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January 30, 2006

Can It Get Any Larger?

By QBlog in Miscellaneous

This is too funny to keep to myself.

Yesterday Ty Tribble published something called the "QBlog Diamond Rally" on his MLM Blog. The post has received some modifications and edits but it originally read this way:

Have you heard the QBlog Diamond Rally?

Like most rallies, it's not big on the details of how to build a downline of Anti-MLM Bloggers and Forum Posters, but it is an interesting listen.

I wonder when the book will come out.

Since I've never been to a Diamond Rally (though I did hear Dexter Yager speak at a weekend seminar once) I was a little perplexed about what Tribble meant by his comments.

I asked my friend, and former Quixtar IBO, Shawn Cannon if he could shed any light on the post. He explained that Diamond Rallies generally consist of a Diamond standing up on stage and talking about himself without giving any real business information. A sort of egotistical brag-fest.

Ah ha! Now I think I understand.

The Podcast
The link in Tribble's post was to my November 7, 2006, QBlog Radio podcast titled "All About QBlog." The podcast was a bit of a departure from my usual format (though that format is always evolving) and my goal was to simply share some things about myself so people could get to know me better. It's not a particularly great podcast but it is what it is.

The link on the MLM Blog was directly to the mp3 file. It was linked without any real context and without linking to the source blog (QBlog Radio). In fact, unobservant listeners might believe that the file was being served off of Tribble's site and eating his bandwidth instead of mine.

All of which is fine. I don't believe there's anything wrong with "hot linking" a publicly available audio file without proper context. That's Tribble's prerogative. However, I'm also free to have a little fun and modify those "hot linked" files any time I choose.

And that's exactly what I did.

The Switcheroo
Last night I fired up my PowerBook and recorded a nine minute audio clip (mp3 - 2.2 MB) discussing Ty Tribble, Oasis LifeSciences, Al Keranen, Operation Cure.All and blogging motivations.

I uploaded the audio file to my QBlog Radio server and gave it the exact same file name as the "All About QBlog" mp3 file. Of course I didn't want to lose the original podcast so I renamed that file as well and updated the related links on the QBlog Radio website (including the RSS feed). The hilarious result was that the file Tribble linked to was no longer "All About Me" but nine minutes of me discussing his new MLM business, Oasis LifeSciences.

No Comprende
Funny stuff right? Apparently Tribble didn't see the humor. Here's what he had to say:

Update: After taking the time to record a podcast solely about himself, apparently "QBlog" aka Eric Janssen does not want his QBlog Diamond Rally Podcast to be listened to. Sometime in the last 12 hours, he changed the recording and monkeyed with the link. I fixed the link, but this seems odd to me that someone who has "cornered the truth" on MLM would do such a thing.

Actually, I don't care who listens to the podcast since it's always been on my servers. If I didn't want anyone to hear it, I would have deleted it entirely. All I did was change the file name. Visiting my QBlog Radio website would have provided listeners with the complete podcast.

But there wasn't a link to QBlog Radio on the MLM Blog, not until the second update:

2nd Update: The link has been changed again. What is Eric hiding? I wonder if this deception has to do with the 2nd coming of Qrush? Is Qrush really QBlog? Was QBlog behind the plot to get Martha Stewart to endorse Malt Liquour and sell it through the MLM Model? Anyways, I linked his site this time. If he wants to change the link again, he will have to make a change to his QBlog Radio Blog.

Mission Accomplished
Well, I won't be changing the links on QBlog Radio. I have no reason to do so. If people want to listen to the podcast they can visit my site and at least have the opportunity to understand its proper context. And maybe, just maybe, we've all learned a valuable lesson today.

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Monday Reader Mail: 72

By QBlog in Reader Mail

Not much else I can say to this Reader Mail besides "you're welcome."

name: Sarah
date: January 28, 2006

message: I'm sure you get tons of messages like the one about to send, but I have to. My husband and I were recently showed "the plan". I listened to the cds, and I was ready...woohoo...I am going to be rich.

Then I started thinking about all the questions we had...that were being avoided...every single one of them shows up your blog. You're insights are exactly what we are worried about.

Thank you so much for starting this and keeping it running. We have a second meeting tonight with our "sponsors" or "upline" tonight...and I can't wait to present these concerns to them. I will write more about what I find out.

I know that you are not trying to persuade anyone in either direction, you are just posting your opinions, and the truth, which is a whole lot more than I am getting from these people we just met a month ago who would like to be "our lifelong friends" in this wonderful "business". I cannot thank you enough.

Sarah

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January 29, 2006

Blogging 101 - The Blog Meme

By QBlog in Blogging 101

Blogs and memes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like Crockett and Tubbs. Like the Cubs and disappointment. They're practically made for each other and to deprive your blog of its natural meme-craving is an exhibition of sadistic cruelty.

Uh, What's A Meme?
Some of your out there don't know a meme from a hole in the ground but that's ok. I'll bring you up to speed.

The short definition is "a unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another."

However, that definition is incomplete as it relates to an Internet meme which "occurs when something relatively unknown becomes increasingly popular, often quite suddenly, through the mass propagation of media content made feasible by the Internet" technology.

Some examples of popular memes include:

But while bloggers love a good meme, the examples listed above merely provide the opportunity to post a link and a few witty comments. What bloggers really want is something they can pass off as genuine content. You know, like what I'm doing right now.

The Blog Meme
A blog meme is a type of Internet meme that requires active participation by the blogger and rarely traces back to an originating source. It's often a series of questions that a blogger answers to share some personal perspective or experience on random topics.

Here are a few examples of popular blog memes:

There's even a site that offers blog meme material to help you get started. And if you're not sure how to write a "Quiz-like meme" the "working with me" blog has a helpful tutorial.

Memes Are Silly
Yes, memes are silly and blog memes seem to be especially popular with the LiveJournal - Xanga - MySpace crowd which likely means people under 21. It's a sort of narcissistic way for kids to tell the world how cool, unique and special they are because we all know that the world is dying to know more about YOU!

