Re: (Slightly O) Frustration?!?!?!?!?!

From: "jdering" 
> Hi all,
> 
> I am sorry this is slightly off topic, but you all are such a responsive, resourceful, and friendly group that I hoped someone would kindly throw some light onto my situation.
> 
> Basically, I'm just trying to figure out what's the next step, or even how to research and determine the next step, toward setting up a business which would likely include text/ebooks, audio, and video, ultimately available as immediate downloads, access through a membership website, and possibly physical products (DVDs etc.).

JD [Be nice to have a whole name to reply to ;-)],

Your query has a vagueness  which will attract rather vague replies, but as far as I understand it you basically want a script that has login systems to exclusive parts of your site, combined with a catalogue/stock information ordering system. I don't know how much money you might want to spend, but your first step might be to consult a web designer/code writer. If you like I will forward your email to a web designer list that has certainly given me help over the years.

> 
> I know this is a huge undertaking and I have been doing my homework for a while. However, right now I'm stuck on several points and for the life of me I can't figure out where to go next. If the answers I'm looking for are behind a paid wall, I'm willing to pay for it, but if so I can't figure out who has the real info I'm looking for.
> 
> My main questions boil down to:
> 
> 1. Several "forming your own business" questions such as whether/when to form an LLC, corp, etc. I assume these answers are in some ebook/video/whatever product, very likely in a membership site. Which one should I look into? 

You look to be in the US, so why not start with the government site dealing with business forms such as LLC. I would imagine the choices are sole trader, partnership, limited company (LLC), and the form you chose depends in part on the business model. I am sure, as in the UK, there are off-the-shelf LLC companies, that simply need tweaking of their constitutions.

> 
> 2. Other questions, regarding things like website design and marketing tactics, and still others, more specific to membership websites. Again, I assume the best answers are in some product(s). What's worth the money? Internet Business Mastery? Membershipsiteadvisor? Something else?

See above re web designers.

> 
> 
> 3. This is my biggest area of frustration: trying to figure out what "platform" makes sense, as a framework for a membership website. I have googled things like "membership site software vs. web based services" and "membership wordpress vs. joomla" and "igroops vs. ning" and "membership site software reviews" and have been surprisingly disappointed. Many hits seem to be affiliate "reviews." I'm ready to join something, buy something, DO something, but I don't know what to do. I have no one to talk to about it and am in the dark. To add to the frustration, I can't help feeling like the whole "make money with info products/membership websites" etc. industry is crawling with scammers. Who's legit? I'm willing to pay, but I don't have money to waste. I need real answers.

You are right to doubt the usefuleness to you of affiliate systems. Again I think a discussion with a web designers will answer most of your questions, if not provide you with the whole solution.

> 
> I'm sorry to be so frustrated. I know that ebooks are a large part of this kind of business model and I'm hoping that some kind soul will identify with my frustration and help point me in the right direction. If you'd be more comfortable emailing me offlist, that would be fine. You can reach me at jdering-/E1597aS9LRfmgfxC/sS/[email protected]
> 
> Many, many thanks,
> 
> JD

And everyone has to start; so a list like this is a great resource for beginners in the knowledge and experience of its members.  It has a great depth of membership and also has knowledge at more advanced levels, so it is also a good place to carry on with ;-).

Joseph

Joseph Harris is Smile Poet
Mailing list [email protected]
http://smilepoet.com     [email protected]


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