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January 31, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 30
By QBlog in Reader Mail
Every Monday I publish something called "Monday Reader Mail." Today marks the 30th installment of this weekly feature. The point of MRM is to showcase some of the emails sent to this blog every week. The emails are unedited except for the removal of email addresses and last names when provided. As always, my comments appear in bold.
name: Bill
date: January 20,2005
message: Man get a life. Dont be a hater just because you could not support your spouse which probably why she quit. Everyone has the same oppurtunity to build a great business. World Wide has always been up front about the money in the business, no secret. It is a business, go figure. I wonder if Anthony Robins gets a bunch of bull from people when they pay $1500.00 for a day and never get to meet him then hundreds for CDs book ect... and then get to go back to work where they cant apply anything they learned, what about that????
So we're comparing Quixtar to Tony Robbins? Or are we comparing the Business Support Materials business to Tony Robbins? If so, then why not open up the tool businesses to competition just like Tony Robbins?
or how about college these days? Thousands and thousands oh and then the hundreds and hundreds on books, then you get your 25K a year job that your sick of in a few years and thats only if you can find one that you went to school for.
You're right. College sucks. Traditional education sucks. It's the higher learning that's a scam! It all makes sense now. College = Waste of money. Motivational tapes = Great investment.
If you guys are going to post alll this stuff atleast compare it to something. And to the guy that was at FED when Greg was talking a bout Google bombing, how was your first function? The internet is really the bathroom wall of society that is why people google bomb.
So the high-level pin who sent me the testimony about Greg Duncan was attending FED for the first time? I see.
The only reason more people dont have negative about them online is because they have not done anytihng of significant enought o warrant it. Name any huge player in business that does not have negative about them. Losers dont like winners thats no secret and it will always be that way.
I debunked the critical Web site myth a long time ago.
Quixtar is an awsome oppurtunity and yes I think there are some bad apples trying to build it just like there are idiots down at where you work and just maybe, just maybe you are the idiot. So just check things out and get around the people that are actually doing something with the business, something good. Use common sense if you can find it and make your own decision on whats best for you. I thank my upline every day for the mentorship and giving the me the belief that I can go Diamond. What kind of belief do you get at work? That you actually will be working there til 65-70, now thats belief ha haha.... I have to go show the plan now. see ya
Bill
Well Bill, I'm on my way to work at my J-O-B. See ya.
January 30, 2005
Blogging 101 - Break Time
By QBlog in Blogging 101
Where's that Sunday Blogging 101 post? Well, Matt Wood was scheduled to post a really awesome, killer post about some kind of blog stuff but his wife went and had a baby so this Sunday you get nothing cause God knows my well is dry. Don't worry, it will be back next week with something totally awesome.
- Let's Get The Word Out!
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Let's Get The Word Out!
"Merchants of Deception: Amway Quixtar Book"
- A company called Quixtar
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- A company called Quixtar
"The parallels with organized religion are obvious"
? Welcome people of Earth!
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
? Welcome people of Earth!
"Team Quixtar, playing their first ever trivia game tonight"
? The Power of Experience Design
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
?The Power of Experience Design
"His example was Quixtar, a very successful ecommerce site that breaks all of the Nielsen’s rules"
? My day with friends
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
? My day with friend
"I was teasing her about Quixtar"
? I need to get out of Quixtar
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
? I need to get out of Quixtar
"I'm beating my head against the wall for a dinosaur corporation...a culture that doesn't value or even understand the power of communications"
January 29, 2005
Blog Ads and Radio
By QBlog in
Alright all you observant folks, here's the skinny. Google Ads are gone from the Home Page. Replacing them are something called "Blog Ads." What are Blog Ads? Well, Blogads is "a network of bloggers who accept advertising. Blog readers are hyper-literate, highly networked, influential and affluent."
Basically Blogads (or Blog Ads) allows advertisers to effectively connect to their target audience. And anyone can use them. If you have a blog, business or idea you want to advertise, then Blogads is for you. I decided to try it out after reading about them in Who Let The Blogs Out? by Biz Stone (stupid title, good book). If you'd like to advertise to thousands of people every week then maybe you should try Blogads.
No Profit
When I first integrated advertising on this blog I pledged that I would not profit from any of the revenue. Each advertising dollar goes to fund this site and pay for various maintenance costs and fees. If those costs are met, then any money beyond that will be donated to the EFF. I am an independent voice and my desire is to remain independent in both reality and perception.
Who Can Advertise?
With Blogads, pretty much anyone can advertise but I do get to approve or deny any ads. This is new to me so I don't have any real rules yet but I'm modeling it after the way newspapers handle ads. However, I won't allow ads for "gentleman's clubs" or "massage parlors."
So, give Blogads a try. Read their FAQ section to find out all the gory details.
Where's The Radio?
The QBlog Radio isn't gone, it's just moved. Due to reader feedback I decided to move the QBlog Radio to a separate page. It's now integrated into the "QBlog Radio" blog. You can reach it by clicking the "QBlog Radio" link in the QBlog Extras list. This will make it easier to listen to the song while browsing other sites. I may even expand the Radio and provide more songs. Give it a listen.
January 28, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 10
By QBlog in Farcical Help Desk
Every Friday, the QBlog Farcical Help Desk™ answers the Quixtar questions that nobody dared to ask. Additionally, each Help Desk answer is guaranteed to end with some form of punctuation or we'll refund your money. No fooling!
Question: Where's that help desk guy?
Answer: He's out walking the dog, can I help you?
Q: Yes. I'm looking for a multilevel marketing plan
that pays out double to the first three levels.
A: Don't you mean Multi-Level Marketing?
Q: No. Multilevel. No hyphen.
A: I think it has a hyphen.
Q: It doesn't. All one word. Multilevel.
A: What about Multilevelmarketing?
Q: Now you're just being stupid.
A: I really think there's a hyphen in there somewhere. How bout Mul-Ti-Lev-Elmar-Keting?
Q: Right. So can you help me?
A: Oh, sorry. Nope. No idea.
Q: You ever been to Paris?
A: No.
Q: Rome?
A: No.
Q: Honk Kong?
A: No.
Q: Buenos Aires?
A: No.
Q: Well, where have you been?
A: I've been to Uranus.
Q: Such a funny guy.
A: :o)
Q: All my tapes arrived today but there's a problem.
They're all the same tape.
A: What's so unusual about that?
Q: Well, I got a box of 500 tapes to distribute to my
downline but instead of getting 10-20 different ones, they're all the same!
A: What's the title?
