Comments on: The Next Internet Millionaire: Inspired Programming Or Lame Sales Front http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/ Startup and Technology News Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:49:21 -0800 hourly 1 By: The Next Internet Millionaire - Episode Three | Lane Chase Web 2.0 Video Blog http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-2299603 The Next Internet Millionaire - Episode Three | Lane Chase Web 2.0 Video Blog Thu, 15 May 2008 21:28:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-2299603 [...] The Next Internet Millionaire: Inspired Programming Or Lame Sales Front [via Zemanta] [...] [...] The Next Internet Millionaire: Inspired Programming Or Lame Sales Front [via Zemanta] [...]

]]> By: My Bad 101 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1665535 My Bad 101 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:55:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1665535 It's pretty sad to see what could potentially be a great idea executed so poorly in an effort to try and elevate Joel Comm beyond his B grade celebrity status. From a production perspective this program is poor, the editing is rubbish and the story telling is fragmented and hard to follow. I should be the perfect viewer for this type of program but it lost my interest as soon as the "Jungle Guy" introduced himself. It’s pretty sad to see what could potentially be a great idea executed so poorly in an effort to try and elevate Joel Comm beyond his B grade celebrity status.

From a production perspective this program is poor, the editing is rubbish and the story telling is fragmented and hard to follow. I should be the perfect viewer for this type of program but it lost my interest as soon as the “Jungle Guy” introduced himself.

]]> By: David http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1660348 David Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:05:30 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1660348 While I haven't watched more than the first episode, I would just like to comment about people discrediting "ebook salesman" - are you freakin' kidding me? It's about selling information - being an "infopreneur" - and marketing informational products that may be in the form of ebooks, audios, videos, etc. This is a HUGE business for many people. People buy infoproducts all day long, in many different markets, not just the "internet marketing" circles (although I do agree with the comment about internet marketers selling to internet marketers). I'm sure I spent more than a few thousand dollars on textbooks throughout college. THAT is selling information. What's wrong with a $50 ebook that may help a site earn more from Adsense? What's wrong with a $150 "home study course" that teaches someone how to create their own infoproduct, set up a minisite, recruit affiliates, and market it online? NOTHING. I think the problem is when people get this type of product, and turn around and create a regurgitated version of the same content. Instead of actually applying the information in its own right, people think "hey, I like this internet marketing suff, let me create and market my own marketing product." So, while I've never purchased anything from Joel, I think it's a shame that people are speaking so negatively about "internet marketing." Not everybody can create the next web2.0 startup that gets big VC money and acquired by a heavy hitter....but almost everybody can create their own little internet marketing business. It's more about "lifestyle entrepreneurship" than about being the next dot com. Sorry to ramble. While I haven’t watched more than the first episode, I would just like to comment about people discrediting “ebook salesman” – are you freakin’ kidding me? It’s about selling information – being an “infopreneur” – and marketing informational products that may be in the form of ebooks, audios, videos, etc. This is a HUGE business for many people. People buy infoproducts all day long, in many different markets, not just the “internet marketing” circles (although I do agree with the comment about internet marketers selling to internet marketers).

I’m sure I spent more than a few thousand dollars on textbooks throughout college. THAT is selling information. What’s wrong with a $50 ebook that may help a site earn more from Adsense? What’s wrong with a $150 “home study course” that teaches someone how to create their own infoproduct, set up a minisite, recruit affiliates, and market it online? NOTHING. I think the problem is when people get this type of product, and turn around and create a regurgitated version of the same content. Instead of actually applying the information in its own right, people think “hey, I like this internet marketing suff, let me create and market my own marketing product.”

So, while I’ve never purchased anything from Joel, I think it’s a shame that people are speaking so negatively about “internet marketing.” Not everybody can create the next web2.0 startup that gets big VC money and acquired by a heavy hitter….but almost everybody can create their own little internet marketing business. It’s more about “lifestyle entrepreneurship” than about being the next dot com. Sorry to ramble.

