The Best Things in Life Really ARE Free

Danny, I agree with you that all of these stuff are more likely available for free, but there always are room for premium content.

Even when people can download Tribes audio for free, some people still want to grab the book. Blog posts, twitter messages are free but compilation of well planned content has its value, at least it saves time.

WordPress.tv provides (and will soon host) every video you need to install and maintain your own WordPress blog, but a book such as WordPress for Dummies will still sell very well.

It's a strategy every blogger should know about. My personal opinion is that bloggers who are also savvy info marketers will win on the long run because they know how to cash in with their content.

Danny, @judyrey
Great post. Thanks!
There is so much good free info on Twitter and SM sites. I am grateful and amazed. I've been learning form the people you mention, plus others and you.
Although In real time I'm a newbie to SM, since other than blogging I've only been active for three months, in Twitter & FB years (like dog years, I guess) I'm a sophomore.
Mid Nov. '08 I put up another web site for a new e book. This is a different site than the larger main one for my art. The e book is full size illustrated with art, self motivational, inspirational and uses art to actually change eyesight and help a person gain emotional freedom.[ Since I'm making a point and not promoting in this comment, I'll refrain from mentioning the URLs or name of the book.]
Then, as the marketers I'm also learning from seem to think giving away a product helps sales I created a smaller version, 30 = pages that I give away fro free. Guess which one has more owner/readers? Yep, the book that sells for $24.95 beats the free substantial taste test e booklet. Hands down.
So I guess people appreciate what they pay for and value is placed on price.I also have Trial Pay for the book (thus by buying online from Blockbuster, The Gap and other businesses one can get the book for free. That was added 2 weeks ago, and although the book sells, the Trial Pay has not yet been used.
I write this to say that my experience so far totally backs your findings and posts.
. Danny, connect with me on FB please. I have not yet mastered finding people! And I'm an administrator for the Boomer group there!
Judy Rey Wasserman

Danny,

I had looked at this "social media certification" site earlier today thanks to Amber's tweet. When I saw it I felt mixed feelings. While this guy may be legitimate and he will teach you a lot about social media, it's hard to imagine you can cram twelve hours of "class" and become an expert in anything.

While I cringe when people I work with call me a social media "guru, maven ( insert buzzword title here)" I just call myself a guy who plays on the internet too much. I know that I only learn what works and what doesn't from practicing and trying and failing (which is the greatest teacher). The best part is trying and failing is free, while success is priceless.

Thanks for the shout out Danny. You know a subject is getting popular when all of the "get rich quick" schemes start popping up. I've seen a bunch on Youtube pop up recently as well. I suppose one could even say that people attend conferences to get educated and a leg up on the competition for the same reason. I guess it's human nature for people to look for short cuts.

There certainly is a demand for knowledge. I helped two folks I know this week with Twitter - trying to guide them in how to set up a profile, when and how to use it, where to find people to follow they might like and so on. Maybe there is merit in creating a free social media mentor site to connect those with experience with those who'd love to learn in the SM space. Food for thought - no charge :)

Well first off, thanks for the props. And by all means let’s teach people that for a bargain price, you too can substitute hard work and experience with a twelve hour stint. I mean social media is all about shortcuts and easy answers, isn’t it?

In seriousness, I’ll take someone with practical knowlege and experience any day over a “certification” that anyone with a visa card and a laptop can buy.

It's also sort of like vanity publishers, who charge about the same amount of money just so you can be a "published" author... but without having gone through the hard work of revisions, queries, more revisions, etc. to learn how to be a truly professional author.

I did an informational interview with @kenburbary and he told me to read other people's blogs, do webinars, and most of the stuff is free. Then if you want you can buy books by Seth Godin and other marketing gurus. I think that is the way to go.

Thanks for the shout out Danny. You know a subject is getting popular when all of the "get rich quick" schemes start popping up. I've seen a bunch on Youtube pop up recently as well. I suppose one could even say that people attend conferences to get educated and a leg up on the competition for the same reason. I guess it's human nature for people to look for short cuts.

There certainly is a demand for knowledge. I helped two folks I know this week with Twitter - trying to guide them in how to set up a profile, when and how to use it, where to find people to follow they might like and so on. Maybe there is merit in creating a free social media mentor site to connect those with experience with those who'd love to learn in the SM space. Food for thought - no charge :)

Danny, I agree with you that all of these stuff are more likely available for free, but there always are room for premium content.

Even when people can download Tribes audio for free, some people still want to grab the book. Blog posts, twitter messages are free but compilation of well planned content has its value, at least it saves time.

WordPress.tv provides (and will soon host) every video you need to install and maintain your own WordPress blog, but a book such as WordPress for Dummies will still sell very well.

