Accused of invalid clicks

Can you believe it? I've been accused of invalid clicks by Google. So they have shut down my Adsense account. Super bummer. This morning I filled out the appeal form and submitted it. I hope that they will respond favorably to my request.

I don't make a ton of money online but a good portion of it comes through Google Adsense. Losing them as a source of income will hurt. But I hope it doesn't come to that. But in the event that it does I'm researching other advertising opportunities. Some I already use, like AdsDaq, ProjectWonderful and Performancing Ads. So it is time to explore other options.

TOP 9 Rapidshare Search Engines Review

This is a sponsored guest post written by Anuta on behalf of rapid4me.com. Post powered by Sponzai.

  If you never dealt with rapidshare, you are not an Internet user. Millions of people every day upload and download files to rapidshare – this modern info giant. So that users always could find what they search for, there exist special search engines, which search only for rapidshare links and thus save your time and effort. There are hundreds (if not thousands of them) nowadays.

  Each one chooses for himself, how to download files from rapidshare in the most convenient way. But, as far as  have noticed, main criteria remain the same: easy search and relevant results, high download speed, possible additional advanced options and user-friendliness. Today I'd like to make a surface user review of 9 rapidshare search engines, which, to my mind, are in the top.

1. http://rapid4me.com/



What is noticed at first site is a guide for beginners. Though it is not that important for promoted rapidshare users, for many dummies it will be of good help. The design is pleasant, no unnecessary ads, banners and other similar spam (but rather profitable one, should I admit), I believe it means that rapid4me's developers really care so that their users could find what they want without being attacked by numerous banners.




You may also add rapid4me.com to your search engine list and that's also very convenient, if this search engine meets your demands. What I didn't notice at other similar resources I found at rapid4me.com: here together with rapidshare links, one can find torrents (http://torrents.rapid4me.com ) and .pdf (http://pdf.rapid4me.com ). Such a universal search engine. Good idea, to my mind.




2. http://rapidlibrary.com/



This resource has already won its popularity and has it's own number of devoted users. They also have an option “Rapidshare Search Toolbar from Rapidlibrary “ and besides provide search by different files types. At first sight everything is clear, but when you choose the file to download and get to the list of links, you may feel a bit puzzled because of number of colors at the page and other things which distract attention. Personally for me it is a minus, though it is very subjective, sure thing. In all the rest this search engine deserves attention.




3. http://www.rapidsharemix.com/



When only you visit homepage, you see a logo and developers' promise to provide users with “new updated, constantly improving database”. And whenever I tried to find some certin file, my searches were rather successful. So let's hope that developers do not act against their conscience and are absolutely sincere.




Another useful feature that bursts upon my eyes – an ability to download the file in question quicker than by other similar resources. You don't need make additional clicks – just choose the file, enter CAPTCHA to have access to the links and voilà – start the download process.




4. http://www.filestube.com/



Rapidshare, megaupload and mediafire search engine provides users with advanced search by word, phrase, date and size, which sometimes may be essential for the search process. The process of search and download is quick and doesn't require registration. Another interesting detail – premium accounts are said to cost only $1.99. Does this mean high download speed or just unlimited access to the resources of... filestube.com??? The latter is true as it turned out. Would you like to pay for what other similar resources provide on a free basis? The choice is upon you!




5. http://rapidpedia.com/



This search engine allows us to take the bull by the horns. You have come to find and download some file – you are welcome, nothing will distract your attention from the main aim. Came – found – downloaded. Everything is precise and clear as it should be!




6. http://fileshunt.com/



Rapidshare SE possesses a huge rapidshare links base, which you may get... only after you pay for the access code. But when you do, you are promised to be shown to “unlimited access to all files stored on our servers with no size and speed restrictions”. Intrigued? Me too. All the rest satisfies the most sophisticated users: design, simplicity, user-friendliness – perfect!




7. http://rapidqueen.com/



Rapidshare search engine doesn't provide any advanced search options, searches in titles, specific file types etc. This search engine specializes on its main function – search for and give access to rapidshare links. What else is need from a decent functional rapidshare search engine?




