I don’t know how many actually remember reading “The Scarlet Letter“, nor how many have actually read this classic Nathanial Hawthorne novel. It takes place in Boston in the seventeenth century. A woman named Hester was sentenced to wear a large Scarlett Letter on her breast after it was discovered that her child was conceived from having an adulterous affair. She was deemed a sinner, and was publicly displayed as such. As a result, the town would hurl insults to humiliate her for having sinned.

Hester was publicly shamed – socially isolated and alienated for her indiscretion.

Three centuries later, most of us would consider such a public display barbaric – or at the very least uncivilized. I still see plenty of examples, mostly from my kids experience in school with one child’s attempt to shame another in front of their peers. (Remember seeing the “Kick Me” signs on the back of the class nerd?) As adults, we develop a higher sense of self-worth and self confidence in our own abilities that such behavior is no longer necessary.

The act of shaming another person is an attempt to gain power over another. The desire is to alter and shape another’s behavior or belief. It’s a way to communicate who is the outcast and who are the elite. Who is down-and-out and who is one-up. It produces an immense sense of power and control for the person dishing out the insults – using the other as a punching bag – while deflating the self-esteem and self-worth of the person being shamed.

I’ve never bought into shaming another person as a form of control – it’s just not something that I believe is effective or worthwhile. My recovery from alcoholism 20 years ago enabled me to develop a higher standard of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence. My recovery also changed my perspective when dealing with individuals who attempt to shame others.

It was during that time I found they were the ones who are weak and insecure – not the other way around.

Think about it – if your position and confidence resided where you felt secure there wouldn’t be a need to fill any type of void by stepping on someone else to prop yourself up. Likewise, there wouldn’t even be a need to respond because your own experience and beliefs override any outside attempts to change that belief.

You’d already be whole or complete.

Seeing random acts of humiliating and alienating has increased for me over the last few years. In part, because I’m involved in a very emotional industry which provides average people an opportunity to run a home based business. On the one side, these same average individuals see an opportunity to get themselves out from under the bottom of the pyramid known as traditional business. (Starting at the bottom and never finding a way to work their way up the ladder, or pyramid.) On the other side, you find those who have either failed themselves in a short stint with MLM, or have bought into all the myths and stereotypes they find from reading.

A simple observation will quickly form the conclusion that those who have the least experience on either side are by far the ones who are the loudest and most obnoxious. Why? They don’t have enough experience or documentation to fall back on to support their beliefs or convictions.

Look at Coach, Scott, and Kim. All three have been extremely successful in MLM and their experiences extend back to the early 1980’s with A.L. Williams. Attempting to insert any of the myths, rumors, or stereotypes about MLM into their belief system is like trying to tell YOU the sky is purple. The opposition can jump up and down – scream at the top of their lungs – provide example of others who also think the sky is purple but you’re not going to budge. All those years of looking up to the sky and seeing blue simply can’t be overwritten or changed.

Think that example is oversimplified or outrageous? Possibly – for you. But those of us who’ve been a part of this industry and work it the right way know exactly what I mean. It’s something you can’t explain – like how kids will change your life. You have to experience it to realize the importance or relevance.

I was talking with my father last week about all the egg tossing and mudslinging that I see others get so wrapped up in. He told me he sees it all around us, and is thankful that he’s somewhat isolated now with my younger brother on their farm up in Pittsburgh. While my father is now retired, he still writes and teaches to keep himself occupied during the winter months on the farm. He sent out a publication to his subscriber base yesterday (of which I am a part of) and this one paragraph struck a chord with me after our conversation last week.

I know that rancor and incivility has existed before in the history of this nation’s politics. But seldom if ever has it been in the ugly stalemate we now experience. Neither major party will allow the other party to press any part of its agenda. Senators who argue vociferously on the floor of congress no longer later sit down to lunch or dinner with their other-party colleagues. The scene is ugly and disappointing.

Ugly and disappointing is something our entire Country appears to be trapped in right now. Incivility certainly isn’t reserved for critics of YTB or MLM. It’s a trait that’s been learned and developed throughout the years that frankly, like my father, makes me sick to my stomach. How humans can treat other humans in this fashion is deplorable and unconscionable. For someone to demand respect or a voice by using these tactics goes beyond any boundaries I’ve ever known. It’s a big reason why I have the rules that I do on this blog.