It's a strategy every blogger should know about. My personal opinion is that bloggers who are also savvy info marketers will win on the long run because they know how to cash in with their content.

I mean, the product you mention. ;)
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I search the site for the offer but could not find what you offer.

I have to agree with you then. It is not just a/b/c and then d. The real value that is offered should be experience.
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I agree with you thta premium content will always be wanted (and needed). I just don't think that you can cram social media "certification" into 12 hours of distance study.

The course basically says you'll be a social media coach or consultant - in 12 hours? With every single tool and application covered? Sorry, I don't see that happening.
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I agree with you that premium content will always be wanted (and needed). I just don't think that you can cram social media "certification" into 12 hours of distance study.

The course basically says you'll be a social media coach or consultant - in 12 hours? With every single tool and application covered? Sorry, I don't see that happening.<span class="idc-clear"></span>
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I agree with you that premium content will always be wanted (and needed). I just don't think that you can cram social media "certification" into 12 hours of distance study.

The course basically says you'll be a social media coach or consultant - in 12 hours? With every single tool and application covered? Sorry, I don't see that happening.
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Danny, I agree with you that all of these stuff are more likely available for free, but there always are room for premium content.

Even when people can download Tribes audio for free, some people still want to grab the book. Blog posts, twitter messages are free but compilation of well planned content has its value, at least it saves time.

WordPress.tv provides (and will soon host) every video you need to install and maintain your own WordPress blog, but a book such as WordPress for Dummies will still sell very well.

It's a strategy every blogger should know about. My personal opinion is that bloggers who are also savvy info marketers will win on the long run because they know how to cash in with their content.
via uberVU

Danny,
Great post. Thanks!
There is so much good free info on Twitter and SM sites. I am grateful and amazed. I've been learning form the people you mention, plus others and you.
Although In real time I'm a newbie to SM, since other than blogging I've only been active for three months, in Twitter & FB years (like dog years, I guess) I'm a sophomore.
Mid Nov. '08 I put up another web site for a new e book. This is a different site than the larger main one for my art. The e book is full size illustrated with art, self motivational, inspirational and uses art to actually change eyesight and help a person gain emotional freedom.[ Since I'm making a point and not promoting in this comment, I'll refrain from mentioning the URLs or name of the book.]
Then, as the marketers I'm also learning from seem to think giving away a product helps sales I created a smaller version, 30 = pages that I give away fro free. Guess which one has more owner/readers? Yep, the book that sells for $24.95 beats the free substantial taste test e booklet. Hands down.
So I guess people appreciate what they pay for and value is placed on price.I also have Trial Pay for the book (thus by buying online from Blockbuster, The Gap and other businesses one can get the book for free. That was added 2 weeks ago, and although the book sells, the Trial Pay has not yet been used.
I write this to say that my experience so far totally backs your findings and posts.
I'm happy to follow you on Twitter where I am @judyrey. Danny, connect with me on FB please. I have not yet mastered finding people! And I'm an administrator for the Boomer group there!
Judy Rey Wasserman

Danny,
Great post. Thanks!
There is so much good free info on Twitter and SM sites. I am grateful and amazed. I've been learning form the people you mention, plus others and you.
Although In real time I'm a newbie to SM, since other than blogging I've only been active for three months, in Twitter & FB years (like dog years, I guess) I'm a sophomore.
Mid Nov. '08 I put up another web site for a new e book. This is a different site than the larger main one for my art. The e book is full size illustrated with art, self motivational, inspirational and uses art to actually change eyesight and help a person gain emotional freedom.[ Since I'm making a point and not promoting in this comment, I'll refrain from mentioning the URLs or name of the book.]
Then, as the marketers I'm also learning from seem to think giving away a product helps sales I created a smaller version, 30 = pages that I give away fro free. Guess which one has more owner/readers? Yep, the book that sells for $24.95 beats the free substantial taste test e booklet. Hands down.
So I guess people appreciate what they pay for and value is placed on price.I also have Trial Pay for the book (thus by buying online from Blockbuster, The Gap and other businesses one can get the book for free. That was added 2 weeks ago, and although the book sells, the Trial Pay has not yet been used.
I write this to say that my experience so far totally backs your findings and posts.
I'm happy to follow you on Twitter where I am @judyrey. Danny, connect with me on FB please. I have not yet mastered finding people! And I'm an administrator for the Boomer group there!
Judy Rey Wasserman
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Danny,

I had looked at this "social media certification" site earlier today thanks to Amber's tweet. When I saw it I felt mixed feelings. While this guy may be legitimate and he will teach you a lot about social media, it's hard to imagine you can cram twelve hours of "class" and become an expert in anything.

While I cringe when people I work with call me a social media "guru, maven ( insert buzzword title here)" I just call myself a guy who plays on the internet too much. I know that I only learn what works and what doesn't from practicing and trying and failing (which is the greatest teacher). The best part is trying and failing is free, while success is priceless.

