Houston we have a problem...

[MJ DeMarco]

So several months ago I was approached by a guy who wanted to be mentored in the business of self-publishing. He wanted to write his own book and create his own "Fastlane" via authorship. So I agreed as this guy seemed pretty cool.

Over the course of the next few months, I told this guy all the ins-and-outs of the self-publishing business and how it is different from print-on-demand (CreateSpace, Lulu, iUnverse,etc.) and how it is also different from getting signed from a publishing house, which is the old school way.

I told this guy my "secrets" for creating a great little publishing business, from merchant accounts, to store creation, to distribution channel secrets that took me years to learn.

I even told this guy who my trusted printer was so he could get the great pricing on his book, and done in a quality fashion. All of this allowed him to create the backbone for a nice business which will give him the chance to maximize his margins, and yes, possibly create him his Fastlane.

So after months of mentorship this guy disappears.

When he finally resurfaces, he tells me that he's finally finished his book and he wants to get feedback from me.

He sends me a link to the Amazon listing.

It's a book about finance and entrepreneurship.

It's title?

The Billionaire Fastlane.




Now after this discovery, I'm livid.

And you should be too.

If you're not incensed at this type of betrayal, please do me a favor and LEAVE THIS FORUM AND NEVER RETURN.

We don't want you here.

The Fastlane Forum isn't just about business and entrepreneurship, its also about MORALS, ETHICS and INTEGRITY.

Apparently some people have taken the liberty with the phrase that "Ideas are worthless, but execution is everything."

Yes, that's true -- but it doesn't give you a license to COPY someone else's ideas, someone else's work, someone else's niche, and someone else's secrets and use that help AGAINST THEM, to their detriment.

Get this in your F*ckING HEAD: The advice that is given on this forum from our most prized contributors is given with the assumption that you will use it in your own NEW venture, started 100% from scratch, and NOT in direct competition of the person who gave you that advice.

Visiting the contributor's website and COPYING his images and text is BULLSHIT.
Using your "mentor's" advice to directly compete with your "mentor" is BULLSHIT.
Calling your "mentor's" suppliers and buying shit that your mentor sells, is BULLSHIT.

While my above story with respect to self-publishing isn't true, its happened on multiple occasions, the most recent HERE, where someone thought it was OK to take advice from a forum member to the detriment of his own business.

And on another occasion, one user thought it was OK to literally copy a site with the same structure and images, and play it off as his own. This guy was so F*cking lazy that he didn't even bother to change the links to the stolen site. If you clicked the "Talk to me" button, it linked to the stolen website.

If you think this type of behavior is OK, get F*cking lost. While these actions might not be illegal, its a gross violation of ethics, integrity, and of the Fastlane code. It doesn't make you a "Fastlaner", it makes you a F*cking lazy poser and a F*cking money chasing Sidewalker.

And to make matters worse, these people, when called-out, justify their actions.

"I have two kids to take care of"

Cry me a F*cking river you whiny bastard.

I'm not sure what pisses me off more, the fact that you think its OK to steal text, graphics, and someone's niche, or the fact that you have TWO KIDS who will surely be taught the same piss-poor morals and integrity that you have.

This behavior has already had serious repercussions here at the Forum.

Vigilante's great educative thread "Passive Income Deposits" which boasts over 60,000 views and has birthed many new ventures, has been removed from the public forum and placed on the INSIDE.

Other great threads of value are sure to follow.

Some of our most valued contributors, NO LONGER want to contribute, at least publicly where the TAKERS (and thieves) outnumber the GIVERS.

So with that said, and as the title states, HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM.

As for the solution, I'm not quite sure what that is yet ... and I'm sure whatever it is, people won't like it. I've already lofted the idea of shutting this place down. My time is valuable as are the people who make efforts to contribute here. As with life and in society in general, this is a great example on how the idiots that make-up 1% of the world ruin it for the responsible 99%.

When the "quality threads" start to disappear (either deleted or moved to the inside) don't blame me, blame the lazy savages who troll these forums looking to steal other people's hard work.

Oh MJ said ideas are worthless! Why does it matter?
I have two kids!
I haven't sold any copies of The Billionaire Fastlane yet, why care?

