Taking a break from being a Web lawyer this afternoon, I dropped by the Battlestar Galactica Exhibition. Not quite as fun as a Star Trek convention but the BSG exhibits did Awaken the Geek Within. The exhibits contain memorabilia from both the original and the reimagined BSG series.
Here are some of the pics (click the thumbnails to see higher resolution).
If you've never watched BSG, you ca
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Starbucks Pike Place Seattle
As an Internet attorney and fellow online entrepreneur, I try to find cool places for website business owners to go to when they’re traveling.
In Seattle, I had hoped to find that Starbucks Pike Place, the first Starbucks, would be a cool place to visitand use a laptop to work with Wi-Fi while getting a caffeine fix. You can find the location at the Pike Place Market.
View Larger Map
Yes, the
In Seattle, I had hoped to find that Starbucks Pike Place, the first Starbucks, would be a cool place to visitand use a laptop to work with Wi-Fi while getting a caffeine fix. You can find the location at the Pike Place Market.
View Larger Map
Yes, the
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
10 Internet marketers sued for fraud
In my recent email to you describing the 7 online business trends to watch for in 2011, I noted as an Internet Lawyer that there are three federal government agencies (FCC, FDA & FTC) that would be cracking down on the Internet.
Yesterday, it got more interesting. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a suit against 10 people, 10 corporations, and 51 shell companies for their website
Yesterday, it got more interesting. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a suit against 10 people, 10 corporations, and 51 shell companies for their website
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
FTC hits bogus benefits claims
Here’s something you might want to discuss with your Web lawyer. There’s a company who advertised the ingredients in its yogurt had certain health benefits. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disagreed, claiming the company had exaggerated what the yogurt could actually do to improve your health.
39 state attorneys general had jumped on the bandwagon going after the company too for mak
39 state attorneys general had jumped on the bandwagon going after the company too for mak
Saturday, December 18, 2010
3 powerful ways to grow your Internet business next year
Based both on my experience as a Texas Internet lawyer and an online marketer who has built a separate six-figure Internet business from scratch, here are 3 ways you can grow your business during the coming year while others are struggling to survive.
1. Stick To Profitable Niches That You Know and Like.
Jack’s* the typical Internet marketer you meet at Internet seminars. Jack spends his time
1. Stick To Profitable Niches That You Know and Like.
Jack’s* the typical Internet marketer you meet at Internet seminars. Jack spends his time
Services
What services does Internet Lawyer Mike Young provide?
As a transactional Internet lawyer, you can expect Attorney Young to focus on preventing lawsuits and government investigations. The goal is to create a safety net that gives you peace of mind as you grow your business using the Internet. In addition to answering your legal questions, this means creating website legal documents and contra
As a transactional Internet lawyer, you can expect Attorney Young to focus on preventing lawsuits and government investigations. The goal is to create a safety net that gives you peace of mind as you grow your business using the Internet. In addition to answering your legal questions, this means creating website legal documents and contra
Friday, December 17, 2010
Website privacy policy news you can use
Talk with your Website attorney about these developments. As I mentioned the other day discussing seven Internet biz trends you should watch for in 2011, three U.S. government agencies are gearing up to crack down on the Internet…the FTC, the FCC, and the FDA. The FTC has just come out and endorsed the FCC’s plan to regulate the Internet.
Now it gets more interesting on two fronts today…
Now it gets more interesting on two fronts today…
Friday, December 10, 2010
7 Internet biz trends for 2011 you should know about
As an Internet lawyer gazing into my crystal ball of experience,
here's where I see things are heading for Internet businesses in the
coming year.
1. Death of Live Speaking Events.
Most of the big gurus are cancelling their live seminars or
holding something local and trying to sell videos from it to recoup
costs. Some are transitioning strictly to webinars.
Seats that would sell for
here's where I see things are heading for Internet businesses in the
coming year.
1. Death of Live Speaking Events.
Most of the big gurus are cancelling their live seminars or
holding something local and trying to sell videos from it to recoup
costs. Some are transitioning strictly to webinars.
Seats that would sell for
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
10 things to do before January
As the year wraps up, here are a few things you’ll want to check on with your Website attorney and CPA before the holidays hit. Be nice to yourself by doing these so you don’t end up on someone’s naughty Internet business list.
1. Did you update your website legal documents to accurately reflect your privacy policies, current business address and contact information, and designate your DM
1. Did you update your website legal documents to accurately reflect your privacy policies, current business address and contact information, and designate your DM
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Do you make this website copyright mistake?
As a Web lawyer, the #1 mistake I see Internet business owners make when protecting their website’s content from pirates is to put a copyright notice on the site and do nothing more.
Although a notice with the word “Copyright,” © symbol etc. is a good first step, it’s a baby step when it comes to protecting what you own.
If you’ve got a U.S.-based website with text, photos, graphi
Although a notice with the word “Copyright,” © symbol etc. is a good first step, it’s a baby step when it comes to protecting what you own.
If you’ve got a U.S.-based website with text, photos, graphi
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
FTC acts on website privacy
As your Internet lawyer can tell you, when the FTC speaks, you better listen. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just issued a privacy report with its recommendations for enforcing and changing privacy laws to protect visitors to websites like yours.
In addition to the report, the FTC chairman said that the government agency “will take action against companies that cross the line wit
In addition to the report, the FTC chairman said that the government agency “will take action against companies that cross the line wit
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
How you can avoid Starbucks’ mistake
As an Internet Attorney, I know that when you’re putting together joint ventures for your online business, it’s important to consider your long-term interests.
Here’s a costly brick-and-mortar biz example from Starbucks on what not to do.
