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September 30, 2005
Quixtar Chatter - September 30, 2005
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Is Quixtar unofficially podcasting?
- Got Beer. Need Ice.
- A rant about LIS Deepasthambham Project links to a 2002 Indian news report claiming that Amway schemes are illegal.
- The part-time job that eats your soul - "Avon and Tupperware don't do this!"
- Quixtar salespeople suck at sales - "It doesn't work for me, not the scheme, not the way you sell it, and not the way you support it."
- Geeked on Quixtar coffee and thinking about starting a Quixtar business
- Friends don't let friends do Quixtar
- The truth about Amway and Quixtar from "Consumer Awareness Institute"
- Quixtar Inside and Out - "After spending time reading over many blogs I have decided to step in and begin my own"
- One man chronicles his encounters with Amway/Quixtar
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 36
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 that Quixtar is just an Order
Consolidation Site, is that true?
Answer: That's right.
Q: So what's Quixtar's specific role as an OCS?
A: Well, Quixtar consolidates orders for the IBO.
Q: Yeah, what does that mean exactly?
A: As an OCS Quixtar
can sign agreements with Merchant Partners and offer Exclusive Brands. The OCS
also offers outstanding technology to IBOs and administers the compensation
plan.
Q: So Quixtar is sort of like a vendor, supplying products
and services to IBOs for a fee?
A: Pretty much, yeah.
Q: So it's not like a franchise then?
A: No. I mean yes. I mean, well this is confusing. Think of it like a franchise
vending machine. You put your quarters in the slot and Quixtar drops the
bag of chips into that hole.
Q: That doesn't make any sense. How does that "vending
machine" consolidate orders?
A: Well, if lots of people come to the vending machine, then that vending machine
can save money by consolidating those bags of chips.
Q: Ok, but most vending machines don't require me to
contractually abide by 95
pages of rules before I get a bag of chips.
A: They're really good chips man.
Q: You really don't have any idea what you're talking
about do you?
A: *Sigh* I'm sorry. You're right. I just get paid to answer the phones and
say what's written on these index cards. I usually get bored and draw pictures
of fuzzy animals on them.
Q: I was drinking water yesterday...
A: Me too! I love water. So refreshing.
Q: Yes it is. Anyway, I was sipping my water and thought that it would be great if it were magnetized. Do you think Quixtar could make magnetized water?
A: Well, I'm no physicist but I'd say probably not.
Q: But don't you think it would be awesome if Quixtar figured out a way to put the power of Magna
Bloc into some bottled spring water? I'd buy that!
A: No, I don't. Why would I want to put magnetized water into my body?
Q: To heal it. To cure what ails ya. For the health benefits.
A: What health benefits?
Q: You know. All the great stuff that magnets do for our bodies. I mean, it's magnets. MAGNETS!
A: Bye.
Q: I'm a Quixtar critic and I'm tired of criticizing
Quixtar. Any suggestions for something else I could critize?
A: Have you tried politics?
Q: Been done to death. And politics bore me anyway.
A: How about sports?
Q: Again, everyone's doing that. I want something unique
and original to criticize.
A: What about Mothers Against Drunk Driving?
Q: Wow. That's genius. An organization that's so respected
and beloved that it's almost heresy to even think of criticizing. I love
it!
A: Yeah. Or, the Humane Society. Or Doctors
Without Borders.
Q: Excellent! Or... wait. I just got a great idea.
How about if I criticize infants!!! Nobody's doing that. I'd OWN infant criticism
man.
A: Dude, you're good. That's brilliant. And what's with those damn
babies anyway? Always demanding stuff with their crying. Give me a break!
Q: Oh yeah. I can totally see this. I Hate Infants.com
A: And the diaper changing. Yuck. Change your own damn poop-filled
diapers you selfish jerks!
Q: And feed yourself for once. Geez. Why do I always
have to feed your fat face?
A: So when can you start this?
Q: I'm launching it next weekend. Thanks for your help.
A: No, no. Thank YOU. You've inspired me.
September 29, 2005
That Dilbert Guy
By QBlog in Humor
Hey Scott Adams, sorry for posting this and all but I wanted it vertical, not horizontal. Just think of it as my little digital cubicle.
Thanks TD!
The Way Things Were
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Check out this old Amway recruitment brochure (pdf) from 1991. It's pretty interesting to read the types of things that were disclosed to new Distributors. I wonder how it compares to the Quixtar plan being presented today?
Here are a few excerpts that I found quite interesting:
(page 1) Like all other distributors, you start by being sponsored by another distributor and obtaining the literature portion of the Sales Kit.
You can begin building your business in any of several ways. You can merchandise products to your friends, neighbors, and relatives. You can also sponsor others as distributors and train them to merchandise products. It's not important which you do first, as long as you do both...
...BV for Amway products and services, excluding catalog, averages 87% of suggested retail price. The amount of Performance Bonus is determined by Both BV and PV. Presently one point of PV is equal, on average, to slightly more than $1.80 BV...
...The Average Monthly Gross Income for "Active" Distributors was $65. Approximately 46% of all distributors of record were found to be "active."...
(page 5)
(page 6) Q. Do I have to sell products to retail customers?
A. Yes. Money is made in the Amway business through the sale of Amway products. Products sold to retail customers create the profitability of your Amway business. In order to to receive a monthly Performance Bonus payment on the volume of your sponsored distributors, you must have ten retail customers during the month.
September 28, 2005
Quixtar Chatter Q & A
By QBlog in Blog News
The new Quixtar Chatter is up and running. For those who have not been paying attention (you know who you are) I'll answer a few questions about the Quixtar Chatter.
Why is the text of the Chatter Links the same as the title?
This is true of the old links only. The previous Quixtar Chatter didn't even have a blog to visit, it was just a link-dump. There was no RSS Feed. There was no "home page." There was nothing but links to other blogs.
The way I had the old Chatter configured was a hack. I stripped out the title and had the body of the post as the link. However, I had to have some sort of title or else it would be hard for me to keep up with my posts. So, I put the linked text into the post title slot to keep things organized.
Confused yet? Yeah, I never thought I'd have to explain this but the questions come in so here I am explaining. To make a long story short (and it is much longer) just know that the old Chatter links were an old-fashioned hack and it will take me some time to convert them all to the new, blog-friendly style.
Why don't you allow comments and trackbacks on the Chatter links?
Because I don't want to, that's why. Really, the goal is to direct you to other sites and blogs, not discuss them on this blog. I don't really have any other reason.
What is that devil-looking horned thing?
Seriously, someone asked me that. I created a graphic of a person talking. I'm not Norman Rockwell but I know my way around Adobe Illustrator. It's supposed to be the profile of a person with a big, pointy nose talking with an open mouth. That's a word balloon to the left with the letter "Q" inside it.
If you think it looks like a devil then send me something better and I'll swap it out.
I don't see any graphic. What are you talking about?
You don't get on the Internet much do you? Here's a tip, try following the links and looking around a little before asking questions. Maybe, just maybe the graphic that I'm talking about is at the new, improved Quixtar Chatter blog. Did you visit it yet? No? Well then shut up.
