As I often do on this blog; I’m going to once again give my readers something for free. This is a bit of a double-edged sword in fact; as the advice comes from me. This part is free. That will hopefully lead you onto part 2, which will involve you shelling out a few dollars to someone else for the purpose of hopefully ensuring that you are recession-proofed.

"Recession-proofed? What on earth is she on about?" You ask.

In answer to that I’ll share with you an email which I received today from David Risley. I’ve added some commentary to intersperse the text for further explanation so that you can follow the drift of what he’s saying: -

"News From Dave

As we move into 2009, we all think about our New Year’s resolutions…What are your resolutions for 2009?

This … newsletter was written in advance because, as you get this, I’m on a cruise. My wife and I finally took a vacation – our first since our honeymoon. We went straight into parenthood after we tied the knot, and kids have this funny habit of anchoring you to home when they’re young."

[Maybe it would have been an idea to tie a knot in... 'Never mind. - Moving on: - ]

"I’ve also been working very hard, and 2009 is going to be even more fast-faced. While I am pursuing other projects, too, the PCMech Premium membership program is certainly a top priority…"

[The PCMech Premium membership is something I need to explain to you:-

PCMech, if you haven't heard of it, is David Risley's internet brainchild. It's a blog that was started a number of years ago as a hobby; but over the last few years has become not only one of the web's top-rated technology information and online-career-building sites; but also David's source of income for him and his immediate family, from which he lives comfortably.

He continues: - ]

"You guys [and girls] saw me do several videos last week about our membership program. This week, while I’m gone, I have all channels open to make sure that people know that they can sign up for our premium program at the old, 2008 rates. See, once I get back into town, I’m turning off registration to our program. During that time, I’ll be re-working some things in order to execute my 2009 enhancements to the program. When I reopen the doors, the price will be higher to reflect the increased value to our program."

[I hear brains ticking over: Some thinking "I like the sound of this. - It must cost a fair bit!"

That's not actually the case with this. - Not yet anyway. How much it does actually cost depends on when you sign up for it: Like David said earlier, - and I can vouch that this is quite genuine: "The price will be higher to reflect the increased value to our program."

When will the price be higher? Looking at the countdown; 4 days, 18 hours, 14 minutes, and 2 seconds ...At time of writing. 'Less now.]

"2009 is a recession year. It is time to put the pedal to the metal, to learn new skills, and to take action. If you learn the right skills and follow the right strategies, you can come out the other end of 2009 doing very well. This time next year, we can all be taking cruises!

…You’ve gotta DO it. And this year, I plan to work closely with PCMech Premium members to do exactly that.

‘You onboard?"

"Yeah, right. – All to make you some money eh?"

I realise that the first thing you’ll think is that I get paid for introducing people; therefore I’m not giving you "free" advice exactly. Honestly this is really totally free advice: Due to circumstances beyond my control, the corresponding affiliate program that I signed up to last year was deactivated, – The program itself, that is; not just my membership. – in anticipation of reactivation in a better format prior to this date. It didn’t happen as planned, and I was informed, so i haven’t been cheated in any way. However this opportunity that I’m telling you about is permanently advertised only on pcmech.com . There are various tweets about it on Twitter, which find their way onto FriendFeed, and onto David’s profile on Facebook. -But if you don’t use Twitter or FriendFeed, aren’t David’s friend on Facebook, and have never visited pcmech.com; you’ll be left completely in the dark, will never hear about it, and will miss the chance of taking advantage of this opportunity. – And time is ticking away as you’re reading this.

- That’s why I’m advertising this to you. I’d have liked to have made money from telling people about it; but it wasn’t to be. Nevertheless I choose to advertise it regardless. I want to bring my readers value. I’m doing so now by telling you about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

‘More from David: – ]

"PCMech Premium is like no other membership program on the Internet. We combine insider tools and tactics in the world of computers and technology with powerful information on using the Internet to make money and improve your life. You will not find this mix of information anywhere else. It reflects MY approach to the world of technology. I make my entire living on the Internet as a professional blogger. I am a geek, a computer enthusiast, but I am also an online entrepreneur. Together we can live the ultimate, high-tech lifestyle. Learn More About PCMech Premium.

David Risley

Click here to to learn more about the premium program for 2009. "

Because I’m not getting paid for this, – David Risley had no idea that I was going to write this article either. Neither did I until a couple of hours ago – I can honestly say in a totally unbiased and from-the-heart manner that the only person who’ll be missing out is you yourself if you don’t take advantage of this offer. If you don’t believe me then don’t sign up through any links in this article: Go directly to http://www.pcmech.com by typing that URL into your browser-bar and sign up there if you distrust me that much. It makes no difference to me any way you do it or don’t do it.

Why am I advertising this for free? I want my blog to be known as a blog that provides real value to my readers, as I already said. This value is in the form of an amazing offer from someone else: if you hadn’t read this article you possibly wouldn’t be any the wiser. – I want my blog to have that reputation so that my traffic increases: That’s my ’selfish’ motive. Also I feel that this is an opportunity that nobody should miss out on the chance of taking at an incredibly-low price.

  Hmm…Convince me some more.

"Incredibly-low price eh?" You ask in a suspicious manner. "Exactly what is this "incredibly-low price"? – $400, $300, $250?"

I’ve been a member of PCMech Premium, in its previous incarnation if you like, for 6 months so far. I can quite honestly value the program as it was then at somewhere around those figures; put very loosely. However you’d be mightily surprised to learn that a year’s membership is currently less than $100 (£69) - Considerably less in fact.

‘Not convinced? Go see for yourself: http://www.pcmech.com . Near the top of the page you’ll see a countdown sequence, ticking away: That’s how long you’ve got left in real time.

If you missed it I’m afraid to tell you that the countdown has ended and all PCMech Premium registrations are currently closed. You can, however, set up a free, restricted, account and go on a waiting list in anticipation of registration reopening. (Target date 30th January 2009.)

Here’s what David Risley himself wrote: -

“I invite you to sign up for our waiting list. If you raise your hand and tell me you’re interested (by signing up for the mailing list), I will provide you first crack at registration when I relaunch the program. I might even throw you a little bonus (hint hint)!”

To get onto the waiting list and show willing, click here

I have a feeling you might be lucky and get in at 2008 prices IF you join this waiting list; but please don’t hold me to that.