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April 30, 2005
QBlog Toons - New Boss
By QBlog in Humor
April 29, 2005
New Quixtar Boss
By QBlog in Quixtar
Some Quixtar-run blogs are reporting that there's a new boss at Quixtar, replacing the "retiring" Ken McDonald. He's an Amway guy named Jim Payne. According to Amway.com Payne:
...serves as Executive Vice President and is responsible for Alticor direct selling markets in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India and Latin America.
Alticor's direct-selling subsidiary in North America is Quixtar, Inc.; other affiliate markets are part of Amway Corporation.
Before being named to his current position in April 2005, Payne was Senior Vice President of Amway, responsible for numerous international affiliates. From 1999 through 2000, Payne served as President & Representative Director of Amway Japan Ltd., and still serves on the Board of Directors for that affiliate. Since 1980, his Alticor career has taken him around the world with progressively more responsible positions, including Director and then Vice President of New Market Development, in which he was responsible for expanding Amway markets worldwide. Payne also served as General Manager of Amway Germany, Regional Manager for the Poland and Switzerland affiliates, and Managing Director of Amway Thailand... (more)
REVISED WITH BETTER INFO - It looks like Alticor has eliminated Ken McDonald's old position (Quixtar Managing Director) and given the new Quixtar leader much more responsibility. The only thing he doesn't control is Asia (yes, I know India is in Asia but it is the subcontinent).
What could this significant change in leadership mean for the future of Quixtar? I don't know really but it seems that Alticor is attempting to give Quixtar a more global strategy. Or not. What do you think? Also, do you really think Ken McDonald wanted to retire?
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 21
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: Hi, I think I'm having a problem with downline.
He never talks and just sits in the corner drooling and humming. What should
I do?
Answer: How much PV does he pull in every month?
Q: Around 100-150. Why?
A: Ah, well not to worry then. Your downline is just blissfully happy to be
using Quixtar products and he has trouble finding the words to express such
joy.
Q: Well, he doesn't actually use the products. He sort
of smashes them as soon as they arrive. He sometimes stomps on the boxes without
even opening them. It's a scary scene.
A: But his checks do clear right?
Q: Well, sure though I do wonder where he gets the money
because he doesn't seem to work anywhere.
A: I understand your concern but it's really much ado about nothing. Your downline
just has a unique way of expressing his love of Quixtar and you really shouldn't
prevent him from being a unique IBO.
Q: Ok. If you say so. But can you at least talk to him
and convince him to quit wearing a lobster bib when he shows the plan?
A: No problem. Put him on the line.
Q: Thanks... one sec.
A: K.
Q: Nnggshhh. Plfffttt bbt.
A: Hello? Hello, anyone there?
Q: Blubbie mmmpppt?
A: Ah yes. Hi. Could you stop wearing that lobster bib when you show the plan.
It's unsettling to the new recruits and is not part of Quixtar's Best Practices
for Plan Showing.
Q: Deeeeek vrrrmmmm gllippp
A: I see. Well thanks then and have a pleasant day.
Q: Does Quixtar sell condoms?
A: Nope. Don't think so. Let me check... Nope.
Q: How bout sponges?
A: No sponges either. You know, Quixtar doesn't sell any sort of contraceptive
devices.
Q: So no spermicide foam?
A: No.
Q: Any Fudge Pops?
A: I'm not sure what you're suggesting.
Q: Does Quixtar sell Fudge Pops?
A: Is that some slang term for a contraceptive?
Q: No, it's a frozen dessert treat.
A: Well... yeah. Quixtar sells those.
Q: Great.
A: Yeah. Sure.
Q: Hello? Hi, my son will not behave and I need some
help. I'm beginning to be afraid of him and what he might do.
A: You're afraid of your son's behavior? Well ground him to his room or something.
Q: I can't do that. He's a child actor and brings home
a lot of money!
A: I see. Well just ground him for a little while then.
Q: But we're having a new house built in the Hamptons
and he brings home a LOT of money.
A: You mentioned that.
Q: So, he's just going crazy. Setting fires, stealing,
getting into fights, cursing at people, vandalizing and so much more that I
just want to cry. And every time I try to punish him he says he'll run away.
A:Wow. Your kid doesn't need a spanking. He needs to be locked up! Call
the cops and send him to Juvey.
Q: No, no, no. You don't understand...
A: I know, he brings home a LOT of money. But don't you know that he's
dangerous and may hurt himself and others? You can't let that continue no matter
how much money he brings home. If he continues on this path he won't be able
to act at all any more and then he won't bring home any money. Your son needs
some really tough love right now.
Q: I know. You're right. But it's just so hard and the
money... and what if he left? I'd be devastated.
A: You're the parent. You're ultimately responsible for your son. As
a parent it's your duty to know what he's doing and discipline him when appropriate.
And in this case, it sounds like your son needs to be locked up or sent to a
rehab center for a while. What's his name by the way?
Q: Leonard. Leonard Oliver Abernathy.
A: Ok. So what little LOA needs is tough love and a whole lot of discipline.
And he needs it now or else he'll destroy himself, you and possibly many more.
Q: Ok. Thanks. I'll try.
A: There you go. You can do it. Won't be easy but I know you can do
it.
April 28, 2005
Going To Blog Nashville
By QBlog in Blog News
I'm headed up to Nashville next weekend to attend BlogNashville, a "three-day series of educational and informational sessions on blogging." The event is hosted by the Media Bloggers Association and features some very influential bloggers including Glenn Reynolds, Ed Cone, Dan Gillmor and Mark Glaser. Should be a really cool time and the best thing about it — IT'S FREE! Quixtar Motivational Organizations take note.
Imagine that. Sharing, educating and energizing a group of like-minded people for free. Oh goodness, where's my soapbox? But I digress... or is it regress? Maybe egress?
Anyway, I'm excited bout this event. I'll get to learn more about Podcasting, join in the "Blogging v. Journalism Debate, discuss blogging local politics and more. If you have the time, get your rear to Nashville, Tennessee and get educated about all things blog. The conference will be held at Belmont University and as I already mentioned, is absolutely free.
- This was like a damn cult
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- This was like a damn cult
"Don't keep pestering me to join their little 'club'"
April 27, 2005
+ New Employee
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
+ New Employee
"Just got back from my interview and I start training for Quixtar on monday"
Fake Quixtar Blog
By QBlog in Web Initiative
Holy Cow! Look what Technorati just dragged in!
You've heard of the "Real Quixtar Blog" right? You know, the blog run by some Quixtar employee named "Kia" (Know It All). Well, now there's a spot-on parody site that is simply hilarious. Guess what the new blog is called. Go ahead, guess!
If you guessed Fake Quixtar Blog then you're right... and you can stop guessing.
This parody blog is authored by "DKJ" which stands for "Don't Know Jack." It apes just about every aspect of the "Real Quixtar Blog" and ventures towards the bizarre with a photo of a man-dog thing on the "vacation page."
If there was ever a time for a solid parody of Quixtar's blogging shenanigans, that time would be now.
» Visit Fake Quixtar Blog and let the giggling begin.
Oh yeah, meant to add that the Fake blog has permalinks and archives so — ironically — the Fake Quixtar Blog is more of "real blog" than the "Real Quixtar Blog." Now that's funny!
April 26, 2005
Old School Blogging
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Old School Blogging — Just to prove I still "got it" though I'm not entirely convinced I ever "had it."
It's now 6:48 a.m. and the house is still quietly snoozing. Even Wendy the Wonder Dog is sleeping soundly in her crate. Of course the cats are awake. That's the way cats are. When I think they should be sleeping, they're awake — scratching on a laundry basket, protecting us from attacking socks and knocking things off tables.
I've developed a few "Cat Laws" that I believe are universally true and definitely apply to my beloved felines.
- A purring cat resting on a lap renders one immobile. It could conceivably be used by law enforcement as a perfect (or should I say Purrfect?) and humane restraint system.
- A cat will never want to leave a room unless the door to that room is shut.
- Cats have long memories and like the Klingons, enjoy serving their revenge cold (reference).
Anyway, I like my kitties but one continually vexes me by urinating on various door mats. She's been to the vet and we've tried everything but nothing works. My wife and I have a theory — she's exacting revenge on me for accidently stepping on her several years ago. She's small and I'm not and she's never been quite the same since that fateful day.
