Aaronz WebWorkz Weekly Newsletter

------------------------------------------------------------
Aaronz WebWorkz Weekly E-Zine
A Weekly Newsletter of Hints, Ideas, and Resources for
Friends and Customers of www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
Issue #84 June 27, 2003
Aaron Turpen, Editor, aaron@aaronzwebworkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of the
Aaronz WebWorkz E-Zine. You are receiving this newsletter
because you requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instruct-
ions are at the end of this newsletter. Back-issues are
available online at: http://www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------

=> Feature Article:
Technology Update, June 2003
=> From The Webmaster
=> Readers Talk Back!
=> Guest Column:
The World of Google
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
=> Copyright and Reprint information
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information


------------------------------------------------------------
Technology Update, June 2003
by Aaron Turpen of Aaronz WebWorkz

------------------------------------------------------------

Well, another month has gone by and TONS of cool new stuff
has been announced in the world of technology! Let's just
get right into it.

A few months ago, I talked about fuel cells for portable
devices and computers and said most experts were predicting
they'd be available in 2-3 years. Well, a company called
Neah Power Systems has put the year 2005 as their market
date for releasing a fuel cell for laptop/notebook
computers. Backed by Intel, this company has a fuel cell
that is about the size of a standard notebook battery, is
methanol-based, and lasts about three times as long as a
standard lithium-ion battery. They expect the shelf price
to be about the same as a li-ion battery replacement and the
output (captured in the battery to be poured out and
refilled) is pure water and carbon dioxide!

One of my favorite columnists, John C. Dvorak of PC
Magazine, predicted in April that Apple would begin tenta-
tively releasing a new computer platform based on an Intel
chipset rather than their current Motorola sets. He had
several reasons for this, but the first step would be the
release of the Mac OS for Intel-based PCs. That is slated
to happen this fall.

Microsoft has begun releasing new looks at its soon-to-be-
released office software (due out this summer). The biggest
change is in Outlook which will look completely different
than it does now and function, hopefully, more efficiently
for the user. I don't plan to upgrade my Office this time
around. As most of you know by now, in my past complaints,
I'm no longer going to use Office once this computer gets
relegated to the recycle bin. Microsoft managed to peeve me
when I got a new notebook computer last year and tried to
install Office on it. Microsoft said I had to buy a new
software license to use the software on two computers, even
though I'm mainly just sharing info from one computer to the
other. So I rebelled and installed OpenOffice.org instead.
When my desktop gets replaced, I'll be using OOo
exclusively.

A lot of talk about one gigabyte-capacity CD-RW drives has
been floating around with releases from Plextor and Sanyo of
drives capable of this feat. Three different reviews in
three different technology magazines came to the same
conclusion, however: more is not better in this case. The
technology is not stable and there are a lot of compat-
ibility issues to deal with, making the drives not worth the
trouble for most. With writeable DVD getting more and more
common and the prices of media dropping, CD-ROMs may be a
thing of the past soon.

nVidia has released their new graphics card, the GeForce FX
5900. Most testers and reviewers are saying it's not much
better than the 5800 released last year, but is MUCH quieter
due to the elaborate cooling system used on the card.

Looking for a USB storage device to transfer data easily
from one computer to the next in your travels? LAKS has
come out with a Memory Watch which is a working wristwatch
with a hidden USB plug that can be used to store up to 256mb
of stuff! Cool idea.

Michael Powell, Chairman of the FCC, talked recently about
BPL (Broadband Over Powerline) and is apparently all for the
technology to get faster 'Net access to the more rural parts
of the country. The FCC's approval is the last hurdle in
getting this technology on the market, as well as vast
improvements in interference handling and such, will mean
you'll see this on the market quickly.

Noticing new fees on your phone bill lately? These "mystery
Web fees" could be due to "cramming" in which a company ads
themselves to the your bill for "services" that may or may
not actually be rendered. Reports are cropping up around
the nation, mainly from small businesses, of new charges on
their phone bills that are added by companies who are
billing for unordered services. Check your bill!

A couple of cool gadgets were shown off this last month.
The website extremetech.com has two new keyboards they've
reviewed. These aren't your normal fare, either. Go to
http://www.extremetech.com and see for yourself! One of
them is called the FingerWorks TouchStream ST works by
putting your fingers into little sockets and wiggling them
around instead of typing normally. Another, called
SafeType, stands vertically in two columns and you rest
your hands comfortably to either side and type normally.
Both keyboards are intuitive and allow you to use "gestures"
to do certain things as well.

Well, that's it for this month! Lots of cool stuff out
there and I'm sure more will crop up again next month. See
you then!

------------------------------------------------------------
From The Webmaster
by Aaron Turpen, Editor
------------------------------------------------------------

Wow! What a week! Next week's issue will be on July 4,
which is Independence Day here in the United States. To
celebrate, we're going to have a drawing for a book about
the American Dream online called "The E-Commerce Question
and Answer Book" by Anita Rosen. This is a great little
200-odd page that gives great information about how
e-commerce works and acts as a guide for non-technical
people on the issues surrounding e-com. Just send me an
email (reply to this one if you'd like) to enter the
drawing! The book will be mailed to the winner!

Many of you may have noticed a large increase in the number
of viruses and email worm warnings you've been getting from
your anti-virus software lately (You do have anti-virus
software, don't you?).

