I’ve Thought About This A Lot…
I debated whether I would even comment about it other than the response I gave to the person who sent the private message to me. But, here goes…
First a tiny bit of background. Earlier this year I quit charging for a piece of analysis software for real estate investors. It is a really great tool and is widely used. I won’t go into the details of why I did it, but I did. All you have to do is register at the REITactics site and all that is really needed is an email address. Heck, you can use a throwaway for all I care I just need a way to attempt to notify the users if there is ever an update, which there was earlier this month. They can sign up for the free email newsletter if they want, but it is not required and you can sign up for the newsletter without registering. There is absolutely no cost, zero, zilch, nada other than the user needs an internet connection to download the darn thing. It comes with no official support and no warranty of any kind.
Now, with that in mind, I get the following private message from someone who signed up to download the software…
hopefully this is not one of those sites that offers free sign-up but have charges for every other service that members would like or need to use. As has been the case with this “RIPP” I have yet to be able to download it - yet, I get a repose of some sort about a conference call that will walk us through the program - crocky-pot!!
It appears to be another form of MLM form what I can see - just less subtle than most.
What? MLM? Are we even talking about the same site? I provide RIPP free of charge at http://reitactics.com and there is no MLM component to it. There was a problem with the file download and that has now been solved.
I didn’t include the persons name because it really looks like they have been burned a time or two and I feel for them because that is why my sites exist. REITactics and The Real Estate Investing Field Guide are there because I was tired of the crap information floating around and the high prices people were asking for it.
Are there things we charge for? Yes, for example my eBook The Psychology of the Deal was just recently updated and I charge for that. It is a really great read if you are an investor but you don’t have to buy it to get the free stuff!
The Real Estate Investors Field Guide is a membership site and we do charge for access. But the cost of an annual membership is way less than a single boot camp and most home study courses and the value is much more than several of bootcamps, courses or seminars put together! If you want to know more, go to the site.
So, at the end of the day, I guess I will chalk this up to another instance of a good deed not going unpunished.
RIPP is still free, people still use it and in spite of the occasional miscreant we will continue to update it FREE OF CHARGE when needed.
Oh, yeah, the conference call he called “crocky-pot”, that was free too.
That is unbelievable!
Too bad this person didn’t read the MB forum. This person would’ve known the conference class was free.
I downloaded RIPP awhile back. Played around with it. Hubby and I attended your free conference class. Helped us out and we now use RIPP. We even downloaded the fixed component.
We have no complaint and are pleased with RIPP and conference meeting.
Seriously!
Oh grow up! No body gives something like that away for free if it is any good.
I wouldn’t download it to try it because I have to register to get it. If you are really giving it away, why require the user to register? The only reason for that is to generate a spam list.
It doesn’t make any sense to give something of value away for free but if you are going to do then don’t attach any strings.
That is your choice not to believe us.
It is your choice that you do not want to register.
It is also your choice not to download RIPP.
My question is: Why do you feel the need to announce your displeasure? Just ignore us.
Re-read Tim’s comments:
“All you have to do is register at the REITactics site and all that is really needed is an email address. Heck, you can use a throwaway for all I care I just need a way to attempt to notify the users if there is ever an update, which there was earlier this month.”
Also re-read Tim’s comment:
“RIPP is still free, people still use it and in spite of the occasional miscreant we will continue to update it FREE OF CHARGE when needed.”
That is the main purpose to update the RIPP should it need it.
Won’t Try It,
You know what? I think you have a point.
The site has been changed; now anyone can download RIPP without registering. So, now you can try it without having to register.
I hope it helps you and I hope you make lots of money with it.
No way! You probably infected it with some kind of virus to take over my computer.
You are nuts, Won’t Try It!
I have RIPP and use it.
There is no virus anywhere to be found except maybe in your head.
But, you probably consider me an unreliable source since I am a paying member of the Real Estate Field Guide.
I find it ironic. Who Won’t Try It said the following comments:
“I wouldn’t download it to try it because I have to register to get it. If you are really giving it away, why require the user to register? The only reason for that is to generate a spam list.”
“No way! You probably infected it with some kind of virus to take over my computer.”
Why do I find it ironic? Well, let’s see…..To register, it requires providing your email. You won’t do that. Right?
Yet, you already provided your email in order to make two posts this website.
Go figure.
I have the software and think it is a great tool. I even registered with a real e-mail address to download it several months ago when it was first made available for free and I have yet to receive any spam from Tim or his company or any virus.
What I find very odd about the responses received from “Won’t Try It” is that the poster complained about a registration process to receive the original software, made a suggestion to do away with the registration requirement and then refused to download it when Tim took the suggestion. Talk about “crocky-pot”.
Oh well…no skin off my back if you don’t want to try it. Feel free to spend your own time and/or resources to produce the analysis that RIPP provides for you rather quickly or download it yourself and see what it does. Doesn’t matter to me either way.
Hello 2 all:
Allow me to apologize to those that where offended by my comments. I simply have no more energy or monies for this industry.
I have been lied to time and time again by so called experienced Investors to the fine tune of $17,000 and a nasty drop in my personal fico score and I have absolutely nothing but a bunch of information, frustrations, and mounting bills.
Yet, there is something about this industry that holds my attention when common sense tells me to go back to the time Clock.
Again, I apologize to all !
Riley,
I completely understand that position. There are hundreds of thousands if not millions in a similar situation. That is why I created the sites I did. That is why I give away tools like RIPP and information on REITactics, the free newsletter there and this blog.
You should also check out the Magic Bullets site http://www.magicbullets.com
Investing in equity markets is a critical component to any financial plan. Real etate is just one of the equity markets to consider.
I encourage you to invest but not speculate. If your goals are to make a lot of money and tell your boss to got jump in a lake, there is nothing I have to offer to you.
But, if you are looking to the long term to create a sound financial future for yourself and your family then I humbly believe I have much to offer.
A great place to start would be the free articles at REITactics — http://reitactics.com/Articles
Riley,
If you choose to check out Magic Bullets, I will certainly welcome you.
I’m really sorry that you have been disappointed multiple times by Investors.
I can not emphasize that Tim’s and Magic Bullets websites are worth looking into. You will not have to register if you do not wish.