Q: Oh, yeah, forgot to mention that they're all Spanish
language tapes too. Called "Me Soy Gusta Palabra" or something.
A: My Spanish isn't so good but I don't think that translates to anything.
Q: It's from memory. I don't know. I just need some
new tapes or my money back.
A: Fraid I can't help you there. Look at this as an opportunity to learn a Romance
Language.
Q: Get real. I need new tapes. My downline needs them.
We NEED the tapes.
A: Whoa, slow down there. Here's what you do. Take a file and scratch off the
label on each tape, then give it to your downline and tell them it's an inspirational
and instructional tape made by some Mexican Diamonds. Since it's in Spanish,
they'll never know the difference between one tape and the next.
Q: You've got a point.
A: Of course I do. Now get scratching.
January 27, 2005
- Quixtar Criminals
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Quixtar Criminals
"I'm fighting back! ...Because of Quixtar, my newlywed wife left me"
"So Busted™" - The Game
By QBlog in
Hey there boys and girls! Do you like to have FUN? You do? Great! Then we've got a super, spectacular-Fun game just for you! It's the "So Busted™" game and it is undoubtedly the most exciting game you'll ever play! We guarantee it!
How Do You Play?
To play the "So Busted™" game you'll need a computer, an Internet connection
and a helmet (ok, helmet is optional). The game is so simple you'll be playing
in no time.
- Visit one of Quixtar's Google Bomb blogs (unofficial list).
- Find a really bizarre phrase on that blog, something
like this:
"Yes, I do, Colombo. One that comes to mind is the story he tells about his personal friend, JC" - Put that phrase into Google's search exactly as you find it and wrap the
phrase in quotation marks like this:
"Yes, I do, Colombo. One that comes to mind is the story he tells about his personal friend, JC" - Hit the "Google Search" button and let the fun begin.
- If your search returns only one result (the blog you got the phrase from) then you lose 3 points.
- If your search returns more than one result then you receive 10 points for each unique blog listed. So if you see the originating blog and then three other blogs in your search results then you get 30 points.
- Quality Check - Before you receive your points you must check that the phrase appears in each blog exactly as it does in the originating blog (originating blog being the blog you first copied the bizarre phrase from). Visit each blog to verify that the phrase and blog post is a duplicate. If the linked blog doesn't match the Google results then click on the Google cache for verification. If the Google cache doesn't match then you don't receive any points.
- If the blog is listed in the unofficial list of Quixtar's Google Bomb blogs then you receive an additional 3 points for each blog.
- Each player gets five tries to get as many points as possible. Players take turns and after everyone has tried five times the points are tallied and the player with the most points wins.
- IMPORTANT: If your search results in any listings that are NOT obviously connected to Quixtar then 50 points are subtracted from the total and no points are awarded even if some Quixtar-connected blogs are listed. An example would be a search for the phrase "How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie." Such a search would result in a subtraction of 50 points even though it can be found on various Quixtar run blogs.
Say Huh?
Ok, so there are a lot of rules but not nearly as many as games like
Monopoly or
Backgammon. It's really a fun game,
just ask kids like little Tommy.
"I played 'So Busted™' one night at my friend's house and it totally ruled."
Totally ruled! See that? Kids like Tommy think the "So Busted™" game "totally rules."
What Is This?
The "So Busted™" game was inspired by the "So
Busted" blog post which describes how the leaders of a billion dollar
corporation (Quixtar) are working to exploit and devalue Google's chief product:
Search
Results. And I also thought it would be a fun way to expose and document
the numerous violations of Google's
Quality Guidelines.
And you must admit, it's pretty damn funny. I mean, who do those Quixtar leaders think they're fooling anyway? Oh, and please share your scores and game results in the comments below. But remember, no wagering.
January 26, 2005
Marks in PDF
By QBlog in
The wait is over. The novel Marks is now available in Portable Document Format. I'd hoped to have an edited version to release but things just didn't work out that way. Although Marks is a "rough draft" with numerous grammatical and spelling errors, it still is an excellent read.
» Marks - A Novel (1.4 MB pdf)
Notice: Marks is copyrighted by the author. This means that you need the author's permission to distribute, sell, modify, republish, host or copy this novel. The author has given me permission to make the book available for download but that's it. If you would like to contact the author, please send me an email and I'll see what I can do. And I realize that downloading the file copies it to your hard drive. That's fine.
Marks?
What is Marks? So glad you asked.
Marks tells the story of a young married couple, two college roommates and a successful businessman whose lives ultimately intertwine as the result of a business opportunity — and a dream.
If you haven't read the novel, I suggest you get started right away. And it's being translated into Chinese so no excuses my Chinese friends.
January 25, 2005
- Quixtar - Missed Opportunity?
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Quixtar - Missed Opportunity?
"We were just so curious as to what was really going on that we had to go"
- Quixtar: QuickMoney or QuickSand?
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Quixtar: QuickMoney or QuickSand?
"A friend invited us over for dessert and a 'presentation'"
Common Sense Quiz
By QBlog in
Take this helpful quiz to discover your common sense rating. Ten points is given for each correct answer.
1. The best way to learn the facts about a business is to:
- a.) Read material produced by that business
- b.) Read material produced by that business's competitors
- c.) Read material produced by some non-interested third party
- d.) All of the above
- a.) Always wrong
- b.) Always right
- c.) Sometimes right, sometimes wrong
- d.) Broke losers
3. The Internet can be:
- a.) A great way to make money
- b.) A great way to share information
- c.) The bathroom walls of society
- d.) All of the above
4. Discussing the merits of a business, philosophy or idea is:
- a.) A complete waste of time
- b.) A great way to improve one's understanding
- c.) Lots of fun for some people
- d.) Both B and C
5. America's richest men were motivated by:
- a.) Tapes, CDs, seminars and Robert Kiyosaki books
- b.) A deep desire to retire early and spend time with the kids
- c.) Fear that the government, their pension plans and traditional savings would leave them destitute at retirement age
- d.) None of the above
6. A business that has a Google Bombing budget is probably:
- a.) A spam business
- b.) A pornography business
- c.) A Chinese software piracy business
- d.) Quixtar
- e.) All of the above
7. Most of Quixtar's Internet critics:
- a.) Are anonymous
- b.) Get paid to criticize Quixtar
- c.) Are bitter because they failed at Quixtar
- d.) None of the above
8. Most of Quixtar's Internet advocates:
- a.) Are anonymous
- b.) Get paid to advocate Quixtar
- c.) Are bitter because they can't control the Internet
- d.) All of the above
9. Quixtar was formed in:
- a.) 1999
- b.) 1951
- c.) 1970
- d.) None of the above
Now add up all your points. If you scored a 90 then you have perfect common sense. If you scored between 50-80 then you need to work on your common sense. If you scored below 50 then your common sense is lacking.