Well, there are several new nasties out there, the most
nefarious of which is a phony Microsoft security alert email
message with a fake patch attached. This one is becoming
rampant because of how real the emails tend to look to most
people, who install the software thinking it's from Micro-
soft. Remember: Microsoft NEVER sends patches via email
and genuine Microsoft alerts include a PGP digital signature
that is identifiable by the scrambled text inside boxes
labeled "BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE." Many email clients (such as
Outlook) will pop up a box declaring the message secure.

------------------------------------------------------------
Readers Talk Back!
------------------------------------------------------------
"Aaron- check this out and see if useful for your two
newsletters:

Two helpful (I hope) items regarding forwarded email:

1. Found a real neat tool called Neat Forward.
I thought the members might like to use it.

Cleans up your forwarded emails. Deletes the "chicken
tracks" and reformats the broken and segmented paragraphs.
Works very well except for lists which occasionally wind up
as one paragraph which you have to reposition. Then forward
it to as many people as you wish. (Remember to tell them
about NeatForward!) And here's where you can download this
Freeware.
http://www.lad.co.za/
look under "Software"/"neatForward"/download

Some other neat programs available also.

2. Also I get many forwards where each person who forwards,
leaves the email addresses of the previous forward. And
originals where all names are in the "To" box. For those who
may not be aware; this makes it possible for someone to
collect the addresses and spam them. If you use the blind
copy these addresses will not show. In Outlook Express if
you do not see a Bcc: box selection, click "Create Mail"/
New Message opens, select "view"/ "all headers". You will
then have To:, Cc: and Bcc:

If you receive a forward with addresses, click forward and
then delete them before sending. Then pass this info back-
wards to all who forward to you.

Yours in Safe Computing."
--Bryan E.

Editor: Thanks for teh tips, Bryan! I haven't tried Neat
Forward yet, but your BCC tip is something that everyone
should definitely know!

"Dear Aaron Turpen,
We have analyzed your submission. The following is a report
of our findings for each file you have submitted:
filename: C:\WINDOWS\winssk32.exe
machine: GATEWAY
result: This file is infected with W32.Sobig.E@mm"
--Symantec

Editor: This is the response I got after submitting a new
email worm that was attached to an email as a file called
"details.zip." Anti-Virus didn't catch it and I recognized
the name of the person who sent it, so I installed it.
It turned out to be a worm and when ZoneAlarm popped up
saying the program wanted access to the Internet, I got
suspicious. Since then I've received it several times, but
the latest updates from Symantec (Norton) are flagging them
as worms. Keep those definitions updated!

"Some people suck. Monday our puppy was stolen out of our
van. I have been a mess since. Hope all is well at your
end. Jared's mom got her car detailed and when the guy was
done he left your business card on the dashboard. Good use
of networking!"
--Kelley L.

Editor: Sorry to hear about your dog, Kelley. That sucks.
As for the business card, I'm guessing that was Mark who
does car detailing part-time for extra cash. Funny thing
is, I never did do a website or anything for him online. I
did sell some stuff for him on eBay, though. :)

"Thank you for verifying your email address with Spam
Arrest!

Your email has been forwarded to [email deleted]'s inbox.
All of your future emails to [email deleted] will also be
delivered directly into their inbox."

Editor: I hate these. For some people, these are probably a
boon to cleaning their email box, but myself being someone
who not only has several public email addresses that have to
be accessible to as many people as possible and being a
newsletter publisher, I see these constantly and HATE them
now. :)

By the way, if you subscribe to a service called
SPAMTerminator, you may want to rethink your options. They
send five-part advertisement messages (over a five day
period) to those who had to "click here" to approve a
message so you, their customer, could receive it. That, to
me, is SPAM by itself and I've complained several times to
them and am now reporting those messages to SpamCop.net.
Since they give no warning that they're sending those if you
click to approve your message for their customer and since
if they did, they would be essentially holding email hostage
until you agree to receive their marketing crap, I'm not
impressed with them.

Just wanted to rant a little. When I send this one out, I'm
sure I'll have another couple dozen of these to respond to.

------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to send a comment or letter to the editor
for inclusion in this newsletter, please address it to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject=TalkBack!.
All are welcome to give their opinion, criticism, or kudos!

------------------------------------------------------------
The World of Google
By Roy Troxel
The Web Server Times
www.webservertimes.com

Editor's Comments: I've said it once and I'll say it again:
if you're technology-minded and want good information meant
for the true Internet geek, Roy's newsletter is THE BOMB!
------------------------------------------------------------

Google is in the news these days because of rumors that it
will be going public some time this year. To some people
this comes as a surprise, and to others a disappointment.
Most web users, merchants and professionals have been using
Google as a rapid search engine to find what they need
efficiently and quickly, but it never occurred to them (or
me) that Google is, in fact, a real company that exists to
make money.

For example, one of Google's lesser-known services is a
hardware device that can be used to search corporate
intranets and extranets. Named the Google Search Appliance
(http://www.google.ca/appliance/features.html)
it has the capability to crawl, search and cache pages on
enterprise servers and provide search results that include
dynamic page rankings, spell checking, and up to 100 other
variables. The idea is to duplicate the speed and efficiency
of Google's Internet engine for private networks.