Oh yeah, I won the Incredibles XBox game over the weekend. What a fun game! And when I say that I won the game, I mean that my kids demanded that I play while they watched. And they loved watching. I guess a good game is one that's as fun to watch as it is to play. I think we'll be getting Robots next.
Well, that's about all the news from Lake Wobegon. I must get a coffee refill and go wake the rest of the family. My friend Allegra D is kicking in now so I'm almost feeling myself again. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.
- I'm an internet scam legend
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- I'm an Internet Scam Legend
"They sit around and explain the business cycle to you in a confusing way that makes you think you can make millions by doing this"
April 25, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 41
By QBlog in Reader Mail
It's Monday. Time for Reader Mail.
name: John C.
date: February 1, 2005
message: I really love following your blog. It's composed of really worthwhile material that makes people, and the average IBO (ok, how about the IBO that knows in the back of his mind that it's a scam) think about what they are involved in.
My wife and I signed up for Quixtar in March of 2004 and we ran hard for six months. We hit 1000pv once by buying 600 points ourselves (and were praised for it). After my second function (Summer Conference/Family Reunion), it was my wife's first, I started doubting the whole thing. There were no facts to back things up, just idiocy and fallacies like "if the dream is big enough the facts don't count". We were running up debt and had absolutely no free time. I stumbled upon this site and Scott Larsen's site and read them thoroughly.
For the sake of fairness I read just about everything I could find online about Quixtar. The negative outweighed the positive by far. It was interesting that my upline could not give me any answeres to the questions I posed other than "You shouldn't believe what you read on the Internet, it is the bathroom wall of the world". That's funny, I didn't know the IRS, FTC, etc. resorted to communicating on a bathroom wall. Anyway, at that point I ceased all involvement in the business, but my wife carried on because some of the upline ladies had their claws deep in her. They told her that they'd love her no matter what and that I'd eventually come around. She was afraid of losing the "friends" that she had made. After having to evaluate things on her own she came to the same conclusion I had, and in December stopped participating. She hasn't heard from any of her "friends" since then.
So, life is back to normal now. We work our J-O-B's (I ponder why they wanted me to hate the whole reason I was able to lose so much money in Quixtar) and have our evenings and weekends to play with our dogs, watch tv, or whatever. Life seems better, and it\'s easier to do anything (like plan a trip to Cooperstown, NY over Hall of Fame Induction Weekend) without having to see if it conflicts with a conference, team meeting, covered dish, joint scam session, or general brainwashing.
The real reason that I decided to contact you was to point out some information about two supposedly wealthy people who are/were Quixtar Diamonds. The first is Doug Wead, and the second is Joe Land. Doug is a successful author who has two bestsellers about the Bush Administrations, and also has his own motivational speaking business. It certainly doesn't sound like he makes his money from Quixtar. (you can find this info by googling Doug Wead and visiting www.dougwead.com).
Joe Land (although no longer in Quixtar) just strikes me as a greedy fellow. This link documents how Land was a "real-estate" guru in the 1980's. So, I wonder how much he ever made off his Amway business.
Thanks for letting me vent (I just feel compelled to share my story, guess I think I was really duped). I hope you find that information about Doug and Joe useful.
Regards,
John C.
Just to clarify, Joe Land of Quixtar was NOT a "real-estate guru in the 1980s," at least according to my sources and the information I've been able to find. The Joe Land this email refers to just coincidentally shares the same name as former Quixtar Diamond Joe Land (now a Diamond in Oasis). Same name, different people.
April 24, 2005
Blogging 101 - Make A Little Money
By QBlog in Blogging 101
Yes, you can make money from your blog. There are several ways to generate a little cash with your blog but I'll highlight five of the most popular methods.
- The PayPal Tip Jar
- Google AdSense
- BlogAds
- Amazon Associates
- Sponsorships
Before I go into any more detail I should mention that unless you run an extremely popular blog, have the right kind of audience and are Jason Kottke then you will not make a lot of money with your blog. At best, you can hope to make enough to cover server fees, domain registration, software upgrades, licenses and other expenses associated with running a website. And when you do make money, keep in mind that Uncle Sam (for U.S. residents) will want a nice chunk of your blog cash.
PayPal Tip Jar
One of the best ways to get blog funds is with the PayPal Tip Jar. Like the tip jars used by coffee shops and street musicians, the PayPal Tip Jar is a way for people to directly support something they appreciate. Setting up a PayPal Tip Jar is really easy, just setup a PayPal account and let others know which email address should receive the funds.
If you'd like to put a nifty PayPal button on your blog (like the "Make a donation" one I have) then insert the following code into your template:
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<div align="center">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="business" value="support@youremail.com">
<input type="hidden" name="item_name" value="Support My BLOG">
<input type="hidden" name="no_shipping" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="no_note" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
<input type="hidden" name="tax" value="0">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/x-click-but21.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!">
</div>
</form>
Of course you should change the appropriate fields to reflect your specific details.
Google AdSense
Google AdSense has quickly become the most popular and (for some) lucrative way to make money from a blog. According to Google:
Google AdSense is a fast and easy way for website publishers of all sizes to display relevant, unobtrusive Google ads on their website's content pages and earn money. Because the ads are related to what your users are looking for on your site, you'll finally have a way to both monetize and enhance your content pages.
To get hooked up with AdSense you must fill out Google's application which includes a lot of personal information, mainly for tax purposes. Once you're approved just follow the helpful instructions and start placing ads on your blog. Google ads use something called Cost Per Click and Pay Per Click. CPC/PPC means that advertisers only pay when their ad is clicked and then you get a percentage of what the advertisers pay Google for that click. This differs from impression-based ads which charge advertisers based on the number of times an ad is displayed, not clicked. Google doesn't use impression-based ads.
BlogAds
According to the BlogAds website, this form of advertising is a way to reach an audience that MSM (Main Stream Media) can't (or won't) reach:
You need to woo the early adopters that traditional media can't reach. You need to engage 500,000 opinion makers, not pester 100,000,000 nobodies. You need Blogads. Read by fanatics, pundits and journalists, blogs increasingly set the insider agenda. Use blogads to engage where opinions are made.
I like BlogAds and understand their potential but they're primarily appealing to a certain type of audience — political and web-centric. I'm not discouraging anyone from using BlogAds, I use them here and am pleased with them so far, but they're more hit & miss than the Tip Jar or Google AdSense.
Like Google AdSense, you must apply for inclusion in the BlogAds program but unlike Google, BlogAds has certain requirements. You really need to have at least 1,000 daily unique visitors before you can use BlogAds. If your blog doesn't generate that much traffic, then you probably won't be using BlogAds.
Amazon Associates
I don't know much about the Amazon Associates, even though I'm using it on this blog. I had to apply with Amazon and after getting approved, go through a few basic steps to set it up and install it on my blog template. The way it works is that you put a link (or ad) on your site and if someone clicks the link and then buys the resulting product, you get a cut of that sale. Pretty simple. There are many associate style programs but Amazon's is probably the most popular.
Sponsorships
I'm not aware of any specific applications that facilitate sponsorships. Most seem to be custom-built and unique to each blog. The concept of sponsorships is to sell (or rent) premium real estate on your blog to the highest bidder. For example, the extremely popular blog BoingBoing is sponsored by Wired, Speakeasy and Space Ghost (among others). Their ads appear in very visible spots, under the words "Sponsored By." The theory is that both sponsors and the blogs that host their ads share some common interests, values and goals. This isn't necessarily true but it's a bit different than straight advertising... I think.
Anyway, sponsorships are developed entirely by you so the accounting, reporting, security, billing, etc. is all on you. This may be more hassle than you're willing to deal with but it can be the most effective way to make money from your blog.
Some Considerations
Before you rush out and start trying to get rich from your blog I'd advise you to sit down and consider how money can impact your blog. More importantly, think of how the perception of money can impact your blog audience. Even Boing Boing has been "under attack" for "selling out" and not being forthcoming about its ad revenue (according to some). I'm not going to argue one way or another about blogs and money but just want you to carefully consider the ramifications before you move forward and develop a strategy based on that awareness.
Before I did anything related to money on this blog I decided that full disclosure was paramount and that my goal was to cover costs, never make a profit. But that's my decision. What you decide is entirely up to you. Just know what you're doing and why.
