Sinking In Quixand

IBO Facts: Straight Answers To Tough Questions

2006-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Can this be right? Is "Sinking In Quixand" actually going to finish the series he began so long ago?

Well, not so fast.

Although I'm still an avid Quixtar 'critic', bent on one day bringing down the giant, I just don't have the time or desire to finish this, let alone continue posting regularly. As I said in this post, I've got three beautiful kids who are eager to spend time with their daddy, and time spent continually dumping on Quixtar can be just as bad as a Dad who neglects his kids while trying to build it. That said...Quixtar still sucks.

I'll still keep this site active, and even post from time to time when it suits me but hey, you are all big kids out there. If you haven't figured it out by now then you 'aint gonna. Good luck with your IBOship.

For those of you who are crying in your XS at the news of my not continuing the 'IBO Facts' series, I've got good news. 'Truth' is beginning his own 21 part series on this very thing. His first post on it is quite good.

So have fun. I'll check in again soon I hope. There may be some surprise good news happening in the near future. I'll let you know when it happens.

Peace.

On My Heart

2005-10-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I work for a church. A pretty large one here in the Pacific Northwest. We have an extremely thriving youth ministry. Just last week our Friday night youth 'hang-out' topped 200 kids! This is a great thing. God is certainly at work in powerful ways and I for one am grateful.

This kind of ministry takes a lot of work. Our youth leadership is top notch. It says a lot about their hard work and commitment when you see the continued growth in spiritual maturity and community that is taking place there.

Being a youth leader is a HUGE commitment. I've seen first hand the amount of time it takes to make it work. I've also seen the toll it can take on a person.

It's been said that the average youth pastor lasts approximately nine months at a church before they burn out. This is sad. Sad for the youth pastor, but even more sad for the kids that have invested their own growth in that persons leadership. I'll say it again, it's a HUGE commitment.

So perhaps this is why I've been thinking about Caleb and Sarah a lot these last few days.

Earlier this week, Qblog posted a link about Caleb and Sarah on his weekly 'Quixtar Chatter' column. Caleb and Sarah are youth pastors here in Washington who have recently celebrated their first anniversary as husband and wife. They have a link on their blog to another blog dedicated to their youth group. It too, looks to be an exciting time of spiritual enrichment for their church. A few days ago Sarah posted about her husband's recent venture into Quixtar IBOship.

She explained that she had reservations about the idea at first but now she thinks she's alright with it. She assured her readers that it wasn't an Amway or 'pyramid thingy', so not to worry. She went on to explain that she trusts her husband and her God and that she is sure that all will work out well. And I believe her.

I also believe that she's still concerned and unsure about all of this. I can tell this by what has happened over the course of time since the original post.

As critics, myself and others immediately commented on her blog to offer words of caution. The pro-camp countered accordingly. It soon got a little finger pointy and perhaps somewhat ugly. She has since deleted our comments and while we may not agree with it, I understand. I for one wish to apologize to both Caleb and Sarah for this as I'm sure that the intent of their blog was not to create a forum for their marital bumps but more, a place for family and friends to share in their life experiences with each other. I read through their entire blog last night and came to the realization that they are a Godly young couple who need the support and encouragement that any newlyweds do and that our bantering back and forth on their blog was neither polite or conducive to their relationship.

Do I still have concerns about their Quixtar involvement? Absolutely. I believe that this is a situation where they will need to take a close look at several issues in the coming months. They will need to decide whether or not making money (a little or a lot) at the expense and failure of others (including friends and family) is a Godly choice. They will need to be in full agreement on this endeavor as it will ultimately affect their marriage and their relationships. And I believe that they will ultimately need to decide on which is more important: their Quixtar business or their youth group. And this is a big deal. If they sincerely love the kids in their group and care about their spiritual growth, they need to be fair to them by deciding quickly which will be their focus. This may sound harsh but experience in both Quixtar and in youth leadership tells me that you cannot do both effectively.

I will continue to pray for Caleb and Sarah and I encourage you all to do the same. Critics or pros, it doesn't matter. Just pray for their discernment and wisdom to be defined by God so that they can decide what is their true calling. This is a big deal that will affect many kids' lives.

As a side note, I'd encourage us also to respect the spirit of their blog. It may seem to go against what we might consider to be a true blog but I really think their intent is to just communicate their lives to family and friends. I truly think they didn't expect this kind of reaction to simply typing the word 'Quixtar' on their blog. That's my opinion though, I could be wrong.

Good luck Caleb and Sarah. God bless.

A Fun Game: Extreme Linking!

2005-10-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun site. All you IBOs, head over to the Extreme Freedom Team Website to check out what retailing XS and Artistry can achieve.

Retailing...wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more.

Sinking In Quixand: One Year Report Card

2005-09-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

So yesterday marked the one year anniversary of 'Sinking In Quixand'. I didn't even realize it until this morning when I rolled out of bed around 10am (see yesterdays post). Man, time flies. So I got to thinking, was it worth it? Has this blog accomplished anything for the better? Should it? Am I making a difference? Am I supposed to make a difference? So many questions. So off the cuff, heres the short list of my one year thoughts.

I still don't like Quixtar.

I still think that certain members of my family are being deceived by Quixtar.

I still feel that blogging about the perils of Quixtar is a worthy cause.

I think that I spent more time dwelling on all of the above in the last year than I should have.

Woah, now! Hold up there all you fellow Quixtar critics. I know what your thinking, but hang on. I'm gonna take you into Mordor for a minute but I'll lead you right back into the Shire, I promise.

First, I have a family who deserves the attention of a loving dad and husband. I can recall a few instances over the past year where I was concentrating more time into what my next post was going to be rather than playing on the Xbox with my boy. That's my biggest concern.

It's been said that if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all. Well, Looking back on the last years worth of stuff that I've posted, I'd say that even though I had some pretty good offerings, there were times when my posts were mediocre at best.

So for this year, I think I'm going to take a different approach. It's nothing revolutionary. I just feel that I should post when I have something worthy of my time, and yours.

All that said, I want to thank everyone who's stopped by this last year. I've enjoyed helping those I've helped, annoying those I've annoyed, and most of all, being a part of an ever growing voice against the Quixtar "opportunity".

Has it been this long?

2005-09-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow!

I hadn't realized it had been this long without a post. I'm sorry to anyone who's been wondering. I just got back in today from a little camping trip and the month of August was spent in the recording studio producing a CD project for my church. I'll post something tomorrow maybe. For now I need to unpack and get some rest in a real bed (nothing beats your own bed now, does it?).

Take care,

Jason

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

2005-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

I don't subscribe to a newspaper (not because of the inherent evils of the media as those crossing the stage for Quixtar would have you believe) but instead read the headlines online at MSN, CNN, and ESPN. I ran across something quite interesting at MSN Money this morning that I thought was worthy of sharing.

The article, "How to Make a Million Dollars" details nine different ways in which various people have made their fortunes. These are common folks like you and me. A couple of key points jump out in this article that are valuable pieces of information for anyone but especially important I think if you are one of the struggling masses in the IBO community who is beginning to see that something isn't quite right with your business opportunity.

First, the numbers that are provided in the beginning of the article as they pertain to growth in the millionaire population seem to contradict the statistics thrown out by the Quixtar 'brass'. According to the survey by TNS financial services the number of U.S. Millionaires is at an all-time high and a 33% increase over the previous year. Not exactly the horror stories I've heard in the BSMs.

Also interesting to note is that the last of the nine examples of producing a million dollars comes from an MLM (the lady who started Pampered Chef). I think that what separates this type of MLM from the Quixtar 'opportunity' is that it is a true product-based opportunity. They have found a true product and have stuck to it, their consultants adhere to a strict ethics policy, and most importantly, are true to themselves by staying forthcoming with their customer base as to who they are and what they are about.

As a musician, I was somewhat inspired by the story of the guy who wrote the song 'Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." I can totally write a better song than that!

Pull Your Head Out of Your Assets!

2005-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Having several family and friends involved in the Quixtar 'Opportunity' has given me lots to absorb over the years. I can pick out the familiar 'tapespeak' in a second. One of the classic nuggets of financial wisdom regurgitated by the Quixtar loyal is that our homes are not an asset which of course comes from the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki.

In his book, Kiyosaki clearly defines an Asset as something that puts money in your pocket while a liability is something that takes money out of your pocket. This fascinates me, and here's why. Every time I've applied for a loan, the bank never lists my house as a liability. But I also like to look at things in reverse.

If we take Kiyosaki's logic that a liability is something that takes money out of your pocket than it's safe to assume the following:

Your Children are a liability
Your Church is a liability
Your local Charity is a liability
The food you eat is a liability
Your Husband/Wife is a liability
Your dog is a liability
Your hobbies are a liability

Is this correct? Does anyone out there feel that their church is a liability? Hopefully you can see the flaws in this line of thinking.

But which category does Quixtar fall into? I suppose if your one of the extremely few making money in Quixtar then it's an asset but for most it certainly falls into the liability category. Isn't it weird that the masses that are loosing great sums of money in Quixtar don't see this?

The 'Truth' About Quixtar

2005-06-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

I like to go back to the archives of this blog now and again to see if there are any new comments. Well, to my delight I found something today that I thought I'd share. It's a comment from a January post by an IBO who wishes to shed some light on what he/she feels are obvious lies about his business 'opportunity'.

His/her comments are anonymous so I cannot thank him/her by name but I believe that both critics and pros alike will find what he/she has to say interesting (I especially enjoyed point 'E').

You guys are nuts. You are more fanatical about your own mindset than you claim others to be. The truth about Quixtar:

a) yes, not everyone makes it, but build a group and you will

b) no one loses their house/ spouse or whatever

c) you cannot lose by associating with positive-minded folks and reading self-development books

d) if it was really built on fraud, don't you think someone would have proved that by now?

e) it's a simple premise: buy better products for yourself and teach others to do the same. I've talked to plenty of people and no one has ever said that I would need to sell anything if I got involved

f) yes, you do make money on the tapes and books and functions. I believe this kicks in at Emerald

g) the amazing people in this business are the reason to join - find me better leaders anywhere

Do forward this on to other anti-quixtar fanatics so that you can all stew in your fury together! :0)

Talk Is Cheap...Do something.

2005-06-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

"You know, the FTC has said before that Quixtar is perfectly legal. So I don't get what you have against it."

Sound familiar? Of course it does. I can't remember how many times I've read this statement in some form or another. There are three problems with it though.

The first is that the ruling IBOs speak about was made in 1979. Quixtar wasn't even in existence then. The ruling had centered around Amway. This of course brings up a whole bunch of other arguments. But we'll save this for another post.

The second thing is that this ruling is twisted by the IBO to make us think that the FTC has nothing but praise for Amway/Quixtar. Actually what the FTC said was that Amway/Quixtar was found to be "not illegal". While some may say that this is getting a bit nit-picky, I would contend that it makes a world of difference. Why would the FTC have to even address the issue of legal vs illegal if it weren't investigating Amway/Quixtar in the first place? Are we to believe that they simply pulled this ruling out of their butts one day out of boredom? After numerous complaints and subsequent investigation, they decided that because of adherence to some basic rules that they were 'not illegal'. Not quite a hearty endorsement if you ask me.

Finally, I have to wonder if the FTC has really checked up on their ruling. Does anyone think as I do that if the FTC were to revisit and reinvestigate Amway/Quixtar that they'd find anything different? We may never know unless they receive enough complaints to warrant a new investigation.

Which makes me wonder about something else. We certainly talk a lot about this. We gripe about how we were deceived, how much money we spent, what we signed and how it was explained to us, what we were promised, etc. But have any of us done anything about it? The FTC investigated Amway/Quixtar because of complaints sent to them by average Joe's like you and me. They have a very simple form on their site that takes just a few minutes to fill out. Has anyone filled it out?

Talk is cheap. If you want to make a difference you gotta do something.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-06-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The fourteenth question on the list is this:

Do higher pins make money from the sales of tapes, books, & tickets?

Ahh, the crux of the entire Amway/Quixtar debate for many people. But not really a tough question. I mean everyone knows that money is made so what's the big deal? Well, let's see what the IBOAI says about it.

Yes, Independent Business Owners (IBOs) can earn money from the sale of tapes, books, and tickets.

I find it interesting that the IBOAI uses the word 'can' here and not the word 'does'. Are we to believe then that an IBO 'cant' earn money as well?

These IBO leaders pay for the production facilities, equipment, technicians, accountants, assistants, and other employees necessary to produce such training and motivational materials.

Wow! I also run a duplication facility for a very large church. I can duplicate hundreds of CDs, tapes, VHS, and DVDs by myself. I just insert a master and a stack of 150 blanks and go home. They're done when I come in the next morning. It makes me wonder about the 'facilities, equipment, technicians, etc. that these leaders actually utilize to justify their need (not to mention the tax write-offs that could be associated to such 'need').

They incur the expenses and, of course, realize profits or losses from their efforts as with any other business.

Profits or losses? My CDs cost me $.34, DVDs cost $.75, Tapes cost $.51, and VHS cost $1.13. The average price of the average motivational tape is what? $6.00? What kind of losses should we think the IBO is realizing?

IBO leaders are successful managers of large businesses. Some leaders have thousands of other IBOs in their organization, spread across North America. As business leaders and managers, they have the responsibility to educate and motivate these other Independent Business Owners.

And this is the only way to do it? By reproducing their own pointless ramblings on their rags to riches testimonials with no actual instruction on business building?

It is important to note that professional development and education is an international multibillion-dollar business. Authors such as Dr. Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) earn incomes from the sale of books and other materials. Bookstores everywhere offer hundreds of "how-to" books, tapes, and videos on a variety of topics.

I think that the key word here is 'how-to'. Any of the Amway/Quixtar tapes and books I've listened to or read never had any real instruction on anything. As I said above, they were all regurgitated stories of failure to success with a religious agenda salted in for good measure. But no instruction on building a legitimate business.

Thus, what these IBO leaders are offering are professional development materials focused specifically on their business.

Actually, what they're offering is an overpriced fairy tale, masked as business training. Telling you that they are taking a loss even though they are adding an astronomical mark up to it when most legitimate business offer training specific to their business at no charge.

But that's just my opinion.

Kudos to Jonas' Dad

2005-06-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here's to Jonas' Dad over at Quixtar Criminals, who is celebrating a hard fought victory in his case to win his son back from his IBO ex-wife and the Quixtar machine. I'm sure he'll fill us in on the details soon enough but for now let's all raise a glass and give him a 'cyber' pat on the back.

Here's to you buddy!