The Search Appliance, according to Google, is easy to
install and maintain. Because it is a hardware device, it is
not installed on a company's server. Instead, it "works
right out of the box, with minimal effort required...Because
it's a completely self-contained appliance, no expensive and
time-consuming professional services are required to keep
your search running at peak efficiency."

Google's determination to keep up with the market is also
evident in their release of other products like its Wireless
Web Search(http://www.google.ca/wireless/) software.

And now, rumors are buzzing around the Web that Google will
be going public. In fact, you can run a search on Google for
"google ipo" and a lot of related stories will be
displayed.

If the company does go public, what changes will be made?
Will there be more advertising? Will stockholders want the
company to become more profitable, at the expense of quality
service?

There's no question that Google is a company that has spent
time perfecting its product and developing its business
plan. Many of the Internet companies that went public in the
1990s failed because they were owned and operated by people
who had little knowledge of things like, well, web design
and marketing. Consequently, the companies had no staying
power, and even after all the hype (billions of dollars
worth), investors pulled out and the companies folded
rapidly. The tech sector of the stock market is now in the
dumps (in case you haven't noticed), especially information
technology: chips, software, and hardware.

It's understandable, therefore, that Google's IPO is greeted
with trepidation and concern by the millions of merchants
and organizations that work on the Web. In fact, it's partly
because of first-rate search engines like Google that the
Web has been so successful, so why kill the goose that laid
the golden eggs? Why turn the company over to investors, big
and small, who are concerned only in the quick profit? Well,
short-sighted, day-trading investors aren't asking those
questions.

Additionally, critics of the plan say that Google would be
forced to add more pop-ups and graphics to each click of a
search term. The truth is, Google has had at least two
ongoing advertising programs for some time. The Sponsored
Links (http://www.google.ca/services/sponsored_links.html)
and AdSense (https://www.google.com/adsense/)
Programs match "relevant advertising with your users' search
queries [for] superior monetization for your site."

Google currently makes its revenue by selling its search
engine solutions to private companies and organizations for
portals, extranets, intranets and web sites. It's possible
that Google now wants to raise its employees' salaries,
expand its R&D, or become involved in other meaningful
projects. A quick way to raise money for such plans would be
to go public and attract more investors.

But would heavier advertising really bring more revenue into
Google? True, Google's home page ranks #2 or #3 at Alexa.com
(http://www.alexa.com), but I don't think visitors have been
going to Google to read ads. They go there to find data,
and find it fast. I don't think anonymous investors are going
to know this.

------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to send your own articles to be reviewed for
inclusion in this publication, please send them to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com.
------------------------------------------------------------
Except where noted, this publication and all of its
contents are copyright (C)2002 by Aaronz WebWorkz, all
rights are reserved. To reprint an article, send an email
to mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com for permission.
------------------------------------------------------------
List Maintenance:
To subscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:subscribe]

To unsubscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:unsubscribe]

This newsletter is produced by Aaronz WebWorkz, a complete
online services provider. To view information or to see
back issues of this publication, please go online to:
www.AaronzWebWorkz.com. Please direct all comments or
questions to the editor
(mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com).

------------------------------------------------------------
Aaronz WebWorkz Weekly E-Zine
A Weekly Newsletter of Hints, Ideas, and Resources for
Friends and Customers of www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
Issue #83 June 20, 2003
Aaron Turpen, Editor, aaron@aaronzwebworkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of the
Aaronz WebWorkz E-Zine. You are receiving this newsletter
because you requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instruct-
ions are at the end of this newsletter. Back-issues are
available online at: http://www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------

=> Feature Article:
Quick Ways to Boost Sales in a Slow Economy
=> From The Webmaster
=> Readers Talk Back!
=> Guest Column:
How to Let the IRS Pay for Your Kids' Summer Camp
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
=> Copyright and Reprint information
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information


------------------------------------------------------------
Quick Ways to Boost Sales in a Slow Economy

By Kevin Nunley
http://www.drnunley.com
Promote BIG with Kevin's All-Out Marketing Package. For one
affordable price you get a press release with national media
distribution, your own article sent to 2,200 ezines,
ezine ads, and a page of expert sales copy for email or your
web site. We write it all fresh from scratch!
http://drnunley.com/marketing_plan.htm Reach Kevin at
mailto:kevin@drnunley.com or 801-328-9006.

Editor's Comments: Something a lot of us who sell online are
interested in is improving our sluggish sales.
------------------------------------------------------------

These days everyone has the same problem. With war updates
broadcast 24/7, people are too focused on death, violence,
political upheaval, and an uncertain future to worry about
shopping. And that's what puts the economy in its current
state.

Pam, a former customer of mine, had a thriving business
selling vitamin supplements online. Through the events that
followed 9/11, her business continued to do well. But this
spring everything changed. As the economy tightened and the
news focused on war, her customers disappeared.

Of course, her M.I.A. customers had nothing to do with how
she was running her business. She offered a broad range of
products and used various successful marketing techniques to
get the word out about her business. The drop in sales was
due to external factors. More specifically, her customers
were glued to 24-hour war coverage that made them feel like
the world was about to end. Not much there to make people
want to buy.

The laws of physics say that what goes up must come down.
But when things go down, there is no comforting law that
says they have to come back up. However, keep in mind that
they usually do anyway. As a business owner, you must accept
certain facts, one of which is that a recession makes the
strong stronger and the weak weaker. The only way to survive
a recession is to get creative with your marketing, and your
budget.