Several years ago, Starbucks wanted to distribute its coffee in grocery stores and other places beyond its cafes. Because Kraft already had the distr
Here’s a costly brick-and-mortar biz example from Starbucks on what not to do.
Several years ago, Starbucks wanted to distribute its coffee in grocery stores and other places beyond its cafes. Because Kraft already had the distr
Friday, November 26, 2010
Don't Be An Idiotpreneur
As an Internet lawyer, I look for lessons in the offline world that can be applied to your online business.
Today's lesson is about an idiotpreneur profiled in a national newspaper as if she had done something smart.
Ms. Idiotpreneur's business was going down the toilet. Blaming it on the economy, there were telltale signs throughout the article that the real problem was Ms. Idiotpreneur.
To
Today's lesson is about an idiotpreneur profiled in a national newspaper as if she had done something smart.
Ms. Idiotpreneur's business was going down the toilet. Blaming it on the economy, there were telltale signs throughout the article that the real problem was Ms. Idiotpreneur.
To
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Taking a resolution mulligan
The past year has been hell for many Internet marketers…bankruptcies, divorces (often triggered by debt), and even deaths in the family. I’ve seen all of these happen this year to clients and friends.
If you’ve hit some speed bumps in your business and personal life this year, how are you reacting to them?
Pretending they didn’t happen?
Accepting defeat?
Waiting for next year to cr
If you’ve hit some speed bumps in your business and personal life this year, how are you reacting to them?
Pretending they didn’t happen?
Accepting defeat?
Waiting for next year to cr
Friday, November 19, 2010
Texas Internet Lawyer Mike Young
How can Texas Internet Lawyer Mike Young help your online business?
As a Texas Internet Lawyer, Mike represents website owners both in the Lone Star State and globally. From Canada to Hong Kong, he's helped online companies protect and grow their businesses by putting key legal protections in place.
It's important to note that Mike is not a trial lawyer. However, clients who need an Internet l
As a Texas Internet Lawyer, Mike represents website owners both in the Lone Star State and globally. From Canada to Hong Kong, he's helped online companies protect and grow their businesses by putting key legal protections in place.
It's important to note that Mike is not a trial lawyer. However, clients who need an Internet l
Julius Genachowski: FCC Chairman Mao Jumps The Shark
Who is FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski?
Julius Genachowski is a piece of work. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), he ignores the U.S. Constitution in his quest to impose unwanted Net Neutrality rules on the Internet. He's like every sidekick you see working for Third World dictators trying to control the masses by force, against the rule of law, and contrary to the popul
Julius Genachowski is a piece of work. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), he ignores the U.S. Constitution in his quest to impose unwanted Net Neutrality rules on the Internet. He's like every sidekick you see working for Third World dictators trying to control the masses by force, against the rule of law, and contrary to the popul
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Death of Internet Civility Changes Blog Rules
Web Lawyer Draws Line On Free Speech
Although I’m a big fan of free speech as a Web lawyer, there are some limitations.
Unfortunately, some of the fruits and nuts inhabiting cyberspace have decided that it’s perfectly okay to show up at this blog to personally attack me, clients, and friends with name-calling plus false and defamatory accusations.
Because Internet anonymity brings out t
Although I’m a big fan of free speech as a Web lawyer, there are some limitations.
Unfortunately, some of the fruits and nuts inhabiting cyberspace have decided that it’s perfectly okay to show up at this blog to personally attack me, clients, and friends with name-calling plus false and defamatory accusations.
Because Internet anonymity brings out t
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Facebook stunt lands guy in jail
Too often, as a Website attorney, I see domestic disputes turn into online stalking and harassment. Then there's this case involving a guy who went nuts when his girlfriend broke up with him.
In this case, the guy threatened his ex, stole her stuff, and then decided to get “revenge” using Facebook as the weapon. He posted a naked pic of her on Facebook and made it public so that a half bill
In this case, the guy threatened his ex, stole her stuff, and then decided to get “revenge” using Facebook as the weapon. He posted a naked pic of her on Facebook and made it public so that a half bill
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Firesheep Sidejacking Privacy Alert
Firesheep Can Hack Your Social Media Accounts
What’s it take to hack your Facebook account, Twitter, or blog?
Not much.
Eric Butler has developed a tool that shows you exactly how vulnerable you are to having your accounts hacked by anyone using Firefox as a web browser and Butler’s new Firesheep plugin.
Known as “sidejacking” (a type of hijacking), here’s how it works…
What’s it take to hack your Facebook account, Twitter, or blog?
Not much.
Eric Butler has developed a tool that shows you exactly how vulnerable you are to having your accounts hacked by anyone using Firefox as a web browser and Butler’s new Firesheep plugin.
Known as “sidejacking” (a type of hijacking), here’s how it works…
Single mom’s life turned upside down by costly Internet mistake
Copyright Infringement Destroys Lives
There’s a single mom with four kids who just got nailed for $1.5 million for songs she illegally downloaded online. As an Internet marketer, I'm appalled. As a Web lawyer, I know that's the law at work (fair or not) and it's best to recognize instead of fight reality.
The music industry is “only” going to get $62,500 per song she downloaded (actually
There’s a single mom with four kids who just got nailed for $1.5 million for songs she illegally downloaded online. As an Internet marketer, I'm appalled. As a Web lawyer, I know that's the law at work (fair or not) and it's best to recognize instead of fight reality.
The music industry is “only” going to get $62,500 per song she downloaded (actually
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Net Neutrality Died November 2, 2010
Voters Kill Net Neutrality
As a Website attorney, I believe political support for Net Neutrality was just killed in the voting booths nationwide.
Here’s why…
95 Democrat congressional candidates signed a pledge in favor of Network Neutrality. Of those 95, every single one appears to have lost election/re-election.
