Case studies: libertarians without social skills

Published: Sat, 06/27/20

I woke up this morning to this:

"I went to [website name] to get your e-book, but when I clicked on 'Get the book,' nothing happened. Oh, that's because I have my browser set to block pop-ups? I have that setting for a good reason (endless pop-ups are a major pain in the posterior), and don't intend to wade through the settings to turn it off, just to get the book, so I can turn it back on again. If you can't come up with some other way to have people enter their e-mail address, I'll pass on the e-book."

When people say libertarians lack social skills, this is what they mean.

Why would I want someone like this, who is obviously going to be a constant pain in the neck, on my mailing list?

He acts like he's the one doing me the favor by consuming my free content. OK.

Or this one, delivered to my inbox overnight:

"I'm not paying you money because you promote and support facebook.

"End of discussion."

My reply:

"Let me rewrite that for you:

"Dear Dr. Woods:

"Thank you so much for your tireless work. You've released nearly 1700 episodes of your indispensable podcast for free! That's astonishing. Not to mention your hundreds of free articles, lectures, and videos, and all the free eBooks you've released on timely topics. I'll bet you don't get many words of thanks. Instead, I'll bet the occasional crank even writes to scold you instead of showing gratitude. Not I! I just want to express how much I appreciate what you do. Thanks again!

"Very best,

"Paul P."

He responded:

"You claim markets solve problems because actors move away from harmful firms, yet you use Google for website and email services and promote facebook.

"On this there is no difference between you and the kids you made fun of at Occupy who complained about capitalism by tweeting from their iPhones.

"My observation is that ancap theories are being put to the test, and the ancaps, themselves, don't even align with their own claims.

"Customers only care about what you have done for them lately."

My reply:

"Let me rewrite that for you (i really should teach a course on social skills for libertarians):

"Dear Dr. Woods:

"I have great respect for the work you have done over the years, and like any decent person I wish to express my gratitude for all your hard work and free content. However, I am concerned that by doing X you are undermining your message. May I urge you to reconsider this practice?

"Very best,

"Paul P."

Lesson:

Monetize the pains in the neck who pop up now and then.

And be sure to watch my presentation on how to get traffic, because it includes some case studies involving monetizing your haters, and other tricks and strategies drawn from my experience that will give you an unfair advantage.

It's just about to be taken down, so be sure to watch ASAP; you'll thank me:

https://www.thetrafficacademy.net/live/

Tom Woods