What's Going on with Quixtar blogs?

2005-05-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have a daily routine with surfing the blogosphere lately since I'm pretty busy trying to get a jump on my summer projects. I start by visiting the links on my blogroll which are admittedly all Quixtar critical. I then head on over to the pro-Quixtar sites. Here's where it gets curious.

I've noticed that as of May 26th, Quixtatic is not found any longer on Blogger's servers, Quixtar and Beyond (who usually posts quite regularly) hasn't posted anything since May 26th, and the Inside Quixtar Success blog who also posts fairly regularly) hasn't posted since May 23rd. The Quixtar Opportunity blog hasn't posted since the 24th. Kia's 'Real' Quixtar blog hasn't posted since the 24th.

What does this mean?

Maybe nothing. I mean look a me. I've been pretty in-frequent here lately. These other bloggers must also lead a life outside of Quixtar (is that possible?). I did notice that 'On the Road With Dave' is still going strong, but that site is not a Quixtar-run blog as many of the ones I listed above are. I guess I'm wondering if there is some sort of connection with all of this. I'm sure it's nothing but I can have a conspiracy theory once in a while too, can't I?

Anyone have any inside info they want to share?

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-05-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The thirteenth question on the list is this:

How much money can I really earn? How fast?

This is a great question because it assumes a business sense about the inquirer. This is bottom line, no B.S., and straight forward. It deserves an answer in kind. So what's the IBOAI's response?

This business offers the potential of free enterprise with income potential determined by individual desire. How fast and how far an IBO builds his or her business is dependent largely on that person's personal effort and the entrepreneurial nature of the business.

Well, it would appear that the IBOAI has once again failed to give us a straight answer to a not so tough question. Rather they've provided an ambiguous 'safe' response to cover their butts.

If we take the information provided to prospects and read it thoroughly (something many of us no longer in the business neglected to do when we signed up), we can see that although it is numerically possible to achieve millions, it cannot be done in 2-5 years working the business 10 hours a week. We can also discern from the numbers given on the average income of a typical IBO that the per hour wage you can likely expect to earn is less than minimum wage.

Hopefully at this point the answer is a bit more clear. After signing up to be an IBO, getting on standing order tape, book of the month, and attending the meetings and seminars one needs to attend in order to be serious, you could expect to in fact, lose a lot of money immediately.

By a show of hands....

2005-05-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ran into an all too familiar Quixtar statistic that made me wonder about somthing.

I'm sure we've all heard the line from IBOs and others showing the plan that those who choose to stick with their J.O.B. will end up broke and still working when they are well beyond retirement age.

So my question is this:

How many people do you personally know who are beyond retirement age that are broke and still working?

I'm sure you can think of a few. But are the numbers as astronomically high as what was presented to you in the fear tactics of the speaker du jour?

I can think of two people off the top of my head who are still working beyond retirement age but neither one of them is by any means broke.

What've I missed?

2005-05-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems I've been gone for a while. The weather here in the Pacific Nortwest has been particularly inviting and I've spent the last couple of weeks getting started on what looks like a pretty extensive 'Honey do' list.

So what have I missed? Well, it appears that since my last post Ken McDonald has 'retired' and there's a new big-wig in charge at the big 'Q'. Here's to a new 'Payne' in our butts.

I'm beginning to realize that as the Summer gets closer and closer that I may be a little less frequent here. I'll do my best to to at least comment on other blogs if I'm not posting here. Don't worry though. I still think Quixtar sucks and all. I just have a lot of projects and Coronas to drink as the sun gets hotter and the days get longer.

Spring Break and Annoyances

2005-04-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! I've been away for a little while. I didn't even realize it until I looked at my last post date. I don't know if I've ever gone this long without posting something. There is a good reason though.

It's spring break for the kids so we've been busy with other stuff. My daughter is playing softball, my son and I have been hitting the links, and I've been working on some home improvement projects even though the April showers here in the Pacific Northwest are a little showery than normal.

Anyway, I'll try to post at least once a week if I can but hey, the Summer's coming. So cut me some slack.

Here's something to chew on though. There's something that annoys me even more than the misuse of the word edify. It's the misuse of the words their and there. IBOs aren't the only ones guilty of this one. I've seen people on both sides of the Quixtar fence guilty of this one. Just read comments here or at any other blog and you'll see what I'm talking about.

A quick English lesson:

The word their is used to describe personal ownership. For example:

"Their Quixtar business is failing due to their over-spending on motivational tools."

A good example of how to use the word there would be to describe placement of a noun. For instance:

"Oh yes, the business meeting at the Jones' house. I was there for a few minutes before I realized what it was. Then I got my butt out of there."

You see? With a little practice, even the most ignorant Americans can give the illusion of intelligence.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-04-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The twelfth question on the list is this:

Is one IBO organization or group better than another?

To which the IBOAI answers:

This business is comprised of numerous IBO organizations who sometimes differ on the approach to building an independent business. However, while groups and organizations may be somewhat different, none are considered to be “better” than another. All IBOs and their respective organizations operate under the Independent Business Ownership Plan and Rules of Conduct.

I couldn't agree more.

April Fools!

2005-03-31T22:38:00.000-08:00

Man that was funny! You had me going at first. I thought my links were screwed up.

You da man, Eric.

Easter wishes

2005-03-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Hope you have a great Easter Celebration.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-03-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The eleventh question on the list is this:

What is the difference between "the system" and "the business"?

I'm not sure that this is a very tough question. I mean the difference between the system and the business is pretty much known by everyone at this point. But let's see what they have to say.

“The business” is the opportunity offered individuals to start their own independent business by contractual affiliation with Quixtar Inc. This includes participation in the Independent Business Ownership Plan to receive bonuses and a comprehensive line of products and services to market. “The System” offers turnkey, duplicable business-building and motivation techniques through Personal Development Programs tailored to help support Independent Business Owners' businesses.

Ahh, I see. The 'System' is merely the training and motivation. Maybe I'm confused. Maybe the question wasn't specific enough (of course it was asked by the IBOA to be answered by the IBOAI so I guess we have to give them some latitude here). I think the question could be presented in a slightly different way. Let me try.

'What is the difference between the 'system' and the 'business' from an income potential standpoint? If I want to make the big bucks like Britt, Yeager, and Harteis then where should I concentrate my efforts?'

'Hello? ..... Hello? ..... Where'd they go?

That's okay. This one was pretty much a no-brainer anyway.

Inside Quixtar: The whole story

2005-03-21T22:43:00.000-08:00

I posted a comment (actually a few of them) over at a pro-Quixtar site a couple of days ago (I should mention here that this is one of the few 'pro' sites that is courageous enough to allow comments, which I applaud). Myself and an IBO were debating the significance of the statistical fact that IBOs, based on Quixtar's own numbers make considerably less than minimum wage.

In a nutshell his argument (as well as the blog's author), was that despite the accuracy of this statistic, it doesn't 'tell the whole story' when it comes to the advantages of the Quixtar 'opportunity'.

So I commented. Another reader there said that my comment deserved it's own web page, to say the least. So instead of starting another web page, I think I'll just re-post my comment here at Sinking In Quixand.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the comment (the blog authors quote is in blue):

What I'm saying is that looking at average income doesn't tell the whole story....just like one piece of information doesn't always give you all you need to understand something or make a decision.

You are correct. Looking at just one piece of information doesn't tell the whole story. But it tells us something. So what do we do? We look at other pieces of information.

We can take the Dateline story but then again that alone doesn't give us all we need to know (besides, even I thought it was a bit one-sided and poorly done). So then we can look at the fact that Amway/Quixtar's distributor/Ibo numbers haven't really grown in 30+ years. But once again: not the whole story. We can take a close look at the fine print on documents like the BSMAA and see that people are carelessly pressured into unknowingly waiving their right to a trial by jury but that is just one fact and not all of them. Finally we can look at the testimonials of people like Eric Scheibeler, Jeff Probant, and Bo Short (to name a few) along with the Lawsuits filed against Amway/Quixtar over the last few decades. But then we'd have to say 'Wait, every company goes through change and legal hassles. That can't tell the whole story. But then we look further and see that the majority of these lawsuits and 'defections' relate to the same thing: Tools.

We are then encouraged to try to see things in a positive light, discounting all of this information as negative, biased, and not the whole story. But we see our own loved ones change right before our eyes in a matter of months as they get 'plugged in' to the business. We visit their homes and see hundreds of motivational books. We begin to listen to them quote from business 'minds' that no one at Forbes has ever heard of, while we wonder why they are no longer the free-thinking person we once knew. We watch them spend thousands of dollars on product, tools, airfare and hotels to be rewarded with a $40 'bonus' check after six years in the business. We see the hard work they are doing, the birthdays of grandchildren missed, the old hobbies forfeited for the sake of the business and are supposed to discount all of the things we hear about this business being cultish? Of course it's not a cult. It must be an isolated situation. But then we read other testimonials from people all over the world going through identical situations. What then?

But they're meeting great people. Their coming to know Jesus (which I think is fabulous, although I wonder what the repercussions will be if and when they realize that the upline who lead them to Christ is the same one who has been lying to them for years. But that's a different story too). They have a great community of positive thinking friends. They're hanging out with other people who all believe in themselves. That sounds more like group therapy than it does a business. Again, we're crazy to consider this weird?

Tell me how we're supposed to be supportive of this? How we're supposed to ignore this when the only response we get from those on the 'inside' or 'beyond' are references to Achieve magazine, sports analogies, and deleted comments (I'm not talking about the now infamous deleted post here either) instead of a direct response? How are we supposed to believe that this 'opportunity' was 'divined by God himself'? Would God really want a few people to become millionaires at the expense and failure of hundreds of thousands of hard-working individuals?

If you can't provide us with substance and facts then how are we supposed to assume anything else?

Me and the Mrs.

2005-03-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

Warning: This could get mushy.

My wife has known about this blog since it's inception back in September, yet she's never visited. Not until a few days ago. I've mentioned to her before about the virtual company I keep (she calls you my fanclub) and she has been for the most part indifferent about it.

We've argued about the Quixtar 'opportunity in the past. It got pretty heated for a while at first. But over time I think that some of the things I was able to convey to her, along with the start of this blog helped to reestablish an intelligent dialogue in our marriage concerning this subject.

And so she decided to stop by.

It wasn't by accident. She happened on some email correspondence from one of my 'fanclub'. It concerned her that people were actually coming to me for personal advice on their own 'Quixtarguments' with family and friends. So she felt that maybe she should check out what I was doing here at 'Sinking in Quixand' to see what I was up to.

She ended up reading almost the entire blog in one sitting!

She told me about this a few days later and we had one of the best discussions about Quixtar that we've ever had. We agreed and disagreed. We joked and she got teary-eyed (I think she is beginning to become concerned about her father's Quixtar involvement as I am). It was a great talk. We're still careful about how we talk about this but it's become much easier.

I want to thank Eric over at QuixtarBlog for inspiring me to do this. If it were not for his blog, I wouldn't have worked up the courage to start journaling my own thoughts on this, and who knows where my wife and I would be. If there's any advice I could give to those in a similar situation it would be to write.

Writing eliminates the awkward silence that cuts deeper than harsh words spoken in anger or frustration. It puts yourself and your thoughts into perspective. Words on paper (or screen) organize what you cannot say in the passion of turmoil. I can't remember if it was Qblog who said it or not but through writing, you may find out you have a talent you didn't know you had (or at least discover you are really self-congratulatory :o) ).

Finally I want to let everyone out there: my 'fanclub', my critics, even Qrush (if he even still exists) that I love my wife. She is my best friend and although she may not ever read this, my blog was not started out of anger or spite, or malicious intent. But rather out of my love for her. She is my true friend and the love of my life.

I love you, honey. I couldn't say what I needed to say. So I wrote what I needed to write.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The tenth question on the list is this:

What about Quixtar lawsuits and legal disputes?

Well, what about them? I mean we all know that they exist, right? But what large company doesn't have it's fair share of legal messes to contend with. Well, let's see what the IBOAI says:

In today’s highly litigious society, lawsuits are not uncommon in business. Companies and organizations are continually involved in legal disputes. In fact, the larger and higher profile a business, like Quixtar the larger target it provides for attracting lawsuits, no matter how unjustified the lawsuit is.

Whoa! That sounds pretty much like what I said. So does this mean that Sinking In Quixand and the IBOAI have found some common ground? Perhaps, but let's look at this from a different angle before we jump to such a hasty conclusion.

I'll agree that the larger a company, the more legal hassles one would have to contend with. But the thing that strikes me is that when I think about a similar company like a Wal-Mart, or a K-Mart, or even a McDonald's (I use them for comparison because Amway/Quixtar loves comparing their business model to that of Ray Kroc's), there is one glaring difference in the lawsuits filed against them.

They don't center around the same thing.

With companies like the ones I mention above you will hear about any number of things that the general public sues them over. Slippery floors, scalding beverages, discrimination, health issues, and the list goes on.

With Amway/Quixtar the lawsuits all seem to come back to two things: Tools and corruption.

Scott Larsen keeps a pretty decent archived history of lawsuits filed against Amway Quixtar. You can see it here. You will notice that almost ALL of the suits filed on this list have something to do with the tools business or corrupt business practices. This is very different than the type of litigation against other companies.

Class action lawsuits dealing with corrupt corporations happen now and then and we hear about them and the companies usually clean up their act (though they are left with scars for a while). Amway/Quixtar has dealt with the SAME allegations for DECADES and for some reason hasn't felt the need to address them AND at the same time is dumbfounded as to why they have such a blemished name.

So they then choose to sweep it under the carpet with an answer like the one we read above.

"Everybody's doin' it."

Let's Play a Guessing Game!

2005-03-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hey, the guy over at "Quixtar and Beyond" is having a little Guessing Game.

Check it out. I did. It's a lot of fun.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-02-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

Music Appreciation 101: I laughed, I cried.

2005-02-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

So I had the pleasure this morning of driving the in-laws (who are IBOs) to the airport. They were on their way to visit their other daughter for a few days. We took my father-in-law's car. I was looking forward to this because I knew he kept a pretty healthy supply of motivational tapes in the car and thought I'd catch up on the drive home with the latest information being peddled to the IBO masses to keep this 'opportunity' going strong.

So I drop them off after an awkwardly quiet drive there and turn on the stereo. He already had a tape in the deck so I figured I'd just listen to whatever he had in there already. I was met with some pretty energetic Caribbean sounding music along the lines of old Gloria Estefan. But it wasn't the sound machine of the 80s, it was something else. I knew this because as cheesy as Gloria's stuff was back then, I was certain she was never involved in Amway.

