Hi Winston, I guess I have a lot of personal knowledge, inside knowledge, of the rate of relationship breakdowns in MLM's. (not my own incidentally, in case anybody was wondering) I know relationships are in crisis everywhere. Linda, posted some excellent material on that. No need to labour the point. That's fact. My statement... I saw it happen within the mechanics of MLM. I have read a massive tome of evidence on it - several hundred pages. I have been privy to the words of a very senior MLM'er who said that "the business" just wasn't worth the heartache it caused. I think that 10 years of watching it all unfold and being witness to personality changes in one partner and not the other allows me to say these things. Sure, the relationship may be rocky from the start. I think Heather mentioned that in an earlier post. If that is the case then MLM indoctrination and methods of operation will hasten it. Is that good or bad? I don't know. Maybe it is better to quit a bad relationship sooner rather than later. Whether you agree or disagree is immaterial. I have put the thoughts out there for all current or intending MLMers to be wary of. If your relationship is "rocky" MLM will be the catalyst that will speed it up. Winston, regarding earlier rock and roll references, should we keep adding lines to Linda's American Pie post? I thought that was fun! Sorry Linda, that wasn't the exact title. What was it? Gary Simpson

Linda, As someone who is my no definition devoutly religious, I say to you: AMEN!!!!!!!

Gary, "I was gonna say this later but I'll mention it now. You referred to "little people" or words to that effect (haven't got that screen up at the moment) - I know what you mean but... never consider yourself as being in the "little" league. To be a big-leaguer you first have to think like a big-leaguer. It doesn't happen any other way. " I meant that literally, I'm only 4'6. Other than my stature, there is NOTHING else little about me, but I do understand and agree with your point.

Gary, You said.. "Whether you agree or disagree is immaterial. I have put the thoughts out there for all current or intending MLMers to be wary of. If your relationship is "rocky" MLM will be the catalyst that will speed it up." Your digging a hole and not going anywhere. An MLM relationship has been the greatest thing to happen to many people in this style of business. The real risk I see is that humans have a natural tendency to put themself at risk whenever they communicate. To me, whenever someone agrees or disagrees, it is relevant. I have said it before, a complaint is a sign of quality. I learnt this from a world known guy called Father Quality - Dr. Demming. I say we need to put more focus on evaluating products and services. Then evaluate the distribution and selling of these products and services. Over emphasizing people relationship just means that you may be suggesting a specific solution to a systemic problem. The systemic problem being poor quality product and service.

Hi Gary, I was gonna leave this grenade alone because it's close to home, but let me tell you about "a friend of mine". He's been married for 21 years to a really terrific lady, but they have been growing apart as their own lives evolve. He has a full time job, gets up in the morning and leaves the house after spending maybe a half hour with his wife. They each go off to their respective jobs, where they are each productive, appreciated, and respected. They enjoy their co-workers and occasionally have an after work drink with them. He's often is in no rush to get home, and I'm sure his wife feels much the same... What's at home? Lots of times, arguments, over largely trivial things, but all probably stemming from the fact that there really isn't a common thread in their lives regarding hopes and dreams, other than paying off the mortgage and watching the latest "Survivor". This is a relationship that is going down the toilet. (no matter which way the water swirls). Fast forward... 8 months ago his wife found a network marketing opportunity, one that my friend also thought was intriguing and showed possibilities of greater financial independence. So he joined up under her. They got excited about the "project". Now they are sharing again. Sharing successes, disappointments, strategies and thoughts. He is anxious to get home everyday now, to see what has transpired during the day, to share with his wife the excitement of what they are building together. He actually dreams of the day when they can both be working from home together. There is definitely a renewed vigor in their relationship. Network marketing very likely saved their marriage. That being said, I do agree that a "bad" network marketing plan that one of them believed in, and the other partner didn't would be disastrous. All the best. Bob