]]> By: jackmayhofferr http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1660334 jackmayhofferr Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:51:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1660334 This is sad 1) because ebooks are typically a waste of money 2) because almost all comments on Duncan's Post degenerate into a discussion of his poor writing and editing skills -- I thought TC had TWO editors, so why so many mistakes This is sad
1) because ebooks are typically a waste of money
2) because almost all comments on Duncan’s Post degenerate into a discussion of his poor writing and editing skills — I thought TC had TWO editors, so why so many mistakes

]]> By: Paul http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1660229 Paul Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:02:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1660229 Ew, internet marketing ebook crap! Yuck. Ew, internet marketing ebook crap! Yuck.

]]> By: Jim Kukral http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659990 Jim Kukral Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:48:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659990 Personally, I think this show is well done and ambitious to say the least. Would YOU have had the guts and drive to put this together, with no crew, no producers, no network backing you up and then do it as well? Give the guy credit. It was a big risk with his own money. Personally, I think this show is well done and ambitious to say the least. Would YOU have had the guts and drive to put this together, with no crew, no producers, no network backing you up and then do it as well? Give the guy credit. It was a big risk with his own money.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659967 Aaron Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:30:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659967 Just a quick note from a tech crunch reader with a film degree - one way to tell the level of production skill is not from the video quality, but from the sound. I watched most of the first episode about a month ago, and noticed that the sound was especially poor - they used room mics instead of close mics. That's terrible form, and will make the show less enjoyable for anyone who watches it. The sad part is that most people on productions with poor sound don't really notice it until someone points it out. Just a quick note from a tech crunch reader with a film degree – one way to tell the level of production skill is not from the video quality, but from the sound. I watched most of the first episode about a month ago, and noticed that the sound was especially poor – they used room mics instead of close mics. That’s terrible form, and will make the show less enjoyable for anyone who watches it.

The sad part is that most people on productions with poor sound don’t really notice it until someone points it out.

]]> By: Bruce http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659929 Bruce Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:49:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659929 Chris isn't very bright. I went to the website and read the cast bios. ONE of them is from Colorado. The rest are from all over the place, including two women from Canada, one woman from the UK and a man from Costa Rica. Chris isn’t very bright. I went to the website and read the cast bios. ONE of them is from Colorado. The rest are from all over the place, including two women from Canada, one woman from the UK and a man from Costa Rica.

]]> By: Becks http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659923 Becks Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:42:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659923 OK, I just sat through the first 30 min of the 1st episode... if one of these "contestants" is the next Internet millionaire then there's hope for all of us! OK, I just sat through the first 30 min of the 1st episode… if one of these “contestants” is the next Internet millionaire then there’s hope for all of us!

]]> By: Becks http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659909 Becks Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:17:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659909 ...the COMMplex... hahahaha - come on people lighten up - this is a spoof and this guy is a marketer. Watch the first episode for 5 min and you'll see that this is nothing to take seriously. …the COMMplex… hahahaha – come on people lighten up – this is a spoof and this guy is a marketer. Watch the first episode for 5 min and you’ll see that this is nothing to take seriously.

]]> By: Chris http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659904 Chris Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:08:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659904 OK, first and foremost.... Have you noticed that nearly 100% of the contestants are from Colorado? Reason: Comm is too cheap to bring in out of state contestants.... in spite of the fact that his early promotional material recruited out of state contestants to submit their auditions via video. Meaning: Unlike other reality shows, "The Next Internet Millionaire" is shot "on the fly" over a course of months instead of days weeks.... with contestants appearing "on demand", whenever Comm is ready to shoot another episode. Even their notebook sponsor hasn't given their permission to use their corporate logo (obvious by the fact that their corporate logo is pixelated in "espisode 1"). Bottomline: This is a guy who is riding on his former reputation... who has made friends with a decent videographer in exchange for visual credit. It was a real stretch to watch the first episode... and I have to force myself to watch the others.... a feeling obviously shared by many of the contestants. Shame on TechCrunch for giving this hooligan exposure. OK, first and foremost….

Have you noticed that nearly 100% of the contestants are from Colorado?

Reason: Comm is too cheap to bring in out of state contestants…. in spite of the fact that his early promotional material recruited out of state contestants to submit their auditions via video.

Meaning: Unlike other reality shows, “The Next Internet Millionaire” is shot “on the fly” over a course of months instead of days weeks…. with contestants appearing “on demand”, whenever Comm is ready to shoot another episode.

Even their notebook sponsor hasn’t given their permission to use their corporate logo (obvious by the fact that their corporate logo is pixelated in “espisode 1″).