Enjoy the forum while you have it as it's future existence and operational style is now considered undetermined.

To end this, let me apologize for the vile language. This topic is very sensitive to me and boils my passions.
I've had these kinds of thefts happen to me on several occasions -- my anger isn't the idea of facing a new competitor, its the idea that someone stole my own hard work and ingenuity and used it against me. Then gas is thrown onto the rage when the person justifies their actions with some lame a$$ excuse or proverb.

I'd rather have a small forum of 1000 great individuals, rather than a large forum teeming with thieves.

Thanks for reading.

 

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[tincho1492]

I hear you!

Thanks MJ for taking care of this community and always pushing for the greatness of this forum.

Really appreciate the time and effort you and other AMAZING givers make.

 

[InLikeFlint]

Hey MJ,

I am really sorry to hear about this jackass stealing your ideas. He is the lowest of the low, and doesn't deserve to sell a single copy. What I am wondering is, does he practice what he preaches? Obviously not if he needs this book in order to pay for his two kids...your book is so compelling and so popular because you started off with nothing and turned it into vast wealth. This guy obviously hasn't done anything to obtain wealth so there is no reason why anyone will believe him or believe in his book.

I do however, want to steer you away from the idea that people on this forum are thieves. This forum is extremely helpful to SO many people. For me, personally, it offers a place where I know people understand my mindset and motivation to make money. It gives me a group of people to bounce ideas off of in order to gain feedback and understand how to solve my problems. This forum is completely unique and so amazingly helpful, and I would be devastated if it were shut down. PLEASE do not let one person's actions speak for this whole community.

We are all here to support you and help you MJ, in the same way that your book and this forum helped us.

 

[CEBenz]

Seriously? He couldn't come up with a better title???? What a freakin lazy toad. There had to be titles he could have market tested that would have given better results and not offended you in the process. Did he plagiarize your book to?

My first ecommerce business repurposed the same product my mentor sold. He sold in one industry and I attempted to sell in another. I was careful not to step on his toes. I also had his permission and he would piggy back my orders with his. In the end, I wasn't successful but I learned a lot. I just wish I could get him to get into another niche as his commoditizes. The change has already cut his income in half this year.

Long story short, I never could have imagined copying his business in his market. That's insanity.

MJ, Zen, Vig, and Bio, I want to take this moment and thank you guys for your time and effort in mentoring some of us. Your efforts are appreciated.

MJ, I'll stick around as long as you'll have me even if it becomes paid members only.

 

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[TK1]

The most valuable commodity I know of is information. - Gordon Gekko, Wall Street

That's the reason so many people do stuff like that and it will never change.

Machiavelli wrote, that in order to get to the top you need a very good powerful friend / mentor. And if you are on top he's the first you have to get rid of / kill etc..

This is the same reasoning people over here use the best informations by already successful mentors and then steal from them - betray them.

This results in private powerful circles where powerful people exchange private information - now the masses of people are pissed off at those people and say "those arrogant riches" etc. or call every private successful person 'illuminati'

It's all because that's how small minds "work"...

The biggest leverage has combined knowledge.

With the experience and knowledge of the maybe top 20 successful people over here you could turn 1 million biz ideas into a success.

So you could try to use this leveraged power of combined successful minds and use them for your next biz.

But what do you do instead?

Think that your mind will do it all and betray all of them.

You exchange what could be your biggest biz - success possibility in your life for the idiotic thought of stealing things.

Oliver Samwer wrote "The entrepreneur should never be in the way of the success his biz idea can have".

Still, that's what most do.

People pissing off fastlane members are the same kind of species that would be on shark tank, get an offer by all sharks for 50% of their company and still walk away with no deal, because it's 50%....

 

[McNandez]

I'm not sure what pisses me off more, the fact that you think its OK to steal text, graphics, and someone's niche, or the fact that you have TWO KIDS who will surely be taught the same piss-poor morals and integrity that you have.

:eusa_clap:

ETA: I'm with CBenz, I'll stick around as long as possible, even if it's paid members only.

 

[Ikke]

@Inlineflink

While my above story with respect to self-publishing isn't true

Perhaps a closed of section for people who already have a running business? Although it will be difficult and cumbersome to verify. I don't know really, there must be better alternatives.