8. http://rapidshare-search-engine.com/



As soon as you enter this page, you see the list of recent searches and get the idea of what users usually look for. Enter the file you need and get to another page with the list of links. Very convenient - smooth motion of your mouse to the search results and you have all info about the file: size, search tags, status, file type. You are satisfied with this info – start downloading.




9. http://avilib.com/



One more easy to use search engine on rapidshare. What I like about particularly this one – it's minimalism in design is professionally combined with maximal functionality. If you don't like overloaded pages with numerous options you never make use of, avilib.com is YOUR rapidshare search engine. The download procedure remains the same.

 

Shutterstock

I've recently joined Shutterstock so I can upload photos and hopefully earn a little cash. As long as companies like and download my photos from Shutterstock I will make $.25 per download to start. As more and more photos are downloaded I my per download earnings will increase.

Just getting started so I don't have a ton of information.

Turning ten cents into twenty dollars

My account with CentSports just went over $20.00. At CentSports they start you with ten cents that you can use to make wagers on sporting events. There are a variety of sports that they allow you to bet on. And you don't even need to risk your own hard earned money because if you lose they will give you another ten cents to bet with.

I am hoping that I will be able to turn the twenty dollars into one hundred dollars pretty quick. At that point I will probably start making withdrawals from my CentSports account. As my balance grows so do my wagers. I also make wagers that are more conservative.

FYI: If you take my link you will become my crony so I will earn money when you win wagers. I occasionally run competitions for my cronies where they can win cold hard cash!!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Micro wind power

I found a web site that gives instructions on how to make a wind ribbon to generate power. Albeit on a very small scale. I'm going to take these instructions on as a DIY project. As I work on it I'll provide updates and pictures of the project.

I would like to use this project to reduce my electrical bill. It will take some modifications on my part. But going green will both help the environment and my wallet.

SwagCode for new registration

If you haven't signed up for SwagBucks. Now is a good time to do it. I have a SwagCode that will give new registrants 5 SwagBucks to start. Just click the banner and use the SwagCode of "NEWBIE." This SwagCode expires Friday July 24th 2009.



The do your searches through the SwagBucks web site and "win" SwagBucks that you can redeem for prizes. I'm up to 270 SwagBucks so far.

By clicking the banner you register as my friend and I'll earn SwagBucks when you earn SwagBucks. Thanks for the consideration.

BluFrog contest

Have you ever heard of BluFrog? Well it is a new "healthy" energy drink. And they are sponsoring a bunch of contests. The prizes include a gaming package, a New Years Eve trip to NYC, a trip to Lolapalloza in Chicago, a Richard Petty Racing Experience, and a trip to the X-Games in Aspen.

Hmmm, which prize would I like to win? A trip to Lolapalloza in Chicago would be my pick. Listening to tunes by the shores of Lake Michigan [one of my favorite lakes even if the surfing is not the greatest] sounds like the best prize of the bunch to me. But hey I'm just a beach bum, what do I know.

Afterwards I could cruise up to Michigan and visit the Michigan Beach Bum and hang out at the beach in Holland or South Haven. That guy is always up for a game of beach volleyball which I love. I would probably crash at his place for a week or so. Maybe give him a hand painting the "beach shack."

It is probably about a two to three hour drive from Chicago. So it is pretty close, comparatively. I haven't seen him since the spring break get-away to Myrtle Beach, SC. Good times.

Back on topic...You can enter by tweeting on Twitter, leaving a comment or writing a blog post.


I'm not an energy drink drinker so I've never tried BluFrog...just saying.

Happy 4th of July

Enjoy the holiday! I'm heading out to the beach for the day. I'll probably watch the fireworks on the beach before returning home.

I sure am enjoying the summer but it seems to be going to quick. I need to make an effort to spend more time in the ocean before fall comes and the water temperature drops.

That's the bad part about the 4th of July....a good hunk of the summer is gone when it rolls around.