Here are a few ideas to help you boost your sales quickly,
regardless of economic conditions, and get back in the game
as a strong contender:

1. Do Something Extra - No matter what state the economy is
in, people love to feel like they are getting great value at
a low price. Try putting together a package of popular
products or services for an especially low price, then send
out an enthusiastic email to your list of subscribers and
previous customers. If you don't have a list, arrange a solo
send through someone else's newsletter.

2. Exploit Market Vulnerabilities - This is the best time to
take your competitors to the mattresses. Forge partnerships
and co-marketing opportunities. Find ways to steal business
from competitors who are hesitating in the market or with-
drawing their marketing until the economy shifts.

3. Take Advantage of New Opportunities - When one door
closes, another one opens. Maybe it's harder to get people
to buy during an economic downturn, but as the economy dips,
so do the prices of ad space. Try buying up a lot of
commercial airtime on one radio station for a Sunday. The
prices are cheapest on this day, and even cheaper since the
recession. You can dominate the airwaves for a day and make
a strong impact on an audience you may have overlooked.

New doors in your market may have opened during this
economic downturn. Find out what problems businesses similar
to yours are facing. What do these changes and challenges
mean for your prospects? New problems for your competitors
and customers mean new opportunities for you.

4. Reinvent Your Business - There is an important lesson to
be learned from Madonna. She keeps selling albums because
she reinvents herself constantly to keep people's interest.
Consider changing the products or services you offer. I knew
a guy who switched his site selling old records to a site
that sells only John Denver memorabilia. His business picked
up immediately. Is there an enthusiastic segment of your
customer base or audience who really want a certain kind of
product or service? Maybe your business should be geared
more to suit them.

You could also try giving your business or website a make-
over. Get a new logo for your website or sign. You can get
great logos form gotlogos.com for just $25. Try redesigning
your website or using a new color palette for the whole
site. A new look boosts excitement for old customers.

5. Spend Less, but Spend Wisely - Don't cut your marketing
efforts. Resist the driving temptation to do so. Businesses
who try to save money by eliminating marketing are weak, and
as I said before, during an economic downturn, the weak get
weaker. The strong eliminate wasteful marketing dollars, but
not marketing efforts. Track your marketing results and
simply cut the unproductive efforts. Find new ways to market
on the cheap and keep your name out there. This is the time
to establish market dominance.

To save money on goods and services you need, try bartering.
Remember, the barter must be win-win for both parties, so
offer something as valuable as what you'll be getting.

Make sure you know where every dollar you spend goes. When
you make a purchase, always ask yourself how it will improve
the company's bottom line. Will it help to improve sales,
bring new leads, or improve customer retention? Think before
you open your wallet.

6. Cultivate Efficiency - The more efficiently you run your
business, the more money you can save and the faster you can
bring money in. If you are a service provider, ask for a
deposit before starting a job. This gives you operating
money to survive on until the job gets done. Pay close
attention to your accounts receivable and get invoices out
right away. Deposit checks and cash immediately. No more
procrastinating.

Review expenses from time to time. Are there things you are
spending on that you once thought would turn a nice profit,
but now they are no longer making you much money? Cut them!

A down economy closes a lot of doors for all business
owners, but if you know where to look, and you have the
right key, you can find and open a whole new world of doors.
You never know--recession may be the best thing that ever
happened to your business.

------------------------------------------------------------
From The Webmaster
by Aaron Turpen, Editor
------------------------------------------------------------

I know I promised a technology update this week, but I just
didn't have time to get it done. I swear there will be one
next week. :)

What a week! Despite projected extra time due to my not
needing to be at the radio station this week to produce the
twice-weekly show I help with, I managed to nearly kill
myself working overtime to try to keep up. From now on, I'm
going to assume I never end up with "extra time" no matter
what is going on. :) On the up-side, my coffee brewing
skills have sharpened measurably.

New things are on the way. I will soon (please remember
that's a relative term) be moving the newsletter email list
to a new system which will also handle many other email
tasks I should be doing for marketing (such as auto-response
things, product information, and so forth). This will make
the newsletter sending and other functions more automated,
saving me time and making sure you get your newsletters at
the same time every week without fail. :)

------------------------------------------------------------
Readers Talk Back!
------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey good article on paypal's changes. I sell adult-related
products online and that policy will do a lot to change my
business."
--Anonymous

Editor: No problem. I originally wrote it for a client for
whom I'm building a website. She sells lingerie and similar
items and was worried the changes would ruin her business.
Luckily, it doesn't apply to her items, but mostly to video
and printed materials.

"Wow, PayPal is cracking down on porn! Does this include
porn site subscriptions?"
--Ed

Editor: Yep, it does. Those have been on the list for quite
some time now, though.

"I like your newsletter, Aaron."
--Aaron K.

Editor: Probably 'cause we have the same name! :) Thanks!

------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to send a comment or letter to the editor
for inclusion in this newsletter, please address it to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject=TalkBack!.
All are welcome to give their opinion, criticism, or kudos!

------------------------------------------------------------
How to Let the IRS Pay for Your Kids' Summer Camp
-- by Wayne M. Davies

Wayne M. Davies is author of the new eBook, "The Tax
Reduction Toolkit: 29 Little-Known Legal Loopholes That Will
Reduce Your Taxes By Thousands (For Small Business Owners
and Self-Employed People Only!) Don't file another tax
return until you visit:
http://www.YouSaveOnTaxes.com/toolkit.html

Editor's Comments: More great info from Wayne!
------------------------------------------------------------

With summer day-camp season upon us, here's a way to
let Uncle Sam pick up the tab for your children's fun.

