Archive for the ‘ZamZuu’ Category

Does A Better BBB Grade Really Change Anything?

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
31
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If you’re a regular reader of this site – you should know my views about the Better Business Bureau. Truth is, regular reader or not, the articles I wrote last year are widely read with links from BBB Roundup and Google searches from individuals questioning the validity of the BBB.

Once upon a time, the Better Business Bureau was a well-respected and viable source to gauge a company’s performance. However in recent years, the Bureau has come under tremendous fire with high pressure “pay to play” shenanigans mistakenly reserved for Network Marketing companies.

Their problems all started when the BBB changed their system in January of 2009 from a simple “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” rating system to an A to F “grading” system. Since the switch, the BBB has been exposed as playing favorites to those who pay for better grades or downgrade companies who complain to the BBB about their existing grade – which misleads the public. I’ve seen several posts on Facebook over the last 9 months about an ABC news piece that exposed their horrid tactics. When the BBB gives an A- to an organization like Hamas (the Middle East terror group) and an A+ to a skin head white racist group called Stormfront who bought their grades simply by paying the BBB for accreditation – it raises some serious heat. Anyone who saw the piece knew that the BBB themselves were on the take.

After the airing of this news piece last year, Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal sent an official demand letter to the national headquarters of the Better Business Bureau to stop using the grading system, stating the grading system was “harmful and misleading” to consumers.

Imagine that?

Since writing the articles last year, I’ve yet to see a single thread of evidence that the BBB has changed their tune. As far as I’m concerned they’re still just as shady as the day is long.

To my surprise last night, a memo came from the YTB home office about the companies poor rating the last few years being upgraded to a C+ rating. I have to admit – the first thing that crossed my mind when I read the memo was that the company had succumbed to the BBB’s pressure tactics and paid for accreditation. I’m happy to report however, that the home office DID NOT pay for this upgrade. (YTB is still listed as a Non-Accredited Company.)

So what’s with the change in grade from the BBB?

First, the company’s explanation to the BBB’s change of heart.

According to the memo that was sent out to the field, both Sandy Pippins and Casie Fuqua have been working with the local BBB chapter to clear up some of the misrepresentations the BBB has concerning YTB. Another huge plus for the upgrade in their system is the frivolous lawsuits filed against the YTB International (and other non-relevant third parties who were also named) is now behind the company. I don’t know what happened to “innocent until proven guilty” in this country – but the mere filing of a lawsuit (no matter how outrageous the suit appears to be) constitutes a failing grade with the BBB.

Anybody can file suit – but then you have to actually prove your case in the court of law to determine the outcome.

I realize there are groups of individuals who believe that deflecting on “issues” or trumped up “problems” is the way to go. The BBB grade the last few years was one of the “issues” people were warning others about to stay away. While venting makes these idiots feel better (momentarily), there’s never really any resolution or solution attained using this method. We’ve seen that example all too often from irate and irrational critics who’ve been attempting to slander YTB with what ever they can dream up. If you take a look at then, verses now – these same clowns are no closer to a resolution than the day decided to start crying about these so called problems.

YTB on the other hand is a company that focuses on solutions rather than problems. They act like adults rather than children who haven’t attained the proper tools to resolve the most elementary issues. By discussing their differences calmly and logically (instead of emotionally charged outbursts) any differences or issues are eventually resolved.

Anyone who’s willing to sit down honestly with YTB (or anyone for that matter) will have a completely different view with proper dialog. If you’re capable of actually learning and comprehending basic business – it’s not that hard to see why YTB or Network Marketing works. Besides, if a company can manage its way through all the mudslinging and false claims it had levied against them – there’s got to be something more to YTB than what you may have seen or read here on the Internet.

Another reason why the BBB may have upgraded YTB’s rating is the BBB, (like Steve Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus) may finally realize that they need to supply a more honest review of businesses if they want to salvage any chance of being a respectable organization. From what I hear, pay to play is a big “no no” – and with the cat out of the bag about the BBB – it’s about time they make some changes to this hideous grading system. While the apology from Cox for the BBB’s lack of proper investigation and strong arm tactics was certainly warranted – it’s really just lip service unless you actually DO something to change the way you grade and operate.

