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The following posts have been reprinted in their entirety from posts e-mailed by readers of this website, except that headers, names and locations have been removed. These posts express the opinions and experiences of their authors, and this site publisher makes no representations about them in any way whatsoever. Re: Your Web Page You obviously have nothing better to do. Being in the Amway business has been one of the best decisions I have made. Why don't you go pick on jobs instead of people trying to make things better for them and there families. Go check out the success rate of a persons career, the statistics will shock you. Over 90% of people at retirement age are dead, broke, going to work still or dependent on family. Just ask the Social Security Admin. for the statistics. I'm not trying to be mean, it's just this kind of garbage isn't needed. We're you ever in the business, my guess is yes, and you didn't succeed, so you have to blame the company instead of looking in the mirror for the real person at fault. We're all just trained to be a bunch of cows instead of thinking for ourselves. You need to get the truth and stop looking for all the negative in things, nothing is perfect not even this, it's just the real problem ls with ourselves.

Hi, I have a friend who is about to become involved in "The Winners' Circle" -- out of Orlando,Florida. I know this is just another MLM scam, but he won't listen to me. Got any information on this MLM company? I did an Alta Vista search and all I came up with were websites done by "The Winners' Circle" distributors.

Any help would be appreciated!

recently a company called The Winners Circle open in my country. I am a former Amway distributor and I made no money with them, but I happen to like multilevel marketing. Do you have any information about this new company? I wouldn't like to loose more money. They have a web site at www.w-circle.com Thanks

He was good at stirring up and ruffling the Amway feathers, and as an ex-active-distributor in Amway I did find his site entertaining reading, agreeing as well as disagreeing with aspects of his site.

Sometime I can't help but feel that Mr. Schwartz would have given himself far more credibility with the readers of his website, and perhaps Amway's lawyers if he had actually been IN the Amway Business himself at some stage.

Regards,

Part I

I'm very confused as to what is going on!

My husband and I were solicited to join INA (Quickstar) which we were told is a sister company to Amway. We paid a $161.00 for our pin number but when we received our kit, it was all Amway products. Our pin card for INA (Quickstar) also has Amway stamped all over it.

We were originally told that the new Internet mall will incorporate the same "point system" as Amway and all retailers must submit to the point system to be a part of the mall but the whole thing so far seems to be centered on Amway. Everything from their literature, the pressure to go to meetings, Anvox system, buy their books, tapes etc ... none of which my husband and I are interested in, in the least.

Though we are part of the "new" INA business (I think???) I see no point in taking part in any of the above things because the real money (if any) is going to be made by people shopping in the Internet Mall. We have had two friends of ours sign on as Distributors since we sign up and we are letting them know upfront that the being "plugged in" is nonsense. I personally believe that the point system is bogus. Other then purchasing my pin number for the mall, and making my own business cards with my pin number on it, to hand out so people can shop in the mall starting September 1, 1999, I don't plan on investing one red cent into Amways line of "self help" material.

You are right in what you stated on your web site, that there is a lot of hype about this mall. There are no real solid answers to any of our questions regarding it. We have been told that it will be the largest Internet mall and that new stores will be added daily, but as far as who is going to be apart of it, no one really knows. And this makes me very uneasy. I have more questions at this point then I do answers.

I do see it as an opportunity to make money, but I also see it as a means of Amway taking advantage of people with their so called "point system."

If you have any comments regarding this letter, please feel free to Email me.

Part II

Now I'm really confused. We were told that the whole reason for joining Quixstar now is so that we could get our pin # passed out so people can shop in the mall September 1, 1999, (they can't buy anything without a pin number ) and build "our business" up between now and September 1,1999. Now I'm wondering since technically we are "Amway" if we are going to have to pay additional fee's for Quixstar? (which we thought we were already in?)

I am also wondering why, if we cannot recruit people for Quixstar why the videos they are putting out do exactly that? There is no mention in the new video (Net Gain) about waiting till September 1, to become a distributor which leads me to believe the whole thing is misleading. I'm wondering also why INA (Quixstar) (which we are supposed to be a part of) is holding symposiums starting this month? It seems that what Amways, Sr. VP is saying something (zero tolerance) other then what he and the other leaders are allowing.