This, is the story of you
What makes you special, where you come from
This is one of the most exciting stories ever told
Because its about you
And you are one of the most important things in the world . . . you
Handsome Boy Modeling School - "If It Wasn't For You"

But plenty of the "serious blogger" set enjoy a good blog meme too so don't let the kids have all the fun. Toss your content worries to the wind and start a blog meme today!

Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.

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Quixtar and the BBB

By QBlog in Quixtar

The Cadillac News reports that inquiries at the Western Michigan Better Business Bureau were up 20% in 2005 with Multi-Level Marketing businesses like Quixtar and Amway receiving the most information requests.

According to the BBB-WMI website MLM businesses always top the list.

1. Multi-Level Marketing: Locally based Quixtar, Amway, and other direct selling organizations using multi-level sales people. Always # 1 in W. MI. Contacts UP 14%.

But what are people discovering when they receive the BBB info on Quixtar? They're reading that Quixtar has a "satisfactory record" which means that it must "properly and promptly address matters referred to it by the Bureau, and be free from an unusual volume or pattern of complaints and law enforcement action involving its marketplace conduct."

How many complaints have been filed with the Western Michigan BBB? Only 23 over the past 36 months.

The Bureau processed a total of 23 complaints about [Quixtar] in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 23 complaints in the last 36 months, 5 of those were closed in the last 12 months. These complaints concerned sales issues, delivery issues, service issues, product quality issues, contract issues, customer service issues and credit or billing issues. Of these complaints, 19 were closed as resolved, 4 were administratively closed.

Compare that to other well-known MLM businesses to put that data in the proper context. Over the past 36 months Avon received 54 complaints, 28 complaints for Mary Kay, just 8 for Usana Health Sciences and Melaleuca received a whopping 301 complaints.

Interestingly Oasis LifeSciences, which is run by a former Avon exec, is not a member of the BBB.

UPDATE - Jan 30: Larsen has updated his link. Confusion hopefully averted.

UPDATE - Jan 29: It's come to my attention that Scott Larsen has stated that "Amway/Quixtar and MLM's hold top spot on Better Business Bureau worst 10 for Grand Rapids, Michigan." That's simply not the case and I hope to stop similar confusion before it gains its own momentum.

As I've already stated, the Cadillac News reports on the increase in inquiries to the BBB. The article itself is a merely poorly edited quote of the official BBB report. The confusion is believing that Quixtar is on a "ten worst" list when it's simply not on that list.

Let's take a closer look at the Cadillac News report to see if we can track down the problem. The report begins by stating:

The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan reports that regional BBB were up 20 percent in 2005 as consumers and donors relied on BBB information more.

What does "reports that regional BBB were up" mean? That doesn't even make sense. Clearly there's a typo here right? The report goes on to mention the increase in complaints.

Complaints about regional companies within the 37 county service area increased only 5 percent in 2005...

That statement is then followed by the "Top 10 inquiries and complaints in 2005."

While that statement isn't clear, especially considering the omitted word from the first sentence, it does explain that the list consists of "inquiries and complaints." The listing then proceeds to give us 20 items. That's right, 20 items on a top ten list. Strange.

Well, not really because the list is top ten "inquiries and complaints" which means it's actually two lists — the top ten inquiries and top ten complaints. So, which list is Quixtar (and MLM) on? Well, it's admittedly tough to tell from the poor article but savvy readers can conclude that the second list, the one falling under the word "COMPLAINTS" is the complaint list.

And I've tried to make this fact clear to those who don't want to take the time to try to decipher a poorly written article.

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January 28, 2006

Reviewing Monavie Active Juice

By QBlog in Miscellaneous

Monavie in a boxA few weeks ago Jerry Giebeig, a blogger and Monavie distributor, sent me a free sample of Monavie Active Juice. I wasn't interested in joining his Multi-Level Marketing business but Giebeig piqued my curiosity about its flagship product by making some bold claims during one of our Gizmo conversations.

"This product contains all the nutrition you need to survive," said Jerry.

"No way," I replied in shocked amazement. "I have to try this stuff."

So, Giebeig rushed a bottle of Monavie Active Juice to my door and I opened the box with eager anticipation.

Monavie Bottle"Is that wine?" my wife asked as I pulled out the bottle.

"Nope, this is Monavie! It's fruit juice."

I read the product label to my wife and she was impressed that a portion of the profits help preserve the Amazon rainforest. She's got a special place in her heart for rainforests.

How Did It Taste?
One thing that concerned me about the Monavie Active Juice was that the recommended serving was one to two ounces, taken twice a day. I'm not a "vitamin guy" and didn't like the idea of measuring out a "dosage" of fruit juice every morning and evening and so I put the Monavie in the fridge with the intention of getting back to it when I was in that "vitamin" state of mind.

Monavie NutritionA couple of days later I was talking to Giebeig and he asked me how I liked the juice.

"I haven't tried it yet," I replied.

He asked why.

"I just don't feel like measuring out my fruit juice."

"That's a recommendation," Giebeig said. "You can drink as much as you want."

What a relief. The next day I opened the bottle and drank a glass. It wasn't bad. It was fruity with a hint of pepper. The taste reminded me of raspberries. It was thick, almost V8 thick but without the tomatoes. It's a lot like drinking Looza Nectar.

The smell was very strong and not exactly pleasant. It's possible that the smell negatively impacted my taste buds a bit. My overall impression was positive but I think it would take some time for me to acquire a taste for Monavie Active Juice. And I could see that happening if it weren't so expensive.

How Much Does It Cost?
Giebeig explained that the juice retails for $45 a bottle and that the wholesale price is as low as $21. It's a 750 ML bottle and many good wines costs less for the same quantity.

"But the fruits are exotic and the profits help the rainforest," my wife explained.

"Honey, it's $45 per bottle of JUICE," I protested. "I don't care if it cures cancer. That's a lot of money for fruit juice."

"Doesn't it make you feel better?" she asked.

Does It Work?
Monavie GlassAh, does Monavie Active Juice work? I'll cut to the chase — no. Not for me anyway. True, I only drank one bottle and didn't take the recommended servings but I didn't feel any different after drinking the juice. Giebeig tried to explain all the scientific research and data supporting the health benefits of Monavie but I stopped him short.

