Squidoo Lenses That Don't Sell A Thing

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 87 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #970 in Entertainment, #24,090 overall

Just For The Sake Of Sharing

Okay, so maybe they get a share of Squidoo's Google ad revenue, but here I'm talking about lenses without sales modules or product pitches. I'm talking about lenses that exist primarily to make us laugh, to inform and entertain us, to inspire or just make us think.

Not that there's anything wrong with selling! I have an internet-based business myself, so, believe me, I have selling on the brain. In this lens, however, I'd like to celebrate and highlight lenses that, in and of themselves, won't make more than about $12 a month (if they're in Squidoo's top tier, that is) on pooled ad revenue, because they don't sell a product or have affiliate links.

So be sure to add yours to the links "plexos" below in the proper categories and check out some non-selling lenses by your fellow Squids. Don't forget to vote for your favorites.

There's also a duel near the end of this lens for you to weigh in: Are lenses that don't sell anything worth the time it takes to make them?

And thank you, GreekGeek, for providing the fun squid graphic I've used at the top of this lens, which you've shared in Squidoo Graphics For Your Lenses, without a sales module in sight.

First, Thank You 

To A_Willow And Shindig

The idea for this lens really wasn't my own. I was reading a thread in the SquidU forums about Shindig's great new, philosophical lens (see below), when A_Willow replied, "This is probably the 1st time I've seen a lens without a single selling module! ... Forgot to put them inside or what?"

And that's when I thought, hmm, I have some like that, myself, and I know I've seen others ... somewhere ... so why not make a lens about that. Now, let's just hope I can find enough lenses that fit the bill. Hmm....

 

So here are two fantastic, non-selling lenses, one each by the two squids who sparked the idea for this lens.
featured lens Fresh Squid Contest

As an effort to make newcomers to Squidoo easier to get their way around and become a part of our community here, I started Fresh Squid Group in which all new lensmasters have a chance to get one of their lenses featured as long as they apply to some...

featured lens The Problem With 'Life'

Actually, I would be clearer in asking, "What is the definition of life?" Sorry to say it, but 'Life' does not have a clear definition. Not that our lives don't have meaning. But the word LIFE is fundamentally flawed. Certainly...

Now Some By Me, The Ramkitten 

Only 'cuz this is my lens

These are SOME of my creations that have no sales modules.
featured lens Is "Funnest" Really A Word?

....well, then I'm a dork. But I just can't wrap my head around it. Funnest? No English teacher I ever had approved of that one. (Or its cousin, "funner," for that matter.) The red pen woulda come out fightin' mad. Am I wrong, though? Some folks ve...

featured lens Ramkitten's Lensography

Some people laugh at my nickname, but, me, I'm proud of it. And it makes me smile too. Why? Because "Ramkitten" reminds me of special times and adventures. The name originated on RamCat Farm in southwestern Pennsylvania, where Steve and I lived...

featured lens 100 Things I'm Thankful For

Lensmaster LittleIsMore (aka Claudette Mitchell) started a thread in the SquidU forums titled, "What are you thankful for?"  She wrote: Although I knew how important it was to be thankful, I only learned a few years ago the significance...

featured lens A Man Called "Screamer"

Standing thirty feet away or thirty inches, he spoke in the same loud voice. That's why we called him Screamer. "We" were hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Each year, millions of people use those 2,175 miles of footpath extending from Georgia to Main...

featured lens Squidoo Fan Clubs

Well, okay, I guess there are some real stinkers who don't deserve any fans--naming no names, of course--but let's not talk about them, shall we? This is a happy lens. Smiles up! So, to me, having a fan is like getting a pat on the back with a "Hey...

And Let's See Some More 

Lenses That Don't Sell

Now, this doesn't mean you don't have links in your lenses that lead to other lenses or websites that DO sell something. After all, I don't want to be TOO nit-picky here. But the basic rules for adding to the following plexos (lists) are that the lenses:



  • contain no Squidoo sales modules, such as those for Amazon, Ebay, Cafe Press, Zazzle, Etsy, etc.


  • contain no affiliate advertisements


  • aren't about a particular product or brand for sales purposes

If not, then add away. Just look for the most appropriate category below and add as many lenses that you have that fit the bill. And feel free to add those by other lensmasters that you'd like to share, as long as they too meet the requirements.

