonuses. It's TOO MUCH, it's overwhelming, no client will ever get to the end of it all. We know this, we still do it, we don't seem to care!

Because one marketer uses this bonus method, all are expected to use it. It really has to stop. Edited the crap out of the product, hire the best proof reader/editor you can, and you'll still say everything that needs being said.

Charge a fair price and offer one of your own products only as a bonus. You think the client isn't on to what happens here & the sharing of emails between all the bonus players.

At the end of the day, it's about customer service & no customer is served when bombarded with far too much information. I have said this thousands of times, in business and when speaking in public, "you don't need a lot of information, you need the right information". And it's just that simple.

When marketers stop giving away the freebies, the expectation of same will end!

Absolutely, and I totally agree.

A sidenote: we might be somewhat to blame in feeding the freebie mindset, but that doesn't make it any less justifiable, or that others don't need to take responsibility. We can blame ourselves or we can blame them. But accepting blame and accepting responsibility are two different things.

Speaking of which, I agree with you that the concept of "moving the free line" has been bastardized a lot lately. I don't mind it in theory. I love giving out free content and free advice. But I want to do it on my terms -- not on demand.

And this is particularly true if it for someone who is not willing to take responsibility and do the necessary action it takes to be successful. Most of the time, those who get freebies tend to not value and appreciate it as much. Those who took action on advice are usually those who paid for it.

But nevertheless, marketers have abused the whole free line concept, and in some cases, it's not just killing their competition (which is fine, after all I'm a capitalist and competition is good) but also killing their customers.

It's a disservice to their own customers.

For example, when some "gurus" launch a new, high-ticket product, and then throw it in as a free bonus while promoting one of their buddies' product during their launch, how does that make the person, who purchased it initially and spent all that money, feel?

Needless to say, free products is one thing. Free services (i.e., time, consulting, expert advice) is another. And moreover, the expectancy that one can simply "bounce ideas off of" an expert and get their opinion, without question, on demand, and for free, is the crux of my post.

If they don't value the expert's time, that tells me they don't value their own.

Another thing is, when people think they can get everything they want for free, and that the knowledge experts charge so much for can be found for free -- if you can find it. But they fail to understand that knowledge alone isn't what makes an expert and expert.

There's a saying I've read on another blog that illustrates this point extremely well...

"What most experts teach can be found online for free. You can learn a lot about anatomy and medicine online, too. But that doesn't make you a doctor."

Michel I have to say, "we might be somewhat to blame in feeding the freebie mindset" .. there is no "somewhat" about it! Until all marketers clean up the freebie issue, or at least put a lid on it, people will expect freebies. The problem originated at the source, the marketer, the seller of goods.

Marketers of old or new are all the same, we want to make the sale. In of itself, that's just business, I agree 100% .. I don't like being asked for hours of time for free, in certain cases it has a dividend I agree, most often, zero return, other than I am supposed to feel good for helping others. And sometimes I really do.

Cleaning it up will be impossible in my opinion, everyone will do whatever it takes to win the sale, and that has included prostituting the process, to make that sale. Thus rendering everyone to the status of used car salesman when they offer all the slick bonuses.

Hey, I'm not arguing with you man, I am saying don't expect the attitude of unreasonable expectation to change until WE ALL change how we sell.

Of course rude & obnoxious people who are in your face with that expectation is just rude obnoxious bad etiquette anyway, and those folks are everywhere.

As Wayne Dyer says "sometimes we just have to be oblivious to the good opinion of others" ....

Keep up the great work my friend!

Mike Perras
twitter.com/mikeperras

You said we are certainly to blame and there's no somewhat about it. The only problem I have with that mindset is that it seems to excuse the behavior, and the unethical or even illegal actions of others, by blaming everyone. Your statement may be correct, but by the same token it seems to absolve those who should take responsibility.

Sure, you can blame marketers, but don't blame the victims, here. It's about taking responsibility. I agree with you that marketers have created this mindset, but 1. not all marketers have, and 2. it doesn't excuse the behavior, much less the actions of those who do what is clearly wrong.

Marketers may give away freebies and may influence this mindset to a degree, but at least what they do is legal. When people expect freebies with an entitlement mindset, that's one thing. But when they resort to illegal or unethical activities to get it, that's a whole other ball of wax.

