Compulife's Term4Sale Web Site Counter Hits 1.5 Million

Robert Barney · 10-28-2009, 07:45 PM

Today Compulife's www.term4sale.com website counter ticked over 1,500,000. That's how many quotes the site has done since Compulife first added a counter to the site on January 1, 2002. The site has been in service since 1988. You can see its evolution here:

Internet Archive Wayback Machine

Compulife does not sell life insurance. Compulife provides life insurance comparison software to thousands of subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. The purpose of the www.term4sale.com website is to give consumers the ability to do free life insurance comparisons and to obtain list of agents who use Compulife's comparison software to shop for their clients.

Subscribers to Compulife are entitled to 1 to 3 free zip code listings on the website, depending on the software license that they have purchased. Most subscribers can also purchase additional zip code listings for a nominal fee.

You can read about what our subscribers think of the listing at Term4Sale here:

http://www.compulife.com/agents.php

And now subscribers to Compulife's comparison software can add their own personalized and customized version of Compulife's online quote system to their website for only $99 per year. You can read about that here:

Website Quotes

If you are a subscriber to Compulife, and have not had our quote system on your website before, you can do so for FREE for 4 months. There is no obligation to purchase the online option at the end of 4 months. If you do purchase, the cost is only $99 per year. You have complete control over which companies your version of the software quotes on your website. You can read about that here:

Monthly Bulletin

If you are not a subscriber, you can get a 4 month FREE subscription to Compulife, and 4 months of our online quote system for FREE by obtaining a 30 day FREE trial and doing a tutorial. There is no obligation to buy anything after 4 months. You can read about that here:

Compulife - 4 Months Free

al3 · 10-28-2009, 08:21 PM

SPAM

Robert's advertisement should have been posted in the Offers section.

Also... who cares how many hits any website gets? Really! What a waste of perfectly good electrons.

Al3

Robert Barney · 10-28-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by al3

who cares how many hits any website gets?

This section is about Internet Web Sites and you telling me that "hits" are not an issue.

As to the information being spam, I am happy to move the posting to the other section if that is where others think it is more appropriate.

It seemed relevant to me. After all, would the ability to add term quotes to your web site be of interest to agents, and wouldn't the ability to try it for 4 months for free be news worthy to agents?

al3 · 10-28-2009, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by Robert Barney

This section is about Internet Web Sites and you telling me that "hits" are not an issue.

Hits are not important. What is important is conversions. And as everyone knows any "hit counter" can be easily compromised. I can program a "bot" that will create a zillion hits on any website. Any 9th grader can do the same thing.

As to the information being spam, I am happy to move the posting to the other section if that is where others think it is more appropriate.

That is where your advertisement belongs. There was no "content" in your post beyond an attempt to sell us on the service. Why you didn't see that BEFORE you posted is beyond me. Or perhaps the intent was to SPAM the board? You are the only one who knows the answer. The rest of us can only speculate... as I just have.

It seemed relevant to me. After all, would the ability to add term quotes to your web site be of interest to agents, and wouldn't the ability to try it for 4 months for free be news worthy to agents?

The problem is that you were not just reporting about hits, you were engaged in SELLING us the Compulife service. Whether your "deal" is good or bad is not the issue. The issue is that you purposely tried to SPAM this board by NOT putting your post where you knew it should have been... probably figuring that due to your longevity and prestige in this industry, no one would have the courage to call you on it.

I'm not afraid to speak truth to power.

Your post was SPAM in my opinion, no matter how you try to spin it.

Al3

Robert Barney · 10-29-2009, 03:26 AM

Originally Posted by al3

Hits are not important. What is important is conversions. And as everyone knows any "hit counter" can be easily compromised. I can program a "bot" that will create a zillion hits on any website. Any 9th grader can do the same thing.

That is where your advertisement belongs. There was no "content" in your post beyond an attempt to sell us on the service. Why you didn't see that BEFORE you posted is beyond me. Or perhaps the intent was to SPAM the board? You are the only one who knows the answer. The rest of us can only speculate... as I just have.