I was listening to an old Amway classic by The Goads. This sibling quintet has made a name for themselves through the years as Amway/Quixtar's musical mouthpiece by using their limited musical talent to further the cause of showing the plan, going diamond, drawing circles, and standing by your man when your marriage is failing to the strains of the previous causes.

So I'm listening to this and thinking about how captivating it is on so many levels. I'm a musician and audio engineer myself and when I listen to music, it becomes an exercise in both technical and creative analysis that my wife just loves (fortunately she wasn't in the car for this trip). From a technical standpoint it was all I could do to wonder what the engineer was taking to keep from going crazy while recording this garbage. Synthesized drums, over-processed vocals, bad lyrical cadences. It was technically horrid.

So I pick up the tape case to have a look at the track listing (I don't encourage this as it distracts from the road ahead) expecting to see some inspirational titles. If I wasn't going to crash from the mere act of reading while driving I was sure to cause a 20 car pile up from the absolute cheesiness of the names of the songs. I thought I was going to wet myself as I laughed hysterically on the interstate. I kid you not, here are some of the titles:

"I Heard it Through My Upline"
"I'm Going Diamond (Period, That's it)"
"I'd Rather be Drawing Circles"

"I'd rather be drawing circles!?" You've got to be kidding me. I thought I was listening to Weird Al Yankovic! And these were just the titles. The lyrics themselves were incredibly dumb. So stupid in fact, I'm not even going to post them. Just use your imagination and take any tapespeak rhetoric and sing it. You'll get the idea.

When I first hit play and heard this, I figured I'd listen to a few minutes of it and then throw in an actual seminar tape. But I couldn't . I listened to every track on the tape and it was the funniest thing I've heard since the blue collar comedy tour. I had to imagine what the scene looks like when these guys come to perform at a weekend function. It's got to be total chaos. THIS IS AMWAY'S BEATLES!

After a while though, I began to feel a little bad about what I was hearing. This tape was in my father-in-law's car after all next to dozens of others. A couple of sections of the tape played like they'd been eaten a few times from too much use. I start to think, wow, if one fails to see the cult aspects of this then there is no hope at all.

I finished the ride home and felt sick to my stomach.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Comment

2005-02-24T22:34:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I commented on this post over at Quixtar and Beyond, a site the author says is an insiders perspective from the Quixtar cube farm (sounds like fun).

It seems that this insider at Quixtar has a problem with people referring to Quixtar and Amway as the same and wanted to clarify what he knows from his insiders perspective. Have a look at his post to get the skinny on his issue with this.

As I said at the top, I commented on his post. I felt that despite his involvement from the inside, he clearly didn't have all his facts straight or he was misinformed (that couldn't be, could it?). At any rate I provided a link over to LawBlawg's recent post on the Amway/Quixtar 'Name Game'.

Here's where it gets interesting. After a few days, my comment disappeared into thin cyberspace! It was amazing. One minute it was there, and the next it was gone. Not only that, but the comments had been disabled on this post altogether.

I am curious as to the the real reason for this, but I'm pretty sure I know why this happened. If the author thought my comment was inaccurate then he could have simply provided proof in another comment but he didn't. This leads to only one conclusion and that is of course that the info he provided was incorrect and he (and/or Quixtar) did not want this information on their employee's blog and so decided to delete my comment and disable any further comments should others wish to provide the same disparaging info.

Too bad, I guess. Well, maybe this guy can get the inside scoop on the date that God divined this 'opportunity'

UPDATE: March 5th. It appears that the same blogger has now written a post on how exciting it is to see that Amway is opening up in Russia. Interesting that a blog devoted to the wonders of Quixtar is so excited about what Amway is doing. I commented there. We'll wait and see what happens.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired?

2005-02-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

I was reminded of the all too common statement by IBOs that those of us critical of the Quixtar 'opportunity' don't ever offer anything else. My belief is that it doesn't matter if anyone offers a better alternative because most IBOs wouldn't ever think of leaving Quixtar.

So that's the real challenge. You first have to have a way to get out before you can even think of the alternatives.

So if you are one of those IBOs out there who is beginning to see the 'Opportunity' for what it really is, and are sick and tired of spending all your hard earned money to fill the pockets of the likes of Britt, Yeager, and Woodward, then I would suggest you start by taking a look at this article over at Scott Larsen's site.

It reminded me of Eric Scheibeler's story and the way he had to un-condition himself from his dependence on tools and meetings.

Take a look. You might find it interesting.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-02-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The eighth question on the list is this:

Is it true that if I don't "follow the system" (listen, read, and attend) that I will not receive help from my upline?

This question implies that there have been situations in the Quixtar community where an IBO has felt that he or she was not receiving the necessary training to build their business. So let's see how the IBOAI addresses such a claim.

It is not true. System participation is optional. The IBO Rules of Conduct stipulate the responsibilities and obligations of all sponsors to train and supply IBOs they have registered as well as the option of system participation.

That's a pretty straight answer. "It is not true," they say. So if this isn't true, then why would such a question end up on their 'tough' list?

Let's consider what they are saying and see if we can determine why this question made the list.

If I'm an IBO, I can be assured of two things based on this answer: The first is that system participation is optional and second that I'll receive the training required to build my business because the rules of conduct stipulate that my sponsor is obligated to train and supply me.

So I go to my sponsor and request that he train me to build my business. He then presents me with a couple of tapes, reminds me of the next plan showing, and hands me a copy of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad'.

"But these are system tools aren't they?" I ask my sponsor.

"Yes, they are," he replies.

"But I thought that participation in the system is optional," I inquire.

"It is. You aren't required to use them,"

"But don't the rules of conduct require you to train and supply me to build my business powered by Quixtar?" I add.

"Hey buddy, I'm offering to train you. These are my proven training materials, take 'em or leave 'em," he says.

So you can hopefully see where this is going. Although the rules of conduct do stipulate that participation in the system is optional, and that the sponsor is required to train and supply his IBOs, it DOESN'T stipulate what that training has to be or that the sponsor has to offer any alternative to the system. The sponsor in the scenario above would argue that he's offered training but the IBO refused it.

If this argument escalated to the dispute resolution process that we talked about in my last post, how do you think the IBO would fare?

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-02-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The seventh question on the list is this:

Should a business dispute occur with another IBO, what options does an IBO have?

I guess in today's ever litigious society, one would be cautious enough to ask such a question. And it's a good one (although based on how perfect and 'blessed' this business opportunity is said to be, one would think that there would be no need to ask it).

The IBOAI's 'straight' answer is:

There are safeguards in place in the event Independent Business Owners are unable to resolve their business disputes. The Rules of Conduct for IBOs defines the specific Dispute Resolution Procedures. The Independent Business Owners Association International participates in the resolution process.

Good to know that there are safeguards. But for whom? Based on the content of the BSMAA it would seem that these safeguards are in place to protect the upline. The IBO is asked to sign this agreement essentially waiving his right to a trial by jury so that he can have his dispute settled in arbitration by which the final judgment is passed on by the IBOAI who is made up of elected Kingpins. Safeguards indeed!

Not only is this answer not straight, it's downright deceptive.

Read the BSMAA for yourself along with the Rules of Conduct for IBOs and tell me if you feel safeguarded.

Divined by God

2005-01-30T23:35:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that I work on staff for a large church in the Pacific Northwest. I've indicated on several occasions that this is my dream job and that God has put me in a place and given me opportunity that many never see. I have found a place to do what I love (audio/lighting/multimedia) while having a ministry with the opportunity to work with others who share a common goal of maturity in Christ. It's a great place to be.

Most also know that for me the only thing more irritating than the misuses of the word edify is the misuse of Christianity and scripture in the Quixtar community.

So where am I going with this?

I've mentioned a new blog titled 'Quixtar Criminals' that premiered last week. It would seem that the author has received much advice from those sympathetic to his situation. Many hearts appear to go out to this man who has lost much to what he calls 'criminal' acts of the 'opportunity' that is Quixtar.

But for all that, there is one in the midst of the compassion who still feels the need to make excuse for that which he calls divined by God himself. On one hand we have a man who's lost his wife and newborn son and who at this time really needs a compassionate ear to hear and a fellow man to feel his pain. Yet on the other hand there's this guy named 'Jeff' who, in the midst of his apparent sympathy offers up anonymous compassion mixed with defense (which ultimately negates the compassion) insinuating that the whole situation is the bloggers fault, as he's not being the supportive husband and father he should be.

So without trying to pick on Jeff, I would like to look (through his words) at some common ideas shared within the Quixtar community:

Is Amway/Quixtar divined by God?

I have heard it said many times that despite its apparent faults, Quixtar has led more people to the saving grace of Jesus than any other non-Christian based business. Even our friend Jeff mentioned this when he said:

"YES! I am passionate about it & believe it was a divinely inspired vehicle, intended to change the world from the inside, one family at a time.

To which I would offer this:

Let's be careful when we presume to know what God has divined and what He hasn't. This comment reminds me of the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:7
"Do not take the Lord's name in vain".

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The assumption that God has divined the 'opportunity' called Quixtar skates very close if not all over the violation of this commandment. And while I believe that old testament law was abolished with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ I think we could all do well to make sure we don't sacrifice our spiritual maturity as Christians for the sake of our own desires. When we make statements such as this we begin to make God in our own image and not the other way 'round.

I won't argue that the Idea of selling vitamins and soap could be a vehicle for prosperity (God does give each one his own talents). But I can confidently say that the idea of becoming rich at the expense and failure of the masses is not something that God would endorse with the words 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:23).

Let's take another look at what Jeff professes to know about what God endorses.

I have personally seen the leaders I am associated with LEAD THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO CHRIST. Literally THOUSANDS, even with the usual "seed on rocky soil" etc, that is pretty darn impressive & I doubt one of you that have a negative opinion of what you "refuse" to understand have a record anywhere near that level of fulfilling the great comission. Go ahead, cast the first stone...

Funny thing...my bible doesn't say anything about any competition in leading souls to Christ. Nor does it say anything about God needing Quixtar to do it. I'm not sure where this statement really comes from other than to say that 'Hey, this may be a joke from a business standpoint but we've lead thousands of people to Christ.'

Don't get me wrong here. I'll be the first to agree that there is nothing in this life more important than the spread of the gospel, but let me offer this scenario.

An un-Christian man is prospected, signs up as an eager IBO and eventually, through the mentorship and motivation of his upline leadership is lead to Christ. At the same time he's coached and motivated to spend thousands of dollars a year on product, motivation, training, and travel because one day he's going to be financially free. So free in fact that he'll be able to spend more time with his kids, donate 90% of his income to charity, flush his J.O.B., shoot his alarm clock and eventually die a happy man knowing that his family is secure. He's told that God put him here in the business for a reason. God has divined this opportunity for him to become a leader and if he just keeps working at it he can do nothing but succeed. Remember that God led him to this business.

Well, 2-5 years have passed, our eager young IBO is becoming more and more frustrated that he's not at the place he thought he'd be, his new wife and child are fed up with the amount of time he's away. He's missed his kids birthdays, his anniversary, and his upline is pushing him harder and harder. His faith starts to waver now as the reality of the fact that this is more work than the 10 to 15 hours a week he was told sets in. He begins to feel that his prayers aren't heard and that the God that he found in the family he calls Quixtar doesn't care about him any more. He looks to his upline, the one who lead him to Christ for guidance and wisdom. He's met with the same motivational rhetoric he's come to know so well he can recite it verbatim.

'Read more books, listen to more tapes, don't miss this next big seminar, show the plan! It'll make you feel better.'

Growing more frustrated he ultimately quits his business as the Quixtar family that cared so much about him and led him to Christ has now written him off as a broke looser.

It's a sad story no matter how many times you hear it.

I do not question, nor would I discourage the leading of lost souls to Christ. But I worry about the (to borrow Jeff's words) literally THOUSANDS of people who will as history has shown, fail to achieve the financial independence that is professed to be so easily attainable. How strong will their faith be when they feel betrayed by the very same people who showed them the love of Jesus?

I am not a perfect man by any stretch. I share that common trait with every person on this earth. I also share something in common with many IBOs. I'm a child of God. Saved by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. But aside from the numbers of people we lead to Christ, we need to make sure that those people are maturing spiritually and are capable of doing the same for other lost souls. So the idea that God has divined this business as it currently operates doesn't sit well with this Christian.

Quite frankly, It angers me. And let's not forget Jesus' anger at the people's actions in the temple just before he cleansed it.

Or how He 'edified' them afterward.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-01-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The sixth question on the list is this:

What makes this concept "legal" while similar businesses are considered "illegal"?

I have to admit, I've been patiently waiting for this one as it's the subject of many a "Quixtargument". It's been debated by many IBOs that Quixtar is not only legal, it's fully endorsed by the Federal Trade commission, the Better Business Bureau, and Jesus Christ. Wow! So what makes it so great?

The Independent Business Ownership Plan is based on a proven plan that originated with one of Quixtar's sister companies, Amway. (These two firms, Quixtar Inc. and Amway Corp. along with other companies, are subsidiaries of Alticor Inc., a global enterprise doing business in manufacturing, marketing, logistics, and product and business development.)

Let's stop here for a moment and clear this little piece of business up. Quixtar IS Amway. If anyone needs proof of that they're either so naive they deserve to be an IBO or they've been living under a rock. But if you still need proof, check this out.

In 1979, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission found that this plan was not an illegal business opportunity.

So let me get this straight: Quixtar is not Amway according to what we just read, yet we're basing the legality of Quixtar by means of an FTC finding relating to Amway?

Whatever. Let's look at other things that are not illegal:

The KKK is not illegal.

Satanism is not illegal.

Pornography is not illegal.

Unlike illegal business plans, Q uixtar does not:

-charge a large, required initial fee, investment, or purchase of inventory.

Honestly, I've never understood this, because in order to receive a bonus check from Quixtar you need to be an IBO. In order to be an IBO you need to pay an upfront fee. And in order to receive a bonus check you do need to purchase product.

-pay bonuses unless products are sold, nor does it pay bonuses for the mere act of reuiting another person into the business.

The unfortunate part of this statement (aside from the fact that they misspelled recruiting) is that, because of things like the BSMAA and self-reporting this probably hasn't been monitored or investigated by the FTC since it's 1979 finding. Because it isn't monitored, it is not practiced. This is why you see IBOs with basements and garages full of product that doesn't sell and the pressure to recruit, show the plan, and make a list of everyone they ever knew for the possibility of prospecting them.