As a result, I’m somewhat torn about this new upgrade in YTB’s grade. On the one hand, I want to give the BBB the benefit of the doubt that they’re attempting to make an obvious wrong right. People do it, and companies do it. On the other hand, I also know how lazy our society has become and how a growing segment of the population don’t actually take the time to investigate anything on their own. A C+ could prompt someone to dig a little deeper and the smart one’s would be pleasantly surprised if they obtained information from sources that actually have some type of experience or logical insight.

I guess until I see some more real – honest changes from the BBB, they’re still on double secret probation. Extreme caution and other more reputable sources are still in order when it comes to the BBB for the time being. (I do however hope they can pull it off.)

Regardless of how I feel about the BBB personally – this IS another good sign that the malicious mudslinging that was thrown YTB’s way by confused and uneducated twits’ continues to be wiped away. Like the lawsuits that were designed to destroy a fine viable company – overzealous critics no longer have the BBB to use as a mud ball.

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
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
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Best Buy Midnight Sale: Tonight, Online Only!

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
7
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Real quick – You know how much I’m lovin’ Best Buy right now.


Click here for the Best Buy Homepage
BestBuy.com has just announced a very special Midnight Sale, Online Only, Starts Midnight Through 8 a.m. EST on Thursday (5/19).

This after-hours sale will feature hot deals on a variety of popular categories.

But hurry, these special sale prices will only be available for a short period of time, while supplies last!

Go check it out!

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
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
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Wal-Mart Changing With The Times

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
11
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If a company wants to remain relevant in this day in age – it’s got to change with the times. Some companies do a really good job of adapting to new and innovative concepts such as ZamZuu. The companies last quarterly report told us that it now has over 130,000 “free agents” in its program adding more than 35,000 in the first quarter of 2011 alone. In addition, with the bogus law suits now behind the company, the stock is heading in the right direction again.

Others may look like they change and adapt on the surface, like McDonald’s – but when you look below all the hype and look at what’s actually being served – there’s not much difference. (Only McDonald’s can turn something like oatmeal into junk food.)

Then we have a very unique class of Traditional Travel Agents – who make no attempts whatsoever to change or adapt. Apparently, it’s everyone else who needs to resist the changing times and technology to suit their wishes and desires. (Which begs the question – “How’s that workin’ for ya?”)

Another company that’s been making a move of late is Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart is a strange bird if you ask me. There really isn’t any middle road for most consumers when it comes to this company. You either love it – or you loath the name Wal-Mart. I really like the story of Wal-Mart because it did what most “experts” claimed couldn’t be done. Call it a flaw if you’d like – but I happen to like companies that prove the so called “experts” wrong. (Thus, why I’m still with YTB Travel Network.) Just because it’s never been done before is no excuse to lay claims that it can’t be done. Where there’s a strong will – there’s always a way.

However, because Wal-Mart dissed the “experts” and decided to do the unthinkable anyway, it does have its share of people who can’t stand the sight or thought of Wal-Mart. (A rather personal and selfish attitude if you want to know the truth.)

Recently, I caught wind of a new book “Force of Nature: The Unlikely Story of Wal-Mart’s Green Revolution” that I’m most likely going to order. One, because I love reading about business, and two, I’m into the green revolution myself. Not to mention another article just yesterday that mentioned the book for the umpteenth time that prompted this post.

The article referenced leads me to believe that doubters are at it again – questioning if Wal-Mart is making the right move here. It is after all – about the bottom line which most people equate to actual customers walking through the checkout line with products in hand.

Fact is – being green these days is not only cool, but it’s the responsible and right thing to do. In addition, the savings recognized goes right to Wal-Marts bottom line. Some of the examples given in the articles I’ve read have been quite remarkable and worthy of praise when we’re talking a sustainable business.

The jury may still be out if this green initiative for Wal-Mart is going to add more customers. It’s certainly a viable option for this family, especially when it comes to a convenient location for organic products and produce. For us, the word “organic” overrides any misgivings or disdain for what Wal-Mart has or hasn’t done in the past. It supplies a much needed resource for a healthier more sustainable lifestyle.