Net Neutrality Makes Bad Politics
Although there a variety of issues at
As a Website attorney, I believe political support for Net Neutrality was just killed in the voting booths nationwide.
Here’s why…
95 Democrat congressional candidates signed a pledge in favor of Network Neutrality. Of those 95, every single one appears to have lost election/re-election.
Net Neutrality Makes Bad Politics
Although there a variety of issues at
Monday, November 1, 2010
With an advanced international law degree from Georgetown University and more than 16 years of real world legal experience, Internet attorney and consultant Mike Young is President of the Internet Ethics Council and creator of Website Legal Forms Generator software.
He helps entrepreneurs protect and grow their businesses online.
To set up your initial consultation with Internet attorney You
He helps entrepreneurs protect and grow their businesses online.
To set up your initial consultation with Internet attorney You
Directory of Legal Products
Are you ready to protect and grow your business online but you don’t have the cash flow yet to pay for an Internet lawyer to represent you? Although there’s no substitute for advice from an Internet law firm, here are some products created to help you if you can’t afford to pay an Internet lawyer. All products were created or co-created by Internet business lawye
Are you ready to protect and grow your business online but you don’t have the cash flow yet to pay for an Internet lawyer to represent you? Although there’s no substitute for advice from an Internet law firm, here are some products created to help you if you can’t afford to pay an Internet lawyer. All products were created or co-created by Internet business lawye
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Facebook Flame War Goes Nuclear
Two women who didn’t get along took their fight to social media. Neither of them consulted with a Web lawyer before taking their dispute online.
One has now been arrested and sued for allegedly hacking the other’s Facebook account to post "I am the one that's been the lying trash!!!" and "I am the trash. Sorry to be such a disappointment."
Now imagine one of these women worked for you as
One has now been arrested and sued for allegedly hacking the other’s Facebook account to post "I am the one that's been the lying trash!!!" and "I am the trash. Sorry to be such a disappointment."
Now imagine one of these women worked for you as
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Flopportunity.com: Internet Scams and Best Practices
You can find plenty of websites out there that contain good information about Internet scams and ripoffs. And if you’re looking for quick info on someone before doing business, you should take a look at some of these sites for that purpose.
However, there are two things missing from these sites.
First, fairness gets tossed out the window as soon as personalities are thrown into the mix. In
However, there are two things missing from these sites.
First, fairness gets tossed out the window as soon as personalities are thrown into the mix. In
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Is your copyright agent missing in action?
Most website owners like you don’t fully protect themselves against copyright infringement claims. That typically means paying extra legal fees to a website attorney when things go wrong.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) contains what lawyers call “safe harbor” provisions. In plain English, this means by taking a few simple steps you can make yourself an unattractive target to
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) contains what lawyers call “safe harbor” provisions. In plain English, this means by taking a few simple steps you can make yourself an unattractive target to
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What about your website’s videos and audios?
Do you want the video and audio content on your websites stolen because even one of your visitors thinks it is legal to take it from you? What would you do if it happened? Hire an Internet attorney and track down the thief for copyright infringement after the fact?
At least half the people who visit your site still think that content on the Internet is free and meant to be shared. And that’s
At least half the people who visit your site still think that content on the Internet is free and meant to be shared. And that’s
Monday, October 18, 2010
Whose side am I on?
The critics and lunatics have come out in force over the past week.
Criticism is fine. It at least means you’re doing something. If you’re not getting criticized, you’re probably a bystander instead of a player.
And that’s okay too. The world needs fans…even those who boo.
So whose side am I on? Let’s cut to the chase…
Clients in General
When I’m representing a cli
Criticism is fine. It at least means you’re doing something. If you’re not getting criticized, you’re probably a bystander instead of a player.
And that’s okay too. The world needs fans…even those who boo.
So whose side am I on? Let’s cut to the chase…
Clients in General
When I’m representing a cli
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Website Attorney: Beware of the website evercookie
It’s an affiliate marketer’s dream and a website user’s privacy nightmare.
HTML5, the next gen in HTML, apparently lets coders create the “evercookie.” This cookie places data in at least 10 places on your computer and doesn’t get deleted simply by using the “delete cookies” function of your Web browser.
The potential for abuse of HTML5 evercookies makes Google’s DoubleClic
HTML5, the next gen in HTML, apparently lets coders create the “evercookie.” This cookie places data in at least 10 places on your computer and doesn’t get deleted simply by using the “delete cookies” function of your Web browser.
The potential for abuse of HTML5 evercookies makes Google’s DoubleClic
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Can you believe someone would do this to a dying 7-year old girl?
Kathleen’s mother died of a brain disease when only 24 years old. Kathleen at age 7 is also dying of the same disease.
Neighbors have posted a pic of her mom on Facebook with the Grim Reaper. Kathleen gets similar treatment with a photo containing cross bones. h/t Parents: Dying Girl, 7, Taunted by Neighbors in Trenton.
When I wrote “Are Internet sociopaths out to get you?,” this is ex
Neighbors have posted a pic of her mom on Facebook with the Grim Reaper. Kathleen gets similar treatment with a photo containing cross bones. h/t Parents: Dying Girl, 7, Taunted by Neighbors in Trenton.
When I wrote “Are Internet sociopaths out to get you?,” this is ex
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Are Internet sociopaths out to get you?
Columnist Diane Dimond argues the Internet is turning us into sociopaths. As an Internet lawyer and online marketer, I disagree.