January 24, 2005
= BEWARE THE BITE
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
= BEWARE THE BITE
"Amway's roots go all the way back to something called 'Ja-Ri'"
January 23, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 29
By QBlog in Reader Mail
I could probably title this week's Reader Mail "LOSER" because it poses a very good question. The real question behind Brian's question is why do so many IBOs feel the need to denigrate those who aren't in "the business" or making millions of dollars? Does an IBO feel better about his business if he puts down others? Quixtar may be a great business opportunity but it's not for everyone and people who choose not to participate certainly aren't losers. Oh well, here's the email.
name: Brian
date: January 19, 2005
message: Thought I would pass along a question I have asked that I have never recieved a valid answer from Amway/Quixtar/other MLM when they espouse the belief that JOBs are for losers. I always ask them if they believe that police officers, prison guards, EMTs and firefighters are losers as well? And if so, then why would they ask for their help since association with them is damaging to their business.
Never have gotten a answer that made any kind of sense.
Thanks, and great blog.
What is a loser? Is a loser someone who doesn't earn a particular income? Is a loser someone who doesn't wear certain clothes or drive a fancy car? Or is a loser someone who feels so insecure in himself that he resorts to belittling others, especially those who don't agree with him, so that he can feel superior and thus artificially bolster his self-esteem?
Blogging 101 - Why Do We Blog?
By QBlog in Blogging 101
In a past issue of Blogging 101 I provided some of the practical reasons that people blog.
- Simple.
- Free.
- Control.
- Community.
- Voice.
The list is obviously incomplete but it gives a general glimpse of why blogging has become such an attactive publishing tool. However, aside from the practical reasons for blogging there are the all-important personal reasons for blogging. And there inevitably comes a time when every serious blogger must answer the question "Why Do I Blog?"
Why Do We Blog? Why Do You Blog? Why Do I Blog? Such self-reflective questions certainly aren't unique to blogging but the answers often reveal a great deal about ourselves, our motivations and perspectives.
I spent some time on Google searching for others who've tried to answer the "Why Do We Blog?" question. Here's some of what I found:
Sandhill Trek: Why Do We Blog?
"...Because doing cc: world was cooler and more leveraged than doing cc: (some finite group of people). it's still like that. I literally see blogging as emailing to everybody."
"obviously, the same way that people do anything they aren't paid for for a lot of reasons. I have always been a politics junkie. Well, no, I have always been an argument junkie -- if I couldn't argue about politics, I doubt I would be as interested in it. I started the blog in part to hopefully improve my writing skills, but mostly for the fun of having the arguments."
Sons of Mosiah: Why Do We Blog?"A chance to 'check' myself. I have certain beliefs and interpretations of Gospel principles that may be unlike anyone else's. Now, I could just ask my wife what she thinks of my way of interpretation. But she thinks in the same way I do!"
"It gives me the strange pleasure of being known to new people..."
Greg Robinson's Blog - Why do we blog... hmmm... really?
"A personal blog is one of the most flexible forms of content management for capturing knowledge, in my opinion. It's easy to post an idea without having to waste a lot of time organizing it."
So there you have it, a few examples of people answering the "Why Do We Blog?" question. Why do you blog?
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
January 22, 2005
"Mysterious Meeting" Strikes Again!
By QBlog in
Why do so many Quixtar IBOs routinely use the "Mysterious Meeting" tactic to lure new recruits into the "business?" Your guess is as good as mine.
Today I discovered another casualty of Quixtar's "Mysterious Meeting" assault, a blogger called "drpentode." What's surprising to me is that "drpentode's" reaction to the "Mysterious Meeting" is virtually identical to the reactions of every other blogger who's posted about the experience. Maybe it shouldn't surprise me but I just can't understand why such a large number of IBOs fail to grasp that the "Mysterious Meeting" approach is stupid.
Here are a few excerpts from "drpentode's" blog:
...A few weeks ago, I met a guy at church who says his job is to be a "Business Developer." He said he helps people build relationships to start and fund businesses. I thought this was cool, so I asked him who he works for. He said he works for "World Group."
... This weekend, my buddy invited me to a "Networking Meeting" where I could meet other business professionals and make some contacts ... so I agreed to go.
What a waste of time. During the 2-hour drive to Appleton, I probed my buddy for more information. What does World Group do? Who is in World Group? How come I have never heard of them if they're so big? Soon, I realized it was all an elaborate scheme to get me to a Quixtar meeting to see "The Plan." GACK!
Why couldn't he have been straightforward and told me what we were doing?
That's an excellent question. Why can't some IBOs be straightforward? Maybe they're learning the art of confusion and deception from the Quixtar Corporation itself? What do you think Quixtar's Web Initiative is but an elaborate strategy to obscure and hide information from those who desire it most?
And that leads me to this question. If Quixtar's business is so damn good, then why hide it from people? Why the "Mysterious Meetings?" Because you know that the first question asked of someone hiding information is, "What information are you hiding and why?"
What and why indeed.
January 21, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 9
By QBlog in Farcical Help Desk
Every Friday, the QBlog Farcical Help Desk™ answers the Quixtar questions that nobody dared to ask. Additionally, each Help Desk answer is guaranteed to end with some form of punctuation or we'll refund your money. No fooling!
Question: Hello? Hello?
Answer: *We're sorry. No one is available to take your call. Please leave a
message.*
Q: Yeah. Is this Ken? Ken McDonald? Hi, this is Joe
Land. I guess you missed my other messages... and my emails... well anyway,
just wanted to say I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I think I made
a big mistake. I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I just kinda got
caught up in the hype. You know. You know about that hype stuff. It's just that
I really didn't think you'd be sending your...
A: *Beeeeeeep!*
Q: Blasted machine.
A: *If you'd like to make a call, please hang up and try again.*
Q: *Click*
A: ...
Q: What was that all about?
A: What?
Q: Nothing. Ok, I've been eating these Trim Advantage
bars for a few weeks and I've lost like 30 pounds but they taste HORRIBLE. Can
ya help me out? Have any Trim Advantage recipes or something? I'm dying here.
A: Trim Advantage recipes. Yeah. I got one. Open trash can. Dump box of Trim
Advantage in trash can. Eat a bowl of oatmeal.