And marketers shouldn't be held ACCOUNTABLE for the unethical behaviors of others.

Similarly, marketers should be held accountable for their unethical or illegal activities and behaviors, too. I certainly agree with that. But not one for the other, and vice versa.

Just my 3 cents.

Actually we are likely in agreement, and saying the same thing. I say marketers need to cut down on the crazy offers & lessen the expectation of freebies. In time, there may be less expectation from consumers. That was my point.

As far as "unethical " activity, well .. it takes all kinds, and I am not sure we'll ever eradicate that behavior completely. Never let that one rotten abusive person ruin your perspective. Most people are generally kind, honest and trustworthy.

Good dialogue Michel, appreciate all that you offer here.

Mike Perras

I wanted to wait to the end of this thread to point out that the use of the word FREE has little to do with integrity and everything to do with smarts. Scientific advertisers know, without a doubt, that THE most powerful word in the English language of advertising is FREE.

This may be a paradox because people will spend and overspend to support their egos, and will work very hard to avoid inconvenience or delay, both of which are stronger buying motives than profit or financial advantage. Maybe it is the sense of pride that attaches to winning in a sharp trade, or validating ones wisdom at getting a bargain.

Nevertheless, FREE appeals.

I think this is different than Michel's point about the integrity of consumers who EXPECT to GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING but, by their behavior and commitment, prove that we tend to value things commensurate with the difficulty and costliness of acquiring them.

Are we as marketers 'enablers' of this bad behavior? I think it depends.

Grin - the integrity ripples are spreading :)

I was a little confused by someone's position recently, but your post cleared all that up.

Right on.

Andrea

It is absolutely unclear to me how anyone could have misinterpreted your blog post regarding the Facebook name extortion issue that Larry Winget experienced. First, Facebook was merely the venue in which the incident occurred. More important and the heart of the issue is that the individual who committed this act was without integrity, scruples, and if I may go so far to say "brains." It is very unfortunate that he did not use those four years of college to do much needed reading because if he had he would surely have understood that this was not the act of an honest person. For those who might see this as a minor incident or to use the term "petty" consider that no matter how many of us share the same name (which was not the case here), we are nonetheless known to our friends, family, business associates, community members, etc. as that individual. Our name is our brand and connected to our reputation regardless of whether we operate in a high-profile existence like Larry, who is known to thousands, or merely to a small enclave of friends and family. I applaud you for blogging on this very important issue and feel sorry for the fact that you felt that it needed clarification via the subsequent video blog. We are our integrity and values. These are the things that define each of us. We should never compromise them at the expense of ourselves or others. For in so doing we are sending a message that we either lacked them to begin with, or we are completely devoid of plain old common sense.

No one is entitled to success. In America, for the time being anyway, we are only entitled to the right to pursue success. But entitlement is a bad disease in our culture today. It starts when children are young and they feel they are entitled to do nothing for the first 25 years of their life. As if we as parents should serve them!

Entitlement is a sneaky thing. It slips into a culture. Many entitlement seekers don't even like to use the word "entitlement", instead choosing to use more subtle terms. The recent U.S. presidential elections are a good example. Look at blogs and you will see small business owners who strongly disagree with the entitlement mentality, yet completely support the winning candidate. In other words, "don't come asking me for help feeling you're entitled to anything Mr. newbie internet marketer, but Mr. President, please raise the taxes on all those rich snobs out there and spread the wealth around!"

Here, here! Well said.

You are right, and it is sad that you had to come out again and explain yourself. That just shows where people's mindset is. It was NOT about facebook. How can grown adults not see the underlining issue here? People missed the point, because they are blind to just HOW MUCH lack of integrity our society has, and how shallow people have become. It's not even recognized anymore. The sense of entitlement is rampant, as people do not take responsibility for themselves. Michel, you were right on, and I appreciate your integrity and ethics.

Hey Michel, it's great to see you on video, it adds another dimension to your communication, conveys sincerity even more effectively. Agree re not doing things with an entitlement mentality and/or at the expense of others, I really liked that phrase you used, "in the service of others".

I couldn't help but think as you spoke, of the parallels between the political parties here in the USA, there's one party (currently in power) elected here largely by people who support a more socialist entitlement mentality, and taxing the rich to give to the poor (which I'm vehemently against).

