I used to really obsess over people stealing my content online. In fact, after all the time, money and effort I put into my site and products, I used to get burning angry at the very thought of someone ripping my stuff off. Until I talked with a marketing genius named Jay Conrad Levinson -- who actually figured out a way to make money from people who steal his stuff. Now, if you don't know who Jay Conrad Levinson is, let's just say he is one of the most prolific and savviest marketers in the entire world -- with the testimonials to prove it. He is the guy who started all the "guerilla" books you see in all the bookstores like "Guerilla Marketing", "Guerilla Publicity" etc. And when I asked him about what he does when people steal his ideas or content he told me this: "I spend no time in court. I never sue anybody. I encourage everybody who wants to copy me and by doing that Ive grown the guerrilla marketing brand to the point that its in 39 languages, which means, Michael, I dont understand 38 editions of my own book."
In fact, Jay sometimes even calls people who rip him off and compliments them on their taste in selecting guerrilla marketing. And not only that, but he even offers them discounts on books or membership in his association. I don't know about you, but that really changed my attitude about theft of my intellectual property. And it is something to think about the next time you think you are being ripped off by someone and can't really do anything to stop it. |