We have already had people sign up under us for Quixstar and they are under the same impression we are. Not only did a few of our friends sign up, but they signed up when our leads "diamond" (**) came over and did the presentation on Quixstar at our house. We are supposed to have another meeting this coming Saturday at our house to discuss the business. Right now I feel like I'm in the "cross fire." I don't want to encourage anyone to purchase a pin number for, as you stated "a business that does not yet exist."

I understand what your saying about how Amway has made money in the past. What we have been told is that not only will we make money from people who buy things in the mall but also from those who visit the web site, even if they do not purchase anything. I do believe that the TV commercials they are going to run will generate business and hopefully that will turn into income.

When a person goes to check out of the mall they will have the option at that point of becoming a distributor and purchasing a pin. If they check out with your pin number and join Quixstar we will get credit for them being a distributor.

There have been a lot of promises made, and it does sound "to good to be true" so I'm wondering how much of this is going to be fact and not fiction, since to be honest, we don't have anything in writing.

I will look for an area on one of Amways sites to log my complaint/questions, Lord knows I have a lot of them!

Thank you for responding to my letter. I think though I have more questions now then I began with. God bless you and your family.

Wouldn't it be nice to walk up to a friend and say "I just became an Amway distributor" and hear "Gee, can you sign me up? I hear a lot of good things about Amway"

Wouldn't it be nice to say to your up line, "sorry I can't make the meeting tomorrow night, my mother is going into the hospital." And hear-"I understand, I will tell the others there and ask those who care to to say a prayer for her, I'll call you tomorrow to see how she is doing. Can I take care of anyone you invited for you?"

Wouldn't it be nice if the original concept of Amway still existed, and the "tools industry" found some other company to grow on, say in Yugoslavia!

Wouldn't it be nice if the Amway founders could find a cure for the YAGER Cancer that is eating away their dreams. Talk about your "DREAMSTEALER"

Wouldn't it be nice if I could get the good Doctor who started me in this stuff to see the light before he looses his family,friends, and money?

What to do, What to do?

Part I

Well, the first answer by my Diamond was "this isn't the proper place to discuss this" and "I'm appalled at your attitude after all this time". I responded that the vox was suggested by my upline PSDD, that I didn't want to know specific incomes , but rather I was interested in %'s and why system money is such a secret. Then I asked for a suggestion as to a better forum to discuss the matter. The final answer was "there is no forum for this, there is nothing to discuss", and "your numbers are grossly in error", and "I used to think you were just an underachiever, but now you are a quitter"and "your actions are just plain stupid to quit at this time in the business". (did I hit a sensitive spot?)

Well, maybe I am those things, but I think hard times are ahead for the Yagerites.

I have compiled all the tools from the last 180 days and am sending them to our PSDD for reimbursement. We have some older BSM's that are not eligible for full reimb. but are unopened and still usable. Hopefully, they will see some value and reimburse part of the purchase price. If not, I'll either pitch them or advertise them for sale. At least, the upline is abiding by the BSMAA and behaving honorably on this point.

Thanks again for your time and interest.

Part II

I need to get off this negative tack, but the upsetting thing was that my upline PSDD told me to lay it out for our Diamond: that if what my research was suggesting was true, (1) why was it a secret and (2) I had a problem with it. I took a very non-accusatory tone, but was firm on that last point. Both responses were mixes of attack and "sorry you're leaving this great opportunity". The level of anger in the responses at first really bothered me, because I suddenly felt as though I needed to defend myself. But I think I really did touch a nerve, and for now, that is satisfaction enough.

My PSDD told me that he is for the first time participating in "tape breaks", which he did not even know about until he got there....exactly what the Probandt web page states. The amount was even accurate.

Well, that is enough venting. Thanks for "listening". I will keep you posted on the "rest of the story".

Regards,

In an organization that has only struggled for eight years, I finally see the real money is in tools (which we knew), and in other incomes from inserting their own products and services into their distributorships. Is this unethical and immoral?