The problem is that you were not just reporting about hits, you were engaged in SELLING us the Compulife service. Whether your "deal" is good or bad is not the issue. The issue is that you purposely tried to SPAM this board by NOT putting your post where you knew it should have been... probably figuring that due to your longevity and prestige in this industry, no one would have the courage to call you on it.

I'm not afraid to speak truth to power.

Your post was SPAM in my opinion, no matter how you try to spin it.

Al3

You never cease to amaze me. When you get a dislike on for someone, as you have for me, you just go over the top.

First of all, you speculate that I have manipulated the counter at www.term4sale.com.

Sorry, but that dog won't hunt. In the original posting I gave you two pieces of evidence that refutes that directly.

First, I gave you a link to archive.org which keeps a running history of our web site pages sampled at different times though the years. While the ealier versions of the counter do not register, the later ones do and you will see that the counter has gone up predictably during the years. We get about 800-1000 hits per day on average, modest for some sites, darn good for others. Try to remember, this is life insurance, not concert tickets.

NOTE: Try googling "term insurance" and see how www.term4sale.com comes up:

term insurance - Google Search

Try "life insurance comparisons":

life insurance comparisons - Google Search

Those are not paid results, they are in the free listings. Are you going to suggest that my grade 9 staff and I have fooled google?

Second, I gave you a link to my testimonial page where customers have shared their experiences, many having made sales as a result of calls from consumers who visited www.term4sale.com.

Assuming that you are not a complete neophyte about the insurance business, and I would never accuse you of that, you know that the idea that a consumer would call an agent to buy life insurance is a pretty rare event. And even so, agents listed at www.term4sale.com have gotten those calls and have made sales. And I can assure you we have been told about them by many more agents than will give us testimonials and the reason for that is simple. They don't want other agents getting listed and competing for the calls that they are getting.

Another bit of information I didn't share is that we have a lot of subscribers who have routinely paid for additional listings and who keep coming back year after year. We limit the number of listing that any one subscriber can purchase and I have a group of subscribers who would buy a lot more if we didn't limit them. Of course I can't prove the anecdotal information in this paragraph, so you will just have to take my word for it. You should be able to rely upon the information preceding this paragraph, as it is independently verifiable.

And it's a good thing I did provide that information because I needed it to address the accusation that you have made. I should note for those who are unaware, that Al3 feels the need to accuse me of many different things. Al3 simply does not like me, and has been honest enough to tell me so.

Yes, I do "sell" the Compulife service. But after 27 years of doing so, I think it is fair to say that the service must meet our customers expectations or we would have been out of business long ago.

While you may be quite prepared to wait for hours to have information provided to you by your GA, my subscribers generally want their information instantly and they want it from a source that is objective. When someone subscribes to Compulife they get an unbiased look at the market, not the view of the market that their GA wants them to have.

Now I don't fault a GA in tailoring their quotes to feature the companies that they market. After all, the GA is not in the business to send agents up the street. But Compulife has a different mission, we sell information, NOT life insurance. And some folks actually value the job that we do, even if Al3 doesn't.

And lots of GA's prefer Compulife to ipipeline because our web quotes can cost as little as $298 per year (that's our PC based software and web quotes combined), which I understand to be a whole lot cheaper. Al3 is not the only person on the planet that doesn't want to pay too much for something. I am a great ebayer, and around my house I am known as ebob. I too like to get a deal but I don't expect to get stuff for nothing.

And at the prices we charge any agent can afford to have quotes on his/her web site and we have a number of agents, who have been using Compulife on their web site, who make money because of it. So while GA's may be able to afford to pay much higher prices, agents do not have the same resources and can get the same bang for a much smaller buck.

And finally, if folks other than Al3 complain about the announcement that I have made, being in the wrong section, I am happy to pick it up and move it. But forgive me for thinking that Al3 has an axe to grind and others may be less concerned about whether or not my posting was/is spam.