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
April 23, 2005
The QBlog Saturday Comics
By QBlog in Humor
I love developing regular features for this blog. Monday Reader Mail was developed as a way for me to share some of the comments that get sent to my inbox. QBlog Radio allowed me to play music to a small audience and then recently evolved into a Podcast. And who can forget the zany Farcical Help Desk or the helpful and occasionally insightful Blogging 101 series? Of course I should mention DeVos Speaks even though it has yet to find a regular publication schedule. Toss in a special project now and then (like March of Perceptions and Quixtar BackBone) and you're looking at a full-featured blog.
So what would possess me to add yet another regular feature? Demons!!! Lots and lots of demons! ;o)
Actually, I just enjoy the challenge of making this blog more interesting and appealing to an ever-growing audience. And this newest feature, called "QBlog Saturday Comics," is a way for me to tap into my tiny "creative reservoir" and publish something that's fun and a little silly.
I've constructed a little Q & A to introduce this new feature and answer questions you may (or may not) have about QBlog Saturday Comics.
Why Is The Artwork So Bad?
Great question. I'm an amateur cartoonist and have been drawing pretty regularly since childhood. However, my medium of choice is paper and pen, not PhotoShop and a mouse (or trackpad). The challenge for me was to devise a way to get some toons onto the blog as quickly and effortlessly as possible. I considered drawing and scanning, but that can take a lot of work and the scanned results usually need to be touched up in PhotoShop anyway. Of course I could use Illustrator and create some nice, scalable vector toons but again, that takes a lot of time. Yes, I know my way around Illustrator but I'm definitely not an expert.
What I settled on was a set of guidelines that enabled me to create the comics quickly and effectively but were restrictive enough to explain the crude drawings. And keep in mind, crude art doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of talent as Sam Brown expertly demonstrates with Exploding Dog.
Guidelines?
The guidelines I came up with are pretty simple:
- All Toons must be 300 pixels wide and no taller than 900 pixels and no shorter than 300 pixels.
- All Toons must be drawn totally in PhotoShop (or some comparable computer graphics tool)
- All drawing is done freehand with either the paint or pencil tool. The pen tool is not allowed.
- Color, pattern or gradient fills are prohibited.
- The only allowed graphics are word balloons, thought bubbles and narrator boxes. Everything else must be drawn entirely freehand.
- Text may be written in a font. Drawing text is not required.
- The drawings may be scaled as necessary
Didn't You Just Rip Off Exploding Dog?
No, not really. I'd say that Exploding Dog serves as inspiration and you'll definitely see similarities in style but each QBlog comic is an original.
But They're Not Funny
Yeah. I'm not Scott Adams or Gary Larson so don't expect your sides to split from laughing at these toons. I'm not sure any of the toons will be funny but if you have a winning idea you want me to draw, send it in and I'll see what I can do.
Scott McCloud Says...
Some of the QBlog comics will be single panel and I know that Scott McCloud (and others) would argue that technically, single panels aren't comics — they're cartoon drawings. Yes, I've read Understanding Comics and I don't disagree but for communication purposes I'm sticking with the term "comics" even if they are single panel.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry. It's not that important.
Can I Submit Comics?
If you'd like to submit your own comics to be published here just send a GIF image to comics@webraw.com. Be sure you follow the guidelines or the submission will be rejected.
That's about it. Hope you enjoy this new QBlog feature. I know I will.
April 22, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 20
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: So is Ken McDonald really retiring?
Answer: Yes. That's what they say.
Q: Don't you think it's odd that this announcement comes
less than two weeks before he's scheduled to leave?
A: Perhaps, but don't forget that McDonald is getting old and he does have that
farm you know.
Q: Farm? Oh, you mean that Woodchuck Cottage thing?
A: No. I mean his farm. With animals. On his farm he has a cow, E-I-E-I-O.
Q: Ah! Old McDonald's Farm. I get it. So he's retiring
to fulfill his dream of living out a childhood song?
A: With a moo-moo here and a moo-moo there. Here a moo. There a moo. Everywhere
a moo-moo.
Q: I recently became an IBO and I'm astounded by the
quality products and the excellent support and the awesome website and my wonderful
upline and the...
A: Whoa there Nelly. Slow down. If you continue at this pace you'll run out
of adjectives. You know there's an adjective shortage right?
Q: An adjective shortage? I had no idea. That's startling
news. When did this bizarre shortage occur?
A: Watch yourself there cowboy. This is serious. But yeah, we became aware of
the adjective shortage back in 1999, right before Quixtar launched. Adjectives
like "awesome" and "exploding" were almost totally eradicated
from the English language. It was scary.
Q: Uh, "exploding" is a verb dude.
A: Not the way Bill Britt used it.
Q: Ok. Well, I'm still excited about the Quixtar opportunity
and can't wait until my first conference. I think it's in Dallas.
A: Well have fun but go easy on those adjectives. We don't want to have to start
rationing them again.
Q: Hi there. I'm trying to get me some of them motivational
tapes but my Direct keeps yapping about the Innernet. Can you help me?
A: It's InTERnet and yes, I think we can help you. Your upline is most likely
trying to get you to sign up to some online service so you can download your
motivational stuff in digital format instead of carting boxes of tapes around.
Q: What the hell you just say? English boy, speak English!
A: Ok. Do you have a computer?
Q: Sure I got a 'puter. Had it for 20 years.
A: Twenty years huh? That may be a problem.
Q: Look, you gonna help me figger out how to get my
tapes or not?
A: Tell you what, come by the office and I'll fill the bed of your truck
with tapes. Only condition, you must promise never to call again.
Q: You got yourself a deal.
A: Great. Good-bye.
April 21, 2005
- Speaking of being a sucker
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Speaking of being a sucker
"Nicole got me to go to this meeting about Quixtar"
Ken McDonald To Retire?
By QBlog in Quixtar
UPDATE - Several Quixtar-run blogs have confirmed that Ken McDonald is retiring in less than two weeks. Quixtatic reports that "Ken McDonald announced his retirement yesterday, effective May 1." And Quixtar and Beyond provides the full text of McDonald's retirement announcement followed by this statement:
I was asked not to run this yesterday as Ken wanted to personally talk to as many IBOs before any announcement went public and I certainly wanted to repect that, as Ken is a man that has always deserved respect. Never demanded it but always deserved it.
Right. So I wonder how many IBOs he thanked yesterday. Anyway, there's something about this whole "retirement" that seems mighty suspicious to me. Why all the hush-hush? Why so sudden? Why do I really care? Good question.
By the way, Quixtar has a really cool "newsroom" site that "reports" the latest Quixtar News. Check out the Quixtar Newsroom to read all the latest Quixtar news.
This Reader Mail just in:
name: Anonymous
date: April 20, 2005
message: Ken McDonald announced his retirement today. He'll be retiring sometime the beginning of May. No successor has been announced yet, but I'm sure the Quixtar conclave will be appointing a successor soon.
Conclave! That's funny. I just heard that word when describing the recent Papal election. I wonder if a possible religious allusion was intentional? Ok, maybe it's not that funny but I chuckled.
Anyway, let the speculation begin. Is "Anonymous" blowing smoke up my backside or is there some truth to this rumor? My sources either know nothing or aren't talking. If it's true, what does it mean? If it's not true, then "Anonymous" is probably just trying to spread rumors and I'm sort of helping out in that department. Oh well, it's fun to think about nonetheless.
I just thought of a joke. Perhaps Ken is leaving Quixtar because he took this "Never Accept Ordinary" thing a bit too literally. Get it? He Never Accepts Ordinary so he's... leaving... Quixtar... nevermind.
One last thing, the beginning of May is like two weeks away. That's pretty short notice for a "retirement" don't you think? Quixtar's Managing Director just says "hey gang, I'm retiring in a couple of weeks. Surprise!" Maybe that's how things work in Ada, I don't know. It's never been like that at any place I've worked. Whenever someone retired it was known months, even years in advance. This just seems... well... very sudden.
Of course this could have been planned months in advance and we're just now learning about it (if it's even true) so there's that to consider. If you are "in the know" and are able to confirm or deny this rumor about McDonald's retirement please step forward and help us out here. Thanks in advance.
April 20, 2005
What Is LGTWO?