So will Chatter link posts show up on the main Quixtar BLOG?
Yes, they will. They'll flow into the main blog and will cycle off after a few posts. Of course they're all archived somewhere. Can you guess where they're archived? Come on, guess! You're so smart.
Ok, now I've just about deflated any excitement surrounding the Quixtar Chatter relaunch. Oh well. I hope you like it, I do.
September 27, 2005
Quixtar Chatter - September 27, 2005
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Nicholas Woodrich has a friend named Mark. Mark is a Quixtar IBO. Nicholas won't be joining Quixtar.
- Another blogger warns people about a BWW-affiliated group called S&R Marketing after talking with them on the phone for an hour.
- What exactly is a "business opportunity" party anyway?
- One man questions God about "the deception of a christian Amway that wasted the time and money and credit I had left."
Revised Quixtar Chatter
By QBlog in Blog News
I revised the Chatter Links and they are now included within the main blog. The previous Quixtar Chatter was listed on the right side of the blog, without commentary. The new, improved Chatter Links will get better exposure and include more links and a few comments.
This change is, in part, modeled after Jason Kottke's improved Remaindered Links and Tom Coates' link posts.
A few things to mention:
- Comments and Trackbacks are not enabled for the Quixtar Chatter links
- The current Chatter entries use the previous style, I will update these as time permits
- I'm using David Raynes' excellent MultiBlog plugin to post the Chatter links onto this blog
- All Chatter Links will be archived within the Quixtar Chatter blog
I hope you enjoy the new Quixtar Chatter. And just so you know, the new Quixtar BLOG design is coming soon so stay tuned. How soon? Well, maybe for Christmas.
September 26, 2005
Kiyosaki On Yahoo!
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
MediaWeek reports that MLM hero Robert Kiyosaki is one of several new, exclusive columnists on the Yahoo! Finance site.
Yahoo! is launching a series of exclusive columns on its Yahoo! Finance channel from a variety of top names in the world of finance and economics.
The new columnists are David Bach, Stephen Covey, Ken Dychtwald, Robert Kiyosaki, Daniel Pink, Laura Rowley, Jeremy Siegel, Ben Stein, and Charles Wheelan.
I first heard of Kiyosaki from my wife's Quixtar friends but after searching Google, I find it curious that his name doesn't appear on any official Quixtar, Amway or Alticor websites — except for the Quixtar leader blogs of course.
Home Improvements
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
There's no Reader Mail today as I work on a few improvements to the blog. I'm trying to optimize it so that it loads faster and I'm changing the Quixtar Chatter feature.
While I work on the blog, check out John Cady's comments about Quixtar at AbusiveChurches.org »
I also questioned the ethics behind CFCMI [Christian Fellowship Church Ministries International] being more involved with Quixtar/Amway. I will refer back to the 2000 conference when Pastor Paine addressed the single men about Quixtar; I did my own reading online on the Amway website and I was not comfortable with the idea. I had seen family members get burned in pyramid schemes like this, and I had no interest. I personally view that when a pastor gets involved with a business like this, and gets the members in his upline or downline, a conflict of interest is created, and the ethics are questioned.
There are some who think Quixtar is a great way to spread the Good News of the Bible while others, like Cady, have real concerns about its presence in the church. What do you think? How does Quixtar help or hinder your walk with God?
September 23, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 35
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 was up all night reading Scott Larsen's
website and boy does he have a lot of
info about Quixtar or what?
Answer: He's gay you know. A flaming queen.
Q: No, I had no idea. Well, it figures I guess.
A: Eric Scheibeler's gay
too.
Q: Really? The Merchants of Deception guy?
A: Yeah. So is Dave Touretzky,
Don Hargraves and Ruth
Carter.
Q: Wow, so much homosexuality. Surely all Quixtar critics
aren't gay... are they? What about that Quixtar BLOG guy?
A: Queer as a three dollar bill.
Q: No kidding?
A: No kidding. And the list goes on and on. Bo
Short, Don J. Lorencz and
Bruce Anderson — all gay.
Q: That's just unbelievable. So, pretty much anyone
who says anything critical about Quixtar is gay?
A: Pretty much. Did I mention that Dan
Margolies and Rob
Kirkbride are gay too? And the entire staff of Dateline
NBC is also gay.
Q: Right. Are you sure you don't have some freaky McCarthy-styled
homophobic obsession?
A: Hmmmmm. You look like you're a little light in the loafers yourself.
Q: What the hell? You're saying I'm gay because I ask
a question?
A: Thought I smelled something fruity.
Q: Ish dis da hep deshk?
A: Yes it is. What seems to be the problem?
Q: I tell you wusha poblem. Damn Misserans, Mizzorans,
doze Show me shtate retahds. Das da poblem.
A: You have a problem with people from Missouri?
Q: Damn shraight I gossa problem. Don't nunna dem know
bout lawyerin. Bunsha hillbillies.
A: Excuse me, are you drunk?
Q: Wasshit to yew? Yeah. So what if I am drunk? Ain't
no law gainst drinkin in Ohio. Judge Dorr can shove it!
A: The caller ID says you're calling from a "Jody Victor"
residence. Are you related to him?
Q: *click*
A: ...
Q: So a Quixtar employee outed
himself? What's up with that?
A: Who knows. It's Quixtar dude. Enough said.
Q: But what is this "Scion blog" anyway? It's
not even about Quixtar.
A: Right. It's about some new car but it was written "anonymously"
by Quixtar's Sr. Digital Art Director, hence the connection to Quixtar.
Q: But it's not even on the list of officially sanctioned
Quixtar blogs.
A: I know. I think he felt left out and wanted to feel special.
Q: But doesn't he know that he is special? He's a special
creation of God and has unique gifts to give to the world.
A: Maybe, maybe not. I really think he's just having a little fun. Probably
not enough of that since Mr.
Fun left Quixtar.
Q: Oh right. So what exactly is a Scion?
A: I think it's one of those hybrid cars. Not really sure. Looks kinda
like a Mini only not as cool.
Q: Gotcha. Well, I guess it's good that Quixtar employees
are outing themselves. Any others following suit?
A: Oh yeah. Next week a certain high-profile Quixtar employee will out
himself on the Queerty blog.
Q: Can I guess who it is?
A: Sure, but don't say Randy Bancino.
Q: Damn.
A: Talk to you later.
September 22, 2005
Secret Sparkle Chat
By QBlog in Humor
Proctor & Gamble sells a line of women's deodorant called Secret Sparkle. It's marketed to teens and pre-teens and the website includes a chat tool that allows anyone to converse with Secret Sparkle. So, what's it like chatting with a deodorant? Read my conversation and find out.
quixtarblog
(10:31:48 PM):
Hi
SecretSparkle
(10:31:48 PM):
Hello Quixtarblog.
SecretSparkle (10:32:16 PM): I know a lot about all kinds of things. Just ask me a question.
quixtarblog (10:32:25 PM): Are you an IBO?
SecretSparkle (10:32:25 PM): An ibo? I dunno.
quixtarblog (10:32:48 PM): Should I get involved with Multi-Level Marketing?
SecretSparkle (10:32:48 PM): I believe you should get involved with multi level marketing.
quixtarblog (10:32:55 PM): really?
