You've been bitten by the bug nobody wants. Some of the symptoms are heart palpitations, hair pulling, tears, unbearable frustration, sweating and often times, cussing.

At the other end of the spectrum is the feeling of elation, euphoria and yes, delusions of grandeur!

If this doesn't explain "crazy", what does? The bug that's infected you is called, "internet marketing". And, you haven't even done anything yet! So why do you feel so awful?

Before you start feeling badly for all the "gurus" out there and how they must be hurting...stop. Money has a way of making one immune to the bug.

This just concerns the newbies. The beginners. The poor souls that crave being online. Wanting to start an online business. Dreaming about it. Studying everything they can download to their hard drives.

Then one day, you reach the point of the infamous information overload. You turn off the computer, vowing never to think of internet marketing again. Leave it to the crazy people. After all, you have a good job...

After several days, if you manage to go that long, you find yourself subscribing to yet another online marketing newsletter. And, you know you

have a chronic condition. You can't help yourself.

Before you start looking for support groups, take a deep breath. Trust me. This bug will not go away. When we realize this, then we have to take steps to live with the condition.

The first step is trying to decide how to go about starting an internet marketing business. You've read everything and still you're confused.

Affiliate programs, web hosting, niches, push-button, viral marketing, cheesh...you have jargon overload.

As they say, the best way is to begin with a single step. My motto is start slowly. Get your feet wet. Learn as you go. And, boy, will you learn! Everyday.

With the new knowledge comes confidence to try other things. To expand. But, first things first...

Now, there is a way to break into this fierce business. Gently, too. With wonderful, prompt support, by people who know what it's like to survive the nastiest symptoms of your disease.

If getting a website up and running causes a fever, you can start your business with a free blog from Blogger. That saves money and migraines.

For your actual internet business, I can't think of a kinder, gentler way to take that first leap of faith than to join forces with the most successful e-commerce site in the world. eBay!

Right off the bat, you have brand recognition and loyalty. From millions of consumers world-wide. That way, most of the marketing is already done!

Since you've heard of affiliate programs through your studying, you know it's a viable means to income. With this system, you'll be an eBay affiliate.

Without the hassle of finding products, shipping the goods or dealing with the customers. Yay!

The other catch-phrase you've heard about is niches. "You gotta have a niche. Something you have a passion for. Well, with over 25 million products

available with this system, I don't think you'll have a problem locating products for your special niche!

There you are. You can combine an affiliate program and niche with one swoop. When one is up and running, you can start another. With your one-time fee, which is less than what it costs for most businesses, you can have as many online marketing ventures as you like.

I can't think of a better way to indulge this addiction. You can go at your own pace, have valuable support and not lose your shirt in the process!

Just say NO to anxiety attacks. And YES to finally entering into this special world.

(c) 2007 Karen Cook