There are times when I read or hear about something, and it just doesn’t sound right. I’ve been attempting to get my head around this California complaint off and on since the Convention. Something just didn’t fit. It’s a single state, with the help of Illinois who is still on the sidelines, and we’re still doing business in California. (More business by the way than any other state in the country I might add. ;-P)

If you’ve been involved in the Travel Industry for any length of time, you know who the major players are, who gets along with whom, who hates who, and who just doesn’t amount to squat in the Travel Industry. It’s no secret that the ASTA has put together quite a propaganda campaign against these so called “Card Mills”. Doesn’t matter that YTB now has minimum booking requirements before “cards” are issued, YTB is used because we happen to be the most visible in on the internet and in the trade publications. (Legislation YTB was able to overcome and win in California I might add.)

I had an opportunity to read the complaint that was filed some time ago and one term stood out for me that made me think of one particular organization right off the bat. Since I didn’t have anything substantial at the time, I passed it off as nothing more than a logical guess. However based on this organizations educational piece (choke) the complaint read very similar to the 2005 propaganda that is now being regurgitated oddly enough based on similarities to the California complaint.

Like many now who “think” they have the upper hand now that they have a complaint, it’s not surprising that this group feels safe in promoting their position on the issue, along with a few on the internet appear to be rather boisterous.

I do have to add that I also believe that this “announcement” from this group was also predicated by a need to “out” a former President of their organization for coming over and supporting the very company and model they feel is damaging their industry. (Please note: YTB didn’t make the connection or initial statement, a seasoned Travel Journalist did.)

Oh…did you hear the Davidoff’s are now going to conduct three classes on the company Seminar @ Sea? (Check the latest Travel Compass or my Newsletter this weekend.) Like Marc Mancini and his Geography Bowl down at Funshine in a few weeks, looks like this excuse about lack of training from the other side is just that, an excuse.

Unlike the above industry leaders who offer solutions instead of a steady stream of complaints, the ASTA has a rather long history in attempting to derail the MLM business model. The majority of damage however has been nothing more than propaganda that I suppose some people have taken heed in. With such a powerful force, and I use the term loosely, you would think they would have had more of an impact on ridding the travel industry of the “Card Mills” they report to have damaged them so.

Now we have documentation direct from the horses a… err mouth that they’ve already filed one suit some time ago in California, and while not directly implied, sure looks like they feel mighty proud of the weight they are pushing around once again in California.

I caught wind earlier in the week of the ASTA making claims to have filed a complaint with the FTC back in 2006 about this ever so popular “pyramid scheme” excuse everyone likes to throw out. (The e-mail was copied and pasted in the blue response at the bottom of this post.) It wasn’t until yesterday however that I finally got something a little more substantial.

And a whole lot more.

I want to address this complaint with the FTC as to why nobody every heard a word about this from the FTC, and highlight the excuse. (It’s pretty funny actually.) Here’s the gem as it’s worded from the ASTA.

“We also complained to the Federal Trade Commission, but our request for a trade regulation rule was denied in large part due to lack of support from the supplier community.”

I find it hysterical that they blame the suppliers, the very life blood of their business for letting YTB slip through the cracks. Had nothing to do with the fact that they couldn’t come up with valid complaint the FTC would listen too now would it? Nor could it be that are mistaken or more accurately don’t have a clue what a “pyramid scheme” actually is.

You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole. I do have to wonder however why they just didn’t announce a “do over” like they did in their past election.

Did the FTC not realize that this was the ASTA? Look, it doesn’t matter how big and bad you try to make yourself, you still have to prove your case in this country, (THANK GOD) before the Government will find you guilty and actually enforce action.

Why do you think we’re still doing business in California even with such a large amount of money up for grabs?

I often find a blurb from the SEC posted on the Internet concerning the FTC’s stance on pyramid schemes. Why do they use the SEC you might ask? Don’t really know, but my guess is that it “sounds better” than what the FTC has up concerning illegal pyramids.

Again…I need to add that the graphic the SEC has up concerning more participants than the world population has yet to happen in a single solitary MLM. Many of whom have been around for decades. (But don’t let that stop you from listening to a Zealot when they post something like this for you.)

So, the ASTA fails in getting the FTC involved, (as I’m sure many other Zealots have attempted to do) and they spend the next couple of years hitting up any State that would listen and finally found one desperate enough to file a suit. Call it whatever you want. Stupidity – greed – political advancement – I don’t care, but since the FTC, Florida and now Illinois have never stepped up to the plate, what do you think ol’ Gerry has in regard to this complaint?

Nothing more than a very dry bone of contention.