She wrote, “With our computer anonymity, many of us have decided we can ‘say’ things over the World Wide Web that we would never, ever say to someone's face. Cruel comments can be lobbed without personal risk, so we send them out like invisible hand grenades, set
She wrote, “With our computer anonymity, many of us have decided we can ‘say’ things over the World Wide Web that we would never, ever say to someone's face. Cruel comments can be lobbed without personal risk, so we send them out like invisible hand grenades, set
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Mike Filsaime Exclusive Interview: 8 Things You Should Know About Him
I just interviewed Internet marketer Mike Filsaime for an hour and a half to get to the bottom of some of the rumors floating around the blogosphere. Doesn’t it make sense to go straight to the source instead of guessing what he’s been up to?
In a nutshell, here are eight things you should know about Mike Filsaime…
1. Mastermind Memberships. Like Napoleon Hill, Mike Filsaime has
In a nutshell, here are eight things you should know about Mike Filsaime…
1. Mastermind Memberships. Like Napoleon Hill, Mike Filsaime has
Web Lawyer: Are you river dancing with American i-dolts?
Every successful online entrepreneur devotes a lot of “free” time to doing Internet marketing tasks he enjoys doing that many people consider to be that dreaded four-letter word…W-O-R-K.
The flip side of the coin, as a Web lawyer, I see struggling business owners who never have “free” time to succeed. But it isn’t a lack of time. It’s vicariously living someone else’s life.
H
The flip side of the coin, as a Web lawyer, I see struggling business owners who never have “free” time to succeed. But it isn’t a lack of time. It’s vicariously living someone else’s life.
H
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Killer bonus costs Internet marketer 850,000 bucks
There’s an Internet marketing company that offered a “bonus” on its clients websites that actually billed customers an extra $54.95 when they accepted the bonus. The fee was hidden below the “submit” button in the fine print that as an Internet lawyer I know for a fact most people never read.
The tech officer of the company has just settled with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The tech officer of the company has just settled with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Internet Attorney: How to go broke writing ebooks
There’s an Australian author who just got the shock of his life when Amazon announced that all of his ebooks would be sold for $0.
Guess what type of commission you get paid when your book becomes a freebie? You don't need an Internet attorney to tell you that's a sure way to go to the poorhouse as an author.
The fine print in Amazon’s agreement with authors lets it changes prices almost
Guess what type of commission you get paid when your book becomes a freebie? You don't need an Internet attorney to tell you that's a sure way to go to the poorhouse as an author.
The fine print in Amazon’s agreement with authors lets it changes prices almost
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Website Attorney: Using Farticles online to promote your business
Have you ever read an article online that described a product, its benefits and features, and you decided to buy based upon what you read? As a Website attorney, I review these all of the time.
In most cases, this is just a variation of the same type of advertorials car dealers pay to have placed in the auto section of your local newspaper. Real estate developers do the same thing in the housin
In most cases, this is just a variation of the same type of advertorials car dealers pay to have placed in the auto section of your local newspaper. Real estate developers do the same thing in the housin
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Web Lawyer: Gaming your testimonials and reviews
As a Web lawyer, I run into gurus who still make wild claims online in their sales copy, testimonials, and reviews because they haven’t been nailed yet by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The key word in this sentence is “yet.”
The FTC is cracking down against Internet claims based on the guidelines that went into effect last December.
Here’s an example of what not to do…
A p
The FTC is cracking down against Internet claims based on the guidelines that went into effect last December.
Here’s an example of what not to do…
A p
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Website attorney: Protecting your Internet goats
As a website attorney and entrepreneur, I find that you can learn from offline businesses too. There’s a Wisconsin restaurant that’s protected its unique selling proposition (USP)…and it isn’t the pickled herring you can order off the menu.
You eat at the restaurant so you can watch goats grazing on its grass-covered roof.
What the restaurant owner did to protect his USP was register
You eat at the restaurant so you can watch goats grazing on its grass-covered roof.
What the restaurant owner did to protect his USP was register
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Web Lawyer: The blind DonKey and your website
There’s an old school marketing guru (let’s call him “DonKey”) who says Internet businesses do not exist. As a Web lawyer and entrepreneur, I know that’s nonsense. However, according to DonKey, the Web is only a marketing and distribution channel.
To support this view, DonKey likes to point to the time when the government wiped out the TV info-mercial “business” for years by enact
To support this view, DonKey likes to point to the time when the government wiped out the TV info-mercial “business” for years by enact
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Internet Attorney: When should you NOT use contracts?
As an Internet attorney, clients will come to me about putting together a deal but the legal fees for drafting the contract would exceed the amount of the deal itself. That doesn’t make sense from a business standpoint and I tell them so.
So when should you not use contracts?
When the worst-case scenario of the other party screwing you over is something you can live with and be able to mov
So when should you not use contracts?
When the worst-case scenario of the other party screwing you over is something you can live with and be able to mov
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Website Attorney: He understood Internet marketing but missed the point
I just reviewed a website tied in to a former rising Internet star I’ve known as a Website attorney. The marketing processes were flawless with lead capture, prequalification, a survey, and videos designed to spur sales.
The content was filled with claims about how much you would earn if you bought what the guy was selling. However, when you clicked a link in the website’s footer, a small p
The content was filled with claims about how much you would earn if you bought what the guy was selling. However, when you clicked a link in the website’s footer, a small p
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Triple 9s, your web biz, and the Mayan paradise
On 09-09-09, some Internet marketers sold “get rich” info products and services using the date as some magical force to be reckoned with...they even tied it in to the “Law” of Attraction and “Good Karma.”
But less than three months later, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) started cracking down on fake income claims. As an Internet attorney, I wrote a complimentary special report on
But less than three months later, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) started cracking down on fake income claims. As an Internet attorney, I wrote a complimentary special report on
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Website Attorney: Should you use PayPal or ClickBank for your products?