Personally, today I am psychologically, emotionally, and physically experiencing challenges that I tie to this so called Amway business and Internet system.

In 1997 and 1998 I personally made in a smaller city 70K at the age of 25-26. So it sure isn't for lack of ability or skill that prevented my own personal financial windfall, but perhaps it is definitely for a lack of real opportunity. Do the Yagers and Van Andels and DeVos families really believe there is more opportunity today than 20 years ago for everyone?

By the way, I personally have shown over 600 plans in the last 5 years, with 400 of those in the last 2 years. Any questions now

Please Respond, thanks.

Part I

The company's name is Primerica (not Prime America). When a site takes this kind of I'm affraid that the bias has already taken a turn for the negative. Bottom line; What Primerica does for families far exceeds any financial teaching anyone had ever taught me. If it has to be direct selling then so be it. This type of business system allows everyday people the chance to become financially independent by going into business for themselves or just by implementing their own financial needs analysis. Just watch over the next 10 to 15 years how many people will be retiring broke because nobody came to teach them the rule of 72 or what their FIN # is. I hope this doesn't come across wrong but I think that an unhappy person or persons have made a big mistake spending their valuable time speading mean and obviously hateful material about anybody. From what I've seen over the past 10 years, Primerica is the best business I've ever been part of. Please look a little further without the blinders.

Part II

Thank you for your encouraging response. I know the numbers may show that people who give it a shot don't often make it. In Canada we have to be full-time agents to work in this highly regulated industry; Insurance and Securities. I know in the U.S. the opportunity can be part-time for a lot of folks. It seems to me that the representation of our company can be at fault at times but I can assure you that in this industry you can't hurt people without losing your ability to do business eventually. I love what I'm able to do for the consumer. We're not talking soap and toilet paper here. We're talking about taking the basic information about finance and changing the financial future of generations. I know this makes me sound like I'm wearing rose coloured glasses but we have the proof of our clients' statements from before and after. Here's another example; 1993 numbers from the Canadian Health and Insurance Industry showed an average 90% of the death claim paid to a family of less than $25,000. Primerica's average death claim paid is $243,000. If you were a widow with 2 kids which one would you choose? There are many examples of how this company makes a difference. I guess the only thing I can say is, if someone has been wronged in any way they deserve the right to feel bad about it. I hope they can forgive, move on and have their family benefit from the knowing of the "Rule of 72" or "Buy Term and Invest the Difference". The bottom line is what is really being done for the consumer as far as their own personal finance goes? Thanks again for your time.

Hello,

My name is Michael. I am living in Tahiti and I am interested in the MLM area since a few months. I read your story as an Amway distributor in the MLM survivors site. Like many others sharing their experience, it appears that this is like Hell on Earth. I have difficulties to believe this but I understand it is simply true. Being myself in the MLM business since 4 months with Morinda Inc I am thinking a lot about good and bad things about that kind of marketing. In my case, no harassment comes from uplines or company itself, the compensation plan is simple, cheap and require some work for only less than a month to be earning some hundreds and everyone has a choice to pursue for the big thousands or keep it on low profile but I think now I see what makes the big difference between delusion and possible opportunity : the product. I learned that Amway has 603 products (602th being Noni powder capsules I think) and built a maze of a system to promote these where Morinda only offers Noni (Juice mainly) which has a true background as a natural healthy product in my country. We succesfully sell and sponsor mainly thanks to the product, not much from the compensation plan (which seems good anyway to my liking) and we never have to buy a lot of products, whatever the rank we achieve, only one case, forever, with the 70% rule. So maybe that is the requisite for being honest as a network company : sell real products and emphasizes on their quality and uniqueness. Future will tell if I'm right....

Take care

I find your site very interesting. Of course, percentage of emails relating to Amway is staggering. The few that feel they have done well with Amway are in a very small, almost invisible minority. My personal experience was with Excel, and now another MLM that markets telecom products. Excel topped out sometime in 1996 or 97. They have a rate of non-renewal of reps that is somewhere between 75-90%, depending on who you want to believe. The products make sense, but the requirements for substantial earnings are very difficult, and most quit after the first year. I left before the end of my second year. Excel tells you the average rep gets about 7 long distance customers, yet requires you to keep 20 to qualify for all pay levels (At least it 's presented to you ahead of time). I am very happy where I am now, and I won't name the company because I feel it would be inappropriate for this forum. You have an interesting site.