-require IBOs to stock and maintain large, expensive inventories. There are no minimum order requirements. In fact, Q uixtar prohibits 'front-end loading.'

While there may be no minimum order requirements, you will not receive a bonus check without purchasing product. You do want your bonus check, don't you? Then stockpile your XS and toiletpaper to make your 100 PV!

We encourage anyone looking to participate in this business to do their due diligence by checking out the IBO Plan.

Couldn't have said that better. (Or could I?)

I encourage anyone looking to participate in this business to do their due diligence by checking out any and all Quixtar-related websites, blogs, forums, publications, former and current associates of Quixtar as well as checking out the IBO plan. After that, if it still looks good then you deserve everything that happens to you.

Legal? Maybe.

Right? You decide.

Quixtar Criminals

2005-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

I came across a blog today written by a fellow calling himself 'Jonas' Dad'. He began posting his blog titled 'Quixtar Criminals' last Sunday. This is coincidentally the same day I posted about my amazement that there is a lack of voice on the part of the majority of those negatively affected by this 'opportunity'. Although I appreciated the timing, I don't believe he posted because of me.

No, it goes way deeper than that.

I read the four posts on it thusfar and it was all I could do to not be overwhelmed by the sadness of his story. This man has lost his wife and his newborn son (hence the pseudonym "Jonas' Dad") to the monster known as Quixtar.

Now I know I've been careful in the past to make sure that the hard working IBO is acknowledged for their dedication to what they believe in. But in a situation such as this the hard working IBO has become so blinded so as to sacrifice the vows she took in marriage and the necessities of fatherly influence in her child's life for the sake of a business powered by Quixtar. 'Shame on her!'

"Jonas' Dad' frequently uses the phrase "That's a crime" to describe what Quixtar has done to his life, and I have to agree. I could only imagine that when the vows were said to each other, the rings exchanged, and the kiss placed on the lips of their true love that the preacher said something along the lines of "What God has joined together, let no man or woman ever put asunder." This man has lost the love of his life and his only son to the 'opportunity' that is Quixtar.

A crime, indeed.

Quixtar...It's Amazing!

2005-01-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

I’ve been spending some time observing (and commenting) at QuixtarBlog these last couple of days. I’ll have to say that it looks like things are coming back into full swing from a participation standpoint now that the holidays and New Year are behind us. It’s refreshing to see the renewed signs of fresh dialogue on this ever-present issue that is the Quixtar ‘Opportunity’

It’s always interesting, the way the topic changes once the comments get going on the QuixtarBlog. I think it’s great because it can lead to more dynamic commentary when the original post may have been otherwise topically specific (this is not always the case but hey, it happens).

The last couple of days have brought some fresh new names to the discussions. IBOs eager to post their views on things like the ‘Independence’ of their business, failure rates of non-Quixtar businesses, the McDonalds analogy, and of course the ‘fact’ that despite what other lines of sponsorship might do, theirs is above reproach. This of course leads those on the anti-Quixtar side of the fence to be quick to call these blog-newbies out for their redundancy, tapespeak, upline-reliance, and fear to think for themselves. This then leads to heated dialogue, name calling, accusatory remarks about who blogged what insult at whom, resulting in people vowing to never comment again and then coming back for one last word. And another, and the list goes on.

So here’s the deal (at least for me anyway):

While it’s true that many of us critics do lick our virtual chops in wait for those of you new to the comments, it’s not our intent to insult, degrade, or otherwise discredit you or your business. But for me, Quixtar critical behavior stems from the utter amazement of the following:

A. There is so many of you

I’m amazed when I think about it that so many IBOs even exist. If Quixtar’s statistics are correct (and I know we’d all like to think they are) then there are somewhere near half a million currently involved. But what amazes me even more is that it’s only the critics who seem to recognize the virtually identical vocabulary amongst everyone regardless of their line of sponsorship! Think about that for a second. Close to half a million people all with the same EXACT use of unproven statistics and catch phrases, and incorrect use of the English language, yet they don’t seem to notice it amongst themselves, let alone question it!

There are really two choices of thought with this: The half a million participants either coincidentally have the same vocabulary OR the continual diet of tapes, books, seminars, and energy drinks has diluted your ability to reason for yourselves. My honest hope is the former but unfortunately I know this to be untrue. And they wonder why this can be perceived as a cult! How can so many people not see this!?

B. There are so few of us willing to talk about it.

This may be even more astonishing than the first point. It’s been pointed out by another fellow blogger that for each one who joins, the same number quit each year resulting in zero population growth within the Amway/Quixtar community over the last thirty-three years. This means two things. First it means that this is okay for Amway/Quixtar as they will always have a steady stream of people with which to take money from. And second, that there are virtually MILLIONS of people GLOBALLY out there who realized that this was not the ‘opportunity’ that was presented to them when they signed up. Millions! Millions who were lied to, millions who lost untold sums of money, millions who lost families, spouses, houses, and credibility! Yet there’s only a handful that is willing to publicly stand up to it. Why is that?

My story is fortunate compared to others I’ve heard. I didn’t loose much at all, as I saw it for what it was right away. I do feel I was lied to, though and there are still friends and family for whom this still is the ‘opportunity’ of a lifetime. Yet here I am. I’m doing fine and the Quixtar scars are minimal. So why am I here while those who were the real ‘victims’ remain silent?

Can anyone see why this could make the critic so crazy? I’m floored that we are the only ones who have seen the truth when it’s right there for EVERYONE to see?

Like I said this is my perspective on why, as critics we come across as insolent bullies. Maybe I’m alone and for other critics its something else. Maybe not. Either way I’m still amazed.

Dateline Revisited

2005-01-20T23:08:00.000-08:00

While flipping channels tonight with the Mrs., I came across a rebroadcast of the Dateline story about Quixtar. CNBC aired the expose on their 'Cover to Cover' program just prior to Dennis Miller (I'd love to know his views on Quixtar. Now there's a rant I'd love to hear).

Anyway, as I watched the story again I couldn't help but notice the almost sarcastic style of reporting in certain parts of the broadcast. It was something like Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'.

The way that NBC did the story you would have thought that it was for the most part one of those satirical moments by one of Stewart's cohorts as they cut to the candlelight moments and hidden camera interviews. One of Bo Short's interviewers even asked his questions in that smirky sarcastic tone so common to 'The Daily Show'

I came away feeling a little sorry for the hard working IBO. I know that's the point of the whole story but I felt sorry for them because in trying to sympathize with the hundreds of thousands of IBOs, NBC also made them look like idiots for being involved in the first place. I began to realize why this story ticked my wife off so much when it originally aired.

The only intelligent part to me was the interview segments with Short, Eric Scheibeler, and the couple whose name escapes me at the moment. At least they got that most important part of the story conveyed intelligently.

So I wanted to take a moment to say to the hard working IBO out there that although my bias against Quixtar still remains, I can see why this story could rub you the wrong way.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The fifth question on the list is this:

How is product pricing determined?

At first glance, one could assume that such a question would be pretty tricky to answer. I'd probably expect to see some expert analysis, charts, graphs, and big words like 'edify'. But no, the IBOAI has managed to answer this with just one sentence.

Each Independent Business Owner determines the price at which he or she will sell the products.

Wow! That's amazing. You can't get much straighter than that with your answer. But allow me to approach this from another angle. I'll ask another question:

If I'm a hard working IBO and am struggling to make ends meet at my J.O.B. with the hopes of retiring within 2 to 5 years, all the while reading books, listening to tapes, spending gas money or airfare to get to the next big function, while at the same time spending everything I have to make the proper PV/BV in order to make diamond, how much do you think I'd charge customers for product?

The straight answer to that lies with you.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-01-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The fourth question on the list is:

Is product pricing competitive?

Another great question. If I were starting a business powered by Quixtar, I'd certainly want to know that the people I'm retailing to (after all the 70% rule requires attempting to make sales, right?) are getting their moneys worth.

The IBOAI's 'straight' answer is this:

The products, in general, are price-competitive and good value for the money. Research shows that some products are less expensive than their counterparts, others are more expensive, and most are competitively priced.

Not a bad answer. But in typical Quixtar fashion, they do not reveal the source of this 'research' nor do they provide an example of this competitive pricing. They go on to add:

-Products that are more expensive usually have greater features and benefits over competitive products.

Again, no example

-Many products are highly concentrated, meaning a single purchase lasts longer. On a cost-per-use basis, these products are priced very competitively.

Which ones?

-Product is delivered directly to the consumer and backed by a Satisfaction Guarantee.

It would seem as though this last part is an exclusive feature only found at Quixtar. However many grocery chains and virtually all online retailers offer direct delivery and satisfaction guarantees.

I decided to do a little research on my own and I'll even reveal it here!

I pulled up some random items on Quixtar's site and compared them to identical or closely similar items and here's what I found:

Quixtar offers a 50oz box of their Dishdrops dishwashing detergent for a list price of $10.50. I compared it to a 75oz box of Cascade detergent (I figured that I'd price a larger box since it would compare better to Quixtar's claim of their product being more concentrated) at Safeway.com and found their price to be $3.50. That's a difference of $7.00 and safeway also delivers. The other cool thing about Cascade for me is that when I drink a glass of water it doesn't taste like soap as it does when I've used Dishdrops.

I then compared the price of Quixtar's Meadowbook brand of bath tissue. They list a 48 roll box of bath tissue at $26.99. Since Meadowbrook is an exclusive Quixtar brand I had to compare a similar product so I again went to Safeway.com and found a 24 roll pack of MD bath tissue for $5.49 (x2 packs = 10.98) once again it looks like Quixtar is much higher. I've tried the meadowbook tissue, by the way and it leaves much to be desired from a comfort standpoint if you know what I mean.

Lastly, I compared something a little more extravagant. I looked in Quixtar's electronics section and found the popular Rio MP3 player listed for $129.99. After a quick search on Epinions website I found the exact same player for as low as $74.90.

All of this took me less than 10 minutes and the conclusion here is that not only is the IBOAI's 'straight' answer not straight, but the prices are anything but competitive!

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2005-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

They certainly can't. But can the PDPs offered through the IBOAI teach you this either? Judging by the overwhelming majority of IBOs struggling to make it, I'd argue that they would have, at the very best, questionable value.

Compare prices charged for PDPs to the prices of similar materials and events from other training and motivation organizations.

Okay, I will. As I stated in response to question two, most other companies offer motivational training to their teams free of charge.

Further, all aspects of PDP use are covered under a generous buy-back provision.

Hmmm... I'm confused. If they're such a value, then why would you need a buy-back provision? Could it be possible then, that they aren't so valuable after all?

Update: For more on this 'generous' buy back provison click here.

The objective is to help IBOs develop successful and profitable independent businesses.

They certainly have helped some IBOs developed successful and very profitable business, but again which business? Quixtar businesses or Motivational businesses?

They may be an investment in your future!

Or someone else's!

Happy New Year

2005-01-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Wanted to take a moment to wish all who've visited "Sinking In Quixand" a happy and prosperous new year.

I've been away for a couple of weeks with my family for the holidays and haven't had an opportunity to post. We spent a few days in central Oregon playing in the snow and had a great time.

My lack of recent posting is also due to some unfortunate circumstances with my family. My grandfather, who is very close to me was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive stomach cancer. He likely will not make it but we're all praying for a miracle. I hope everyone can understand if the posting takes a back seat for a while as I concentrate on more important matters. Who knows, though? I do have many rough posts in my head so as long as I'm able to find some extra time, we may still be able to engage in some energetic debate.

Again, happy new year to everyone.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2004-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The second question on the list is:

Why are tapes, books, and meetings common in this business?

Let's see what the IBOAI has to say about the one subject that seems to be a thorn in the side of the majority of those critical to the 'opportunity' that is Quixtar. Their 'straight' answer is this:

Tapes, books, and meetings—sometimes collectively known as Professional Development Programs (or “PDPs”)—are a recognized way to acquire knowledge, gain skills, and improve performance in today’s business world. PDPs are user-friendly, tailored to this business, and come in many formats: video, audio, digital, print, and interpersonal education programs. PDPs can help provide users with:

- Effective business-building techniques
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Valuable leadership principles
- Time management expertise

It’s important to realize that PDPs are everywhere, not just in this business. For example…

Teachers, doctors, mechanics, and countless other professionals rely on training and motivation to learn industry trends, stay focused, and keep skills up-to-date.
The Training and Development Organizations Directory lists more than 2,600 institutes, firms, and other agencies that conduct professional training or produce training materials.

Professional development for those building a Quixtar-affiliated business is no different. The majority of Independent Business Owners have never built a business before and rely on the information communicated through PDPs—books, tapes and meetings, to help gain the skills necessary to help achieve success.

I have to admit, this is a pretty good answer. I mean after all, they are correct in saying that many businesses incorporate training to those involved so that they can better equip their team for success. But let me offer this one important fact as it relates to business training in the real world.

The majority of large businesses who train their teams, do so free of charge. In fact many companies offer paid training. I am familiar with several corporations who have their own in-house video training and motivation divisions specifically designed to provide the skills necessary to help their teams achieve success. Yet they are not charging their employees for it.

One could argue that Quixtar has the same set up, in that the upper level kingpins are the ones who put together the 'curriculum' for their teams, so it is essentially an in-house operation. So why the need to charge for this if it is going to provide success for everyone? Shouldn't the success of Quixtar powered businesses be achieved as a result of the training and not from the profits of it?

Maybe the 'tougher' question isn't why a training curriculum is common in this business, but why does the team have to pay for it.

Is this common practice?

2004-12-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me, how the powers that be in the Quixtar realm train the IBO to think, dress, and act like those above them. But I've never heard of this one before.

An IBO friend of mine was joking the other day about how she was leaving the house for an appointment to have her hair done. She told her husband she needed the checkbook to pay her hairdresser. Here's where it gets interesting. He instead filled out and signed the check for her!

After I gave her a strange look, she laughingly said that he was just so busy that it was an oversight on his part as he signs checks all the time at his other small business. She also said that he then, upon her request gave her a blank check instead. But I had to wonder. Could this be one more piece in the Husband wife dynamic as it relates to Quixtar? I've heard of all the other stuff that upline suggests about what the wife's role in the marriage should be, but this? I'd love to hear if there's anyone else who's heard of this.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

2004-12-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

I love visiting this page on the IBOAI website. Here, the IBOAI offers insight into the really challenging questions an IBO has when building his business powered by Quixtar.

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The first question on the list is:

What are the chances a person can start from zero and become a Diamond?

