I’m Quitting Marketing

I stumbled into the affiliate marketing world years ago.

I’m walking out of it today.

My experiences in the affiliate marketing world have been incredibly positive when it comes to interpersonal relationships. However, it’s time for me to move on. I’m not happy.

Why am I not happy?

Mainly because I don’t like the way online marketing continues to debase the human factor of interaction in attempts to “monetize” and find cracks in the sidewalks to plant sour seeds.

It’s not you, it’s me.

I’m just not interested in the day-to-day minutia of being a marketing professional anymore. I’m sure I’ll always keep up with the main trends and I’ll certainly keep up with the space in terms of how it affects social media, etc.

But these questions just don’t turn me on anymore…

“Why doesn’t tinyurl allow for better cookie tracking so that I can make affiliate sales from Twitter links?”

“Why does Google punish me for selling links when TechCrunch does the same thing?”

“How much should I invest in my StumbleUpon account in order to drive 1,000 pageviews a day?”

“Can you help me tweak my Twitter account so that I can drive sales thru my landing page?”

“How can I get more fans to join my (self-created) Facebook page?”

“Who do I need to pay to add outbound links to the affiliate marketing page on Wikipedia?”

“Is FriendFeed worth it? Yeah, I know you say it’s neat for finding out information and learning about new things, but will it make me money?”

And It is these sorts of things that have slowly driven a wedge between my own idealism and (what I see as) the current trajectory of online marketing. Beyond a growing distaste around such issues, I generally find myself on the wrong side of the fence for effective marketing. And I’ve been on all sides of that online marketing fence… publisher, affiliate, CPA network, email marketer, agency, vendor, OPM, and God knows whatever else… I’m coming to grips with my own realization that it’s not for me.

For me, the expectations have never met the promises. These days, I’m only feeling more alienated. As a result, I’m choosing to opt-out rather than becoming a constant nay-sayer or voice of doom and gloom.

To quote Lennon, “I don’t want to spoil the party, so I’ll go.”

On top of all that, I just don’t see myself as an “online” or even “affiliate” marketer anymore. I’m not saying I’ve grown beyond those labels. I just don’t feel that those pairs of socks go with my outfits now.

PLEASE do not get me wrong. I respect, admire and love so many people in the affiliate and online marketing space (and will continue to do so, of course). This is not a personal affront to anyone in the space or the space itself, but more of a realization that I have to move on.

As a result, I’ll be shutting down CostPerNews (or (fire) selling it if someone is interested) and doing my posting over on my personal site.

I’m also going to be working on the podcast network I’m developing (Thinking.fm) around issues I am excited about these days (science, religion, Nascar, parenting, tech, politics… the site is still being developed, so excuse the mess… will be up and going by February). I’m really excited about those sites.

And hopefully, the gang will still allow me to take part in GeekCast even though I’m turning in my affiliate hard card. I hope so (check out the site redesign, btw).

I’m also doing more work in the non-profit world (Hunger Initiative) and continuing my journey towards whatever end awaits me at seminary.

Yes, of course it is my hyperbole than anything to say I’m “quitting” marketing since we are all marketers in whatever we do. I should rephrase that and say “I’m quitting the professional guise of being an online marketer.” There, that feels better.

Two and a half years ago, I wrote this and my career only exploded afterwards:

So, with these realizations and my own skewed since of lefty politics and social views I’m embarking on a mission to do better… to make things good… to connect people to good things they might not have known about… to form community… and to use my skills to leave the internet a better place than it was when I found it (way back in the Prodigy Bulletin Board days).

Lofty goals often mean periods of worry, anxiety and joblessness in terms of “career” but sticking to my flower-guns has got to be a better policy than being miserable knowing that I’m not using my full potential.

So, who knows what’s next, but it will be shiny, rusty, exciting, boring, profitable, unprofitable and creative. I will make this work (whatever in the hell this is).

So, who knows what’s next? I will make it work. I will make it worthwhile.