Bottomline: This is a guy who is riding on his former reputation… who has made friends with a decent videographer in exchange for visual credit.

It was a real stretch to watch the first episode… and I have to force myself to watch the others…. a feeling obviously shared by many of the contestants.

Shame on TechCrunch for giving this hooligan exposure.

]]> By: Json http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659787 Json Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:34:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659787 Duncan: The Burnett-style format is the mold from which most reality shows are cast, so Comm isn't really doing anything unusual in imitating them. There's a show on the same network as Survivor right now called "Kid Nation"--which is pretty much Survivor Jr with a few departures from the format. That being said, Comm's show is far too generic for my liking. The challenges absolutely reek of "The Apprentice"--which in my opinion never portrayed anything that was useful in the real world of business, anyway. Selling popsicles? Meh. How about each contestant designs a NEW popsicle and THEN see who sells the most? Innovation is the true mother of success on the internet, not selling (and hear this, kids: SALES AND MARKETING ARE NOT ONE AND THE SAME!!!) But then again, maybe that's why he's calling it the next "internet MILLIONAIRE" instead of "BILLIONAIRE"--because no "internet marketer" will be approaching the latter any time soon... ...except for "The Rich Jerk", maybe. ;) Duncan: The Burnett-style format is the mold from which most reality shows are cast, so Comm isn’t really doing anything unusual in imitating them. There’s a show on the same network as Survivor right now called “Kid Nation”–which is pretty much Survivor Jr with a few departures from the format.

That being said, Comm’s show is far too generic for my liking. The challenges absolutely reek of “The Apprentice”–which in my opinion never portrayed anything that was useful in the real world of business, anyway.

Selling popsicles? Meh. How about each contestant designs a NEW popsicle and THEN see who sells the most? Innovation is the true mother of success on the internet, not selling (and hear this, kids: SALES AND MARKETING ARE NOT ONE AND THE SAME!!!) But then again, maybe that’s why he’s calling it the next “internet MILLIONAIRE” instead of “BILLIONAIRE”–because no “internet marketer” will be approaching the latter any time soon…

…except for “The Rich Jerk”, maybe. ;)

]]> By: Duncan Riley http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659708 Duncan Riley Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:00:04 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659708 Dave Last I checked slickly is a word, be it not a very good one...at least it passed 2 separate spell checks before getting there. Lawrence (18) I can't say that I disagree. There is something about the whole ebook movement I find disturbing, the preying on the desperate in particular in terms of morality, but ultimately it's a case of let the buyer beware. There is nothing illegal in what Comm does, and there is no argument from me that he is very, very good at it. Dave
Last I checked slickly is a word, be it not a very good one…at least it passed 2 separate spell checks before getting there.

Lawrence (18)
I can’t say that I disagree. There is something about the whole ebook movement I find disturbing, the preying on the desperate in particular in terms of morality, but ultimately it’s a case of let the buyer beware. There is nothing illegal in what Comm does, and there is no argument from me that he is very, very good at it.

]]> By: Dave http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659667 Dave Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:18:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659667 Duncan, you mention that his stuff is slickly produced.... perhaps you could re-read your post and correct all the writing mistakes and missing words? Cheers, Dave Duncan, you mention that his stuff is slickly produced…. perhaps you could re-read your post and correct all the writing mistakes and missing words?

Cheers,
Dave

]]> By: Sebhelyesfarku http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659618 Sebhelyesfarku Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:22:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659618 Hehe, lawrence I guess you're one of the retards who bought his crap LOL. Hehe, lawrence I guess you’re one of the retards who bought his crap LOL.

]]> By: lawrence http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659581 lawrence Fri, 05 Oct 2007 06:50:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659581 @10, i agree say what you want about him, slimy ebook seller, etc etc... be that as it may - but he is still a successful businessman. self-made, legally. you're, all the haters, just hating on him because he made a success out of it - and became a millionaire in the process, while you're still doing - what you're doing (not that there's anything wrong with what you do) @10, i agree
say what you want about him, slimy ebook seller, etc etc…
be that as it may – but he is still a successful businessman.
self-made, legally.

you’re, all the haters, just hating on him because he made a success out of it – and became a millionaire in the process, while you’re still doing – what you’re doing (not that there’s anything wrong with what you do)

]]> By: Roy Tahsin (Listolia.com) http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659527 Roy Tahsin (Listolia.com) Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:46:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659527 Its like a TV version of "The million dollar homepage"....remember that hack? Its like a TV version of “The million dollar homepage”….remember that hack?