Q: Har har. I like what they're doing for me but they
just taste so bad.
A: Let me see that box cowboy.
Q: Uh, we're on the phone. How can you "see"
if we're on the phone?
A: It's a trick I learned in school. Just give me the damn box and shut up.
Q: Ok. Here ya go.
A: Aha! Just as I suspected. You're not eating Trim Advantage bars at all. Someone
sold you a box of packaged cardboard. Some prankster has been wrapping thin
strips of cardboard with Trim Advantage wrappers and selling them out of his
pickup on the side of the road. Where did you buy these?
Q: From Quixtar. I don't know anything about a guy in
a truck.
A: Hmmm... Oh wait. Never mind. These ARE Trim Advantage bars. I forgot. They
really DO taste like cardboard. 30 pounds huh? I know this one chic that lost
1215 pounds in three months. Let's see you top that.
Q: There's a monkey in my bathtub, what should I do?
A: Is he dirty or clean?
Q: Covered in feces.
A: Yuck. Then wash him.
Q: But how did he get in MY bathtub?
A: Didn't you let him in?
Q: No.
A: Well that's peculiar.
Q: And a bit scary. Can monkeys get rabies?
A: I'm not sure but I have an idea on how to get rid of him.
Q: Really? What?
A: Tell him you'd like to meet with him for an hour or so to show him
a special Internet opportunity because he looks just like the type of guy you
need for your business that is just about to explode.
Q: I already tried that. He said he's in Passport.
A: Then RUN!!!
January 20, 2005
Tools Optional?
By QBlog in
Much of the criticism directed at Quixtar focuses on the "tool business." Critics maintain that IBOs are pressured into buying unneeded (or unwanted) books, tapes and seminar tickets (tools) which finance the lavish lifestyles of Quixtar's coveted Diamonds. A large part of the Dateline NBC investigation was devoted to the controversy surrounding the Quixtar tool business. And Quixtar's response to each and every criticism of the tool business is that "tools are optional."
And indeed Quixtar's BSMAA clearly states that tools are "strictly voluntary" (pdf). Why don't we take a look at the very beginning of the BSMAA:
This agreement should be signed by each IBO who chooses to purchase independently produced Business Support Materials from, or sell such materials to, another IBO...
So, clearly the tools are optional and signing the BSMAA is optional. Right? Right? Well apparently someone forgot to tell Ron Puryear.
According to the Dream Builders Platinum Premier Membership FAQs (pdf) the BSMAA should be signed by all IBOs, not just those who choose to purchase or sell tools.
1. Will new BSMAAs need to be signed?
a. No. BSMAAs are signed by the IBO and they are an agreement between Quixtar and the IBO. All IBOs should have signed BSMAAs when they registered their Quixtar business.
Ok, maybe I'm misreading this whole thing. Help me out here. Is signing the BSMAA really optional? Are there any IBOs in good standing who have not signed the BSMAA? Or am I not understanding the FAQ? Or does the FAQ give us a glimpse into a mentality that permeates throughout the BSM organizations? You tell me.
January 19, 2005
+ Leo & Selena de Leon
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
+ Leo & Selena de Leon
"Founders of the Empire Marketing Group -a team of IBOs determined to succeed in Network Marketing"
- How about its old name... AMWAY
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- How about its old name... AMWAY
"Mike and his girlfriend have gone from interested to f***ing BRAINWASHED"
So Busted
By QBlog in Web Initiative
Every time I think I'm done commenting on the ineptitude and clumsiness of Quixtar's Google Bombing Blogs I run across something so ignorant and incompetent that I'm forced to stop everything and stare. Like driving by that car wreck, I don't want to turn and look but I... can't... resist.
So Quixtar's latest Web "car wreck" is a clear and unambiguous violation of Google's Quality Guidelines. One of the Google Guidelines is "Don't create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content."
From January 12, 2005, on the "Quixtar - Becoming Quixtar Diamond Distributors: Quixtar Diamond Terminate Business As Usual" blog we see this post (Google cache):
Quixtar Diamond Distributor Facts for today - Don Wilson: ConcentratesDon Wilson Quixtar Nutrilite Notes - Concentrates
Quixtar Diamond Distributors Facts for today!
Quixtar Nutrilite Notes from Don Wilson: Plants & Concentrates
Don Wilson Quixtar Nutrilite Review: Plants to Concentrates
Quixtar & Nutrilite have the know how. The science of turning plant materials into nutrient rich contrates is an amazing amount of work. It requires special processing and state-of-the-art equipment. Did you know that within hours of harvesting, the Nutrilite plants are dehydrated using carefully controlled temperatures and an airflow that protects the heat sensitive nutrients?
Don Wilson: The dehydration process does two things. (1) It kills microbes that could multiply while (2) locking in the natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients. What's next? The dehydrated powered is milled into a fine power and mixed to create the unique Nutrilite concentrate blends
Quixtar and Nutrilite combine the best of nature with the best of science.
Quixtar IBO Don Wilson is a member of the IBOAI
And from January 9, 2005, on the "QUIXTAR BUSINESS IBO" blog we see this post (Google cache):
Quixtar IBO Updates: Product Feature - NutriliteQuixtar Nutrilite Notes from Don Wilson: Plants & Concentrates
Don Wilson Quixtar Nutrilite Review: Plants to Concentrates
Quixtar & Nutrilite have the know how. The science of turning plant materials into nutrient rich contrates is an amazing amount of work. It requires special processing and state-of-the-art equipment. Did you know that within hours of harvesting, the Nutrilite plants are dehydrated using carefully controlled temperatures and an airflow that protects the heat sensitive nutrients?
Don Wilson: The dehydration process does two things. (1) It kills microbes that could multiply while (2) locking in the natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients. What's next? The dehydrated powered is milled into a fine power and mixed to create the unique Nutrilite concentrate blends
Quixtar and Nutrilite combine the best of nature with the best of science.
Quixtar IBO Don Wilson is a member of the IBOAI
Of course from January 12, 2005, on the "Quixtar - Florence: Billy Florence Quixtar Amway Business Analysis" blog we see this post (Google cache):
Florence Quixtar Update: Don Wilson Quixtar Nutrilite Notes – ConcentratesQuixtar Nutrilite Notes from Don Wilson: Plants and Concentrates
Don Wilson Quixtar Nutrilite Review: Plants to Concentrates
Quixtar & Nutrilite have the know how. The science of turning plant materials into nutrient rich contrates is an amazing amount of work. It requires special processing and state-of-the-art equipment. Did you know that within hours of harvesting, the Nutrilite plants are dehydrated using carefully controlled temperatures and an airflow that protects the heat sensitive nutrients?