And, uh ... (whispering in your squid ear) if your inspirational, biographical, educational, entertaining, instructional, philosophical and/or otherwise product-free lens happens to include just an itty-bitty text link to, oh, a book maybe or some such well-disguised promotion nicely streamlined within your wonderful content, I--and perhaps others--may just blink and miss it. :)

Thank you, Tracy_M, for the code for the above nifty numbered Squid list you've shared in your ad-free lens, Lens Candy.

Plexo Categories 

Does your lens fit into more than one category? If so, choose the one you like the best, that's most fitting, and add it there.

**Unfortunately, I do have to add:

These plexos are for Squidoo lenses only. Links to other websites will be deleted. (No offense 'r nothin'.) And no fair hiding those sales modules all at the end, below the guestbook. They're still part of the lens, and this is all about LENSES WITH NO SALES MODULES, so no dice.


Okay, sorry, I just had to point that stuff out in bright yellow, because I really don't enjoy deleting otherwise good stuff from these plexos (but I've had to).

Is It Worth The Time? 

This "duel" appears to be listing heavily to one side. Anyone want to weigh in and keep it from capsizing? (Only if you really feel that way, of course!)

What do you think, is it worthwhile to make Squidoo lenses that don't have sales modules?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Yes

ImproveMeU says:

I think it is, even though I don't have any. You never know what people are interested in and it could be your highest lensrank

Posted November 30, 2009

Wednesday_Elf says:

I joined Squidoo because I have a whole bunch of stories I want to tell. I've just done 5 selling lenses for RocketMoms as assignments, and while I've learned a lot, shopping lenses are not (yet, anyway) comfortable for me. As soon as my 'class' is over, I plan to do some story lenses and most of them probably won't sell a thing. I'll be back then to post in a plexo for your consideration :-).

Posted November 27, 2009

rlmodranski says:

I enjoy writing . . . just for the sake of writing! Hopefully I inspire others with what I share. I'm really grateful to Squidoo for this outlet that actually can generate traffic. I do have a related Amazon module on most of my lenses, but I've never (not once) sold a thing and don't really count on it. That's not what I'm here for!

Posted October 26, 2009

ChapelHillFiddler says:

I'm completely convinced that nothing I love to do will ever make me any money, so more than half my lenses have no sales modules. Why am I doing this? I have no clue.

Posted September 22, 2009

Sojourn says:

Absolutely - all work and no play make us a dull set of squids otherwise. :)

Posted August 05, 2009

Chadrew says:

It definitely is, although I usually put in at least one sales module even if the lens is highly unlikely to make any sales.

Posted July 13, 2009

jaye3000 says:

Yes! Some of the best lenses don't sell anything.

Posted July 12, 2009

mulberry says:

Yes, I definitely think lenses without sales modules can have a purpose, NO DOUBT, but I sure wouldn't put the majority of my time in to lenses with nothing on them to buy if I wanted to make money.

Posted July 12, 2009

paperfacets says:

Yes, I am glad to know there are some out there.

Posted July 07, 2009

BigGirlBlue says:

I think variety is nice so to have some lenses with out sales modules just offers a variety. It's nice to have the choice.

Posted July 05, 2009

RevealedAtLast says:

Absolutely ... sometimes you just have something to say that you want to share with the world.

Posted June 24, 2009

Trekkiemelissa says:

It really depends on the topic. If its going to take away from the topic, then I won't put it. Some of my lenses have it and some don't.

Posted May 23, 2009

Kylyssa says:

Some lenses have no logical connection to products for sale. Then again, some lenses can and do.

Posted May 16, 2009

aj2008 says:

Depending on the topic, sometimes it's just not appropriate to have any sales modules in a lens.

Posted May 15, 2009

partybuzz says:

Yes, it's refreshing and fun to do one occasionally!

Posted May 01, 2009

jpetals says:

Heck Yes! You know how some people scrapbook? Well, I squidoo. It just makes sense to me to put all my creativity into Squidoo and share and explore. Of course I make tons of lenses to sell things, but I certainly try and maintain a balance on Squidoo. I entered my lens under inspirational because I share my aspirations in my one lens. I think everyone should record their dreams somewhere and work towards them. I guess I just like to do it publicly.

Posted April 11, 2009

BevsPaper says:

Sometimes the information you offer, advice you give, or life experience you tell about doesn't warrant an e-commerce mod. It just doesn't. My personal opinion is that you would lose your targeted audience on many of these lenses if you tried to sell people stuff in the middle or end.

Posted April 10, 2009

spirituality says:

Sure - not everything in life is about money. And even from a commercial perspective: these lenses add to one's reputation & may gather links to your profile.