It's correct that people shouldn't have an entitlement freebie-mooching mindset, however unfortunately *some of* the "masses" of folks who haven't been successful, seem to feel it's ok to visit filesharing sites, mooch free consulting time (and raise taxes and elect people who want to do that to the successful ones). Without going into politics more than that, the parallel is that there is an unfortunately large percentage of people (the majority, in austere times?) who resent the self-made, the successful, and seek to extract without giving, which is unfortunate.

Thanks for raising the bar as always, and continue to make the very valid points about integrity and work ethic which seem to be scarce among some folks. You set a superb role model, and have for many years.

-k

Yes, Larry was right. Yes, he had EVERY excuse to get angry. Looks like he may even have legal recourse. Yes, the man who did this was wrong and used extremely poor judgment.

HOWEVER...Larry showed a tremendous lack of class and restraint by PUBLICLY calling this man out by NAME. I agree some posters on your previous blog post (http://www.michelfortin.com/larry-winget-overbo...) that he went overboard on this point.

Larry used a pretty big pulpit to publicly humiliate someone who deserved to be humiliated, but just because he deserved it does not mean that Larry HAD to dish it out. I used to consider Larry a "class-act "and yes, I own some of his stuff, but he lost a lot of respect from me over this.

If he had simply handled this diplomatically via e-mails or through due process of law and then publicly blogged about the situation without calling out this person's name, then that would have been fine.

Again...I believe what the man did was despicable, dishonest, and dirty. He used extremely poor judgment - but he did not deserve to have his name out all over the internet for everyone to see for the next 20 years. But maybe Larry thought different.

George, I really appreciate your comment. If it were me, I wouldn't have mentioned any names myself. As you know, my wife did this specifically with her "Internet Marketing Sins" report, at...

http://www.internetmarketingsins.com/

... Where she focused on behaviors, not people.

We didn't mention any names NOT because we wanted to be a "class act" but because mentioning names may cause some people to think that, since we didn't mention their guru, then what their guru is doing is acceptable -- even though he/she committed any of those "sins."

However, you would be surprised at how many people were actually mad at my wife for NOT mentioning names in her sins report -- because, as they said, mentioning their names and humiliating them publicly would cause others to think twice before committing these sins.

Therefore, and I can't speak for Larry, I think that people tend to get away -- or think they can, and many times they have -- with the ANONYMITY of the Internet. So Larry may have come out strong and vocal in an attempt to dissuade others.

Also, it might have been a strategic move, since some people may have (at the beginning of this kerfuffle) tried to find Larry Winget on Facebook and found this person's name there instead. And Larry may have wanted to clear the confusion.

I don't know. And again, I can't speak for Larry. But I would tend to agree with you, as I'm a big fan of "praise in public, criticize in private."

Thank you so much for stopping by and posting your comment.

Integrity always wins in the end. I find it interesting how many people attempt what I call bottom feeder tactics which always get caught, picked up, and deleted.

I think the lack of integrity online is people see the Internet as a fast cash machine instead of a consistent approach to increasing their visibility and brand.

Michel,
I felt your frustration, especially after your felt the need to create a video just to clarify your position. I read your blog and was able to understand your "point". I understood precisely what you were trying to say. I also, completely agree with you and Larry Winget.

I understood...and people will quibble with my response... so, quibble away! The two salient reasons I was able to understand and agree is because of my age and that I am a conservative.
Without mentioning it Michel, you have hit upon one of my pet annoyances. Many people do not know how to read and pay attention...they can't talk or communicate properly in person or on paper. People often do not take the time to think. Our average IQ is 98

I'm 66 yrs old...this means I have a wealth of knowledge and historical perspective not yet granted to the young. My favorite Mark Twain quote seems appropriate here.

"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years."

Conservatives' virtue is having moral clarity...instinctively knowing what is correct and what is wrong. To a liberal, this just sounds too righteous. I suspect the people opposing you and Larry are in the Liberal corner. Liberals have no qualms about taking...whatever the expense is, or who gets the bill. With the constant generational turnover we are rapidly forgetting and, also, not being taught simple moral values. I may deserve some things but I'm NOT entitled.

Because many people can't think and do not have a grasp of the issues at hand in this country, we have what we have residing in the White House: a master at disingenuous rhetoric coupled with having the morals of a jackal.
Liberals and their accompanying largess appear to suffer from abulia...the loss of volition, an abnormal lack of ability to act or make decisions.

