I like what you say. The last sentence summarizes it all.

Gmail is an online business tool, and there are dozens of things I can think of and tools you can use with Gmail to enhance your online business and you and others are probably not aware of these possibilities.

I would consider Facebook right up there wi/ gmail as being something that you could google, and original intent was not IM at all. But it is one of the most heavily used tool in Online Marketing to date. FB is making billions of $ off of IM advertisers and IMers are making billions off of FB users. I am learning something new about marketing with FB on a daily basis that I would love to share eventually with The community.

I would like to know now if my efforts to show people how to use Facebook for making money to this community will not be rewarded finacially, as it should be.? And, if my training for Facebook would be rewarded then why in the world is it any different then learning to use Gmail as a tool.?

I am constantly having to tell outsourced workers who help me, to switch to gmail when working for me and I have to show them why. If I did not, then they would never known all that gmail had to offer over the services they were using for general email .

As I said before, you don't know what you don't know. How do you search for something u don't know? Someone has to tell you what you don't know 1st, and it is people like Steph who are the best at providing excellent training in the finer nuances of IM.

Thank You NicheMe. Your point is well taken! All Steph was trying to do is to point out that some people may not know how to use this and therefore need a little help. We can't be expected to know everything and every other idea such as G-mail that may not be familiar to someone and they need help. That's what Steph does, by helping. She always Pays it Forward and she is not expecting to be compensated for all of the wonderful help she gives every day on WA! Thanks Steph you are an asset to the WA community. Keep smiling. Sharon:)

Hi Mark and Everyone!

I think that the site should include as much information as possible for the tools and sites that are out there that we may find useful for our efforts in online marketing, to include Google.

Successful affiliate marketing requires more than a web site that contains good content. If you have a wonderful site with SEO done properly and all the rest you learn about here, you will be way further along than the other 97% of people out there...

But this alone will not get you the traffic you want and need to ramp up your sales from affiliate products or services. At least not initially. Look at the competition there is for referring new people to WA for example...

Every member site having a post about WA could be wonderful, but reality is that there is competition for a limited number of referrals, so all things being equal, it is those that can generate traffic that will succeed all other things being equal.

Knowing how to use Google is important as it is a major social and tool platform, as well as its usefulness in getting traffic (i.e. through Hangouts, Google +, Analytics, etc.). The newcomer will not know how to navigate to these places likely...

And, Carrying This One Step Further...

In general, if there are tools or sites (such as Google) that help me do things faster, do things better, or get more traffic I am interested in knowing about them.

Over time I have gathered an untold amount of this information myself through research and looking for the best ways to be more effective at this business...

Because it is hard to look through a pile of notes (or notebooks in my case) to find these when I need them, I think it would be good if you could go to one place.

Why not have them here on WA, so we all can see for ourselves if they would be useful?

This is the very reason I have added a sidebar to place information on these things onto my main money site - I add to the list as I find them, and try to categorize them so others can find them easily.

Note this is a work in progress, and likely always will be. I have not completed this, I have a long ways to go, but as I find time (there is not much) I add to it...

The intent for me doing this is I want my site to become a valuable resource, as WA is...This provides ADDED value to my site visitor, and increases the chances they will stay longer and come back again...

On WA this too would be helpful?

We can pick up bits and pieces from posts here on WA as we read or catch them, but essentially a lot of useful references to sites and tools out there people add as they post gets buried...

I try to jot down the nuggets I find here (and there are many) or tag them so I can find them again if needed, but I get busy or forget at times, and these treasures may or may not be gone forever, depending on whether I come across them again...

How does this long post relate to the original question you ask?

The answer is that this kind of training (Google) and other training for the tools commonly used outside of what is offered here is indeed a relevant and useful training...

By not recognizing that this is legitimate training we are choosing not to look at the whole picture of what online marketing consists of. We risk not covering the online marketing puzzle if we leave out some of the pieces.

Google and all associated services, tools, and sites training may seem to the veterans as too simplistic to bother with, but believe me there are members here that would appreciate and use the training.

Overall such training will make that segment of the membership needing it a more effective online affiliate marketer...

That is what this site is all about?

Another Angle

Traffic is essential for conversions. Conversions translate into income for the affiliate marketer. Content is the number one way to generate traffic, but videos, infographics, website tools that help you capture the attention of visitors and keep them on your site are important too.

After getting set up and running I think traffiic needs to be your number two focus, with the number one being getting sales. So 80% of your time should focus on this, until you are making over a 6 figure income. Why do I say this?