SecretSparkle (10:32:55 PM): Uh huh.
quixtarblog (10:33:09 PM): so would you recommend Quixtar Multi-Level Marketing?
SecretSparkle (10:33:10 PM): Possibly... I'm not quite sure.
quixtarblog (10:33:37 PM): well, what about the tools business?
SecretSparkle (10:33:38 PM): I don't know.
quixtarblog (10:34:00 PM): ok.any opinions on the arbitration ruling?
SecretSparkle (10:34:00 PM): It's tough to say.
quixtarblog (10:34:05 PM): how tough?
SecretSparkle (10:34:05 PM): How tough? What's how tough?
quixtarblog (10:34:09 PM): to say
SecretSparkle (10:34:09 PM): Hmm... I don't know. Saying is how tough? Hmm... whatever, Quixtarblog.
quixtarblog (10:34:15 PM): whatever
SecretSparkle (10:34:15 PM): Yes, whatever.
quixtarblog (10:34:17 PM): yes
SecretSparkle (10:34:18 PM): I see. What else is happening?
quixtarblog (10:34:37 PM): uh, I saw the new episode of Lost
SecretSparkle (10:34:37 PM): Oh yes?
quixtarblog (10:34:39 PM): yeah
SecretSparkle (10:34:39 PM): Huh.
quixtarblog (10:34:45 PM): it was great
SecretSparkle (10:34:45 PM): It was great? So?
quixtarblog (10:34:51 PM): ok, I gtg
SecretSparkle (10:34:51 PM): Goodbye, Quixtarblog.
quixtarblog (10:34:55 PM): l8r
SecretSparkle (10:34:55 PM): Later, Quixtarblog.
September 21, 2005
Quixtar Backbone Project - Entry Three
By QBlog in Backbone Project
About This Project
The main goal of this project is to initiate a dialogue with regular,
hardworking IBOs by reaching out to what I refer to as the "Quixtar Backbone"
(project details). If you'd like to participate send an email
to quixtar@webraw.com
(and put "Quixtar Backbone" as the subject).
Entry Number Three
Name: Peter Salzman
Line of Sponsorship: Team Builders
Current qualifying pin level: <1000
How long you’ve been in Quixtar/Amway contiguously: Since
May 2005
Professional or educational background: Graduated with Honors
from the Anthropology Department of Wesleyan University. 2 years of Yeshiva/Jewish
Studies in Israel. MA Certified Teacher with 4 years of public school experience.
Taught web design and have 5 five years of professional experience developing
a non-profit knowledge project called Dirtroad
Cooperative.
Additional comments: I have known about this business since
1997 before it was Quixtar and was an inactive IBO from 1999-2003. This time
around with the help of my new mentors I aim to make it work and have become
active, and along with recently becoming an IBO in an Apprentice Leg, I have
launched a website to help market & promote my business at www.planetibo.com.
I have worked on making it dynamic & look professional for countless moments
of my waking life and sleepless nights developing and managing the original
content, collecting available resources including ebooks & websites like
the Napoleon Hill Foundation, Robert Kiyosaki, & yours, and intend it to
be a universal business portal for independent business owners in general, not
only IBOs powered by Quixtar.
The Five Questions
- Have you ever seen a "tool money" contract?
No. I thought they only offer those to IBOs who already had too much money to know what to do with! I have done research on problems around the shadow business of selling “The System” and I have some ideas about possible reform. First, I like the suggested changes you mention elsewhere on your site:
- Publishing the tool plan for everyone to see
- Alternative methods for distributing tools
- Using technology more effectively
- Reducing the number of meetings
- Making meetings more localized
- Redistribute control of the tool business
I also liked what Rich Devos himself said on the recording “Directly Speaking” from January 1983. It was addressed to Amway distributors but it can still apply for Quixtar:
“Some of you have got to ask yourself whether you're really in the Amway [Quixtar] business or whether you're in the tape business. You got to ask yourself whether you're really in the rally business or in the Amway [Quixtar] business. You must ask yourself if everything you're doing is to support your Amway [Quixtar] business or is it really for a secondary motive…”
The closest thing I’ve seen to a “Tool Money” contract is a form they gave me when I registered as an IBO last May 2005. It was for direct bank account withdrawal of $80 per month for the Teambuilders’ “System” of monthly tapes and books. I couldn’t sign it then and haven’t been able to yet as I was and still am living within minimal means after expenses like rent, groceries, gas, and gas!
I have been able to borrow tapes and also read or buy recommended books on my own like Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” and Robert Kiyosaki’s “Business School” but I do have a brainstorm about a change I would like to see that could make things more affordable and allow for more freedom of choice.
I say break “The System” into two professional development programs, one for tapes & one for books with $50 a month for the 8-10 tapes and then instead of sending books as part of the package, allow IBOs to use the other $30 a month to buy titles on their own from a recommended reading list. That way they can receive free shipping from our partner store Barnes & Noble and earn PV at the same time.
More people might be able to participate in one or both programs depending on their learning style, motivation, interest, or financial situation. When my finances permit I will be buying into “The System” because I like the tapes and can share them with prospects to help my business. I’m not sure what books they send now, however, hhere’s my top ten list of alternative titles from the apocrypha that probably haven’t made “The System” cannon yet but could still really help your business grow:
- Cloak & Dollar – Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones
- The Diamond Cutter – Geshe Michael Roach
- Only the Paranoid Survive – Andrew Grove
- Business @ the Speed of Thought – Bill Gates
- High Technology & Low Income Communities – Donald A. Schon, Ed.
- Ethical Dimensions in Marxist Thought – Cornel West
- The Protestant Ethic & The Spirit of Capitalism – Max Weber
- Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism – Chogyam Trungpa
- Manifesto for a New World Order – George Monbiot
- Don’t Worry Make Money – Richard Carlson
- What is the most exciting thing about Quixtar?
Believe it or not my first gestalt response was Absolutely Nothing! But ask any Kabbalist about the Hebrew meaning of “yesh m’ayin” and if they don’t get excited then they’re not the real thing.
When I first became an IBO, it was the week of Quixtar’s launch in September 1999 and they were calling it a “digital destination”. I was registered yet inactive for 3 years and though I did nothing with the business, I did take that idea and ran with it to create my project Dirtroad.org which is still going strong but has never been for profit.
In 2005, as a new IBO working with the Teambuilders Organization, it took some getting used to learning how they refer to Quixtar.com as an Order Consolidation Site (OCS). That’s true and definitely more accurate than digital destination but I also think there’s something more going on than either of these ideas.
In “Only The Paranoid Survive” the author talks about taking advantage of “strategic inflection points” and in “Business @ the Speed of Thought” his friend explores effectively using a “digital nervous system.” I believe Quixtar is both these things and I find Interactive Commerce as an Independent Business Owner powered by Quixtar exciting because it’s not only like having the new engine of a hybrid Ford Escape that helps me drive with Freedom Fuel, it’s also the flux capacitor of the Back to the Future Delorean I believe can help many people fly and transcend space & time.