As a Website attorney, Internet marketers are always asking me about the pros and cons of using different systems to sell their products and services online. Here’s my take on the pros and cons of using PayPal v. ClickBank.
ClickBank (not really a bank) is popular for newbies with digital products. ClickBank handles just about everything, including your affiliates, but the fees are relatively
ClickBank (not really a bank) is popular for newbies with digital products. ClickBank handles just about everything, including your affiliates, but the fees are relatively
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Will tentacles crush your website?
Righthaven LLC is a company that buys the rights to newspaper articles and sues bloggers and website owners who quoted these articles for copyright infringement. Righthaven also demands the domain names be surrendered too. This concerns me both as an Internet lawyer and as an online entrepreneur.
The lawsuits are not an afterthought. It is Righthaven’s business model. The company's purpose fo
The lawsuits are not an afterthought. It is Righthaven’s business model. The company's purpose fo
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Internet Attorney: The eBook you should avoid
Using Amazon’s ‘Kindle for PC’ freebie app, I read eBooks while walking on my treadmill desk at home in the mornings before starting work as an Internet attorney. Unfortunately, eBooks are killing many Internet businesses before they get off the ground.
Here’s why…
There’s a myth that you can become successful online by writing and marketing an eBook. Writers spend months filling
Here’s why…
There’s a myth that you can become successful online by writing and marketing an eBook. Writers spend months filling
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Web Lawyer: The Internet Puffery Mistake
There’s a woman who lives near me who will be going to federal prison soon for up to 3 years. She pled guilty in order to avoid spending more time in the pokey. As a Web lawyer, I didn’t represent her.
Her mistake?
Lying to the government about how much money she earned.
In addition to the Federal Trade Commission, Internet entrepreneurs have to worry about dealing with the IRS when m
Her mistake?
Lying to the government about how much money she earned.
In addition to the Federal Trade Commission, Internet entrepreneurs have to worry about dealing with the IRS when m
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Web Lawyer: Are you looking for a fake guarantee?
One of the most common questions I get asked as a Web lawyer these days from Internet business owners is “How can I guarantee that I won’t get sued?”
The sad fact of the matter is that you really can’t…and anyone (Web lawyer or not) who claims that they can sell you such a guarantee is lying to you out of greed or ignorance.
Here’s why…
You can reduce your legal risks by
The sad fact of the matter is that you really can’t…and anyone (Web lawyer or not) who claims that they can sell you such a guarantee is lying to you out of greed or ignorance.
Here’s why…
You can reduce your legal risks by
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Internet Lawyer: An Internet cartel of your own?
The blogosphere is buzzing about how some big Internet marketers allegedly conspire to coordinate their product launches, rig prices, and hurt their competition in the process. As an Internet lawyer and entrepreneur, I'm not surprised.
From a criminal standpoint, there’s a presumption of innocence. From a civil legal standpoint, neither a government agency nor a private civil suit has determi
From a criminal standpoint, there’s a presumption of innocence. From a civil legal standpoint, neither a government agency nor a private civil suit has determi
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Web Lawyer: Should you pay a business privilege tax on your blog?
The City of Philadelphia is chasing down local bloggers and telling them they have to (1) fork over 300 bucks for a business privilege license plus (2) pay back taxes on their earnings. And if they can’t afford that lifetime license fee, they’re supposed to spend 50 bucks every year that they operate their blogs.
Many of the bloggers have made little or no money and consider their blogs to
Many of the bloggers have made little or no money and consider their blogs to
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Internet Marketer Murders Wife
Internet marketer Ellery Bennett tried to get rich online. When the house of cards collapsed, he murdered his wife (Lisa Bennett). There's a 10-year-old daughter who no longer has a mother and whose father will be heading to prison for a very long time. That's a hell of a price to pay.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUoca4hCOTw[/youtube]
What went wrong?
Did Bennett not give it his t
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUoca4hCOTw[/youtube]
What went wrong?
Did Bennett not give it his t
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Website Attorney: Guru Investment Shell Games
Right now, as a Website attorney, I’m seeing three common types of Internet securities fraud con games promising you success as an Internet business owner through investment. They’ve become popular because even newbie marketers are not buying the hype surrounding $2,000 info products and live seminars for 500 to a thousand bucks (plus flight and hotel).
Scam #1 is “Be My Partner.”
Th
Scam #1 is “Be My Partner.”
Th
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Web Lawyer: The mad as a hatter email mistake
I received an email message from an Internet marketing guru with the following subject line: “... Why I'm mad at you Mike (Open NOW!).” As a Web lawyer and online entrepreneur, I just knew this was a deceptive email even without opening it.
Why was Mr. Guru “mad?”
I had ‘missed’ his webinar. In fact, I had never registered for it. Because of this ‘failure’ on my part, I was a
Why was Mr. Guru “mad?”
I had ‘missed’ his webinar. In fact, I had never registered for it. Because of this ‘failure’ on my part, I was a
Monday, August 16, 2010
Cattle Call
They have finished excluding prospective jurors with valid exemptions. Being an Internet lawyer does not qualify as an exemption.
Under Texas law, I could have claimed an exemption for taking care of my kid. However, he will make it to football practice without me holding his hand.
There is always a shortage of jurors. Although it is far more profitable to bill my time this morning as an Inter
Under Texas law, I could have claimed an exemption for taking care of my kid. However, he will make it to football practice without me holding his hand.
There is always a shortage of jurors. Although it is far more profitable to bill my time this morning as an Inter
Jury Duty
Even an Internet attorney can get summoned for jury duty. This morning should be fun because I will get questioned like any other potential juror.
However, it is unlikely I will get picked (never have). They tend to not want an Internet attorney, or any other lawyer for that matter, on a jury because of the ability to sway the jury to a particular decision. The joys of the justice system.