Part I

Att: To Whom it May Concern

Perhaps a year ago, I purchased an Auction Program Package from the McCorkle corporation. This allowed me to use his "funds" for bidding at local auctions.

Yours is the first site I have seen since dealing with William McCorkle. I had a very promising business plan related to auction work, but am worried that he will not follow through with his part of the bargain.

I remember that the total cash spent for this system was $500.

Please respond with ANY additional feedback you might have about McCorkle Enterprises and how I can go about refunding my money OR ensuring his end of the deal is met.

Much Thanks,

Part II

Thank you for your recent feedback regarding William J McCorkle and his recent conviction.

While $500 certainly is no small amount of money, I am thankful to know that it could have been more but was not so.

Fortunately, I have begun a business venture inclusive of auction strategies and services which is a new, revolutionary concept not yet introduced to the internet community. This auction service is also combined with also insightful services available to the public. It is a massive effort and I will be needing the help of a number key players. At this time, I have only enough funds to incorporate the business venture and for communication materials. I am in the process of securing an investor (for roughly $10,000 start-up) for this project. This will be a joint profit-sharing venture as staff will be later employed.

This concept as I mentioned is unheard of and powerful.

As someone who has certainly expressed interest in creative business like myself, I'm personally inviting your feedback and interest in my concept. If you would like to more, just reply to this message with an indication that you want to learn about the "ITS a GO" internet project.

I sincerely look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks again for your help!

Regards,

I enjoyed your views.. I was thinking about what you said about Omegatrend, when was it the last time you saw it.

Just a current update, people will either have to sign up for Amway or Quixtar. Can't do both. That's the scoop for now from my upline (Wilson),

Hello. I just wanted to say thanks for putting up this page. I was recently approached by a "Quixtar Opportunity Salesman" by the name of ** here in the *** area. After he gave me the quixtar.com and countdown9199.com web address, I checked out with internic and discovered that amway owns the quixtar.com domain name.

With the info on your page, I have determined that this guy and his quixtar opportunity is just another one of those multi-level marketing scams. Unfortunately, I gave this guy my phone number, so I can expect a few more phone calls from him. But I'll be sure to tell him that I know all about this MLM scam already.

I've known 2 people that have fallen prey to one of the many MLM scams out there. Hopefully your site will dissuade others to fall victim to these get-rich-quick schemes...

Please keep up the great work! Knowledge is power!

Hello, I just finished cruising your site and found the emails you have posted very interesting. My mother still purchases AmWay products, though I could never abide them as I found them to be very harsh.

I am a Melaleuca customer, however. I have been involved with that company for almost five years. In that time I have tried doing the business and just being a customer. I found that the business end of things was not for me. I've never been told I was a looser or a quitter because of that. Although I have felt uncomfortable when reading the company's business builder's magazine at the hype I have seen, it really is no different from what you would find in any large corporation's motivational material.

I have enjoyed the benefits of just being a customer for about three years now, and I still receive a small commission check because I introduced a few friends to the company (they are all pretty happy being customers, too, as they have been in as long as I). So where is the scam in this company, in your opinion.

It is easy to get out of Melaleuca if you want and the company's refund policy is valid - I've seen it work. The prices are equitable to what you find in retail stores, and I find I like the quality much better. Melaleuca Inc.. bends over backward to ensure that abuses do not occur. In fact, if a marketing executive of any level were to present Melaleuca in any way that could be considered a scam, all the injured party would have to do is call the company and complain. That marketing executive would be severely disciplined for their duplicity. This has happened in certain cases, and for those who think they can be dishonest and misrepresent the company, they loose their business. Mr.. Frank Vandersloot, the president and CEO, has a proven track record of integrity with two traditional companies, both of which he lead to significant positions in the Fortune 500 list. Though you may use the argument that bad apples have produced good results, face it, we have a president who is immoral, we knew it in '90 when he was elected. Mr.. Clinton has had scandal attached to his career for a very long time for everyone to see.. You can tell a man of integrity by the fruit that is produced in his life. Mr.. Vandersloot has very high moral standards set for himself and for his company and this is evident to anyone who would examine his life and career.