"Jerry, I don't want to know all that stuff," I said. "If it works, I'll feel it no matter what the scientists say. And I don't want to be psychologically influenced by any marketing material and develop some placebo effect."

And I didn't feel anything. I don't really have anything bad to say about Monavie Active Juice but it's just not something I can see myself spending money on with one exception — if it were cheaper. If I could snag a bottle for $7 or so I might become a Monavie fan. I wouldn't join the MLM but I could see myself drinking it regularly after I got used to the taste.

What Is Monavie?
I'm not exactly sure what Monavie is but I'll tell you what I know. It's an MLM that has very few products (compared to Quixtar) and has recently been joined by former Amway/Quixtar Diamonds Brig Hart and Bruce Anderson, both of whom have recently been involved in legal disputes with Quixtar.

Is Monavie better or worse than any other MLM business? I have no idea. Monavie distributors like Giebeig certainly believe it's better but what MLM distributor doesn't believe that their latest endeavor is the "greatest opportunity in the world?"

On The Radio
If you'd like to hear my audio review of Monavie Active Juice check out the January 13, 2006 podcast from QBlog Radio.

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January 27, 2006

I Give Up

By QBlog in Blog News

No Help Desk™ today as I try to stay sane during yet another server issue. Many complained about database connection errors on the Quixtar BLOG Forum and one solution was to move some things around.

I reluctantly agreed to do this knowing that, in my experience, these things never go smoothly. And of course, everything is screwed up.

The move didn't work. The Forum is now missing data and not allowing me to insert new data. It's all one giant foul-up.

This is a giant headache that I really don't need. Yes, I'm bitching and whining but I'm sick of dealing with all this crap and need to vent somehow.

I just want things to work. If it costs more money, I'll pay. And thanks for your recommendations of other services but I don't want to move again. That was a nightmare that I don't want to repeat and I'm convinced that it's the rule rather than the exception.

When half the time I spend on this site is fixing things, troubleshooting problems and optimizing the site then I really feel I've got a problem.

Just call me frustrated.

UPDATE: My host has done the move for me and it seems to have worked well except that a few of the most recent posts were lost. For now, I'm satisfied and I don't have to think about it again.

Does anyone want to be the QBlog DBA? The pay is lousy but the rewards are... well... also lousy. You'll get a cool QBlog T-Shirt!

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January 26, 2006

Three Years and Counting

By QBlog in Blog News

During the migration mess in November I totally forgot about this blog's three year anniversary. And then all the Holiday Craziness further delayed an anniversary post. But now I'm taking the time to say that on November 8, 2002, I published my first entry on the Quixtar BLOG. It was one of those lame "welcome" posts but it was the first and I guess that somehow makes it special.

The second post dealt with Quixtar's "Image Issue" and was a little more interesting.

And oddly enough, the posts kept coming. The pace was slow at first, a couple of entries each week, but it wasn't long before I was publishing at least one entry per day. That grueling pace yielded a lot of posts (1208), even more comments (14,005) and quite a few memorable moments (some fun, others not so fun).

To commemorate the three year Quixtar BLOG anniversary I've compiled a list of memorable posts, arranged in no particular order.

I'm exhausted. That's all I'll post for now but I've left so much out. What memorable QBlog moments can you add to the list?

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January 25, 2006

Quixtar Chatter - January 25, 2006

By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter

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Prospecting

By QBlog in Humor

From the movie Garden State

Prospecting


I'm looking for smart people like you. (368 Kb mp3 download)

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January 23, 2006

Monday Reader Mail: 71

By QBlog in Reader Mail

I'm no expert on marriage but I'm betting Quixtar is not the best place to go for keeping a marriage alive. After all, it's just a business right?

As always, my comments appear in bold

name: sam p.
date: January 17, 2006

message: You are a man of no integrity.

Because I don't share Sam's affinity for an MLM I have no integrity? That's odd.

This business is the only thing that has kept my marriage alive.

I'm sorry but that's just sad.

I could care less about the money.

Good for Sam. If only Quixtar were filled with people who felt the same way!

You are not a nice man with no conscience.

Grammarians to the rescue!

I will pray for your Heart!! Im sure you will find him some day.
Sam

I'm hoping "him" is God and not some Quixtar-crazed IBO with a grudge.

That's all the Reader Mail this week! Thanks for reading and keep sending in your emails.

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January 22, 2006

Blogging 101 - Community Blogging

By Matt Wood in Blogging 101

The downfall of many a good blog has been a simple lack of content. Even the most well-intentioned blogger can find themselves without enough time to give their blog the attention it deserves. You know the story: you fire up that new WordPress installation with a burst of inspriation, promising to change the world with your thoughts on politics, Mac software, or dirt track motocross racing, and you post five times a day for a month straight. But soon life intervenes, you start posting less and less, and before you know it you're posting apologies for being away so long more often than you write anything new. It's okay, you're only human. Very few people get paid to blog, so it's usually the first thing that suffers when life happens.

Good Help Isn't So Hard to Find
One way to prevent a slow, agonizing blog death is to make it a team effort. The simple act of getting more monkeys pounding away at the keyboard for you can make the world of difference, and it can give your blog the variety that will keep people coming back. Witness the popularity of sites like Boing Boing, Gizmodo, and Daily Kos. Each of these sites has their own niche, but range widely enough within that area and post with enough frequency to build a huge audience.

I write for Chicagoist, a group blog about all things happening in the Windy City. With a team of about 20 regular contributors, we're usually able to post at least 12 times a day, covering topics from city politics to food and drink to sports and music. Some of the writers cover a specific beat, while others, like myself, fill in the gaps with general coverage. That would be a pretty ambitious undertaking for one person, but as a group we're able to cover all the angles, and not just superficially; most posts are over 300 words and consolidate multiple news sources.

Chicagoist Editor Rachelle Bowden started the site in 2004 as the second in the Gothamist family of city blogs. At first, she ran the site with just one other friend. She describes those first few weeks as "hellish," but once the site gained some popularity, they posted a call for contributors and the family grew.