While I know some laugh at this notion that a group or organization in the Travel Industry would have the kind of pull or clout to lobby Politicians. I find it interesting that we have a second article within the last week of more lobbyist throwing money at Politicians, although from the supplier end, but a cool $297K Q2 adds up to organizations getting exactly what they want through what ever Government agency (State or Federal) they think they can purchase.

Those who subscribe to my Newsletter know my stance concerning these suits being nothing more than a personal attack. A complaint filed in an attempt to slow or even destroy a company that is “growing to big too fast”. (The AG’s statement, not mine.) I realize that like terrorists, some flat out deny any involvement, and I’ve stated that I would agree some were not involved. (Not that smart, and not their mode of operandi.)

That doesn’t mean however that there is an organization that does have just enough clout (or money) to push something like this out into the public eye. Unfortunately for them, that’s about as far as their going to get based on the failures they’ve faced concerning past efforts. Which include the FTC, other states who never moved past the investigation mode and California Legislation that was merely a blip on the radar screen and clearly separated YTB from this notion of being nothing more than a “Card Mill”.

Oh, before I go. I did happen to send this “gem” up to the home office with an idea of getting everyone together on the Seminar @ Sea with the Davidoff’s and sending the ASTA a postcard from the Seminar entitled “Greetings from Cozumel”.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

Back in November I had the pleasure of speaking with George Dooley in an interview concerning Travel MLM’s. I was impressed with George’s open mind and his willingness to not only listen, but his sincere desire to understand the MLM business model as it applies to Travel. He like me understands and recognizes both the Pro’s and Con’s concerning what YTB has done in the industry.

I’m pleased to see that George is still learning and reporting, and apparently objective, although via a different Trade Publication and attempting to provide both sides of the YTB story in a fair and unbiased manor. Of course, I can’t blame him for the focus and subject matter, YTB has been a very hot topic for months now, and there’s always something interesting to write about concerning this particular Travel MLM. (I should know. ;-P)

Personally, I have no problem with both sides of the story, as long as it’s intelligent, and it appears that most of YTB doesn’t have a problem with it either. Last Thursday, George interviewed the current President of PATH, Andi Mysza concerning his opinions of YTB and the litigation going on. I happen to agree with Andi concerning his quote:

“Today’s travel professional should be focusing on knowledge, education and building a relationship with the customer while selling the experience. If your host is not encouraging this, you need to step back and reevaluate your choice in hosts.”

Based on the lack of comments concerning the article, I don’t see much opposition to this particular statement. Sure there were a few from both sides, but the few comments posted had praise for both PATH and the California AG for the attempt to rid the “pariah” known as YTB.

George’s next piece regarding YTB, published the very next day, which not only favored YTB, but highlighted a couple of industry veterans appeared to have peaked a little controversy. The piece highlighted Davidoff Associates, who are working with YTB to enhance its travel agent program along with another respected educator, Marc Mancini, who is also assisting YTB in creating a comprehensive professional education and training program.

Comments include:

“I guess the Davidoffs and Mancini have drank the kool-aid.”

“The Davidoff’s and Mancini’s last check probably just cleared the bank so they felt safe in making those remarks. They are paid stooges.”

“Welcome to the cult Mr and Mrs Davidoff.”

And my favorite from the same “author”…

“All this really doesn’t matter as YTB will be gone in the next couple of years as is the history of MLMs.”

I have to ask…why is it that seemingly intelligent individuals can’t work towards a solution but instead always focus on the problem? I’ll be the first to admit that YTB isn’t perfect, (do you know any business model that is?) but why the negativity and hostility towards anyone who apparently wants to make a contribution to help?

The excuses some people come up with, and the unwillingness to resolve and correct issues, right or wrong, is sad to see. What’s even worse is how I see time and time again this label of “shame” that’s thrown around for anyone who supports the MLM model. I’ve seen it for years, and for the record, this “shaming” of people, is more telling about the author who doesn’t have a legitimate reason or complaint towards the opposition.

It’s a last resort based in anger or ignorance.

The history of MLM is rich (pun not intended) with companies like Avon (1890), Mary Kay (1963), Nutralite (1934), Amway (1972), Shaklee (1956), Herbalife (1982), Fuller Brush Company (1905), and Tupperware (1945). All companies still going strong and thriving in the MLM business model.

So what gives?

Here’s the real problem as I see it as taken from the Davidoff’s.

“YTB may well be the future of retail travel sales and deserves close study by the industry— not condemnation.”

That’s what scares most of the Traditionalist to death and they see it, make no mistake about it. When Travel Weekly came out with the Power List this summer and they saw that YTB not only made it AGAIN, but the jumped 9 spots it was time to hit the panic button. To make matters even worse and add insult to injury, Travel Weekly even stated that they singled out YTB to make sure that the numbers that were reported were actually “travel sales”.