What say the rest?

somarco · 10-29-2009, 07:15 AM

Complaints by others?

Hmmmmmm. . . .

The silence is deafening.

Newby · 10-29-2009, 09:21 AM

You will not want to argrue with AL#3!
He is highly educated and vastly superior to all the Neo-cons.
Your software will be reported to the proper government authorities or possibly ACORN!

GreenSky · 10-29-2009, 09:24 AM

I make about one sale a year from that worthless consumer site. Don't know what to do with the average $400 commission.

I think I've posted this before, but my guess is that the total commission I have already received will pay for Compulife until the end of time (or at least the end of Al's time).

Rick

al3 · 10-29-2009, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Robert Barney

And finally, if folks other than Al3 complain about the announcement that I have made, being in the wrong section, I am happy to pick it up and move it. But forgive me for thinking that Al3 has an axe to grind and others may be less concerned about whether or not my posting was/is spam.

OK. I understand now. The rules and conventions of this venue do not apply to everyone. Robert did what so many others in the past has done here, which is to post an advertisement about his product... but it's OK?

Compulife is a good product and those who like it, like it. I tried it. I thought it was OK. I don't think it was worth the price but if others do, fine with me.

My complaint here is that his announcement and his subsequent follow-up was and is SPAM. A couple of years ago STI would have posted an apropos graphic for us to enjoy but he stopped doing that.

Robert's problem as I see it is that his service/product is just too important for it to be "buried" in the Offers section. Why is that? I don't know. Maybe because he is Robert Barney and that should be, as they say in court, "asked and answered."

Yeah, it's true I don't much like Robert. But that is not the issue here. He basically spammed this venue and gets away with it because (my guess) everyone else here thinks of him as some kind of "god."

Let's face it, if had been Oleg or one of the lead vendors or someone from iPipe or someone else with a software product, you folks would go postal dumping your vehemence on them.

So I guess we can look forward to postings here with titles like:

Compulife's Web Site Re-Designed
Compulife Gets 100 New Hits Today
Compulife Endorsed By GreenSky
Compulife Owner Goes Shopping at WalMart
Compulife Site Gets 200 New Hits Today

Rationalize it any way you want... and if you wish to buy off on Robert's rationalization for spamming the venue, fine. But I believe that spam is spam and that all this crap about Compulife getting web hits is just a ploy on the part of Robert to post a long-winded commercial advertising message.

If you folks want to cut him a special deal, knock yourself out. But like I say, spam is spam and if you think that his post was anything other than an advertisement then either he is a greater communicator than I give him credit for... or you folks are pretty gullible.

Robert can play the "Al's out to get me" card and that will play well with many of you... but all I ask is that you read his original post and tell me that it is not spam... and that had it not been posted by Mr. Robert Barney, that you all wouldn't have protested.

If I stand alone, I stand alone. I'm not afraid of Robert Barney. In my opinion he has spammed the board. His post should have been in the Offers section. He should post "You know folks, I think maybe I see what Al means. Please pardon the post and I'll move it to the Offers section."

But that won't happen.

Al3

Newby · 10-29-2009, 12:34 PM

Exactly!

Give it to him AL#3 !

How dare someone accuse AL#3 of having a chip on his shoulder against anyone.

He just doesn't like people who:

1. Have less formal education than him, ESPECIALLY if they are still smarter then him

2. Have different political views then him (which leaves everyone except Oprah, Hillary, Ted Kennedy, and Bill Mahre)

3. Make money through hard work or smart work or employ people and make a profit off of their labor or think that people should work for a living IF they are able-bodied.

4. Have inherited less money than AL#3 (AL#3 will have you know that he has made WISE investments through his Edward Jones full service broker.)

5. Doesn't use a MAC

6. Likes Frank's YIO program (Opps! I just gave Frank some free advertising!)

7. Thinks that the government has no business being in business against their private citizens who are in business and generating taxes.