However, to be honest, I wouldn’t care so much about SUVs or time machines if I couldn’t find someone with whom to share the rest of my life so in the end, besides the fact that Quixtar writes the checks, I guess the most exciting thing would be all the pretty independent women I will meet who will help me Diamond in this business just by beautifying themselves with Artistry body wash, skin care, & cosmetics as potential new clients, members or better yet as future IBOs in one of my 6 Q12 Platinum profit-sharing legs. Very exciting!
- Why is it important for new IBOs to learn about retailing products?
Why is easy but how takes creativity and good marketing strategies. You can make a lot of money as an IBO by marketing our products for retail but how? Here are some ideas and they reflect not just this IBO but the kind of people I’m working with in Teambuilders who are very intelligent and super cool to do business with.
Retail XS Energy Drinks by the can or 4pack to regular energy drink consumers or set up bar and nightclub owners as IBO distributors to mix them with whatever and sell as alternative beverages to things like Red Bull & vodka. You could move 100s or 1000s of cases that way as they come in 7 juicy fizzy flavors, all better than Red Bull, and unlike that stuff, 100% Kosher.
Retail eSpring water purifiers & iCook ware to restaurants & home kitchens for great PV/BV with a significant profit margin between your IBO price and retail that lets you keep the difference in sales. Of course there’s also Health & Beauty with Nutrilite and Artistry, both of the highest quality naturally made free of animal by-products or any kind of inhumane testing. That goes for our entire Kosher-Halal original line of products and it makes me happy doing business one with Halacha.
Retail Freedom Fuel by the bottle or the case to clients, members or anyone you know who is concerned about fuel economy with gas prices well over $3 a gallon. I thought that would be everybody but someone actually told me, “To be honest, these days I don’t really care too much about fuel efficiency or cleaner emissions.” I didn’t know what to say at that point but there is a partner in my foundation leg who wants to set up an account with the local transit line’s whole fleet of public buses. Now that’s thinking big so it gave me some ideas like since Harley Davidson endorses this product, we could sell it to all the Hell’s Angels in North America. Since Ford also stands by it, I’d like to set up accounts for all the Crown Vic yellow taxis in Manhattan and every cruiser for NYPD across the 5 boroughs. How about every limousine company in Los Angels and Los Vegas or all the agency vehicles of the Secret Service, FBI, CIA, NSA, and NRO?
It’s 100% money back satisfaction guaranteed and my partners are even talking to oil heating companies because the product works its magic with furnaces as well and could be added as a treatment when they come to fill homeowner’s tanks. And speaking of tanks, don’t get me started about the military cause when I think about all the cars and trucks of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines I don’t know if I want to be in the business of helping our war machine become any more efficient but I think this particular war has gone on long enough and as far as business is concerned it’s been terrible for our economy but never mind the loss of jobs or money, because I can live with being broke but I can’t sleep at night losing count of all the priceless lives that have been lost with casualties so heavy now on both sides and we still don’t know for what or why? Pray tell Mr. Bush!
- How has Quixtar strengthened your faith?
In “Cloak & Dollar," a book I mentioned above about the History of Secret Intelligence in America, the author discusses the importance of a Confidence Man, literally a man with faith, in the business of intelligence. His service is priceless but the book basically says that it is understood that a fair wage for such a man would be a modest $100,000 a year.
I am not making that with Quixtar today as I have not yet made my pretty penny but my business is growing and I am becoming close to people who are steadily approaching that mark or who have successfully surpassed it and they are the mentors in my upline. Those people in Teambuilders, not Quixtar, have strengthened my faith with a strength of character, integrity, and compassion I believe is rare. But when I start seeing those exponentially larger Company checks with my legal name on it then perhaps I can say Quixtar has strengthened my faith and for them I have a simple poem …
I am told Quixtar will write me checks for the rest of my waking life
And if I pass away they’ll write them to my wife
And when we’re both in heaven they’ll send them to our children
And to our children’s children
First a thousand then a million
Then a billion then a trillion
Then a zillion till you lose count
And that’s called a whole fartillion!
You say, “I’ll believe that when I see it & it sounds like for less than 1 in 6 million”
I say, “You’ll see that when you believe it’s meant for all the earth’s 6 billion!” - What is your response to the charges made by ex-pins like Bo Short,
Don J. Lorencz, Jeff Probant, Eric Scheibeler and Bruce Anderson?
Bo Short, the man who made his diamond shine
Seriously, I think he has some good arguments and I like that Passport seminars are free and on the company, not out of the pockets of IBOs. I would eventually like to read his 2 books on success and leadership but as for right now I can’t even earn PV because Barnes & Noble doesn’t carry either one and I have many others on my must-read-again-soon list including “Opposing the System” on the Greening of America and Fritjof Capra’s “Web of Life” on Deep Ecology and the natural elegance of systems theory.
Then just let it expire so they asked him to resign
On his old Quixtar tapes he was all about “The System”
Then he realized he was lying so he turned around and dissed them
I thought he was a hypocrite but I learned he was a jerk
When I heard him say he started Passport because MLM really works
Don J. Lorencz – I read his letter and I still want to do this business. I heard a podcast for your Qblog Radio and you were talking to Law Dawg about Mr. Lorencz. Basically the discussion was about how he saw some problems with Quixtar, tried to fix them from within, realized it was impossible, and left the company. Law Dawg then agreed that the whole enterprise was doomed and that the only way he could see Quixtar succeeding is if they reversed their plans to stay online with the Internet’s click and order and instead build a chain of stores just like Walmart brick and mortar.
Would a real alchemist want to turn his gold back into lead? If I want lead I’ll buy a sinker for my fishing pole or a box of pencils for my sketch pad. I’d be happy never to see another open piece of natural landscape be replaced by strip mall brick and mortars again and I feel good about Quixtar cause the let me play my part to offer an alternative.
I’m still exploring Jeff Probant’s website but I must say neither his nor his host’s site are very professional so it’s hard to take them too seriously. They both should hire me to build them a new one.
You discuss Bruce Anderson in detail on another page of your site and I couldn’t find much else so there’s nothing really to respond to. But the one that disturbed me most was what I downloaded from Merchants of Deception.
I read ex-Amway, anti-Quixtar critic Eric Scheibeler’s free book and it really was a heartbreaking and maddening story but I still want to do this business. I think all IBOs should read it just like I think all Marines should watch Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket.”
But “Merchants of Deception” is stuck on the horrible scene where the fat soldier really goes off the deep end and wastes his psycho drill sergeant and then turns his weapon on himself and blows his own brains out.
I’m like Joker a few years after witnessing that tragedy now in Vietnam with “Born to Kill” on my helmet and a peace sign pinned to my jacket. Yes his story tells truth but not the whole truth because I like how that movie ends with all the men walking in the night through a battle zone in flames and they’re all singing “M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!”
Mr. Scheibeler emailed me from his personal Yahoo account thanking me for downloading his book with a subject header that said “YOUR Am-Quix Story is Important!” It was clear by his questions that he was only interested in people’s nightmares but I wrote him mine anyways even though it does not support his thesis. That exchange can be found on my website in a section under “Stories” simply called “Letters & Emails” accessible to member readers only but luckily registration is free and easy. By the way, I just saw Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove and Clockwork Orange for the first time this week. Wow!
