James L. Paris's Blog, page 213
May 27, 2015
Get Dad A GoPro HERO For Just Over $100
Well, you probably know that the GoPro is one of the hottest gifts you can give anyone these days. It is one of those 'must have' gadgets, but it will cost you an arm and a leg (the current generation of the GoPro goes for right at $400). One way to get a GoPro without going broke is to buy an earlier generation model.
I have seen people use these cameras for everything from recording under water, mounting to a surf board, even strapping on their chest while sparring at the Taekwondo school. I use mine to record bike and motorcycle rides. The quality is phenomenal, and making videos like this is a lot of fun.
As is the case with most gadgets, people get excited and buy them and then end up hardly using them. As a result, there is currently a glut of older models in very good condition available for sale at Amazon. Prices for early generation in new condition are about $129 and those in used condition are as low as $113. Take your time to read the descriptions, as some are even new in the original box. Finding used items on Amazon is not always easy, so here is a direct link to the page - Used And Discounted GoPros. Of course, buying through Amazon also gives you the ability to return the item if you are not happy with it.
Helping you make the most of God's Money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
May 26, 2015
How To Make Money And Get Free Stuff From Amazon.com
Note: The Amazon Associates opportunity is currently not available to residents of Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Rhode Island, or Vermont.
If you are a regular reader, you are no doubt aware that I have been involved in the world of Internet marketing for several years now. In the beginning, I was utilizing these Internet money-making concepts for the purpose of earning a living from this blog and my website (ChristianMoney.com). In hindsight now, I am realizing that a mistake I have made is not taking more full advantage of the Amazon Associates affiliate program. Yes, I have taught on this opportunity repeatedly in my workshops, but honestly tended to position it a lot lower on the ladder than it deserved.
Why Amazon Associates May Be The Absolute Best Online Business
For those not familiar with the program, you can get more details at the Amazon Associates site. In a nutshell, Amazon will pay you a percentage of any sales you refer to them. For example, you can simply join the program for free and then start sharing links of items you recommend. You can do this through e mail, your own blog or website, or even through your social media account such as Facebook. The referral fees start at 4% but can be as high as 10% (based on your volume and the particular product category). Commissions are paid out as an Amazon gift card or good old U.S. cash through a direct bank deposit.
If you have never participated in an affiliate opportunity, you may not know that the retailer (in this case Amazon) handles everything for you. You don't have to deal with customer service, refunds, shipping, returns, sales tax, etc... This is why this truly can be an amazing part time or even full time business opportunity.
Where I Missed The Boat
Over the years I considered Amazon Associates to be viable, but not something that I believed could represent a major portion of my income. Why? Based on the commission schedule, I was not convinced that I could generate enough volume for this to represent a significant income stream. What I missed in this entire calculation was the Amazon 24 Hour Cookie.
In recent months as I have begun promoting Amazon product links more frequently on my website and blog, I noticed something weird happening. As I logged into my account dashboard I saw dozens of purchases I was receiving commission credit for that I never promoted. I was getting paid on all of these purchases but I had to scratch my head wondering why. I knew that there was some kind of arrangement where Amazon would pay out on other purchases when one of my links were clicked, but I was pretty fuzzy on the details of how that worked.
The Amazon 24 Hour Cookie
When someone clicks on one of my product links it places a small file on their computer (known as a cookie). Of course, Amazon will pay me my percentage if that particular item is purchased, but there is a much bigger opportunity here as well. Amazon will also pay me on any other purchase that this person makes within a 24 hour period. Once I really understood this it was a complete game changer for me. In fact, it does not even matter if the item I am promoting is actually purchased or not! The key is simply getting my link clicked on and then I make my percentage on everything that this person buys over the next 24 hours on Amazon.
Why The 24 Hour Window Is So Valuable
Almost everyone these days buys from Amazon. In my own case, I buy everything from groceries to books to computers... Amazon is great at selling you once you get on their website with all of those product recommendations (are they reading my mind?). Whether it is the great prices, the legendary customer service and return policies, or the free shipping program, it is hard to resist buying something when you are browsing their site. The more people you send to Amazon the more chances you have to make money. So, imagine recommending a book or movie with a link you post on Facebook and getting the commission on a $500 computer purchase. Well, it happens to me all of the time. In fact, there are strategic times during the year that this works especially well. Of course, during the Christmas shopping season, but also around Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Father's Day, and graduation season (just to name a few).