Bowden says she reserves the right to edit any content posted by other Chicagoist contributors, but leaves much of the editorial process up to the writers. Each of us has a Movable Type account, and we post content ourselves. When asked if she ever thought about reviewing posts before they go live, Bowden says, "Maybe for a millisecond. But it's too time consuming especially since we're not getting paid. We put more time into finding quality contributors that we can trust."

Chicagoist has a formal application process for would-be contributors. Any time there is an opening, Bowden posts a job description to ask for help. Applicants usually send in writing samples, explain why they're a good fit, and draft some test posts to show that they can write in the Chicagoist style. Bowden and the associate editors review the applications and have the best candidate make a test run for a few days before joining the team full-time. But starting a group blog doesn't have to be so formal--you can simply ask some of your friends. Chances are you know some like-minded people who would love to rant and rave about their favorite topics.

A key part of keeping Chicagoist running smoothly is open communication. We have a Yahoo Group where we toss around topics and hash out ideas before they go online. Bowden usually posts a message early each morning with potential topics for the day, and the rest of us scan the news and add ideas for our specific beats. To prevent overlap, contributors claim dibs on a story before they start writing. The ensuing discussion helps set the tone for the day, but mostly it helps us get to know each other. Bowden says this constant communcation also helps find good writers. "We put a lot of time into talking on a daily basis. That way we can get a good feeling that people aren't going to come out of right field and write something crazy," she says.

What Readers Expect
By their nature, group blogs usually focus on a specific topic, like the city in which you live, a local sports team, gadgets and gizmos, or politics. As such you have less leeway for what you post on a group blog. In large part, this comes from a responsibility to your readers, who were attracted by the site's topic in the first place. Bowden says, "With the topic of the group blog being the City of Chicago, I only write about things relevant to the city, whereas on my personal site I dont really care about my audience as much so I can feel free to write about what I had for dinner and how fabulous my new jeans are."

This doesn't mean that a group blog has to lack personality. In fact, if each contributor develops a unique style, it adds to the dynamic of the site. Be aware though that as a team effort, readers will expect a certain amount of consistency unless you explicitly develop a forum for debate. You don't have to bend to their every whim, but you would do well to think about their expectations. Just the other day, a reader confronted me about my stance on smoking bans recently passed in Chicago. My view happens to differ from that of other Chicagoist writers who have addressed the topic, but he had assumed that we were all of the same mind. The resulting fallout ended in some ugly comments that could have been avoided had I paid more attention to the team's general stance.

Group Blog Isn't Spelled With an I Either
Working for Chicagoist has made me more aware of that basic human need to belong to something. Fill in all the corny slogans about teamwork that you want, but working with others on a blog raises the stakes. It's easy to let a personal blog slide because you only have to answer to yourself. But with a group, you feel an obligation to do the best job you can because you don't want to let your friends down. The responsibility may be greater when others rely on your to carry your weight, but the results are well worth it.

  - By Matt Wood

Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.

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January 21, 2006

QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 47

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: Is it true that the Kia guy running the "Real Quixtar Blog" is really a public relations manager at Quixtar?
Answer: Yeah. His name is Robin Luymes and rumor has it he can make a mean rhubarb pie!

Q: I love rhubarb pie!
A: Who doesn't? It's so tangy and sweet. Like a slice of heaven you can eat.

Q: No doubt. So why did it take Luymes nearly 18 months to publicly share his identity as the "blog's" author?
A: I think he was busy perfecting his rhubarb pie recipe and just kept putting off the big announcement.

Q: But, why does his big "outing" post seem so defensive?
A: Because he's very sensitive about his "blog." Some people apparently claim it's not really a blog and I think it hurts his feelings because his life-long dream has been to be a super-cool blogger like Jason Kottke or Glenn Reynolds.

Q: But does his "blog" have permalinks?
A: No.

Q: Trackbacks?
A: No.

Q: An automatic archiving system?
A: Apparently not.

Q: An RSS feed?
A: No.

Q: Does his "blog" ping Weblogs.com or Technorati or any other similar service?
A: No.

Q: Does he update it infrequently with self-righteous musings that overstate his own importance while putting down those who disagree with his opinions and observations?
A: Yep!

Q: Ah Ha! So it is a blog after all.
A: Apparently so.

 

Q: Again with the tardy Help Desk™?
A: Wha? Tardy? Isn't this Friday?

Q: No, it's not. You know damn well that it's Saturday.
A: Ummm...

Q: Let me guess. You were building a time machine? Or, you were in Malaysia and got your days mixed up?
 A: Well...

Q: Out partying?
 A: To be honest, we were all getting ready for Executive Diamond Club (password protected) in Kauai, Hawaii. The entire Help Desk™ staff gets to go! Check out the video and slideshow for EDC. It's gorgeous!

Q: Wow! That's fantastic. I wish I could go.
A: Keep working and one day maybe you can go! Diamond forever baby!

 

Q: Don't you think it's odd that Jody Victor is the only tool business owner on the This Biz Now website? Especially considering that he's not a big fan of This Biz Now and the fact that he's currently got a little "thing" going on with Scott Larsen.
A: Ummm... no. He's a success story and so it's only fitting that he's on the "Profiles of Success" page.

Q: But why is Victor getting all the love? Why not Orrin Woodward or Fred Harteis or Billy Florence or even Casey Combden?
A: Because none of them have cool last names like Victor!

Q: Ah, good point. Victor is a sweet last name. To the Victor go the spoils.
A: That Jody, he's truly a Victor.

Q: Yeah. Can't do much with Woodward.
 A: Or Florence. Only images Florence brings to mind are Florence Henderson of the Brady Bunch and Florence, Italy.

Q: Florence, Italy isn't a bad image.
 A: No, it's not but it sure can't compare to Victor.

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January 19, 2006

Weekly Top 10 Keywords

By QBlog in Blog News

I'm starting a new feature called the "Weekly Top 10 Keywords." Guess what it does.

Come on, take a guess.

If you guessed, "Pasteurize milk" you'd be wrong.

The Weekly Top 10 Keywords displays the ten most popular search words that resulted in traffic to the Quixtar BLOG.

For example, this week the keyword that generated the most traffic was "quixtar." That includes searches from various search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Dogpile (yeah, they're still around).