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
What exactly is this Let's Get The Word Out website? That's a great question and one that I wasn't able to answer until recently. When I first learned about LGTWO, I thought it was some sort of online "Free Speech Network" that former Amway Emerald Eric Scheibeler was using to promote his whistleblower book, Merchants of Deception. Why I thought that, I'm not quite sure. Maybe it was the design? Maybe it was the Free Speechy name? I really have no idea but I later realized that LGTWO is a site specifically designed to promote Merchants of Deception and not some larger network open for similar book promotions.
What is MOD?
Merchants of Deception is an "insider's look at the worldwide, systematic conspiracy of lies that is Amway/Quixtar and their motivational organization." It was published online last year and is still circulated around the globe. If you haven't read it yet, grab a copy (for free) and get busy.
And So What is LGTWO?
A guy named Dan Hollings runs the LGTWO website. It's actually a pretty cool site, once you get past all the ads and multi-links. The way it works is that visitors can log into the site and "sponsor" a word for a couple of bucks. According to the site:
Most of the monies donated will be used to further the cause, help others who have suffered, or cover legal expenses in worthwhile lawsuits. To this end, LGTWO will work with Pyramid Scheme Alert (www.pyramidschemealert.org), a non profit consumer rights organization. We of course must feed the crew, pay for developers, licenses, techie stuff, hard costs and invest a bit in getting the word out, so we've estimated between 20% to 30% will be used in this manner.
So, when you sponsor a word LGTWO provides a personalized page that you edit and can use to tell your story. You may also add links and photos and a bunch of other stuff. It's really not a bad little tool and I believe Hollings built the whole thing himself (correct me if I'm wrong) so that's pretty impressive.
Sponsor A Word? Huh?
I didn't "get" the whole word sponsorship thing at first but I sort of understand it now. LGTWO is publishing Scheibeler's book as HTML (which can be indexed by search engines more easily than a PDF) and each word is up for sponsorship. For example, visit the first page of chapter one and notice that a few words are actually links. Click a link to read the story of whoever sponsored that word. There's some real potential there. Imagine MOD becoming the platform for literally thousands of others to tell whatever story they have to tell.
So, check out the site. It can be confusing but hang in there and it sort of makes sense. I'd personally rather just read the PDF version of the book than wander around LGTWO but to each his own I suppose.
Criticism?
I should also add that there's something about the entire LGTWO site that rubs me the wrong way. The design and all the links and... I just don't know but it doesn't excite me. Pages like the Expanded Site Map scream, "Search Engine Manipulation" and I'm not too keen on that practice. I understand why it's done but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm not sure it violates Google's Guidelines but it sure seems... well, a little spam-like.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that some questions have been raised about Dan Hollings' motives. I'm not really sure what to think. I've had a couple of email exchanges with Hollings and he seems like a decent fellow and I don't have any reason to suspect anything but I'd just really prefer a lot more disclosure on the LGTWO site. I think that's it actually — there's not a robust "About" page and I there really needs to be one. A page that just lays it all out in simple black and white.
Just Read
Anyway, the main point is that LGTWO is a nifty way to get people to read a book. That's about it and to that end, I think it works. The technology underneath LGTWO is pretty slick and I'm not sure I've seen anything exactly like it on any other site. So, I encourage you to at least check it out and see what's going on for yourself.
It's 420 Dude
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
If you're a youngun' then you probably understand the significance of today's date. I won't tell you why April 20th appeals to young people, you'll have to guess!
And while you guess, let's see what was happening on this blog two years ago:
The Quixtar Revolution - Found this out-of-print book on sale at Amazon.com. Seems to be a very inspiring look at the Quixtar business and the success it has achieved in a short time. Odd that it's out of print but maybe the Quixtar faithful didn't really need to read the book because they already know all the details. Here's a couple of reviews of the book on Amazon
Not a very exciting post, but hell, it was April 20th! That's worth something, right?
April 19, 2005
Online IBO Lesson
By QBlog in
Welcome IBOs! Today I present another lesson in Basic Online Communication Skills, absolutely free of charge. Sounds too good to be true eh? Where's the catch? Well, I do ask one small favor in return for this valuable education — but we'll get to that in a moment.
So, gather around, pull up a chair and let's get started! If you're an IBO who lacks common sense and the ability to think rationally, then attendance is highly recommended (read mandatory).
LESSON: When (not if) you visit a website (especially blogs) that does not gleefully sing the praises of your beloved "biz" DO NOT...
- ...behave like a Kool-Aid swilling zealot determined to "convert" the site author with phrases like, "your a looser" and "get a life!"
- ...write a 4,000 word explanation of why your "biz" is the greatest opportunity and why everyone else will spend retirement eating dog food and collecting lint.
- ...claim that YOUR Quixtar group is different than the ones with problems.
- ...blame "negative" websites for your crappy business. If your business sucks it isn't because of "negative" websites, it's because your business sucks.
To continue this lesson, I've culled two examples from the Internet. Both examples are blogs that post responses directed at IBOs who read and replied to a previous post. See how that works?
From Moment Of Zen - To The Quixtar faithful... we find the following excerpt:
And therein lies the most grating part of the Quixtar phenomenon. The cynicism its caused in me, the lack of faith in other human beings, the complete inability I now have to let another person have his say without me being biased almost from the start.
For those of you that will respond and say that's an issue with me -- fine I agree, it is an issue with me. But when I get repeatedly approached by people ( I am not making this number up -- 23 in the last month - that's an average of once daily!) I begin to feel like its more of a pattern not a 'once in a while' occurrence.
The second part to this is, I would not have this problem if they were to be straight up with me, but they approach the topic from such tangential paths that its impossible for me to believe that the conversation was not started with this agenda, this motive in mind. (more)
And of then there's this profane and admittedly offensive response from "B-Toad" who now revels in his newfound role of Dreamstealer. From The Toad's Topic - Dreamstealer (NSFW):
I have been inspired by a few comments left on my blog. It appears to me that most of my traffic has been generated because of the post I wrote about "Pyramid-schemes and cults." This saddens me; I really wanted to piss off a more diverse sample of the community. I didn't stay sad for very long, it suddenly came to me that most of the Cro-Magnons that responded to the Quixtar post fit into most of the other categories I write about. B-toad is pleased. (more)
See what happens! And the curious thing is this happens repeatedly. A few IBOs discover online comments that they don't like and then respond in a very curious and ineffective manner. A manner that leaves most observers wondering, "What's up with that weird bunch of Quixtar goons?"
Now for the favor. All I ask of you, dear IBO, is to stop acting like a moron. Pretty simple request right? There are plenty of IBOs who grasp this concept and behave quite rationally. Unfortunately, most of them aren't among the Quixtar leadership so you'll need to look elsewhere for rational IBO role models. Maybe I should start some sort of IBO accreditation process in which IBOs who pass get certified as "normal" and those who fail get labeled as brainwashed freaks! There's an idea.
Class dismissed!
April 18, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 40
By QBlog in Reader Mail
Sometimes Reader Mail can come from the strangest places.
name: your mother
date: April 14, 2005
message: you have no life....get one...
There's some spectacular irony here, if you look hard enough.
April 17, 2005
Fun Quixtar Quiz
By QBlog in Quixtar
Question: Where does Quixtar do business?
Answer: "Quixtar has become a leading e-commerce venture, available only on North America" (source - Amway.com).
Gee, that was such a fun Quiz! Shall we do another Yang Min? Yes? Ok, great.
Question: What is QuixtarBeijing.com and QuixtarCH.com (CH = China)?
Answer: Hmmmm, that's a tough one. Quixtar is "available only" in North America so it can't be Quixtar... right? Does anyone read Chinese (or is it Mandarian)?
Blogging 101 - Hosting Your Own Blog
By QBlog in Blogging 101
So you want to blog eh? Fantastic!
What's that? You don't want your blog URL to be myrants.blogspot.com or myblog.blogharbor.com or something like that? Well, then I suppose you want to host your own blog then? Spectacular!
Ah, but you aren't sure how to host your own blog, right? Well, that's why I'm here. Helping bloggers do more with less... or something.
Register A Domain
If you want your blog to reside at something like mysupercoolblog.com then you need to register that domain with a registration service. There are a few to choose from, Network Solutions is one of the oldest and most popular but I recommend Godaddy.com (for others search Google).
