I know that some people wonder why I go after the "Big Guys" so often when I'm writing about unacceptable online behavior. It's very simple. The "Big Guys" teach the "Little Guys" what to do.

We often hear that we should pick someone who is successful and do the same things they do. I don't happen to agree with that. At least, not on the Internet. Online business gets too "out of control." We have no regulated standards other than those set ourselves.

People start online businesses - look at the "Big Guys" and assume that if "they" do it - it's okay. After all, they are promoted by thousands of people - and they're making money. Funny how money so often commands respect where no respect is due.

Yes - greed IS a terrible thing. Often, the bigger they get, the more ruthless they become. And let's not forget that they're telling people what they want to hear!

Then, of course, most people are afraid to criticize them. WHY? These people are not gods!

Please, please, PLEASE take a good look at your web sites and your advertising! Is there ANYTHING there that could be called "unethical?" I promise you - you CAN be successful without being pond scum.

And when you are, YOU will be the person other people emulate. Maybe that's what it's going to take to clean up the Internet.

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* dr. jl scott is the Founder of the International Council of Online Professionals (iCop™) - and also the publisher of the Internet Marketing Trade Journal™ - the ezine that keeps you up to date on Internet marketing coming of age. For your FREE subscription: http://www.i-cop.org/trade-journal.htm

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