I’ve spent years documenting about my experience and what I know to be true about YTB and MLM here on this blog. You don’t have to agree with it or even read it if it bothers you. But it does have boundaries for those who are incapable of being civil or rational. It’s simply not a trait I’ve been willing to tolerate since I started this blog – and I’m certainly not going to change that position now.

For the life of me, I can’t think of a single example of how insults or humiliation changed or resolved anything. All it did was heighten emotions, not logic. You’d think some would get that. But as we’ve seen – even the brightest, most talented, most promising of individuals fall woefully short of reaching any resolution because they’re just too wrapped up in their own egos.

We can only hope (and pray) that someday they might grow up to become confident, respectable adults.

You never know…it could happen.

In the meantime, just put these people aside and focus on the things you can control and find enjoyable. There’s no pleasure or knowledge in reading insults.

If I can do it, so can you, and you’ll never know how much better life can be until you actually let it all go.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Whether you’re a fan of football or not, you were probably one of the estimated 100 million strong who tuned into watch last night’s Super Bowl. Parties pop up all over the world to watch this event.

Some even tune in to watch a football game.

Obviously Saints and Colts fans were watching to cheer for their respective teams. Old rockers like myself wanted to see if “The Who” could still make it through a set without suffering cardiac arrest. (The Super Bowl has come a long way since “Up With People” huh?) But the vast majority of the water cooler talk this morning I would imagine are the Super Bowl commercials that advertisers invested millions per spot to create brand recognition and buzz.

One of those advertisers the last 23 years had been Pepsi. But Pepsi decided to opt out this year not because they couldn’t afford the $12 million it would cost to air two spots during last night’s game. They opted out because they’re betting that “the days of mass-market media as the sole vehicle to reach an audience are officially over”.

Yep, you read that right, and an article forwarded to me last week lays out a whole new strategy for Pepsi that will focus on Social Media instead of Mass Media. For Pepsi, the Social Media platform is a much stronger and longer lasting medium for a yearlong initiative and their “Pepsi Refresh” campaign.

Granted, people still talk about Cindy Crawford’s appearance a couple years ago during the Super Bowl. (My personal favorites happen to be the E-Trade Babies that are absolutely hilarious!) The new Pepsi initiative however, in order for it to work, requires far more than a laugh, brand buzz or Monday morning water cooler talk.

“This is such a fundamental change from anything we’ve done in the past,” says Lauren Hobart, chief marketing officer for Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages. “It’s a big shift. We explored different launch plans, and the Super Bowl just wasn’t the right venue, because we’re really trying to spark a full-year movement from the ground up. The plan is to have much more two-way dialogue with our customers.”

The plan for Pepsi is to create a “charitable initiative that can build goodwill”. Pepsi wants to give away $20 million in grant money to fund projects in six categories: health, arts and culture, food and shelter, the planet, neighborhoods and education. You don’t start an initiative like that by spending $12 million in advertising dollars during the Super Bowl. It defeats the purpose, especially when there’s a better – more powerful medium that enables interaction between the company and the consumer who will guide this money to worthy projects.

Will this goodwill initiative spawn new customers and help Pepsi’s bottom line? It may not be enough for a Coke fan like myself to switch, but I do find Pepsi’s initiative refreshing enough to write about it – which could lead others to switch. (For the record, it does shed a whole new light on Dr. Pepper, which is a Pepsi brand I do drink.) For some it could tap into brand loyalty in a way that Mass Media could never do – especially during an event like the Super Bowl that’s designed for entertainment and not social change. That’s why I think Pepsi hits the mark with their choice to opt out of the Super Bowl this year and move to Social Media instead.

In my opinion, it’s a perfect marriage for goodwill and social change.

Social Media is just that – “social”. We’re social beings and the platforms available such as Twitter and Facebook enable big name companies to interact and promote not only their brand, but their cause. You’d be hard pressed not to find a company in this day and age who doesn’t have either a Facebook fan page or Twitter account, or both. Not to say some still don’t have one, but if you’re looking to build your company both mediums appear to be a top priority because they enable the company to interact with their customers in ways never thought possible before.

