Hi: We're getting some great thoughts here! I'm sure this is just one of MANY posts that I'll end up posting - so, for starters... Bob: Got my wet noodles ready. lol Jack: I hope your prediction is right. David: Yup. LOL Bzzzzzz Cheri: No, it wasn't TMI. Great post! Winston: You're right... some of these could be a thread on their own. If any one area (ie; of the original questions) goes wild, I'll start a thread just for that part. To reply to just one of them so far.... I think that the reason MLM/NWM has such a "bad" name today is different than 10 years ago. I think 10-15 years ago, people that developed a bad taste for MLM were primarily people that didn't succeed in them. If they invested anything, such as buying product, and ended up taking a loss - that can leave a person feeling sour. I think today, MLM gets an even worse rap because of the vast number of people that don't know the difference between a Ponzi, a Pyramid and a Network Marketing Opp and get involved with Ponzi/Pyramid schemes and "think" they are in "network marketing." One of the things that's rampant online is that people use the wrong terminology. You can pour water in a glass and add a drop of red food coloring and call it fruit punch - but that doesn't MAKE IT fruit punch. It's colored water. Same thing. There are people saying "I'm into network marketing" - when they're really involved in Ponzi schemes. They recruit others who also don't know any better and eventually the members get sick of not making any money and think "NWM" sucks. What makes it difficult is that whether there is a product for sale or not isn't the dividing line between pyramid and MLM. Many Pyramid schemes DO have products for sale. The US Securities Exchange site actually discusses this. They say "The fraudsters behind a pyramid scheme may go to great lengths to make the program look like a legitimate multi-level marketing program. But despite their claims to have legitimate products or services to sell, these fraudsters simply use money coming in from new recruits to pay off early stage investors, but eventually the system will crash." I think that *thanks to the Internet* there's a lot of people saying "join my MLM/team/downline" when a more accurate terminology would be "join this Ponzi with me." : ) Linda

G'day Linda, Wow! makes you stop and think. 1) How do you feel about the concept of MLM/Network Marketing? Love it? Hate it? Why? I love the industry. The small start up cost which gives everyone the opportunity to get into business. Also like the interaction with people 2) Why does it have such a "bad" name? This can be blamed on existing distributors who promise new people the "world" without explaining that this is a business and work and time is needed to build an income. 3) What is the difference between an MLM/Network Marketing Business and a Ponzi/Pyramid scheme? A pyramid scheme rewards you for recruiting new people while an MLM rewards you for the volume of product sold through your business. 4) What is the "secret" to succeeding in MLM/Network Marketing - in your opinion? Hard work and consistancy. 5) Have you ever really made any money with MLM? If so, which one? yes! The company is an Australian home care manufacturer "Dominant Home Products" and is available only in Australia. Hope this helps as I need to keep it short. Have fun Bryan

I'm not sure who reads long emails but I'll be brief. 1.) "MLM/network marketing" are not the same; they're apples & oranges. For me, it's not loving or hating it, it's using it. 2.) In too many cases, the reputation of MLM is negative because in 99.9% of the MLM's, bad apples exist because of greed and plain and simple- liars. The first barrier for me is to ascertain whether or not I'm hearing the truth. A slick marketer, who you learn after it's too late, has communicated ideas that you think you heard him or say. What one has assumed to be an outcome that is almost guaranteed doesn't pan out, that's what has given most the negative reputation. If one does a search on the subject, I think it's like 90% of the people make only $80 or less a month in MLM's. The venture I'm in, uses the MLM approach to pay those who are part of the marketing system. It's a many sided strategy in applying the science of the synthetic automotive lubricants and related car care, training and other key aspects. 4.) "Secret" - there's no one secret because we all get into our trousers one leg at a time; some with the left and others with the right. 5.) My revenue from Amsoil is calculated from different sources: a. Commission credits accumulated from downline sales. (Percentage increases with higher commission credits) b. Retention bonus from a/c renewals c. Catalog/Online shopping sales formula. d. Direct sales profits e. Direct A/C bonus. The MLM's with the highest integrity have been around for many years or generations. Some of these have had much unfounded critisism. You knw which ones they are, I don't need to use space here. If I receive inquiries about my venture, I'll feel I've communicated this effectively. What's stopping you from joining me, more information or honesty? (I will never break confidentially about what level of revenue my venture produces, so don't even ask.)

Hi Linda, Oh my God! You did it. MLM. Just been sitting here in my flak-jacket reading all these interesting posts. Haven't put the kevlar helmet on yet. Looking through my battle wardrobe for the most robust one. Got a box of grenades on the floor... ... might wait a bit. Gary Simpson

Hi: ========================================= Oh my God! You did it. MLM. ========================================= But, of course. We're all about profit here.... and when you say "profit" - there are oodles and caboodles of people that automatically think "MLM" and "Network Marketing." Like horse and carriage. For some, it turns out that way. For others, not. But it's a HUGE issue in regard to the word "profit." : ) Linda P.S. I'll tell you my sister's MLM story later. LOL. It's hilarious.