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January 21, 2004
According to Ty Tribble, CEO of Tribble.org
By QBlog in
From Market Wire: Former Quixtar Business Owners Change Approach to Network Marketing
What do high priced products, leaving home 3 or 4 nights a week, expensive training, and time-consuming meetings have in common? According to Ty Tribble, CEO of Tribble.org, "Everything that is wrong with network marketing."Tribble learned the down side of network marketing the hard way, as a Quixtar independent business owner (IBO). He says, "All I knew about it was what I heard from my Quixtar sponsor. He had a very nice home, luxury cars, and traveled around the world. It just seemed reasonable that if I listened to him and worked hard, I would have those things too." But it didn't work out that way for Tribble -- or for many other Quixtar IBOs.
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My thoughts on the Market Wire press release:
I saw the above "article" on Google News (which does NOT take money to post links to my knowledge) earlier today and thought it was very curious. I have a habit of posting curious links related to Quixtar (either directly or indirectly) and this was no exception. Time constraints prohibited me from adding my own comments to the initial post until now.
I have a very good understanding of news and the news business and my attitude towards press releases is that they're a necessary evil. While most press releases are just pure pablum, some do convey useful information like announcing a new product, scientific discovery or newsworthy event. I'll let you decide the value of Ty Tribble's press release.
There are three reasons this particular press release caught my attention:
1. It was published the same day that an air date for the Dateline NBC story on Quixtar was unofficially announced.
2. It contained no real new information and had little actual news value.
3. It stated that Ty Tribble is the CEO of Tribble.org.
The third reason is the one that was most perplexing to me. From all appearances Tribble.org is simply a Passport site. I've been told that Tribble.org is much more than that but I find no evidence supporting that notion. Interestingly, one of Passport's primary selling points is that there are no titles. Bo Short states on his own Web site:
As an author on books about leadership I have been struck by something very interesting while interviewing great leaders; the more confident they are in their ability, the less concerned they are with titles. I believe that many people in this industry that achieve so-called pin-levels, while hard-workers, are not necessarily leaders. Each of our teammates are called Independent Associates. A leader should be allowed to make an impact immediately, even if they do not wear a fancy title. If it is your business your voice should be heard.Now, CEO seems like a title to me. In fact, of all the titles you can get in a company CEO is about the most impressive sounding title I can think of besides maybe Chairman of the Board, Founder or Supreme Commander. So, I ask the question, is Tribble.org a Passport site? And if it is, then why does Ty get to sidestep the whole "no titles" thing and be a CEO?
Now, I guess the explanation is that Tribble.org is not ONLY Passport but much, much more. And, if Ty owns this business (which happens to be tied to Passport in some way) then he can give himself any title he damn well pleases, and this is absolutely correct. When you break it all down, there's nothing wrong with Ty being the CEO of Tribble.org (and I never said it was wrong). Hell, Bo Short is the CEO of Passport, the company that doesn't have titles. There's just something about that whole press release that doesn't sit well with me. Maybe my personal dislike of press releases in general is coloring my perceptions? There's just something in my gut that says, "This is just an effort to create some type of status" (though my gut is often wrong, that pizza I had for dinner is reminding me of that fact). I really can't put my finger on it but if I were writing that press release (God forbid I ever write one) I think I'd have ditched the CEO references and said something like "a highly successful Passport Associate." That gets across the truth (as reported by Ty), is impressive and yet does not incorporate a title.
Anyway, I'm just sharing my personal reactions. I wish I could do a better job explaining this but I can't. Sometimes I just have a hard time putting my thoughts and emotions into words. I hope you can understand.
Comments
He paid me a little less than you paid me to host your witty comments on my site.
I'm not paying to have these comments posted, so feel free to delete them. ; )
But, it really should be noted that MarketWire accepts payment for publication of company releases. In the PR field, we would call this an advertorial.
Had Ty submitted this to a regular press source, and had it published, it might give more credibility to the article.
As it is now, it's more or less an advertisement saying "Quixtar is bad, join me in Passport"
For what it's worth, every company issues these type of press releases, and a good number of stories in your paper's business section are verbatim press release copy. Pharmaceutical companies, especially.
I don't see anything wrong with a press release saying "Quixtar bad. Passport good." He could have said Quixtar's profits go to the Church of Satan. But he didn't.
"For what it's worth, every company issues these type of press releases, and a good number of stories in your paper's business section are verbatim press release copy. Pharmaceutical companies, especially"
Yes, every company issues press releases. I have released many for clients. The idea is to get the article published in a news source as a credible article. It must contain content the publisher finds newsworthy. The press release is then published free.
As I said , "Had Ty submitted this to a regular press source, and had it published, it might give more credibility to the article."
Isn't it already obvious that this is a press release?
By the way, how much did Ty or Market Watch pay Google News to list the "article" in its results?
I see your point.
But, I don't know what the argument is here. I think QBlog (bless his heart) was just giving full disclosure of where Ty stands in this never-ending debate.
