GENTBRUGGE, Belgium, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- There's the "Robb Report," there's the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, and now One Million Dollar Sites (http://www.onemilliondollarsites.com/), the "$1 million dollar portal," introduces a new exclusive setting for top-of-the-line products and services.
"People and companies want to distinguish themselves by occupying exclusive buildings and driving high-priced cars," said creator Gino Harteel. "So why not create a site for the elite? To guarantee exclusivity, One Million Dollar Sites will only feature Web sites who are willing to pay $1 million for a listing."
In addition, interested sites must be willing to distribute another $1 million to online visitors, but the specific nature of that offer will be up to the individual Web site owners. "The site will attract visitors because people's curiosity will drive them to see who is listed. Plus, they will be eager to find out more about the money they could receive," said Harteel.
For their million-dollar fee, Harteel's customers will be able to choose between a standard listing and a VIP listing. A standard listing provides inclusion at One Million Dollar Sites for 10 years while a VIP listing lasts for one year. Both listings will be displayed within their categories according to the time at which the purchase order is made, but VIP listings will always be displayed ahead of the standard listings.
In addition, Harteel will visit each person or company who orders a listing within a month after payment, and he will hold a press conference for extra publicity. His goal is to list 1,000 Web sites by the end of 2014.
The idea came to Harteel in July 2007 while he was vacationing in Southern California with his wife Eva. Although he is from a European country, the 40- something electrical engineer chose the name "One Million Dollar Sites" rather than "One Million Euro Sites" because the former has a better ring to it, and because prospective customers will find $1 million more economical than doling out euro 1 million.
"I always have had three life goals: going to and living in the United States, marrying the most wonderful woman in the world and creating a multimillion-dollar business," said Harteel. "I've achieved the first two, and now I'm focused on my third and final assignment."
In addition to his ambition, Harteel has another personal incentive. "I am also doing this for my mother who has cancer," he said. "The doctors say it is a matter of months, not years, so I want to show her that I accomplished all my life goals before she leaves us."
To those who feel that $1 million may be too high a fee, Harteel replies, "Many companies have the money, so finding funds will not be a problem for those happy few. If you want something exclusive, you've got to pay for it."
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