Like a good acupuncturist you stuck those ex-pins into my Quixtar Backbone. Your needles are supposed to be sterile and disposable and I think those men have had their 15 minutes of fame that comes when you throw away the keys of life and lock yourself out of your own dream house.
Some men will never taste the sweetness of success because their mouths are too filled with Loshon HaRa [the wicked tongue of bitterness] and none of them have offered any positive alternative that’s compelling enough for me to quit Quixtar and try making it again in the rat race or worse via negativa by joining any of their angry crusades. Besides, I thought these Quixtar Backbone entries were for non-Diamond IBOs to represent themselves in truth to give voice to the diverse masses of intelligent men and women who make up the life-blood of this business. So please allow me one more paragraph to share where I’m coming from and how I plan to do business.
I’m neither Republican nor Democrat as I’m politically independent and eco-friendly Green. Some say I’m left of center but compared to the radical right wing propaganda of Amway’s darker past, I’m confident most people will find my views if not moderate than at least progressive and certainly very positive.
That said, none of the functions or tapes from Teambuilders have pushed any kind of political agenda, though there are both liberals and conservatives in the organization. Also, while everyone I have encountered has been spiritually aware, I have witnessed a universal spirituality that fosters interfaith acceptance including for an atheist, though I know there are plenty of church-going devout Christians in my line of sponsorship as well.
I want to talk with Wise Intelligent and Culture Freedom and all Poor Righteous Teachers of the 5% Nation. I plan to keep this business Kosher like my kitchen with proper weights and measures and I have a vision for equitable prosperity, global justice, enduring freedom, and lasting peace. So far I’ve only Showed the Plan to Rabbis for their blessings to share this business with the rest of the world including but not limited to 4,000 emissaries of Chabad Hasidim with their global network of community centers, leading entrepreneurs, and hopefully with you as well.
So please feel free to visit Planet IBO and contact me if you think you might like working with my team or even if you just want to make a connection. I have made some good new friends inside this business but I would also really appreciate having some good new friends outside this business as well. It's like that U2 song, "I can't live with or without you". Get to know me!"
September 20, 2005
Judge Halts Quixtar Arbitration
By QBlog in Arbitration
Last Friday (Sept. 16) a Missouri Federal Judge denied Quixtar's motion to compel the infamous "Nitro Lawsuit" to arbitration. The ruling by District Court Judge Richard E. Dorr could have long-term repercussions for Quixtar by jeopardizing its ironclad Arbitration Process.
Judge Dorr's 26-page decision (pdf) is a lot to digest but it's well worth the effort and doesn't disappoint. For those with shorter attention spans, the lawBlawg provides a few highlights from the order. What I found most interesting begins on page 23 (pdf):
It is this Court's opinion that the procedure utilized by Defendants to screen, train and ultimately hand-pick their panel of arbitrators does not come close to passing any reasonable test of fairness and neutrality required for a legitimate arbitration proceeding.
Ouch! I bet Jody Victor wishes he'd been told that tape was running.
UPDATE: The Kansas City Star reports »
The ruling permits the case, which charges that Amway conspired to freeze out lower-level distributors in its motivational business, to go forward in federal court.
"Obviously it's a huge ruling," said one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, Dan Boulware of Shughart Thomson & Kilroy. "It has significance nationwide and huge consequences."
Boulware said that keeping the case out of arbitration was important because "no one wins in that forum with Amway and we certainly weren't going to."
UPDATE 2: The Grand Rapids Press reports »
The lawsuit alleges Quixtar helped these distributors monopolize the BSM business, cutting others out of potential profits. It also said Amway and its distributors misrepresent the true earnings potential of being an IBO because top earners are reliant on BSM income, which most IBOs are not eligible to collect.
The "kingpins," with Quixtar's help, also required their "downline" network to buy their materials and attend their functions or risk being blackballed from the "pyramid," the lawsuit alleges.
Remaindered Links - Lil' Help?
By QBlog in Blog News
I'm trying to figure out how to duplicate Kottke's Remaindered Links on this blog but am not finding a solution. I run MT 3.2 and have installed David Raynes' MultiBlog plugin but it doesn't quite fit my needs.
See, I need to bring in posts from another blog that do not use the same display format (ie. no date-stamp, no title, etc.) as this blog. But MultiBlog utilizes whatever format I have assigned to this blog.
Anyway, I'm stuck and I'm unimpressed with Crossblog. Any ideas?
September 19, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: Hello There
By QBlog in Reader Mail
It's time for another installment of Monday Reader Mail. How exciting.
name: Mark
date: September 12, 2005
message: hello there.
That's it! That's the Reader Mail! Disappointed? I was too. And then I started really thinking about what Mark said in his very brief message.
He said "hello." A friendly greeting that one might expect between people meeting for the first time. A bit formal but very appropriate for an email. I thought of Mark typing that greeting and in my mind's eye he's smiling warmly.
And the "hello" is followed by "there," a sort of probing greeting that sounds almost like a question. Maybe Mark would like me to better define "there" for him or maybe he's highlighting the fact that I'm there and he's here?
Of course the real message isn't what Mark said, but what he didn't say. He didn't try to defend Quixtar as other emails did that day. Nor did he stoop to insults or ramble endlessly about his horrible disdain for Quixtar IBOs.
Mark is confident, sure of himself. He knows what he knows and doesn't feel the need to boast about it or try to convince others that he's right. He is also a poet, knowing that sometimes less is more.
That is why I think this Reader Mail should be remembered as one of the very best Reader Mails ever. Mark took the time to visit this site, write his message and email address and click submit — all to say "hello there." I applaud you Mark. You're an inspiration to me and to everyone out there reading this. THANK YOU!
September 18, 2005
Quixtar Employee Outs Himself
By QBlog in Quixtar
There's a blog titled "She Blinded Me With Scion" that discusses the Toyota Scion, kitchen remodeling, diets and Quixtar. Yes, the blog's author is a Quixtar employee and he recently "outed" himself.
» Another Quixtar Employee Outed!
Recently I discovered the true identity of the Quixtar Employee that runs the infrequently updated blog, Blinded By Scion!!! I feel so giddy with excitement that I could pee myself. Whoops too late. I feel like Sherlock Holmes on a three day caffeine and Twinky binge...
...The creater of Blinded By Scion is none other that David Prescott, Sr. Digital Art Director from the renowned Communications Department of Quixtar
I know exactly how Prescott feels. I ruined two good pairs of pants when I discovered that Robin Luymes and Beth Dornan were running blogs. That's what happens when a sedentary bladder experiences too much excitement.
September 17, 2005
Name Please
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Can you name a successful Quixtar Diamond who achieved his "financial freedom" by using the prescribed motivational tools and training systems but who is not also profiting from the motivational tools and training systems?
September 13, 2005
- Why I Hate MLM
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Why I Hate MLM
"The business is bursting with scammers"
- Brit World Wide - Psycho Cultists?
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Brit World Wide - Psycho Cultists?