Many parents take advantage of the child daycare credit.
Well, this same credit can also be used for summer
day-camp expenses.

The child-care credit applies to expenses you incur for
the care of children under age 13 while the parents are
working. And "working" applies to both an employee job
as well as self-employment.

Sending your child to a day-camp during the summer counts
as a qualified expense for purposes of the child-care
credit.

And by "day-camp", don't limit yourself to the traditional
YMCA-type scenario. There are plenty of other programs
that qualify, such as:

1. Sports camps: Soccer camp, baseball camp, basketball
camp, football camp, volleyball. These all count.

2. Academic camps like computer camp or other scholarly
pursuits.

3. Fine arts camps for music, drama, and art.

Kids (and parents!) sure have a lot of choices these days.

The key requirement for getting the day-care credit is that
the camp not be a sleep-over camp. The child must only
spend time there during the day.

You take the credit on Form 2441, Child and Dependent
Care Expenses. The amount of your credit depends on your
income. Take a peak at Form 2441 to calculate your credit:

First, find your adjusted gross income from Line 36 of
Form 1040. If your income is greater than $28,000, your
credit is likely to be 20% of the day-camp expense.

(If your income is less than $28,000, the percentage
is greater than 20% -- so be sure to check Form 2441
if you happen to be at that income level).

Next, you multiply the day-camp expense by 20%, and that's
the potential tax credit amount. I say "potential" because
there's one more step to complete the calculation --
if your income is greater than $28,000, your maximum
childcare credit is $480 if you have one child and $960
if you have two or more children with daycare expenses.

So, if you have $1,000 of day-camp expense this summer,
you get a $200 tax credit on your personal income tax
return.

Two-hundred bucks . . . now there's a tasty little morsel!

To access Form 2441, visit:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf

------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to send your own articles to be reviewed for
inclusion in this publication, please send them to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com.
------------------------------------------------------------
Except where noted, this publication and all of its
contents are copyright (C)2002 by Aaronz WebWorkz, all
rights are reserved. To reprint an article, send an email
to mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com for permission.
------------------------------------------------------------
List Maintenance:
To subscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:subscribe]

To unsubscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:unsubscribe]

This newsletter is produced by Aaronz WebWorkz, a complete
online services provider. To view information or to see
back issues of this publication, please go online to:
www.AaronzWebWorkz.com. Please direct all comments or
questions to the editor
(mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com).

------------------------------------------------------------
Aaronz WebWorkz Weekly E-Zine
A Weekly Newsletter of Hints, Ideas, and Resources for
Friends and Customers of www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
Issue #82 June 13, 2003
Aaron Turpen, Editor, aaron@aaronzwebworkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of the
Aaronz WebWorkz E-Zine. You are receiving this newsletter
because you requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instruct-
ions are at the end of this newsletter. Back-issues are
available online at: http://www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------

=> Feature Article:
PayPal's New "Adults Only" Sales Policy
=> From The Webmaster
=> Readers Talk Back!
=> Guest Column:
Tax Tidbit #3: Carpe Diem -- Seize The Per Diem
Method (and Throw Away Your Receipts)
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
=> Copyright and Reprint information
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information


------------------------------------------------------------
PayPal's New "Adults Only" Sales Policy
by Aaron Turpen of Aaronz WebWorkz

------------------------------------------------------------

Most people know by now that PayPal has changed their policy
regarding adult-oriented items and acceptance of funds for
them. Since being acquired by eBay, the rules around
PayPal's business have changed a little. In order to cut
down on fraud, potential liability, and so forth, PayPal has
adjusted their policies regarding mature audience items. I
have had several people question me on this subject and
thought I should cover it in an article so everyone knows
what the changes mean.

The following link will redirect you to their official
policy page, whose URL is way too large to be included here:
http://www.AaronzWebWorkz.com/paypal-mature.html

Those who will be directly affected by this policy change
are people who sell sexually-oriented material in the form
of media (magazines, videos, and other items with sexual
"imagery"). Many adult "toys" will be affected as well,
though the rules may be bent if the item can be considered a
"gag gift" or novelty item.

In addition, any item that is considered to be collectible
or vintage/antique (such as pre-1940 art or photography,
pinups, etc.) is exempt from this policy. Read the policy
carefully, however, as these are carefully defined and you
could easily find yourself in potential trouble here.

For most people who deal in standard fare on eBay or other
places online, this policy change probably won't have much
effect on their everyday sales.

------------------------------------------------------------
From The Webmaster
by Aaron Turpen, Editor
------------------------------------------------------------

Another big week at Aaronz WebWorkz has passed. Next week
will be the monthly technology update.

In national news, 18 states are "cheating" the federal
moratorium on Internet taxation by taxing the connections
to the Internet using poorly-defined and out-dated telephony
laws or laws that allow taxation of "bundled" products that
are included with the 'Net access (computers, hardware,
etc.). If you're intersted in this story, you can read more
about it on TechNews.com:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33787-
2003June9.html [cut and paste]

See you next week!

