If It Soudns Too Good To Be True

By James Capobianco
Posted Sunday, August 22, 2004

You've heard that cliche over and over I'm sure, but it has never been more true than it is on the Internet.

With this in mind, I randomly pulled the following ads out of ezines and newsletters. These are real ads and quoted exactly how they were written. I couldn't make this stuff up!

If you examine the copy, for the most part they don't even make sense. So I thought I would poke a little fun at them and expose them for what they are a joke, and if taken seriously, a cruel joke at that!

The sad part is that many people buy into the hype in the hopes of changing their lives, only to find out that the only one benefited is the "hyper". If you have been victimize by some of these "Too Good to be True" ads, you are not alone, I have too!

That's right, ME! I could say it was all in the name of research, but in truth, in my heart of hearts, I hoped that this was "the deal" that would turn my life around. Although I didn't get the benefits promised in the ads, I did learn the valuable lesson of the famous cliche.

So here we go. My intentions are NOT to return the compliment by insulting any of the copywriters of the ads, but merely (with a little tongue in cheek) to read between the lines and have a some fun.

Hype Ad #1:

"Work from Home in PJs Using PC and add thousands per month to your income with absolutely NO Risks, GUARANTEED!"

Why would I even want to work in my PJs? I know it's used metaphorically and is just an attention getter. The image it portrays, however, is less than professional and whether you work at home or at a corporate office for a Fortune 500 company, it's a business and should be run like one. Be comfortable, yes; but PJs?

How about "add thousands per month to your income"? If that statement, itself, is not a stretch, how about adding "absolutely NO Risks" and then guaranteeing it. First of all, unless someone is going to hand you the money, how can they guarantee it to you? Secondly, in order to make that kind of money, in that time frame, you better believe your going to take
some risks!

Hype Ad #2:

"Own A Computer? Put it to Work! Earn an extra $1500-$5000/mo p/t;"

This ad gives a whole new meaning to "artificial intelligence". Not only can you have a computer working for you part time; but it will earn an unrealistic $1500-$5000 per month. Most people working full time, with or without the aid of a computer, don't make that kind of money.

Hype Ad #3:

"15,000 in 30 days!! HUGE amounts of CASH for everyone!! NO EXCEPTIONS!! Call..."

$15,000 a month? That's $180,000 per year. That is a HUGE amount of cash. Not only a lot of money, but EVERYONE gets it?

Well, I called, and I think the guy who answered the phone said: "Hello, US Mint. Where should we send money?"

Hype Ad #4:

"QUIT YOUR JOB & be your own boss! Could you use an extra $21,000/month? Sound impossible? It's not!"

This sounds good. I want to quit my job and be my own boss. But...and it 's a BIG but. How do I support my family until I'm making "$21,000 a month"?

This guy answered that question for us. "Sound impossible?" You bet it is!

Hype Ad #5:

"$100,000+ yearly income possible: Internet marketing guru will teach you the REAL way to wealth at home"

"Possible", but not probable. Not without a lot of hard work and persistence. Why would this kind and generous person offer to teach me how to do this? If he was making $100,000 a year, he doesn't need to share the REAL way. Is there a FAKE way to wealth?

Hype Ad #6:

"Escape The Rat Race - Make $300 Per Day Simply+Instantly No Selling Required"

This starts off OK. There is nothing quite like being your own boss and calling the shots. Then this guy has to add "Simply+Instantly. No Selling Required". Here we go again. Where IS this person who is giving all this money away just for the asking?

Hype Ad #7:

"Subject: MMake an EASY $100,000 per year!!! Are you looking to make an extra $1000-$5000 per week, with little time required on your part? If so we may have what you are looking for. We are a national company, and a leader in our industry. We are seeking several people in each area to represent our company with absolutely no selling."

This one is a real winner! This guy is so excited about the offer, he gets "tongue tied" MMaking the pitch. Another incredible weekly income, no time required and no selling. There's that person who gives money away again. Why can't I find him? One more thing. Why would a national company, with all its resources, be advertising on the WWW for people in my area to represent them? Wouldn't you think they would be able to more effectively recruit in a specific area?

Hype Ad #8:

"Establish A Second Income An Income With No Work, Its True, Free to Join"

I saved the best for last. This is my kind of business. An income with "no work"? Come on! Do I look like I just fell off the turnip truck? This guy is however, giving us some credit, in case we aren't buying it, he adds "It's True". Like this will make me believe it. "Well OK, if he says it's true, it must be."

Well folks, these are just eight of the many ridiculous and unbelievable ads that claim "fame and fortune" on the Internet is yours for "No Work, No Selling and No Risk" not to mention all the "Hugh Amounts of FREE Cash" your going to get "Instantly".

Why do these marketers insult our intelligence with ads like these?

I, for one, believe that people are more intelligent than these guys give them credit for. I believe that with a little common sense, people will stop and think before they spend their hard earned money to buy into the "hype". Remember, the only person that's going to get rich, is the person selling the hype!

About the Author
James Capobianco has been self-employed for over 25 years, both on and offline. At his web site, Cap-Tech.com, and in his newsletter, The Cap-Tech Times, he shares his experience and expertise when it comes to owning your own business. Come pay a visit at (http://www.cap-tech.com?art10)>