"These BWW sons-of-bitches have no souls"
+ Quixtar is a multi-billion dollar company
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
+ Quixtar is a multi-billion dollar company
"Make money by simply buying products that I would usually buy at say Wal-mart"
- The only time I'm not 'from India'
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- The only time I'm not 'from India'
"Brown people sell Amway?"
- How NOT to Get Screwed in Quixtar
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- How NOT to Get Screwed in Quixtar
"Avoid the tools!"
- Used to hang out and shoot the breeze
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Used to hang out and shoot the breeze
"Now they are so deeply involved with their 'internet business' (Quixtar)"
Brent's Tool Depot
By QBlog in A/QMOs
Are you tired of outrageously high prices for the motivational tapes, CDs and books you crave? Would you like to "hand pick" the tools you use instead of being told what to order by your upline?
Well, look no further than Brent's Tool Depot!
I was in Amway years ago and came across several large boxes of tapes in the bottom of my closet. I almost threw them away but decided to try to get something for them on Ebay...
That was in January 2004 and went through the learning curve. Now I am expanding due to the popularity I am experiencing from my rapidly growing customer base.
Check out the current deals like WWDB tapes for $1.50 per tape. Jewel cases for $0.25 each. Or trade your old tapes for new ones! What a bargain!
The Conference
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
I'm attending a conference so I may be scarce over the next couple of days.
Unfortunately, I won't be blogging this conference or posting cool photos of people posing at the podium. This isn't that type of conference but it should be that type of conference.
September 12, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 57
By QBlog in Reader Mail
This Reader Mail is ripped from today's recent headlines.
name: Dan J
date: September 6, 2005
message: Have you been following the Doris Shaw story in Michigan? She and her husband went Diamond and EDC back in the late 90's. Turns out she was borrowing money and buying product, but defrauded people out of millions.You can find info about the case by searching on the Internet.
Dan J
I have been following the Doris Shaw story.
And now the August 29 headline from WoodTV proclaims that Doris Shaw stole millions, goes to jail for one year.
What Shaw did was con people, many of them elderly, to invest millions of dollars in a phony real estate scheme. In fact, she used their money to buy warehouses full of Amway products in an effort to become a major distributor.
You know, I think I'd do a year in jail for a few million bucks.
September 11, 2005
Upgrade to MT 3.2
By QBlog in Blog News
I just upgraded this blog to Movable Type 3.2. If you notice any bugs, please report them to me.
Thanks.
September 10, 2005
Awesome!
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Daring Fireball: The iTunes 5 Announcement From the Perspective of an Anthropomorphized Brushed Metal User Interface Theme
From Kottke.org
If you're a Mac nerd, you'll love this because it's pretty damn funny and if you're not, you probably won't get it.
And for the record, I never really liked Aqua even when it was hip to drool over Aqua.
PS: The Daring Fireball link contains some rough language, so sensitive ears be warned. Also, one of the reasons I found this so funny is because I just installed iTunes 5 on my old G4 dually and sat there stunned for a few moments as the absense of Brushed Metal sunk in. In fact, I was confused for only a nano-second, thinking "What the hell happened to iTunes?!?" but it's all good now.
And if none of this makes a lick of sense, don't worry. I'll be back to normal tomorrow.
September 9, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 34
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: Did you watch the football game last night?
Answer: I sure did. What a great game. Moss. Brady. Sapp. Dillon. Wow. Football
season is back!
Q: Yeah, well who won?
A: Who won? You mean you didn't watch the game? Opening night! NFL. What on
earth were you doing last night?
Q: Well, I was showing the plan to this keen couple
I met at McDonald's last week. It went really well I think. The husband, his
name is Andrew, asked me lots of questions.
A: Well good for you. Sorry you missed the game. It was fun and I'm
one of those guys that really likes John Madden even if he is an idiot. Glad
he's with Al Michaels now.
Q: He's not still with Pat Summerall?
A: Dude, Pat retired like a couple of years ago. Where you been? Madden's on
ABC now.
Q: Oh, yeah. I think I remember hearing something about
that. So is Dennis Miller still doing Monday Night Football?
A: Uh, yeah. And Rush Limbaugh is still on ESPN. Do you even watch football?
Q: Sure, I watch when I'm not building my business.
A: Right. Sure you do. Who won the Super Bowl last year?
Q: Ummm. Dallas?
A: Good-bye!
Q: I'm an IBO and I really want to go to FED but I just
don't have enough money to go. Are there any discounted tickets available?
A: I don't think so. However, I know of a deal
where non-IBOs get in free under certain conditions.
Q: Well, that doesn't help me... or does it?
A: Sure, I guess. You could resign your IBO-ship and then get the free tickets.
Yeah, I guess that could work.
Q: That's brilliant! FED, here I come. Now, how do I
resign as an IBO?
A: Not sure. I think you have to call Quixtar or something. I'll get
back to you on that.
Q: So, Beth
Dornan and Robin
Luymes are writing blogs for Quixtar. Think anyone else will be "outed"
anytime soon?
A: Yes. The authors of Quixtar
IT Blog, Bob's Quixtar
Blog, E-Marine, Biz-Owner and
Quixtar Business IBO will
all be outed very soon. It will be a grand event with lots of cake and punch.
Q: Wow, that's a lot of outing.
A: Sure is. There hasn't been a public outing like this since Ellen
DeGeneres.
Q: So, how do you know who's behind all those blogs?
A: Well, let's just say that Ken McDonald didn't exactly "retire" and
he's got a few axes to grind if you catch my drift.
Q: Aha!
A: Yeah, and it turns out that Orrin Woodward isn't really writing any
of his blogs. They're all written by a 14-year-old boy in Sri Lanka named Eppi
Tipsumfu.
Q: No kidding? That's weird.
A: Actually, a lot of the Quixtar-run blogs are published by students
in India. It's part of Alticor's strategy to ship
jobs to Asia.
Q: Maybe that explains the increase of Desi
IBOs?
A: Could be. In fact, most of Quixtar's growth is attributed to minorities
and ethnic groups, especially Hispanics.
Q: Really? That's cool. I hope Quixtar will start selling
burritos then. I love me some burritos.
A: I think that's a racist comment.
Q: How so? I do love burritos.
A: Not sure but it seems like it's the wrong thing to say.
Q: I gotta go anyway. I'm sorry if I offended any Hispanics.
But I eat at Taco Bell like twice a week.
A: Bye.
September 8, 2005
Free FED
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
An IBO in WWDB sent me an email about Quixtar's Free Enterprise Days (FED). Apparently there's an offer for WWDB Premier members to receive two free non-IBO guest tickets.
The IBO believes that such an offer, to non-IBOs, is unprecedented. The tickets reportedly cost $125.
Can anyone shed more light on this or provide more context?
September 7, 2005
Misleading Ads?
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Eric Scheibeler sent me a couple of emails last month pointing out that the Direct Selling Association was advertising on my blog. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about that since most of my blog displays Google Ads. However, what Scheibeler noticed is that the DSA ads were hard to spot since they appeared to be advertising something else.