For us – that’s definitely “cool”.

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
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
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Kudos To Best Buy

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
7
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We had an accident with one of the laptops a few weeks ago. It was dropped by our son and cracked the LCD screen.  After hooking the laptop up to our Hi-Def set in the family room, it was a quick and simple matter of ordering a new screen and replacing it ourselves. (It’s really pretty simple.)

The new display came a week or so ago, and quickly replaced without much trouble.

Then the question occurred – what to do with the broken LCD display?

That’s when we did a little research and found the Best Buy program which came to the rescue. Best Buy has a great policy: No matter where you bought It, Best Buy will recycle it.

Most everyone has a Best Buy location close to them, and the easier it is to recycle, the more likely it is that items such as our broken LCD will be disposed of properly instead of ending up in a landfill somewhere. While out running some errands the day after we got the new LCD installed, we took the old LCD into the store and dropped it off without any hassle.

And you know what? It felt pretty good.

Then this weekend our washing machine went down. A logical and obvious choice for us was Best Buy for two reasons. One, of course is the cash back option through ZamZuu – and two, we’d be assured that the old washer wouldn’t end up in some landfill somewhere and disposed of properly.

While visiting the site we also found a way to properly dispose of an old television and broken refrigerator that’s been taking up space in our garage. While we’re having Best Buy deliver the new washer, we’ll have them take away our outdated and broken items for a nominal fee at the same time.

While I read about this program and thought it was cool that a company like Best Buy would actually do something like this – after our experience in disposing of these large items the right way – I had to write about it and tell everyone. In our opinion, it’s a much needed service – and Best Buy should not only be congratulated – but they’ve earned our business by going above an beyond when it comes to helping the environment.

For us – this is a big deal.

Oh, and one last thing – there is a catch. (If you can actually call it a “catch” – but you should know.) Things that you drop off like the LCD or a television. There’s a nominal fee of $10 to drop it off. But get this – they give you a $10 gift card in return for a future purchase in the store. Yes, I know it’s a wash when it’s all said and done – but from marketing perspective, it’s a brilliant marketing concept. I mean – where else are you going to spend a Best Buy Gift Card but at Best Buy – right?

Sure there will be those who will consider it a hassle – or even misleading – but we all know that idiots like that get their jollies from complaining over petty crap simply as an excuse to complain. Seen it for years in our own business and frankly I don’t see them offering anything of worth themselves – ever.

If Best Buy doesn’t take the item your looking to recycle, you can also use the widget we shared over on OurSharedEarth from 1800Recycling.com to find the proper service to recycle any item your looking to dispose of.

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
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
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KidZafe Boot Camp Tour

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
15
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I love the Internet for the way information can be obtained and used to our benefit. It’s a very cool and useful tool.

Unfortunately, there are those that abuse the Internet with some of the most deplorable behavior I’ve ever seen. Age wise, these people I’m talking about are adults – but they certainly don’t act like it. Trade wise, they also call themselves professionals – but that’s only word used to hide behind their own insecurity.

As a grown adult, it’s easy to see past all the games and see their power trip for what it truly is. If you’re going to write and post on the Internet, it’s a given that there will be those who take pot shots at you. It’s just part of the territory.

I do have one glaring weakness however that I’m willing to let you in on. I still take issue with these pin heads attacking others who don’t have an issue with them or their self absorbed fantasy. A year or two ago this group of degenerates got really frustrated with me. Since they couldn’t get me – they went after my wife – and then tried to blame me. I believe the term used was “throwing her under the bus”. It was a level of desperation and classlessness I’ve never witnessed before – but that’s how desperate they had become.

While they don’t have boundaries or a thread of common decency in them – I’m proud to associate myself with some real class and leadership. There’s a fabulous product that ZamZuu promotes called KidZafe that can protect your children from just this type of deplorable behavior. KidZafe is an advanced parental intelligence system that keeps tabs for you if your child enters or receives anything inappropriate, dangerous or suspicious or if these type of people are identified in your child’s digital world.