Don Wilson: The dehydration process does two things. (1) It kills microbes that could multiply while (2) locking in the natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients. What's next? The dehydrated powered is milled into a fine power and mixed to create the unique Nutrilite concentrate blends
Quixtar and Nutrilite combine the best of nature with the best of science.
Quixtar IBO Don Wilson is a member of the IBOAI
And finally from January 10, 2005, on the "Ron Puryear WWDB Quixtar" blog we see this post:
Quixtar Nutrilite Notes from Don Wilson: Plants & ConcentratesDon Wilson Quixtar Nutrilite Review: Plants to Concentrates
Quixtar & Nutrilite have the know-how. The science of turning plant materials into nutrient rich contrates is an amazing amount of work. It requires special processing and state-of-the-art equipment. Did you know that within hours of harvesting, the Nutrilite(R) plants are dehydrated using carefully controlled temperatures and an airflow that protects the heat sensitive nutrients?
Don Wilson: The dehydration process does two things: (1) It kills microbes that could multiply while (2) locking in the natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients. What's next? The dehydrated powered is milled into a fine powder and mixed to create the unique Nutrilite concentrate blends.
Quixtar and Nutrilite combine the best of nature with the best of science.
Quixtar IBO Don Wilson is a member of the IBOAI.
So why am I wasting my valuable blog space boring you with this stupid post duplication? Well, let's just say that I'm compiling evidence both publicly and privately to present to Google. I've been in contact with Google and they're very interested in what Quixtar is doing because it ultimately erodes the value of their search engine results which translates into BAD NEWS for Google. Google makes their money from search results and if those results are worthless, they don't make money. And if some billion dollar corporation is funding a campaign that could ultimately result in significant revenue losses for Google, well they wouldn't be very happy with Quixtar.
You can help me collect this evidence. I have a list of 35 42 blogs that I believe participate in Quixtar's Google Bombing campaign. Here is the list:
- http://quixtarbusinessanalysis.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://billyflorence.typepad.com/
- http://billyflorence.blogharbor.com/
- http://harteisinternational.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://quixtarblogbob.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://esourcenews.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://quixtar-mlm.blogware.com/blog
- http://amquix.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://ron-puryear-wwdb-quixtar.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://quixtar-business-ibo.blogware.com/blog
- http://quixtarandamway.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://quixtar.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://jodyvictor.blogharbor.com/
- http://fredharteis.blogharbor.com/
- http://biznetproductions.blogharbor.com/
- http://teamofdestiny.blogharbor.com/
- http://brettdeimler.blogharbor.com/blog
- http://dexandbirdieyager.blogharbor.com/
- http://jody-victor.blogcreek.com/blog
- http://e-quadnews.blogharbor.com/
- http://deimlerinternational.blogharbor.com/blog/
- http://chrisbrady.blogharbor.com/blog/
- http://chuckgoetschel.blogcreek.com/
- http://harteis.tripod.com/blog/
- http://quixtar-greg-duncan-wwdb.blogware.com/
- http://emarine.blogspot.com/
- http://diamond-d.joeuser.com/
- http://bizowner.joeuser.com/
- http://whatibosaresaying.blogharbor.com/blog/
- http://jeff-granger-team-of-destiny.blogharbor.com/
- http://lifesadventure.typepad.com/
- http://nikpalomaki-teamofdestiny.blogharbor.com/blog/
- http://don-team-of-destiny.blogspot.com/
- http://orrin-woodward-team.blogharbor.com/
- http://orrinwoodward.blogharbor.com/
- http://team-orrinwoodward-team.blogharbor.com/blog/
- http://orrin-woodward.blogspot.com/
- http://harteisinternationalincorporated businessownerprofiles.blogharbor.com/
- http://biznetproductions businessownerprofiles.blogharbor.com/
- http://joeland.blogcreek.com/blog
- http://dexteryager-quixtar-amway-ibo-blog.blogware.com/
- http://dexandbirdieyager.blogharbor.com/
It is incomplete. If you know of other blogs that are not on this list, please email me a link to the blog along with the reasons you believe it should be added to this list. Things to look for are outlined in Google's Guidlines:
- Make pages for users, not for search engines. Don't deceive your users, or present different content to search engines than you display to users
- Avoid tricks intended to improve search engine rankings. A good rule of thumb is whether you'd feel comfortable explaining what you've done to a website that competes with you. Another useful test is to ask, "Does this help my users? Would I do this if search engines didn't exist?"
- Don't participate in link schemes designed to increase your site's ranking or PageRank. In particular, avoid links to web spammers or "bad neighborhoods" on the web as your own ranking may be affected adversely by those links.
- Avoid hidden text or hidden links.
- Don't load pages with irrelevant words.
- Don't create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content.
- Avoid "doorway" pages created just for search engines, or other "cookie cutter" approaches such as affiliate programs with little or no original content.
Lastly, if you're an IBO and you've personally witnessed your upline saying that Quixtar was Google Bombing or anything similar to that please let me know via email. Or if you have any documentation that you can give me (emails, memos, etc.) discussing the Web Reputation Task Force please send that to me as well.
Thank you,
QBlog
January 17, 2005
Lawsuit Never Served?
By QBlog in
According to a letter recently obtained by Quixtar BLOG the complaint that Joe Land filed against Scott Larsen in 2002 was probably never served. If true, then it looks like Scott Larsen removed Joe Land's name and audio from his Web site to avoid a lawsuit, not as a result of any official court ruling.
After reading the letter (pdf) I'm struck by a few things:
- Land's attorney, Marcos A. Manos, says that Larsen appears to have done extensive research regarding the Lands and their Quixtar business. Research indicates an understanding of the issues, at least to me.
- Manos seems to be saying that the Lands made their fortune before joining Quixtar and that their involvement in Quixtar was a way for them to help those less fortunate. One quick question: weren't the Lands in Amway before Quixtar and how long were they in Amway?
- Manos says the Lands claim "economic and reputational" harm resulting from Larsen's Web site. Looks like Quixtar ended up doing much more harm to his business than Larsen ever could have done.
- "Indeed, the Lands have found information contained on your website informative. Information from your website led the Lands to question how business support materials were handled in some Quixtar organizations. This caused the Lands to form their own business support material enterprise, AllianceNet, to change some of the practices your criticized. Your response to this surprised the Lands." So, wait a second. AllianceNet was formed because of Scott Larsen's criticisms of the tool businesses? Read that quote again. This is very telling.