Thank you all so much for the incredible dedication of readership as well as the inspiration you’ve provided me in the comments and emails.

Here’s to a new beginning and learning from the past.

21 Replies to “I’m Quitting Marketing”

  1. Thanks so much, Patrick. Hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right.And although it's scary, it's exciting!

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  2. We are all reevaluating the way we spend our time these days, aren't we? I know I am. Grace and Peace to you Sam in whatever you pursue.Aileen

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  3. In some ways it's very exciting to read this. Why, because you are being truthful to yourself and what you are passionate about. I look forward to hearing more from you and what you have to share.

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  4. Even though you are leaving the party, I will take comfort knowing your car is still parked in the neighborhood. Best wishes with your next endeavors. I think it is great you are gaining clarity about what is important and prioritizing accordingly. That is great to see

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  5. > And hopefully, the gang will still allow me to take part in GeekCast even though I’m turning in my affiliate hard card.You're still stuck with us there.I think that show can well tie into any of your current interests (science, religion, Nascar, parenting, tech, politics) anyhow.Well, maybe not NASCAR.

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  6. […] up for an affiliate census. Last year, they produced one for a U.K., which is available for free I’m Quitting Marketing – costpernews.com 01/20/2009 438AB86E-8453-4984-B93F-3FF4B5AC7298.jpg I stumbled into the affiliate […]

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  7. Sam, best of luck to you on your new journey!

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  8. pretty sure this one will stick, david. it's been coming for a while.

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  9. teresacaldwell January 20, 2009 at 13:14

    Good Luck Sam, You have been an inspiration to me. Be happy and be true to yourself. It is an honor to know you.

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  10. we'll still be here in a few weeks when you change your mind.

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  11. Thanks so much, Mike. Really means a good deal!

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  12. Although it was incredibly brief, I really enjoyed working with you Sam. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and can't wait to see the good things you bring to the world.

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  13. When I wanted to start making my name known, the Affiliate Fortune Cookies podcast was the first place I went on. I’ve always enjoyed your take on the industry and your 1000 other interests. Reading this post, I think about reasons why I was drawn to Affiliate Marketing. To paraphrase Joseph Campbell; if you’re going to say ‘yes’ to the adventure, you must say ‘yes’ to this as well. Good luck Sam.

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  14. Costpernews.com has always been a great resource for industry data, editorial and general information about the industry. I'm very sad to see it go!The combination of your strength, opinion and passion will take you far no matter what you choose to do!And because I'm a cheese ball…”There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night, and if you go, no one may follow, that path is for your steps alone” – GD

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  15. I totally understand. There are so many folks in this space eeking out every dollar they can by whatever means necessary, and too few offering anything of value to the reader/consumer. Me, I'm in it for the long term, but that means actually trying to help people. Good luck with the next phase of life, and keep on growin'.

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  16. Man, this is a shock. I have known you for years and you will be missed in the industry. Please KIT and let me know if you have any big things popping! Get into the local social media scene. Only 200 billion up for grabs and the easiest biz dev ever! If you ever need a hand with anything, holla at ya boy! Peace be with you my friend!

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  17. I am glad to hear you will be moving in whatever direction your path takes you. A friend of mine once told me, “you can not force your heart into a shape it doesn't belong.” Excited to see what is next. Take care.

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  18. I had used this site http://hummingbirdtool.com/ and it had helped me to have many followers on twitter, Twitter is really one of the most talked about social media network now a days

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  19. […] explanation on CostPerNews (it says it’s by “Evan”, but that’s just a poorly executed change of blog […]

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  20. […] explanation on CostPerNews (it says it’s by “Evan”, but that’s just a poorly executed change of blog […]

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  21. […] I write this post, this post from CostPerNews popped into my mind… I’m Quitting Marketing – CostPerNews – Performance-Based Affiliate Marketing Blog: “For me, the expectations have never met the promises. These days, I’m only feeling more […]

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