This is a business, unless its not. In looking at the performance of the most successful marketers, this seems to be a common thread that applies to all of them. You need to work on getting traffic and sales, and of course leveraging what is out there to help you do that...

Any white hat method or tool you can use to increase traffic and sales should be fair game for inclusion in training on this site. The progression I think should include basic, advanced, and master levels (and for the most part this is the way classes are set up)...

I contend that a lot more ancillary training that would help the affiliate marketer could be included here on WA. These additional training offerings could be added to or updated as things on the internet or in the market change/are improved on...

Conclusion

Affiliate marketing does not live in a vacuum, things on the internet are changing all the time. If we do not keep our figurative ear to the ground, we may well find ourselves falling behind the competition in regards to effectiveness of our sites and more importantly, generating traffic and income...

So, I support the training in question being validated as pertinent (and paid for) to WA members (albeit applicable to a smaller segment of members here than say training on free picture sites)...

For those not wanting such training, there is a simple solution...Do not go to the training...

Just my 2 cents worth!

I think there is a difference between showing someone how to use their email properly and if there was internet marketing training specifically for how to use email for internet marketing (although you would use something like Aweber for email marketing, for example). If you created training for how to use Facebook specifically for internet marketing, then yes, that is relevant to WA. If you create training on how to create a new Facebook account, then no, that is too general.

Similarly, I have created training on how write great articles. Am I going to write training on how to use Microsoft Word? No. Too general.

It's about the topic of the training, rather than the tool itself. Always ask yourself the question: is this general, or is it actually internet marketing related?

But if someone becomes an Ambassador by helping people do standard computer tasks, does that really make sense within the Wealthy Affiliate community? Is this a computer skills community or is it an internet marketing community?

Bravo too! :)

Splitting hairs I would say...

As an Ambassador I would think you are not too high and mighty to deem yourself having too much worth to address any concern, from the grand picture all the way down to the level of addressing yes, even basic computer tasks...

Online marketing is by definition full of computer tasks, from mundane to the insane (ok that last was my input - sometimes getting things to work can drive you crazy!!)...I know I appreciate all the help here, lord knows I need it! : )

I agree about making sure you relate the training on the tool, site or process to affiliate marketing, as this is what the site is all about...But there are many tools such as Word that can be related and presented...For instance there is Twitter training here as well (also relates)...So I guess we agree, sort of?

Yes, it's a grey area in some ways. It's tricky to find where the line is. But ultimately, it is Kyle and Carson's decision as to where they want to put that line in terms of whether they pay people for training.

One of the building blocks that online affiliate marketing consists of is computer skills...This is fact, without them you can't do it...

So if we can't have training here that pertains to computer skills (now here we are getting into gray area) most of the classes go away, they involve computer skills...

This is not a site for teaching computer skills? I think a great deal of what this site does involves training us to use computer skills to create a platform from which you can garner affiliate sales...

If we delete/cut out this I guess we could change the marketing for the site to "Please sign up only if you have intermediate to advanced level computer skills, you won't get any help here, that's not what we do?"

Wonder what that change would do to new member sign ups?

Well, if you need it, David, that's fair enough. But the thing is, WA isn't all about you. Kyle and Carson make decisions based on what they think is best for the community as a whole. Surely most people who are drawn to internet marketing are pretty computer literate. There are of course going to be some exceptions, such as yourself.

But it's similar to how the training here is in English. Of course there are going to be some people here for whom English is not their first language. For those people, they would indeed benefit if there were English lessons here too. But Kyle and Carson aren't going to include that kind of training. It is assumed that people understand English well enough in order to understand the training. Similarly, it's assumed you know how to do standard computer tasks. If you don't, that's fair enough, but is it within the scope of WA to provide that training?

No it is not Marcus, you are right. It is about online business as you rightly said above. Some people were trying to start even some English classes here which I find really out of scope.

David, I understand that computer skills are the foundation of internet marketing. However, the kind of standard computer skills you need to benefit from WA are the kind of skills that can easily be learned elsewhere. I think that was Kyle's point in his reply to Steph. The example there was Gmail, and as Kyle pointed out, the information is already on Google's site. Again, as I said, if I had a problem using Gmail, I would search in Google and it would probably bring up Google's own information on the topic. I wouldn't even think to search on WA.

Of course, if someone notices a new feature of something like Gmail or has a handy tip, they can share it in a blog post here if they think people will benefit from it. Kyle's argument was that creating actual training from it is not necessary, and they aren't prepared to pay WA members to create training about things which can be easily learned for free elsewhere.