Like this story – Re-Tweet it. Something you find interesting or strikes a chord with you – write about it and link to it on your Facebook wall. Both platforms can do far more than announcing to the world you’re getting ready to get ready to go out next Friday night. And the thing is – people and companies are beginning to see the power these social platforms have. They’ve quickly turned into tools that promote meaningful change and perhaps, for companies like Pepsi – a better bottom line.

Aside from talking about all those over the top and extremely entertaining Super Bowl commercials there’s really very little value for me or you after that. Not that I have anything against brand buzz or hype. I buy into it just as much as the next guy – especially if it technology or travel related. But this shift Pepsi is taking this year takes a strike directly at this long standing medium and makes a very bold statement that there is another way – a better way to get your message and brand out to the masses.

I think about the ZamZuu video that’s on our Rep Accounts, and I see those quotes about the internet, Facebook, old ways of doing business, and traditional advertising being dead.

Couple that with what Pepsi is doing?

Do you think both could be dead wrong?

Possibly. But I don’t think the odds are that overwhelming when you have big names like Pepsi jumping from Mass Media to the Social Media bandwagon. You don’t just stop doing things after 23 years without some very close and careful analysis.

It’s certainly a very bold move. But those of us in YTB, know all about being bold don’t we?

Can’t wait to see how both shake out. ;-P

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Do You ZamZuu?

You’ve probably figured out that I enjoy writing. I started blogging back in December 2005 and because I enjoy the activity, I’ve not only kept up with it, but expanded my writing over the years. Almost two years ago I started a YTB newsletter that goes out each and every week to thousands of subscribers. About 9 months ago, I was invited to write for Examiner.com, and added that to my list of weekly writing. For some, that might seem like a lot of work, and while I do spend time typing away each week on this keyboard, I hardly consider this “work” because I enjoy it.

I’ve been consistent about my writing and created a ton of content here on the internet. As a result of those two factors, I’ve gotten some pretty solid exposure and page rankings on several different topics. To write something, and then see it indexed on Google less than 20 minutes later can be a real kick. Most bloggers would die for any type of ranking on Google, let alone first or second page views. 

I can’t think of another format (that being the internet) where an average guy like me can create a following because of its open source and the way search engines index and pull up information on any topic you could imagine. Think YouTube, BlogTalkRadio, and the millions of blogs out there that generate millions of clicks each and every day. Each medium giving the average Joe a place to share his or her ideas and subject matter.

For some, that’s part of the charm. For others, it’s a real threat.

Examiner.com was created for those looking for a local angle. Examiner’s slogan states “insider source for everything local”. Topics range from bar hopping to the latest attraction at the zoo. These niche topics and markets have created a staggering amount of content on the internet, each with its own niche both by location and subject. Would the vast majority of the information found on Examiner.com be considered “newsworthy”? Hardly. But I don’t consider Tiger Woods, Sandra Bullock and Weezer “news” either.

Time Magazine (and I would assume other news organizations) have taken notice on how well a bunch of “Pro-Am’s” (not yet “professional” writers, but not “amateurs”) have overtaken first and second page search rankings. Other news organizations also compete in part for Google, Yahoo!, and Bing page rankings to garner readership on the internet. Low and behold, one “Professional” appears to be a bit upset that a bunch of “Pro-Am’s” are getting better search rankings than they are.

As someone who doesn’t have the kind of money Time, CNN, or any other new conglomerate has, you learn things when writing on the internet. Tags, categories, key words, social media and linking all help attain visibility in this massive space. Content however is still king when it comes to the crawlers and spiders finding you and then prominently placing you in what’s known as organic searches. When I made the switch over to hosting my own blog with WordPress a little more than a year ago, I brought all three previous years of content with me. Because of that content, the new Just Picture It Now blog was not only picked up, but indexed within a period of days instead of months.

A bloggers dream come true.

