Last update 03/31/2003

You are the biggest loser in America! What are you doing with your life? You are a poor excuse for a human being. Your site reeks of bias. You are a totally bitter and uninformed person. You must have failed miserably in the Amway/Quixtar business and now you are making excuses for being such a failure. Be a man and admit that you couldn't cut it! Stop being a little sissy girl and hiding behind a computer screen. What have you accomplished in life! I can tell.....nothing! You are a loser!!! People like you are so weak. Be a man you little girl!!!! You couldn't do it..... Your little bias "facts" may sway new people considering the business, but I can spot a loser a mile away. You are a sorry loser!!!

What have you accomplished in your life, besides designing a site that my 3 year old daughter could have designed. You dork!!! What a loser!!!!

Rudy

Sir,

Your website sets the tone from the very beginning. Any new person that looks at your website is "immediately" taken back by your bias. The sad fact is, a lot of what you say I agree with, but the conclusion you infer is to "not get involved". That is a complete "loser" attitude and one I would NOT teach my kids. There is a well over then 50% failure rate for college students...do you recommend that people not attend college? There is a 53% divorce rate...do you conclude that people not get married. There is a 80% failure rate for people taking the CPA exam (I'm a CPA so I fall into this category)...should I have been told to NOT take the CPA exam? But, since there is a high failure rate in our business (as you define failure) then you conclude that people not even try....or you just attempt to site every "negative" example in the world. I have seen a lot of people quit the business, but I have NEVER EVER seen anyone achieve any kind of success (as I define success) after they QUIT. I don't label them losers if they quit. I label them losers if they dedicate their lives to preventing others from succeeding by hosting a BIAS website. That's a loser!

You make "no" distinction between 1) the corporation, 2) the local system, 3) the bonus plan. All three MUST be evaluated and considered separately. Any prudent and responsible business person should evaluate each component of the business. My original upline sucked! Point blank...they sucked! I followed their system until I figured out that they didn't have a clue. I then studied the Bonus plan and discovered how best to maximum the positioning of my people for maximum reward and retention. The plan pays 65% to the distributor force. The key is to position the people you sponsor to maximum the plan. Quixtar delivers the products and keeps track of my volume. That's it! I don't work for Quixtar. I work for myself. Why do you even bring Quixtar into the conversation? It's a non-issue. The issue is your local support system. That's it. You totally confuse new people with this major bashing of Amway/Quixtar which has NOTHING to do with a person's success in this business. NOTHING.

You also make a point about the money that is made from Training (books, tapes, seminars). You stress how unethical it is to make money from non-product activities. Why? This should be good news! In fact, it is great news to my people! Another source of income! Why is that bad or unethical. My people ARE NOT FORCED TO BUY ANYTHING OR ATTEND ANYTHING. They are told that upfront and they even sign a legal form letting them know that they can return any training material for a full refund. What else can we do???? Also, don't be stupid...you know why this can not be discussed in an opportunity meeting. Because, the training side of the business in non-regulated. Each local system is different and it would be impossible to regulate that side of the business. So, people are protected by having the right to a full refund.

Do you complain when the college professor writes a book and then "forces" his students to purchase the book when they attend his class? In fact, many college professors supplement their teaching salary by giving lectures and writing books. They receive large royalties for doing so. No one complains! With your logic each student should be told that when he attends professor Larson's class that part of his income comes from the text book you are forced to buy. Why don't you include that situation in your vendetta? If some people feel like they have been taken advantage of then I'm sorry. I'm not sure how, when they can get their money back? But, people like you would rather complain....it feels better to blame your failure on something or someone else.

I can respect the fact that the business is not for you. That's fine. It's not for a lot of people. But, what's your point? Were you so wronged that you feel your life's mission is to "protect" people from this awful business. You have fooled yourself into thinking that you are helping people. That's B.S. and we both know it.

How do you intend on helping people escape a bad financial situation? What's your solution? You are good at telling them what not to do....what would you recommend they do? How would you have helped my younger brother after he was laid off and he couldn't find a job? Because of this business I was able to offer him an opportunity. He hasn't made any money yet....but he's a lot closer than he would have been had he listened to you. (He has learned a lot of great marketable skills and is learning how to relate to people. The money comes after you have learned a few things about people. It's no different if you sold Real Estate or sold cars. In a people business certain skills must be learned.) What could you have offered him? What do you support? My guess is nothing. You are great at tearing down, but you have nothing to offer in return. That is the sign of a loser in my book.