8. People who call Older-Americans "seniors" because AL#3 speaks for all and they don't like senior.

9. Christians

10. Every successful insurance agent (because AL#3 thinks they MUST be screwing people.)

Other than these few mentioned, AL#3 is a very fun loving guy and just has a need to keep this forum in order. He is just trying to help.

al3 · 10-29-2009, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by Newby

Other than these few mentioned, AL#3 is a very fun loving guy and just has a need to keep this forum in order. He is just trying to help.

I've formally asked Sam to delete Newby's post.

I was told by Sam that he will not allow any more personal attacks or name-calling and he told me to stop. I agree with him on this and I told him I will cease (i.e. vastly tone-down) my rhetoric and just stick to the facts, as I think I have in my post about what I see as an attempt by Robert to spam the list.

This past weekend I also asked Sam to delete a ton of posts by ins.dave and others which were attacks on me (i.e calling me "putz" or "loser")... which Sam has.

And if there are posts out there where someone objects to what I might have called them, they should do the same thing and Sam will delete them.

Newby's post had no content or purpose other than to denigrate me, and that is now off-limits on this list, according to what the list-owner told me. Whether he is going to make his wishes known in the venue, I don't know. But I told him that from now on I would do everything in my power to help him in this endeavor, and to first change my style of argument here... which I have done.

Al

*STIBROKER@AUSTIN.RR.COM* · 10-29-2009, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by al3

I've formally asked Sam to delete Newby's post.

I was told by Sam that he will not allow any more personal attacks or name-calling and he told me to stop.
Al

WIN · 10-29-2009, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by al3

If I stand alone, I stand alone.

Al3

So very true.

Robert Barney · 10-29-2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by al3

I've formally asked Sam to delete Newby's post.

I was told by Sam that he will not allow any more personal attacks or name-calling and he told me to stop. I agree with him on this and I told him I will cease (i.e. vastly tone-down) my rhetoric and just stick to the facts, as I think I have in my post about what I see as an attempt by Robert to spam the list.

This past weekend I also asked Sam to delete a ton of posts by ins.dave and others which were attacks on me (i.e calling me "putz" or "loser")... which Sam has.

And if there are posts out there where someone objects to what I might have called them, they should do the same thing and Sam will delete them.

Newby's post had no content or purpose other than to denigrate me, and that is now off-limits on this list, according to what the list-owner told me. Whether he is going to make his wishes known in the venue, I don't know. But I told him that from now on I would do everything in my power to help him in this endeavor, and to first change my style of argument here... which I have done.

Al

Perhaps you will be so good as to enlighten the rest of us as to which particular parts of newby's post are defamatory.

I have looked at it and don't see anything that sticks out. What names has he called you or what has he accused you of that is defamatory?

I objected to Sam regarding things that you wrote, such as referring to me "personally" as a rascist. I consider that as defamation and I objected with good reason. I don't see that sort of thing in Newby's posting.

Some examples:

Number 1 refers to you not liking people who have a low level of education. In your first posting on this thread you made reference to someone with a grade 9 education being able to do something, in the context of accusations that I could be manipulating my web site counter. I didn't call it defamatory, I responded to it.

Number 2 says you don't like people who have different political views than you. I think that is accurate. You clearly dislike me; you agreed to that when I pointed it out. I think that is rooted in radically different political views.

Number 4 refers to an inheritance that you received. If that is an inaccurate statement it needs to be corrected. You could ask that for an apology and retraction.

Number 7 is accurate in that your political philosophy is liberal and you welcome increased government involvement in our lives and have harsh things to say about people who disagree.

You definately don't like fundamentalist Christians, you have pointedly made references to them being racists. While I don't like the claims you make, it is not defamatory unless you single out a particular individual.

Number 10 does looks over the top but you have made a sweeping generalization that the whole posting is defamatory and I think you need to be more specific.

Remember, defamation is rooted in the understanding that the statements and claims being made are inaccurate. For example, if I call someone a child molester, the statement is clearly defamatory unless they have been convicted of child molestation, at which point it is merely a statement of fact.