EDIT: here is an idea. I'm also on another forum which limits the buy/sell/trade section to those who have 300posts and are registered for over a year just to stop scammers. This will be harder to implement here because you would still need something to talk about on the "outside" section which is open to everybody. But that is something for the people that run the forum to fill in.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

Some of you have missed the critical details. Re-read the post more closely and absorb the message.

 

[DeletedUser2]

While my above story with respect to self-publishing isn't true, its happened on multiple occasions, the most recent HERE, where someone thought it was OK to take advice from a forum member to the detriment of his own business.

guys, not a true story


A GREAT metaphor for what just happened on the other thread he mentioned.

If MJ shuts this forum down, I will be sad, BUT I WILL UNDERSTAND!

if MJ says its 1K a year to be an INSIDERS,

I WOULD PAY IT GLADLY to have super high quality guys,

Guys I can trust.
Guys I can work with JV with, or HELP OUT.

GUYS who are willing to put their money where their mouth is, and realize getting banned from THAT kind of forum, is a life altering, opportunity sucking event.

While the masses will always team with idiots.

Those that Can, Do, and we find each other, and we take it to another level.

Years ago I didn't understand why there were private clubs
NOW I DO.



another B&P type event has been organized recently called Capitalism and Bacon. (it sold out in under an Hr) and that's what this forum may have to do. sub groups meeting FACE to FACE to get the value, and reduce the noise from teh masses. sad but could become a new model....

I like the forum, But, I understand the cycle of life, and all good things may have to go home to die...


Z

 

[CEBenz]

I guess I missed the detail of the book not being a true story(my tapatalk cut it off and wanted me to open the whole thing in another screen). Honestly expected it to be true but the title to be,"the Real Estate Fastlane".

Maybe it shows my cynicism with the general public.

 

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[Eskil]

I think I can speak for all of us here when I say I wholeheartedly agree with you being upset over this. This place SHOULD be a place where valued information co-exists in a happy marriage with mutual trust and integrity.

And with that in mind...

As for the solution, I'm not quite sure what that is yet ... and I'm sure whatever it is, people won't like it. I've already lofted the idea of shutting this place down.

Whatever you do, don't shut it down.
But...I think I've mentioned before somewhere (in the discussions about the INSIDERS section) that - I think this issue could be resolved by having a higher barrier of entry to the INSIDERS's section. Perhaps with a higher $ fee / month, but that isn't perfect either since the most dishonest person could still just pay his way in. I think there has to be another barrier to entry - in order to take part in the most valuable part(s) of the forum. Perhaps in the form of a minimum amount of Likes and/or Speed points. Not 100% perfect. But at least it would eliminate SOME asshats who are simply here to take, take, take. The forum is just as much about giving as it is about taking. And the points systems serves as a decent indicator of willingness to give.

Of course, the downside to having most of the really valuable information shifted to the INSIDERS's section is that the public section might see less visitors and action takers. But maybe that is for the better too. In the end, quality should win over quantity.

 

[Jake]

"Nice guy? I don't give a shit. Good father? F*ck you! Go home and play with your kids"

 

[LightHouse]

I also missed about the story not being true.





.................Like my post if you searched for it on amazon....





No really don't, I'd like to think you are more intelligent than I am!

 

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[CEBenz]

I also missed about the story not being true.





.................Like my post if you searched for it on amazon....





No really don't, I'd like to think you are are more intelligent than I am!

Had to give ya a bad time

 

[biggeemac]

I think just making this a paid only club.....even if its just 5 bucks a month will weed out a lot of the vermin. This is the same problem with Craigslist. As soon as they start charging a small fee to post in the jobs section, the little scammer F*cksticks disappear. MJ, I say make it paid only.....and feel free to bump it up to 10 bucks....20 bucks a month.....100 bucks a year, or somewhere in that realm. At least then I know I will be surrounded by other forum members who arent scared to drop some of their cash to learn something. I suspect that 99% of these guys that post "please give me an idea so i can become a millionaire" will probably disappear.

Sorry man......your book and forum have been life-changing for me.