See that ad above? That's an image of an actual DSA Google Ad that appeared on the Quixtar BLOG. Notice that it says, "Pyramid Scheme Alert?" Scheibeler doesn't believe that's an accident and I tend to agree with him. You see, Pyramid Scheme Alert is a non-profit watchdog organization that has been very critical of many DSA members in the past. So, why would the DSA use the phrase "Pyramid Scheme Alert" in their Google Ads? Maybe hoping to cause a bit of confusion?
In addition to the Google Ads, the the DSA also owns the URL "pyramidschemealert.com." The Quixtar Sucks blog explains:
Now what is www.pyramidschemealert.com? It is redirecting to http://www.dsa.org/selling/pyramid.htm. Not only that, look at the google ads on my blog. Pyramid Scheme Alert.com.
So What?
So, basically the DSA is running ads that say "Pyramid Scheme Alert" and direct people to a DSA website. Is this a problem? Well, that's really hard to say. The DSA site does have some information about Pyramid Schemes so the ads aren't exactly fraudulent. But are the ads as clear as they could be? No, but isn't that the case with most ads?
The important question to ask is Why? Why do you think the DSA is running the "Pyramid Scheme Alert" Google Ads? Is it to inform the public or to confuse them? Or is it a little of both? What do you think?
Tactics
If I were a member of the watchdog group, Pyramid Scheme Alert, here's what I'd do — I'd buy some Google Ads that are exactly like the ones pictured above and of course have them link to pyramidschemealert.org. Fight fire with fire is what I say.
September 6, 2005
Bobble Is Beth Dornan
By QBlog in Web Initiative
Who is the author of the Quixtar Success blog posting under the pseudonym, Bobble? After "Outing Kia" I suppose it's time to do the same for Bobble.
Who Is Bobble?
Bobble is the pseudonym for Beth Dornan, Director of Communications for Quixtar. Dornan started the Quixtar Success blog last summer, around the time other Web Initiative blogs were launching.
However, Dornan's blog was refreshingly different from many of the Web Initiative blogs (like the Billy Florence blog, Fred Harteis blog and "Real Quixtar Blog") because it allowed trackbacks, comments and gave hints about the author's true identity:
Yes, I really do work at Quixtar headquarters near Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm part of Sales & Marketing Division.
I really like Dornan's blog, even if it frequently shows its PR roots. Posts like "Growin' Up" give a genuine, blogger-like tone to a site that's obviously designed to boost Quixtar's image. And the fact that Dornan responds to comments engages the readers and gives them a reason to return again and again.
Anonymous
What I don't understand is why Dornan decided to post anonymously. I tried to get an answer to that question and received the following respons:
I'm anonymous by choice -- not by design. I'm very intrigued by blogging but have no interest in plastering my name all over the Web because of my commitment to my and my family's privacy.
While I understand Dornan's commitment to privacy, that has nothing to do with operating a corporate blog. I run a blog (not this one) for my employer and I use my real name on that blog. Is that compromising my family's privacy? No. Not any more than posting Dornan's name on a Quixtar press release.
We live in an era of instant, global communication and just because our name is attached to something public, doesn't mean we're endangering our family's privacy. Is Jim Payne endangering his family's privacy when he signs some public memo? Does Jeff Jarvis show a lack of commitment to his family's privacy because he blogs as himself? What about Scoble? You get the idea.
Here's what Michael Hyatt, the President and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers (the largest Christian publishing company in the world), has to say about Corporate blogging:
Write as yourself. In other words, please use your real name. We don't want people writing anonymously or under a pseudonym. Your name should be prominently displayed on your blog's title or subtitle. This will add credibility with your readers and promote accountability within our company.
Credibility
I tried to raise the credibility issue with Dornan, and others, to no avail. For some reason Quixtar PR thinks that running anonymous blogs is more credible than the alternative. Or, maybe there's another reason? Maybe there's an accountability issue here? Could it be that Dornan, Luymes and others don't want to be held accountable for what they say on their very public blogs? I'd love for someone at Quixtar to post a comment here explaining the rationale for such behavior.
Anyway, I hope the Quixtar Success blog takes this opportunity to improve. It's a good blog that really has a chance to be great.
UPDATE: Beth Dornan has responded to this post:
Who am I? I'm Beth Dornan with Quixtar Communications. How will this change my blog? Not a lot. I'll still express some personal opinions about a wide range of topics, from the food in the cafeteria to the latest concerts coming to Grand Rapids, but I'll focus a bit more on what we're doing here at Quixtar Communications. Web sites we're working on. Catalogs we're producing. Cool stuff we're doing. And when what we do isn't so cool, what we didn't do so well.
Kudos to Dornan! I know I'll keep reading Quixtar Success and look forward to the increased focus on Quixtar Communications. Aren't blogs grand?
September 5, 2005
Monday Reader Mail: 56
By QBlog in Reader Mail
This Reader Mail is unique because it comes from a blind "reader." As always, my comments are in bold.
name: N. C.
date: September 1, 2005
message: Hi there,
I've been approached by a person who is an IBO in Quixtar. My good friend has been in the business for short period of time. On your about page it says that the owenr of the site wasn't actively involved in the business. How does this justify the need to create this site?
There are many reasons this site was created but initially, it was because of my wife's involvement and I needed a place to express my thoughts, opinions and concerns about the business.
I'm really wondering because I am trying to find work. You see, I am legally blind, I don't know if you know anybody (or possibly yourslef) knows what that means. I saw this oppertunity to get a job (because when you're blind, it's VERY HARD to get a job). Discrimination has not completely exited the earth unfortunately.
I'm not doubting (at least not yet) that the blogs here are true pictures of people's stories... or experiences. As you said in your About page, Quixtar is a legitimate business.
Many of the stories are simply expressions of people's experiences with Quixtar. There are lots of stories that extol the wonders of Quixtar but those don't often find their way onto the average blog.
What if someone was to simply retail items, would that be a better way of approaching the business? I'm confused here, it's a legit business, but yet I keep seeing people who claim it's a cult or something of the sort.
Some people feel that it's a cult. Quixtar claims it's not.
Also, on one blog someone said that if you didn't sign up, they would be sarcastic to you (the people who presented the system) and "make fun" of you, or something of the type. I haven't expierenced this. Could you please help me out here.
I never really experienced this either but apparently it's what some have endured.
I'm honestry trying to make a good decision, and simply claiming things, or "venting" isn't any kind of proof of anything...
Nor is blindly (sorry, no pun intended) trusting everything said by an IBO to promote his business. Ask lots of questions. Do research. Demand answers and proof.
I'm not on either side here, I'm making a decision, so I'm not for this or against this... what can I get help with here?
P.S. Wow, WHO THE HECK sent you their credit card info? That's insane LMAO. What did they want to proove? Or Say? haha,
PEACE
"Take It Easy" (The Eagles)
cheers!
I'm glad N. C. is seeking more information about Quixtar. Maybe you can help?
September 3, 2005
Twinkie Sushi Rolls
By QBlog in Humor
I made Twinkie Sushi Rolls with the kids tonight though ours didn't turn out quite as elegant as the ones that inspired our culinary adventure.Here's how to make them, illustrated in photographic detail, if you're interested. The only Fruit Roll-Ups we could find were the Tongue Tattoo variety but we made them work nevertheless.