Cheers,

Thanks, Alan. Your wisdom shines through, and I appreciate your comment.

Dear Michel,

As I said in my previous comment (yesterday) I think your post was very clear and "right on the money". It's a sign of what is happening in our society-at-large that so many nay-sayers commented and/or misunderstood your point..

I always enjoy a freebie when it is valuable, and graciously offered, but that does not mean I EXPECT handouts. Believe me, there is an entire list of people that I could target for "extortion" if I didn't have standards (thankfully, drilled into my head and heart as a child).

I am determined to build a team and learn from successful people, but I don't expect them to DO EVERYTHING FOR ME, just because I'm such a nice person, or could spiel out a sob story or two.

You are right on the money! Don't lose any sleep over the folks who disagree with you. Any time you stick your neck out, (especially standing up for decency) there will be people who disagree.

Wouldn't the world be a boring place if everyone thought exactly the same way? And, more importantly, how can true friends ever find each other if we don't share our real feelings? Like attracts like!

Get some rest, and BTW, nice hair!

Your friend,
Brennan

Oh, I'm not losing any sleep. But I did want to clear the air. If people were going to oppose my viewpoint, I wanted to make sure they oppose the right one.

And thanks for the hair compliment. LOL!

Having not seen the post that started all this, i only want to comment that I feel and believe that each comment here has a relevant validity. I do feel we as a society are partially responsible, that we as marketers are partly responsible and that brick and mortar are also guilty of some of these very same things

First, let me explain how I view this "mind set" that seems to exist. I am just beginning my internet experience, but I have been in some form of sales in brick and mortar almost my entire life and it has always been a way of doing business, however subtle it was or wasn't by resembling the described actions, but at one time there was an understood respect with it that has disappeared, or so it seems.

As an old school extreme left conservative background and being almost rebellious extreme right leanings, I am finding that it seems somewhere in the transition of the society, we as a whole have lost some basic concepts of respects and courtisies that I believe are a part of the inailenable rights of all humans which should be being followed, but somehow have been dropped from our lives.

Let me be candid with you. (And I rarely speak about my political convictions, but I want to do it to add to your comment specifically.)

First off, I'm socially liberal and fiscally conservative. A libertarian at heart.

However, in my early career I was liberal through and through. As I grew older, my level of disenchantment with the left, in that everything is gray and less black and white, has grown considerably.

As I grew older, I realized that there are far less gray areas than I originally thought. There are some things that are clearly right or wrong. In some situations, I may be understanding and compassionate, even tolerant.

But I've also found that the grayer you are, the more open for abuse you expose yourself to.

I have another question Why was Larry Wingett "entitled" to his username on facebook when he admittedly dallied in going to get it... Not being a smart alec, this is an honest question. I don't have a "brand" and I immediately secured mine.

Now for the record I think the dude that took it was a dork for doing so, however you'd think a guy as sharp as Larry would have been waiting for it anxiously if he thought it was such a big deal.. So why was he "entitled" to have it?

Tim, again, you missed my point in my original post as well as on my video. The username wasn't a big issue with Larry, which is probably why he didn't care that much about it. It was what was done with it, and the intent behind the person who took it, that was.

Hey Mr Fortin - if you aren't careful you'll end up being branded a troublemaker. I should know!

The "be nice and don't say anything negative" wags are usually the brokest, least successful, and strugglingest people - but, they shriek the loudest when you stand up - or in your case - based on your hairdo - WAKE UP - and make a video that slaps some sense into the confused minds.

Most losers fall into 1 of three categories:

The Misinformed

The Informed

The Chloroformed

IMHBAO
Rick Butts

Hi Michel,

I just watched your video and I can see how impassioned you are about this subject. In reference to your comment:

"So I wanted to clear the air. I recorded this quick little video after I woke up this morning — oh, and please ignore the fashionable bed-head hairdo. "

I'd venture to say that you were probably lying in bed thinking about this until you felt you just had to address it with words before the words dissipated. I do this myself. No problem about the "bed-hair" - LOL!

Michel, let me tell you what recently happened to me...

While I was in Las Vegas recently at some Internet Marketing seminars with Alex Jeffreys, Mike Filsaime and Omar Martin and a whole bunch of other folks, one of my franchisees (in my offline business) decided to take that "opportunity" to excise himself from my business and set up under his own name. He did this in full knowledge that he was in breach of his contract with me.

