If there were such a thing as an Internet Sheriff, you can imagine he might say something like the above.



In some ways the Internet is like the Old West gold rush. People come online everyday searching for that elusive gold strike that will make them rich overnight and solve all their problems.

Many of these people are Desperate Online Desperados.

What're some of the characteristics of a Desperate Online Desperado?

- A desperate need for quick money

(maybe for an emergency)

- A desperate need to pay off bills

- A desperate need for money to buy something of value

- A desperate need for a change of lifestyle

Desperate Online Desperados are more of a danger to themselves than to others, but a crowd of them can create the illusion that a stinker of an opportunity is a mine filled with gold.

Many Desperate Online Desperados buy into online business opportunities, pyramid schemes, MLM programs, etc. that are pure rip-offs and losers.

They don't bother investigating or researching these opportunities before plunging in headfirst.

Some of these opportunities will be free to join, but they will always find a way to get your money.

The creators of these programs know that the desperados will sign up for them hoping to get rich quick, so when the program makes the money pitch, many desperados will surrender their money without hesitation.

Now, maybe each individual desperado isn't putting out that much money, but a whole bunch of desperado dollars bundled together can add up to a nice chunk of change – for the people at the top, that is.

Most Desperate Online Desperados walk away with crushed hopes and empty pockets. But they're still desperate to make money, so they're ready to buy into the next golden scheme that comes along.

Many of us have been a DOD--Desperate Online Desperado--at one time or another. It seems to be a part of the online experience. The lucky ones realize their desperation is leading them to make bad decisions and “lose” money instead of making it.

Reformed online desperados have learned that there are many smart ways to make a living online, but it takes a willingness to learn, commitment, and some elbow grease to make a go of it successfully. Plus, a reasonable idea and a product or service that people actually need.

Just like most gold miners struck out in the Old West, many online desperados will strike out as well. Do you know who really made money from the gold rush? Merchants who sold supplies to the miners. Shovel anyone?

The sooner online desperados learn not to let their desperation control their Internet destiny, the sooner they will be on their way to solving their money problems.

If you're still a Desperate Online Desperado, realize right now that there are no quick fixes. “Get rich quick” doesn't exist unless you win the lottery.

Everyone else has to do their research, find a good product or service that people are willing to buy, and learn how to market and promote it properly.

That's the only “gold” there is on the Net.

Also, information is priceless.

You can never have enough of it.

If that Internet Sheriff was around I think he'd say this to you online desperados:

“Your desperation ain't doin you no good. Ain't doin nothing but leading you down the wrong path. Why don't you do yourself a favor and turn in your desperation right now?”

“You might learn a few things and we'd sure like to show you some ‘real' Internet hospitality. Will you join us?”

Whaddy'you say, partner?