To y
However, it is unlikely I will get picked (never have). They tend to not want an Internet attorney, or any other lawyer for that matter, on a jury because of the ability to sway the jury to a particular decision. The joys of the justice system.
To y
Friday, August 13, 2010
Internet Attorney Imposter
As an Internet attorney, I usually find imitation to a be a sincere form of flattery...but not in this case. We've gone from imitation to a bad impersonation.
Let me explain.
One of my newsletter subscribers received the following email and forwarded it to me (thanks Eric!)
To: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: Attention: This is an important Message , Get Back To Me Please
From: xxxxx@michaelyoungas
Let me explain.
One of my newsletter subscribers received the following email and forwarded it to me (thanks Eric!)
To: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: Attention: This is an important Message , Get Back To Me Please
From: xxxxx@michaelyoungas
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Website Attorney: The sharpest pencil in the box
Seems these days nearly everyone online is trying their hand at “hot” markets of dating, biz opp and health.
Of course, crowded markets lead to false and deceptive claims because desperate Internet marketers seek a competitive advantage. And that’s the type of thing the Federal Trade Commission cracks down on today. This makes a Website attorney happy for billing purposes but leaves many
Of course, crowded markets lead to false and deceptive claims because desperate Internet marketers seek a competitive advantage. And that’s the type of thing the Federal Trade Commission cracks down on today. This makes a Website attorney happy for billing purposes but leaves many
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Website Attorney: The deadly mistake of collecting scalps
There’s a networking “guru” who hangs out with the Internet marketing crowd and name drops all of the celebrities and other gurus he knows.
If you see him in action, he’s mastered the superficial smoothness of “connecting” with people he meets. As a Website attorney, I run into him at events and feel like washing my hands immediately after each encounter.
Why?
When you look cl
If you see him in action, he’s mastered the superficial smoothness of “connecting” with people he meets. As a Website attorney, I run into him at events and feel like washing my hands immediately after each encounter.
Why?
When you look cl
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Does U.S. Internet law apply overseas?
There’s a myth out there that one can do whatever you please online and get away with it if your business is not based in the United States.
Although there are international con artists who set up multiple scams off shore and keep one step ahead of the law, many get caught and pay the price. As an Internet lawyer, I see these cases all of the time.
For example, there’s a 26-year-old guy
Although there are international con artists who set up multiple scams off shore and keep one step ahead of the law, many get caught and pay the price. As an Internet lawyer, I see these cases all of the time.
For example, there’s a 26-year-old guy
Monday, August 9, 2010
Web Lawyer: The Situational Expert Mistake
There's an Internet marketing guru who sold a product for driving traffic to your website using paid advertising. To promote this product, he trashed free organic traffic from search engine optimization (SEO). He claimed to not be an SEO expert and to have been burned 3 times by people who claimed to be one.
Unfortunately, the guru turned around and created a new product for driving traffic thr
Unfortunately, the guru turned around and created a new product for driving traffic thr
Friday, August 6, 2010
Internet Attorney: How to Create Content that Doesn't Violate Copyright Law
As an Internet attorney, I get asked all the time about online copyright laws and infringement.
Here's a key to keeping yourself out of legal hot water when writing content based upon stuff you found on the Internet.
Facts and ideas are not protected by copyright law, just the particular way they are expressed.
How can you (or your content writers) take advantage of this fact?
Pick con
Here's a key to keeping yourself out of legal hot water when writing content based upon stuff you found on the Internet.
Facts and ideas are not protected by copyright law, just the particular way they are expressed.
How can you (or your content writers) take advantage of this fact?
Pick con
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Web Lawyer: Morrie’s doodling lesson for your business
Morrie Yohai just passed away at age 90. He invented Cheez Doodles.
Here’s a key lesson to learn from Morrie.
He didn’t create Cheez Doodles from scratch. Instead, he took an existing successful product (rippled corn chips) and modified it.
As your Web lawyer will tell you, you don’t have to invent something from scratch. More often than not, improving upon an existing product or se
Here’s a key lesson to learn from Morrie.
He didn’t create Cheez Doodles from scratch. Instead, he took an existing successful product (rippled corn chips) and modified it.
As your Web lawyer will tell you, you don’t have to invent something from scratch. More often than not, improving upon an existing product or se
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Will tech support become your competitor?
There’s a woman who recently had tech support for her computer steal private photos and post them on the Internet. Let’s just say the woman wasn’t wearing clothes in the photos and she’s not too happy about the situation.
So much for privacy. Even an Internet lawyer is going to have a tough time putting this genie back in the bottle.
But what about your business plans and other confi
So much for privacy. Even an Internet lawyer is going to have a tough time putting this genie back in the bottle.
But what about your business plans and other confi
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Website Attorney: Guru Sits in Prison
Kent “Doctor Dino” Hovind is a religious “guru” who once offered $250,000 on his website for anyone who could disprove his nutty beliefs. You don’t have to be a Website attorney to be turned off by this type of shenanigans.
At the same time, Hovind claimed poverty despite raking in millions from his followers. The IRS didn’t agree…and now Dr. Dino is serving 10 years in a federal
At the same time, Hovind claimed poverty despite raking in millions from his followers. The IRS didn’t agree…and now Dr. Dino is serving 10 years in a federal
Monday, August 2, 2010
Website Attorney: Guru Sits in Prison
Kent “Doctor Dino” Hovind is a religious “guru” who once offered $250,000 on his website for anyone who could disprove his nutty beliefs. You don’t have to be a Website attorney to be turned off by this type of shenanigans.
At the same time, Hovind claimed poverty despite raking in millions from his followers. The IRS didn’t agree…and now Dr. Dino is serving 10 years in a federal prison for tax evasion.