I really am interested in hearing your opinion. Melaleuca certainly isn't for everyone, nor will everyone enjoy the products as I do. But to include this company, which I have found to be very honest and trust worthy, in a list of scammers... Please let me know why. If I have overlooked something, I would like to have the information to consider.

Thank you for reading this and hopefully for responding soon.

I'm trying to find out if Equinox has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy? I saw it on a web site and I am very curious about it as a former rep.

Thanks,

Hi,

Do you have any info on New Vision?

Thanks,

Dear Friends:

Someone is trying to convince me that Melaleuca is not an MLM and worth trying. I've looked over all the info and have a gut feeling that it is indeed just another MLM, only one that has learned from Amway et al's mistakes...in fact, my instincts tell me that those behind Melaleuca practically set the whole thing up to "catch and hold" (for as long as possible) all the bewildered dropouts from the more blatant MLM scams.

Could you guide me to websites that include information on Melaleuca specifically?

Thanks,

I too was scamed by this jerk....what was his real sentence...just curious.... [His real sentence was 24 years in prison, and forfeiting most of his accumulated wealth. Ditto for his wife, Chantal.]

thank you for your time

(I'm so embarrassed)

Hello,

Just read that Schwarts' site went down. I am quite new to this controversy, but feel very strongly about it. To be perfectly honest with you, I have very little experience with Amway. My interest is in free speech. After being "suckered" into wasting an evening learning about "Quixtar", I came home quite angry. After reading up on it on the web, I became even angrier. The main reason was the strong-arm tactics they use to silence people.

My husband is a radio talk show host. He is well known, and known to have no ties with Amway or its competitors. He discussed it for a day or two on the air, and we were flooded with people from both sides. What I am getting at is this: Amway will not mess with us. If there is anything I can do to publish information from our site, or another on our server, I will. I would need for my own peace of mind to be sure of its accuracy, and allow both sides to voice their opinion. I am a capable web builder, so the site isn't a problem. Let me know, OK?

I Have been with Omegatrend for some time now and I believe that it is a straight shooter. Why am I writing to you is that I was also a X-Amway member and would like to see the back of that company. With that, if you need any information about Omegatrend, I would like to supply it to you. I know there a allot of very good people in Amway, with big dreams, but the chances in succeeding are very small. Thank you fro your time

Dear whoever:

A friend of mine asked for my help evaluating a new "business opportunity" which turned out to be Quixtar. I've read all the good stuff and bad stuff about Quixtar and Amway. I attended a sales pitch. I recommended that my friend say no.

However, during the pitch, the "Van Andel Institute" was mentioned (as possibly providing ideas and products to Quixtar). I found the VAI on the web, and it was on the Worldshop.com site. Worldshop.com is an internet mall, with membership/discounts, multiple manufacturers, and so forth. Worldshop.com is produced by "Internet Services Group" in Grand Rapids. "Internet Services" is also the group putting together Quixtar.

So, I have a question for you all. In all my research about Quixtar, I never heard or read that it was related to Worldshop. I was told during the pitch that Quixtar has no prototype site that is ready to be looked at.

Isn't Worldshop the obvious precursor to Quixtar? And maybe the change in name is coming about because Worldshop simply wasn't making any money?

What do you think?

I am interested in finding out more about Quixtar and I'm disappointed that the mainstream media has not picked up on the story. It seems clear that they will be using Quixtar to fleece the sheep.