------------------------------------------------------------
Readers Talk Back!
------------------------------------------------------------
"If you have ever received one of these "secret deal" emails
from Nigeria, you'll love this!

http://j-walk.com/blog/docs/conference.htm"
--Jim D.

Editor: Thanks, Jim! I've been invited to that conference
to speak and represent Americans there. They promised to
reimburse me for airfare and expenses once I arrive there.
I'm also to bring $5,000 in cash to help secure the hotel
arrangements for the event. I get a percentage of the
tickets and first choice of any secret deals revealed there.
;)

"Professional driver on closed course."
--Warren K. (http://www.utahgentile.com)

Editor: Woops, left that one out didn't I?

"Found a cool website you might want to look at:
http://www.bullshitjob.com/"
--Bob C.

Editor: Thanks, Bob. Funny! :)

------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to send a comment or letter to the editor
for inclusion in this newsletter, please address it to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject=TalkBack!.
All are welcome to give their opinion, criticism, or kudos!

------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Tidbit #3: Carpe Diem -- Seize The Per Diem Method
(and Throw Away Your Receipts)
Copyright 2003 Wayne M. Davies Inc.

Wayne M. Davies is author of the new eBook, "The Tax
Reduction Toolkit: 29 Little-Known Legal Loopholes That Will
Reduce Your Taxes By Thousands (For Small Business Owners
and Self-Employed People Only!) Don't file another tax
return until you visit:
http://www.YouSaveOnTaxes.com/toolkit.html

Editor's Comments: Another installment of tax tips from Mr.
Davies!
------------------------------------------------------------

The mantra of tax record-keeping has remained relentlessly
burdensome for decades:

"No Receipt, No Deduction".

But fear not, you who loathe the never-ending climb up
the mountain of paperwork required by the U.S. tax code.

Many of our most beloved tax rules have exceptions,
and such is the case with this one.

Believe it or not, there are actually expenses you can
legally deduct without a receipt. Here's one for self-
employed folks who travel out-of-town on business.

When it comes to deducting your meals while on an
overnight business trip, you have two options with regard to
record-keeping.

OPTION #1:
You keep your receipt from each meal and simply deduct
the cost of the meal times 50%, a la the "No Receipt,
No Deduction" rule.

OPTION #2:
You use The Per Diem Method to determine your meal
deduction. For each day of the trip, you are allowed
a daily meal allowance, depending on what part of the
country you were visiting.

For example, the per diem meal rate for Birmingham, AL
is $42. For San Francisco, it's $50.

Like Option #1, your actual deduction is 50% of the
per diem amount -- $21 in Birmingham and $25 in San Fran.

To find the per diem allowances, go to:
http://www.policyworks.gov/perdiem. If a particular
area is not listed, then the allowance is $30 per day.

Take note: There are two very nice advantages to The Per
Diem Method.

Benefit #1: You don't have to keep receipts for your
meals. Yep, you can pitch 'em. Scouts honor.

Benefit #2: It doesn't matter how much you actually spend
on meals, you still get to deduct 50% of the per diem
amount. This can result in hundreds of dollars in tax
savings for you.

Example:
You regularly go to several major cities for overnight
business trips, traveling about five days each month. These
cities all have a per diem rate of $50.

You are frugal. To save both time and money, you prefer
to eat at fast food restaurants three times a day. On
average, you spend only $20/day on meals.

But the per diem rate is $50/day. If you used Option #1,
your actual deduction would be $20 x 50%, or $10/day.

With Option #2, you get to deduct $50 x 50%, or $25/day.

The difference between Option #1 and #2 is $15/day.

Over the course of the year, this adds up to an extra
$900 in deductible meal expenses ($15/day x 60 days) --
even though you didn't actually spend the extra $900!

End result: you save $315 in taxes (assuming your
combined federal and state income tax rate is 35%).

And you can throw away 60 days worth of meal receipts.

Whoa . . . $315 in tax savings without spending a dime.

. . . Now that's a tasty little morsel!

One final note: The per diem method is available to
Sole Proprietors, Partners and LLC Members. If your
business is a Corporation and you own more then 10%
of the company stock, you can't use the per diem
method for yourself. Sorry! That's taxes for ya.

------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to send your own articles to be reviewed for
inclusion in this publication, please send them to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com.
------------------------------------------------------------
Except where noted, this publication and all of its
contents are copyright (C)2002 by Aaronz WebWorkz, all
rights are reserved. To reprint an article, send an email
to mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com for permission.
------------------------------------------------------------
List Maintenance:
To subscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:subscribe]

To unsubscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:unsubscribe]

This newsletter is produced by Aaronz WebWorkz, a complete
online services provider. To view information or to see
back issues of this publication, please go online to:
www.AaronzWebWorkz.com. Please direct all comments or
questions to the editor
(mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com).

------------------------------------------------------------
Aaronz WebWorkz Weekly E-Zine
A Weekly Newsletter of Hints, Ideas, and Resources for
Friends and Customers of www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
Issue #81 June 6, 2003
Aaron Turpen, Editor, aaron@aaronzwebworkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of the
Aaronz WebWorkz E-Zine. You are receiving this newsletter
because you requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instruct-
ions are at the end of this newsletter. Back-issues are
available online at: http://www.AaronzWebWorkz.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------

=> Feature Article:
How to Profit from Initial Consultations
=> From The Webmaster
=> Readers Talk Back!
=> Guest Column:
You're In Good Company
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
=> Copyright and Reprint information
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information

------------------------------------------------------------
How to Profit from Initial Consultations

Dr. Rachna D. Jain is a sales and marketing coach and
Director of Operations for SalesCoachTraining.com. To
learn more or contact Dr. Jain directly, please visit
http://www.salesandmarketingcoach.com, and sign up for
her free newsletter, Sales and Marketing Secrets.