 

[LightHouse]

Had to give ya a bad time

 

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[LightHouse]

I think just making this a paid only club.....even if its just 5 bucks a month will weed out a lot of the vermin. This is the same problem with Craigslist. As soon as they start charging a small fee to post in the jobs section, the little scammer F*cksticks disappear. MJ, I say make it paid only.....and feel free to bump it up to 10 bucks....20 bucks a month.....100 bucks a year, or somewhere in that realm. At least then I know I will be surrounded by other forum members who arent scared to drop some of their cash to learn something. I suspect that 99% of these guys that post "please give me an idea so i can become a millionaire" will probably disappear.

Sorry man......your book and forum have been life-changing for me.

The problem with this is new members, you need new members to sustain active growth. No one will just come over and pay to get in. Think about some of the recent guys that signed on and rocketed in speed like Million$$$smile, that wouldnt happen if it was paid only. I wouldn't pay either (which is why no INSIDERS) since i feel forums should be open access. I won't pay to waste time reading things, it has nothing to do with the cost.

Just my opinion though, clearly it works in some instances.

 

[andviv]

you need new members to sustain active growth

You are assuming MJ is looking for growth. I wouldn't be so sure.

Think about some of the recent guys that signed on and rocketed in speed like Million$$$smile, that wouldnt happen if it was paid only.

true, but maybe the tribe is good-enough as it is and willing to take the chance of missing great players like million$$$smile [[as a trade off]]. Unfortunate, but understandable.

 

[LightHouse]

true, but maybe the tribe is good-enough as it is and willing to take the chance of missing great players like million$$$smile. Unfortunate, but understandable.

Not me, I thrive on new perspective as it relates to anything I am working on. So seeing new angles has huge advantages. That's how you see forward vs whats below your feet. But you are right, this isn't my forum, haha.

 

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[CEBenz]

The problem with this is new members, you need new members to sustain active growth. No one will just come over and pay to get in. Think about some of the recent guys that signed on and rocketed in speed like Million$$$smile, that wouldnt happen if it was paid only. I wouldn't pay either (which is why no INSIDERS) since i feel forums should be open access. I won't pay to waste time reading things, it has nothing to do with the cost.

Just my opinion though, clearly it works in some instances.

You are assuming MJ is looking for growth. I wouldn't be so sure.

true, but maybe the tribe is good-enough as it is and willing to take the chance of missing great players like million$$$smile. Unfortunate, but understandable.

What I see is increased noise though that can be good and bad. More noise means you have to pay closer attention to see who's worth listening to and who's not. On the other hand, it's, well, noise.

 

[biggeemac]

Yeah.....to me, speedposts are sort-of a currency here on the forum.

There would be varying ways to do this. On the lambo forum, you dont make it to the INSIDE until you have so many posts. Maybe TMF can be some thing like.....you can either speedpost your way into the INSIDERS forum, or you can pay your way in. Either way, its gonna cost you.

 

[AllenCrawley]

The problem with this is new members, you need new members to sustain active growth. No one will just come over and pay to get in. Think about some of the recent guys that signed on and rocketed in speed like Million$$$smile, that wouldnt happen if it was paid only. I wouldn't pay either (which is why no INSIDERS) since i feel forums should be open access. I won't pay to waste time reading things, it has nothing to do with the cost.

Chris, I understand your view, I really do. However, I don't understand the thinking that you "won't pay to waste time reading things". Are you wasting time here? I guess that statement confuses me a bit because I gladly pay to not waste time. The content on the Inside has much less noise therefore I waste less time there.

Ultimately there's no easy answer to this. I hope MJ doesn't shut down the site. Here's the thing, TMF led me to this forum, this forum led to some some incredibly generous and illuminating threads which led me to the INSIDERS which led me to B&P which led me to developing some great relationships. The book, this forum and B&P has changed my life and my understanding of business. I'm eternally thankful for people like MJ, Bio, Vig, Lighthouse, Zen, Andres, Runum, snowbank, Eskil, DavidofMN, Russ, ATW, GlobalWealth, BeingChewsie, Jill and many, many, many more.

I think there are options like an invite only section where it could still be free but one is only invited once they have "proven" themselves. And I'm not talking about number of posts or a certain speed.