I used the service to send out my Press Release to the news sources. Whether or not a news source chooses to publish my release is their choice and I would imagine judged on the content of the release.
Much to my surpise, it didn't take Google long to publish it. Marketwire made no representation to me that it was a sure bet to land on Google.
"Had Ty submitted this to a regular press source, and had it published, it might give more credibility to the article."
Marketwire submitted the press release to the regular press on my behalf...I have no idea who to submit such an article to, aside from my local paper. I can't imagine the number of hours of research it would take to submit the article to as many "regular press sources" as Marketwire did for me.
They are simply a submission service, I don't believe they are twisting anyones arm to have the contect published.
Ty. That was my point. I found it on Google News and linked it after that. Dave's Buddy began the comments with some wise-ass insinuation about me taking money. I was just coming back with my own witty remarks including the one about Google.
The point, just because a press release gets linked somewhere doesn't mean anyone is getting paid. Google News didn't get paid, I didn't get paid and I doubt that anyone else who links it will get paid.
"1. It was published the same day that an air date for the Dateline NBC story on Quixtar was unofficially announced."
Can you think of a better day to release my story? Admittedly, I didn't realize it would come out that quick. I thought it would take a few days to be released.
"2. It contained no real new information and had little actual news value."
That is certainly debatable. No new information for whom? Perhaps nothing new for you, QBlog...I believe there are other folks in the U.S. that may not frequent the QuixtarBlog. Of course, I could be wrong...maybe all 300 Million people in the U.S. read your blog.
"3. It stated that Ty Tribble is the CEO of Tribble.org."
That is true and Tribble.org is more than just my Passport business. I am self employed and all of my business' fall under the umbrella of Tribble.org.
I believe that scrutiny is good. I welcome scrutiny, it helps keep me on my toes.
Frankly a lot of this is silly.
I made a press release.
What is a press release?
According to Google:
"A formal printed announcement by a company about its activities that is written in the form of a news article and given to the media to generate or encourage publicity."
You can agree or disagree with the content. You can agree or disagree with press releases in general. You can even think that Press Releases might cause the downfall of the press as we know it. The reality is the press release is what it is. A PRESS RELEASE, meant "to generate or encourage publicity".
Mine is no different.
Ty,
A lot of this may be silly. In fact, a lot of my site is probably silly. I've had many people in Quixtar tell me as much for over a year now. If anything, I'm honest. Sometimes when I'm honest it also seems silly. I'm no brilliant business man and never claimed to be. But this is my blog where I share my feelings, thoughts and perceptions. People can draw their own conclusions, I'm just sharing what I got to share.
Whether we agree or disagree I hope you can undersstand that something about this seems a little strange to me. I'm not entirely sure what it is to be honest, but it's there and I feel I need to share it.
Thanks for understanding.
Your website is silly.
LOL. Thanks Dwighty. It's actually been a few days since a Quixtar advocate said my site was silly and I was beginning to feel ignored. You've provided my "silly Web site affirmation" fix and for that I say THANK YOU.
Tomorrow look for a blog post about underwater monkeys doing crossword puzzles. Now THAT'S silly.
Lets also not forget the fact that many Am/Quixtar IBO's (That's a title also)
have purchased hundreds if not thousands of dollars of product just to be crowned (Pinned) a Direct Distributor. They had to make direct before the next function to show the group it could be done!!! The idea in Passport is to discourage that kind of activity by NOT having qulifications periods and titles.
Passport associates are just that...yes, CEOs to there own business but associates to Passport . I am the CEO of JBNET Enterprises and JBNET Enterpises sells Passport products..not to tough to understand.
JBNET,
I want you to carefully read what you've just stated.
Done? Good. Now let me point something out. Your state:
Passport associates are just that...yes, CEOs to there own business but associates to PassportThis makes it very clear that you are two things. 1.) A Passport Associate within the confines of the Passport business and 2.) The CEO or President or whatever of your own legal company.
Now, if you carefully read the Press Release you'll see only one mention of the word "Associate" and it's in this sentence:
He has since put together one of the fastest-growing teams of associates in the company.While you, being in Passport, clearly understand that sentence in the context of titles, an uninformed reader (to which this press release is targeted) is left to assume that these "associates" mentioned are all working for CEO Ty Tribble. In fact, the word Associate is thrown out there without any explanation or context.
I know that you won't agree with me. That's fine. However, I suggest you try to view this with an open mind and by putting away your personal bias. Think through this press release yourself and think, "What would I have done differently?" Keep in mind that this industry is highly charged with emotions, perceptions and prejudice.
Your right on at least one item...I can't say I agree with you...:o)
I do however understand the point you are trying to make.
As with many like yourself who for some reason can't or don't want to understand the simplicity of a MLM business I urge "YOU" to be a little more open minded & un-bias as you prepare your questions and comments.
I have been around Quixtar for over 10 years now so yes I know all too well the highly charged with emotions, perceptions and prejudice that go along with it in the organizations that choose to operate in a manner which allows that to happen.