How You Can Get Started Today
The best book I have read on this topic is How To Make Money As An Amazon Associate by Chris Guthrie. Another training I really like is the Amazon Niche Site Formula. What is unique about this program is that it teaches you how to set up so called niche websites. They will even set up your first website for you with a membership to their training program. There are some really amazing things you can do if you set up a website dedicated to a particular niche product category (e.g. Christian books, exercise equipment, nutritional supplements, etc...). Now, on this subject, there is one other program worth taking a look at. Chris Guthrie has a Wordpress Plug-In called Easy Azon. You will see that the plug-in really takes the idea of building a website filled with Amazon products to a new level. Lastly, I want to mention my own online training program. Guthrie also has a free online training on getting started with Amazon Associates. If you want to learn general Internet marketing and how to build Wordpress sites, consider tapping into my library of 500 videos and my unlimited support and coaching. Another way to set up your own Amazon online store is with Associate-O-Matic.
Examples Of How You Might Approach This
You can simply post links to products you recommend on your Facebook and other social media. Some people start blogs where they write product reviews and include their Amazon links there. In other cases, some will start websites focusing on a particular product niche. For example, I have seen many Christians start Christian online bookstores, while others start websites based on a hobby. There is no 'one size fits' all way to work with Amazon Associates. You can go as far as your imagination will take you.
Retiring On Amazon Income
You might laugh, but part of my retirement plan is to live partially on income from the Amazon Associates program. Many of the webpages and blog articles I have created will continue to generate income for years to come. Yes, the work you do once can pay you over and over again using many of these linking strategies. You might even laugh more when I tell you that my Internet income is even planned out in my Will and Trust (yes, it even continues after I go on to my eternal reward).
*** One important note: When you recommend something online, you should always disclose to your friends and followers that you are earning money from your link (FTC rules click here). See my own disclosure in the right hand sidebar of this blog. Even if this was not required, I think it is the right thing to do as a Christian anyway.
Helping you make the most of God's Money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
May 25, 2015
Richard Shaw - The Torah Codes
Filmmaker Richard Shaw joins Jim Paris Live to discuss his new film, The Torah Codes. Are there hidden messages embedded in the text of the first five books of the Bible? What do these messages say about President Barack Obama, the September 11th attacks, Osama Bin Laden, and world events? Do these coded messages give us any clues as to coming prophetic events? Do the Torah Codes predict the timeframe of the return of Christ?
Guilty Pleas Prove The Financial Markets Are Rigged
In this episode Jim discusses the criminal charges against five major banks for rigging the currency markets. Bitcoin now officially listed as a currency on Google Finance. Cleveland Police arrest 71 people in riots over police shooting. Vandals hit California dam resulting in the loss of 49 million gallons of water. Are chipped credit cards really stopping credit card theft? How bankruptcy trustees are using clawbacks to sue colleges for tuition paid by the recently bankrupt, and Ripple Labs receives $28 million in funding.
May 23, 2015
Free Tablet Computer For New E-Book Students!
Not long ago, Jim Paris and Bob Yetman had the opportunity to co-host a special video training addition to the James L. Paris Online Publishing Course, called The Shortcut Publishing Method: From Idea to Amazon in 2 Weeks! The purpose behind the creation of the material was to help those people who just ���know��� they have a book inside of them���to see, in detail, just how easy it can be to bring their thoughts into published book form in a short period of time.
While the technical aspects of how to produce an ebook for sale at Amazon are certainly part of learning to become an ebook author (the course also covers how to get started as a physical book author at Amazon), those things, as daunting as they may seem, are among the easiest of elements to negotiate; more difficult to overcome, typically, are the mental and emotional barriers that so often plague writers, particularly at the outset of a project. It is precisely for the purpose of helping budding writers to knock down those barriers that The Shortcut Publishing Method was added to the course video offerings.
Look at a blog piece written some months back by author Nathan Bransford, and when you do, focus even more on the comments than on the article itself (which is very brief). Regarding what these people have to say about their biggest writing obstacles: Do they sound like something you might say?
The James L. Paris Online Publishing Course, while containing valuable information for writers of just about any experience level, was specifically designed with the newer writer in mind, that person who will, more often, find himself (or herself) hampered by misgivings, tendencies to procrastinate, etc. The course addresses the details of how to get started writing in an online format, which has come to predominate as a writing platform, as well as provides unlimited, email-based Q&A assistance on behalf of a wide variety of topics and issues���from the technical aspects associated with creating an online publication, to providing a ���second opinion��� on manuscript drafts, and just about anything else. Course architects Jim Paris and Bob Yetman have together written a substantial number of books and been published in multiple formats over the course of the past two-plus decades, and, in addition to their work as self-published, digitally-based authors, have been ���traditionally��� published by some of the world���s best-known houses, including Adams Media and John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
But Wait���There���s More!
For the next few days, we���re going to ���sweeten the pot��� just a bit for those thinking about joining us: Until midnight, May 25, each new enrollee in either of the course���s two premium membership levels, Gold and Platinum, will receive, as a free bonus, an Amazon Fire HD 6 tablet!