Survey challenge wrap up

The final numbers for the head to head survey challenge have been tabulated. The two contenders are Opinion Outpost [OO] and My Survey. The results are:

Surveys offered to me:
Opinion Outpost: 39
My Survey: 5

Surveys I qualify for:
Opinion Outpost: 10
My Survey: 5

Dollar value of points earned:
Opinion Outpost: $15.00
My Survey: $0.90

Obviously Opinion Outpost has is a winner based on earnings and opportunities. The only complaint that I have with OO is the number of surveys that I didn't qualify for. I feel that they should be able to do a better job of pre-qualifying before offering a survey.

Survey Challenge Update 2009

As we are now have way through the month I thought it would be a good time to give an update to the challenge.

Surveys offered to me:
Opinion Outpost: 22
My Survey: 2

Surveys I qualify for:
Opinion Outpost: 6
My Survey: 2

Dollar value of points earned:
Opinion Outpost: $9.80
My Survey: $0.20

Obviously Opinion Outpost has a commanding lead. I really would be surprised if My Survey makes a comeback at this point but time will tell.

Paid Survey Challenge 2009

As noted in my previous post, today I begin my paid survey head to head challenge. The two contestants are Opinion Outpost and My Survey. I signed up for Opinion Outpost(OO) in April and I've already received a check for $20.00. I signed up for My Survey in May and have not had a payout yet.

The challenge will consist of tracking the number of surveys offered to me, the number of surveys I qualify to complete and the earnings for filling out surveys. The challenge will run through the end of June.

Disclaimer: The link for OO is an affiliate link so I will earn $1.00 for everyone who signs up and takes a survey. I would recommend OO even if I was not compensated for the recommendation.

Over 100 posts

Whoo Hooo!!! The previous post was my 100th blog post. I just realized it today. Quite the milestone.

Anyway, I have an idea for a head to head comparision for June. I've joined two survey sites and I'll do as many surveys as they will give me for the month of June. During the month I'll give periodic updates and then at the end of June I will declare a winner.

I use to do alot of these challenges and I think I will start doing them again.

Looking at expenses

Over the years I have occasionally done spot checks on my expenses. This is a prudent thing for everyone to do, especially beach bums. In the past I have made the decision to drop my newspaper service, to bundle my Internet-phone-cable, drop my cell phone service, and automate several recurring expenses in order to eliminate late fees.

This time I'm going to drop my home phone service. This one is scary as I don't have a personal cell phone. But I'll be saving close to $50.00 per month, which translates to almost $600.00 per year. So the question is can a beach bum, like myself, live with out a phone in this age of electronic communication? Time will tell.

I did purchase a MagicJack for $39.95 but it makes my Internet connection fail. I can use the voice mail aspect of MagicJack to let me know when people want to get a hold of me but I would have to email them to let them know I received their message.

My phoneless adventure will begin next week. Wish me luck.

Trying out another paid survey site

My first foray into getting paid to fill out offers resulted in my inbox being crushed with spam. The first website is not truly a paid survey site and I don't recommend it (cough) CashCrate (/cough).

This site (which I'll name after I decide if they are worth a plug or not) is a true paid survey site. So far I've been pretty happy with it. The number of surveys seems adequate and the points per survey are fair. I'm close to $20.00 so far and once I go over $20.00 I'll cash out. Once that happens I'll post my overall conclusions.

If I feel they deserve a plug I'll create an affiliate link that you can follow. I would earn $1.00 for each referral that completes a survey.

FYI: (cough)(/cough) is a SSHTML tag

YouData now offers a referral program

Yeah!!! Finally!!! Youdata allows members to refer others and offers compensation for it.

Quick refresher about YouData as I had a previous post about it. You signup [hopefully with one of my links] and fill out your MeFile and answer as many of the surveys as you feel comfortable with. You can then view targeted ads for money!!! You can even view targeted ads right from this blog by using the "adget" in the sidebar. Typically they pay about $0.05 per ad viewed. If you follow the associated link you will earn extra. A recent link was priced at $0.15. So $0.20 for about 20 seconds of my time. Not all bad. You do need a PayPay account to participate.

FYI: When using the "adget" you have the option to give me a tip. The tip is automatically set to 50%. If you do not wish to leave a tip [which is fine as I earn a tiny bit anyway] you will need to reset the tip meter to 100% going to you. I don't want anyone mad at me if they miss the tip meter setting. I did NOT setup the tip feature that way.