(c) 2003, Dr. Rachna D. Jain. All Rights in All Media
Reserved.

Editor's Comments: For those of us in the service industry,
quoting projects and making an initial consultation to get
the job is par for the course. Here's a way to make them
more profitable.
------------------------------------------------------------

"I'd love to work with you, but..."
How many times have you heard these words? As a professional
service provider looking to grow your business, isn't it
sometimes frustrating to hold an initial session with someone
who you'd love to work with but the potential client has a
whole list of reasons why s/he would love to work with you,
but...?

As in, "I'd love to, but.."-"I can't afford it." Or "I'm not
sure if it will work for me." Or "I'm going to try to work on
it by myself and will get back to you."

Here are some tips and strategies for overcoming the dreaded
"I'd love to work with you, but..." syndrome. These are
gleaned from my own personal experience in building my
coaching business, as well as tips & strategies I learned in
the SalesCoachTraining.com program. I'm happy to share these
with you because I really believe it is much easier to run
your business when you can afford to do so because you have
enough clients who pay you well.

So, there are 10 steps to consider:

1) From the beginning, make sure your potential client has a
need for your service and can afford it. I can't tell you how
many times professionals hold a free consult, and then find
out, after the 30-45 minutes is over that the potential client
can't afford the service. It might sound a bit severe, but if
you're in business to make money, you need to make certain
you're spending your time in the most profitable ways.

2) Consider cutting down the length of your initial
consultations. When I first started out, I used to offer full
initial sessions of 45 minutes or more. Now I offer 10-15
minute sessions. Within this time frame I can tell if the
prospective client and I are a good match. If the client
doesn't sign up I won't feel bad or annoyed since I didn't
invest a great deal of time in the consult. If you are having
trouble converting initial consults into paying clients, it
may be because you're "giving away" too much at the beginning
and the client is not left wanting more.

3) Frame the call. At the start of the call, gently instruct
the client that at the end of the allotted time, they will be
called upon to make a choice about the next action. Help the
client recognize that you are happy to assist them in making a
decision and that you aren't tied to the outcome of their
decision. The simple words, "I'm here to help you make the
best decision for you and I'm not tied to any particular
outcome." have gone a long way to create trust rapidly and
easily.

4) Listen carefully. Spend the time with the client listening
"under the surface" for larger themes and bigger issues. Put
forward one or two insights that come from your deep
listening. Take care to avoid offering too many solutions or
too much advice.

5) Reflect back. Near the end of the allotted time, take a few
minutes to summarize what you heard and what the client sees
as desired goals. If appropriate, take this time to let the
client know how you've helped other clients with similar
concerns.

6) Take the lead. If you'd like to work with the client, say
so. Let him/her know that you really enjoyed spending time
with him/her today and you are excited about being able to
help him/her reach their goals.

7) Don't push. If a client asks for more time to make a
decision or wants more information give only as much time as
you are comfortable. It's good to ask in this case a question
like: "Is there anything more you would like to know about me
that would help make your decision easier or clearer?". In
this way, you keep the dialogue open and find out what
concerns the client may have.

8) Don't take it personally. If the client doesn't sign up,
despite your best attempts, let it go. Somehow s/he was not a
match for your business and this is ok. By going to shorter
consults you can do more of them in a day. Sometimes you do
have to go through a certain number of No's to get to Yes.

9) Avoid adjusting your prices. It's not worth it for you to
drop your prices just to get the client. I have had clients
ask for my fees and then say, "Wow. That's really high." In
the past, I would have responded back in some way. Now I just
agree. "Yes, they are." And, if applicable, I might follow up
by offering a product or group coaching option that might
better suit their financial constraints.

10) Practice and practice some more. Initial consults flow
more easily and proceed more satisfactorily the more you
practice them. Aim to make a lot of contacts and practice
these skills. You'll find your confidence and success grow
exponentially.

------------------------------------------------------------
From The Webmaster
by Aaron Turpen, Editor
------------------------------------------------------------

This disclaimer will now appear on all emails, newsletters,
web pages, contracts, and other productions of Aaronz
WebWorkz.