This means that more people found this site by typing the word "quixtar" into a search engine than any other word or phrase. Am I over explaining this? Seems pretty simple.

How?
Ok, here's how I get the Top Ten list. I look at my site stats. I examine the "Searches" category and organize by "Most Common." I then take the first ten keywords listed and put them into the Top Ten list.

Where Is It?
Where is the Weekly Top 10 Keywords? It's on the right side of the page under the recommended blogs. See it? Did you look? Ok, maybe you need to scroll around a little but it's there. I promise.

When Does It Update?
The Top 10 List is updated every Thursday. That's the day after Wednesday and right before Friday. If you're confused, check a calendar.

Exciting
I know, you're excited just like me. This will let everyone see what keywords are beating the other keywords. However, this is for entertainment purposes only. Please, no wagering.

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January 17, 2006

41 Episodes

By QBlog in Blog News

Wow. I've produced 41 episodes of the QBlog Radio podcast. Amazing!

If you've never heard an episode then why not give it a listen. Download the shows to your hard drive or put the RSS feed into your favorite podcast receiver. It's even easier to do if you use iTunes.

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Domino's And DeVos

By QBlog in Miscellaneous

The AP reports that the CEO of Domino's Pizza will head Dick DeVos' gubernatorial campaign.

Domino's Pizza Inc. CEO David Brandon will head Republican Dick DeVos' campaign to unseat Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Brandon, who lives in Ann Arbor and serves on several nonprofit boards in the Detroit area - including Detroit Renaissance and The Parade Company, which produces Detroit's annual Thanksgiving Day parade - said he wants to help the Kent County businessman improve his ties to the vote-heavy region.

Here's what the blogs are saying:

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January 16, 2006

Contacting Quixtar Leaders

By QBlog in A/QMOs

Scott Larsen's recent string of retractions and page modifications includes a brief explanation of why he neglected to contact various Quixtar leaders to get their take on his opinionated analysis:

...However it is extremely difficult for me to establish a dialog with them since their e-mail address, addresses, and telephone numbers are not easily found.

Well, now Larsen can't claim ignorance as a defense. He can contact Jody Victor at jody@markerman.com and Billy Florence at billy@dreamchasers.org. Hope this helps avoid confusion in the future.

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Monday Reader Mail: 70

By QBlog in Reader Mail

This week's Reader Mail is from Julio R. and is a response to Reader Mail 66 from Luis H. The mail from Luis explains that his girlfriend is in Quixtar and he would like to convince her to be more skeptical of the business. Here's Julio's response:

name: Julio R.
date: December 19, 2005

message: Reference Luis and his girlfriend. I was an IBO with Quixtar for 2 years, and after returning from Hawaii this summer from a Lifestyle conference I said "this is it no more of this for me".

My losess for the last two years amount to almost $20,000.00, must of it in functions, books and tapes(cd's) that did not teach me anything about how to market products, but pretty much on how to manipulate others into getting in a "business" that did not deliver what it preached. This expense, my friend Luis was not including buying those products from "my mart".

The largest check I received fro Quixtar was $699.00 after spending a large sum of money in order to qualify or a pin (what an idiot I am). The last check was for $4.20. I'm a Hispanic just like you so if you want to contact me , please feel free: (email address removed). You're doing the right thing by staying away from it.

By the way I was at 1500 pv an had a downline of 25 people. Gradualy they started to fade away because THEY WERE NOT MAKING ANY MONEY, specialy with this "pipeline concept" IT DOES NOT WORK! Again if you would like to contact me, feel free.
Good luck
Julio R.

I removed Julio's email address but if Luis or anyone else would like it, send me an email and I'll forward it to you.

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January 15, 2006

Blogging 101 - iTunes Valid Feeds

By QBlog in Blogging 101

So, you've figured out how to publish a podcast and even got it listed in the iTunes Music Store podcast directory. But you haven't quite figured out how to make your plain, generic listing look slick, professional and personalized. Well, pay attention because I'm here to help.

Plain Jane Listing
Plain Podcast


Enhanced Super-Cool Listing
Enhanced Podcast

By now you're familiar with the iTunes podcast submission process. Fill out a simple form and your podcast will be listed as soon as it's reviewed by Apple's esteemed "Podcast Approval Team." Easy! However, the submission process does not provide a way to add things like artwork, author name and extended descriptions. Such extras must be included in the RSS feed and adding them can be a complicated and confusing exercise.

For example, take a quick look at Apple's podcast tutorial. It's a lengthy page filled with lines of code, iTunes-specific tags and confusing jargon. Not exactly helpful unless you're a l337 h4x0r. What's the average podcaster to do?

Obviously you don't want to hand-code your RSS feed for each new podcast as one tutorial suggests. Whenever a podcast tutorial includes the phrase "open up a text editor, like Windows notepad" you should run away — fast! What you want instead is an application, service or plug-in that simplifies and automates the iTunes tagging process.

Create A Graphic
Inside The NetThere are several solutions and you should pick which one meets your specific blogging needs. But before making your decision you need to create a graphic. You know, that cool image that makes your podcast look like it belongs on iTunes. Your graphic doesn't have to be fancy. It could be a personal photo, some cheap stock art or simply the title of your podcast. The only requirement is that your image be a square jpeg measuring 300 pixels wide and 300 pixels high.

I suggest using an image that looks good as it shrinks because it will be displayed at smaller sizes on the main iTunes directory. Some tools even suggest creating a 144x144 pixel image for thumbnail views.

The Solutions
I found several solutions that should meet the needs of most podcasters. Some require a bit more knowledge than others but they're all much easier than hand-coding your RSS feed for each new podcast.

  • Feedburner - Possibly the easiest way to get your podcast feed published. Feedburner makes promoting your podcast to iTunes a cinch and it's FREE! Just follow the simple instructions and you're done. (Recommended for Blogger.com and those who don't host their own podcasts).
  • Audioblog - Get started for $4.95 a month and your feed is automatically ready for iTunes. Provides hosting of your podcast files too. Recommended for those who don't mind spending some money and who don't want to be bothered with running their own site.
  • Loudblog - This free application runs on your PHP server and supports iTunes valid feeds.
  • WP-IpodCatter - A free, easy to install plug-in for Wordpress-powered blogs that really works. It's what I used to get my iTunes valid podcast information uploaded.