]]> By: Cliff http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659511 Cliff Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:30:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659511 In the end, editing is the pace. It's just not well done at all and comes off as a cheap, drawn-out, local infomercial. As self-important as it is, I'm hard-pressed to find anything really innovative about it. In the end, editing is the pace. It’s just not well done at all and comes off as a cheap, drawn-out, local infomercial. As self-important as it is, I’m hard-pressed to find anything really innovative about it.

]]> By: Jon T. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659506 Jon T. Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:25:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659506 Slickly interesting. Slickly interesting.

]]> By: Duncan Riley http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659488 Duncan Riley Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:08:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659488 Slickly in terms of the editing, not the pace Tim. It's certainly a cut above some of the other web style shows I've seen in that regard. I can't help but think that someone from Mark Burnett's company is going to see this and get litigious though. Slickly in terms of the editing, not the pace Tim. It’s certainly a cut above some of the other web style shows I’ve seen in that regard. I can’t help but think that someone from Mark Burnett’s company is going to see this and get litigious though.

]]> By: David Mackey http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659480 David Mackey Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:58:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659480 While I'm not a big fan of Joel Comm's style of internet marketing, I have been enjoying watching The Next Internet Millionaire - though at a very slow pace (I'm still on episode three). I think this is saying something since I generally can't stand reality tv. While I’m not a big fan of Joel Comm’s style of internet marketing, I have been enjoying watching The Next Internet Millionaire – though at a very slow pace (I’m still on episode three). I think this is saying something since I generally can’t stand reality tv.

]]> By: Laura Martin http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659470 Laura Martin Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:45:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659470 Hey at least I can say it was a great learning experience and I will apply and execute from what I did learn. It gave me the push on what I needed to come out with my own product. Hats off to Joel Comm. Hey at least I can say it was a great learning experience and I will apply and execute from what I did learn. It gave me the push on what I needed to come out with my own product. Hats off to Joel Comm.

]]> By: phenom http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659463 phenom Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:37:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659463 waste of time and money http://vidsonly.blogspot.com waste of time and money
http://vidsonly.blogspot.com

]]> By: Startup News http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659450 Startup News Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:30:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659450 Say what you want but the guy is a Self Made Millionaire . He is making money doing what most people will fail at ... There can only be one original person .. The rest are all copies .. Google - Airtran - BurgerKing - Honda - Dell They all copied someone or something . Say what you want but the guy is a Self Made Millionaire .
He is making money doing what most people will fail at …

There can only be one original person .. The rest are all copies ..
Google – Airtran – BurgerKing – Honda – Dell They all copied someone or something .

]]> By: Erik Schwartz http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/comment-page-1/#comment-1659445 Erik Schwartz Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:27:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/04/the-next-internet-millionaire-inspired-programming-or-lame-sales-front/#comment-1659445 While it is true Joel was half owner of classicgames.com when Y! bought it in 1997, it was not purchased because of him. It was essentially an aq-hire. Joel was not offered a job at Y!, his partner was. Joel did not approach us to sell the company, I approached classicgames to buy their engineer. When we launched Y! Games about 6 weeks after the acquisition, the front end was totally reworked. It was also one of the cheapest acquisitions Y! ever made. The acquisition didn't make anyone a millionaire (although the engineer we ac-hired probably did well on the stock options he was given when he came on board). I watched the first episode of his show, it's pretty funny stuff. While it is true Joel was half owner of classicgames.com when Y! bought it in 1997, it was not purchased because of him. It was essentially an aq-hire. Joel was not offered a job at Y!, his partner was. Joel did not approach us to sell the company, I approached classicgames to buy their engineer.

When we launched Y! Games about 6 weeks after the acquisition, the front end was totally reworked.

It was also one of the cheapest acquisitions Y! ever made. The acquisition didn’t make anyone a millionaire (although the engineer we ac-hired probably did well on the stock options he was given when he came on board).

I watched the first episode of his show, it’s pretty funny stuff.

]]>