Just about anywhere you look on the Internet today, you will come across glaring examples of non-ethical practices. We're not talking about newbies here.

The so-called Internet gurus, and I use the term lightly, are in effect determining outcomes of certain ad campaigns simply by manipulating the people on their list. An example of this is where you receive the message asking you to help make their new e-book a number one bestseller. They list their book on Amazon and ask you to purchase it on a specified date. And the next e-mail message you receive will probably state they achieved their goal. And if you're lucky they will mention you played a part in their success.

Another example is where one of these gurus offers you exposure to his list. They will send out a note telling you how valuable their list is and what a great idea it would be to set up a joint venture using the guru's list. The unfortunate part is that many will fall for this idea. With stars in their eyes they pay the big bucks to send to this list. The reality is that unless you have an excellent product or service to offer, it's highly unlikely that many people will take you up on this offer.

And then we have guys like Mark Joyner who make a big deal out of retirement from his Internet business. He creates a Farewell Package full of interviews as well as software programs that he no longer has a use or a need for. While in the midst of retiring, selling off his present companies, he starts up with a new Internet business. Now there's nothing wrong with that scenario per se -- but why go to the extreme of saying you're retiring from the Internet?

Thomas Jefferson said and I quote "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." Looking at just a few of the examples above, honesty in business appears to have been lost to the hype and the psychological manipulation.

I may be naive but my personal belief is that a majority of people currently doing business on the Internet are responsible people. It takes a lot of time, work, effort and commitment to build your reputation online. On the other side of the coin, it takes so little to ruin that reputation you've worked so hard to build. Make your business decisions wisely. Determine whether it's best for you, your business and your readers. If you have any hesitation about the next step you are planning to take, there is likely a reason for it. Follow that instinct.

What you say and what you do should amount to the same thing. It's time to build a strong, reliable community within the Internet -- a place where people can come together, share ideas and knowledge -- a place that is free from hype -- that will help you grow into a productive member of this community.

We definitely need a 'safe haven' for all those people just coming online. You can do your part by helping those who need help, sharing your knowledge and being a responsible leader. If we all do our part, imagine how much better the Internet can be for work and for fun.

Lois publishes KIT (Keeping In Touch) a weekly ezine with straight forward articles, helpful hints and suggestions, interaction with subscribers and more. Easy to subscribe: KIT Helping you build a successful home-based business one step at a time. Home4Success

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