In addition, they see 300% growth in the ranks year over year, and as the California AG’s office said, “They got too big, too fast” so something has to be done.

I don’t know if you know this or not, but when I stated that this complaint was a planned attack on YTB to coincide with the National Convention, some laughed at me. (Imagine that…) The excuse given was that the small minded group who stated this, thought I was talking about them. Truth be told, it’s not THAT groups M.O., and honestly, none of them have it in them. They’re perfectly content wallowing in their own Poor Me Stuff (PMS) and shaming anyone who tries to make some type of intelligent dialog.

As it turns out, it looks as if there is some discussion going on now in Legal circles for a growing call for AG reform.

No kidding. I have a Readers Digest Condensed version of the write up for anyone caring to read, and you know me, I had to check it out from a reliable source to make sure it wasn’t all smoke and mirrors.

So now we have documentation that California, among other states have been on the take from “Special Interest” groups, or hand over Legal Suits to their “pals” in order to make additional income for the AG’s.

Say it isn’t so!

Well, I will say this. There’s nothing to prove at this point if this happens
to be the case between the California AG and YTB. The two go quite nicely together however based how the suit is riddled with MLM myths and legends to bring down the “pariah” that some just can’t seem to get rid of.

I don’t know if we’ll ever find out the truth about it from the Attorney General however. Like always, it’s up to us [YTB] to prove things. ;-P

We may however see, as the plot thickens and as YTB turns the industry on it’s ear.

WARNING: The content, topic and links in this post are not only inappropriate for children, but may also be extremely offensive to women. (And males with even an ounce of integrity or ethics.)

I’ve personally been called a lot of things in my life. I have also been ridiculed and scorned buy a group of individuals who are obviously upset I am involved with a company who is changing their industry without their permission. I don’t particularly mind the attention or ridicule; I’m a big boy and can handle anything that comes my way. If I didn’t like the heat, I should stay out of the kitchen.

Picking on me is one thing, but picking on an innocent, respectable, nurturing, woman, Mother, and Minister is another. With Mothers Day coming just around the corner, I’d like you to think of your own Mother for a moment. More than likely, if I or anyone else ever met your Mom, she would be much like the Mother I was introduced too some time ago. You can read about this Mother and Minister from her bio, and you like me, you would think that she is quite remarkable. As a Minister, you would believe that she is an honest, responsible individual with not only an understanding of the word integrity, but someone who lives with integrity and truth on a daily basis and certainly knows right from wrong.

However, she has one fatal, glaring blemish on her bio; that of being associated like me as a YTB RTA. That blemish makes her fair game to not only be called out, but publically scorned, ridiculed and dragged through the mud on a blog and forum by a bunch Thugs.

On Friday, April 25th, once former “friend” and “colleague” in the Travel Industry, John Frenaye posted an absolutely horrid article that called out this woman and accused her of being a liar. The post went on along with some 69 comments on Friday and Saturday until the comments got so out of line, even he closed them. Accusations ran ramped the entire day, as it so often does on the cesspool of bandwidth, that this Mother and Minister is someone without morals, ethics, or a shred of credibility simply because, like me, she’s proud of what our company has been doing in our industry. John and his band of Thugs used not only very belittling and demeaning language, but John himself used a very graphic picture of a child extruding his middle finger, giving this woman, Mother, and Minister “the bird”. Would you show your own mother the bird? We at one time assumed that John wouldn’t, but that idea or belief has now been proven wrong.

How anyone could get so emotionally charged concerning such an apparently innocent and non threatening woman may be in question right now, but evidently, John being the crazed, obsessed, and paranoid individual he is took exception of a post this woman made concerning YTB merging with a 27 year old company based outside of Clarksburg, West Virginia, American Destinations. Since this crackerjack Journalist couldn’t find a verifiable source to substantiate the post; that in his mind was justification to use a foul and offensive picture and words to match to drag this Mother through the mud.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of being introduced to John Frenaye, be truly thankful. He claims to be some sort of “New Breed” of Travel Agent and Journalist, and has been published over the years, and thus has gained the respect of a few followers and co-workers in the industry. As of late, John has lowered his Journalistic efforts and has spent an increasing amount of time researching (cough) and posting daily on his hideous blog of what he has found digging up what he considers “dirt” on our company and its Independent Contractors. I’m sorry, make that “RAT’s”, and no, that’s not a typo for RTA; it’s what he and his Goons call us. (Professional, don’t you think?)