There are several signs that indicate this. First, they incorporated the company over a year ago. It doesn't take that long to get up and running on the Web, particularly because all of their merchandise and inventory problems were already taking care of through Amway before they ever formed the new company. Obviously, the delay in opening the Web page is simply an opportunity to hype the distributors so that they it will be willing to pay the start-up fee. It is also significant that they have decided to establish an entirely new corporation rather than running Quixtar as a subsidiary of Amway. Establishing Quixtar separately would make it easier for the principals to make a quick kill and take their profits and get out. Next, the whole idea of Quixtar is ludicrous. Quixtar offers no competitive advantage to consumers to offset the insanity of having to obtain an access code from a distributor to shop at their site. As always, the money is in signing people up. Last, it is very revealing that a scant three and a half months before its debut, no one knows the cost of signing up or whether Amway distributors will have to pay to use Quixtar. Certainly, the people at Quixtar know what the fee structure is going to be.

Essentially, I envision that Quixtar is going to have the distributors pay a significant start-up fee which will for the most part be pocketed by the principals. As it is the nature of pyramid, the companies will boom for little while and then go bust with the owners walking away with a tidy sum.

I would like to know of any articles in the mainstream media regarding this scam.

USA Today had a really good article on he new Quixtar program and Amway.(May 11,Tuesday) It was more honest than most stuff you read about the Amway opportunity. Check it out. I a sorry to see Mr. Swartz's site go away, but what can you do? Keeping a good thought.

To Whom It May Concern,

I have gotten some second hand information tonite about Alpine air filters making people sick. I am not out to slam Alpine or any of its distributors but I need to know if you guys might have any info on this matter. Someone told me that they had found something posted on the net.

The reason I am looking is because my father has had an Alpine filter since late January and has been VERY sick for the past few months. It all started AFTER he got this wonderful filter. I am trying to gather ANY information that I can so that my family can once again be at peace. Please help if you can.

Thanks,

Dear Sirs:

I am familiar with mlm companies, and, while I am not familiar with Amway, I am familiar with another cult-like company, Equinox. The first "meeting" of Equinox that I attended came after I responded to an ad; I told the person who answered that I was not interested in mlm; he assured me it was not. I asked him what the name of the company was, what it sold, and what I would be doing. He would not say, telling me my questions were stupid and everyone was making money without any difficulty. Well, of course, it was MLM; they claimed the average distributor made $2500/month (not even close to accurate), claimed that they were the only company to sell water filters and the other products through direct distributors (nonsense--they were copying NSA, which sold mlm water filters, herbalife, which sold nutrition products, and Nu Skin, which had done well with skin care products) and that they "hated cynics". I told the person who recruited me that he assured me that it was not MLM; he screamed at me that it was the best, biggest MLM ever and demanded that I come back for a second meeting. What nerve.

I later answered a second ad, in a different location, and this time specifically asked if it was Equinox; I was told no. It was, and when I walked up to my recruiter to tell her I was not interested, a young man actually grabbed me by my tie, pulled me against his body and tried to tell me how great I looked and how he was sure I would be successful.

Few MLMs act with the secrecy, blatant lying and arrogance of this company (and, from what I am reading, Amway is the same way); I know people who are into MLM who have described Equinox as a cult, and that is what it is; their distributors believe everything that Gouldd says, because they want to, and won't listen to anyone else, or even look at other MLMs (there are hundreds to choose from, including some with patented products for which there is no competition).

I was just wondering if anybody had heard anything so far about Trek Alliance. It seems to be a good company, run unlike any other MLM I've seen (well, the pay plan anyway). Please let me know if you or anybody you know has had any experiences with this company. Thanks