My point here is that You can operate with another company IE: Passport, Quixtar, Avon, Tupperware, Newspapers, Insurance, Advertising, Satalite TV systems for crying out loud Ect...Ect...Ect...and be an independent associate to that company. You can run it under what ever name or title you choose to do so if it falls within the guidlines of that company.
My point again to this section of comments was...in Quixtar and I'm sure many other MLM style companies you feel pressur each month to move up to the next "title" or pin level so you can show your downline it can be done. Many IBO's have purchased product they didn't need and will never sell just to raise to that level.
Passport is designed so that you wont do that! You produce so much business volume in a month and you get paid the same percentage in bonus as anybody else who produced that amount of business volume. Yes we can make a little more money by having associates on lower levels but we are locked in at that point so we can not buy that business volume or force it to be there like you can with Amway/Quixtar. You have to earn it!
Need that explianed any further then do some more research and listen to the recorded oportunity message on www.mypassportonline.com
Here is something I was always told or heard in regards to Amway / Quixtar for moving up in the ranks each month...Go ahead and buy enough to get to the next level because if you hit that level once you will work harder to keep at that level!
That's something I did not like about that business and I don't think I ever fell into that trap....My thinking was if you didn't earn it buy selling it and a combo of associates selling or buying it then you didn't deserve it!
You also implied that all associates are working for tribble.org? QBLOG Wrote "an uninformed reader (to which this press release is targeted) is left to assume that these "associates" mentioned are all working for CEO Ty Tribble. In fact, the word Associate is thrown out there without any explanation or context."
Well if the uninformed reader doesn't know what the word associate implies then he better be asking quesitons and become informed because no you don't work for Tribble.org. Tribble.org does not write the bonus checks at least for Passport. I do not know if tribble.org actually has any employees with any other business he may operate...don't need to know..its none of my business. So if you want to say you are working for somebody then it would seem clear I am working to sell products for Passport and they send me a check if I meet the criteria "I AGREED TOO" by becomeing an associate!
As Paul Harvey would say...Good day!
JBNET,
I'm sorry you can't grasp what I'm saying. I tried to put it as simply as possible. That's just the way it is sometimes. Some people get it, others do not. Maybe you'll understand one day but this particular point really isn't that important to me so I won't belabor it.
One thing you said I must take issue with. You imply that I'm somehow ignorant about MLM. That's wrong. And attacking my knowledge is something the pro-Quixtar zealots have done for over a year now. Do you really want to sound like them? Because you do, when you say such nonsense.
No problem Q...Your are right...some get it others do not. I also should correct you that I am not a pro-quixtar zealote...just pro MLM.
I only made the comments so you understand I also am not ignorant about MLM. Although I may be bad at spelling and grammer I am no rookie when it comes to this style of business.....Oh well. Live to fight another day.
May the force be with you...;o)
I'm not sure what you're reading JBNET. I never said you were a pro-Quixtar zealot. The fact that you thought I did and needed to "correct" me says all I need to know about you.
Ummm....Did you not imply that I am a Quixtar Zealots with this comment - Qblog wrote: And attacking my knowledge is something the pro-Quixtar zealots have done for over a year now. Do you really want to sound like them? Because you do, when you say such nonsense.
The because you do,when you say such nonsence...was that not an implicaiton that I am one? Sorry if I misunderstood but sure sounded like it to me. Plus you asked me first to be open minded and put my bias aside...if I were not already very open minded I would never have joined an MLM business to begin with.
OK...lets start over.
The whole deal here probably does have more to it then the part I commented on. fine what ever...You want to take Ty's press release and read deeper into it so be it, that's what you do best. I posted thoughts on just one aspect of your comments about titles and you attempted to turn things back on me as if I were a hyped up, day one beginner. Fine, Bo Short calls himself A CEO and yet says there are no titles in Passport...If he wants to call himself a CEO and everybody else is just little o'le Independent associates so be it...It's his company. Because of what I believe to be your bias towards MLM's you totally missed the whole point I was making. The point is that in Quixtar people hurt themselves trying to reach those titles or levels! Not defending just stating what I believe to be true...Passport does not have different titles or levels that you need to reach because Bo knew that was a problem area in other MLM's and didn't want people doing it! Big deal if somebody wants to call themself a CEO at least they aren't wasiting there money trying to be a Direct Distributor for one night of glory.
Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.
Absolutely not. Sounding like one and being one are two different things. Clinton often sounds like a Republican, but he's not. Bush often sounds like a Democrat, but he's not. I'm sorry you don't understand the difference.
Also, on the press release, I'm not reading into anything that isn't there. I'm pointing out the reality of the press release. You can disagree with me, Ty disagrees with me and that's fine.
So if Ty paid Market Wire $500 to post HIS story on their site, what did he pay you to promote it on your site?
Posted by: Dave's Buddy | January 21, 2004 5:28 PM