However, getting noticed on the internet does have drawbacks. Attaining visibility also means that your going to attract some readership who frankly don’t agree with your point of view or the company you keep. Because their opinions are obviously more important than yours – often times they’re going to tell you so. And I can tell you from personal experience – it can be down right nasty and bizarre at times.

If you’re not ruffling a couple of feathers – you’re simply not doing a very good job of getting noticed. Look at YTB. Here’s a Travel MLM that’s name is probably more recognized in the travel industry than three quarters of all the other Agencies out there. Not only is it a household name for most who work in the trade, it gets the entire industry in a tizzy every time these three letters show up in a publication. (Just look at the ridiculous communication and emotional outbursts in Travel Weekly’s latest YTB article if you’re not sure how emotionally charged the subject is.)

But like the travel industry, news media has also changed due to the internet and how stories and content is consumed. If you’re like me, you can’t stand main stream media because of it’s bias, the lies (mostly by omission), distortions, and often ulterior motives that many in the mainstream media adhere to. Let’s also not forget how they attempt to create a stories with the way they badger and quarry certain topics. I found the Tiger Woods fiasco a complete sham with the way they sensationalized his accident.

All done for some sort of story and the almighty buck.

And that my friend is what it boils down to here. There is gold in the form of ad revenue from the thousands of topics and millions of articles written on the pages of Examiner.com. Like Network Marketing, there is also power in numbers. According to Time article Nielsen ranks Examiner.com as the fastest-growing Internet news site in the U.S. I can also tell you that Alexa ranks Examiner.com higher than Time.

Which brings us to the question of just how this happened. It certainly wasn’t money. (Examiner.com doesn’t pay but a penny per page view on average.) No it was something much more powerful and effective. Grass roots efforts using social media like Facebook and Twitter and the relationships they create make Examiner.com a force that mainstream media simply can’t create or compete with.

For me, I’m getting another kick out of David beating out Goliath for the time being. Examiner.com is still very young and has some growing up to do. (Both from a corporate side and a truly personal level.) I think it has a good shot of finding it’s own voice however – based on the model and the passion it’s writers have about their particular interest and topic.

One things for sure; the time has come for Examiner.com. Good or bad, people are taking notice and that creates even more readership and popularity. Some I’m sure will be picked up by the same “news organizations” who are starting to poke and pry. (There are some really good writers on Examiner.com) Others don’t have the stomach or self worth for anyone to criticize a single thing they do, so they’ll probably just quit and find another, more respectable place to hide. Some will take an “I’ll show you” approach and start polishing their craft, or contributing to others on how to be better writers.

Me…I just love to write – and thanks to the internet, this blog and Examiner.com I have an outlet to do just that. If you like it – all the better. If not, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

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Do You ZamZuu?

I guess I’m extremely callous. After all these years of reading Anti-MLM Zealots perceptions, predictions, and outright exaggerations about life and how they perceive this world – I can pretty much count on the exact opposite view or perception being the one that’s accurate. As a marketer and online entrepreneur, the last few months have been rather interesting as I’ve read, watched, and gained insight to the new FTC Guidelines concerning Blogging, Affiliates, and Advertising that went into effect yesterday, December 1st.

It might surprise you that advertising guidelines haven’t been updated since 1980 – which we all know is long before most of us even had a computer in the home or at the office – let alone internet access. Needless to say, these new guidelines for the internet have been long overdue. For some who like to live on the edge – like it or not – their way of doing business needs to change or they’ll face some hefty penalties if they don’t.

What’s so astounding to me is the reaction of a few really valuable bloggers, affiliates, and marketers, and what they have done recently because of these new guidelines. All of the sudden they’re running scared – some to the point of ending their blogs and affiliate programs because they’re fearful of what the FTC might do. Why? Because they’ve bought into all the fear mongering, half truths, myths, and flat out lies about what the new guidelines from the FTC are actually designed to do.

Based on what I’ve studied over the last few months concerning these new guidelines – those of us who have been doing business ethically and properly, have nothing to worry about. A simple disclaimer that states “duh – I get paid when you purchase from this link on my blog” (or something to that effect) will cover most of what you see on a blog like this one.