For the morbidly curious, Dr. Dino’s son is carrying on “God’s work
At the same time, Hovind claimed poverty despite raking in millions from his followers. The IRS didn’t agree…and now Dr. Dino is serving 10 years in a federal prison for tax evasion.
For the morbidly curious, Dr. Dino’s son is carrying on “God’s work
Monday, July 26, 2010
Internet Attorney: The Secret Napoleon Hill Stole From Long John Silver
He sat next to me in First Class. We didn't talk much (didn't even introduce myself as an Internet attorney) but everything about him said "success." This included the watch he wore on his left wrist, a model that cost more than some cars.
On the side of the watch was engraved a single word: "Invictus."
The Latin word for "unconquered." it brought to mind the secret to success found within the poem by that name written by an English poet.
I'm not a big fan of poetry but make an exceptio
On the side of the watch was engraved a single word: "Invictus."
The Latin word for "unconquered." it brought to mind the secret to success found within the poem by that name written by an English poet.
I'm not a big fan of poetry but make an exceptio
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Website Attorney: Are you hiding 18 monkeys in your business?
There’s a guy who just got busted at the Mexico City airport trying to smuggle into the country 18 monkey he had stuffed into socks and wrapped around his waist. Unfortunately, 2 of the monkeys were already dead before they caught the jerk.
Why did he do it?
Greed. There’s a huge black market of people who are willing to pay a lot to keep them as pets.
Unfortunately, as a Website attorney, I see greedy Internet marketers who continue to hide forced continuity programs in a way that
Why did he do it?
Greed. There’s a huge black market of people who are willing to pay a lot to keep them as pets.
Unfortunately, as a Website attorney, I see greedy Internet marketers who continue to hide forced continuity programs in a way that
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Web Lawyer: If 73,000 blogs fall in cyberspace, do they make a sound?
Blogetry.com was a place you could set up a blog for free.
Unfortunately, for 73,000 bloggers, that “free” disappeared on July 9 when Blogetry’s web host closed every blog. The reason? Although the details are still murky, it seems that the U.S. government stepped in and forced the closure.
As both a blogger and a Web lawyer, I find it scary to think of the government shutting down so many blogs at once. Some believe the shutdown was because some blogs were illegally sharing copyrigh
Unfortunately, for 73,000 bloggers, that “free” disappeared on July 9 when Blogetry’s web host closed every blog. The reason? Although the details are still murky, it seems that the U.S. government stepped in and forced the closure.
As both a blogger and a Web lawyer, I find it scary to think of the government shutting down so many blogs at once. Some believe the shutdown was because some blogs were illegally sharing copyrigh
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Website Attorney: Are you painting the Mona Lisa in your business?
As a Website attorney, I come across thousands of online marketers every year…and many are flat broke because they’re trying to paint the Mona Lisa.
When Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, he took four years to do it. It took so long because the technique he used required up to 30 separate layers of paint in order to create a particular look with the illusion of depth…an old school version of 3D.
Mona Lisa marketers let perfection become the enemy of the good. In other words, t
When Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, he took four years to do it. It took so long because the technique he used required up to 30 separate layers of paint in order to create a particular look with the illusion of depth…an old school version of 3D.
Mona Lisa marketers let perfection become the enemy of the good. In other words, t
Monday, July 19, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Jinky and the Frozen Fischer
Chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer was a weird duck until he kicked the bucket two years ago and was buried in Iceland. But they just dug Fischer's frozen corpse up for DNA testing. Even to an Internet lawyer like me, that's just damn strange.
Why the DNA test?
There's a Filipino woman who claims that Fischer engaged in some hanky panky with her and now there's a daughter named Jinky.
Because Fischer didn't leave a will, Jinky stands to inherit his estate if the DNA tests prove Fischer was
Why the DNA test?
There's a Filipino woman who claims that Fischer engaged in some hanky panky with her and now there's a daughter named Jinky.
Because Fischer didn't leave a will, Jinky stands to inherit his estate if the DNA tests prove Fischer was
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Internet Lawyer: My Email Cash Project - Is Jamie Johnson Running a Scam?
As an Internet lawyer, I'm on all types of e-mail lists. Here's one of the bad ones. An Internet marketing guru who has recently fallen on hard times sent an e-mail to his list promoting Jamie Johnson's "My Email Cash Project." These types of promotions make me skeptical because they claim thousands are earning money online by sending e-mails to others but without owning a list. This begs the question: How do you send unsolicited commercial e-mails (spam) based on a claimed "loophole" in the law
Website Attorney: Federal Trade Commission Site Compliance Scams
Yes, many Internet marketers should be scared about the way they do business now because the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has new guidelines going into effect on December 1, 2009 concerning endorsements and testimonials. There are even some online marketers going into retirement or moving their businesses offshore hoping to escape the FTC's wrath. That's my take as a Website attorney if the FTC enforces the new guidelines.
If you're doing nothing in response to the FTC new guidelines,
If you're doing nothing in response to the FTC new guidelines,
Friday, July 16, 2010
Website Attorney: Group Think - Why Some Gurus Break Internet Laws
If you want to know why some Internet info product marketers break the law and think they can get away with it, take a look at the Eight Symptoms of Group Think. As a Website attorney, believe these 8 symptoms cover most situations.
1. Illusion of Invulnerability. The marketers take unnecessary risks because they've never been caught by the government or sued. Combined with the ego stroking of having cult-type followers, there's a sense that nothing can touch them even when they break Inter
1. Illusion of Invulnerability. The marketers take unnecessary risks because they've never been caught by the government or sued. Combined with the ego stroking of having cult-type followers, there's a sense that nothing can touch them even when they break Inter
Internet Attorney: 3 Ways You Can Fail Online
Had an email the other day asking me in my experience as an Internet attorney if I was able to identify systems that actually worked to make money online. Part of my response included three surefire ways to fail with an Internet business.