Great site! I just wanted to let you know that you are doing a lot of good by educating people about the dangers of AMOs. It's too bad your website wasn't created back in 1995 when I was just finishing college. That's when I had my short (Thank God!) experience with Amway: During summer break, I too was approached but unlike you, I joined for two months. The only reason I joined was because my friends whom I trusted and known since childhood recommended it and because I felt left out when all they did was go to Amway meetings. During the next few weeks, I noticed a change in their personalities especially in my supposedly friend and Amway sponsor, **, whom I've known since grade school. Before Amway, ** was a fun-loving guy with a penchant for telling jokes and had a opinion about everything. After joining Amway, all he does was quote from his Amway tapes and he seemed annoyed when I suggested that we skip a Amway meeting and play some ball at the local park where the pre-Amway ** loves to do ever since I've known him. Two months later, I decided to quit because everytime I went to a meeting I felt like I was in a masqarade party where the people never seem to be themselves. I felt queasy when some recruits that recently joined started to chant "fired up" over and over in chorus and besides I hated wearing a suit on hot summer days and not making a dime. When I told ** that I intended to quit, he tried to persuade me with the same BS tactics you're probably familiar with. After numerous phone calls, when he realized that I was not going to change my mind, he outright told me that I will be poor and a loser in life. I was shocked and hurt at these words coming from a friend I have shared good times with since we were kids. Setting aside my obvious anger and sense of betrayal, I warned him about what Amway was doing to him and he just told me how he will be driving a Benz while I will be riding my stupid bike. I slammed the phone down and from then on he stopped calling. Well, presently, I'm happy to say that I'm not poor and not a loser. Since then I've realized my dream of working on Wall Street and the bull market have afforded me a very nice life-style. I'm not filthy rich but at least I make a HONEST living on MY terms. As for **, the last time I saw him was when I spotted him at a mall a few months ago. When I tapped his shoulder, he was surprised to see me but was somehow embarassed. He started to apologize for what he said years ago and explained how he quit Amway recently after years of disappointing results from the Amway biz. He also related the number of close friends and family that he alienated over the years. I wanted give him the old "I-told-you-so" line but I just told him that I am still up for playing some ball at our old neighborhood park. He said he'll be happy to and we parted ways. I haven't heard from him since. From a mutual acquantance, I later learned that he moved back with his parents and taking medication for depression. I sometimes wonder how many friendships that are destroyed because of Amway. Anyway, thanks to people like you, hopefully fewer.

Just a quick question. I was contacted by Global-Visions with a "too good to be true" job offer. My B.S. detector sounded off very loud and clear so I started investigating them via the Internet. Is it as it appears. They seem to be an MLM organization and into selling "everything". Did I find the correct organization (Global-Visions) on the "net"? or am I wrong?

Thanks,

Part I

Your web-site is, quite frankly, BORING! I thought I would at least get a good laugh and find a bunch of far-fetched accusations, but you don't any such entertainment. All you do is admit how LITTLE you actually know about the Amway oppurtunity. I am a satisfied Amway distributor. I can honestly say, with the clearest of conscience, that the Amway/Quixtar oppurtunity is a true blessing. I am very happy with my upline and my entire support group, for that matter. Without question, there are some people who were in Amway and didn't make any money; but, I challenge those people to take a closer look at the amount dedication and work-ethic they applied to their business. It's true, some distributors have tried Amway and FAILED! On the other hand, SEVERAL distributors have achieved great success in the business. It's a shame that you focus on the failures, rather than highlite the success stories. I know people who have flunked out of Law School or Medical School. I also know very successful Lawyers and Doctors. HEY! Why don't I go set up a web-site that focusses on all the negative aspects of Law and Medical School...Well, I won't, because it would be SENSELESS!

The proof is in the pudding. If you want to get a real idea of how Amway works, why don't you highlite some of the successful distributors on your site. It might make it less BORING!

Thank You,

Part II

I stumbled upon your site while doing a search for Amway testimonial web-sites. Out of curiosity, I had to explore it. It's unfortunate that the Diamond you used to work for gave you a bad impression of Amway, but if you worked in a Lawyer's office and saw unethical practices would you then set up a web-site that denounces every Lawyer in the world? And by the way, when I was a child I dreamed of playing college football. Everyone discouraged me, pointing out that less than 1% of all kids who play football make it to college (99+% failure rate). I refused to listen to the reasons why I "couldn't" make it, and focussed on the reasons why I "had" to make it. Not only did I make it, but I did well!. I played in the Hula Bowl All-Star Classic my senior year, and went on to play professionally for 2 years. I look at a 99% failure rate and say, "I WILL be part of the 1% who make it." Anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

my son fresh out of college with 2 ba s in enviromental sciences responded to an adv.

interviewed and was all pumped up, till he told me about the mlm and 5 grand needed to start. thanks

Thanks for the great information - you are performing a valuable service. I'm relatively new to network marketing so if you care to critique this idea, please do.