This is of course a great question and one that has been the center of much debate both here at Sinking in Quixand and other critical MLM sites. So what's the 'straight' answer.

The chances are the same for everyone who starts this kind of independent business, as the Independent Business Ownership Plan is structured to provide an “even playing field” for all.

Okay, they must be setting us up for the answer to this complex question. Let's read on.

Whether an IBO reaches the Diamond level is, first of all, dependent on whether he or she desires to build a business to that particular level. Every IBO has his or her own personal reasons to become a business owner and, thus, has personal goals for his or her business. For example, some IBOs want to earn extra income for a limited time; others want to generate a modest ongoing income; and others hope to build a large, full-time business. As with any business, hard work is necessary to build a Quixtar-affiliated independent business, and that requires time and commitment, especially in the beginning. Yet, this business offers flexibility. Quixtar-affiliated IBOs can start immediately and work at home…when they want…at their own pace…on their own schedule…and according to the goals they have set for themselves. The choice of when, where, and how much time to devote to their independent business is theirs alone.

Hmm. So what are the chances of becoming Diamond? It must be in there somewhere. I mean after all, these are supposed to be 'straight' answers, right? But I don't see a number, a percentage, some odds, nothing.

Well, let's see if we can figure this out for ourselves. We know that Quixtar has been in existence since '99. We also know that the plan promotes a 2-5 year timeline for financial freedom. The benchmark for success is of course the Diamond level (I mean you don't often hear the names of those who are making 'supplemental' income highlighted in Quixtar's success stories), so that means that there should certainly be at least a few Diamonds sprouting up now that Quixtar is five years old, right? No?

So I guess we're left to believe that since there are no new Diamonds who have been in for five years or less, the chances of becoming Diamond aren't that great.

Wish you were here.

2004-12-09T01:03:00.000-08:00

"Not only do you make $ in this business, but you get free trips too! You deserve to have all your dreams and goals. We believe in you!"

Love,

George and Terry

These were the words written on a postcard my wife received today from her upline. They were attending the Achievers conference in Orlando, Florida.

The image on the postcard was what caught my eye. It's a shot of the Walt Disney Dolphin resort at dusk. The purple sky in the background with the palm trees lining the parameter of a glassy pond setting alongside a pathway that leads to the magnificent hotel. It's a great shot of a great destination. The funny thing though is that the picture in this particular postcard is of a section of the building that is in the shape of a perfect equilateral triangle.

A pyramid. Sent by a Quixtar Upline to, I can only guess, their entire downline.

I had to chuckle as I looked at this. Now, I have to assume that my wife's upline had several postcards to choose from with varying images of their stay at the conference. But they chose this one. Why?

It's more than likely an ironic coincidence but definitely a reminder of the truth.

At least they believe in her.

Jay VanAndel: Death of a Salesman

2004-12-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Amway Co-Founder, Jay VanAndel died yesterday at the age of 80. According to Quixtar, services will be held this Friday.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of 'helping people achieve their dreams'.

What legacy do you leave behind?

Getting busy

2004-12-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

Well, Thanksgiving is behind us and now we turn our eyes to Christmas. My family and I love this time of year. It gets busy for me, working for a church but it's great to be around some incredible Christmas spirit.

I may be posting less at 'Sinking In Quixand' this month due to extra activities but I'll post when I have something good to offer (I'd rather not post just for the sake of posting).

I'm seriously thinking of pursuing a screenwriter to look at some Ideas I've got for a feature film about a young aspiring IBO that gets in too deep. We'll see what happens.

I have to say again though, if you haven't read 'Merchants of Deception', you need to take some time to do it. It's a fantastic read.

Thanks.

2004-11-24T23:04:00.000-08:00

I will take the day off tomorrow to celebrate a happy Thanksgiving with my family. But before I did that, I wanted to wish everyone who stops by 'Sinking In Quixand' a happy Thanksgiving, as well as offer up this one thought:

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday and here's why. Giving thanks implies a higher power. When you sit around your table tomorrow think about what you are thankful for and how you've been blessed. Then consider this: Who are you thankful to?

Be sure to thank the 'Great upline in the sky' (whatever their name is for you) and let them know how much you appreciate all they've done for you. Unless of course, you're an atheist in which case you thank... Wow, who do you thank if your an atheist?

Now go enjoy your tryptophan/football induced haze in front of the couch.

A good read.

2004-11-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading 'Merchants of Deception'. I have a lot of respect for Eric Scheibeler after reading of his struggles to seek out and expose the truth. Here's a man who exhibits great courage to stand up for what is right, an enormous amount of strength to endure the destruction of his life, and an incredible faith to come out on the other side a better man.

This was a tough read though. It is painful to know how utterly ruthless people can be and how unaware they can become of what is happening around them and to them. After reading this, I have noticed eerie similarities in the comments of other hard working IBOs as they defend their beliefs in this 'opportunity'. It makes it all the more sad to know that if and when it all comes crashing down on them, it will truly be devastating.

The main attraction

2004-11-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked by an IBO what it was that attracted me to the 'opportunity' when I initially signed up prior to the '99 launch. This is a great question and deserves attention.

Absolutely nothing.

"What?" you may be asking. That doesn't make sense. Why would anyone sign up for something if there wasn't anything appealing about it to them?

The answer is simple. Pressure. I was literally pressured into this. No, I didn't have a gun to my head and I am an intelligent adult who can make decisions for himself. The fact is, I was cornered by three close family members and their upline in the middle of a plan 'party'. The documentation was pretty much shoved in my face accompanied by the rapid-fire descriptions of all the benefits of IBOship.

I was pressured in high school, as many of us were, to do many things that were wrong. I am not above reproach as I gave in to some of these things. But none of this compared to the pressure of that evening. I signed up to please my wife. I signed up out of 'obligation' to my in-laws for letting my wife and I live in their home at the time. I signed up simply to get that evening over with and get on with my life. I'm not a weak person by nature. My wife would be the first to tell you that I am in fact very stubborn at times. But this was too much.

And here I am.

Maybe my story is unique, but I cannot help but think about the comments I read from others about IBOs lurking at malls and bookstores. Perhaps the pressure goes both ways though. After reading Eric Scheibeler's book, it's fairly obvious that the pressure to recruit new prospects is just as heavy. It's quite an interesting dynamic.

So is my story unique? Should I simply chalk this up to an unfortunate moment of weakness? I never wanted any of this. Never wanted to get involved in any MLM. Never wanted to spend the better part of the last six years arguing with my wife and growing apart from my father-in-law. Never wanted to be sitting in front of a computer screen telling the world about this stuff. Never wanted to be characterized by fellow Christians as one who spreads hate and contempt. It saddens me to proof-read this knowing that there are others out there who are possibly going through these same situations, loosing money, loosing sleep, loosing relationships. What was the attraction, indeed.

Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar

2004-11-19T14:20:00.000-08:00

Every Friday, Sinking In Quixand will post a new entry titled 'Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar'. This is of course, not official Quixtar commentary on the subject, but your rights as perceived by myself and others.

As an IBO powered by Quixtar, you have the right to: Recruit your friends and family.

Can you say Dysfunctional? I knew you could.

Merchants of Deception

2004-11-17T23:31:00.000-08:00

I've recently started reading Eric Scheibeler's controversial book, Merchants of Deception. I downloaded it from his site a few weeks ago and it's really a good read. The website has a link for downloading a free copy of the book along with tons of great info on his experiences as a high-level distributor.

As I read his work, I have to say that my heart goes out to him and his family. His wife and son have endured death threats and he is risking much to get the truth out. I would encourage anyone who is considering the Quixtar 'opportunity' to take a good look at this valuable information.

Good luck Eric, and God bless.

I've Got Mail.

2004-11-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

I received a very interesting email today from a gentleman named Brent. Brent is a Qualified Platinum in Quixtar and felt called to share his thoughts with me about my feelings on the Quixtar 'opportunity'. Brent writes (in red):

I pray for you. You have so much hate and contempt inthe words on your site. Some people remain on thesidelines of life, questioning why everyone doesanything; winners find these people to be scared,insecure, pathetic, and having used excuses to justifyevery failure they have ever experienced.

Brent, I will start by thanking you for your continued prayers. It is always encouraging to know that my fellow brothers in Christ are praying for me, even if we don't always see eye to eye. I too pray for the hard working IBOs (some of which are my own family) that God will bless them and lead them according to his will.

I will state once again as I did on my very first post that I do not hate anyone. I am truly sorry that my words seem to convey otherwise to you. As for being scared or insecure as you imply I can assure you that I'm doing fine. I am happily married to a fantastic woman and enjoy every day of fatherhood that God has blessed me with. My only failure was not seeing the truth until it was too late.

I stronglyrecommend that you read, "The Magic of Thinking Big". You need it. Unless the purchase of that book would"feed the machine"? If so, then, of course, avoid itlike the plague! Stay negative at all costs!

Thanks for the advice. I strongly recommend three passages from scripture to those who are looking into the Quixtar 'opportunity'.
Psalm 146
Matthew 6:25-34
Exodus 20:1-17
I think that much can be gleaned from what God has to say concerning how we are to be in relationship with Him as well as with others, and how God will always provide if we trust in Him.

As for your suggestion, I'd absolutely be willing to read it. I do hope that it isn't filled with the same drivel that I've come to know and love from other books of the month. I don't mean that as a slam but honestly, when you've read one piece of BSM you have pretty much read them all. A lot of talk but no substance. Don't worry about the machine, I'll probably find it on my Father-in-law's bookshelf.

Also, with regard to tools and other business supportmaterials: if you have children going off to college,please recommend to them that they attend all of theirlectures and classes, but by no means shall theypurchase any textbooks or workbooks to augment thoselectures. Those are merely in existence for a highereducation institution to profit! How dare they!

Or maybe I should have them avoid college altogether. Isn't that what Kiosaki would suggest?

I thank God every day that I do not associate withnegative, pessimistic, doubtful people anymore, suchas yourself (other than an e-mail such as this, Isuppose....).

Brent, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phillipians 1:3-6

How much longer will you spread this contempt? Or isthis how you have decided to impact others' lives,forever.

You know, Brent that's a great question. It really is. I'm not sure how long I'll continue blogging. I've only been at it a couple of months. According to some I should give it up simply because it isn't the most popular blog in town (props to you Futurecrown) and to others my posts are thought provoking and a worthwhile read (most of them anyway, at least the ones that aren't overly sarcastic or sports related). So I don't know.

You will wake up too early tomorrow, most likelytrading hours for dollars, for the rest of your life. I took the road less traveled, and it has made all thedifference in the world.God bless you.

Wow, and all day long I thought I was going to get to sleep in as I normally do on Mondays and head in to the church that I work for sometime in the early afternoon and work for a couple of hours and then watch the game. Thanks for the warning though. Qualified Platinum? Yup, that IS the road less traveled.

God bless you too, Brent.

Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar

2004-11-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

Every Friday, Sinking In Quixand will post a new entry titled 'Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar'. This is of course, not official Quixtar commentary on the subject, but your rights as perceived by myself and others.

As an IBO powered by Quixtar, you have the right to: Forgo business support materials and do your business ethically.

Wow, that's good. 'Cause all this time, I thought that I'd have to lie, cheat, and steal my friends and family on my way to financial freedom.

In Good Conscience

2004-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

I don't consume any of the items my wife purchases from Quixtar. She buys Artistry shampoo, I use Dove. She gets Critic's Choice (I love that name) cereal, I buy Whatever looks good in the cereal isle. She uses Dish Drops when she does the dishes, I buy Cascade.

Some would think (and my wife did too) that I was doing this out of spite. But that's not it. I cannot in good conscience use these products, let alone purchase them no matter how good (and I'm still not convinced that they are all that great) as they ultimately feed the machine (besides, they are all overpriced). By using Quixtar products it condones the behaviors of the kingpins by endorsing that which they represent.

I know this sounds a bit over the top but it's my way of keeping perspective. My wife has come to understand as she has started to buy less and less from Quixtar's site as well. I won't force the issue with her as I wish her to make her own choices in this in the hopes that she will see things for what they truly are and eventually decide to not renew her IBOship. If that happens, I then have to consider what will become of 'Sinking In Quixand'.

What If?

2004-11-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

I once thought (and still do) that it would be cool if someone wrote a screenplay on the experiences of a young IBO who gets a little too close to the inner workings of the system only to find himself in a twisted web of deception, greed, and even danger as he uncovers more than he intended.

I came up with this idea after reading Russel Glasser's "Terror, Greed, and Salvation" story. This was the first site I visited in my early research into the truth. I found it such a great story that I thought someone should expand on the concept, embellish a little and craft an intelligent screenplay along these same lines.

I know this idea is not new. I've seen it suggested on other sites but it seems that no one has really seriously considered it. Qblog published the "Marks" novel last summer, which was pretty good, but most of the critics (myself included) thought it a bit one-dimensional and had a weak ending.

So just for fun, what do you think? Who would you cast in the roles of the key players of Russel's story? Maybe it's not even his story but a little of our own experiences. Who do you cast as Britt or Dex or the people at a typical living room presentation?

One of the suggestions I saw mentioned Michael Moore as a great person to create this, but I think I disagree. While I think something like this would be right up his alley, I think he has a pretty narrow constituency in the entertainment world, appealing to pretty much the liberal persuasion (not that there's anything wrong with that). His involvement would not have the desired effect of raising an awareness of the MLM 'opportunity'. I think that you would want to have a great story with some intrigue, action, and suspense. Someone along the lines of Jerry Bruckheimer, or John Woo could be really cool.

It could also be made in a completly different vein and have the same effect. If it were written as a comedy and poked fun at the nonsensical catch phrases and ideals, it could portray the 'opportunity' as the waste of time that it is.

What do you think? I'd love to see this happen someday. Who knows maybe we could all team up and write a masterpiece together.

And.....Action!

Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar

2004-11-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

Every Friday, Sinking In Quixand will post a new entry titled 'Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar'. This is of course, not official Quixtar commentary on the subject, but your rights as perceived by myself and others.

As an IBO powered by Quixtar, you have the right to: Be a part of one of the fastest growing businesses on the Internet.

Who would have ever thought that turnover would be the wave of the future?

The moral of the story...

2004-11-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

It was in the summer of '99 when my wife and I signed up as IBOs in Quixtar. I'll never forget that night.

I had my reservations from the start when my father-in-law first became involved. I saw immediately the Amway connection but it was quickly discounted by everyone else with the typical responses.

"It isn't Amway. It's Quixtar. They are a company that will sell some of Amway's products along with thousands of other companies," they'd say.

I still didn't like it.