And today, I’m proud to share with you, the first-ever, KidZafe Boot Camp Tour

Tim Woda, nationally renown Internet & Child Safety Advocate, author and co-creator of KidZafe has been invited to join many of Zamzuu’s top leaders including: Jermone Hughes, Nick Pagano, Jenny Campbell, Mary Liu, Katrina Greenhill, Melissa Boston, Damon Walker, Larease Rivers, Hannah Masters and many, many more to show you how to transform your Zamzuu business using KidZafe.

While others can talk a really good game, these Directors actually walk and act in a way that’s positive and respectable. If you have kids of your own, or know someone who has kids – you need to be at one of these events. It’s a sad fact that a product like this is even necessary – I know first hand how and why it’s needed. You owe it to your family (if you have a family) to be at one of these events.

Here are the dates and locations:

Atlanta, Georgia – May 13th & 14th
Doubletree Hotel Atlanta
North Druid Hills/Emory Area
2061 N Druid Hills Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the Atlanta Training

San Francisco, California – May 21st & 22nd
Best Western Plus
Grosvenor Hotel
380 South Airport Blvd.
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the San Francisco Training

Detroit, Michigan – June 3rd & 4th
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
600 Town Center Dr.
Dearborn, MI, 48126
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Register for the Detroit Training

I know some who are building their entire business around this one product – it’s that good. It’s not like it’s not needed either when you’ve seen what I’ve seen from some real trash who prowl the Internet just looking for trouble.

While you can’t change them – you CAN change the way you protect and look after your family with this service.

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
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
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You Can Protect Our Company and Publications

Thursday, April 21st, 2011
18
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We’ve been writing our weekly newsletter for the last three years now for YTB and ZamZuu business owners. It’s been one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. The compliments and appreciation we get from subscribers means more than we can truly express. What started out as a team newsletter has spread throughout the company. Today, we send broadcasts reaching thousands of YTB and ZamZuu subscribers.

While our publication is designed and written for existing members of YTB and ZamZuu only, there are those who have subscribed under false pretenses. Opting to lie about their identity under an assumed name and e-mail address with the intent to play “Mall Cop”. After the California Settlement was reached two years ago, I was contacted by the Home Office with a list of “violations” from the Attorney General’s Office in California.

The AG had incorrectly charged that our publication was being used as a “recruiting tool” which was most certainly expressed by overzealous critics who desperately wanted to have my publication shut down.

After seeing so many desperate and childish stunts which feed Zealots uncontrollable obsession over YTB, we were well prepared for such an outlandish accusation. We set up our newsletter to verify our members with a valid ID and website address. We also used a double opt in feature to ensure that everyone who signed up actually verified with us they did indeed want our publication.

No shenanigans on our end.

These precautions were two fold. One, I wanted to make sure that everyone receiving this information was actually in YTB or ZamZuu already. And two, I fully expected the trolls to sign up – which they did – and were promptly deleted.

While their first attempt under real names and e-mail addresses were banned from our system, the sleaze then resorted to lying. Finding a YTB member in their local area that mirrored a location close to their own IP address, these parasites sucked off the other site owners ID and website address with a newly created gmail.com account and presto! Success in having our publication diverted to their inbox anyway.

Pretty elaborate scheme don’t you think? That’s the kind of bizarre behavior I’ve come to know while they pretend to be this noble, honorable “Mall Cop” for pour, unsuspecting souls. Truth is, they’re as dirty as the day is long.

A quick fix for the entire Attorney General debacle was a report of my entire list of subscribers with valid ID and website address, verification IP address, minus the user last name and e-mail address. The report clearly validated all subscribers were already in YTB and opted in under their own free will. A letter explaining that it was highly improbable that I was “recruiting” existing YTB website owners based on this report was also sent to the Home Office.

Not sure if it was the last time the AG or the Home Office ever heard about these “violations” again, but I certainly haven’t.

Interesting how morals, ethics, and honesty have no place for an obsessed Zealot that has to be right. When it comes to justifying their perceptions and perpetrating their fears and misconceptions to the general public, all this ethical stuff is mere window dressing they like to hide behind. It’s not just my newsletter they’ve infiltrated either. They’ve signed up as free Reps with the company, have become Fans of every Facebook page YTB or ZamZuu has, and have subscribed to every YTB and ZamZuu publication and newsletter they can get their hands on in order to feed their uncontrollable addiction.