Yes, I know that adds (like the ones to the right) are painfully obvious. It might surprise some that there are people who take issue with the concept of sharing a portion of what they purchased with the person who introduced them to the product. YTB and other Travel MLM critics provide a perfect example of this type of stupidity and wealth envy. The thought that I get paid commission when I simply point someone to my “Booking Engine” and receive actual money when a service or product is purchased from my site is unethical and deceptive to them.

Why? Because in their mind I didn’t do anything that warrants a commission. I didn’t “work” for that sale in the same way they’re familiar with. They call it lazy – cheap – and a scam.

Look, I’m a marketer and entrepreneur and I use various marketing materials and subscribe to various entrepreneurial publications and sites. I’m going to obviously write on occasion about these materials and publications that I like. Why they’re a benefit to me and possibly you. If you find a link to the material, publication, product, or service – there’s a very high probability that it’s an affiliate link and when you find that the benefits, services, products that I talk about will benefit you as well – if you purchase the product like I have, I’m going to receive a commission for referring you to that product.

Now I know that the vast majority could of you care less about me and what I make because every single one of us (including me) are selfish and more interested in our own features and benefits – and what the product is going to do for “me”. (In this case “me” actually means “you”, not “me”.) However, there are those who believe it would be deceptive – unethical – immoral – or otherwise fraudulent that someone would be paid for writing and promoting such products without actually telling you that they are getting paid when you purchase these products, services, publications, or materials.

So let’s just cut to the chase here, and tell you that I believe that I provide a very valuable service and product with both this blog and my weekly and monthly newsletter. While I do enjoy and find writing extremely rewarding and gratifying – simply writing without adds, products, services, and other materials in hopes that you will find value and eventually purchase them for yourself, producing income for myself and my family – this blog and newsletter wouldn’t garner the type of quantity and quality that it does because it wouldn’t be worth my time and energy.

The bottom line here is that you’re going to have to tell people upfront that you’re going to be paid or that you received a perk (free copy, or promotional piece) when you write about these products from here on out. For the vast majority of people, they’ll not only find it refreshing and incredibly admirable (which in turn adds more credibility for you) but it helps build your relationship with your readers and subscribers.

For those who have the wealth envy complex and issues with an average guy like me actually obtaining monetary compensation or a perk for writing may never understand or accept this concept or technology. You simply need to accept and understand that their fears and phobias are their own.

If you want a very good overview and explanation of what these new guidelines consist of and what they mean to you as a marketer, blogger, and affiliate the best resource I’ve found was from Jim Edwards. (Through my tax guy affiliate, Ron Mueller) Jim has a great interview with Rich Cleland, Assistant Deputy at The Federal Trade Commission. Rich and Jim will not only give you the best in depth interview I’ve found, but puts the whole FTC Guideline issue into the proper perspective.

You may find, like I do, that these new guidelines are designed to help your business and credibility – not hurt it. You’ll also find , like I have, that there is very little that you’ll need to change in order to adhere to the new guidelines if you’ve been using your noggin and practical common sense.

And no, I’m not being paid or compensated to tell you that. ;-P

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Do You ZamZuu?

I’m not a fan of “Big Government”. I believe in capitalism, self-reliance, personal responsibility and that everyone needs to carry their own weight. That being said, there are instances that arise where Government intervention is not only necessary, but needed in order to stop greed and consumer fraud. One of those instances is the Banking and Credit industry.

Yesterday, the first phase of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act went into effect. Credit card companies are notorious for holding payments until after the due date, jacking up interest rates, and changing terms and conditions without much written notice at all. If you’re unfortunate enough to have just one of these creditors “hold your payment” until after the due date, it starts a snowball effect where the rest of the creditors follow suit in raising rates. Before long, responsible consumers and users are in over their head with no feasible way out. I found the top five tricks used by credit card companies in this Fox 5 news report here that exposed their tactics.

Because this has been such a large problem affecting hundreds of thousands of consumers across the entire industry new legislation was signed back in May by President Obama. The first phase went into affect yesterday to protect consumers and keep the banks from pulling these underhanded stunts. (Video to the left) The second phase of the act will complete the reform in February 2010, preventing these tactics and placing the power back to the consumer.