Who's Missing?
Sadly, I can't find any solutions for Movable Type or TypePad. If you're using either of those tools to get your podcast feed published you'll probably need to use something like Feedburner to generate your iTunes tags.

Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.

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January 13, 2006

QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 46

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 got what looks like a pair of women's underwear in my box of Incredible Edibles. Are they edible?
Answer: Hold up. You found underwear in with your XS Energy drinks and Nutrilite?

Q: XS? Nutrilite? No, this is a box full of edible items like a tiny log cabin, a necklace, some sort of hat and what appears to be women's underwear.
A: Oh. I don't think that's Quixtar's new "Incredible Edibles." Does the box have any writing on the side?

Q: Yeah, but it's all in Korean and has a picture of a rabbit riding on a donkey.
A: Yeah. That's definitely not Quixtar. If the picture had been a monkey riding a goat, well that would be something to consider but Quixtar definitely does not use rabbits and donkeys as logos. What color are those underpants anyway?

Q: Mfffmph... Buh whuh wed.
A: Huh? Can't understand... hey! You're not eating them are you?

Q: Yeb.
A: Ewwwww.

 

Q: Looks like Jody Victor's really going after Scott Larsen huh?
A: They be a-feudin'.

Q: This is a strange new tactic don't you think?
A: There's a method to the madness. Victor is going after Larsen on things like his pin level and whether or not some picture got PhotoShopped. That's merely a diversion. Victor doesn't want anyone to know that he's really a Super-Robot who can fly, move at super-sonic speeds and emit an electo-magnetic pulse from his fingertips.

Q: Whoa! I had no idea. That's wicked awesome! How can he keep his super-secret from IBOs?
 A: Well, he's a very advanced model. A prototype actually. Amway developed a robotics program back in the '60s to produce a "Home Helper Bot" that would do housecleaning. The technology from that program was enhanced and, after many revisions, produced the Victor-Bot. If you watch his eyes, you'll notice that he never blinks. That's because of Robot-Vision.

Q: Are you sure he's a robot? I mean that's cool but it sounds sort of far-fetched. Just hard to believe.
 A: Well, I can't prove it but I can say that the newest member of the Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go is named Jody V. Isn't that enough proof?

Q: I love that show! I'll love it even more with Jody V.
A: You betcha!

 

Q: Was Jim Payne on the Today Show a couple of weeks ago?
A: He certainly was. He was there for less than a minute promoting the generous $2.2 million toy donation Quixtar made to the Toy Drive.

Q: Wow. That's awesome. Wish I'd seen it. You think it's available on iTunes?
A: Probably not.

Q: Wonder how many iPods I could buy with $2.2 million.
 A: A bunch I'm sure.

Q: What else has Jim Payne been up to?
 A: He's often spotted at the Starbuck's at what used to be Woody's Market on Ada Drive. It's now called something else but I forget what. The little secret is that he always puts BIG tips in the tip jar. Drops twenties like they were quarters.

Q: What a generous man!
 A: True dat.

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January 12, 2006

Quixtar BLOG Stats

By QBlog in Blog News

As some of you know, a portion of the Quixtar BLOG site stats are public. Those who poke around a little will be rewarded with traffic info related to this blog, excluding the Forum. I have generally relied on basic server stats provided by my host for the most accurate traffic data but also enjoy some of the features bundled with free public stats tools.

I have a personal policy of not publicly stating my site stats for various reasons. One reason is that I think site traffic is oftentimes overrated. I'd much rather have a site with 20 devoted readers than one with 1,000 passersby.

However, I think there is sometimes value in sharing site traffic and that's exactly what I'm going to do for the next 48 hours. Today I installed a new stat tool called called Mint. It's not as robust as some tools I've used in the past but it does an excellent job of displaying some of the basics in a very fresh manner. The stats will be public for two days and then I'll close off access.

I should also point out that as of right now, the tracking mechanism is not on every Quixtar BLOG page but it should be by the end of the night. Update: Stats tracking on virtually every Quixtar BLOG page now. And, if you like the stats and how they're displayed, I encourage you to purchase Mint (it's $30 per site) for your own site stats. No, I don't get anything for saying that or for referring anyone. I leave that stuff to the Network Marketers ;0). I just think it's a nice product and since I don't have Google Analytics yet it's a good substitute.

  • The Quixtar BLOG site stats access has been restricted

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January 10, 2006

Database Large

By QBlog in Blog News

My Database is large. Too large for my host. That's why it was shut down over the last couple of days. It's been restored but I will have to do some things to be sure it doesn't bloat again and to reduce its current size.

Thanks for your patience.

UPDATE: Tracked down the source of the large DataBase problem with the help of my friend from Canada. Here's what happened, in a nutshell.

There are around 15,000 comments on all my blogs with nearly 14,000 on the Quixtar BLOG. That in itself isn't an issue. It creates a large DataBase but nothing unmanageable. However, Movable Type 3.2 (which is what I use to power this blog) has a "junk" folder where most of my spam comments are automatically dumped. The spam comments stay in the "junk" folder for a period of time and then are automatically deleted.

The "junk" folder had nearly 22,000 spam comments all accumulated over the past 45 days. That is what beefed up my DataBase. After removing the spam comments the DataBase was reduced by nearly one third its original size.

Some other optimization was done but mainly the junk comments were the problem. Now I have them deleted after five days instead of 45.

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January 9, 2006

Monday Reader Mail: 69

By QBlog in Reader Mail

Juice Plus has hit my radar again.

date: January 5, 2005
name: Katie

message: Is Juice Plus and some water filter part of this whole corporation????

By "whole corporation" I assume Katie means Quixtar. No, Juice Plus is not part of Quixtar. Quixtar does sell an excellent water filter but I don't know if Juice Plus does.

I was first introduced to Juice Plus through some of my wife's friends at church. I know almost nothing about it though it seems to be affiliated with something called NSA.

Sites like MLM Watch take a "critical look" at the business. That's about all I know.