This product is meant for educational purposes only. Any
resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purley
coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required.
List each check separately by bank number. Batteries not
included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as
directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use
while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage
will be paid by addressee. Subject to CAB approval. This is
not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to affected
area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use
other side for additional listings. For recreational use
only. Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If
condition persists, consult your physician. No user-
serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on
carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate.
Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed in the
United States. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of
agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size
fits all. Many suitcases look alike. Contains a substaintial
amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time,
fade. We have sent the forms which seem to be right for you.
Slippery when wet. For office use only. Not affiliated with
the American Red Cross. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for
television. Keep cool; process promptly. Post office will
not deliver without postage. List was current at time of
printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file,
unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect,
incidental or consequential damages resulting from any
defect, error or failure to perform. At participating
locations only. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use.
See label for sequence. Substantial penalty for early
withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling rock. Lost
ticket pays maximum rate. Your cancelled check is your
recipt. Add toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with
skin. Sanitized for your protection. Be sure each item is
properly endorsed. Sign here without admitting guilt.
Slightly higher west of the Mississippi. Employees and
their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants
have been briefed on some questions before the show.
Limited time offer, call now to insure prompt delivery. You
must be present to win. No passes accepted for this
engagement. No purchase necessary. Processed at location
stamped in code at top of carton. Shading within a garment
may occur. Use only in well-ventilated area. Keep away from
fire or flame. Replace with same type. Approved for
veterans. Booths for two or more. Check here if tax
deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does
not include taxes. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for
children. Prerecorded for this time zone. Reproduction
strictly prohibited. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs, or
horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant
package, not for resale. List at least two alternate dates.
First pull up, then pull down. Call toll free before
digging. Driver does not carry cash. Some of the trademarks
mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes
only. Record additional transactions on back of previous
stub.

This supersedes all previous notices.

OK, maybe not. :)

------------------------------------------------------------
Readers Talk Back!
------------------------------------------------------------
"This is an automatically generated message by Spam
Terminator(tm).
Your message "[aainet] Internet Marketing Basics" Has been
delivered to: [deleted]. No further action is required..

"You are receiving this message because you sent an email to
[deleted] but YOUR email address was not listed in this
user's Approved sender list.

"Since many spammers attempt to mask their identities by
using fake email address, part of the spam protection Spam
Terminator(tm) uses is a patent-pending "ping" process that
determines if a sender's email address is valid.. If it
isn't, Spam Terminator deletes the offending spam.

"The fact that you have received this message is
verification that your email address is valid, your email
message has reached your intended recipient's inbox, and
that you have now been added to this user's Approved sender
list..

"If YOU would like to reclaim YOUR right to a spam-free
inbox and earn easy residual income with its unique auto-
viral-marketing system, download your free trial copy of
Spam Termninator(tm) now!. Click here: [link removed]"
--Spam Terminator(tm)

Editor: Oh, I hate these. These are worse than the spam
they supposedly block. Every time I send out a newsletter
I get about fifty of these. This one is more benign than
some others, though. Some require you to fill out a form,
click a link, or some other crap to get your email through.
Most of them send marketing baloney like this in all their
correspondence. It borders on being spam itself sometimes.
Grrrr...

"Hello,
I got my first web cam. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!!

DO IT SOON I like showing my body!"
--Deborah84

Editor: Have you noticed that there are a lot more of these
emails going around lately than there used to be? Hmm...
The link didn't work, for those who want to know. :)

Obviously we were a little short on feedback emails this
week... *hint*

------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to send a comment or letter to the editor
for inclusion in this newsletter, please address it to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject=TalkBack!.
All are welcome to give their opinion, criticism, or kudos!

------------------------------------------------------------
You're In Good Company
Copyright 2003 by Kevin Bidwell
All-In-One-Business.com
Kevin Bidwell is owner of http://www.all-in-one-business.com

Kevin is offering a FREE BUSINESS START-UP KIT to everyone
who visits his site. If you liked this article, you will
want to subscribe to his newsletter. Send a blank email to:
nwslttr@quicktell.net

Editor's Comments: Owning a business is hard work!
------------------------------------------------------------

"STARTING, GROWING AND MAINTAINING YOUR BUSINESS IS TOUGH."

That's one sentence that you will hear come out of my mouth
again and again. I tell it to all of my clients, and I tell
it to most of the people I meet who are trying to start a
business who are NOT my clients.

Why would I say such a discouraging thing? Am I
complaining? Looking for sympathy?

Not at all.

The reason that I tell everyone that starting a business is
one of the hardest things that most people will ever attempt
is because NO ONE ELSE TELLS THEM THAT.

There is a myth that permeates the web like some kind of
unbeatable computer virus: The "easy money" Myth. Now,
I'm not going to say that some have not stumbled upon an
opportunity or two that has made them significant income
very quickly and without much effort. It has, does and will
happen. But the reality is that those types of success
stories are rare, and that the vast majority of successes on
the Web have worked long and hard to get there and have the
scars to prove it.

If you had a tough time in your business this week. If you
made a bad decision, spent more money than you should have
on something that didn't pan out, bet on a "sure thing" that
never left the starting gate, take some consolation in this:
you are not alone.

All of us--even the big names--have done the same thing.

So, get back up on your feet, dust yourself off, file your
negative experiences in the "School of Hard Knocks" and go
back to pursuing your goals.

Some day you will look back on the adversity you went through
to get your little corner of success. You will tell yourself
that you never want to do it again, but you will be glad that
you did not give up.

------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to send your own articles to be reviewed for
inclusion in this publication, please send them to:
mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com.
------------------------------------------------------------
Except where noted, this publication and all of its
contents are copyright (C)2002 by Aaronz WebWorkz, all
rights are reserved. To reprint an article, send an email
to mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com for permission.
------------------------------------------------------------
List Maintenance:
To subscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:subscribe]

To unsubscribe
[mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com?subject:unsubscribe]

This newsletter is produced by Aaronz WebWorkz, a complete
online services provider. To view information or to see
back issues of this publication, please go online to:
www.AaronzWebWorkz.com. Please direct all comments or
questions to the editor
(mailto:newsletter@aaronzwebworkz.com).