Why Web 2.0 and Social Bookmarking Really Works…

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One aspect of the internet that has always amazed me is how intimate digital communication can actually be.

Objectively you wouldn’t think so – letters typed on a screen. How can that be intimate? All I know is
that I have been brought to tears on numerous occasions through a touching and thoughtful email or
blog post.

Every so often I forget about my amazement until I am reminded by a passionate and emotionally open piece – created by a caring and tuned in person.

Maybe it’s the emotional honesty that is so striking ; maybe it’s authenticity. Maybe it’s intent. Maybe
it’s intention.

Some of us learn early in life that it’s ok to express emotion and it’s safe to be who we really are.

Others have a tougher challenge to overcome as adults because we learn early in our experience that it
isn’t safe and that individual expression equates to punishment, demeaned self esteem and retribution.

For the former, the realm of emotion and self esteem is a playground, a joyful experiment and an exciting
and interesting game. Mistakes are not only allowed and tolerated, they are encouraged. Life is fun.

For the latter – as a child – survival depends on being transparent, invisible, unheard and unspoken, because being seen and heard equates to pain – emotional or otherwise. Mistakes must be avoided because they are flags that draw attention.

Life is scary.

For the person with low self esteem, it’s a really big deal and it takes courage to express oneself openly in relationships, socially or on the Net, in contrast to who those already understand that it’s ok to be who they are in public.

The Impact on Baby Boomers…

These issues are particularly true for Baby Boomers because we are the generation once removed from the Great Depression and the direct social descendants of the WW2 generation.

Men were silent about their pain and fears. It was the way they survived the horrors so many of them saw in the war and their memories of hunger and scarcity in the Great Depression as kids.

As such, Boomers were trained to emulate this same emotional behavior en masse – just by observing the way many of our fathers maintained a distance and a consistent lack of emotional expression, masking all that pain.

We directly reflect these attitudes and social mores as a group and this self esteem polarity seems to be more pronounced in us as a result.

How One Person Really Makes A Difference

What was it, for example, about seeing Paul Potts – a frumpy, self conscious and humble cell phone salesman singing his heart out on Britain’s Got Talent, that so dramatically impacted observers emotionally?

And it did…

There was not a dry eye in the house when he finished his performance.

Was it the amazing power of his voice?

Yes, partially.

Was it the fact that he allowed his personal power and magnificence to shine through for the first time in his life – and expose his true spirit – in spite of his absolute internal discomfort and fear of failure?

Most definitely.

Was it because instinctively we all sensed that the magnitude of the risk he was taking was so large that most of us would never have taken that risk?

Yes, that too.

Was it because we knew he was taking the biggest chance of his life and that the risk didn’t just benefit Paul Potts, it benefited humanity?

There was a sort hush from the sense of awe that the audience experienced observing greatness unepxectedly. Somehow we all grew from his courage and simultaneously we all experienced emotional cleansing through a widespread “release”.

And a new understanding.

The collective human consciousness expanded a step further towards goodness and truth and the Creator within each of us just by his willingness to face his greatest fear and follow his true path for the first time in his life.

On some level we were all elevated. We rose up. We expanded. And we also learned – clearly – that if he could do it, we can too.

And this happens each and every time someone speaks his (her) truth authentically…

This amazing vehicle we call the “Net” is fast becoming a collective consciousness development program – that expands as rapidly as our ability to understand and utilize it – almost along the lines of the “holographic universe”. So through it all, truth (or the lack of it) permeates all communication. On some level, we can not hide who we truly are when we are active participants because somehow the collective consciousness can sense the authenticity and passion.

Many times in the past I have taken exception to the zealous attitude that blogging purists have taken regarding their antipathy towards internet marketers – somehow equating making money and self promotion with a lowering of standards and an intrusion into “their world”.

But the cool part is that in the bigger picture, we can’t fool anyone when we are not being authentic.

So as the Net consciousness continues to expand collectively, those who are not acting in truth and for the overall betterment and growth of all involved will begin to stand out more obviously through contrast – digitally and instantaneously.

Social bookmarking and web 2.0 are therefore part of the natural progression of free expression and the natural evolution of the Internet.

And those who do not adapt will become extinct Internet dinosaurs.

The days of the used car salesman types online are coming to an end naturally as the Net becomes a greater and more accurate expression of human consciousness.

Authenticity and integrity will overcome self serving behavior and manipulation as the default of expansion and growth. It is inevitable because it will cost too much money to sustain the facade as more and more people get the message and click away to something more in alignment with what they are looking for.

So Web 2.0 and social bookmarking really work because, on an individual level, it is a safe environment for self expression. There is safety of sorts simply through anonymity in and of itself.

But Web 2.0 has also inadvertently emerged as a development tool for self esteem because authenticity is encouraged, congratulated and supported time and again through comments, posts on other blogs, back links and active readership.

It is becoming a platform for high self esteem where we can grow self esteem through the process of helping others and by receiving complements and recognition for good work on a consistent basis.

It’s amazing how the universe works even through an electronic communication medium.

How do we know who to listen to when it comes to Web 2.0?