Why give away a tablet? Because part of becoming a successful writer is reading the work of others, and we want you to be able to do that in style! That said, the Fire HD 6 is much more than an e-reader; it is a stand-alone, fully-functioning tablet on which you can browse the web at great speed, watch countless numbers of movies, take pictures, and do much, much more!
As it stands, the James L. Paris Online Publishing Course provides a wealth of information and assistance to the person seeking to get started in digitally-based publishing, but, this weekend, we���re taking things a step���a big step���further with the inclusion of this amazing tablet bonus offer. What a great way to begin your journey into the wonderful world of ebooks and ebook writing!
May 22, 2015
How To Buy Bitcoin Through A Stockbroker
On this episode of the ChristianMoneyPlus member podcast Jim Paris and Bob Yetman discuss the money saving benefits of babysitting co-ops, the reality that many older Americans are entering retirement with significant education debt, how to buy Bitcoin through a stockbroker and even in your IRA, and is it now tougher to get a job as you get older? Go To Podcast
Helping you make the most of God's money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
May 20, 2015
Michael Savage Countdown To Mecca - Banned?
Full and fair disclosure, I absolutely love Michael Savage. Vintage Savage - his intro warns listeners that the show contains 'psychological nudity.' I remember when I first started listening several years ago and my children (young at the time) were in the car with me and asked how a radio show could have nudity. They are all young adults now, but we still bring that story up for a laugh at family gatherings.
I have had my fill of talk show hosts that are no more than PR operatives for the Republican Party. You also have to admire the fact that his views are considered so dangerous that he has been banned from the United Kingdom. I have become completely convinced in recent years that the whole Democrat-Republican thing is just as staged as professional wrestling. These guys are quietly whispering to each other, "make this look good for C-Span" as they engage in their faux smack-downs on Capitol Hill. Savage is the only guy pointing out that they are almost all sell-outs, concerned more about their own re-election than representing the people.
Michael Savage The Author
Savage has been lamenting on his show in recent days that listeners are unable to find his new book in local bookstores. He has also been upset about not making it to the New York Times and other bestseller lists this first week. The latest book, Countdown To Mecca, has an overall sales rank of 1,078 on Amazon (as of this afternoon). I don't want to claim a conspiracy, but with the millions that listen to Savage, this poor of a sales rank is a bit hard to believe (meaning 1,077 books are ahead of Countdown To Mecca in sales the week of its debut). I have not read the book, but I am sure it registers very high on the politically incorrect scale (the likely reason it seems to have been pushed aside by industry insiders).
New York Times Bestsellers List
In my view, the various bestsellers lists are obsolete. In fact, if you do fifteen minutes of research into how these lists are compiled, you will quickly learn that they are mostly rigged. There are so many ways to game the system, that there are consulting firms that claim they can guarantee your inclusion on one of these lists for a fee. As an author of more than thirty books myself, I give no credence to these lists anymore.
How Savage Can Start A Revolution In The Publishing Industry
I am convinced that Savage has more listeners than any other radio talk show host in America today. Just as the bestseller lists are rigged, so are radio ratings for the most part. Savage's show is consistently number one on Talkstream Live and other Internet radio platforms. In my view, this is a more accurate poll of the people than relying on third party rating services.
My advice to Savage is to take your book marketing directly to your listeners. Forget about the bookstores and the bestseller lists. Amazon has a referral system called Amazon Associates. Individuals can join for free and earn a percentage every time someone clicks on their link and purchases something on the site. Savage could easily assemble an army of 50,000 or more supporters that could be promoting his book online and getting paid to do so. Even if they did nothing more than post links on their personal Facebook pages, the results would be breathtaking.
The wave of book sales this would create could not be ignored by Amazon, The New York Times, or anyone else for that matter. What's more, every sale referred by a Savage listener to Amazon would trigger a referral bonus to them. A more evil plot than even Simon Bar Sinister could hatch...
The Magic 24 Hour Amazon Cookie
One overlooked part of the Amazon Associates program is the 24 hour cookie (a small file that your browser stores when you visit their website). After clicking on an Amazon referral link, anything purchased by that customer (on Amazon) for the following 24 hours also activates additional referral bonuses. This means that Savage's followers would not just cash in with earnings promoting his latest book, but also on any other incidental Amazon purchases made.
