Launch Tree: For idiots only?

In an email today, Mike Filsaime, the guy who co-created Launch Tree writes:

"A lot of you may not have a product, so you're
waiting to start online - you may think that the
Launch Tree is not for you...WRONG.

We're going to get on the phone with you for
4 weeks and teach you EXACTLY how to build
your own products in just 3 days or less..."

So now here's Launch Tree:

1. A "not easy to install on your computer and get working program" - by their own admission;
2. Requires you already have "A GOOD FLOW OF NEW CUSTOMERS IN ORDER TO USE IT" say Kern and Reese's emails about it. They're promoting it and offer to show you - if you buy through them - how to get a bunch of customers immediately in their one-day online workshop.
3. Requires you have an information product ready to sell online. Since the creators realized today that you likely don't have such a thing, they (Mike and Anik, Launch Tree creators) just offered you their *Instant Product Development Virtual Workshop* (they were going to charge $997 for it, they say, but you can get it free if you order LT today).

Proof #3 works? Well, gosh, big online superstar Anik did it. "10 days later, he had made $7,267!," says today's email. Anik's list is in the tens of thousands. Most are buyers of the PPC Classroom.

Assume he pitched whatever he created in three days, (remember he is an online expert with years of trial and error experience) to his giant PPC Classroom list. Wouldn't you think he would earn a lot more than "$7,267!"?

And there's no guarantee more than 20-30% of those people would buy again next month, much less 100% as they entice you with - "That's a monthly income of $21,801!"

And what are you going to create that people will pay for next month?

Anyone who has little experience or success so far in any of the above three areas, and think they can do 2 and 3 fast, i.e. "get customers" and "create an online product" (that people will buy), is an idiot.

There is no question that the 5,000+ people Mike says have bought so far, will do nothing more than give these boys their money. I'd guess most will never even get the program working, much less build a buying customer base, or create a really great info product.

On the other hand, if you have computer software savvy, have a strong and growing customer base, and have a super information product to market, this will be $77 (plus upsells and monthly fees) likely well-spent.

Rate your money-making guru products: Launch Tree

You bought a program or product that offered you online riches.

How do you rate it now that you have it and have started using it? You know, vis a vis what attracted you to it?

1. ..........A complete failure in every way
2. ...........Barely functional - don't buy it
3........Serious flaws, proceed with caution
4............... Downsides outweigh upsides
5..... Recommended with a few reservations
6.... A solid product that has some issues
7...............Very good, but not quite great
8.........Excellent, but with room to kvetch
9................... Nearly flawless - buy it now
10........ Metaphysical product perfection

(From Wired mag)

Let's use it to rate the probability of your success with stuff you're considering buying.

E.g. Launch Tree. It's the latest Internet marketing guru product - being hotly promoted by the some of the biggest guns. It promises to make you big money while you do, of course, very little. Oh darn. Once it is set up, that is. Now they confess that part is isn't as easy as it sounds.

When promoters admit, after the 7th promotional email, that their money making program is not easy or fast to set up, you can be sure it isn't. Read: you have to be an expert, or hire one, to get it set up in any reasonable time. Much like a video distribution program I bought, then unbought. They wanted to charge me to show me how to use it. Right.

Oh, and the Tree Launch also admits that it expects you to have customers already.

That's because its income promises depend 100% on getting existing customers to buy MORE. My good friend Frank Kern, in his promo, says he and buddy John Reese will show you how to "get customers" in one day if you get it from him.

Getting customers is the greatest challenge of EVERY new business in the world. Easier said than done, as all new business people discover.

The initial cost of the program, before the upsells, is relatively cheap - $77. Of course there will be upsells and a monthly continuation fee of some kind. That comes after you've been sucked in by the juicy promises, you know, in the fine print.

Don't get me wrong. It may be a VERY good program. For people who have the time, know-how or money to set it up. And for people who already have active, buying customers, not just a list whose members unsubscribe whenever you make them an offer. And for people who realize it takes TIME to build a business and a customer list.

But of course it's being sold as quick easy money. "Only $77" too.

And there's the question: If it is NOT quick, NOT easy, and you need customers already, there are likely other obstacles that need to be overcome a newbie won't know about. Big ones. I wonder if there should be a ranking system depending on the experience and business acumen of the audience being pitched. Like movie ratings.

Because it's not just the money one spends, it's the time and hope given to something. Something that many people realize, AFTER the time and money have been spent, they had no business buying - not yet anyway.

RATING of Launch Tree: 3: Serious flaws, proceed with caution

Sins of omission, sins of information are the big bummer flaws.

Your thoughts?

5.5 Million Views: Who really pays for your cheap stuff?

Story of Stuff.

Fabulous. This could shake your values right down to your bone marrow.

Why NOT to buy the next latest gadget or other new faddish piece of clothing.

I promise you will not guess, according to this, who really pays for your ability to buy stuff so cheap. See here.

The art alone is priceless. I dare you not to cry.