The reason for this is because otherwise the WA training may get full of people trying to make quick money by creating lots of training about simple things that can be learned for free elsewhere. Instead, it is better reward those who create really useful training specific to internet marketing. It increases the quality of the training here and keeps it more focused on internet marketing.

I understand where you are coming from Mark, but where do we draw the line? Should there be a test or a survey that potential members fill out before qualifying to sign up with WA?

Personally I just do not see the harm in expanding the focus here a bit to allow inclusion of more pieces of affiliate marketing world pie...Now as far as getting paid for it, that is another matter....

Kyle and Carson can and will do what they feel is right for the site. I am one, as you say, and cannot expect them cater to my thoughts or ideas...But obviously there is a segment of members here who also feel similarly to how I feel...

Now, to be honest, I am not completely illiterate or a newbie when it comes to using some tools, programs, or software...Fact is though, like me, many people here have had no experience with the different social platforms (or their relationship/usefulness in regards to affiliate marketing)...

What you are suggesting to me is another opportunity to cash in - make a lesson and sell it! That is not a bad thing I guess, but kinda takes away the one stop shop to become an affiliate marketer argument you can provide potential members...

Really I do understand your defense of the co-founders decision, and although I can understand, I can't agree. Agreeing to disagree is something though lol!

Cheers
Dave

Okay, well fair enough Dave. Perhaps we should just shake hands and agree that we have both made our points clear :-)

Haha :-)

LOL I like that....Two thumbs up!

Hi Marcus:

I respect your opinion and I really wish to thank you for taking your time to reply to this conversation. You have had much to say through this discussion and I appreciate that and respect your viewpoints.

In response to your comment "if I see training or blog posts about that in my notifications, and I'm not currently having a problem with it, I will ignore them." -- that is exactly what I believe each of us do. We only click on the training that we see as being beneficial to our learning.

But you need to respect that the level each of us are at in our learning is going to be different. My level of learning is different than yours for example. Your level of learning is going to be different than Sharon or David or any of the other members involved in this conversation.

Should we only cater to a select few people who are at a specific level and no longer advertise to the public that "anyone with no computer experience" can join WA?

As gently reminded in other comments by NicheMe, my "bigger issue" is that if there is already a system in place that calculates the training worth as judged by the community, is it ethical to say that the community no longer has a voice in the value of that training? That is my "big" question which many seem to have overlooked.

I want to end this comment by once again thanking you Marcus for your contributions to the discussion. You are a valued member of not only this discussion, but the community of WA.

Hi Lark (NicheMe):

I know I already sent you a PM thanking you for your support and continuous contribution to this conversation, but I wanted to openly expressive my gratitude. You obviously have much knowledge about GMail - more than I do, so I will definitely want to pick your brain on that and I am sure I am not alone in that. I hope that this discussion that I started will not deter you from someday creating a training here on WA.

Many thanks again. It is people like you who have a strong voice that will ultimately lead to making positive things happen.

Steph

You should have some kind of special talent to get to the top levels, be they computer, encouragement, writing, research or other.

San

Yes, I like the analogy about English training. As an English tutor, I could write grammar training, vocabulary training, etc. to "benefit" the members who struggle with English. But of what benefit is that to the majority?

This debate highlights the fine line that exists in many areas. What is deemed valuable info for one member is thought of as trivial to another.

The larger the community becomes, the tighter the regulations and governance of it becomes. This debate may cause Kyle to rethink things but if it doesn't, then let's all just get on with building our businesses and draw some encouragement from each other.

After all, everyone who has commented here has a valid viewpoint to which they are attached. Let's celebrate the freedom we have to express our views and let's all of us be open-minded enough to learn something from each other.

Thank you Steph. I understand what you are saying.

Nicely put Funky, thanks for your contribution.

absolutely.

Did you say '2 cents' - looks more like $200!!!! :-)

Thanks for the kind words.

When people who say topics like gmail not worth training classis on WA start to see the power of gmail in IM, they will be coming back and admit thy were wrong. I hope!

BTW You have my name as "LARD" can you change it to Lark? LOL I really am trying hard to remove the Lard in my life! Ha Ha.

I do tend to go long-winded huh? lol sorry 'bout that!

I do tend to go long-winded huh? lol sorry 'bout that!

It's OK David - I have similar problems when I get started!

