For this reason, after receiving a random email about Maverick Money Makers – a private club claiming to reveal online money making secrets – I was more than happy to click through to the sales pitch-style website and read its outlandish, brightly coloured, claims.

But instead of proving (yet again) that my cynic's compass was still precisely pointing north, I was surprised to find example video tutorials and proof of the money that could be made using the Club's techniques.

With a money back guarantee and the ability to cancel at any time, I decided to pay the membership fee and take a closer look, hoping that by scratching at the surface I'd discover very little substance behind the initial impressive website. At least then I could return to my usual day-to-day scepticism unphased.

But no. Things didn't quite work out like that (curse those Maverick Money Makers!). The members' site was (and, of course, still is) comprehensive, easy to navigate, and intent on delivering its original sales-pitch style promises. Ultimately, these are the reasons why this great cynic has been converted (and why my compass no longer points north!):

1. Video tutorials literally take you step-by-step to making money

There is very little reading to be done as a member of Maverick Money Makers, and therefore very little chance of interpreting an instruction or tip incorrectly. All tutorials are video-based (in HD no less!), and literally guide you step-by-step through the processes proven to make money (Mack Michaels, the founder of the club, even videos his own account balances to prove that they're proven!).

This takes much of the pain out of learning the methods, and means you can get online quickly and, by mimicking what you've already seen, you can recreate the success already being enjoyed by other Club members.

2. An almost endless number of ways to make money means you can choose your own unique path

One of the disadvantages to the site is that the information is sometimes not ideally laid out and constructed for a perfect learning experience. One video tutorial might work through a particular facet of constructing your internet business, and then a few tutorials later you discover something that could have been very useful earlier on.

If anything though, this is only testament to the amount of useful information contained in the site, and how free and easy Mack Michaels is with providing it (see below). So much is thrown at you, some of it is bound to stick, and I personally found that by dipping into the tutorials here and there, I very quickly found the approach or plan that suited my interests, time availability, etc.

Another advantage to the volume of information provided, and how it is delivered, is that it requires a little persistence and motivation to work through the site and find your ideal way to make money online. Which works out well for those who stick with it (believe me, you'll be greatly rewarded!), and keeps the Club and its methods exclusive to a select few.

3. An unmatched generosity with practical knowledge suggests a window of opportunity whilst this millionaire is in holistic spirits

It's the spirit with which Mack Michaels provides all this advice, and lays it out in such a no-nonsense, free way, that makes me think I've stumbled across a rare thing – an internet millionaire moving into a giving, holistic phase of his life. And that's something to grab with both hands (I just hope Mack doesn't wake up one day and realise what he's doing!).

It's literally as though the guy has set out to make a whole load of people millionaires, and is as intent on achieving that goal as he was on making his first million!

I, for one (cynic or not), do not intend on looking this particular gift horse in the mouth. I'd advise you to do the same.