If you like to make a little cash here and there on the Internet this might fit into your endeavors. If so consider taking my referral link. Also if you are still reading, I will pay the first five referrals all of the money earned from their referral for one month to the PayPal account of their choice. It probably won't be much but in today's economy every little thing helps.

My new rewards card plan

I recently acquired a Marriott Rewards Credit Card [MRCC]. It offers a points based reward system that is tied into their Marriott Rewards Account. I've been a user of the regular rewards account for a number of years. My old job had me traveling more than I am currently so the reward points have not been growing very fast. I am hoping that the MRCC will turbo charge my rewards account.

My normal bill payment method had been using the billpayer service from my credit union. The rare exception was using my debit card to pay my cable bill or actually writing a check [how 20th century]. I've started switching some of my bills to my MRCC.

In order to keep my credit card bill from getting to outrageous I've setup a recurring payment on my billpayer account to automatically send about half of my monthly bill total to my MRCC. This will also keep me from getting late fees. As I add new bills into my little plan I calculate a new recurring payment and update the recurring payment.

So someday maybe my bills will help me take my dream trip.... a vacation in the south Pacific to do a little surfing.

CentPoker

CentPoker is another website from the same folks that brought us CentSports.  After you sign up they give you 100 chips with which you can play poker against other players.  If you loose all 100 chips, no worries they give you another 100 to play with.  Similar idea to CentSports when you loose you will still be able to play.  

If you like poker and don't want to risk your hard earned money this is a good option.  I've taken my 100 chips and now have 1,677 chips in my account.  These chips represent my percentage of the community pot.  The community pot is the amount of advertising dollars that CentPoker has earned.  As of today the community pot stands at $1,500 and my portion of this pot is a whopping $.21 but as my chip total increases and the pot increases my portion will increase.  

Disclosure:  If you join through my link I will earn 10 chips every day that you login and play.  

First private ad sale

Yea!!!! I made my first private ad sale recently. Not a huge sale but a sale none the less. I was contacted directly via email. I have to admit that the initial inquiry itself was pretty exciting. I emailed back and forth determining what kind of ad placement was wanted and ultimately made an offer that included ad spots on three websites for a month.

My offer was accepted and payment was made. So up went her ads. I hope that she likes the results and would like to continue the relationship going forward.

Turning a closet into a pantry

With the economy in the dumper we decided that saving money should be a priority.  And one way to save money is to purchase in bulk when items are on sale.  When you purchase in bulk you need a place to store the items.  Of course one of our largest monthly bills is groceries.  Hence the pantry.

The closet is just inside the door to the garage by the kitchen so it is convenient for food storage.  We use to hang coats and put footwear underneath but we decided that all of that could go in the closet by the front door.

So off to Meijer to purchase some shelving.  Close to $100.00 later we have four good sized shelves ready for food.  It could have been less expensive but we wanted something that looked fairly nice.

We will now purchase canned goods, boxed meals, juice, paper towel, napkins, Ramon noodles, etc in large quantities when they go on sale.  The pantry will also allow us to see exactly what we have without trying to find something buried in a cupboard.  Having the pantry was an expense up front but in the long run the savings will be much greater.

Thanks to my CentSports cronies

I have had several people join CentSports through my links. When this occurs they become a crony. As a crony when they win I win. When I login to CentSports most days I have what I like to call the "Crony Windfall." It usually runs between $.05 and $.25 but recently my cronies have been doing really well and I actually received $.93 yesterday.

Another day like that along with some successful bets of my own and I'll exceed the $10.00 mark for the first time.

Thank You Cronies!!!

Giving YouData a shot

One of my newer income alternatives is YouData.  Basically you setup what they call a MeFile and then you get paid to view advertising.  

The MeFile contains bits of personal information that help YouData match you with advertising.  When you view an ad it is called selling you attention.  You will typically earn $.20 per ad that you view and visit the advertiser's website.

In about a month I have sold my attention for just under $3.00.  They don't have ads to view everyday but there is usually one or two a week.  YouData does take a fee out when transfering your weekly payment to PayPal.