I even caught him in the act of working with one of my clients. I expressed my extreme displeasure at what he was doing and I have sent letters to him and all the clients he is attempting to steal from me.

Now get this... he thinks it's OK to take what isn't his. He thinks it's OK to apportion part of my long-standing business (since 1993) for himself. He thinks it's OK to breach his contract. He has lied to me, he has lied to the clients and he is continuing to lie, cheat and steal. He has even said things to other people that are completely FALSE about me.

I have dealt with this guy honestly and with integrity for the 3 years he has been associated with me and NEVER ONCE has he even raised a single complaint about ANYTHING. But now...

... to conceal his dishonesty he is making up all sorts of excuses and compaints and telling people that I have ripped him off. This is so manifestly hurtful to me.

To think that I have nurtured this person and enabled him to earn almost $100,000 per annum and THIS is the way that he repays all that I have done for him.

His greed and dishonesty will be his downfall. But at the moment he is continuing along this path. And I am now forced into legal proceedings against him to protect what is mine from his predatory actions.

Now I am off to read about the case that you have described above. Thanks for your video. I needed re-assurance that there are still honest people in the world. I have taken a big hit with what has happened to me.

All will come to those who create it.

Gary Simpson

Thank you Gary. I appreciate your comment.

I cannot really say what was on the "extortionist's " mind as stated by you and others pro and con ,but his methods were out of line in regards to humor and integrity ,no matter which mindset he holds.
My opinion is that using honesty in all methods of internet businesses is essential.
Having read many of yor entries I know you should be a part of the 'Honest Marketing Movement ,and to fall in line with the theme here I will not give you my aff. link[Google will find the reference.]

loved this - in defense of integrity - who would have thought we would need to defend integrity. I bristle when I just see people bragging on Twitter about how they "steal" internet access from their neighbor's wifi. And then say it is the neighbor's fault because they didn't properly firewall - oh blame the victim again. Often these are the same people who feel they are entitled to everything else as well. I don't even understand how your post got misinterpreted in the first place but enjoyed the video

Michel

OK, we get it. You're beginning to come off as a bit too self-righteous, though. Bloviate on if you must, but if you really believe that a schmuck who would stoop to extortion will be compelled to refrain from their next dalliance with deception, based upon what you say...dream on.

In other words...you're preaching to the choir.

When we walk with integrity, we don't need to lecture others about integrity.

Patrick, I appreciate that you feel that way. And I'm certainly not the best person when I made my share of mistakes in my life and in my business. But I wanted to make sure that people understood the point I was trying to make -- rather than commenting on the wrong thing, which I may not have been that clear about. It wasn't so much to pulpitize on the issue of integrity per se. It was to clarify the reason for my last post.

I appreciate your comment.

Thanks, Michel, for a great response and clarification... a Class Act, and very well done.

I had the unfortunate experience of someone ripping my name and registering it just to keep me from using and profiting from it. It's surprising what some people will do in the name of "competition" and "marketing."

The way you handled this situation was to the point, above board and very well put... as confirmed by the other comments you have received.

Thanks for being such a good example and continuing to provide great information to all who follow you.

Thank you, Martin. Coming from you, that's high praise indeed.

It is about integrity.

However, one should recognize the real thing from an imposter pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the short term slovenness of the less than integrous person may well ruin some budding relationships.

First, since I have been through Larry Winget's Nightingale-Conant album, I can not imagine him to be patient with someone forcing him to render service.

Second, I suspect that many people, as a product of our flawed educational system, have a vague notion of rights. These confused people do not see rights as God given. They see rights as quasi privileges confired by the government or legal system.

Therefore, if it is not illegal, it's alright, right?

Entitlement is the word that I would use to describe the fundamental "issue". Whether it's because we are spoiled by "freebies" and then feel "entitled" to more, or (most often) confuse "we can" with "we should" or "it's ok"...
People will feel "entitled" unless they feel "empowered". I have been working on a seminar for young entrepreneurs under age 18, and the more I research & talk to people, the more passionate I become. People are much more likely to do the "wrong" thing, or show lack of integrity when they feel that they have a lack of control (read: are coming from scarcity vs. abundance).
All you can do is "light the way!" Keep the flame burning!

