I'm in a unique position here because I was, first and foremost, a community member of Owning Pink. Now I work here. But here's my take:

Maybe the real problem here lies in the fact that Lissa didn't start, right at the very beginning, charging for her content on Owning Pink. So she set up expectations for her readers (of which I am one) that she had more than one retirement fund to empty, more than one 401K to cash in, more than one house to sell, to fund this site. But she doesn't.

I don't know. I have my own issues with marketing, with "sales pitches," with charging people (no matter how valuable the product.) I realize that these issues tie in to my own issues of Self-Worth. And then I started working for Owning Pink and getting involved in marketing and reading the content from a business perspective and Lissa is right. Money = Exchange of Energy. In fact, Everything = Exchange of Energy.

It reminds me of many of my friendships where I give and give and give and never receive anything back. I've done this for years in my friendships and I always end up feeling empty and alone. I set up expectations that I will always be the one giving and never receiving, that I don't need anything.

But no more for me. This is unhealthy. I'm worth more, I deserve an equal exchange of energy in my friendships. You may be thinking "this girl has issues," and I do.

But, here's the thing, I don't think this situation of Lissa and Owning Pink (now including myself) trying to sell an amazing course that is helping people unlike anything I've ever seen, is any different than what I'm describing in my one-way-street friendships.

And it's SO more than okay if you're not interested in the eCourse, if you don't have a need for it, if you feel you can't afford it at this time. Perfectly 100% A-Okay. We're not forcing anyone to buy it. But we are indeed asking people to buy it because we know how monumental this content is. We've seen the results. We're over-the-moon excited about it. Shit... I'm reading it for content and edits, I'm double checking links, and it's changing my life and giving me a different perspective. That is worth something, no doubt.

And from the bottom of my heart as a member of the Owning Pink community (and not a staff member of Owning Pink) I still wholeheartedly believe that our community here on Owning Pink has an obligation, yes, that's right, an obligation, to support Lissa and the amazing things that she's doing, just as she's supported us over the past years as she's emptied out her heart, soul, and all of her personal financial resources.

Supporting, and energy exchange, doesn't have to be just buying, it can just be 100% support of her selling an eCourse that's changing lives. It can be as simple as giving her high-fives for that and thanking her for all she's given for free. It can be as simple as "this eCourse isn't for me but I'm so happy that you're putting it out into the world for others. How can I help you, as you've helped me."

Hi. Thank you for your comments and explanations. Just to clarify, I do NOT in any way think you shouldn't charge for an e-course. I have done plenty of my own online workshops in the past.

I think the thing that upset me the most was HOW the marketing was done. I think it really leads the reader on and then truly lets you down. Why wouldn't you put right up front that there's a new e-course and then say what it's about?? This is far more 'honest' in my opinion.

And this whole thing about being worth the money. I am worth it regardless of money. IF I had the money I might consider this e-course. I think it would be great. BUT I do not. This has nothing to do with my sense of worth.

Thanks for giving me the opportuntity to be honest and open here.

Dear Lissa and Lauren,

over the last two years, I have been following the fortunes of Owning Pink, getting involved here and there when I can and hoping that soon I can actually come to the Bay Area and meet you all at last. You have been a huge source of support and inspiration for me during this time, which was, incidentally, one of the worst periods of my life. Lissa, your honesty and openness helped me at my darkest moments when I felt like everything was hopeless because you were forging ahead despite your fears and setbacks. Just knowing that you were doing that and sharing it will all of us helped me to keep going when I thought I couldn't anymore.

The e-course, from my perspective, is the obvious next step in your journey of helping and supporting people to have a better life. It took me a while to save up the money (started my own business and am almost a living description of your intro!) but, as soon as I had it, I knew it was the right next step for me and that is really because of the last 2 years of amazing inspiration that you and your marvelous team have spread around the globe.

I will sing it from the rooftops.

A huge surge of love coming your way from Ireland :) Maya

Corinne and Anonymous and anyone else feeling duped - I must first say, THANK YOU. Because you are my worst fear. And you are coming true. And I'm thus able to face you!

You have no idea how many conversations go on here in the halls of Owning Pink about how to market what we all do. It actually makes me physically squirm - I just HATE this stuff. I just want to provide great content and edit fabulous writers and hope that we're maybe changing one life out there... My worst fear is anyone feeling disappointed and tricked and duped by our trying to sustain this free service. That we're "selling out." And I thank you because you're giving me the opportunity to face that fear and say:

We're sorry. We try so hard, we care so much. Like Lissa said, the e-course is the very first product we're offering through the site, and it was created to relay such an important message that she normally packs into numerous coaching sessions.

I'm sorry that this particular newsletter email and post left you feeling disappointed. Like Lissa, I will ask you to release us from judgment for trying to sustain this site. Our intentions are pure, I promise you.

If you're looking for more, please check out Lissa's entire blog archive here (http://www.owningpink.com/blogs/lissa-rankin) - with 42 web pages of free guidance and insights, as well as our Owning Success archive (http://www.owningpink.com/blogs/categories/owning-success) with 15 pages of free content from Lissa and our blogger roster.

I hope some of these resources feel helpful! They were all created with love, as was the post above. If you have suggestions on what we can do to make things feel less disappointing, leave them here. As you can see, one of the things we value on this site is dialogue and I am proud to be a part of an organization that really, truly, listens to and fosters community.

Thank you again for allowing me to face this fear, and for witnessing our intentions.

With great love,
Lauren (Editor-In-Pink)

Lest I point out that Lissa gave us her story, and she also gave up everything and HAD, up until this point, already been giving everything away for free??? That means something in a world where most people are concerned with a bottom line and start doing business right away without even testing out their market, or even caring about their market, which is worse.
I live off of SSI *I'm visually impaired and likewise, some businesses aren't willing to risk their bottom line or accomodate a VI person*, but I found the money to pay for a coaching session because Lissa is worth it, and more importantly as she said herself, she wanted me to make the decision that I was worth it.
Thank you for everything you do Lissa!!!!!

I suspect my opinion is going to differ from other's.

I was reading your email, thinking that the Universe had sent me something really valuable. I have left that job and I am falling flat with my business and I do think it's all been a big mistake. I read with great interest and enthusiasm.

Then it linked me to here. And I read more enticing words. I thought maybe I would gain an insight today. However, it was all a sales pitch. No insights, helpful ideas or inspiration. Sales.

I get that everyone has to earn a living but does it always have to come with a price tag?

I'm so disappointed.

I am thrilled that I finally signed up for your course. I have downloaded all the documents and, this weekend, they're coming out and I'm getting started. I can't wait. Very excited.....