My wife and I were living with her folks at the time while we built our own home when all of this took place. I remember coming home one Sunday night after going to a ballgame with my buddies to a living room meeting that was being conducted by our soon to be upline. They were just finishing up when I arrived. People began visiting and such when my wife, the upline's wife, my Father-in-law, and Mother-in-law came to me with the paperwork to sign up. It felt so weird. I'll never forget how chaotic those few moments felt. I had four people chattering at me about how this was the best time to get in and that Dad would pay the sign up fee, the products are great, they're partnered with all these cool stores, we just signed up, this is going to blow Amazon.com away. Just sign here.

Just sign here? "What exactly am I signing?" I asked.

"Oh it's just the normal legal stuff. You know, it basically says that this is how the business works and talks about what you could expect to make and how you're protected."

I really felt like I shouldn't just sign it but the pressure of that moment was just weird. I cannot describe it any other way. I felt that I was being rude by being cautious. I went ahead and quickly scanned the stuff as I filled it out, all the while wondering if I was making a mistake.

Well, long story short I am no longer an IBO (everyone else listed above still is with nothing to show for it I might add) and am here at 'Sinking in Quixand' with my story. So what's the moral?

When it comes to full disclosure in situations like this I think it begs the question of: Who is obligated to make sure the prospect is up to speed on everything? Is it the responsibility of the upline to present and explain in detail all of the fine print? Or does the new prospect have the responsibility as an adult to make sure he's not getting the shaft?

I believe that the responsibility lies with both the upline and the prospect to some degree. Obviously the prospect has an obligation to himself to read through any documents thoroughly before signing and ask questions with the expectation that they'll be answered thoroughly. You certainly owe it to yourself to do this. The upline also has a responsibility to his prospects (especially in keeping in line with his ethical convictions if he has them) to make sure his new IBOs are familiar with every nuance of this new endeavor.

I know it can and has been argued that overwhelming a prospect has the potential for confusion and reluctance. But that's what makes it all the more important to disclose everything. I know that my experience of being caught up in a chaotic excitement while being presented with contractual documentation is not a rare occurrence. I signed documentation that essentially waived my right to a trial by jury in the heat of the moment! Am I to blame for this? Maybe to some extent, but do I also waive my right to be angry and disappointed at those who presented this stuff to me for discounting it as merely typical stuff to not worry about it?

As I research the intricacies of MLM I am aware of the pressures that come with getting people to sign up. You have to deal with the rejection factor, the negativity surrounding your line of work, the amount of time you put into it. You are presenting what is continually exalted as a Christian based business that is the wave of the future. What does that mean to you? Is there a conviction to be honest with your prospects about what they are giving up with the BSMAA? Should you take a step back and take a close look for yourself at the answers you've been taught to give to typical questions and ask why you are taught to give them? At what cost do you sign people who are you're friends and family up?

What's your obligation and how far does it extend?

(note: spell check was down at the time of this posting so if you find an error, deal with it for now and I'll edit for spelling later)

Get some exercise.

2004-11-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

Go out and exercise your right to vote! I think this will be an interesting one and will be watching the coverage on it into the day.

Go Dubya!

Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar

2004-10-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, Sinking In Quixand will post a new entry titled 'Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar'. This is of course, not official Quixtar commentary on the subject, but your rights as perceived by myself and others.

As an IBO powered by Quixtar, you have the right to: Learn from the experts.

Then, when you're financially independent, you can purchase a stationary Bike! : )

Breaking the 'Curse'

2004-10-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Red Sox win the World Series! Woohoo!

What's it gonna take?

2004-10-26T16:25:00.001-07:00

I've taken a few days 'off' so to speak to gather some perspective. As I read through the posts on various blogs, it strikes me as curious that there is such a polarity in pro/con Quixtar dialogue as of late.

I know, I know...No surprise there. But it made me ask myself two interesting questions:

There are some very hard working IBOs out there who, no matter what us critics say or no matter what information we present, will never convince you that there is reason to consider walking away. So to that, my question is this:

What is it that would have to happen to cause you to reconsider your efforts in a business powered by Quixtar?

On the flip side of the coin of course are those of us who are critical of the Quixtar opportunity or even MLM as a whole. The question here is obviously similar but worthy of consideration as well:

Is there anything in the Quixtar business model that, if it were changed, would cause you to re-evaluate the opportunity and sign up?

Since I present these questions, I feel obligated to answer the second one.

In order for me to consider the Quixtar opportunity as one that presents itself as a viable alternative to a conventional carreer I would have to see the following:

1. Elimination of the tools system and arbitration process.
2. Steady growth over a five year period after the elimination of the tools and arbitration process.
3. Greater success rates.

Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar

2004-10-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, Sinking In Quixand will post a new entry titled 'Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar'. This is of course, not official Quixtar commentary on the subject, but your rights as perceived by myself and others.

As an IBO powered by Quixtar, you have the right to: Arbitration.

It's always good to know that your protected, isn't it?

Who's Who

2004-10-20T23:43:00.000-07:00

The big stuff. It happens now and then. You have a big decision to make and you need to bounce it off of someone. You know, get a different perspective. So who do you talk to. I'll give some scenarios and as you read them ask yourself "who would I think would be the best person to talk to about this?".

I'm wondering if private or public school would be best for the kids. Who do I talk to?

I'm thinking of a career change. Who do I talk to?

I'm thinking of buying a new car. Who do I talk to?

I'm looking for a good church to join. Who do I talk to?

I've been having some problems with the wife/husband. Who do I talk to?

Now, I know that there are at least some IBOs who say that their upline is the best source for advise on one of these subjects. Heck, I'd say that anyone who is looking to buy a car could ask me for my opinion and I'd give them tons of info (although a bit more skewed to favor Audi, but we all have our preferences). But for those who would seek upline advise for all of the above (and I know there are some), I would ask why? Is your upline so influential and well read that you would trust them to sway even your biggest decisions?

Just curious.

Rice, Rice, Baby!

2004-10-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

Ah, the great ones. Unitas, Payton, Favre, Montana, Marino. And who could ever forget the great Seahawks receiver Jerry Rice.

Sure, some will call him an old has been. But what a valuable mentor he'll be.

Nothing like a good mentor (now, where have I heard that before?).

Go 'Hawks!

The Big Conundrum

2004-10-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

In reference to the questionable ethics of the Quixtar business, I've heard it said many times by many IBOs. "Sure, some people will always be dishonest, but you will find that in the real world too. I will choose to run my Quixtar business ethically and above reproach." (I'm paraphrasing of course).

A noble idea, and one that should be commended.

There are, however, two main problems with this way of thinking.

First there is the issue of turning a blind eye to the wrong doing that is admitted in the above statement itself. The IBO admits that there is indiscretion, yet decides that it is not egregious enough to warrant not being involved. At what point then, does condoning dishonesty through your involvement become an issue? Does it at all? How does this not become an issue for the otherwise good intentioned IBO?

The second problem in this statement is the fact that this method of IBOship cannot be accomplished, despite the best efforts of the IBO. The business model itself is inherently structured to be one that is dependent on the failure of the majority. So an IBO is left to make a choice as to just how low the ethics bar needs to be set in order to have a somewhat clear conscience in the matter.

How do IBOs deal with this conundrum once it is presented and realized? Perhaps it is yet another issue to turn a blind eye to.

Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar

2004-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try something new for a while:

Every Friday, Sinking In Quixand will post a new entriy titled 'Your Rights as an IBO Powered by Quixtar'. This is of course, not offical Quixtar commentary on the subject, but your rights as perceived by myself and others.

As an IBO Powered by Quixtar, you have the right to: Make $3.38 per hour.

"Wooo Hoo! Sign me up!

Can I get a witness?

2004-10-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

One of my main areas of concern with the business of Quixtar has always been the religious angle that is promoted.

I was once given a tape by my now former upline who knew I was strong in my Christian beliefs. I think he felt that by showing me that the business lifts up the name of Christ and expresses their belief that the Quixtar plan is 'blessed by God’, that he'd ease some of my concerns. The effect was the complete opposite.

Something was definitely not right with this. I was really upset about it and I immediately turned to God's word for guidance. I'll say this right now to all the Christians out there who may be considering this endeavor: ALWAYS seek the wisdom of Christ through the teachings of the Bible. Your upline will NEVER be able to give you the spiritual guidance that the word of God will.

I prayed about this because I was unsure if I was just being critical or if there was something God was trying to say. I asked for wisdom in finding the scripture that could help me discern the truth. I turned to psalm 146 (New International Version):

1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their PLANS come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-the LORD , who remains faithful forever.

What stuck out for me was verse 3 and 4 where the Psalmist talks about the PLANS of the Princes. I looked further to try to find out what was meant by this description. He is referring to Princes as influential people who are in reality mortal. It reminded me of the Diamonds who are exalted to such a high place that they become like gods. The word PLANS also stuck out for obvious reasons.

I was also reminded of a sermon our Pastor preached on the 10 commandments:

"You shall have no other gods before Me." I thought of the kingpins and the perpetuation of materialism.

"You shall not make for yourself an Idol" spoke to me about the pursuit of riches and luxury.

"You shall not covet." This is a great reminder of the attitude of jealousy concerning your boss’ income.

"You shall not take the name of the LORD you God in Vain." How could this relate to Quixtar? Now, most consider this the offensive 'Goddammit' or "Jesus Christ!" exclamation. But I think it goes further:

Anytime someone uses the name of God as a means of furthering their own agenda or manipulating the will of others they are taking the name of the LORD in vain.

The last commandment that stuck out was "You shall not steal". Of course, much debate could be said about how this relates to Quixtar. More than the material or monetary things that are stolen from those involved in Quixtar, it’s the issue of time being stolen that I have issue with. I’m talking about time from children, time from spouses, and time from family. This breaks my heart when I see this in the families of Quixtar. Your kids are only kids once.

I'm not perfect. Far from it in fact. But I know that Quixtar is not going to make me a better Christian.

Please, prayerfully consider this decision and look to God's word for guidance. Not your would be upline.

God bless.

A stroke of genius.

2004-10-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Check it out. Here's the link:

http://www.cafepress.com/quixtarblog

Qblog, you're a genius.

Make it stop!

2004-10-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

I was going to post today, once I gathered my composure after my beloved Seahawks fell apart yesterday and lost in OT. But then the packers get their butts handed to them on national television. Oh, man! My head's spinning. Maybe tomorrow.

I think I need a hug.

Plants?

2004-10-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget one of the living room presentations I attended.

There was a guy there that was a 'friend' of the host who had an unusual amount of questions as the plan was shown. Most of his questions seemed to be of the sort that opened the door for the host to be able to expand on his previous talking point and the question asker would respond with a "Wow, that's amazing!" type of an answer.

I left with the feeling that this guy was planted by the host.

I remember hearing somewhere that this was not uncommon, but never heard about it from anyone else.

Has anyone ever heard of this? Do IBOs sometimes use 'plants' to influence the group? Does this raise any moral dilemma?

Sign of the times?

2004-10-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to the hard working IBO who discovers that the average Joe can now purchase products from Quixtar's site without a referral IBO number?

Qblog and MLM Today (www.quixtarblog.com & http://mlmtoday.blogspot.com/ respectively) are both posting about this latest news from the Quixtar front.

MLM Today brings up some interesting hypotheticals regarding Britt, Yeager, and Qrush and Qblog has generated some expanded commentary as well. But what I'd like to know is if there are any who share my genuine concern for the hundreds of thousands of IBOs who could potentially be left out in the cold so to speak (I use those words because Quixtar's site mentions nothing about this new availability, at least not that I could find even when logged in as an IBO).

Now, I realize that us bloggers are all speaking hypothetically, but what if? What if this is a sign of bigger things? Certainly Quixtar is in a position to separate themselves from the bad publicity of late, what with Dateline's story and the legal troubles of key leadership. As MLM Today suggests, the relationship between Quixtar and the IBOAI has been stressed. He also points out that Quixtar has been running ads for Nutrilite products for months now. The AQMOs are an obvious hurdle to Quixtar's credibility on the e-front. What would stop Quixtar from making the unfortunate but necessary business decision to dissolve the 'system' concept in order to become a big player in e-commerce?

So I ask again. What does this mean for you?

This One Thing.

2004-10-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

My wife and I had a great conversation last night about her involvement in Quixtar. We don't talk much about this as it can get a little heated (who would have thought that Quixtar would be a point of contention in a marriage?).

It was a really great conversation. I asked her one question that I realized will have different answers for different people, so I thought I'd ask it here.

What is it about the MLM concept that appeals to you on a business level over a conventional occupation? I'm not talking about Quixtar here. I'm talking about the basic concept of Multi-Level or Network Marketing. There was something about it that made you decide that it was a better choice for you than what you were doing at the time. What was it?

I asked my wife this question, and ask it now because I have a difficult time understanding what it is about making an honest living that doesn't appeal to those involved in MLM.

I give you the floor.

The dreaded bye week

2004-10-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a football fanatic. When September rolls 'round, my kids and I like to sit in our family room and cheer on our beloved Seahawks.

So today is my least favorite week in the NFL. The 'Hawks have a bye week so I'm stuck having to watch the Broncos and the Bucs until we get to the evening game where I can at least root for the 49ers to beat the Rams.

But this post is not about football. It's about the concept of resting. I'm a firm believer in it. You gotta make sure you take some time out for yourself. This is one of the toughest things for us Americans to do. We're so busy, that we forget to give ourselves a rest. We pay for it with our health a lot of the time. I wrote a similar post last month (http://sinkinginquixand.blogspot.com/2004/09/labor-day-10-15-hours-per-week-for-2-5.html#comments ), but I think it's important enough to reiterate again.

You work hard whether you are in a J.O.B. or an IBO so make sure you give yourself your own 'bye'.

Take it easy.

And, Go Seahawks!

Here's to good friends...Tonight is kind of special.

2004-10-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow will mark one month here at "Sinking in Quixand." I will say it has been quite an experience.

Through the last thirty days as I look at what I've posted, I'm learning some interesting things about myself.

I speak from the heart at times, speak from the head at times, and according to some (including myself), speak out my @#!&* at times. I've tried to be light-hearted with stuff and have even managed to get a little heated with some of you.

So what does all of this mean? I guess I'll let you decide. My only assessment would be that I'm doing okay with this blogging thing, but I could probably use some help with the technical end (I'm still trying to figure out how to put a links menu on the side bar, so if anyone can help speak up).

To all those who've visited, thanks. I appreciate each and every one of you. Even those who may not necessarily agree with me. That's what makes our dialogue so dynamic.