Michael:

You certainly DO NOT HAVE TO APOLOGIZE, your thoughts are correct. Unfortunately, people seem to have forgotten about integrity - not just online but also in every day life.

Respect and Dignity are all part of personal Integrity. My parents always said to us as children, that Integrity is not something you can acquire, you must practice respect for yourself and towards others and own your own dignity each and every day, and then Integrity would be the outcome. They also came with following through on putting in the time be it homework, in the work world or with people we can in contact with. IF....and only if we successfully integrated these qualities into our everyday life, then our Expectations would be that there were NO ENTITLEMENTS except for those things we personally created, participated in the building of, or purchased.

Personally, I have seen more people who feel they are "Entitled" that have no personal redeeming qualities than I care to admit. I usually move away very fast, because they will never put in the work or pay the cash value for anything. Their whole existence is based on a scam, they are now and will be bereft all their lives and most likely never face themselves.

Larry most certainly had a right to create a firestorm, why would he allow himself to be bullied or threatened by anyone. They did not put in any sweat equity into Larry's business therefore, they are not entitled to anything at all. Least of all, being treated as anything other than what they are - a scam artist. This guy never had a backbone to start with, so I am not surprised he "disappeared" when he was called out.

If you want to be a doctor, you have to go to school, pay the tuition and then complete an internship, and then a specialty internship. This takes years of hard work and a great deal of money, but it is a must if you want to be a doctor. Can you imagine any university or hospital being approached by anyone "Expecting" that they should just be given the degree and not have to do an internship because they felt they were "Entitled", they would most likely refer them to the closest mental health facility.

Copywriters, Blog Masters, Internet Marketers, all put many years and many dollars into getting to where they are, why would they simply give away their information. One final point, most people simply don't value things which they get for free. How many articles or reports do they
download and ACTUALLY READ???? There is a wealthy of information out there, but it requires that actual effort is applied for it to work. Just having it and not using it is a waste of time for the article or report provider and for those who download it never using it to better themselves.

Michael, neither yourself or Larry have anything to apologize for, and if after several weeks of flurry on the net they "don't get" that integrity is a crucial part of doing business, they simply don't belong in the community. Please do not loose another second worrying about this!

Elizabeth Smith, an avid follower

You don't know what you're talking about. The "rich" steal from others every day. How do you think they got rich?

I say , do whatever it takes to grow your biz. If you want to play by the rules, you wont get anywhere. Be unique, sneaky, and get as much free as possible. Rarely pay for information. These "online marketers" make their money by selling hot air.

Mike,

I'm in total agreement with you. I understand the scarcity mindset, I see it all the time in my business as well. I feel in many ways, these individuals need to go back to entrepreneurship 101 where they learn about respect, personal responsibility, and how to "grow up" as a professional entrepreneur the right way.

Those who have achieved the level of success in their business where they can do consults, sell their products, have name recognition, etc., deserve all they have. It's hard getting to the top and takes great personal development and honing skillsets.

The amature will always seek to take and the professional will always acknowledge and respect the success of others.

Thanks for all you give, your blogs and insight are gold and . . . they are free for goodness sake. You have a wonderful spirit of giving and sharing and helping others just by you taking the time and blogging.

Just wanted to show my support for what you're saying.

Debbie Turner

Michel, you are 100% right.

I cannot believe it should even be necessary for you to explain what is so obviously wrong with that. It is very disheartening that so many simply cannot see it for what it is.

I am appalled at some of the people here who think that type of behavior is remotely acceptable under any circumstance.

It is not. It is selfish, unethical, and wrong on so many levels.

I don't think you are going to change any minds here. People that think that behavior is o.k. have a flawed moral compass. And unforunately, there are a lot of opportunists who will do ANYTHING within the law, regardless of how it impacts others.

Since this is only my comment, and not yours, I'll take the liberty to be a little more direct: anyone here that thinks that behavior is acceptable is an absolute jerk. There is no acceptable rationale for it, period.

On a side note, Michel, you maintain a consistently high level of integrity. It comes through in everything you write and say, and your sincerity is refreshing. Despite the fact that the IM community is littered with many sleazy characters (some "high profile" ones, at that), you do an admirable job of staying at arms' length from that seedy underbelly. Hats off to you for that!