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January 8, 2006

Blogging 101 - Going Corporate

By Kathleen Vandervelde in Blogging 101

If you ever find yourself in a position to take on the blogger's mantle for your company, I urge you to think twice. Then, DO it!

As a former corporate blogger, I can tell you that the satisfaction potential in "going public" for your employer is pretty high. Why? Because you and your fellow bloggers can become a powerful force in shaping the public image of your company.

Think about it. You have first-hand knowledge of new products and new business developments, and you're taking this information to the world before most traditional marketing machines can get their motors running. Just by being timely, bloggers get first crack at grabbing the public's attention.

To take it further, blogging is not just about pushing news and information into the market. It's also about analysis and commentary. It's creating context by which readers can understand and relate to your company. It's taking in -- and acting upon -- comments, suggestions and questions from customers, prospective customers and the public at large.

By engaging directly with the marketplace -- conducting a dialogue, really -- you are helping your company build a community that's loyal to your products and brand.

Move over, traditional marketing
Smart companies are leveraging the power of these exchanges. Writing for the collaborative blog, "Creating Passionate Users " Kathy Sierra points out how the "open source /cluetrain world" is causing traditional "old-school" marketing to give way to "neo-marketing." She draws some interesting contrasts between the two:
  • In old-school marketing, marketers have the power. In neo-marketing, users do.
  • Old-school marketing employs one-way broadcast. Neo-marketing uses two-way conversation.
  • The old school uses deception to sell. Neo-marketing depends on transparency.
  • In old-school marketing, the 30-second spot is king. In neo-marketing, it's word of mouth.
  • Old-school marketers attempt to get the customer to believe in it. In neo-marketing, you believe in it.


These particular neo-marketing attributes find expression through -- guess what -- blogging. Turns out, as the authors of The Cluetrain Manifesto proclaimed: Markets are indeed conversations.

Let the discussion begin
As a blogger, you get to begin that conversation for your company. And if you keep the dialogue going honestly, openly, you and your fellow bloggers can become primary influencers in how the market perceives your company, its products and its brand.

And if that's not enough of a head rush, you'll probably do it all without a formal marketing plan, communications brief, brainstorming session, concept presentation, photo shoot, copy approvals, or even -- gasp -- legal approvals.

Did I say corporate blogging can be hugely satisfying? You betcha.

Upcoming corporate blogging topics: Who are some of these blogger influentials? OK, let's see some results. Guidelines? What guidelines? It's still about transparency. How blogging can help you move up (or move out) PR blogging. CEO bloggers. Can you make money doing this?

Got an idea for a post? Send me an email.

New Blogger Introduction
A freelance writer living in West Michigan, Kathleen Vandervelde's past lives include both corporate and agency employment. She keeps several blogs, two of which you could definitely let your mother read: Coit Avenue and Things I've Seen.

Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.

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January 7, 2006

Claire Zevalkink Resigns?

By QBlog in Quixtar

I recently heard that the Vice President of Marketing for Quixtar has resigned her position. The rumor is that Claire Zevalkink resigned not long after Randy Bancino, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, abruptly left Quixtar. I don't believe the two resignations are connected but it does seem to be a curious coincidence.

In related news, Quixtar reports that Rob Davidson, former Vice President of Global Business Conduct and Rules, has replaced Randy Bancino as VP of Sales & Marketing.

RUMOR UPDATE: Some are speculating that Zevalkink's resignation is connected to Bancino's resignation. It's only rumors mind you. There's also rumors that there was an illness in Zevalkink's immediate family.

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January 6, 2006

Quixtar Chatter - January 6, 2006

By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter

  • Sample SNAFU - Yeah, so I signed up for free products on Dec. 10, after the offer. Immediately got an email that said "Thank you for your interest in our products. We will process your request for our free sample within the next 24 hours." I still don't have my free products or an email explaining why. UPDATE: I got the products! Thanks!
  • A Brush with Quixtar - "I said I wouldn't post about Quixtar anymore, but reading through Standing Order Tapes reminded me of an experience I had last month."
  • Amway Presentation - A chance to annoy your friends and family
  • A Common Passion - Quixtar is like a fraternity. It is a fraternity.
  • Scoobie Google Bombs Quixtar and I'm not a fan of it. But, at least he's honest about what he's doing.
  • Wanna make some cash?

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QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 45

By QBlog in Farcical Help Desk

QBlog's 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 can't figure out how to use the new Quixtar message center.
Answer: Well, it's pretty simple. If you have a message it displays that message and you read it.

Q: How do I know if I have a message? Does a light blink or something?
A: Ummm... It will say that you have a message.

Q: Well, right now it says "No messages."
A: Right. Ok.

Q: So how do I get my messages?
A: You don't have any to get.

Q: Right. So what am I doing wrong?
A: Is this Orrin Woodward again?

Q: No, Jody Victor.
A: Ah. That makes more sense.

 

 

Q: Orrin Woodward is a sexy man.
A: Pardon?

Q: He's lost a lot of weight and is looking really hot right now. Have you seen him lately?
A: I guess not.

Q: Check him out now compared to how he looked a couple of years ago. He's a genuine stud-muffin.
 A: Wow. He has cleaned up nicely. Doesn't look like The Beaver anymore.

Q: Where can I get a full-size, lifelike poster of Orrin? I want to put it in my room to help motivate me.
 A: Maybe try the Team store?

Q: K, thanks!
 A: Sure.

 

Q: I'm thinking of changing my name to Bo Terhune Douglas. How do I do that?
A: Uhhhh...

Q: I can do that right?
A: I suppose. Why?

Q: Because they're my heroes.
 A: Who?

Q: Bo Short, Marshall Douglas and John Terhune. Combining their names to create a name for me would be a perfect homage to the men I look up to and admire. Besides, I hate the name I got now.
 A: And what is your name?

Q: Jody Dexter Kosage.
 A: Ack! I should have seen that coming!

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January 5, 2006

Analyzing An Attorney's Perspective

By QBlog in TEAM

The Team is a Quixtar motivational organization originally founded in 1999 by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady under the name "Team of Destiny." The Michigan based business has grown tremendously over the years and is rumored to be one of the most successful Quixtar Lines of Affiliation.