With the latest settlement with the Attorney General in Illinois behind us, a new push by these imbeciles is once again in full swing. Obviously, they’re a bit upset that YTB was able to come to an agreement with another Attorney General and we are able to continue our business model. That’s what normal adults do – come to an agreement. Critics however have resorted to intercepting a new round of private correspondence, making its way to the internet with lists of supposed “violations” to say “see I told you I was right”.

While it’s clear that these correspondence are designed for “members only” – it’s upsetting the owners of these publications. Therefore, I’m offering up a list of items or precautions that you should implement in order to protect your publication and our fine company.

First, you need to accept that there will be sleazy little liars who will do and say anything in attempt to save face or to justify their position. Its part of the game they play. While I certainly don’t agree with it, getting upset and frustrated about it gives them the power and the control. You can take every precaution you want, and they’ll find a way to gain access. They’re that desperate for information and they need something they can spin against you and the company.

Second, most systems have a double opt in feature – use it. With the current CAN-SPAM Act that is in place, it’s not just jerks you want to protect against; it’s the FTC. Signing up someone to your mailing list is a practice we’ve never used. If your information and content is the quality it should be, you’ll get plenty of subscribers the right way. Every single subscriber we have has verified with our system they want our publication.

Third and I know this kind of sounds obvious – but put a disclaimer on your sign up page and in your publication something to this effect:

This newsletter is for information purposes for existing Website Sellers and Website Owners only.
It is not to be used as a recruiting tool for anyone outside the YTB company.

It won’t keep the pin heads out – but it will protect you in the event a pin head tries to play “Mall Cop” and claim you’re trying to recruit the general public or violating any rules.

Forth, and I know you’re not going to like this – but either turn off the “forward to a friend” feature or make sure your subscribers know that it’s only to be sent to existing team members. We’ve never used the “forward to a friend” feature for this reason: There may be some really good content that your subscriber wants to share with team members. Those team members however, may not want or feel the information is necessary. An issue we’ve had for years are folks who forward our publication out to team members and the team member unsubscribes the subscriber who sent it – because they don’t want it. (An unsubscribe link is also mandatory with current SPAM laws by the way.) Disabling this feature keeps complaints to a minimum because it’s only going to folks who actually subscribed.

An alternative for team members is having them forward your opt in link and have team members subscribe on their own. What you’ll find is an open rate that extraordinarily high, and a complaint rate that is practically non existent.

And finally, look over your data. We were able to spot our unauthorized troll by looking over our data. When Aweber changed their pricing along with their terms and conditions on us about a year ago, we had to upgrade. While we were upset at first having to pay more for exceeding 2500 subscribers, the new system and reports it offered showed just who was clicking what.

Low and behold, we found that one edition of our publication that was ripped off and posted publicly on a Zealots blog had over one dozen clicks from a single subscriber. A dozen clicks on the same link? Maybe two or three, but that amount raised a red flag. While the subscribers ID matched his website, and the IP matched where he lived – we found this subscriber based in Annapolis, Maryland had two subscriptions. One with a legitimate, unique domain, and the other with a Gmail account. The high click count came from the Gmail account – so we knew who was real and who the liar was.

It took me no time at all to delete the overzealous little twit.

If you have a newsletter and send correspondence to your team, I realize that you’re doing your team a service. I know all about offering news, support, training, mentorship, and positive reinforcement. It does have value and is a worthy and important part of being a true leader. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to acknowledge those traits because they’re so jacked up on hateraide. They simply can’t get past this idea that all you do is recruit and pick the pockets of poor unsuspecting souls. That’s the mantra rattling around in that empty space where a brain should reside. While they have no practical experience to base this limiting and false belief on – trying to change it is a complete waste of your time and effort. Just realize that they own that belief and you don’t have to.

So there you have it folks. Take it from me. These idiots have done it to me dozens of times and to no avail. Follow these simple steps and you not only protect your publication from being squashed, but you protect our fine company as a whole.