The first step to domain registration is to pick a domain name. This can be a difficult task because you must obviously pick one that is available. Most people try to choose something ending with ".com" because that's the most common but ".net" and ".org" are fine too. If you can, avoid names ending with things like ".info" and ".biz" because they're considered "second tier" domains by many Web enthusiasts. You should also steer clear of hyphenated domain names (like big-blog-fun.com) and domain names with numbers (like myblog1234.com). Of course, you can pick any domain name you like, I'm just detailing some "best practices" for choosing a domain.
It's pretty easy to search for available domains on most registration services. Just type in the one you want and if it's not available, most services offer alternative suggestions. Or you can keep trying different names until you find one that's available. When you find an available domain, the registration process is pretty simple. Follow the instructions, choose your registration term length (from one to ten years) and pay the fee (I recommend two years).
What Next?
So now you own a domain — what next? Well, some people choose to do a redirect which transfers people to another domain (also called Domain Forwarding). For example, I own quixtarblog.com but nothing is hosted at that domain. Instead, if you visit quixtarblog.com you'll end up here, at webraw.com/quixtar/. So, if you had a blog hosted at TypePad or blog.com, you could have your personal URL (like robscoolblog.com) redirect to your hosted blog (like robscoolblog.typepad.com).
The advantage of domain forwarding is that you're done once you tell the registration service where you want to transfer people. The disadvantage is that ultimately, visitors end up at a domain other than your own (example: myblog.blogspot.com).
Choosing A Host
Since you've decided to host your own blog (instead of forwarding your domain) you need to choose a host. Many registration services offer hosting but you're not required to use them for your site. It's best to shop around and find the package that fits your needs and your budget. Hosting your own site does cost money, so be prepared to spend a little cash. Also, you want a hosting plan that supports your blog software preference so be sure to choose one that fits those requirements (PHP, CGI, MySQL, etc.). Most blog tools run in either PERL (Movable Type) or PHP (WordPress) and almost all use MySQL as a database. Check the Blog Software Breakdown to get an idea of the minimum server requirements your host should provide.
I recommend Godaddy (no, I don't get anything to recommend them) as a blog host for beginners. It's cheap (as little as $3.95 per month), fairly easy to set up and has packages that support most blog software.
Hosting Alternative
There is an alternative hosting solution. Some blog services, like Blogger.com, allow users to publish to another server via FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The advantage of this is that you can use any type of hosting plan for this option. You don't need PHP, a Database or anything else except for FTP access. And there's no installation to mess with which is great for newbies. If you're already using a blog service, and don't want to stop using it, you might consider this option.
To see if your blog service offers FTP publishing, search for an FTP option in your admin area or check the FAQ section (Blogger's FTP Help).
Set Up Your Site
When you set up your site with your host, you'll need to enter the DNS information with your registration service. If your host is the same as the registration service (using Godaddy for both), this process is probably pretty simple. If not, then find out the DNS info from your hosting service and enter that into the Nameserver field of your Domain Registration service. It often looks something like this: site.nameserver.com.
The Domain Name System is what tells your browser where to go. If you type in a Web address, your computer sends a query to a directory service that matches that name to an IP address. Without getting too technical, it's basically the service that sends you to the correct site when you type a URL into your browser (or click a link).
There's More?
You're not done yet. The next step is to install your blog software. This is generally done by uploading (using FTP) a bunch of files to your server and following some installation instructions. Be sure your Database is set up before running the installation. Setting up your Database is usually just a matter of selecting "configure database" from a list of options in your hosting Admin tool.
After your blog software is installed, you'll need to configure it and choose a template. If you want to import posts from another blog (such as your previous blog on Blogger) then find the Import/Export instructions and follow those carefully. Most tools allow you to export posts and comments from one blog and then import them into another blog. It can be a tedious task but well worth the effort.
Start Blogging
Once your software is installed, you're ready to blog. That's a pretty simple process compared to all the other crap you just endured. I wish I could give detailed instructions for every step but there are just too many variables and options to cover and besides, others have done a much better job of explaining the details. Maybe I'll go back and give a step-by-step walk-through of each blog tool but for now, you have the basics of how to host your own blog.
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
April 16, 2005
QBlog Sucks In Ada
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words.
» Get your own QBlog Gear at CafePress. A portion of every purchase helps support this site.
April 15, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - Income Tax Edition
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. I am wondering if you know why IBOs
can't spell.
Answer: Haven't we talked to you before?
Q: I don't think so. My name is doctor Otto Rotcod and
I work at the esteemed Palindrome Institute in Belgium. I'm the director of
a neurological team that studies brain patterns as they relate to spelling and
literacy.
A: Nice to meet you doc. Sounds really... *yawn* fascinating.
Q: Yes, well we've discovered the small part of the
human brain that controls functions such as spelling, reading comprehension
and to some extent, literacy. It's directly adjacent to the area of the brain
where dyslexia develops.
A: ...
Q: Hello?
A: Huh? Oh, hey. Nodded off there for a moment. No more poker night for me.
Anyway, so how can we help you?
Q: I'm trying to contact the appropriate authority at
Quixtar to warn them of the danger related to our startling discovery. Can you
direct me to the right person?
A: Startling discovery eh? What exactly did you discover?
Q: Well, after we identified that spelling sector of
the brain, we subsequently discovered that the area also enables humans to feel
strong feelings of love and adoration for a certain Multilevel Marketing company
and its related motivational businesses. As a person's love for Quixtar increases,
his ability to spell and his reading comprehension skills precipitously decline.
After years of such rapt adoration many become functionally illiterate.
A: What? That's crazy dude.
Q: Yes, I was dubious as well but we conducted a three
year double-blind scientific study of 150 IBOs and 150 former IBOs and the results
were shockingly conclusive. One cannot love Quixtar (and its motivational businesses)
and continue to spell.
A: Wow. That's really freaky. Quixtar would definitely want to know about this.
Call Robin Luymes at (616) 787-6338. He's the manager of public relations for
Quixtar and would definitely want to know about this. Thanks for all your work
doc, and good luck.
Q: I'm about to file my taxes and want to know what
I should deduct as business expenses.
A: Are you an IBO?
Q: Yes, and for the past six years I've deducted pretty
much everything. Lunches, trips, travel, phone calls, supplies, meeting fees,
subscriptions and you know, stuff like that. But this year my wife is concerned
that we'll get audited or something. She says we shouldn't keep making all those
deductions if our expenses are still outpacing our revenue.
A: Six years huh? Still no black, all red?
Q: Well, yeah but businesses take time to grow. We've
seen growth each year, it just takes time. And the red this year is much less
than the red in our first year. We almost broke even this year.
A: Well, I'm no accountant but I know the IRS doesn't smile on folks
who take deductions on businesses that lose money year after year after year.
You must show them that your business is to make money.
Q: It is to make money. A lot of money. Our upline is
so rich, I can't even believe it. He drives a Jag and only works when he wants
to. It's awesome.
A: Right. Well you should really consult a CPA and ask his advice. We don't
give tax advice.
Q: Hmmmm. Yeah. I figured I'd need to do that. You think
we can deduct the CPA expense?
A: Uh, no.
Q: I object to this Assistance Desk?
A: It's a Farcical Help Desk™ — not an Assistance Desk.
Q: What's the difference?
A: A Farcical Help Desk™ helps in funny ways. Ok, maybe helps
is a stretch. It mainly is just funny. An Assistance Desk only assists.
Q: Hmmm. But I need assistance, not help.
A: Well, you need a different desk. Call the operator, she can direct
you to the right folks.
Q: I called her but she connected me to the Support
Desk. I don't need support, I need assistance.
A: I think you may have mentioned that already. I don't know what to
tell you.
Q: Oh, hey. You know what? I got the number for the
Aid Desk right here. That's what I really need, Aid. Not assistance. Got confused.
A: My brother played in the Aid Desk band once. Called themselves the
Aid Band. Clever huh?
Q: I don't get it.
A: Nevermind.
April 14, 2005
My Stupid Quixtar Vision
By QBlog in Quixtar
I have a vision that one day Quixtar will fully embrace the Web in the manner outlined by the cluetrain manifesto. Yes, that's a pretty stupid vision but it's mine nonetheless.
But my vision doesn't stop there, at the nebulous goal of achieving some corporate "cluetrain" nirvana. No, this vision also contains some specifics, details that may one day develop into reality — if we keep our fingers crossed.