 

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[PaulRobert]

Honestly this does not surprise me at all. This is just pure laziness. And it's what a large percentage of today's population is about. Instant gratification without paying your dues and putting the minimum amount of effort but expecting a return of gold and diamonds.

Everyone wants to get rich overnight. And that's why the question "What did you do to get rich?" exists. Most people want an answer that is "I pressed this shiny button and overnight I was a millionaire." The answer is usually the complete opposite and requires a shit ton of risk, long days and nights of hard and smart work and sacrifices. The reality check ensues and most people give up and complain. Tough shit. Nothing was built overnight and nothing was created without work.

If someone is willing to help you and mentor you so that you can be successful and then you go and try to compete with them without their permission or knowledge, they will shut you down.

There is a saying "There are 2 rules for success in life...

1. Never tell people everything that you know

2.

"

If you want to get rich, and your just sitting around waiting for something or will directly copy someone else's business.. guess what.. you will be in same spot sitting around for years wondering WTF happened.

 

[TheTruth]

MJ,

I can honestly say that this place is my second home (be it virtual or not).

I have made great friendships and memories with a lot of people on this forum.

Even with these recent incidents, there is no place like this on the web (and I am part of various communities).

There is probably no greater demonstration of high value when someone tells me they are part of the Fastlane (or read the book). It's a secret code that I feel is mutual and unsaid about this place.

That being said,

I feel that if barriers to entry where in place, then the committed would get to the golden information and gain the communities trust.

For Example:

Say I join the forum, let's say I need to hit 70 kph + 100 posts minimum to access the [Speedway].

Now to gain access to the [Speedway], they should also pay a very small fee. This confirms their commitment. (it's like when you join the army, at first you have to dig trenches and then you move up).

Now, let's say to get into the INSIDERS section, you need to have 90kph and the INSIDERS have to vote you in. So you apply and then all the other INSIDERS vote you in.

- the model doesn't have to be the exact measurements I laid out, as I was just making a point.

But what it would do, is encourage the new members to post quality info and earn the trust. (In fact I never even wanted to join the INSIDERS until I earned my speedway status).

Side note: At B & P Lighthouse told me that he only does business with people he meets face-to-face. I didn't really understand why as I deal with a lot of people I meet online, but now I can see why he might be inclined to do so.

So what do you guy's think?

 

[1step]

I think there are options like an invite only section where it could still be free but one is only invited once they have "proven" themselves. And I'm not talking about number of posts or a certain speed.

I agree here, i think keeping the main boards as is and then having the "INSIDERS" be invite only would be a good solution. You still charge for the inside but need to have an invite (from a mod or other respected member).

I think this could be a way for new members to use the main boards as a way to provide value and prove their worth in order to earn access to the inside.

 

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[tincho1492]

I think I'm smelling an opportunity here...

Like a new way to create high-quality online communities.

 

[1step]

I think I'm smelling an opportunity here...

TheFasterlaneForum.com ??

 

[LightHouse]

Chris, I understand your view, I really do. However, I don't understand the thinking that you "won't pay to waste time reading things". Are you wasting time here? I guess that statement confuses me a bit because I gladly pay to not waste time. The content on the Inside has much less noise therefore I waste less time there.

Yes and no, 80% of what i read here is wasted time (compared to 99% on other forums) but I still read and I get out the 20% of valuable content or relationships formed. Compare this to going to BnP which is 100% value, then networking through that.

The thing is most of the stuff on the forum is a real waste of time, that is no surprise. I feel like most people should be working on their paths vs posting nonsense here. There is always going to be a noise ratio. I would not pay to change that however, i guess it is hard for me to explain correctly.

If i really need to hammer things out, I'll call Billy, steve, bobby, jill, dana, kenric, etc etc etc. Those relationships, as well as the one i formed with you and other newer members is what i get from this forum. I do not need to pay for a section of the forum to achieve that. In return I attempt to respond to well thought out threads in the most non dick like fashion to provide value back to the community for what I have gained. No guarantee's on the way it sounds though!

 

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[tincho1492]

TheFasterlaneForum.com ??

Nop. Maybe there is a way to create a process for generating high-quality communities.

 

[LightHouse]

TheFasterlaneForum.com ??

Still my favorite joke here from the other thread!