There is a new internet craze going on now from my perspective. Lately everybody has become an overnight expert about making money online by Wordpress blogging and social bookmarking.

That’s funny to me because I remember hearing an interview with Ed Dale on a tele-seminar (around January 2008) speaking to a group of the interviewer’s “inner circle” students. The guy interviewing Ed Dale was an “expert at internet marketing” and had no idea about Facebook as a marketing vehicle.

Until very recently, few gurus promoted Web 2.0 and social bookmarking as a viable marketing online mechanism – in fact many of them referred to social media sites like Facebook as a playground for adults like MySpace is for teenagers. Something not to be taken seriously.

Suddenly they are all experts with megaphones touting Web 2.0 as the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Now Will the Real Web 2.0 Please Stand Up?

There are exceptions: the two most notable are Jack Humphrey and Ed Dale in my experience.

Long before it was fashionable to be a Web 2.0 expert, most SEO-Internet Marketing guys looked at Jack Humphrey like he was one of those bus stop evangelists holding a sign that said, “The End Is Near,” preaching doom to everyone.

Only Jack was really holding a sign that said,

“Social bookmarking is cool. Web 2.0 really works and it’s the wave of the future.”

And the naysayers, would wink at each other implying that Jack should be locked up – wondering when the guys in the white suits were coming to take him where he “really belonged”.

I actually hired one of Jack’s partners (Peter Lenkefi) to build three adsense sites for me before I had a clue what adsense was all about. After that he contacted me again and said that he and his partner were starting a new program that would revolutionize internet marketing. Fall 2006 the subject came up again in my discussions with Peter about joining the new system and to get involved in an intensive and specialized training program – kind of a insider’s club of the new wave – the future of internet marketing. There was a last minute a glitch and I was unable to participate in the training.

Well that was the precursor the current version of Authority Site Center, Jack’s baby.

The idea is that if you create an extensive network of social media sites – a “web” – correctly linked and constructed, you will end up with an Authority Site that ranks well, has tons of inbound links and is both “Google-slap” proof as well as recession proof.

One of the BEST FREE Web 2.0 Resources on the Net

Jack Humphrey wrote the book on Web 2.0 and Social Bookmarking. Literally….

It’s been downloaded over 40,000 times. If you want a blog that gets read, follow the instructions in this book.

Get the Authority Black Book free.

Jack gets about 5000-10,000 unique visitors a day to his site. And he does not spend a dime on Google adsense.

How many SEO guys can say that?

A few months back, Jack offered a free 8 week webinar class to 500 people on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The classes were held online at 1:00 p.m. and then the session repeated again at 10:00 p.m. There were participants from all over the world. The moderator did an online presentation and the students could text questions and comments.

What a great course and what excellent teaching. Jack sat in on a few sessions, but the vast majority of the course was taught by Sam Clarke. What a fantastic guy and a what a great class. The camaraderie and the depth of the learning and the bonding was exceptional. It was like Sam created a family.

We liked it so much and liked Sam so much, we’ve decided that we are going to have a reunion on a cruise ship next year – so all the “text-forum” friends from around the world can meet face to face.

These guys give it their all and they do not hold back.

The emphasis of the training was on extensive and professional market research, prior to ever publishing a blog or a website. The course was based on years of Jack’s personal experience – as well as their experience as internet marketers, bloggers, dealing with students and clients for several years.

The best part about this course was that it was laid out in a step-by-step format sequentially in 16 Steps. Accordingly, the name was 16 Steps to Success. What to do and how to execute each step.

My iron clad conclusion was that Jack, Sam and Authority Site Center are the real McCoy.

I was so convinced I joined the membership site for more extensive training.

Ed Dale and The Thirty Day Challenge

Ed has an annual program that he started several years ago called the Thirty Day Challenge. This is the fourth year, I believe. Prior to last year, I don’t know the history, but I do know that there are people who came out of the 30 Day Challenge and have gone on to be millionaires. My wife and I took the 30 Day Challenge last year and it was a great experience. We both agree that it is one of the most valuable courses we have taken.

Another Absolutely Amazing Free Web 2.0 Resource

Sign up for the Thirty Day Challenge.

The Thirty Day Challenge is chocked full of cutting edge techniques because that’s the way Ed Dale does stuff. He is a massively successful internet marketer. I believe he started this tradition because he wants to give back.

Take this class.

And it’s free. It doesn’t cost anything to take the course.

Here is the concept: In 30 days, even if you have no internet experience, you will learn how to make money online from scratch using Web 2.0 and social bookmarking.

You learn how to make $10 (ten dollars) from a website you build during the 30 day class.

$10 bucks – big deal, right?

The idea is that once you know how to make $10, you know how to make $1,000 or more. Just do more of the same thing that worked.

The 30 Day Challenge is a blast. This year is supposed to be the best one yet because the technology has come so far since last year. And last year was awesome. We’re taking it again.

See you there.

Both Jack Humphrey and Ed Dale Share Something in Common.

They care about people. They put people first and making a buck second.

They also encourage you to learn what you can with free tools first, before you spend money on mentoring, software, design and business development.