In my vision, I see a day when Quixtar establishes a vibrant, online community and dutifully nurtures that community with diplomacy and a deference to the marketplace of ideas. A diverse community that welcomes IBOs, critics and everyone in between.
I also see a day when virtually all "official" communication is done over the Internet, relegating archaic message services like CommuniKate to the metaphorical trash bin of obsolescence. Emails, podcasts, message boards, blogs, streaming audio and instant messaging will replace 20 minute voicemails and boilerplate PR websites.
Of course, in my vision Quixtar succinctly and decisively ends all Google Bombing efforts and begins consulting with Google to ensure full compliance with their guidelines.
My vision also includes an aggressive marketing campaign produced by the Quixtar Corporation specifically aimed at educating its IBOs and the general public about the best way to promote an MLM business. This campaign would include Television, Radio, Internet and Periodical advertising conveying the message that "Mysterious Meetings" are bad and that self-consumption as a business model is illegal.
And one day, in my stupid vision, Quixtar will encourage every IBO to become an active participant on the Web and to get educated about the technology, culture and communities that make the Web a dynamic marketplace of ideas and commerce.
Finally, my vision ends with a new Quixtar rising from its Amway-scarred MLM ashes like a Pheonix and blazing a trail of honesty and integrity through the dark forest of modern network marketing.
I'm a visionary. A dreamer. An ideologist. And yes, I'm stupid too. Quixtar can't possibly make my vision a reality (can it?). Nor does the Quixtar leadership have any interest in anything remotely close to my vision. Why so cynical? Because Quxitar is run by men. Men with egos. Men with habits. Men with power. Men who are comfortable doing things the way that they've always done them. Men who's idea of "trying something new" is changing the color of their memo paper from white to eggshell.
These are the men (yes, men) at the helm of Quixtar. If you're an IBO, they are your leaders. And it's they who continue to stand in the way of progress. It is they who lack vision. They are the Dream Stealers... but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.
April 13, 2005
A Moment of Zen
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
A blog entry by MavRyx succinctly describes how IBOs have "given up the right to have a normal conversation."
But everything that he said, no matter how innocent, and no matter how far off subject, I just kept looking for clues .. clues that he was trying to make a pitch. A pitch for Amway, Britt, Quixtar, take your pick... and as I sat there and listened and dissected his conversation I learnt something interesting. It dawned on me that this was EXACTLY the kind of conversation that someone making that pitch would try to create. I engaged in it -- constantly looking for the loophole that he would step thru and say, aha, "yes, but I have this great new idea, that I think you should try..."
The strange part of the story is that he never did. He was just a guy, talking to another guy, on a train out to suburbia, looking to make new friends. I was sorry that I was such a cynic for a fleeting moment there... (more)
April 12, 2005
QBlog Radio Dot Com
By QBlog in Blog News
Just launched another blog at QBlogRadio.com. It's sort of a companion blog to this one and also serves as a permanent destination for the new, improved QBlog Radio Podcasts.
My plan is to use the QBlog Radio blog to post show notes, links and additional comments about the podcasts. I welcome feedback and appreciate those who've given me tips and suggestions to help improve the shows.
And for those who love "Robot Voice," I promise he'll be back in as many shows as possible. I plan to make "Name That Quixtar Motivational Speaker" a permanent fixture on the show.
That's about it. I probably won't mention QBlog Radio on this site again, so now you know where to go for the new QBlog Radio.
April 11, 2005
Perl Trouble
By QBlog in Blog News
Site had a little Perl trouble today which may have made it impossible to post comments. All should be fixed now. If you don't know what Perl is, you should consult the Camel.
Monday Reader Mail: 39
By QBlog in Reader Mail
I love Reader Mail. Here's another. As always, my comments are in bold.
name: matt m.
date: April 6, 2005
message: I'm sure you've been asked this a million times, but I can't help noticing that you say you started this Quixblog, so potential IBO's could get more information, help them make decisions, that none of your motives are to hurt Quixtar. Yet, as far as I can see, everything I have read on your site is negative. What gives?
What gives is that you haven't read much of the site.
You seem to be falsely telling people that nothing here is meant to be biased, yet again, everything is negatively biased.
You're right. By the way, did you know cigarettes kill, driving without a seatbelt is dangerous and the ACLU has a political agenda. Oops, being negative again.
I understand that you are telling people that this is all just one man's perceptions, but please give people the opportunity to see everyones perceptions, not just the negative ones. You say in your statement that you don't hate or love Quixtar, well come on, share with us some of the things you think are good about Quixtar, we've certainly read all that you don't like. If you need some help there, I'd be happy to lend a few lines...
Sincerely,
matt m.How bout this. You start blog, a real blog, and spend a few months posting the "positive" about Quixtar and I'll link it on my blog. Deal?
I don't expect people to read the entire blog archives before sending in comments but I do expect some deference when those archives haven't been fully digested. Maybe something along the lines of "from what little I've read, it seems that such and such" or "I've only read three posts but..." Matt M. makes sweeping statements about this blog and obviously hasn't read much, if any, of the archives.
Anyway, it's not a big deal to me either way, just a suggestion.
April 10, 2005
Blogging 101 - The List
By QBlog in Blogging 101
Every experienced blogger has, at one time or another, endured what some refer to as writer's block. It's a condition that afflicts both good and bad writers, though the symptoms are much easier to detect in good writers. And since writer's block (I call it inspiration drought) is an inevitable condition, many veteran bloggers have developed a veritable blogging "bag of tricks" which provide content in lieu of truly inspired writing.
So, today I reach into my blogging "bag of tricks" and pull out — "bullet points." Bullet points, or unordered lists, are a wonderful tool for bloggers to use any time but they are especially helpful during an inspiration drought.
How?
Many blog tools have a list button built into the WYSIWYG Application. If you write your blog in WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) mode then clicking the list button should set up your bullet points, just like in any word processing application.
However, if you don't have a list button or aren't working in WYSIWYG mode, here is how to set up your own list in HTML:
<UL>
<LI>List Item</LI>
<LI>Second List Item</LI>
</UL>
That's it. If you want more items, just add more lines. Be sure that you put the "< >" around your code tags and the end tags need the "/" forward slash. If you copy the example above, you'll be fine.
In the HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) the "UL" stands for Unordered List and the LI stands for List Item. If you'd like your list numbered, or ordered, then change the "UL" to an "OL" for Ordered List.
Advantages Of Lists
There are many advantages to using a list in your blog post. Here are a few examples:
- Easy to scan for interesting items
- Can use incomplete sentences
- Lists can help organize thoughts
- People seem to naturally like lists - Top 40 - Top Ten - Sexiest Celebrities
- One warning about lists. A list item should be relatively short. If you create a list but all the items in your list end up being several sentences long then what you've really done is written a few paragraphs set apart by bullet points instead of spacing or indentation. That sort of defeats the purpose of the list because it doesn't really make the list easy to scan for content.
- Links to other sites are great in lists (Blogrolls are just lists)
- Don't make your list too long unless that list is really, really interesting
And that's pretty much all you need to know about lists. If I had anything to add it would be suggested list topics but I'll let you do that. What are some list topics that you've found helpful or interesting in your blogging experience?
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
April 9, 2005
Chinese Give Avon Nod, Not Amway
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
News reports indicate that Avon has been given the greenlight to "test direct-selling" in China.
Avon was the only firm to get such permission from the Ministry of Commerce while global rivals such as Amway and MaryKay failed.
Analysts believed the approval was rooted in the government's appreciation of Avon's abidance with related rules in China and its favoured business model.
Guess Amway's got its work cut out for them in China.
April 8, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 19
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: Hi, my name is Bob and I love milk.
Answer: Good for you Bob, what can we help you with?
Q: Help me drink lots of milk. Did you know that milk
is an excellent source of calcium?
A: Yes Bob, we know that. And Vitamin D too. So do you need help or do you just
like to call people and tell them about milk?
Q: Sometimes I drink goat milk. It's not as yummy as
cow milk but I still drink it.
A: Bob, we must let you go. Please don't call again.
Q: But... milk?
A: *click*
Q: I feel really sick...
A: Take Double
X
Q: Really? Ok, but will that make me feel better? I
mean I have this awful...
A: Drink XS Energy Drink.