John spent an entire week, (assuming that he reads all YTB Blogs like he does mine on a daily basis.) attempting to find any type of documentation or verifiable source of what this woman posted as having any truth. He made a “quick call” to American Destinations, and sent several very demanding and demeaning e-mails to this Mother, Minister and RTA demanding proof of her findings. She simply responded that a Director had informed her of this information.

As it turns out, not only did a Director inform her, Director Jeanie Sharpless informed the rest of the company of this merger on a Company Training call on Monday, April 21, with the owner of ADI and former RTA Curtis Edwards and his son Nicholas, on a Company Conference call. (It is my understanding that Curtis and his family had to resign as RTA’s as their role with YTB has now changed.) These are recorded and archived in our back office, enabling me (and you) to listen to the call from Monday night. Many of you not only know of Jeanie, but respect and admire all she does for us in Training and educating us how to sell more and more Travel. ($414.5 Million worth of Travel in 2007) Are we to assume that Jeanie could be in fear of being labeled in the same category as Regina then? What about Curtis’s wife and Mother to Nicholas?

After listening to the archived Company call and then going back to this hideous post and reading the comments from these arrogant yet oh so shallow group of Thugs, I began to wonder who in their right mind would do something like this?

Vultures do this, wild dogs do this, hyenas do this, parasites do this, but human beings should certainly not be categorized in this class of life form who rip and tear into someone who they think is beneath them. But somehow, there it was, for the entire world to see, and being from such a low class of life, they appear to feel justified in their actions and accusations towards this woman, Mother and Minister because try as some obliviously made to defend and help Regina, not one RTA was able to provide the proof John felt he needed to inform him that her post was accurate and true.

Anything associated with YTB by the way is automatically either suspect or in question, no matter how valid or solid the information may appear to be. It’s MLM, and we MLM’ers are the problem, NOT someone like John and his Followers.

To me, and this is strictly my opinion, I have to question how anyone could be so obsessed and paranoid over our company to get them so constipated about who we are and what we do that they can’t find a strong enough laxative, cleanse, or enema to cure what ails them. After watching and dealing with s
uch arrogance and anger from this group for as many years as I have, I actually believe they truly enjoy their misery. Their anger and hatred towards anyone associated with our company, no matter what any individual’s motives are or how pure a human being may appear to be outside of YTB, if you’re in YTB, you are absolute scum.

While I understand that this class of life, especially John, feel justified in their actions, I have to wonder what single Moms would think of John’s post and graphic picture who have or are considering utilizing and purchasing travel services from Travels With Fred or his partnership with his Single Parent Travel web site and businesses. Did he ever stop to think how a Parent would feel about this post not knowing anything about YTB or this woman and Minister? Many people on the outside of his band of Thugs know nothing about YTB, although he is trying in vein to inform them. (With his false and misleading information no less.)

I’m betting he didn’t, but I’m also betting that the internet being the powerful source of research that it is, many single Mothers can and will Google John Frenaye and Single Parent Travel or Travels with Fred, and while they may not find the cesspool he calls a blog, (instead as of now finding something about the 10 Commandments of Travel??!!) they will begin to find this blog and post complete with a PDF copy of the post for download and a mirror of the blog’s source code as a copy of his handy work so the entire ordeal can be kept permanently for everyone to reference. (Just in case this post kicks him in the rear hard enough to relieve him of his apparent constipation.)

Again, I remind the readers how explicit the content of both links, as they are complete with graphic and comments but I firmly believe it may help his clients understand just what this man is made of. I think it’s only fair that John’s clients be allowed to judge on their own if John and Single Parent Travel might be a bad mix. Don’t you?

If they’re like me, or you, they would be terrified or at the very least ashamed to be associated with this filth, but not John, he’s standing by his convictions. He so certain this woman lied, and because she’s associated with YTB, anyone who finds this post will certainly side with him.

Are you as interested as I am to see how all this unfolds? Can you Just Picture It Now?

I wish I could express to John how badly he “stepped in it” this time. I’ve expressed to him personally when we actually communicated privately together how his anger, resentment, and obsession with this company have truly gotten the best of him. I’ve never been able to reach him in that regard, and now it appears that his unwillingness to listen could lead to some very unfortunate circumstances.

Going after someone like me is one thing, but going after a woman, Mother, and Minister the way he did with Regina is so far out of bounds, I can’t put it into words. (Imagine that, ME without words?!) I’m dumbfounded, stumped, and ashamed that I even associated with the likes of him and his band of Goons. This goes against every molecule, cell, and fiber of my being.

But that’s just me.

So, it’s come to this. It’s come down to me going public myself and saying to John, “Come here Boy…why don’t you come pick on someone your own size?”