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
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
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Last YTB Lawsuit Ends In Another Resounding “Thud”

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
38
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I would start off with “I hate to say it” but that wouldn’t be accurate or true. Fact of the matter is – I’m rather pleased that “I told you so“.

In a press release announced yesterday, YTB has agreed to enter into a final judgment and consent decree by the court without trial or adjudication of any issue of fact or law concerning yet another slanderous and erroneous lawsuit against YTB – this one filed by the Attorney General in Illinois.

Total damages of this lawsuit – basically restitution for approximately 300 people. I’m being generous with this number, simply taking the $500 start-up fee in the purchase of an online booking engine and not accounting for any monthly fees. We’ve learned from the Class Action that has been thrown out of court a half dozen times (and counting) that most who look for this type of refund or restitution don’t give the business much time or effort before they throw up their arms and quit.

Total cost of the restitution – $150,000 which represents 0.002% of everyone who’s ever signed up with YTB Travel as a Referring Travel Agent.

It’s important to note that all this money should go to former RTA’s of the company. There’s never been any fee for the right sell these websites to anyone (known as a “REP”) – although someone in the Class Action suit never paid a dime, but wanted restitution anyway.

Even when you combine the restitution to “victims” in the California suit settled two years ago, that still totals less than $300K. If you’re thinking – “wait a minute that was settled for $1 million?” you’re partially correct. Almost 90% or more exact – $875,000 went directly to the State of California, leaving a measly $125,000 for the “victims” that suit was designed to protect.

Look – I know how all these law suits put some people in a tizzy. Frankly, some who don’t know squat about Network Marketing (and never will the ignorant Zealots) became raving lunatics about the claims filed. Problem is – these suits were just that – claims. Most simply skipped ahead and proclaimed YTB was guilty of what was said simply because it matches their limited knowledge about the industry as a whole.

Now those who claim to be experts but have no real – practical experience will certainly have egg on their face. Truth is and always has been that nobody ever paid for the opportunity to recruit others. In addition and like it or not, other Host Agencies do charge a startup fee and monthly maintenance to partner with them.

And let me tell you – there was just no way any court would allow anyone to bypass those facts. Not even an Attorney General.

So here I sit today, with the same company, pretty much the same booking engine, and an even better opportunity I had three years ago. My commissions have actually increased from 60% to 75% on travel, and I’ve got an online store that gives me additional commission and provides cash back to my customers.

Instead of going out of business like some had speculated – I ended up with a better business. And I didn’t have to move an inch.

That’s what YTB has always been for me. Nor was there ever any doubt that it would survive. The clowns with the circus act with tails about a “house of cards” this and “endless chain” that don’t have a clue what their talking about. I know the industry from experience, I also know that Founders from personal contact. It was very clear to me that people totally underestimated both. That’s why I stuck around.

Sure there will be those that will continue to harp on the failed attempts to put the company under. They need someone like Jerry Brown or Lisa Madigan to justify their meaningless existence and limiting beliefs. There will also be those that want to focus on the recruiting aspect of the company. If they do more power to them – it’s their problem and misinformation, not mine. Network Marketing has been available and sustainable for the last 125 years. So get over it.

To me – honestly – some acted like such crazed dogs they need to be shot and put out of their self-inflicted misery. It never ceases to amaze me how some will just prowl every nook and cranny to find something they can get upset about. Or even worse, just make it up as they go along. And when challenged with an opposing view, they pretend to talk to someone else who agrees with them. Like that’s healthy or even normal.

I have to admit – it’s hard to believe that all this started three years ago. It sure has flown by. Probably because I always knew the bark was far worse than the bite. While some can’t seem to distinguish the obvious difference between a legitimate Direct Sales company or MLM and some long winded and very broad terminology that scream “pyramid scheme” it’s good to see that right still wins over wrong.

Happy to have all this behind us and I’m certainly ready to move on with a stronger, more lucrative, and diversified company. In that regard, I’m certainly not sorry any of this happened. Times like these always separate the weak from the strong – and the strong always get stronger.

Maybe now with this last suit out of the way we can get back to what we initially set out to do three years ago – Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Travel.

It’s been long overdue.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


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