Greetings — I am on the road — hanging out in Starbucks drinking an iced Mocha. It's hot in Texas, and coffee just does not work for me after noon on hot days.
The Buzz In My Inbox
So, I thought it was worth noting that I have gotten several emails today about this voting contest being run by Dean Hunt to identify the best “Make Money Online Blog.” I was pretty surprised to see MasonWorld.com there.
At the time of this writing, MasonWorld.com is near the top of the list. I'm sure things will move around, and I might end up last. As Brad Pitt would say, “it's an honor just to be nominated.”
After thinking about it, I immediately wondered “why am I even on the list”? After all, there are lots of Make Money Online Blogs out there with more followers, more content, more controversy. To be honest, I know why I would want to be on there. What I mean by that, is while I have no idea why people would like my blog, I know exactly what I am trying to make this blog. Here is my short list.
- I put transparency and honesty above everything. When I started this blog, I wanted it to known as a place where people could believe what they read. I hope people get that. I'm not perfect, but I always try to tell it like it is.
- I wanted this to be a “no hype” thing. That's what I mean by the “Down To Earth Internet Marketing” tag line. I try to keep the hype to a minimum (although sometimes I do get excited).
- MasonWorld.com is about Internet Marketing. Making Money Online is just a small part of Internet Marketing. So, I would like to think this this blog is more than just another list of ways to make $10 on the internet.
- Professionalism — I am a real business person in the offline world, and I try to keep it professional on line. If you want name calling and profanify, you have to look elsewhere.
- The Zig Ziglar factor. I really do believe that you can get everything you want in life by getting other people what they want. That is what this blog is about, really. Telling people what I have learned so they don't have to learn it by themselves. I help people get what they want — and I get what I want. Warm fuzzies and an occasional affiliate commision from real products that I really believe in. What could be better?
So Many Great Blogs, So Little Time
But before you vote for me (or not) — let's talk about the other blogs on there. Man, there are some great ones. Here are just a few:
Caroline Middlebrook and Garry Conn — now, I must admit that I do not read them much lately. Both Caroline and Garry have dramatically decreased their blogging as they work on other business models, but there is a ton of great content in their archives. I don't agree with everything that they say all the time, but you can learn a ton from their blogs about blogging (Caroline) and AdSense (Garry).
Jennifer's Pot Pie Girl Blog. You probably remember me promoting her One Week Marketing Course. I did that because it is a great course (I still recommend it), and she is a great gal. Check out her blog if you have not already.
IM With Joe. Do you know Joe? You should. ‘Nuff said. Peace out.
There are some other great blogs in that list (sorry if I did not list you, e.g. Yaro), and some that I absolutely cannot stand and would never recommend (I would never list you, but you know who you are).
Several Missing Blogs
I was really surprised to see several missing great blogs — most notably Josh Spaulding's Internet Marketing Blog. Not sure what is up with that — I actually think Josh's blog is a lot better than my blog. I read every word he writes — twice. Oh well, you can never have a perfect top list of anything, I guess. (Hansen's Blog is missing too).
Vote For Me!
So, go vote for me if you like this blog. I am probably not the best blog on that list — but I guess it might depend on how you measure it. I still want your vote.
It's certainly good for business (note the transparency). LOL
Thanks,
Mark
Mark it has been a while! I have recently had a kidney transplant and was “out of the game a while.” I find the honesty in your blog refreshing. We strive for the same thing in our niche. I think you are doing a fantastic job and keep up the good work! I will vote for you.
I went over their via PotPieGirl’s suggestion and saw your blog (and voted for you!). I do agree that Josh’s was suspiciously missing though….
I think honesty goes a long way online, especially in Internet marketing. Here’s why I like reading your blog:
-You provide a lot of resources. You give…and that counts!
-You test things and provide case studies.
-You see this business as a business, and not just as a make money project.
Congrats!!
Mark,
My website above, is nearing completion, and is not published yet. I anticipate two more weeks should do it.
I did want to comment, by lending my name in support of “Masonworld”, in the voting. Thanks for your blog. As a “newbie”, I learn a lot by simply reading the amazing array of information that is presented.
Mark Mason is the MAN!!! lol
I was actually surprised to see my blog on there…I don’t really think I’m a “make money online” blog but I guess others do.
Ahh well…
You know I had to give you a vote man!
Hey I just voted for you an hour ago 🙂 lol
What’s up with all those ‘thumbs down’ everywhere? pfff…
I think it is because people are voting for their favorite and then voting thumbs down on everyone else.
Thanks for your vote!
Hmmm. While I can’t disagree with PotPieGirl getting the nod so far, I have to agree with you about Josh and Andrew’s blogs being missing from the list. That seems very, veeeery, strange to me. Of the blogs on the list I’m familiar with, yours plus the three I mention here are the only ones I regularly read.
Personally, I don’t read anybody’s blog. It saves me a lot of time. I do subscribe to a handful of letters, though.–on marketing, not on ” how to make money.” If the topics catch my interest, I may go to the blog to read the rest.
Congrats Mark – I voted early and often. 😉
I do like your blog, and quite a few that are listed. I gave thumbs up on the ones l liked and a thumbs down on those I didn’t. You deserve the mention.
You, Jennifer and Joe got my votes… I did do a thumb down or two though but won’t go into that!!!
Carloline and Gary have no idea what they are doing. Most of their traffic comes from social blogging. The three best guys who know how to make money from blogging are a)Griz b)Courtney Tuttle and c)Vick. Everyone else, including myself, are just elementary school kids. If you want to learn how to make some real money blogging go to them. And get your adsense themes from Mark 😉
Nicely done. I liked the info and liked the blurp about texas being hot, I used to live there and I totally agree!!!
There are always flaws with this type of thing and good blogs will always be missed. No big deal though and still kinda neat. Congrats on being one of the top blogs! At least they got a few right (You and PotPieGirl.)
I gave you both a thumbs up.
Mark, I gave you a thumbs up. You have a great site.
You have my vote as well 😉
Hi there Mark,
Congratulations! For being on top.
You have a great site, that is why you deserve my vote.
Cheers,
Patrice
i am new to this make money online programs. i used Adsense and Adbrite for making money online.
I make money online by monetinizing my blogs with Google Adsense. I am currently studying the tricks of trade on Affiliate Marketing.