By chance, you might be thinking that this Mother Regina isn’t capable of taking care of herself. Well, you might think again. I’m six foot and 215 pounds, and if my Mother who is five foot nothing found out that I picked on an innocent Mother and Minister the way John just did, she’d grab me by my ear, take me out to the back of the wood shed, and whip me with a long leather strap.

(Hmmm, anybody know John’s Mom?)

Dear John,

You owe this woman a public apology, and maybe you could even purchase and send her flowers for Mothers Day from her own web site if it you think it might help. But I don’t think your man enough… no make that human enough, to actually swallow that pride of yours and offer up something apologetic or sincere. You’re cold as ice buddy, and I have to question if someone like you even has a pulse let alone any remorse for what you have done to this Mother and Minister.

Furthermore, if you think you can offer up an apology just to get some sort of retraction or comment out of me, think again. You deserve every bit of what you have coming to you, and while Regina is a Christian woman who has forgiven you, you’re not going to be quite as lucky with me. I’ll still think you’re a “Tool” and you’re going to have to do considerably more than a simple apology or retraction in order for me to even entertain any idea of changing my belief that you are nothing more than the Coward, Fraud and Zealot that you are.

Just Picture It Now, I remind you that this woman you so blatantly attacked has the faith, character and strength to not only pray for you, but forgive you for what you have done. Kind of whittles down that big strong “man image” you try so hard to portray, don’t it?

I’ll leave you with this John…

I exchanged e-mail’s with Andy Cauthen earlier this week concerning your post and obsession over Hickory Travel Services, which by the way, you have absolutely no proof or documentation of. He has invited you and any of your other Thugs who care to up to the home office to discuss any issues you have with our Company. You have an open invitation to discuss directly with people who are responsible for and have lost complete control of rouge RAT’s like Regina Osei.

While I can’t promise, I bet they’ll even pick you up in the Company Jet. Not to show off, but to assure you that they’re on their way, since you are tracking every place this plane flies. This way you can be notified via e-mail just as soon as the flight plan has been filed.

Think about it…and if you’re man enough to take on someone your own size instead of a harmless, innocent woman, let me know. You know where to find me.

If not, you can go pound sand with the rest of your Goons. We’re taking over this industry our way, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it Pal.

To the rest of the good, decent, hard working RTA’s in YTB;

It is my belief that we need to send a very strong message to John Frenaye. Please excuse my French here, but John is so constipated the man thinks his shit doesn’t stink.

So, if you are as appalled as I am over John’s behavior, I invite you to let the general public decide if John’s business is worth patronizing and let the chips fall were they may.

And we’re going to do it the only way we know best. “Word of mouth advertising”.

If
you have a blog I want you to write an article about how appalled you are over this lame stunt of John’s and his attack on an innocent Wife, Mother, and Minister, you’re colleague in YTB. I would also recommend for rankings that you point people to this very post. (The more links to this post and site, the more likely it will be found on the first page of the search engines.)

http://travel-pro.blogspot.com/2008/04/dear-john.html

If you know how to use tags, or keywords in you blog please insert the following:

John Frenaye, George Dooley, MSNBC, Tripso, Travels with Fred, Single Parent Travel, JVE Group, ASTA, Travel Agent Issues, Brick and Mortar, Home Based Travel Agent, MLM and Travel a Bad Mix.

If you participate in forums and other message boards, please post how appalled you are concerning John’s actions and in both cases let it be known to your Company is the “New Breed” of Travel Agent. Which happens to be legitimate and respectable business and can be found at http://www.ytb.com/.

I realize that many of you are Christian’s and may like Regina and Coach, turn the other cheek and simply pray for John, and forgive him. Please understand that praying for him will also help John and I commend you for beliefs and those actions as well.

This is your choice, but I also believe that something needs to be done concerning the Cancer we have among us.

To Regina and her family;

I’m sorry about all this. I can’t control John and his actions. Nobody can. I can’t tell you how much I admire and respect your decision to pray for and forgive John. I do agree with you, he is a troubled soul, and he certainly needs the hand of God to help him through his troubles.

I want you to know that you are not only remarkable, but loved throughout this company. I truly believe that. YTB is like family to me, and you are certainly part of it.

Please accept my sincere apology and feel the love and warmth I have for you at this very moment.

In closing, I’m not sure if I will post the rest of this week. I need to at least take a shower after swimming in this mud and filth of John’s. I also need to work on letting the anger and resentment I have towards John right now go. Airing my beliefs and feelings here certainly helps. We may find the “documentation” John needs to make the retraction he claims he’ll make. If so, I might inform all of you.

If not, try to have a great week in spite of the tone it has started.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629