Q: But you're not even listening to my symptoms. I really
don't think that...
A: Take Nutrilite.
Q: Ok. If you say so. I just don't see how those will
help my...
A: Eat Trim Advantage bars.
Q: But I have really bad diarrhea and I'm vomitting.
I need help, not some nutrition bars, energy drinks and vitamins.
A: Oh, why didn't you say so? Here, listen to this Randy Haugen tape.
Q: Hi there Helper folks. Can you help me find my keys?
A: Where did you leave them?
Q: See, I was in line at the Kwik Shop and trying to
find some change and in walked Dexter Yager and he bumped his head on my knee.
A: He fell onto your knee?
Q: No. He walked into my knee. He's only like two feet
tall or something. His nose is perfectly aligned with my knee. Anyway, so Dex
bashes his head on my knee and starts screaming in his cute little voice and
I looked down to console him.
A: And that's when you lost your keys?
Q: No, actually I just found them. I thought this was
a good way to make a "short" joke about Dexter Yager.
A: You tall people are so cruel.
April 7, 2005
- Quixtar and Google-Bombing
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Quixtar and Google-Bombing
"One of their people — some guy named Greg Duncan — boasted about it on stage in front of thousands of people. Probably not wise."
Diamond Bruce Anderson Debacle
By QBlog in Arbitration
There's an interesting and very complex story that recently surfaced about an Amway/Quixtar Diamond named Bruce Anderson. Scott Larsen does a pretty good job of making this tale understandable but it's still pretty confusing. I've read most of Larsen's summary as well as Bruce Anderson's own accounting of events and I'll do my best to explain what happened.
- Bruce Anderson was an Amway/Quixtar Diamond
- While still a Diamond, Bruce Anderson won a lawsuit against an Amway videographer named Lee Luster and is awarded over $250,000
- Coincidentally, around the time Bruce Anderson won the $250,000 judgment against Luster, another Amway/Quixtar Diamond named Hal Gooch was sued by none other than videographer Lee Luster
- Luster won his suit against Gooch and was awarded a $250,000 judgment
- Luster owes Anderson $250,000 — Gooch owes Luster $250,000
- Using a legal maneuver called a "Chose in Action," Anderson takes control of Luster's judgment which means that Gooch will just give the $250,000 to Anderson instead of handing it to Luster
- Gooch defaults and doesn't give Anderson the $250,000
- After defaulting, Gooch then tries to send the case to Arbitration since both he and Anderson are IBOs but the Arbitrators reject it saying it has nothing to do with Quixtar
- The Florida courts don't appreciate Gooch defaulting on his ordered payment and they rule in favor of Anderson, demanding that Gooch pay Anderson the $250,000 and then some
- Gooch's Insurance Company finally pays Anderson the money
- Somehow, the Quixtar Arbitrators change their minds afterwards and decide that they should arbitrate the case — after Gooch already lost in open court
- The Arbitrators, who are selected, trained, advised and controlled by Quixtar, rule against Anderson in favor of Hal Gooch
- Unlike the Florida court ruling, all proceedings in the Arbitration are secret and not subject to public scrutiny
- Anderson believes he's been shafted by Quixtar, his lawyer and the Arbitrators and decides to take his case to the court of public opinion
- Unfortunately for Anderson, he is not a "great communicator" and fails to present his case in a way that anyone (except for the hyper-intelligent and lawyers) can easily understand
That's my understanding. There's much, much more to this story and I've probably done a poor job of even giving you the highlights. Anderson's site, and the message he presents, is a complete mess. I spent a couple of hours listening to his video segments and still don't really understand his story. And while Larsen's summary is great, there is still a lot of confusing details that just frustrate people like me.
If you understand this Anderson case, and can boil it down to bullet points, then send me your summary and I'll add it here. The main thing I get from all this is that Quixtar used its BSMAA to royally screw a Diamond. What did you get from this story?
UPDATE - Anderson has launched his own online forum titled The Baboon Brief. If you have questions for him, I suggest you go there and ask him.
Also, thanks for the revision suggestions. However, so far none of them make the case easier to understand. I realize that my bullet points have left out a lot of detail but I feel that they cover the most important points and frame this debacle in the context that makes it easiest for the masses to understand. There's also a Forum topic providing more discussion on the matter.
UPDATE II - I've completely revised the summary as my understanding of this miserably confusing case has grown. I still have a hard time following all this but I hope I've made some sense of it.
April 6, 2005
Idea For Founders Diamonds
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
When you reach the Founders Crown level in Quixtar you might consider buying one of the cool islands off the coast of Dubai. The artificially created islands are positioned to form the shape of the continents of the world. Sweet!
There's much more info available from TEN Guide and of course The World, as the islands are cleverly named, has its own promotional Web site.
DeVos Speaks - Careful With Our Image
By QBlog in DeVos Speaks
"DeVos
Speaks," is special series that features comments made by Amway co-founder
Rich DeVos. Each DeVos quote is published without comment and includes a link
to the source material (for context) when available. This series doesn't have
a regular publication schedule but all posts are available under the Category
listing on the Archives page.
"We're on to the subject, and I hate to confront you with it. But I think for most of you, you'll recognize that if we aren't careful with our image, some day it'll be so bad, you won't be able to sponsor anybody. And then there won't be any sense in talking about it anymore.
But right now, this night, at the meetings you have today, with the people with whom you talk today, is the time to make sure you present the Plan as a plan that offers opportunity geared on hard work and that you approach people honestly and straight-forward and don't try to deceive them, and then you don't try to push stuff on your nice distributors because you make money on it when it may or may not be totally necessary for them.
I know some of the tapes are magnificent. I know they're important, and I know rallies are important, and I know books are important. I know all that's important — all important within balance. Out of balance, it can destroy us."
- Rich DeVos, Directly Speaking - 1983
April 5, 2005
Thumbs Up Quixtatic
By QBlog in Web Initiative
I've been openly critical of various "blogs" run by Quixtar, and now I think it's time I gave a few compliments to blogs that deserve some praise. After all, not every Quixtar-run blog is worthless PR pabulum and at least one is showing signs of being something very special.
Quixtatic is one of Quixtar's employee-run blogs that has recently distinguished itself by providing relevant and insightful commentary about corporate blogging, Quixtar and how to communicate naturally. The blog, authored by writer/editor Kathleen Vandervelde, is a breath of fresh air amongst the horde of Quixtar's so-called Google Bomb Blogs (that's what I call them).
One recent post, Guidelines For Corporate Bloggers, seems to propose some simple guidelines for Quixtar's Corporate (employee run) blogs:
In my last one-on-one with the boss, we talked a little about employee blogs (Quixtar has five), including the possibility of publishing some guidelines should our blog numbers increase. I mentioned my earlier post linking to guidelines from Sun Microsystems as a reference...
- Write as yourself. Using real name adds credibility.
- Own your content. These are your opinions. A short disclaimer to that effect is offered for use.
- Write Relevant. Write Often. It's how you get readers coming back.
The post mentions a few more points but what is really cool is that Kathleen seems to "get it" in ways that most of the other Quixtar bloggers don't. She seems to grasp that to publish a successful and link-worthy blog, one must produce actual content. What a revolutionary concept!
I've watched the Quixtatic blog for some time and it's always been very readable but even more so since the author abandoned her odd Macintosh mission. I never quite understood the mission but the writing was solid enough to keep me coming back, sporadically at least. Now, however, I check the Quixtatic blog every day, eager to discover new insight. If Quixtar is smart, and I have my doubts, it will use the Quixtatic blog as a model for all its blogs and abandon the nonsense that floods my Technorati searches almost daily.
Honorable Mentions
I would be remiss if I didn't mention two other Quixtar-run blogs that are quality publications. Quixtar and Beyond, run by Quixtar's Web Marketing Manager, David Ellyatt and Inside Quixtar run by someone known only as "Bobble." Both blogs are decent and sometimes quite good and I enjoy reading them from time-to-time. I suggest you check them out as well.
Required Reading For Quixtar
By QBlog in
If you work at Quixtar, or are directly or indirectly involved with the Web Reputation Task Force, you need to read the Waxy.org exposé on Wordpress Website's Search Engine Spam.
Specifically note Google's reaction (Google temporarily de-listed WordPress from its search results), the coverage in the Media and the generally negative reaction by the Web community.