Rudy

What do you do for a living? Have you achieved any level of success in your life? What are your qualifications to evaluate a business? How much do you earn a year? Did you get up and go to work this morning? Are you making plans for early retirement?

Or, is your passion your anti-Amway website?

You aren't fooling me, you don't want to see anyone succeed in this business. Because that would take away your excuse for failure. You couldn't stand being around a person like me. Because, I don't listen to excuse makers. I would respect you more if you simply quit and went on with your non-eventful life. But, you not only quit, you dedicated your life to discouraging others. You may be a "hero" to the losers that stubble upon your website, looking for an excuse to quit. But, I see through that crap. A loser will find any excuse to not even try. You have probably given plenty of "losers" a reason to not try. Is that what drives you???? That is a sad commentary on your life. No wonder you couldn't do it!

Rudy

Dear Scott, I wanted to thank you for the Bo Short interview. I was a 4,000 pin, personally sponsored by a diamond and was one deep from a triple diamond and was aware of, (and at times justified), the tools business. After reading Bo's letter, I contacted him and have since started a business with his new company. I find the new company not only intellectually refreshing but also a heck of a lot easier to build. Thanks again and Kindest Regards, Ty March 31, 2003 22:29:58 (GMT Time)

Many will rewarded for reviewing your site. Thank you. I personally know people that have made millions in the multilevel marketing system. Some with Amway, ACN and others. Yet you must be a unique individual, some one who can sell HOPE knowing that 95% of the people they sell HOPE to will not achieve. But if you sell to 10,000 people and 500 achieve you will be a rich person. Personally I could not live with the disappointment of one person, and they live with the disappointment of 9,500. March 29, 2003 14:49:54 (GMT Time)

Thank you. I know that this business can work and in the proper way so that it will be willable. I think that I am helping the manufactoring base of the USA by selling products made here. I have a lot to learn and I am so glad you are giving information that I need. You have helped me more than you know. March 27, 2003 18:16:06 (GMT Time)

I was contacted tonight (Mar. 23, 2003) about joining Quixtar. I'm glad I found your site. After reading most of the info on your site (those tax court briefs were dense), I realize that this is not for me. Thanks for putting in the work to inform others. Steve March 24, 2003 07:42:54 (GMT Time)

You really have to be a loser to host a web site like this. And people who believe something that's read off this web site deserve to die broke. I like someone to look me in the eye and talk face to face and not hide behind a web site. March 24, 2003 05:41:56 (GMT Time)

WOW! Very eye opening. I was just pitched 20 min ago and from the first to the last word all I could think was why is he trying so hard? If this is a good opportunity it should sell itself...right? The most informative portion of this site was the feedback section. Many bad experiences and a few good ones. I believe the thing that helped me decide that this was a true SCAM is the fact that those defending the system had no rationale or hard data to support their so-called facts. All I saw were a bunch of pissed off cult members who blindly believe that screwing people is the best way to make a living. The only way you people defend yourselves is by degrading other people. Anyway, just wanted to let anyone reading this know to do your research before buying into Amway. If you truly believe you can make money do it. However, I have come to the conclusion that this is too good to be true and one scheme that will die out in the next 5 years. Good riddance! March 19, 2003 19:02:25 (GMT Time)

To Mr. Larsen,

I must say that you have put a great deal of effort into this site. It is very informative and has some great insight of the business. You have an awesome collection of the history of the industry, much of which, I was unaware of. Unfortunately, like any other business, there is negativity and failures that coincide. True, many people have failed and have been cheated, I do not argue against that. My parents are recovering Amway distributors, but now a part of our team. However, your site fails to strongly point out that there are "legitimate, legal, ethical, and moral" businesses in this industry. I admit there are teams out there that are very self-centered and project false-promises, but at the same time there are those that sincerely help and develop people, not only for financial freedom but for personal growth.