I'm looking forward to continued conversations in the months to come.

Take care. Here's to you (I'm hoisting a cold one right now).

Jason

"You should look into bottled water companies."

2004-09-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

I was advised to do this at the urging of a reader a couple of days ago. The reader commented that:

"That is an industry that is unregulated and is scamming consumers in a major way. Talk about an over-priced product that is in most cases just tap water in a bottle."

Not being an expert in bottled water but being one who drinks a fair amount of it, I asked the reader to provide me with further information to show me how I'm being scammed. I did admit at the time that what was being said sounded a lot like typical Quixtar rhetoric in defense of XS energy drinks (that was the subject of the dialogue), but if it were true then he should be able to steer me in the right direction.

We'll I hadn't seen any response so I decided to do some research on my own. I immediately found a couple of very interesting facts.

The Definitive Bottled Water Site ( http://www.bottledwaterweb.com/) offered some insight.

In the consumers section, about half way down the page it lists a number of different pages for the average Joe to become educated on the bottled water industry. How curious I was when I read this sentence:

To see the rules on the most regulated beverage in the food industry, check out REGULATIONS.

Well now, that couldn't be right could it? I mean didn't my IBO friend say that the bottled water industry was unregulated? I had to look further.

I clicked on this link and found a pretty extensive summation of just what bottled water companies have to adhere to on the federal, state, and even international levels.

I couldn't just rely on only this site though (that would be like getting business advise from one person and no one else). So I decided to go to the Food and Drug Administration's home page to research a little more. After all, If the quality standards are as questionable as my IBO friend claims, then surely there must be some documentation on the FDA's public database of warnings submitted to food and drug companies.

I looked through the list of letters sorted by companies in alphabetical order. I searched for the big ones (Evian, Calistoga, Arrowhead, Crystal springs, Dannon, etc.) but found nothing with regard to any violations on their site.

So what did I learn from this experience? I learned a lot about the bottled water industry. I feel like I'm a more aware consumer. This also reinforced my feelings on what can happen when we only listen and not act.

Unfortunately, I'm left with the assumption that the reader was given this information by an upline or some motivational tool only to regurgitate it here with nothing to support it. This accomplished two things. His credibility is lessened, and the value of the information handed down through the lines of sponsorship (if that's where it came from) has to be deemed suspect at best.

IBOs: Please do not take what is given to you by your uplines at face value. Be intelligent enough to research the information you receive and make decisions that are correct. You are being asked to give up an extraordinary amount of time and money in what some refer to as a 'life changing decision'. Don't you owe it to yourselves, and those you may be looking at sponsoring, to be accurate?

Rich Dad, Unprepared Dad.

2004-09-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

I read about this once but never got a chance to actually see it until recently.

I love irony. So when me and my wife were channel surfing (well, I was actually doing the surfing and she was putting up with it as most wives do) we came across an infomercial for Robert T. Kiyosaki's motivational stuff.

For those unfamiliar with this guy, he's a Quixtar 'demi-god' who wrote a best selling book on his experiences with his real 'poor' dad and his arguably fictional 'rich' dad. He is also praised by IBO's for having such a keen grasp on what is an asset and what is a liability in the financial world. For more on this guy, read this:(it's a long read but a great read).

Anyway this guy, who's supposed to be extraordinarily wealthy, due to his incredible financial insight is being interviewed about his latest books, tapes, etc. Kiyosaki attempts to give an example of a typical financial struggle that a non-rich person would go through by way of an analogy. He parallels the struggle to riding a stationary bicycle, and has the show's 'host' pretend to be riding a stationary bike to explain his theory. As the 'struggle' gets worse he asks the guy to pedal faster, and faster, etc. on this imaginary stationary bike.

By this time, my wife and I are both looking at each other out of the corner of our eyes to see if the other is laughing.

I look at her and ask if she's laughing about the same thing I was.

"What," she said "you mean the fact that this supposedly rich guy doesn't even have the money to get a real stationary bike for his infomercial?"

It was pretty funny. But not funny enough to stop surfing. Oh, SportsCenter!

What's in your closet?

2004-09-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well, the wife is away for a couple of days visiting her sister leaving me to be Mr. Mom. I thought I'd surprise her when she gets back by taking this time to do a little cleaning.

So I'm cleaning the closets out, boxing and bagging up things to send to the Goodwill, etc. My oldest daughter and I spend some time talking about important stuff. And then she asks the question!

No not that question. If she asked that, I'd have been on the phone that very minute to my wife so they could have 'the talk'.

She wanted to know if she should give her new fourth grade teacher an XS energy drink to try out since he's a daily jogger. I asked her why she wanted to do this. She said that she thought he might like to try it (I think she has a crush on him).

So there I was. I thought of one of my first posts here at Sinking In Quixand about this very thing. My little girl was in a round about way asking if she should distribute a Quixtar product. Wow, even as I think about it now, I'm amazed. We decided to stop what we were doing (I was getting tired of seeing all of the old shoes my wife and I have accumulated anyway) and have an intelligent discussion.

I asked her what she knew about the 'XS company', as she calls it. She said that she knew that mommy sells it and so does her grandfather. I asked her if she knew that some people have not so nice things to say about the 'XS company'. She told me she remembered when mommy was watching the TV and was getting mad about what they were saying about it (she was referring to the Dateline airing). So I asked her what she thought about that. She told me that she didn't really understand why people wouldn't like it. The thinking, obviously being that if mommy and grandpa do it then it must be okay, right?

This is where I knew I had a responsibility to be very neutral on the whole thing. I figured I should take it slow. I started by telling her that there are many companies out there who manufacture energy drinks. Some are bought at the grocery store, some can be bought at health and fitness stores, and:

"Some are ordered, right?" she added.

"Exactly," I said. "Some are ordered." She was getting it so far. I told her that nothing is wrong with any of these methods, and it really didn't matter what particular drink you chose to purchase.

"So, some people just don't like the 'XS company'?" she asked.

"Yes, some don't," I told her. "Some people think that the company that makes those drinks may not be the most honest company to do business with, and others think that it's a great company to work with."

"Do you think they're bad?" she asked.

"I don't particularly care for that company. I think that mommy and grandpa are doing what they think is right and that's okay. I don't want to do it though. It doesn't mean it's bad and it doesn't mean it's good. It just means that I don't like it. Kind of like how you feel about garlic. You don't like it but that doesn't make it bad and it doesn't make it good, it's just your preference."

"So what do you think I should do about my teacher?" was the next question.

I felt at this point that since she was asking for my personal opinion that I could be a little more free to share my criticisms. Besides I'm her dad, and have an obligation to protect my children, so I still have some say in this.

I told her that some people feel strongly about their likes and dislikes for it. I told her that sometimes those who strongly dislike the company also do not think very highly of those who are associated with it.

She's so smart, I didn't have to finish.

"So if I give him the energy drink and he happens to be someone who doesn't like the company than he might think less of me?"

I told her that he should never think less of her for anything. I told her that she's a smart girl and that I think her teacher is a nice guy. In the end we both agreed that she would give him something else. I think that's what it all boiled down to anyway. She likes her teacher and wanted him to know that she recognizes him by giving him something she thought he'd be interested in. She's going to buy him a water bottle.

On to being Mr. Mom. Anyone know how to change a diaper?

P & G hooks up with the Trump

2004-09-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

I enjoy watching the Apprentice. Tonight's show had the teams competing with each other on the best way to launch a product for a large corporation. Turns out the company was Amway's arch nemesis Proctor and Gamble.

It got me thinking though. If Amway and Quixtar aren't the same, then who will become the 'Anti-Quixtar'?

On a side note, P & G announced an internet contest at www.crest.com where you can submit your own product launch idea.

Where do they get their materials?

2004-09-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

In my line of work (media production), I regularly produce, edit, and duplicate CDs, cassettes and DVDs. While placing an order for some blank CD's last week, I was reminded of a common quote from IBOs as it pertains to the sale of support materials (CDs, tapes, etc.).

It's not uncommon to hear an IBO explain in the defense of tools, that the producers of such aren't really making much more than cost, if anything at all. It leads one to believe that cost for a typical tape is $6.00 to produce. I guess at this point, my personal reaction is "Where on earth are they buying their materials from!?"

Because I produce in high quantities, I purchase blank media, labels, and cases in bulk. I pay no more than $.46 per blank tape, $.01 per label, and $.12 per case for a total cost of $.59 per cassette. CDs are even less expensive ($.25 for a blank CD, $.05 per label, $.15 for a jewel case for a total of $.45.

Now I guess one could argue that there are production/duplication costs associated with this. I have a small duplication set up, but because it's automated I can still set in a master and load up to 150 blanks and leave for the night to have them done in the morning (hardly a laborous effort).

Their production costs have to be no big deal either as it's all spoken word. That's hardly any mixing/editing/mastering at all (the production quality on the motivational tapes is marginal anyway. I mean, most of them sound like the masters were recorded from someone's boom box in the audience).

So I guess at this point, I'm curious as to how cost for a motivational tape can come to $6.00 and why IBOs are under that impression. I don't know the cost of a motivational CD (if anyone has this info, let me know. I could only assume that IBOs pay more for them than cassettes despite the fact that they're cheaper to produce. But you have my CD cost to compare to as well).

Anyone care to shed some light on this?

The Numbers (part 2)

2004-09-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of days I've had the pleasure of participating in dialogue with a reader who calls himself 'futurecrown' (He goes by 'Chris' when he posts on Qblog's site). Futurecrown has been an active contributor to the conversations on both sites and has done a very good job of presenting his angle for the Quixtar opportunity.

One of the things that jumps out at me in his comments are his frequent references to average income levels. This reminded me of an example of average vs. median that I saw once (I can't remember where, It may have been Qblog's site). Here's the example the way I remember it:

You have a group of people all working for the same company. Most are employees, two are directors and one is the CEO. Let's say that their salaries range like this:

$15000, $80000, $20000, $25000, $18000, $22000, $100000, $70000, $16500

Fourth grade math tells us that if you add up the salaries ($366500) and divide by the total number of salaries (9) you will get the average salary for the company ($40722).

To find the median salary for the company we take the salaries and arrange them from least to most,

($15000, $16500, $18000, $20000, $22000, $25000, $70000, $80000, $100000)

and the one in the middle ($22000) is the median.

So the average salary is $40722 but the median is $22000.

So which is the more accurate representation of the kind of salary received by those working for this company?

What does it mean?

It means that averages can be deceptive, as they are skewed by extremes (in the case of the above example the extremes of $100000 compared to 15000).

A median number is less affected by the extremes and gives a closer representation of the true middle.

According to Quixtar, the average yearly GROSS income for active IBOs was $1380. I wonder what the median was.

Alternatives

2004-09-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

I'll caution you all now. This may get long.

It is all too common for a discussion on the Quixtar opportunity to hit a brick wall between those for, and those against. The conversation goes back and forth, gets a bit heated, and inevitably the "What can you offer that's better?" question comes up.

While I don't necessarily think that it is the responsibility of the critical to offer an alternative, I do see the merit in the question. If you are attacking my way of thinking and think you are better off without it, then tell me what would be better. So I guess the first question I'd ask before offering an alternative to Quixtar would probably be one of the same questions they first asked you:

What are your dreams?

Do you want to be rich? Do you want to get out of your "Just Over Broke" job? Do you seek community (I doubt this is why you are joined Quixtar or why you are looking to get into it, but I hear so many IBOs say that that's what they are most satisfied with so I've included it here)? Do you wish to be able to offer help to those less fortunate? Does the idea of working for a Christian business appeal to you?

These are all dreams worthy of pursuit (all except maybe the first one. Remember 1 Timothy 6:10). So I will attempt (although, I'm sure it will be in vain) to offer alternatives to Quixtar that I see as better.

1. Do you want to be rich?
Although I see this as a dream that borders on unscrupulousness (which could explain why the Kingpins promote this one a lot), I can offer you these possibilities:

Write a top ten song or a best selling novel: It's always been said that if you can write a song that hits the top ten charts or a best seller or a great screenplay, you are set for life. You don't even have to be smart (look what it's done for Robert T. Kiyosaki). Royalties are a big money maker. How's that for residual income?

Invent something useful: It never ceases to amaze me how clever my five year old son is. Did you know that the guy that came up with the concept of the yellow electronic first down marker used in televised football games gets a ton of money every time it is used?

2. Do you want to get out of your "Just Over Broke" job?

I can certainly see the validity of this one. I can recall a few jobs I've held in my life that were pretty bad. From unbearable co-workers, to horrible pay, there is always some job out there that you'd do anything to not have to wake up for every morning (even join Quixtar). For those stuck in their nightmare job, I offer you only this:

Get another job: Find something that inspires and stimulates your brain and your spirit. I am a musician by trade. I worked in many different fields, some of which took care of me pretty well. It wasn't until I decided to do something about it that I discovered my dream job. It took a little time but I found a job as an audio engineer for my local church. How is that a dream job that caters to my musicianship, you may ask? I am utilizing my talent as a producer/engineer for the musicians, singers, and actors in our church while having an amazing community of Christian co-workers and receiving great benefits and good pay. I am serving my church, community, and my God and I love it!

You have to find what you love and pursue it. Are you a writer? Then write. Do you like to cook at home? Then go to school and become the next Wolfgang Puck. Do you like to doodle? Then make up a comic strip.

3. Do you seek Community?

Again, I only put this here because so many of you IBOs and IBOs-to-be talk about this intangible aspect of the business. But here's a couple of great ideas that cost much less.

Go to church and get involved: It's not enough just to go to church. You have to become a part of it. In fact if you are a member of a church, I think that you have a responsibility to be a part of its growth. Start a men's group and form a yearly golf tournament or camping retreat. Host a bible study in your home (I can assure you that this kind of plan presentation is much more fulfilling).

Join the local athletic club: Everyone could stand to keep healthy (especially when you look at the obesity rate in this country). If an athletic club isn't your cup of tea, then organize a softball team in your local league or join a golf or bowling league with your spouse. Most golf courses have couples leagues that are quite fun.

Start a book club: Wouldn't it be cool if you could talk with friends about a good book that wasn't on the Book of the month list? Maybe a best seller that someone from the first question wrote?

4. Do you wish to be able to help those less fortunate?

A most worthy cause indeed (and one that certainly will cost you something). Might I suggest:

Give to your local food bank: This costs you a little extra in your normal grocery bill and can be done as often as you want in either a food or monetary donation. Every little bit counts, so don't be deceived in thinking that your contribution is insignificant (Remember the woman from Mark 12:42 in the temple who gave two small coins amounting to only a cent while the rich were giving large sums. Jesus said "Truly I say to you , this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury.")