Please pay special attention to number four. Read the letter and see it in context. Understand that this clearly says that the Lands listen to a critic, believed that his criticisms were on target and reacted boldly to those criticisms.
Keeping the Dream Alive
By QBlog in
I wish there were more people in the world like MLK.
We Remember.
Monday Reader Mail: 28
By QBlog in Reader Mail
This week's Reader Mail expresses a desire for unbiased and objective information about Quixtar. Information from a source that doesn't stand to benefit from positive or negative impressions of the business. My response to "Paul" was that such fair and balanced information is hard to find and that's regretable. I do what I can but much more needs to be done.
name: Paul M.
date: January 11, 2005
message: I just read the part where you want feedback from whoever is looking at the blog (from January 2003). My girlfriend has just got involved in Quixtar and took me to one of their motivational dinners where they promise hundreds of thousands of dollars and show all of the rich people who have lots of stuff. I somehow found it hard to believe that all 2000 of those people were going to become millionares, so I wanted to check stuff out. So far I've looked at the Dateline special on MSNBC.com and your blog appealed to me as an objective view of Quixtar. So far, I like your style.Paul M.
Thanks Paul. My style seems to annoy some people but those who understand it seem to like it, even if they don't endorse it.
January 16, 2005
Terminate Business As Usual?
By QBlog in
"What the hell?"
Spend some time reading any of the scores of Quixtar-run Spam Blogs and you're bound to say, "What the hell?"
The blogs are part of a coordinated Google Bombing effort and plays a crucial role in Quixtar's Web Initiative. If you doubt my characterization of these spam-like blogs, check out the title of this blog:
Quixtar - Becoming Quixtar Diamond Distributors: Quixtar Diamond Terminate Business As Usual
The name of the blog is truly bizarre and more confusing than descriptive. "Becoming Quixtar Diamond Distributors" would seem to indicate that the blog is about people who are becoming Quixtar Diamonds. But it's not. It's about existing Diamonds like Billy Florence and Dexter Yager. Ok, so that's not such a big deal I guess. However, what does the phrase "Quixtar Diamond Terminate Business As Usual" mean? I don't know either but it makes no sense.
Who talks like that? I mean "Terminate Business As Usual?" What does that mean? And why would Quixtar name this blog with this long and confusing name? Well, it wasn't always named this way. In fact, it was recently renamed right about the same time Quixtar Diamond Joe Land's business was terminated.
So is Quixtar trying to inform, educate, assist or confuse? And do you think it's a coincidence that the blog is named "amquix.blogharbor.com" which is a direct rip of the "amquix.info" name. Or maybe Quixtar is finally admitting that it's really Amway with a new name?
Why So Bizarre?
Why would Quixtar act so strangely and foolishly on the Web? Some have suggested that it's an act of desperation. That Quixtar is experiencing its biggest slump in years (including the Amway years). That may explain the recent Kick Start recruitment promotion. The world may never know.
? I was invited to start a new business
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
? I was invited to start a new business
"It is interesting to note that the company that owns Quixtar bought Amway"
Blogging 101 - Fight Comment Spam
By QBlog in Blogging 101
A past issue of "Blogging 101" addressed some of the pros and cons of enabling comments. Bloggers who decide to allow comments on their blog (with or without restrictions) will probably face the dreaded Internet plague known as "comment spam". Comment spam is similar to email spam (which we're all painfully familiar with) but serves a somewhat different purpose. Email spam is generally designed to attract business (I don't know who it attracts either) while comment spam is designed to improve the Google Rank of a site. Email spam is meant to be viewed by a human, comment spam is meant to be viewed by search engines.
Spotting Comment Spam
Comment spam, like email spam, is pretty easy to spot. It's usually a comment with dozens of links to gambling, financial or porn sites. Sometimes the links are accompanied with a comment like "Nice site" or "I agree with you." Such comments are obviously constructed to make the spam seem legit but the excessive linking gives away the true intent.
How To Fight It?
I could give a list of methods for fighting comment spam but someone else has already done that. Movable Type has posted a "Guide for Fighting Comment Spam" and it's a must read for everyone who enables comments. Even if you don't use Movable Type to power your blog, it provides some valuable tips on how to kill comment spam dead.
The Shortcut
The simple way to effectively end comment spam is by requiring registration. The advantage of registration is that every comment is tied to a specific user account and any account can be disabled if it's found to abuse a blog's comments. The disadvantage is that the casual Web surfer may not want to go through the hassle of registering with a service just to post a comment. Such obstacles may discourage legitimate comments and could stifle valuable discussion.
Why Bother?
Why would anyone bother with comments when it's such a hassle to fight comment spam? That's a good question. My best answer is that one of the things that make blogs unique is their comment capability. Requiring registration seems too much like a forum or bulletin board. Disabling comments makes a blog more like a column and less like a blog. For now, I'm keeping comments enabled here. I may disable comments in older posts (another way to manage comments) but I like being able to facilitate a variety of discussions. I think it makes for a better blog. You may disagree but that' just how I see things.
Fight the good fight. Comment Spam Must Die!
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday. Past issues can be found under the "Blogging 101" heading on the Archives page.
January 15, 2005
User Feedback Request
By QBlog in
Hi,
I'm conducting an informal survey to find out how you use this site. No prizes, just the thrill of knowing that you may be helping to make this site even better. Here are the questions. Answer the ones you want to answer but please, keep it brief. Thanks.
- How often do you visit this site? Once a day? Once a week? Once a month? Never?
- Do you use the search feature and if so, how often?
- Do you use the QBlog News page? If so, how often and if not, why not?
- Do you ever listen to the QBlog Radio? If so, do you enjoy it? If not, why not?
- Are you a member of the QBlog Forum and if not, why not?
- How did you first find this site, if you remember?
- Would you like it if this blog had more posts, fewer posts or to just stay the same (about one per day)?
- Do you ever click on the "Recommended Blogs" links?
- Is this site fast loading, slow loading or just right?
- What improvements would you like to see here? Feature requests, modifications, etc.
- Any additional comments?
You may send me an email or answer these in the comments. Answer them with your name (username) or anonymously.
Thanks again.
- Amway Quixtar Indians: Please stand up
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Amway Quixtar Indians: Please stand up!
"I surely want to challenge the business processes used to network which is at the cost of breaking the social structure of the society"
I Got What You Need Baby
By QBlog in
You want Quixtar Blog News? I know you do. Don't be shy. Let's hear you say it. Shout it out!