Thanks for the shout out Danny. You know a subject is getting popular when all of the "get rich quick" schemes start popping up. I've seen a bunch on Youtube pop up recently as well. I suppose one could even say that people attend conferences to get educated and a leg up on the competition for the same reason. I guess it's human nature for people to look for short cuts.

There certainly is a demand for knowledge. I helped two folks I know this week with Twitter - trying to guide them in how to set up a profile, when and how to use it, where to find people to follow they might like and so on. Maybe there is merit in creating a free social media mentor site to connect those with experience with those who'd love to learn in the SM space. Food for thought - no charge :)

Well first off, thanks for the props. And by all means letu00e2u0080u0099s teach people that for a bargain price, you too can substitute hard work and experience with a twelve hour stint. I mean social media is all about shortcuts and easy answers, isnu00e2u0080u0099t it?

In seriousness, Iu00e2u0080u0099ll take someone with practical knowlege and experience any day over a u00e2u0080u009ccertificationu00e2u0080u009d that anyone with a visa card and a laptop can buy.

Danny,

I had looked at this "social media certification" site earlier today thanks to Amber's tweet. When I saw it I felt mixed feelings. While this guy may be legitimate and he will teach you a lot about social media, it's hard to imagine you can cram twelve hours of "class" and become an expert in anything.

While I cringe when people I work with call me a social media "guru, maven ( insert buzzword title here)" I just call myself a guy who plays on the internet too much. I know that I only learn what works and what doesn't from practicing and trying and failing (which is the greatest teacher). The best part is trying and failing is free, while success is priceless.
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Great post, Danny. Why invest time in anything when you can write a check, right? ;-)

It's also sort of like vanity publishers, who charge about the same amount of money just so you can be a "published" author... but without having gone through the hard work of revisions, queries, more revisions, etc. to learn how to be a truly professional author.

I did an informational interview with @kenburbary and he told me to read other people's blogs, do webinars, and most of the stuff is free. Then if you want you can buy books by Seth Godin and other marketing gurus. I think that is the way to go.

That's an interesting premise you have there, David. As you say, there's definitely a "market" for it - does it necessarily have to be a paid one? Surely there can be a difference between Social Media Basics 101 and full-on consultancy? As you say, definitely food for thought and thanks for not charging! ;-)

And you're more than welcome of the shout out - you, Amber and Radian6 always have my interest with what you guys do. Cheers!
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I guess there will always be two sides to points of view, but I'm with you Amber. It's like the courses that people can take to be criminal psychologists within 12 months - I always thought they took between 4-6 years of hard graft and police training to attain? Maybe money does talk...
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Ken's a great guy and someone that would sit happily alongside the names I mentioned in the post. His advice to you is the reason why he's so respected - cheers for the reminder, Jamie.
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Thanks for the shout out Danny. You know a subject is getting popular when all of the "get rich quick" schemes start popping up. I've seen a bunch on Youtube pop up recently as well. I suppose one could even say that people attend conferences to get educated and a leg up on the competition for the same reason. I guess it's human nature for people to look for short cuts.

There certainly is a demand for knowledge. I helped two folks I know this week with Twitter - trying to guide them in how to set up a profile, when and how to use it, where to find people to follow they might like and so on. Maybe there is merit in creating a free social media mentor site to connect those with experience with those who'd love to learn in the SM space. Food for thought - no charge :)
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Well first off, thanks for the props. And by all means letu00e2u0080u0099s teach people that for a bargain price, you too can substitute hard work and experience with a twelve hour stint. I mean social media is all about shortcuts and easy answers, isnu00e2u0080u0099t it?

In seriousness, Iu00e2u0080u0099ll take someone with practical knowlege and experience any day over a u00e2u0080u009ccertificationu00e2u0080u009d that anyone with a visa card and a laptop can buy.
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Social media continues to gain traction as a highly-effective business tool. Now there are websites that offer social media certification. Is it worth paying for?
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Social media continues to gain traction as a highly-effective business tool. Now there are websites that offer social media certification. Is it worth paying for?
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Social media continues to gain traction as a highly-effective business tool. Now there are websites that offer social media certification. Is it worth paying for?
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Great post, Danny. Why invest time in anything when you can write a check, right? ;-)
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It's also sort of like vanity publishers, who charge about the same amount of money just so you can be a "published" author... but without having gone through the hard work of revisions, queries, more revisions, etc. to learn how to be a truly professional author.
via uberVU

I did an informational interview with @kenburbary and he told me to read other people's blogs, do webinars, and most of the stuff is free. Then if you want you can buy books by Seth Godin and other marketing gurus. I think that is the way to go.
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