Posted April 10, 2009

Greekgeek says:

It sure is! I confess I usually put one token sales module in my lenses somewhere, but my lenses almost never sell anything... and that's not the point! The point for me is to share something I love, or know, or can teach people.

Posted April 09, 2009

QueSea says:

Certainly~! I've learned a great deal about Squidoo and my fellow Squids by creating lenses that don't sell stuff. It's been rewarding for sure. Perhaps the most important thing...I've met neat people who have some of the same interests. Sometimes other Squids tell me they've learned something from what I've created. Fantastic~!

Posted April 09, 2009

No

BFuniv.com says:

Money is a good way to judge the commitment generated in those who read your lenses. I should have more sales modules than I do. It's great to be able to get your voice heard on subjects you care about, but offering other ways for readers to participate is important. I have a few that don't even link to the BFU student store (unsolicited plug), but maybe I'll add something to them.

Posted September 24, 2009

CoolFoto says:

I don't know. All of mine have sales modules of one kind or another.

Posted August 17, 2009

sandyspider says:

I believe all my lenses have sells modules. I will have to check through all 61. But only a few of them have made me a little bit of money.

Posted July 12, 2009

Janusz says:

To tell you the truth, although I have a few Lenses that haven´t any Sales Modules.. I have payments set at 100% Charity, I could help those more when I add Sales Modules, which I am now considering.

Posted May 16, 2009

KimGiancaterino says:

All of my lenses have sales modules, but several are raising money for charity. On those I have links to Seth Godin's books or a friend's CafePress store (she raises money for cancer patients). Every bit counts!

Posted May 14, 2009

BuffaloKid says:

Gee, it's lonely over here on this side. Keeping tipping, though. I could use the money. :)

Posted April 09, 2009

 
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A Bit About Me 

Lensmaster Ramkitten has been a member since December 7 2008, has rated 2,434 lenses, favorited 198, and has created 110 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "100 Things I'm Thankful For". See all my lenses

My Bio



I'm glad you've stopped by! So what's with the Ramkitten thing, you ask? Well, that's my trail name in the long-distance backpacking community (and now just about everywhere else), but you can call me Deb if you'd like.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the greatest experience of my life, and I have plans for more long-distance treks in the future. That's me in the photo, celebrating at the official end of the A.T., excited about the accomplishment, looking forward to being home again, but a little sad inside, too, because an amazing journey has come to an end. That was in 2000 but feels like yesterday, as I remember everything in such detail. That's often how it is when you're moving through life at no more than 3 miles per hour along the simplicity of a trail.

Anyhow, I'm originally from Rhode Island but now live in Flagstaff, Arizona with my mustached man, Steve, and beloved pooch, Sassafrass Tea (or Sassy, for short). I'm a Search & Rescue volunteer (love it!) and a writer of both fiction and non-. In late 2008, I began working on my own internet-based business, selling pre-equipped 24-hour packs for hikers and other outdoorsy folks. And, as a 40th birthday gift to myself, I quit my "real job" in favor of doing things I truly enjoy on a full-time basis.

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100 Things I'm Thankful For
Lensmaster LittleIsMore (aka Claudette Mitchell) started a thread in the SquidU forums titled, "What are you thankful for?"  She wrote:Although I knew how important it was to be thankful, I only learned a few years ago the significance... view lens
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Becoming a Search and Rescue Volunteer
Are you intrigued by stories about wilderness rescues and searches for missing hikers or mountain climbers? If so, perhaps becoming a Search and Rescue--often referred to as "SAR"--volunteer might just be for you. I've enjoyed and bene... view lens
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Hiking My Way to a Novel
On September 25th, 2000, I completed a six-month journey from one end of the Appalachian Trail to the other, a 2,175-mile walk from Georgia to Maine otherwise known as a thru-hike. Along the way, I embarked on another type of journey, a creative adve... view lens
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Ramkitten's Lensography
Some people laugh at my nickname, but, me, I'm proud of it. And it makes me smile too. Why? Because "Ramkitten" reminds me of special times and adventures. The name originated on RamCat Farm in southwestern Pennsylvania, where Steve and I lived... view lens
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A Man Called "Screamer"
Standing thirty feet away or thirty inches, he spoke in the same loud voice. That's why we called him Screamer. "We" were hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Each year, millions of people use those 2,175 miles of footpath extending from Georgia to Main... view lens

by Ramkitten



I'm glad you've stopped by! So what's with the Ramkitten thing, you ask? Well, that's my trail name in the long-distance backpacking community (and... (more)

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