While the new Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act has been big news this past year it’s only half the story of the injustice perpetrated by credit card companies and credit collectors. Creditors and collectors get even more brazen with even more consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, and false advertising when you attempt to stand up and fight the deplorable tactics now corrected by the new legislation.

In the past, one of the fist things that happens when you decide to dispute a charge, an interest rate, or one of the many fees is a letter from a credit collector, (in our case Mann Bracken) to submit your case to an “impartial, independent and neutral administrator of arbitration proceedings”. The mission of the NAF (National Arbitration Forum) is as follows:

“Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a more efficient, predictable and amicable way to resolve conflicts and achieve legal decisions without the expense and inconvenience of going to court.”

Ronda and I have personally experienced this process, but found the entire proceeding a complete sham. What ADR does is find in favor of the Defendant (the bank) 94% of the time. In addition 64% of all cases sent to the National Arbitration Forum were handled by the law firm of Mann Bracken.

As a result, all of our disputes ended up in court anyway, (because we opposed the decision made by the NAF) and Mann Bracken was able to use the judgments handed down by the NAF to place a court order and judgment of “payment in full” in some cases. To make matters even worse, and show the desperation of the banks, who know changes are coming, Mann Bracken used one of the judgments against Ronda to garnish our joint bank account in an attempt to collect the payment in full.

No warning, no notice, just gone.

Ronda and I were able to file a “traverse” to keep the money out of the hands of Mann Bracken while we fought this hideous stunt in the courts. As a result, the court granted a 60 day continuance in order to settle the dispute. While Mann Bracken agreed in front of the courts, when negotiations again proceeded, nothing less than payment in full, including thousands of dollars more in interest, fees and court expenses would suffice.

Because of the deplorable behavior of Mann Bracken, our legal counsel advised that Ronda file for bankruptcy in order to protect our assets. Therefore, on July 14th, Ronda filed for bankruptcy, unaware of what was going on the very same day up in Minnesota.

On July 14, Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson filed a complaint against the National Arbitration Forum, alleging that it had concealed financial ties to Mann Bracken and worked behind the scenes with creditors against the interests of both Ronda and I.

From The Wisconsin Law Journal

The complaint mapped out a “complex web” which boiled down to a cozy financial relationship: the arbitration services of NAF and sister organizations as well as the debt collection services of the law firm Mann Bracken and other companies have all been owned by the same New York hedge fund since 2007.

The complaint alleged that the NAF violated state consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices and false advertising statutes through “complex and opaque corporate structuring” that concealed its financial ties and represented itself as a neutral party.

“The ability of a class action litigant to get all of these other court cases undone is limited because of comity. Definitely a federal court will not be able to tell state courts to set aside judgments,” said Rubin, who hopes that other state attorneys general or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will step in and order that profits be disgorged.

As a member of YTB, I’m fully aware of complaints filed by Attorney Generals with allegations of consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. While YTB fought the unfounded and meritless accusations eventually settling the dispute a year later, what do you think big business did when allegations of the same were placed on them?

They folded like a wet noodle.

Five days later, NAF agreed as part of a consent decree that it would cease consumer debt arbitration by July 24.

The ink was barely dry on the settlement when the American Arbitration Association announced on July 22 that it too would be getting out of debt collection arbitration until it can develop standards of practice.

As a result, when the continuance for the traverse came up on the court calendar to oppose the garnishment, Mann Bracken didn’t even show up. The case was dismissed, we got our money back, and our joint bank account was restored.

Unfortunately, because papers and proceedings for bankruptcy were already filed, Ronda may be living with the stain of this gross injustice for years to come. I say may because of what has transpired and the fraud committed against thousands of consumers, the entire proceeding may be able to be expunged. (Not guaranteed, but possible.)

In the meantime, the one last account I have with Bank of America (FIA Card Services) which also has a judgment against me via the NAF and Mann Bracken is still pending. I haven’t decided or been advised as yet how hard I can squeeze to retaliate against this deplorable and fraudulent company. Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin in Chicago, has already filed the first class action against MBNA/FIA and Mann Bracken, exposing it’s financial ties to the NAF. If successful, it will aside thousands of arbitration awards and judgments entered against Illinois consumers since 2007.