"I WANT QUIXTAR BLOG FEEDS NOW!"
Simma down. I got your feeds right here baby. That's right. The QBlog News - Beta is ALL NEW AND IMPROVED. The previous version was a rigged up hack using CafeRSS, FeedBurner, some chewing gum and a paper clip. The problem was Atom.xml and I won't go into the details but let me just say, I found a solution. No, it wasn't MagpieRSS or CaRP. It was RSS 2 JS.
It's clean. It's simple. It's free. It's fast. And most importantly, it works. So check out the new QBlog News - Beta page and get your Quixtar Blog Fix real fast.
January 14, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 8
By QBlog in Farcical Help Desk
Every Friday, the QBlog Farcical Help Desk™ answers the Quixtar questions that nobody dared to ask. Additionally, each Help Desk answer is guaranteed to end with some form of punctuation or we'll refund your money. No fooling!
Question: I heard Quixtar's building a state-of-the-art basketball arena in downtown Grand Rapids to try to attract an NBA team?
Answer: Yeah, that'd be kinda weird. What would they call the team? The Soaps?
Q: Funny. I don't think they're at the naming phase
yet but some suggestions have been the Grand Rapids T.E.A.M., Definitely Not
Amway, Ball Flushers and Players Powered By Quixtar.
A: Would the team have sponsors and Diamonds and stuff?
Q: I doubt it but it would be funny if the team mirrored
the Quixtar business.
A: Yeah, half the team would quit each year and only a couple of players would
make any money while the rest of the team had to pay the coach for their training
and coaching.
Q: Well, it's just a rumor. I called the company to
find out about it but nobody seemed to know what thell I was talking about and
I was told to ask my upline.
A: Sounds about right.
Q: What happened to that really annoying guy who made
up all kinds of crazy rumors to get attention?
A: You mean Geraldo?
Q: No. The guy with that stupid Web site.
A: Matt Drudge? You lost me dude. No idea what happened to your mystery guy.
Q: Oh geez. He was named after a soda or something.
C'mon, you remember.
A: Mr. Pibb? Dr. Pepper? Dr. Brown?
Q: I don't know. But hey, why are so many sodas called
Doctor something? Why tie a soft drink with the medical profession?
A: Good question. And why no Mrs. or Ms. drinks? Something's wrong in DrinkTown.
Q: Do you know the way to San Jose?
A: No.
Q: Don't you want somebody to love?
A: No.
Q: She blinded me with silence.
A: You don't say? It's science, not silence.
Q: Are you sure?
A: Yes. I know my Thomas Dolby.
Q: Didn't he invent surround sound?
A: Uh, yeah chucklehead. He invented surround sound and that noise reduction
thing on old tape players.
Q: Speaking of tapes... I got this old Joe Land tape
I'm trying to unload. You want it? I'll give you a deal.
A: No.
January 13, 2005
Joe Land Speaks
By QBlog in
Due to Joe Land's recent exit from Quixtar I felt it was time to share the infamous Land audio clips that were virtually erased from the Web over two years ago. The clips were part of a Web page produced by Scott Larsen in which Land was taken to task for apparently promoting some "misconceptions" about the business. Larsen's criticisms drew Land's ire and he filed suit against Larsen alleging defamation and copyright infringement.
I honestly don't know the final, legal result of that lawsuit but I do know that Larsen ultimately removed the audio clips and changed every mention of "Joe Land" on his site to "The Diamond." My assumption is that some sort of agreement was reached but that's only a guess. However, though the clips were removed from Larsen's site they were not removed from the hundreds (and possibly thousands) of hard drives around the globe that downloaded copies while they were available on the Web. And now, for the first time in nearly two years I'm offering the Joe Land Audio Clips for your listening pleasure.
But first, a couple of important notes.
- I did not get these audio clips from Scott Larsen. As I mentioned, these clips were on LOTS of hard drives.
- I'm offering the clips without commentary. Listen to them and make your own decision about what they may mean, if anything.
- Don't expect anything fantastic. These aren't sensational audio clips. They're just a Quixtar Diamond talking. Don't say I didn't warn you.
- Joe Land is no longer a Quixtar Diamond. That's an important thing to remember when listening to these clips.
Ok, now the Joe Land Audio Clips which are all in mp3 format:
- Four Percent
- Microsoft
- Pratt Convention
- Make $150
- Bring In The Best
- Income Claim
- Find Six People
- Conservative
- Share With You/Invest In Yourself
- Sixty Six Percent
- Nothing Sold
- 45 People
- You Don't Have To Sell
And that's the audio. What do you think?
January 12, 2005
Waste of Time?
By QBlog in
"Why do you waste your time with this blog? Why don't you do something constructive instead?"
I'm commonly asked some variation of the above questions and have always been perplexed by the inquiries for two reasons:
- If the primary subject matter of this blog were college basketball or my favorite television shows then I wouldn't be asked such questions. I'd still be spending the same amount of time updating the blog but few would consider it a waste of time. Publishing a blog seems to become a "waste of time" only when those reading it don't agree with the author's opinions. Brilliant.
- The "wasting time" questions assume that I'm not receiving something in return for publishing this blog. Such assumptions are founded in ignorance and a misunderstanding of the Web.
Ok, so I should probably explain the second reason a bit. No, I'm not getting paid for this blog. And the advertisements and "QBlog Gear" sales only help to offset various maintenance costs. What I mean is that I receive some very real and significant benefits (directly and indirectly) from this blog and I realize that those benefits would make a great list. Bloggers love bullet points.
Benefits Of Blogging
- Friends - I've made lots of friends as a direct result of this blog. Some I've met in person, some I talk to on the phone, others are frequently found pinging one of my Instant Messengers and a few still communicate via email.
- Blog Experience - You want to know about building a blog? Talk to me. I've got about three years of blog experience and understand the community, the technology and the way blogs are impacting our culture. Coincidentally my profession is very keen on blogging right now and this blog has helped me become one of the key advisors for blog development.
- Mentoring - Due in part to my blog expertise I've been asked to be a mentor at my alma mater. This is exciting because I will be able to impart my skills, knowledge and experience to college kids who are getting educated during the Golden Age of Blogging.
- Writing Skills - I recently spoke to a Web journalism class at my alma mater and explained that blogging was an excellent way to develop good writing skills, especially for online content. I've also noticed that my overall writing has improved and that's primarily due to blogging.
- Understanding An Audience - This blog has really taught me the importance of understanding your audience. I still maintain my own voice and style but I'm always aware of who is reading this blog and why. Audience awareness is very important when determining what content to provide and how it is presented.