They teach focus.

And they teach to research your topic completely – identify your niche (or niches) and thoroughly do your market research before you invest in your topic. Make certain there is demand, traffic and a way to monetize the site before you build it.

That’s damn good advice guys.

Two excellent marketers, Web 2.0 experts and Teachers

Other related links…
Jack Humphrey in Vegas…again – Hey all. Just dropping by to report my where abouts so no one freaks out and I don’t go too long without posting. It is also required by my probation officer, and the CIA likes to keep track of me as well. Wish I had some pictures. …

How many of you Baby Boomer Life blog readers participated in the incredible amazing Thirty Day Challenge??? With Ed Dale and Dan Raine?… That’s it. Time to wake up and touch the internet and I don’t mean check your email either!

Officially, the 2007 Thirty Day Challenge… is over. But, for me it will never end, as I will continue to challenge myself every day to do and learn more. What they have taught me will stay with me forever. …

30 Day Challenge: Can you do without TV? – I do a lot of things differently in an effort to enjoy my life. Sometimes I forget just how abnormal some of them are. This past week I co-instructed the IRA Association of America professional member enrollment course in Denver, CO. …

Thirty Day Challenge – It’s called 30DC (Thirty Day Challenge). It starts August 1st. This is a wonderful thing to join because it teaches you allot of wonderful, helpful & and free ways to find your “Niche” or find what kind of online business you would like …

Visual Communication And Video Publishing – Selected Tools And Web … – Web 2.0 Free Logo Generator Web 2.0 Free Logo Generator is a web-based service that lets you create Web 2.0 logos, without knowing anything about photo editing. You can personalize the text, font, background color, size, reflection, …

Web 2.0 a social networking explosion…Web 2.0 – What the hell is this all about then? Most of the folks that I’m trying to get this across to around their early 40’s. Having just mastered the www and now know what a web site is, how email work and how to download all the free music you need for life. …

Work At Home Boomers – Is This You?

There are a growing number of work opportunities for Baby Boomers as Corporate America is waking up to the fact that a significant percentage of the work force is getting ready to retire.  And there is a lot of talent in that retiring group.

Even so from a variety of estimates it’s clear, most Boomers are not saving enough.

Did you know? It’s estimated that:

• 4 out of 10 people over 60 will fall below the poverty line in their later years.
• And Merrill Lynch says that many people are only saving about 1/3 of what they will need after retirement.
• Only about 50% of us are saving enough to maintain a pre-retirement lifestyle when we retire.

It’s actually worse for Gen X, but they’re further down the road.

Since Boomers aren’t saving before they retire, how is working deep into retirement age going to solve the problem unless you have a lot of money stashed before you retire? These issues are compounded by the fact that we are living longer so the savings have to go a further distance. 

And we all know that no matter how much we hope it, the social security debackle is getting worse – not better.

If you want to be a wealthy boomer, the answer is making more money.

Find out why starting an online business makes more sense  ==> work at home boomers

Free Blog and Social Bookmarking Resources

It’s not too late for Boomers – who are technophobes or tech challenged – to get started creating something of value online.

And blogging is a really good place to begin because it has a low entry level threshold and you can start with little or no money.

My fiancee is an excellent example of what I am talking about. Prior to last August, the closest she ever got to internet marketing – personally – was spam from her old AOL account. But she took a free online course from Ed Dale and Dan Raine called the Thirty Day Challenge to learn the fundamentals of Web 2.0 and blogging and how to get listed fast in the search engines. Today when I searched on her primary keyword term for her blog, Baby Boomer Life , I found her at #3 in Google.

Pretty cool…

Blogging takes work -  mostly learning how – and consistency. But It’s fun…

She’s worked diligently on creating good content. It helps that she is a talented writer with a great deal of life experience and ability. She really writes interesting stuff because she is an interesting person. But just the same, she created the whole thing herself and has done an excellent job teaching herself about social bookmarking and creating online relationships with other bloggers. Can you tell I’m proud of her?

More about how different ways boomers can start a blog…

Cyberworld is all a flutter with Web 2.0 this week…

StomperNet’s new Web 2.0 coaching program will probably be the greatest thing since sliced internet bread. If you’ll remember, Stomper’s launch in 2006 set the internet marketing world on its ear with an amazing $18.3 Million in online sales in 24 hours…

The SMARTS (Social MARketing Traffic Strategies) preview video with Don Crowther was absolutely excellent. These guys are an amazing brain trust in the internet world and inevitably their new coaching program will have a big impact. Just a minute ago an email came from Andy Jenkins at Stomper saying that the new  program actually sold 121 orders in 4 minutes at launch yesterday – so inevitbaly the numbers will go off the charts again.

Cool, guys – nice job…

Jack Humphrey, whose blog gets 5000 unique visitors a day, has been betting on Web 2.0 for quite a while. He put out one of the finest instructional manuals for Web 2.0 about a year ago. Considering how much traffic he gets that 64 page book should be a mandatory read for anybody interested in creating a successful blog. Get a copy of the authority black book here for nothing.  Good stuff, read it.     (more)