I will also be filing a complaint with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and the FTC against Mann Bracken. The state of Georgia is also suing Mann Bracken for FDCPA and for violations of the Georgia Business Practices Act.

I’m fully aware of the bizarre comments and speculation about our personal finances out there on the internet right now. I didn’t feel it necessary to react to a bunch of shallow halfwits who have once again proven how delusional, vindictive, and ignorant they really are.

I was talking with Candi May earlier in the week and she gave me a very interesting quote:

If facts are are on your side discuss the facts. If you don’t have facts plead the law. And if you don’t have the law, drag a dead cat into the room.

Because critics can’t fight the facts about YTB they deflect with personal attacks. One month ago a District Court not only threw out, but severely spanked the perpetrators of a hideous class action lawsuit filed against YTB International. The Judge called the entire document redundant, immaterial, impertinent, and scandalous. Their false illusions of a scam also been compounded with the settlement in California, and the Convention held earlier in the month. In addition, they are now facing the best compensation package available in the travel industry.

Because these punks can’t argue the facts and findings found here, they’ve resorted to these types of personal attacks and finger pointing to discredit or make me simply “go away”. (Cha…RRRRIGHT!)

For the record: The nameless and faceless punks who have been vilifying my wife and family over the internet about this situation owe her an apology. Unfortunately, when you lack class, morals, ethics, and judgment cowards never man up and do what’s right or respectable.

In other words, don’t count on it.

Me…I got what I wanted and that’s exposing a true scam, and telling the truth. Something critics know nothing about.

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Do You ZamZuu?

In this mornings article, I mentioned an industry veteran I had spoken with over the phone. I have to let the cat out of the bag now and let you know that this veteran is George Dooley, an independent travel writer of some 35 years who wanted an exclusive on the Convention. George and I first spoke a few years ago when he interviewed me surrounding the dueling blogs between myself (Pro YTB) and John Frenaye (Con YTB)

Little did I know that George has kept up with my blog over the years, and I think it’s safe to say he’s a fan of my work here on Just Picture It Now. He writes in today’s exclusive interview with me:

“YTB International’s annual convention opens this week at the America’s Center in St Louis, with 5,800 plus YTB agents and representatives expected. Among them will be Doug Bauknight, one of YTB’s most articulate defenders who has stood by YTB in good times and bad. Bauknight’s web site, www.justpictureitnow.com, is available to help interested parties understand the ever-controversial YTB and its future.”

On Monday, George contacted me to write this piece. While driving home from dropping off my kids so Ronda and I could come to Convention George and talked at length about the industry and YTB. George was very open and honest with his positioning of this piece and also granted me an opportunity to view the first draft to ensure accuracy of my quotes and view of YTB.

I’ve poured my heart into YTB and this blog for the last 4 years. As I have grown as a writer and entrepreneur I can’t tell you how humbling it is to have a veteran like George not only recognize me, but contact me for this exclusive interview. On top of his accolades Ronda and I have been stopped by other YTB Agents here at the Convention countless times so far to thank us for the work we have done on this blog and for our weekly newsletter.

This interview which posted today is icing on the cake, and we’ve been here for less than 24 hours.

Please feel free to read this interview in it’s entirety here and pass it around as much as you like to show the credibility of YTB.

And George…thank you. I know you put yourself out there for ridicule when taking a pro YTB stance. I appreciate it, and the company appreciates it.

Your Friend and Fans,

Doug & Ronda

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Do You ZamZuu?

I did a phone interview about a week ago with my good friend Samuel over on Traffic Is King. We talked at length about blogging, Social Media, creating your niche, finding your voice, and how to become an authority on the internet.

Some of the topics we covered:

• How I got started in the travel niche
• How to be viewed as an authority in your niche
• How to have readers hungry for your content
• Using relevant social media tools at appropriate times to connect with your readers
• Silencing your toughest critics and getting them to send you traffic
• Remaining the Top Dog in your niche and maintaining your readership

This was a really fun interview for those that have been following me over the years.

Listen to the call over on Traffic is King.

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!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?