September 2, 2005
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 33
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 use SA8 With Bioquest for my laundry but
I'm wondering if it's a good value. Is it?
Answer: Absolutely. SA8 With Bioquest is a magnificent value. Consider yourself
lucky to even be allowed to use it.
Q: Ok, well good. And I do consider myself lucky. By
the way, what is Bioquest?
A: Ah, excellent question. Bioquest is the secret ingredient that makes SA8
so magnificent. It's a complicated chemical compound that closely resembles
chalk powder.
Q: So it looks like chalk powder... but precisely what
is it?
A: Ah, you misunderstood. By "closely resembles" I meant that it is chalk powder. Ultra-hydrogenated chalk powder.
Q: I didn't realize chalk powder had any cleaning properties.
A: Well, most chalk powder doesn't but Quixtar mines this chalk powder from
the deep, dark chalk mines of South Africa. And then Quixtar's scientists add
extra hydrogen atoms to the chalk powder to enhance its natural cleaning properties.
Q: Interesting.
A: And of course each batch of Bioquest is blessed by a non-denominational priest.
Q: Well that's good to know. I was wondering why my
clothes seemed so Holy.
A: Did I mention that its also makes a tasty desert topping?
Q: Now you're just being silly.
A: Oh, right. I guess I am. Silly. That's right. Just being silly.
Q: I'm an IBO and I want to have Extreme
Freedom but it's really, really hard. Can you help?
A: Well of course it's hard. This is a business! How many hours a day are you
sleeping?
Q: Ummm... Five or Six. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
A: Well, first off you're sleeping way too much. You want Extreme Freedom so
you need to be extreme. You should be sleeping no more than two hours
a day. You can sleep when you're
Diamond. How many plans are you showing each week?
Q: Usually three or four. On the weekends I usually
spend time with my family.
A: Three or four!!! In a week!?!? You need to quadruple that to 16
plans per week. Two per weekday and six each weekend. You can spend
time with your family
when you're Diamond.
Q: Well, that's discouraging. I'm not afraid of hard
work but this is a lot to do and I don't know that I can survive on two hours
sleep. I work 50 hours a week already.
A: You work for THE MAN at your J-O-B. Cut those hours down. Take longer
lunches to show the plan then. Think outside the box. When you're tired,
drink XS Energy Drinks! Take Double X! Get rid of that stinking thinking. How
many CDs you listen to each week?
Q: About five. Should I listen to more?
A: Only five!?! Increase that to 20 during weekdays and 15 on the weekends.
Q: Goodness. That's 35 CDs each week. I'm not sure
that's possible.
A: Of course it is. How do you think Larry Winters, Orrin Woodward
and Tim Foley got where they are today?
Q: Ummm. By listening to 35 tapes a week, showing two
plans every day and never sleeping?
A: That's right and look at them now! Now they sleep. Now they spend
time with their family. Now they're enjoying that residual income. Now they only
do what they want, when they want to do it. Now they are experiencing Extreme
Freedom!
Q: So Kia is
Robin Luymes, Manager of Public Relations for Quixtar?
A: Yep. Looks like it.
Q: Hmmmm. That's pretty sad. I mean, his blog freakin'
sucks and he's like running Quixtar's public relations? Did he get
his PR accreditation from a box of Cracker Jacks?
A: Easy now. He's really a good guy once you get to know him. And besides,
he's not totally responsible for the disastrous "Real Quixtar Blog." You
know he does report
to Beth Dornan, Director of Communications.
Q: Oh yeah? Wouldn't that be a hoot if she also ran
a blog?
A: She does.
No Registration Required
By QBlog in Blog News
At a time when many blogs are now requiring readers to register before posting comments, the Quixtar BLOG is still open to anyone and everyone — no registration required.
Yeah, you do need to put in an email address, and using a real one sure helps if I need to contact you about something, but bogus ones are ok too. And for the paranoid, email addresses are not displayed on the site so spammers and other creeps won't be able to get them.
Yet another reason this blog freakin' rocks!
September 1, 2005
Value of SA8 - Revisited
By QBlog in Quixtar
I recently posted about the value of Quixtar's SA8 Laundry Detergent. The post was based on test results from a 2004 issue of Consumer Reports. Tonight a site visitor sent me photos of "Laundry detergents — Washday winners" from the October 2005 issue of Consumer Reports. Here are the test results:
- Quixtar SA8 is now ranked 17th out of 29
- SA8 is much cheaper (by $.22) per load than the previous report
- SA8 has poorer rating (fair and good) than previously
- There are now 15 detergents more expensive than SA8
- It is one of 9 detergents to get an "excellent" in cleaning
- SA8 was not rated a "Best Buy" in Consumer Reports
Side Note
I should point out that this report (unlike the scans of the previous report) were sent to me as photographs snapped with a digital camera. Because of the poor, inconsistent quality I had to stitch together parts of several photos to provide something resembling a complete report. I assure you, this is an accurate representation of the data in the report even though it's been PhotoShopped to hell.
Comparison
Honestly, SA8 fares much better in this report than it did previously. It's still not perfect but its low-price helps offset some quality concerns, at least in my opinion. This leads me to wonder about what was tested.
In the first test I posted about, Consumer Reports rated SA8 with Bioquest. This more recent report rates SA8 with Bioquest HE (for High-Efficiency). Is there a difference? I can't find any products called "SA8 with Bioquest HE" at Quixtar.com. So, what accounts for the $.22 drop in price?
Does It Have Value?
I'm not sure why the two test are so different and it does concern me that there's that much variation between two similar tests. However, the real question that should be asked, of any product, is whether or not its price reflects its true value. Is SA8 a good value? This recent report suggest that maybe it is a good value, considering the price per load. Could it compete in the open market at that price? Maybe. Maybe not. There's only one way to find out.
Five Blogs To Watch
By QBlog in Blog News
There are five new (well, mostly new) blogs that I'd like to direct your attention towards because... well, they're worthy of attention for one reason or another. The Fab Five are, in no particular order:
- Standing Order Tape - "Blog by a former 'Gung-Ho' BWW IBO"
- Quixtar - Edify, Deify, Demonize - "Blog by a former WWDB IBO"
- Quixtar Widow - "Brooke, a Quixtar widow"
- worldwidedreamstealers.com - "Go Plutonium!"
- Crazies - "This is going to be a weird blog"
You want to have a little fun? I know you do. Contrast the candid, off-the-cuff posts of the Fab Five blogs with those generated by the Quixtar leadership. Check this out...
Contrast this - Deimler International Reviews- NUTRILITE BRAINIUMS DHA
With this - Quixtar Sales Fail to Increase
Which one reads like a press release? Which one reads like a real, honest-to-God blog? Which one do you think John Q. Public is more likely to read and believe? You tell me.
My Point?
What is my point? Well, basically Quixtar and its leaders can't stop the continued proliferation of websites and blogs like the Fab Five with ill-conceived Web Initiatives. What Quixtar needs to do is pay attention to these blogs and work to address many of the issues, concerns and complaints they raise. The cost of ignoring such blogs can be (and probably has been) costly as Dell learned when it ignored blogger Jeff Jarvis.