As unconventional as Tim’s approach often is, 4HWW is not a scam. It’s true that he makes it sound simpler than it is, but that’s not really scammy. Zig Ziglar said to improve your life you should take in material that is inspirational, motivational and educational. 4HWW is all of these things, in that order. I’d have to say probably 60%, 30% and 10% respectively because it is indeed light on specifics. More than most inspirational/motivational material I’ve read, though. Obviously only a fraction of readers will attempt to apply the concepts offered and even fewer will persist in the face of difficulties. That’s why despite it’s being a best-seller you don’t suddenly see a falloff in hourly work. It also largely speaks to cubicle monkeys (of which I was once one) whose work is almost exclusively computer based.

Bottom line is the original author of this piece should read Tim’s piece responding to all the “haters” if she hasn’t already. First ranked for Googling “tim ferriss scam” (this piece was #4) I thought it was an excellent answer to this type of baseless criticism. But I figure it was more meant for marketing her blog anyway and if so that makes her the charlatan.

Thanks for challenging my opinion, anyway. But most people talk a lot (especially bloggers). Consider testing concepts before criticizing and you’ll be much better off in life.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2010/05/18/tim-ferriss-scam-practical-tactics-for-dealing-with-haters/

I’ve only read part of the book and there seems to be some interesting observations. Use bits, enjoy it, dont’ enjoy it, take it all with a grain of salt, whatever, etc etc but if your going to slander it completely out of hand at least do a comprehensive job if it.

You’ve just done exactly what you’re complaining about: Thrown out statements without a shred of evidence!

I’ve read a few articles on his blog, and read some of the comments from his followers, it is sad how it’s all based around this cult he started. And he has even admited it, he doesn’t want any negative critique. Try posting one on his blog and it won’t be published.. There is his capitalist democracy – thrown right out of the window..So 100% of the comments on his site are either people sucking up to him, or ruthlessly defending him…Scary how it resembles nothing but a cult-like behaviour.

Admit it people it’s just a cult you are defending, I browsed through the so called case studies he posted, it’s just people replicating the idea of “him”, for God’s sake every one of those silly buggers is even going to the same destinations he keeps mentioning: Argentina, Thailand…doing the same things..

Just have a read of the comments on this article here, all made up of his congregation lynching anyone who shares a different opinion! Again, very cult-like…

Look I wish him all good, but I also think it’s a little bit scary as this four hour week has a potential to create a whole lot of egotistical, cult-following people…

I thought the summary for me was, if you consider being rich is to have millions in the bank, then you are the “old” or traditional rich. Chances are, you worked many long hours to attain the millions, and will have to work many more to keep it. How old would you be to enjoy those millions; to travel, to live your dream hobbies,..etc? If, on the other hand, being rich to you, is to have high productivity, with total independence from time and location, you are on your way to become a new rich.

I think it was a refreshing book!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m no fanboy, but isn’t it a bit too easy to just say something sucks without explaining why?

If Ferriss is a fraud then the blog author should just admit to being the same, they both are using a message designed to attract attention. I’d actually rate Ferriss a lot higher on the scale of people to listen to…at least his ideas are meant to inspire people to improve, while the blog author is only seeking to drive traffic to this site.

If the blog author is incapable of adding anything of value to attract legit traffic and instead has to rely on controversy might I’m sure we could all come up with a long list of public people he could skewer and label as frauds….without having any qualification or redeeming actions of his own.

Rhonda Swan
Unstoppable Family

Do forgive this poor little thing called Jonah. We know he’s English, but please do understand that he does come from rather uneducated and uncouth beginnings.

He’s been coming to our etiquette and language classes for past four years, 4 hours each week. And while he gets a hundred marks for spelling and a hundred marks for grammar, it’s a rare occasion where he does slip up.

Once again, have a big heart.

Sincerely,

Dr. Markov
School for the Uneducated and Uncouth
Bradford, U.K.

“Dr. Phil maybe famous to you in your country but he or she is unknown to the rest of the world.”

Proper English

Dr. Phil may be famous to you in your country but he or she is unknown to the rest of the world.

Make sure you never make such a disastrous mistake like that in the future.

Writing such crap information products and having so many people fall for the content quickly = money. I prefer not to sell my soul like that, but to instead work on things with passion, even if in the end they don’t make me much money, if any at all.

Sounding competent, sounding confident and reassuring your co-workers and clients that you’re a go-to guy all require a measure of dishonesty. I made the unfortunate mistake of taking “You should always tell the truth” literally until I was about 25, and I lost more than one job by only ever telling my bosses and clients the absolute, unvarnished, all-things-considered truth. I had to learn that lesson the hard way. Ever since I started keeping my mouth shut when I’m not saying “You bet!” I’ve done pretty well for myself.

I suppose my point is that if you excoriate Ferriss for speaking the language of business, then it’s an equal indictment of the business world at large.

Jonah, go ahead, bash my english – its all you seem capable of anyways :)

The four hour work week is doable, but it is alot of work. You need to build a corporation that runs on its own. That’s not easy by any means.

I’m building the four hour work week. And.. it’s not easy. Otherwise it’s a good idea.