Mistake #1. Trying to sell "how to get rich" business opportunities. There are too many scam artists fishing this same pond plus the government is cracking down on false claims. Even those who have a proven system became successful in some other niche before
Mistake #1. Trying to sell "how to get rich" business opportunities. There are too many scam artists fishing this same pond plus the government is cracking down on false claims. Even those who have a proven system became successful in some other niche before
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Dead Tree Deception
Although an Internet lawyer, I’m a bit old-fashioned because I like to read the dead tree (print) edition of the Wall Street Journal in the morning while having a cup of coffee.
So I wasn’t surprised as a subscriber to get an “Urgent Account Status” notice in the mail today. I figured that the subscription must be coming up for renewal.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. The “urgent” problem was a cross-sell pitch for the online edition of the newspaper.
In addition, the
So I wasn’t surprised as a subscriber to get an “Urgent Account Status” notice in the mail today. I figured that the subscription must be coming up for renewal.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. The “urgent” problem was a cross-sell pitch for the online edition of the newspaper.
In addition, the
Internet Lawyer: Dead Tree Deception
Although an Internet lawyer, I’m a bit old-fashioned because I like to read the dead tree (print) edition of the Wall Street Journal in the morning while having a cup of coffee.
So I wasn’t surprised as a subscriber to get an “Urgent Account Status” notice in the mail today. I figured that the subscription must be coming up for renewal.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. The “urgent” problem was a cross-sell pitch for the online edition of the newspaper.
In addition, the
So I wasn’t surprised as a subscriber to get an “Urgent Account Status” notice in the mail today. I figured that the subscription must be coming up for renewal.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. The “urgent” problem was a cross-sell pitch for the online edition of the newspaper.
In addition, the
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Are You a Freelancer?
As an Internet lawyer, it is a shame to see consultants, website designers, software programmers, copywriters, graphics artists, and many other freelancers get hurt because of common mistakes that could be easily avoided.
Let’s face it.
When you contract your services as work-for-hire, you’re taking on risks as an entrepreneur that employees will never face.
To help you reduce these risks, I’ve created a complimentary special report called “11 Expensive Errors Freelancers Make.�
Let’s face it.
When you contract your services as work-for-hire, you’re taking on risks as an entrepreneur that employees will never face.
To help you reduce these risks, I’ve created a complimentary special report called “11 Expensive Errors Freelancers Make.�
Monday, July 12, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Business Lesson from Hippie John Lennon
I confess. I'm an Internet lawyer who loves rock and roll. But I don't really care for the Beatles as a music group. And every time I hear John Lennon's "Imagine" come on the radio, I switch stations immediately.
Yet you can always learn something if you look...even from a stoned hippie musician.
One day, Lennon said, "I'm going to write myself a pool."
Think about that for a moment. Write a pool? What Lennon meant was that he was going to write a song that would generate enough bucks t
Yet you can always learn something if you look...even from a stoned hippie musician.
One day, Lennon said, "I'm going to write myself a pool."
Think about that for a moment. Write a pool? What Lennon meant was that he was going to write a song that would generate enough bucks t
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Internet Lawyer: Federal Trade Commission Nails Kiwi Living in Australia
As an Internet lawyer, one of the saddest Internet urban legends I hear is that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission only goes after people who live in the United States. That is false.
Here's an example.
The FTC got a court order last year for $15 million against a New Zealand citizen (Kiwi) living in Australia.
Oh yeah...his U.S. business partner will forfeit $800,000 in assets and faces time in jail too.
Although this case involved spammers, the point I'm making is that the Federal T
Here's an example.
The FTC got a court order last year for $15 million against a New Zealand citizen (Kiwi) living in Australia.
Oh yeah...his U.S. business partner will forfeit $800,000 in assets and faces time in jail too.
Although this case involved spammers, the point I'm making is that the Federal T
Friday, July 9, 2010
Internet Attorney: Beware of the psychic octopus in your business
There’s a German zoo that has a psychic octopus.
The octopus correctly predicts the winners of World Cup games, including the results of every game played by the German national team. And people are gambling based on these predictions.
Ridiculous? Absolutely.
As an Internet attorney, I see Internet marketers employing the same absurd concepts to their businesses. Instead of betting on an octopus’ predictions, they believe the unproven claims of a ‘guru’ on how to succeed.
Pro
The octopus correctly predicts the winners of World Cup games, including the results of every game played by the German national team. And people are gambling based on these predictions.
Ridiculous? Absolutely.
As an Internet attorney, I see Internet marketers employing the same absurd concepts to their businesses. Instead of betting on an octopus’ predictions, they believe the unproven claims of a ‘guru’ on how to succeed.
Pro
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Internet Attorney: Saying FU to the Judge
Imagine you got in trouble with the law but were given probation if you went through counseling.
Would you take advantage of the counseling as a second chance or ditch it because you’re smarter than the judge who cut you
some slack? Lindsay Lohan made the second choice, then showed up in court with “f**k u” painted on her middle finger of a hand that she
kept pointing at the judge.
The payoff? 90 days in jail for the supertramp. You don't have to be an Internet attorney to understa
Would you take advantage of the counseling as a second chance or ditch it because you’re smarter than the judge who cut you
some slack? Lindsay Lohan made the second choice, then showed up in court with “f**k u” painted on her middle finger of a hand that she
kept pointing at the judge.
The payoff? 90 days in jail for the supertramp. You don't have to be an Internet attorney to understa
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