I think there are real MLM opportunities that are "hybrids" of direct selling and "network marketing". These would be companies like: Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, Primerica and Pre-Paid Legal. As long as TRUE customers purchase the great majority of the companies products or services I think you have a legit business opportunity. (eg. if 80% or greater of gross sales are made to people who aren't involved in the opportunity then its a go)

Personally, I'm getting involved in Pre-Paid Legal's opening into Canada and I don't see any downside. I'm realistic, prepared to work hard and steady and I think it will pay off.

What do you think?

According to you article, Amway distributors are not allowed to sign up, register, or preregister those persons interested in joining Quixtar, until it in fact becomes a company. If this is true, why are meetings still being held to gain new recruits for Quixtar. You can recieve your access number for a nonexistent mall in a company which does not exist within a few days. I was at a meeting last night and there was another one scheduled for tonight.

I had decided to purchase the $158 membership kit instead of the $99 kit. After reading your article, I am not sure whether or not I should join. What will happen to all those people who have already signed up without first getting the necessary information to make an informed decision.

I just read your information on Amway vs Quixstar it seems that you were rather negative to most of the information that was published by the Amway distributor, I just recently learned about the company and everything that "Larry" said is true, I guesse you now know that since more information has been released since then. I just think this world could use all the good companies they could get and if this thing takes off then good for them and our world and economy. I have no conection to Amway or Quixstar at this time.

Your site was one of the first ones I came across some time ago after my wife and I decided to get out of the business (actually out of the AMO business). I actually left a posting that you graciously responded to and I did appreciate it.

Our LOS was an organization known as MMP (Marker Man Productions) headed up by Crown Directs Jody and Kathy Victor. To make a longer story short we spent over 4 1/2 years involved in every aspect of the system and we found ourselves continually losing money. We no longer speak to our sponsors who we believed to be our friends. Live and learn.

Anyway the reason I wanted to send this message is to give you some additional info on Quixtar. MMP puts out a monthly newsletter (24.00 a year, only 2.00 a month, Such a deal!) and since Jody Victor is currently driving the Quixtar revolution along side Billy Florence it includes some good info (actually we now refer to it as 'dirt').

The Amway Distributors Association Board (ADAB) has changed it's name to the Independent Business Owners Association (IBOA). Think about it, if it's not Amway, why is it being governed by the ADAB, oops I mean the IBOA? A new "registering pack" is now available for only 99.95. I guess this is in addition to the current cost of being a distributor? A family friendly ISP will be up and running on 6/1. You get a whopping 3 PV / 6 BV per account per month (why not get 2 or 3 accounts while your at it, more residuals for 'A' Corp!). The ISP claims to have Family Filtering (I'm sure we can figure out just what they'll be filtering) and will vary in price from 16.95 for IBO's to 19.95 for Clients (customers).

They now have new terminology as well (to keep suckers er I mean prospects in the dark) OBM'sare being called IBBM's (Internet Based Business Meetings). Seminar and rally's are being called e-sem's & e-rally's. This is too hysterically funny. Our organization is already promoting Fall Leadership in October when Dex & Birdie come in (they have a deal set up with Jody to speak at his Fall Leadership every year and I'm sure Jody pays quite a lot) but I doubt Dex will even touch on e-biz. They're also shamelessly promoting Dream Weekend 2000!!!!! It's gonna be a barn burner.

Sorry if the e-mail is choppy. Too many thoughts come too fast. I hope you get a chance to reply, it'd be great to have an ongoing dialogue. I'd be more than happy to give you any info I come across (I still check ABN to get Quixtar updates but I no longer have Amvox) or whatever. I see that you update pretty frequently so that's a good indication your "in the know".

Thank you. I know you probably get that a lot but thanks again.

I found your site doing research on the Quixtar.com internet mall business opportunity...I am aware that Quixtar is an offshoot of Amway but is it a scam or is it a real opportunity for extra income...The idea seems sound or am I crazy

Please respond and keep my name private.

Thanks

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This page updated May-29-99