Most all of you have read my tribute to Andy Cauthen. I’ve personally spoken with him and he’s adjusting to the drastic change from corn fields to cement and tall buildings. In my tribute, I mentioned that the only explanation critics would get was a Press Release to gnaw on that really won’t say much other than we’re sad to see Andy go, but wish him well in his future endeavors.

Something you need to understand about critics: they always have to be right. That’s why they have the last word – and they never let anything go.

My comment about critics only deserving a Press Release was actually perceived as a challenge by the ring leader of this group. Probably because they also have another obsession over trying to prove me wrong. Andy was in fact contacted during his last week of employment for an “interview” to answer some questions. Andy being Andy obviously agreed at first because he’s a professional and sincerely wanted our field to understand and look at his move in a positive light.

After careful thought and some time reading on this critics blog, it became apparent that any type of fair or balanced interview wasn’t likely by this individual. What he saw were half-truths, blatant misrepresentations, and some flat out lies about our company that made him extremely uncomfortable about his decision and interview. So Andy, very politely, and respectfully declined his interview with our head critic.

The word “No” isn’t a word critics like to hear. They’re like children, and “no” doesn’t actually mean “no” – it means go ask another parent. So our interviewer went on to another prospect at the home office for this “interview” about YTB.

Again, he was turned down. But this time he was told more truthfully that his past “reliable sources” for inside information have never been accurate and they [YTB] do not feel that their answers as written would be quoted completely or fairly…but rather changed to meet his own agenda. It was also decided that based on his trademark infringing and deliberately misleading “Zam Zuu” Facebook fan page (which by the way is finally gone thanks to Legal and a Cease and Desist) he could not be trusted to objectively report on any news or opinions about YTB in a fair and unbiased manner.

If that sounds harsh or stern, it is. I can’t tell you how many times something I’ve actually written here has been twisted to meet this individuals “agenda”. (After three years, I’d need more than my entire family’s fingers and toes to count.) The man is extremely gifted at taking words and comments and twisting them to mean something completely different.

So, since he can’t seem to find anyone to answer for him, he’ll do what he’s always done. Take all these rumors and beliefs, and publish them as questions as a public display of humiliation, and an “oh my, what’s wrong with YTB now?” While a handful of followers cheers him on thinking that nobody has answers concerning what they sadly believe as the truth.

Problem is, and I think you’ll clearly see this, these questions aren’t really questions. Better stated, they’re accusations that he’s asking the company to defend. That’s the critic’s way. Most of what you’ll see has no documentation or evidence to support the statements. Because its critics we’re dealing with, nobody needs supporting documentation.

Well, I’ll let you decide, because I got a copy of the questions.

For fun, I decided to answer as many as I could. Some as you’ll see couldn’t be answered because they don’t actually exist. Pay particular attention to the way each question is worded and you’ll quickly see why the home office thinks this guy is a joke. By the way; that’s how this should be consumed, with amusement, not anger or resentment. Part of our critics problem is that their anger consumes them and they can’t think logically or rationally. Seen it time and time again and it turns a complete fabrication into an emotional outburst that has no rhyme or reason.

So if you’re angry about this guy’s obsession over YTB, and his constant ridicule with every aspect of our company and our people, just move on to something else. This won’t help. If you understand like I do that this is nothing more than a fishing expedition and a desperate attempt for more drama to occupy his time and energy, by all means, read on!

Q: Over the last month, YTB has lost the CFO, the Master Distributor, the President and COO, and the SVP of Training and International Expansion. Is Bob Van Patten handling ALL of these tasks now?

I admire how much you think of Mr. VanPatten. From what I here, he is the single biggest reason you still have something to write about on your blog. He’s managed to keep YTB alive long after all of the critic’s predictions of impending doom. Bob VanPatten is the CEO of YTB International. As CEO he administrates, and puts the best people qualified in the positions needed. As you well know, the only position Mr. VanPatten has taken a close eye on is that of our former CFO. His background and experience dictates he is well suited for that position. (Not to mention our last two financial statements with him as CEO which have shown profits.)

In case you have not heard, Coach Tomer is our new Master Distributor. (I wrote about it here.) It’s a position he thrives in and is well suited for in my opinion. The field also gets to see much more of him now. I can’t think of a better “recruiter”.

Furthermore, as an outsider, I don’t expect you to know that the position of SVP of Training was furloughed several months back by the company. (We’ll address this “furlough” again for you a little further down.) The SVP position in question was vacant due to Mr. VanPatten making that choice, not the other way around.

Q: What has this done for the morale of the home office? The field?

For someone who trolls each and every Facebook page, blog, and forum that YTB has, you know exactly what it’s done. We adapt, we move on, and we move forward. We focus on things we can control and stay positive about. If you need proof here’s a thread from this past weekend I’m sure you saw. (It would make a great screen capture for your next blog post!)

Based on those comments, I’d say moral is mighty high right now, wouldn’t you? The same weekend Andy left too.

Q: YTB is continuing to lose about 100 RTA/TSO’s per day. What do you feel can be done to stop that?

Aside from getting a gag order prohibiting you and the handful of Zeolots from throwing mud and trash out there without any documentation or regard for the truth, I don’t know if there’s anything that can be done. I will say that much of your trash has been cleaned up thanks to the court system and because YTB is still around. People are starting to realize just how absurd some of your speculation and comments really are. As a result, it appears that a number of those “loses” are re-engaging in the company once again.

We call it F.E.A.R. which stands for False Evidence Appearing Real.