You're just like me David. I tend to type mini novels too ;-)

Gmail is one of dozens of email servers out there. Does your wife know why Gmail is 1000 times better to use for IM than the other email services out there and How it is used for IM? See my comments below for clarification. Thanks.

Yes she does. She uses it daily. Her counseĺing website uses Gmail as one of her contact points. I guess since Kyle is all over the top ways to do IM, he would be aware of the role Gmail plays.
Another key factor we forget is that we don't all learn the same way. Some are very visual and need videos to grasp an idea, while some can learn the same thing by reading.
Kyle's training encompasses audio, visual and kinesthetic learning. No doubt he wants the training we create to be more than basic, something that will benefit people at all levels of online niche marketing.

You last paragraph is my point exactly there is so much more to gmail then just setting up an account that I am certain 90% of the newbies are not aware of. See my comment below about FB and how people could spend months learning all the nuances. I think Steph "Big Issue" Paragraph says it all... Let the members decide what is valuable content on this site.

LOL - hi natalie - I beg to differ, just nicely because some of the discussions here have become a tiny bit heated! I saw a question the other day that had me 'rofl' and the person who answered it obviously felt the same. The question was answered in the spirit of 'Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer'. I felt that it was just a little bit harsh, so I gave the questioner a more detailed answer (which was still stupid because the question was totally stupid!) So - unfortunately, there do seem to be some silly questions. I honestly wonder sometimes, why people don't simply FOLLOW THE TRAINING!!!
Which brings us back to the subject of Steph's original discussion here - if you set up a system of compensation and the community decides that it is valuable - then why should the system be overridden on the basis of 'my opinion is that it isn't valuable'! The community has voted, so the system should be upheld.
We both agree that there is nothing 'too simple' in this weird and wonderful internet world! What is simple for you and me, obviously isn't for some other people. Even if their questions leave us rolling on the floor laughing. :-)
Cheers
Ellie

I agree that "there are no silly questions". I'm thankful that the WA community here takes the time to answer my questions no matter how trivial they are. Nobody knows everything. What is difficult for someone may be easy for another person and vice versa.

I agree, Jovo. See my reply above :-)

I didn't know there was a compensation plan. Now I can see why there are so many duplicates. I very rarely ask for help here but maybe I should!! I tend to google things, use the search bar and if I still can't find what I am looking for, then I submit a question.

Hi Olive, yes there is some payment for training, I have two and they brought me $5 each so far. The problem is in over-production of training which we see recently.

Hi Olive, You may find duplication, but some of it is outdated. The people who do provide training are smarter then that and will research to see what their is a need for. I check on the Notifications and see people saying they have followed but don't understand and can someone provide them with help. That's one of the best ways to know what to create for the community. I also watch the existing training that are out there and see if there is a need for this topic to be redone that is easier to follow. Sometimes yes, and sometimes better to find a different topic that is needed to be put into a new training. Just because they have been redone doesn't mean they are easy to follow. However, Kyles trainings are great and I respect that, but some people may prefer visual aid training at least that's the feedback I'm getting from my visual aid trainings. Keep Smiling. Sharon:)

I found some of Kyle's training was outdated and I rely on the training provided by others but I think some things may just warrant a blog post as opposed to training. I wouldn't have even mentioned it only for this post. Kind regards
Olive

I just visited your training Jovo and liked it. Well done. Olive

You are kind Olive, the one about sidebar links I wrote because I was asked by somebody. I am really not able to say much after such great tutorials by people I mentioned earlier. They remain my teachers regardless how long I myself stay at WA.

Hi Olive, that's what this discussion is for, the only way we can improve is through communicating and that's healthy for everyone. This way there is no harm done to WA's reputation and we can all continue on the road to success thanks to this wonderful community of helpful members and Kyle and Carson who created this amazing Brain Child to help others. Keep smiling, Sharon:0

Actually - while I agree in principle with Steph's argument here, I also thoroughly agree with this! But that's the downside of a community like this - everyone is free to have their own opinion. I have lost count of the number of times I have told someone to 'type your question into the search bar at the top of every page and you will find the answer to your question'. I do that, rather than just answer the question, because people need to learn how to find things out for themselves - not just ask 'stupid' questions. (I know there are no stupid questions, but seriously - there are a lot of them that look suspiciously like stupid!
cheers
Ellie

Good points Sharon. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the kind words Marcus, I'm always glad to be of service and want everyone to know they are important and belong heer at WA. Keep smiling. Sharon:)

I'd like to chime in from a slightly different angle. I look forward to all of Steph's training and posts. She's a class act and I appreciate what she is trying to do.