Give blood: Remember how good we all felt when, during the events of 9-11, we all went and donated blood? This is a valuable resource that helps in many ways. It's a great thing to do.

How about a tithe to the church your involved in?: If you are a member of a church, than this should be part of your act of worship. Joyful giving is both a help to those who need it, as well as a responsibility we should be teaching our children. Did you know that the national average of church giving for those who even give at all is less than 2%?

5. Does the idea of working for a Christian business appeal to you?

Again, a very worthy dream. There are many Christian organizations as well as those whose leadership exemplifies Christian values. Here's a couple of examples:

World vision ( http://www.wvi.org/wvi/home.htm ): World Vision is an international Christian relief and development organization working to promote the well being of all people - especially children. In 2003, World Vision offered material, emotional, social and spiritual support to 100 million people in 99 countries.

Youth Specialties ( http://www.youthspecialties.com ): For over 30 years Youth Specialties has worked alongside Christian youth workers of just about every denomination and youth-serving organization.

So there you have it. My attempt at offering somthing better than a business powered by Quixtar. I certainly hope I've helped in showing that you can realize your dreams without spending the time and money on products and tools that may or may not do it for you. It all depends on what your dreams are. The one thing to take into consideration with these is that the cost/risk for these suggestions is considerably less than what the average IBO will put into their attempt to build his/her business. My hope is that now that someone has offered viable alternatives that maybe they might be considered as, at least, a good starting point.

Funny thing...

2004-09-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I stopped by the grocery store, where I enjoy shopping because of the people who work there (not sure where Quixtar gets the idea that this is not possible). I picked up some things for dinner and the standard stuff (you know, milk, cereal, coffee).

I got home and began to put this stuff away and noticed something for the first time that made me laugh out loud.

The boxes of cereal in the pantry that my wife purchased from Quixtar all had a brand name of "Critics Choice." I hadn't noticed this before and realize that the name doesn't imply what I thought was great irony.

I obviously found this funny because this critic wouldn't choose to eat this cereal (or use any of the other products that feed the monster), and I had to wonder how many others have made this humorous connection.

Just a silly observation. Maybe a better name would be "IBOs choice".

The "A" Word

2004-09-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

It was 1999 when I signed up for my IBOship with my Wife. I had questions back then too, as I was not particularly enthusiastic about the whole thing at the time (I actually felt a bit pressured. Surprised?).

One of my questions was that this sounded a lot like Amway.

It was as if I just swore in church! I was immediately met with responses about how they weren't Amway and that they only sell some of their products, etc., etc.

While poking around on the IBOA's Facts site last night, I came across a list of 21 answers to 'tough' questions for IBOs http://www.ibofacts.com/Answers.htm. This list is supposed to be a tool for helping the new IBO give answer to some of the more sensitive issues surrounding their business. The 20th question asks: "Aren't Amway and Quixtar really the same?" and goes on to answer:

No. Quixtar and Amway are sister companies and subsidiaries of their parent company, Alticor Inc., a global enterprise doing business in manufacturing, marketing, logistics, and product and business development. Quixtar is a North American Web-based business, and Amway is a traditional direct sales opportunity that is global in scope.

I suppose this could be a good answer to a pretty straightforward question IF there weren't other questions that could follow.

Question 1: If Quixtar and Amway aren't the same, then how is it that I was signed up into Quixtar by a line of sponsorship that existed prior to Quixtar's existence under the Britt Worldwide umbrella? And if it wasn't a Quixtar line of sponsorship, then what was it? And why was the registration form an Amway form that is still used today? Okay, I guess that's like, three questions in one but hey, it's my blog.

Question 2: According to the IBOA's website http://www.iboai.com/welcome.htm, they are an independent organization dedicated to representing the interests of Independent Business Owners (IBOs) throughout North America and founded in 1959. Does this mean that Quixtar is more than 5 years old?

Question 3: If Quixtar is only 5 years old, and the IBOA's site (listed above) shows their date of inception to be 1959, and they are dedicated to representing the interests of Independent Business Owners thoughout North America, and Quixtar is a North American Web-based business and Amway is Global in scope, then doesn't it seem that the IBOa was actually formed for the original distributors of Amway?

Question 4: If Quixtar is not Amway, then why are the Kingpins (Britt, Yeager, etc.) all from the Amway organization?

Question 5: Finally, if Quixtar has been in existence for 5 years now, and the plan to financial freedom is 2-5 years then shouldn't we see a new crop of diamonds popping up? Where are all the new diamonds?

No more questions, your Honor.

Can you make it without the tools?

2004-09-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

I recently was asked in a recent post
( http://sinkinginquixand.blogspot.com/2004/09/responsibility.html#comments ) about my opinions on the tools part of the Quixtar business. The question was asked as to whether I thought that an IBO can make it without selling tools. I believe not.

Well, a fellow blogger by the name of Tim just happened to answer this same question on his site, Random Observations today. In his post ( http://tim.2wgroup.com/blog/#640 ), he goes into great detail as to why, despite good intentions, the idea of success without tools will not work.

I love this man's site. It is not a Quixtar site, but he is very good at presenting the inherent problems with this business. He also manages to generate some very entertaining commentary if you ever want a good read.

Disenfranchised?

2004-09-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

Quixtar loves to use the McDonald's analogy. It seems you can't go to a presentation without Ray Kroc's name coming up. The concept of franchising, mastered by the creator of the Big Mac and how it compares to building your Quixtar business. Sound familiar?

The funny thing about this is that if you think about it, it's not the best example. I mean the concept behind the Quixtar business is duplication (teach others to do the same). But how many McDonald's owners are going into the McDonald's business to teach others to build McDonald's businesses? They're going into the McDonald's business to make money selling Big Macs. It would seem better to equate Quixtar's concept of franchising to a simple game of Simon Says. I guess that good ol' Simon just got overlooked.

"Quixtar says drink XS."
"Quixtar says show the plan."
"Get another opinion by talking to someone other than your upline."

"Oh oh... Quixtar didn't say get another opinion by talking to someone other than your upline."

Yet here you are... Disenfranchised?

Responsibility

2004-09-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

A young man emailed me a to ask my opinions on the Quixtar opportunity. He had read a comment I made on Quixtarblog's website ( www.quixtarblog.com ), and evidently felt that I might have some answers for him.

I emailed back a pretty lengthy description of my thoughts and opinions. I thought about it today though. I could have easily skewed my email to be overly critical if I wanted. After all he was very new to this stuff and may have been easily swayed from it. But I felt like I should lay it out as it is from both sides so that he could make an educated decision on his own. I was sure to direct him to both critical, as well as pro-Quixtar sites (yes, I even referred him to that nut-job Qrush), and also made sure to advise him to talk to more than just his would-be upline for advise.

Is it possible that this approach is better at steering people away from an unwise business decision, rather than being completely one sided in our criticism? I think this is where some critics (from both sides of the Quixtar fence) loose credibility. There is a certain degree of responsibility when it comes to advising people on this. Especially when they are the ones asking for the advise.

The Numbers

2004-09-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

My fourth grade daughter needed help with her math homework last night. She's learning the concept of thousands, millions, billions, etc. We were practicing writing these large numbers out and saying them as we wrote them to reinforce the concept.

It reminded me of a recent post on LawBlawg ( http://mlmlaw.blogspot.com/ ). The post, from 9-5-04 titled "Zero Population Growth" went into detail about the numbers of active IBO's in Quixtar. LawDawg talked about how the numbers have hovered between 300,000 and 400,000 since 1972.

It was an interesting read, as it shed some light on something I've wondered about for a while. Why is it that you almost always hear IBOs refering to their particular line of sponsorship as the fastest growing, the leader in sales, etc.? Doesn't it seem that if this were the case that the numbers of active IBOs should be much higher, or at least steadily growing?

It would seem then, that Quixtar loses IBOs just as fast as they sign them up. Now ask yourself this: would you want to work for a company with a 50% employment turnover rate? Is this a sign of a strong business? Or does this tell you that there is something more going on here?

English 101: Edify vs. Deify

2004-09-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

I had an opportunity to hear a person in our church talk about a trip they just took to Africa. It was great to hear about the wonderful things that she was able to share with us about her trip. She talked about the things she learned about the culture and the faith of the children despite how little they had. She said it was an edifying experience.

No sooner had she said the word, that I almost jumped out of my seat. She used the word correctly!

I sometimes wonder just where this term originated within the Quixtar/Amway realm and who is responsible for its misuse over the years.

Webster's dictionary defines edify as: To instruct especially so as to encourage intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement. This is what the woman in our church was trying to convey as she talked. She was educated, so to speak on a moral and spiritual level from her experiences with the people of Africa.

Of course if you switch around the 'e' and the 'd' in edify you of course get the word deify which according to Webster is:
To make a god of; raise to the condition of a god.
To worship or revere as a god: deify a leader.
To idealize; exalt: deifying success.

A very interesting parallel if you think about it. The word that fits better for the IBO when referring to the treatment of the upline is actually deify. But it's probably not a word that they'd really prefer to use based on what it actually means.

Labor day 10-15 hours per week for 2-5 years

2004-09-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a little Labor Day weekend road trip with the family. I was thinking on the way home as the kids slept in the back seat and the wife read her book just how much time I get to spend with my family and how cool it is.

I began to contrast that with the hours and hours that typical IBOs can spend as they try to 'plug into the system' to make it work. I've seen birthdays missed, vacations not taken, marriages strained, and even health decline from the hours spent on trying to attain financial freedom. Labor day takes on new meaning when a person labors for so long and misses out on so much. Sad really.

IBO's, your kids are only young once and your marriage vows meant something when you took them (or at least they should have). Are you losing sleep? How long has it been since you took the kids on a road trip? I'm sure some of you can answer these with positives. But for those who can't, you only need to ask yourself one thing. Do I labor in vain?

"Dream Stealers?"

2004-09-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

My kids had their first day of school yesterday. My boy started kindergarten. It’s always fun to hear the things they are thinking. My daughter asked while we were watching the Olympics if I thought she could someday compete for the gold in sprinting. I was delighted to be able to tell her that she could do anything she wanted (she’s a fourth grader and this conversation is common for the two of us only the specific occupation is always different. Singer, teacher, soldier, astronaut, etc.).

The funny thing about it is that she’s never once asked if I thought she’d ever be able to do well in Quixtar. She’s familiar with the products, as grandma and grandpa are IBO’s so it’s not totally an alien subject for her. I suppose if she did ask I’d have to give her the same answer as the rest and say yes, she could do very well.

Though it makes me think. There are several IBO’s in my life and although they claim to be happy with it (and I believe that some genuinely are), I have to wonder what their childhood dreams were and how they came to be put on the back burner or dismissed altogether.

I suppose some could claim that Quixtar offers them the vehicle to make their dreams a reality by way of financial freedom that is alluded to at plan presentations. I’ve even heard one IBO tell me that they get more out of selling Artistry products than they ever thought they could imagine. This person once dreamt of being a famous artist. They had even once had the opportunity to stand in the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in person! I’d like to believe them all, but part of me wonders if these people are kidding themselves, and if so why. Could it be that some are to proud to walk away because it means that they’d have to admit to being incorrect in spending all their time and money. Is it fear of being called all of the things that are associated with non-IBO’s within the Quixtar community (loser, dream stealer, etc.)? I hate to say it but, I wonder if for some it boils down to laziness in not wanting to work at attaining their dreams the old fashioned way.

And so I wait to pick up my kids after school. The bus drops them off and they bound out with the excitement of the first day. One day closer to their dreams.

The poison of envy

2004-09-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Interesting thing about the presentations I attended while being recruited. There seemed to be a lot of emphasis on the idea that you should be bitter about the fact that in a J.O.B., your boss makes more than you. I never understood why I should be upset about this and more to the point, why it should matter. I was at the time in a pretty good position in the communications business and had plenty of opportunity to move up if I desired. The Idea of bitterness about my boss' salary never crossed my mind. What did cross my mind was the fact that the speakers invariably talked about their Christian values, yet envious behavior is clearly an un-Christian characteristic.

Anyway, I'm curious if there are IBOs out there who can help me understand this dynamic of contentment vs. envy. Before you heard about Quixtar, did you find yourself complaining about your boss' wages compared to yours? Does this raise any moral dilema for you?

Welcome to my blog - Watch out for Quixand.

2004-09-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

Here it is. I've decided to start blogging. There's definitely been an increase in bloggage lately, and much of it is centered around this controversial 'opportunity' called Quixtar.

Some background? I suppose they (Quixtar) would have called me 'inactive'. Despite that label, I saw, and still see much of what happens to those who put a tremendous amount of time and money into what is, in my opinion, an unethical and questionable endeavor.

Do I hate IBO's?: I don't want to hate anyone. I have a low tolerance for ignorance, but as a Christian, I try not to hate. In fact, I'd like to be a vessel for helping those with the questions that they SHOULD be asking. There are those who genuinely want to know if Quixtar is right for them. I applaud them first for asking the question, and second for asking it from someone other than their would-be upline.

Am I a Passport advocate?: I will be very clear on this. I do not criticize Quixtar as a means of promoting Passport. Although I find Bo Short's comments on Dateline as well as his comments on his Former Diamond site to be both informative and, in my opinion, very accurate, I am not affiliated with nor do I promote his business. I bring this up to establish the fact that you don't have to be a Passport advocate to see the flaws with Quixtar.

Am I a 'Commie, Pinko, Sicko, Liberal'?: I'm an average Joe. I am a Conservative Christian and a Patriot. I try to be a good husband and father and am doing well.

Why am I blogging?: I have visited and still visit many sites as I research and keep abreast of current affairs in and out of the Quixtar realm. It has been an interesting last couple of years as I've seen a tremendous growth in sites dealing with MLM. One blogger recently said 'The blog wars have begun' and I think he may be right. Now is the time for our opinions to be heard. Everyone should be INTELLIGENTLY blogging. As I said at the top, I'm throwing my hat into the ring. This is my voice, adding to the many who've decided to be heard.

Are you going to allow comments, or are you going to hide behind your pseudonym and act childish?: This is my blog, but I want to have dialogue. My only request is that we try to keep it clean (I've got kids who may look over my shoulder when I'm at the computer and I know some of you do to) and intelligent.

So there it is. My first post, welcoming you all to my blog. I will try to check in daily with something, but since I'm new to this I'm sure you can all find it in your hearts to cut me some slack.

Take care.