Hi! Well - since everyone has wussed out so far, I'll venture an opinion. I happen to have a few of them laying around. (Heh, heh...) Bob asked... =========================================== "Why do "scammy" mlm's seem to target "christians"? Or maybe more correctly; why do a lot of "christians" seem to be marketing "scammy" mlm's?" =========================================== I've mentioned this type of theory before. I'll expand. As parents, when we have small children, we know their weakness. So, we tell them, "don't get in cars with strangers that offer you candy." Mmmm. Candy. It's their weakness. And we know it. For superman, it's Kryptonite. The stuff makes it hard for him to think straight. Loses his super powers and all. Adults have their weak spots, too. For many adults, it's money. Why? Because 90% of adults are in debt and/or don't have enough for retirement - and we KNOW it. So, people can dangle money out and say "oooh - join this and you'll make money - LOTS of money" - and people follow the pied piper right out of town. Over the cliff, sometimes. With SOME Christians, often the ones that consider themselves to be very devout - their weakness is often their religion. Type "christian business opportunity" into Google, you'll see what I mean. Put the two together. Take a devout Christian with financial difficulties and dangle "good Christian business" in their faces - and it's like a kid and candy. Or superman and kryptonite. I think the "christian" angle often makes them feel like they're not just another hedonist pursuing self gratification through wealth. (which actually sounds kind of fun... lol ... pardon my bizarre humour) The fact is, a lot of them get snookered into bad ideas just as easily as their less devout peers. It's the simple fact that the pundits pumping garbage know the buttons to push with each target market. That's my two cents worth... but I'm guessing, of course. Maybe someone can enlighten me? Add to it? : ) Linda P.S. For anyone who IS a devout Christian reading this, I am not insulting you, nor being a Christian. My mother would tan my hide. I am saying that some scammy MLMs will package up "Christian opportunities" and use your Christianity as a "hot button" to recruit you. There's lots of hot buttons they use. That's just one, and you're just one target market.

Sweet cheeks, =========== Heather my little honey blister... what will people think? Should one even care? Should what others think even be our business? ============ Caring what other people think would not be one of my strongest points : ) ========== Seriously, I am sorry to learn about your family condition. I have something in my family that is similar but not as threatening. =========== Thank you very much, but it really isn't necessary. Not life threatening at all. I completely understand what you're saying, I just can't believe that if you are really into the MLM to make money in it, why not seek out people that truley will be an assest. People interview for jobs, why wouldn't you interview someone that's going to be part of your downline? Make sure they have what it takes. A little extra effort upfront could save a lot of time and effort in the long run. Just my thoughts. When I hire someone to work under me I want to make sure that they are clear on what it is I expect of them and that they are capable and willing to do what it takes to be part of my team.

Winston, =========== Namely, the Motivational Tool Business? What does the future look like? Will the so called King-pins still be able to capitalize on this market the same way they did in the past? How is the internet impacting this business? Will the future of this business come from upline who provide this information to their downline Free of charge through the medium of a website (via articles/audio/video etc)? =========== I can't speak for anyone else, but I can tell you what my approach has been thus far. I don't really actively recruit. When I send out my ads, I let people know that they have the oppertunity to get involved with selling the products. If they contact me great, if they don't fine. I've more focused my attention on relaying to people that I want to provide them with the best service possible and that I'm willing to pull out all the stops. I've already gotten three requests for information already, and I've only posted the info in two ads. My attitude is that I can make my own money, sure, it would be great to get a percentage of a downline, but all in all it's my responsilbility to make my own money.

Hi Bob: ========================================= I don't think there is an actual debate about these "send me money and I'll pray for you" scams. Is there? ========================================= No - but we could start one. Seriously, it's a very good question. Why DO people fall for these? And not just "send money and I'll pray for you" but things like good old Tammy Faye and the mascara streaks. I mean, I have some understanding of cults and the brainwashing that goes into them. But people sitting right in their livingroom - UN brainwashed (I think?) and sending money to some person on TV - that I truly don't get. If there was a loudspeaker, I'd ask the room if anyone has sent money to a tv evalgelist and why. Thoughts? : ) Linda

Linda, ====== Okay, I ask... Can we BUY the product and fill the orders ourselves? Ummm... we can't do that, either... ====== That's just stupidity. And bad business. The company I'm dealing with will let you buy at wholesale and let you set whatever price you decide to set.