You object to newby's posting but said this in your first posting in this thread:

"everyone knows any "hit counter" can be easily compromised. I can program a "bot" that will create a zillion hits on any website. Any 9th grader can do the same thing. "

"perhaps the intent was to SPAM the board"

"The issue is that you purposely tried to SPAM this board by NOT putting your post where you knew it should have been... probably figuring that due to your longevity and prestige in this industry, no one would have the courage to call you on it.

I'm not afraid to speak truth to power."

I fail to see how you can look at the last two paragraphs that you published, and look again at newby's post, and not see that you have done precisely what you accuse newby of doing.

The meaning of your last two paragraphs is that I did something with mal-intent, and knowing did so believing that I could get away with it because others are too frightened of me to object. This is the sort of thing one might accuse Al Capone or Barney Frank of doing.

Did you think that the above statements you made about me were just dealing with the facts?

I suggest that you go back over Newby's posting and specifically identify what is defamatory, and educate the rest of us so we can be certain what you are referring to.

arnguy · 10-29-2009, 08:45 PM

Where is Judge Judy when we need her?

MaineMan · 10-29-2009, 09:02 PM

Now Now Bown Cows.....can't we all just get along.

somarco · 10-29-2009, 09:25 PM

Better idea . . .

Can't we all just get a bong?

WinoBlues · 10-29-2009, 09:34 PM

Man! This is neat. I want to get closer, but i do not want any of it to splash on to my shoes.

Pangaea · 10-29-2009, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by WinoBlues

Man! This is neat. I want to get closer, but i do not want any of it to splash on to my shoes.

Subscribing has become a spectator sport.

al3 · 10-29-2009, 10:35 PM

I find Newby's post offensive.

Sam will be the judge, not Robert Barney. If Sam agrees with Robert then the post will stay. If not, it will go.

If Robert has a problem with that... or me... well you know something... I can live with that.

As for the advertisement that Robert posted, my suggestion is that before you send him any money, take a look at the alternatives and see if those will work for you. Talk with your GA. Look at the other quote-engine alternatives. While Compulife is not a lot of money (to me or Rick,) any money wasted is... money wasted.

On the other hand if you believe you will get extra business from Compulife (or the listing on their site) then go for it. It seems to have worked for Rick. Perhaps it will work for you... but I rather believe it won't... because Rick is world-class agent in his area of expertise... and you probably aren't. Spend your money and take your chance... just like at the casino. That's the only way you will find out.

And if you want to support Robert and his political agenda, that's another good reason to buy into Compulife. As I said before it's an adequate system but in my opinion worth more like $49.95 than the $299 version PER YEAR that Rick has endorsed. I know that I would never pay $299 PER YEAR for this software but if you do or you want to, well... that is your choice and I hope it works for you as well as it has for a few others.

I'm sure that as long as Robert is allowed to post to the venue with more and more advertisements like the one he started this thread with, there is no doubt that he will sell more and more subscriptions. Sounds like a good plan to me. Perhaps that is why he left Glen's board to come over here? Is this venue's policy on spam more tolerant than Glen's? Could be. I don't know... I'm just speculating.

Anyway, following Robert's posting, the lead vendors will be next, followed by the health-quote vendors. Why not? If it's OK for Robert to advertise here, it should be fine for the Quote-It's of the world, as well as the Prospect Zones and Hometown's in the industry, to say nothing about the hundreds of one-man "GAs" who will be hawking their "deals" here to build their down-line.

After all, why bother posting in the "Offers" section where it must undergo inspection when you can post in one of the other sections and have instant availability and greater visibility. Robert has led the way and it seems to me that the rest of the subscribers here have given him their blessings.

So I guess we won't hear any more protests when the next recruiter comes on here offering "the word's greatest contract for MAPD plans." Nope. Shouldn't happen at all anymore. If it's good for Robert than I can only assume it's good for everyone else.

And that's a good thing, right?

Al