Unconventional Is Synonomous With Michael Savage
An open letter to Michael Savage -
Dear Dr. Savage,
Like it or not, you will never be the belle of the ball. In fact, if you were, most of us would no longer listen. You are hated by the left and the right, and there is no space for you on the bookshelves of America's dwindling bookstores. Even though you are America's top rated talk show host, you have been ostensibly banned by the good old boys. Now is your chance to turn the publishing industry on its head, just as you have done with radio. There is no pat on the back coming from the country club boys for your latest tome, so don't bother waiting for that. Take your marketing directly to the people. You have more than a JV army waiting to back you.
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
May 18, 2015
Top Ten Items You Need In Your Survival Kit
When it comes to putting together a survival kit for your home or car, it is amazing what you can do with a limited budget. Here is our list of top ten survival products.
1. Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
Award-winning LifeStraw has been used by millions around the globe since 2005
Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (>LOG 6 reduction) and surpasses EPA standards for water filters
Removes minimum 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (>LOG 3 reduction) and filters to an amazing 0.2 microns
Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water WITHOUT iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals
Comes in a sealed bag, perfect for storing for emergencies
Magnesium Fire Starter
Ultra lightweight: 0.6 ounces
Size: 2 3/4-Inch long
3. Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit
Expanded inventory for longer trips, larger groups
Contains first aid components most commonly needed in the field
EZ Find System organizes components
Includes cold pack and razor blade
205 piece kit
9-IN-1 EMERGENCY MULTI TOOL SHOVEL
AXE
HATCHET
KNIFE HAMMER
SAW
CAN OPENER
BOTTLE OPENER
PERFECT FOR AREAS THAT ARE PRONE TO SEVERE WEATHER! - Put one in your home, one in your car and one in your emergency kit location. White LEDs give out bright light when power outages hit hard.
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! Why have tons of tools when you can combine them all into one? Simplify! Window breaker, seat belt cutter, cell phone charger, compass and red flasher - ALL IN ONE RECHARGEABLE HAND CRANK FLASHLIGHT!
DON'T RELY ON BATTERIES! This awesome rechargeable flashlight can charge your cell phone with the built in USB port and the built in lithium battery will never leave you in the dark.
6. Tang Tactical Hunting Knife
Heavy Duty Rambo Style Full Tang Sawback Design 440 Stainless Steel Blade Wood Grain Handle Nylon Sheath with Belt Loop Overall Length 15" inches Blade Length 8.5" inches.
Emergency Survival Fishing Kit
Water Resistant Storage Tin
Fits In Your Pocket
U.S. Government Issue
Assembled in the USA
8. Sunflair Mini Portable Oven
1 Portable Solar Oven from Alaska to Afghanistan! Use from sun-up to sundown.
Includes: 1 solar oven thermometer, 1 trivet, 1 collapsible silicone pot, and a handy stuff bag.
No assembly required. Easy to use. Sets up and stores in seconds.
Cook where open flames are not allowed. Possible to cook in some vehicles. (Cook Responsibly!)
Oven weighs only 8 oz! About the size of a 3-ring binder. Easily portable for Camping, Backpacking, Bug-out Bags, Emergencies, Science Projects, Crafts: candle-making, modeling clay
9. Kaito KA338W Emergency NOAA Hand Crank Emergency Radio
AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with USB Charger for Emergency Use, Dynamo Cranking
Solar Panel to run the radio under the direct sunlight
Hand crank rechargeable, no need for replaceing batteries or bulbs
USB Port for charging cellphones with USB connections.
10. Chef's Banquet All-purpose Readiness Kit 1 Month Food Storage Supply (330 Servings)
Each ARK contains the following: 330 Total Servings - 2,100 calories/day for 30 days
Delicious just-add-water mealsEasy to open zip-seal Metalite foil pouchesOxygen absorber in every pouchEasily Transportable
6 gallon bucketShelf Life - Up to 20 years - if stored in a dry, cool environment No High Fructose Corn-SyrupNet Weight: 23 lb 13 ozNo MSG
Helping you make the most of God's money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
Moon Mysteries And Conspiracies
Author Rob Shelsky joins Jim Paris to discuss a series of strange phoenomenon related to the moon. Why have we not returned to the moon in more than 40 years? Has man been warned not to come back? Is the moon too perfect to simply be a natural object in space? Why was the moon not used as a base for the International Space Station at a fraction of the cost? Is the moon hollow? Could it even be a spacecraft? What evidence in history suggests that the earth has not always had a moon?
Hillary Still Haunted By The Death Of Vince Foster
It is alleged that after the death of Vince Foster that Hillary Clinton may have removed documents and other items from his office. Two publications are reporting this week that new evidence is about to be released further implicating Hillary in a cover up. Al Sharpton's daughter sues New York City for $5 million dollars for a sprained ankle. Bitcoin trading on the stock market with an implied value of more than $400, how you can still buy it at a 40% discount. Russian court overturns ban on major Bitcoin sites.