I am only 22 years old with a BSE in computer engineering. I've been involved with Quixtar for 6 months now. I've reached the 2500PV level and on-route to Silver in 2 months. My friend only 1 year older than me, only a few levels above me, started 6 months before myself and has achieved the Silver level and soon breaking silvers downline. In these past 6 mo. I have personally witnessed my upline platinum, go sapphire then emerald within a 2 month period. And breaking an emerald, and 2 platinums downline. Is that growth? Does that happen in your quoted "stereotypical" MLM business. I think not.

This team has explosive growth, awesome personal development, great mentoring system, and minimal cost for tools. Having started this business during the final semester of my engineering degree was a struggle. But yet i was able to build the business and receive my degree while working part-time. So many people complain about the investment of this business.

It's a joke! I've spent thousands on my degree and came out with nothing but a 33,000/yr job and a outrageous school debt. Exciting... Through school I was able to get tools and do 150PV/mo. This business offers everything and more. I've learned more than my 5 years in college. And I'm already beginning to see the rewards.

I am writing because I feel that people are getting cheated out of legitimate opportunities that could very well lead them to finacial freedom.

But your site has caused a lot of fear in many, which is understandable given the number of scams throughout the years.

I only ask that you and the ones reading this site to keep an open mind. Not all businesses are created equal. You did point out, however, "pick a group, don't let a group pick you". Which is very good advice. Not all are

about making false claims and cheating people out of money. We are truly

creating a different industry. And whether you believe me or not. I believe. And the many people that have left their jobs in the past year believe.

Sincerely,

Eddie

Scott, I have become fascinated by your site since being approached by a friend to join "the business". I'm located in Michigan and would appreciate any updates you have in the future on Quixtar. It's a shame, but my relationship with this person has changed completely since we flat turned him down to join Quixtar. This family ordered their Christmas tree from "the catologue" and set it up during a weekend that we were watching their daughter. We returned her to their house on a Sunday evening to find that they had decorated it without her.

Keep up the good work!

B.D

If you had some, you wouldn't have to run other people down to succeed. Time is in motion. Let's see if you are still in business 5 years from now. I know I will be.
Bob Hebert

Scott,

Your site is on my Favorites for good. I'm a financial counselor and have so many people wiped out financially by the AmWay/Quixtar folks not to mention the years they lost from their families and being there for their children. Even with all of the efforts to get the truth out it seems like new recruits keep crawling out of the woodwork and into the lives of the folks that I counsel.

Regards,

Scott H.

Hello Scott. It is my hope that this feedback will stand out from all the hype on one side and extremely negative commentary on the other. You do a great service with your site; these times of sharing information on the Internet is quite beneficial indeed! I've been involved since December 1996 when it was still a highly hokey business in some ways. My marketing company's name is Captured Visions.

Here is a copy of a message I sent upline recently for clarification after bumping into your site and developments in 2002 including those of Bo Short as I describe below. It is natural for one to find more negative than positive comments posted about anything on the Internet that is open to the public. Dissatisfied customers always say more and that human nature.

The vast market for the Quixtar Sales and Marketing Plan is not for already successful business people but employees, and hey wherever I've worked most employees have that "stinking-thinking" that keeps them poor. Few people really like their co-workers and are just going through the motions to maintain order to get that check. In few places in the US is this more prevalent than here in the Washington DC area. Anyway, I am growing a business generating far better returns in real estate now but maintain IBO status for some of the benefits as I describe below.

Here is one key statement from Bo Short that applies to what many people like me see in a new business, not only multi-level marketing:

"What one sees who is building that business is something I can relate to as well. What you see is what you hope it is. I understand those emotions. Most over-achievers, by their nature, are optimistic people. One reason they succeed is because of that characteristic. I would offer the following as something to think about; maybe it is not what you hope it is. The conclusion that I personally came to was-that it was not." After the 1990s, I think the challenge now is to be able to distinguish valid experience, from which you can learn, from hype and hyperbole.

There are certainly a few things I had always thought wrong about this particular business, even as a current business owner. I learned many things in the business, but financially it was not what I thought I could make it.

The benefit I get now is access to many excellent products not available in stores at good prices as well as some monthly income from some people who also like the products to whom I sell them occasionally. I also get access to many discounts because I am a business owner. In short, not all of the experience was worth the trouble, but much of it to this day has been beneficial.