Here's What Happened
Matt Mullenweg, founding developer for the popular open-source blog tool known as WordPress, was "quietly hosting at least 168,000 articles" on the WordPress Web site. The articles were specifically designed to manipulate Google with keyword-loaded articles written by a third-party company (Hot Nacho) "that pays freelance writers to generate 300-800 word articles about specific topics." ("Want Ad" for article writers)
Admittedly, the "WordPress Fracas" is different from Quixtar's search manipulation efforts but there are also many similarities. The question for the WRTF folks to consider is whether or not Quixtar is prepared to deal with the potential fallout and negative publicity that could result once their efforts receive similar media attention? I'm betting that the answer is no, Quixtar is not prepared.
A Matter Of Time
It's only a matter of time before the media notices Quixtar's search engine spamming. Don't believe me? All it took for WordPress was one post on a highly visible blog. The WikiPedia definition of Google Bombing now has a section devoted to Quixtar's efforts. Other bloggers unconnected to the "Quixtar Discussions" are noticing those actions. Again, it's only a matter of time.
The smart thing for Quixtar to do is to simply stop the campaign. End the spam and start publishing quality content. Is that so difficult? Why is that concept seemingly so foreign to the WRTF folks? Believe it or not, I'm just trying to help.
Help Quixtar
And for the average Joes who want to help Quixtar improve its public relations the best thing you can do is practice a bit of tough love. If you notice any Web site or blog that doesn't meet Google's quality guidelines, please report it immediately. Google has a helpful submission form that makes reporting spam a cinch.
Be sure that you're fair. If you find some "anti-Quixtar" Web sites that engage in spamming, tell Google about them as well. Report them for the good of the Web. Report them to keep Google's search results relevant.
"Quixtar cannot make earnings claims"
By QBlog in
I just discovered an old USA Today article about the launch of Quixtar. The article (written by Dwight R. Worley, August 31, 1999) makes a few interesting comments about Amway and Quixtar. I've posted some excerpts below. I may add my own comments later:
» Amway on the Internet...Amway members often cite dazzling earnings figures at their meetings, but Quixtar cannot make earnings claims because it is a start-up and has no track record...
...Snipe also tells people of his average $700-a-month income from selling Amway for nearly two years. He emphasizes that with the global reach of the Internet, he will earn much more with Quixtar...
...To ensure success, Quixtar officials say they think it has an ace-in-the-hole: Amway's fiercely loyal 3 million-plus members, a built-in sales force...
..."We will market to our current independent business owners," Luymes said "But the business will expand beyond that."
Read the entire article. It held my attention and I bet it holds yours.
April 4, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 38
By QBlog in Reader Mail
This edition of Reader Mail features a "letter" sent to Quixtar by an angry IBO regarding the redesigned Quixtar.com. I was given a copy of this letter, which seems to be a direct complaint about Quixtar's relaxation of purchasing restrictions. Apparently, Quixtar's former Web site only allowed purchases by IBOs, Members and Clients while the newer site allows anyone to buy directly from Quixtar, circumventing the "IBO connection." The "letter" is lengthy so my comments will appear at the end.
name: David D.
date: September 8, 2004
message: Dear Quixtar,
I must write you immediatly to inform you of this very unfair approach you have taken with your new redesign of the Quixtar web site. I have been around in marketing and promotions to long to know when I have been one upped. Your NEW design is only your NEW approach at market your products and recruiting clients directly using the internet. I may not be a web site designer by profession but I know how they work. You are breaking you own rule laid out for IBO's to adhere to 4.3.2 — may not use methods including tv, etc., computer communication networks including the internet, or any other means by which personal contact is not present to secure members or clients or to solicit the sale of products. The following however statement it is permissable provided such media or website meets rhe requirements set out in the IBO PROSPECTING/PRODUCT SALES WEB SITE BULLETIN.Which basically adds in that entrance to the website must be passcode protected to see, order or gain information about the company or product. YOUR "NEW" web site does not any longer.
It also states in rule 9.8 IBO Advertising (Mass communication, radio, tv, fax,bla bla, including the internet.)
Please see your Business Compendium to review these rules again.
I would also like to comment on the use of this method you were using prior to this "NEW" Quixtar web site. The old back door approach msut have been working so you got bolder and decided to take it blantaly and stick in your associates faces.
This that I'm referring to is in regards to making certain pages with major keywords attractive to the search engines. Which weather they are submitted to the search engines directly or not these search spiders would find your pages you left open.
Meaning you did not code into the web page to block the product page. Which upon placing an order for an item directly to the interested web surfer looking for the product to the Client register page. Easily prepared for anyone unsponsored to sign up.
NOW LET ME GUESS?
Your going to tell us and all the other IBO's you figure out your new scheme you were going to assign these new clients to certian IBO's. Right, something like that.Even if you thought you had a fair chance of making that idea work your "New & Old" web site had the ability to uncheck and opt out of be serviced by an IBO. Stealing business right under our hard working nose. Promoting your products and company while you skim off the very web site we support.
Another example of catch-22 in Corporate America, or "Do as I say, Not as I do."
SHAME ON YOU.
Obviously David isn't happy. However, my experience indicates that he's in the minority among IBOs. Most don't seem to care that customers can circumvent the IBO. And that's fine with me. Many seem to believe that the "average Joe" is unlikely to stumble onto Quixtar.com and buy anything. That doesn't exactly speak well of their E-Commerce (or I-Commerce) model but apparently IBOs don't mind.
However, here's something that really has me confused. Quixtar's business is ostensibly designed to "cut out the middle-man," "save on advertising" and pass that savings on to you — the IBO. Great! And the IBO gets a percentage of every sale (with various qualifications and restrictions in place) as an incentive to sell products and build his network (aka downline). There's some obvious sense to this model because without the IBO, Quixtar doesn't make money and is more than happy to "reward" its sales force with bonuses.
But when customers can purchase products directly from Quixtar.com, without any help or contact with the Quixtar sales force (IBOs), what motivates Quixtar to "assign these new clients to certain IBOs," thus distributing a percentage of that purchase back to the sales force? By circumventing the IBOs, Quixtar has cut out the middle-man, saved on advertising AND eliminated the need to give a cut of that sale to anybody. Yet Quixtar continues (for now) to randomly assign PV/BV to IBOs (presumably a Platinum in that area) on sales made directly from its Web site. My question is WHY? To honor the commitment to IBOs, right?
Well, what happens next year when Quixtar sells $200 million worth of products directly from its Web site? Don't you think those at the helm will seriously reconsider awarding a bonus for sales made without the help of IBOs? It may never happen, but it could. And that's what has me fascinated. Quixtar is inching closer to a true E-Commerce model and IBOs (with a few exceptions like David) don't seem to mind. Or maybe David is misunderstanding this change to Quixtar.com? Maybe I'm having trouble grasping the business model? If you can help out, please don't be shy.
April 3, 2005
Blogging 101 - Sick Day
By QBlog in Blogging 101
Don't Blog when you're sick. Instead, stay in bed and drink lots of fluids. Today I feel like crap. I'm sick with something and my cop-out post today is just to say that if you're sick, really miserable sick, don't blog. I probably could have written something in advance but it's been a busy week.
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
April 2, 2005
MOP Conclusion
By QBlog in March of Perceptions
Well, it's April and that means the March of Perceptions has come to an end. I believe the project was a tremendous success and apparently many of you agree. I would like to thank all those who participated and it's your efforts that made this project so special.
Since MOP is done, I'll share a few of my observations about the project. When I conceived the project, my idea was to give a few trustworthy IBOs the ability to post on my blog, with virtually no restrictions. I really didn't know what to expect, though I was prepared for anything. I wouldn't have minded if the bulk of the posts were critical of my blog or zealously endorsed Quixtar and all its related businesses. I was cool with pretty much anything and wanted each IBO to feel free to speak his or her mind.
But what happened was something quite different. What happened was a very rational, respectful and insightful dialogue about Quixtar and much, much more. What happened is the type of thing that should be happening on Quixtar controlled Web sites — sharing ideas — pointing out serious flaws — promoting successful sales methods — and more. Discussion that is conspicuously absent from Quixtar.com, the blogs it controls (with a few delightful exceptions) or any of its scores of Web sites.
And why is that? Why is it that IBOs find things he