However, as the Team has grown it's become the subject of criticism from consumer advocates like Dave Touretzky, Robert T. Carroll and Scott Larsen, who question the legitimacy of the motivational business. The Team has responded by publishing "An Attorney's Perspective,"  a detailed analysis of the Team compensation plan written by attorney Matt Abraham.

Clearly Abraham's analysis is intended to assuage the fears of potential (and existing) Team members by demonstrating that the Team and its compensation plan are legitimate and legal.

But since Abraham is also a member of the Team (having achieved the Quixtar Emerald level), and therefore directly profits from selling the Team, I thought it would be fair to provide an analysis of his "Attorney's Perspective." I asked LawDawg, the author of the LawBlawg, to share his perceptions of Abraham's analysis. His response is a lengthy and detailed analysis.

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January 2, 2006

Monday Reader Mail: 68

By QBlog in Reader Mail

A request for assistance.

name: kevin
date: December 29, 2005

message: Have you heard anything about groups filling the Georgia Dome with 100 diamonds. I was in Jerry Boggus's group a couple years ago and he told us all the God told him (Jerry) that He (God) was going to build 100 diamonds in Jerry's group and they would fill the Georgia Dome in September 2007.

Shortly after that announcement I went to a meeting held by Ron Hale and Ron was saying the same thing to his group. I quit the business shortly after that after wasting three years and $10,000 +.

Have you heard of this Georgia "Dome Diamond" prophesy thing.

Thanks.

kevin

Nope. I haven't heard of this at all. Maybe one of the QBlog readers can shed some light on this? Please leave a comment if you can help Kevin out. Thanks.

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January 1, 2006

Blogging 101 - Kill Your Blog

By QBlog in Blogging 101

Blogging 101 is back! I bet you're wondering about that special announcement I promised a couple of weeks ago. Well, a new guest blogger has agreed to join me and Matt Wood as a contributing writer for Blogging 101. I'll tell you more about her next week as she makes her Blogging 101 debut. Stay Tuned!

So, you hopped on the blogging bandwagon and posted your insightful commentaries about U.S. Foreign Policy, the rude waiter at Applebee's and that hilarious Snakes on a Plane meme. Yet, like the day after a Tequila-inspired Vegas wedding, you've come to your senses and realized that you really don't need a blog. But you have a blog, maybe even a popular one, and you're now faced with the challenge of getting rid of it and abandoning that self-imposed responsibility to churn out free content.

What To Do?
Obviously the easiest way to kill a blog is to simply stop blogging. If you don't feed the beast, it will eventually die of starvation right? Well sure but you're not a sick, sadist. You just want to stop blogging, not leave your readers speculating about what happened to you and why your posts suddenly halted.

Did she die?

I heard he was arrested.

Maybe he's in a coma? Or has amnesia?

Vacation or Death?
Before you decide to kill your blog I suggest that you take a break to think things over. Post a message letting readers know that you're putting the blog on hold and then leave it alone for a few weeks. If you still have the blogging itch after your hiatus then pick up right where you left off. But if you don't feel the itch then it's probably time to hang it up and kill off your blog.

How to Kill Your Blog
Each blog is different and therefore each blog death will be unique. However, most blog deaths should follow some practical guidelines to ensure that your piece of the Blogosphere doesn't end up resembling an abandoned Wal-Mart.

Here are seven recommendations for killing your blog:

  1. Be honest about the motivation for killing your blog. If you're killing it because it got you fired, let the world know.

  2. Once you kill your blog, resist the temptation to resurrect it. Nobody likes a zombie blog.

  3. Make the death quick and painless. There's nothing worse than a long, agonizing death. Don't waste dozens of posts explaining your action. Do it quick and do it with confidence. One farewell post should suffice.

  4. Don't delete your blog. Deleting a blog looks like you're trying to hide something and that feeds conspiracy theories. Simply kill it, have a funeral and put up an appropriate tombstone engraved with a clever epitaph for posterity.

  5. Be sure to tell your readers where you'll be spending your time if you decide to blog somewhere else. Unless of course you're killing your blog because you want to start blogging anonymously.

  6. Leave all the archives up for as long as possible. If you're paying for hosting then you may need to remove the blog at some point but post a termination date and explain your reasons for removal.

  7. Unless you plan to monitor comments for spam you should disable the comment (and trackback) features.

Conclusion
There's no shame in properly disposing of a blog. Our lives change. Our goals change. Sometimes our blogs can't adapt to those changes and it's better to kill a blog than to leave it lingering, sporadically updated with second-rate content.

Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.

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Bo Short's Perfect Storm

By QBlog in Oasis LifeSciences

From former Quixtar Diamond Bo Short's recent press release:

Bo Short and his team are experiencing tremendous success with Oasis LifeSciences. He concludes, "Finding Oasis LifeSciences was like landing in the middle of 'The Perfect Storm.' It is incredible and such a rarity in this industry."

What is "The Perfect Storm?" Well, it was a Wolfgang Peterson film released in 2000 about an unusually intense storm pattern that "catches some commercial fishermen unaware and puts them in mortal danger." The film chronicled the devastating meteorological events that transpired in October 1991, in the North Atlantic.

Wikipedia defines a perfect storm as "a situation where, by the confluence of specific events, what might have been a minor issue ends up being magnified to proportions that are out of control."

Maybe Bo Short should hire a copy editor?

UPDATE: Ty Tribble has correctly pointed out that the term "perfect storm" has come to mean more than simply a meteorological disaster or the magnification of minor issues to "proportions that are out of control."

A quick Google News search yields results that use the term to explain positive situations as well as negative ones.

One question to ask is what Bo Short was trying to say with his press release. Clearly he was trying to say that his perfect storm was positive. However, I still wonder why he capitalized his use of the term. I can't find an instance of its usage in that manner (capitalized) when it does not refer to the Perfect Storm of the North Atlantic in 1991.

Should Bo Short hire a copy editor? Probably so. Does perfect storm mean something positive as well as something negative? Yes indeed.

Has this whole issue been taken way too seriously? Absolutely. It was funny. Like a Bushism. That's all.

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