- A Network - This could also be Friends but it's a little different. The relationships I've developed through this blog represent a kind of social network. This network is comprised of a wide variety of individuals, each with different skills, talents and knowledge. If something comes up chances are that one of the people in the network will have a solution. And likewise, if one of them asks for my help I'm glad to give it.
- Community Building - This blog has played a role in the growth and development of the QBlog Forum which has helped me learn the value of building strong communities on the Web. Such knowledge and skills have been invaluable to me as I employ those skills to provide community solutions for others.
- Fun - Honestly, it's just fun to post this blog. The best thing about this blog is that I really enjoy publishing it. Quixtar is probably the most fascinating company I've ever studied and it steadily provides material and inspiration for me to do this goofy blog day after day.
Well, that's what I "get" from blogging. What do you get from blogging? And if you don't blog, what do you get from reading blogs?
January 11, 2005
The Unraveling
By QBlog in
And so it begins!
Joe and Lynn Land run Alliance Net Solutions (ANS) which is a Quixtar Line of Affiliation otherwise known as a "tool business." It's a small tool business compared to others like WWDB, BWW, InterNET Services and Team but it's a tool business nonetheless. I recently reported that the Lands are actively involved in a Multi-Level Marketing business called Oasis Life Sciences and I speculated that their involvement would force Quixtar to enforce the infamous Rule 6.5. Well, according to some information I received from an anonymous site visitor (which was corroborated by others in Land's downline), Quixtar has acted to remove Joe and Lynn Land from Quixtar.
That's right folks. Members of Land's downline received the following letter:
This letter is being sent to inform you of recent developments that will impact your Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business. Normally, rules actions by the Corporation with specific IBOs are kept confidential, but the rules permit the exception when the results affect other IBOs.
Regrettably, the Corporation was put in the position of having to enforce rules with Joseph and Lynn Land. Apprised of rule violations, they resigned their business.
After receiving complaints and conducting an investigation, Quixtar determined that Joseph and Lynn Land were in violation of the following rules, due to involvement in a competing business, Oasis Life Sciences: Rules 4.14, 4.27, and 6.5. These rules are included here for your reference:
[editor's note: I removed the referenced rules because you can look them up and read them on another post.]
Please note that IBOs whose affiliation with Quixtar has ceased may not promote another business, such as Oasis, to existing IBOs, affiliated with Quixtar, for two years. In fact, under Quixtar's rules, their involvement in Oasis at all exposes them to possible immediate injunctive and legal action.
The above mentioned business now reflects a name change, indicating ownership has been taken over by Quixtar. Quixtar will assume the responsibilities of Platinum in the short-term, so if you have any questions for which you would normally call your Platinum, please call Jane Bruggink in Quixtar Sales at (616) 787-4233.
Gary VanderVen
Director, Global Business Conduct & Rules
cc: Bubba and Sandy Pratt
I have also received reports that Stephen and Wendy Weil (Sapphires in Land's downline) had their Quixtar business terminated. This action comes on the heels of the big "revamping" of Land's tool business to try to "do the right thing." I guess Quixtar is serious about that Rule 6.5 thing after all. I knew they'd take their own rules seriously.
So, what does this all mean? Well, my first thought when I "heard" this was "is Joe Land INSANE!?!" Joe Land is was a Quixtar Diamond and he's going to give all that up, leave his downline (because according to Rule 6.5 he can't take them with him) and start selling anti-aging pills? Holy Crap! Wonder what Orrin Woodward thinks about all this?
Anyway, if you have any info about this new development, please email me. Thanks. And I'll end with one little question. How many members of Land's downline do you think are going to suddenly adopt a somewhat negative perception of Quixtar after this latest turn of events?
January 10, 2005
- Get Rich Quixtar
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Get Rich Quixtar
"My real problem with Quixtar is a that it is a pyramid scheme"
Monday Reader Mail: 27
By QBlog in Reader Mail
I'm back. It was good to take a little break from the blog but now it's time to get back in gear. Thanks for your patience and I hope you're enjoying the new year as much as I am.
So why did I take a break from this blog?
To seek Holy Grail.
What is my favorite color?
Blue of course.
Why do I ask questions of myself and then answer them?
Because it's an annoying yet effective way to communicate information.
Am I a habitual question-talker?
Well, yes I am.
Do I care if it annoys you?
No, I don't.
Ok, enough of that. Now let's get to some Reader Mail. Oh yeah. And this week's selection is not only fresh but juicy. As always, my comments appear in bold and the Reader Mail is not edited for grammar and spelling.
name: Mythic
date: December 29, 2004
message: I think everything said on this blog is true and at the same time is irrelevent.
I like this kid already. True and irrelevant. I love it. If the dream's big enough the facts don't matter. Continue!
I'm a college student currently looking into quixtar as a possible business. The people who have been helping me were honest from the get go by telling me that only about 20% of the ibo's go anywhere with this business. My question is how is that different from the traditional ways of making money.
Well, with the traditional ways of making money you actually get money for the work you do. I realize it's a bizarre concept but the majority of MLM participants (including Quixtar) not only don't show a profit but actually lose money while involved. Don't believe me? Look it up.
The average college student graduate leaves college with not only a degree but 20 to $40000 in the hole. Even more of them don't end up working in the field they got there degree in.
So that's a bad thing? I can't stand this logic because it's so flawed. Mythic is trying to say that if you don't get a job in the field you studied then you basically wasted your money studying that field. Hogwash. A college education teaches many things beyond the specific field of study (including spelling and grammar). Just because a person doesn't work in the field they studied doesn't mean that education isn't being used.
It's a known fact that every organization is run by the top 20%. Quixtar is no different. The truth is life sucks, we work hard in what ever field we choose and not everyone is going to get rich. Quixtar gets people excited about there product and everyone who signs up thinks there going to be rolling in dough in a few weeks.
Interesting observation. Wonder what the FTC thinks about that?
Is that true for some people yes...for everyone...no. Does that automatically discredit them as an industry, I think not. I think an industry should be discredited when people die from lung cancer or liver failure for using your product. I am not sure if Quixtar is for me yet, but I don't believe they are a scam.
I see. So unless a company's product kills someone, it's beyond criticism. Glad we cleared that up.
That's the Reader Mail folks. Gotta love it.
January 3, 2005
Taking a Break
By QBlog in
I'm taking a break from this blog. You may find me in the Forum from time to time but I'm just too busy to blog right now. Never thought I'd say that but it's true.
I'll be back next week. Read the archives or something.