If there were ever a crowd who lived or died by the statement "The ends justifies the means", it is this crowd. Whilst numerous people are damaged by the enterprise due to exploitation of their ignorance and even their own bad habits of course, a few like me find a way to make it benefit me and people I know and a few more build a genuine decent-sized product business.

The moneymaking from "Business Support Materials" is unethical in that these profits by people's "uplines" are not disclosed and often comprise a majority of the growth in profits.

I am being objective about my experience here; I did notice some unanswered questions about the tools and some abuses along the way. More should have been disclosed about the profit center in Business Support Materials and now is. Just like the rest of the US economy in the .com era, and whilst knowing the business reality, Amway's IBO groups took advantage of the .com frenzy to lure people to the sales plan. I got caught up in that and stayed enthusiastic for that reason whilst working for a very large technology firm at the time. Shortly after launch I was highly disappointed not only at the lack of fruits of my efforts, but the general hype of all the .com era and poor buying experience offered by e-commerce at that early stage.

Here is where things stand today; again I did not take this information seriously until I heard more about Diamond IBOs leaving the business. I offer this response to my upline for clarification, but I doubt I will get anything in writing.

Much of this material as I have seen before is garbage and unsubstantiated, though there are some facts to explore about these developments and last year's events. Some people just have an anti-Free Enterprise agenda with their agenda.

I found this information by accident through a link on a government-sponsored site known as http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/HoaxBustersHome.html after checking into a virus hoax. I was very surprised by this information.

I have concluded like many that the ends have justified the means, though there is some danger in that logic as history has shown. Sure I am better off in being an IBO in many ways, mostly in having developed as a person and learned some good business habits.

I would like to hear another side of this story other than what I have seen, for when former Yager Diamonds Bo and Sandy Short leave the business there has to be a good explanation. I know a little about them from a tape called "Measure Up" that I heard some time ago and still have; it was one of the best tapes I ever heard. I think these developments are truly sad and evidence again that a system of checks and balances is often needed to minimize corruption in any human organization. With everything we hear nowadays, this is just more evidence that no one is holier than anyone else is ultimately and you cannot ignore some things about human nature no matter who says to you "trust me." We are all children of God, and we all make mistakes.

For me the value all along has been in the products and some of the good people whom I have met like you and most of my upline up to Kumar. I know you have tried to help me many times as have most IBOs. I am more trusting of a group of Britt IBO's than a group of real estate investors for sure! I've always been happy to associate with you and XX and XX and even Diamond XX one time and to hear many successful people speak and apply some of what I learn. You know that I still use and promote many of the products, as overall they are a better value than anything I see in stores! I also benefit from the network savings.

This is a good statement from the site below to promote the business experience:

"No doubt IBOs learn valuable interpersonal skills, and grow personally <amway_improvement.html> from the experience. Many love the association with like-minded, positive, mentoring individuals. I believe the business has been held together for over 40 years because of the education, inspiration and hope the motivational system provides the constantly changing IBO force, not because of superior business fundamentals. "

Anyway this is not an urgent matter, and we can discuss it at your convenience in the coming months as we are all busy with business. It is nonetheless important and ought not to be ignored; I am sure I am not the first to ask about these matters and you may have some written information to give a different side of the story other the part I know from the Britt System.

http://www.mlmsurvivor.com/TIF.htm (April 2002)

http://www.amquix.info/bo_short_discussion.html

Thanks for you help, and please advise when is the best time if you think this situation ought to be cleared up too.

Best regards,

Paul

I joined Quixtar in January. I have followed all criteria that was presented to me at the time. Maintain 100 PV was the first. I did that, I was not paid bonus for downline people. I was then told I had to also maintain 50 PV for Member/client. I did that too. Still no downline bonus. I have no clue as to what is going on and my upline can't seem to answer any questions here. I am getting negatives on Quixtar from various websites. The seminars are very inspirational and all but I can't seem to make the business work. All I do is keep spending money on tapes, books, seminars, meetings and Amway products with hardly any return except for what I purchase on my own. Can you help me on this.

Thanks

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