Q: I understand you are actively trying to sell the HQ building. What are the plans when it is sold? Where will YTB/Zam Zuu move? Certainly for a technology company, you don’t need that type of space. With Coach out of the Riverhouse now, are you planning to move to FL?

You understand? How do you “understand” without any documentation to support what you’re asking? Truth is, it’s nothing more than exploring some options.

So let’s turn this around and assume you’re right about the sale of the Home Office. My question for you would be – how will the sale of the home office advance your desire to see YTB killed off? A large influx of cash from this asset, along with the 56 acres the company also owns outright, would be a serious blow to someone like you who would like to see the company suffocate. It could be a real game changer. As you’ve said – as a technology company we don’t need this type of space and we could certainly use that “cash” to speed things up and moving in the right direction.

Think of it as “blog security”. ;-P

Q: By all measures, Zam Zuu seems like it was thrown together in a matter of days. Domains bought at the last minute for short durations. Lack of foresight in securing social networking URLS, etc. Do you feel Zam Zuu is in it for the long haul?

Read this article and then this article and note the dates they were published. Then help all of us undertand how you can measure that time span in “days”? I understand that a year consists of 365 “days”, but nobody uses “365 days” and “thrown together” in the same sentence without looking ridiculous.

You can also read this article and it will all come together for you very nicely. It should put to rest this absurd notion that the company didn’t think this through. And by the way, a company initially named “Cadabra” (as in “abracadabra”) was reluctantly changed at the last minute back in 1994. Do a little research on Amazon.com, and you’ll find what they did worked out just fine.

ZamZuu was a result of a years’ worth of testing, study, and a realization that we had another market shift. Kind of like travel was for us, and you saw what this company did with that. And regardless of any comments to the contrary, you did take notice. It scared the daylights out of you. You post and dribble about this company incessantly because of it.

Q: What sets Zam Zuu apart from any of the other online cash back “malls”? Even some of your stores are offering better cash back deals directly. IE: Last week, Best Buy had a 25% cash back program, while Zam Zuu was at 1.5%.

And just where is that 20% now?

Gone.

ZamZuu offers it’s Best Buy 1.5% all year long. (Sorry, that’s 365 “days” for you.) Furthermore, you’re assuming that by accessing BestBuy.com through our ZamZuu portal customers won’t have access to the special 20%? You’re assuming incorrectly if that’s the case. There is nothing that prohibits a ZamZuu customer from seeing or receiving that 20%.

Oh…and one other thing. I just checked my Best Buy e-mail folder, I can’t find this deal from them. Care to provide this “offer” just to keep things documented? Thanks!

Q: How do you explain to the field the incredible departure of directors and the change in the compensation plan? This plan was marketed as “copyrighted and on file with every Attorney General in the US and cannot ever be changed.” I think several departed directors might have a different opinion.

It’s no secret that YTB has assembled some of the best recruiters the industry has ever seen. They had a key role in YTB’s dramatic rise to the top and HUGE contributor to the insensate hammering by critics who fear recruiting and large sums of money like you. With the lawsuits, it became open season for other companies to recruit these leaders and bring them over to their teams. A huge feather in their cap snagging a YTB Director for sure. I can’t think of one Director who wasn’t bought off in some regard by money or position to make the switch.

While it’s sad to see some of these people go, I can’t blame them for taking some very attractive and lucrative offers. They’re tough to turn down when the offers grow in size and frequency.

Yes, the compensation plan has been increased and enhanced several times through my tenure with YTB. I would also speculate that you are correct that even the departed Directors would consider overrides on more products and higher commission splits on travel a plus. It’s never diminished in any form or fashion from the day I started.

Q: Can you comment or are you aware of the pending investigation by the Dept. of Justice?

Really? Which division? Antitrust? Civil Rights? Natural Resources? National Security? Or maybe Tax? Tell you what. When this “pending” turns into a “real” investigation and you have something more than just a rumor from one of your buds who heard it from another bud, we’ll discuss it then. For now, we’re limiting the questions and discussion to things that actually exist. Not some rumor or fantasy that gets you all excited and seething.

I know you’ve got finger and toes crossed that it’s true, but you also thought California was going to be your savior shutting YTB down, and look how that turned out.

Q: Are you finding it difficult to keep the momentum going? Since the settlement, the recruiting has been hemorrhaging.

Since the settlement, the hemorrhaging has actually stopped. You even wrote about it during the last quarterly report. Don’t revert back to something you admitted isn’t accurate. California was going to shut the company down, and when that didn’t happen people popped their heads out of their boom shelters and found that the scare you created was nothing more than a false alarm.

I’m happy to report that due to the launch of ZamZuu and the clarification from YTB Travel Network President Kim Sorensen, momentum isn’t a problem. By the time you find evidence of that in the quarterly reports, it may be too late for you to spin it another way however. (I certainly hope so.)

Q: Looking to the future (be that 5 days or 5 decades), how do you describe YTB? I know for years the focus has been on Travel and the mantra was “we’re a travel company”. I think that focus has changed. What kind of company will YTB be in the future?

Truth be told, you’ve never considered YTB a travel company, only a recruiting company. It doesn’t matter if it’s 5 days or 5 decades, your “thinking” is the only thing that won’t change in that regard. Nothing YTB ever does as a travel company is ever good enough for you. You’ve been harping about the Travel Weekly Power List for the last three years, but have never once even considered resolving your issue with them. Why not? What are you afraid of? Do you or don’t you want an answer?

Most likely, you don’t. Because it’s not about answers, it’s about questions. The more questions, the more chaos. The more chaos the more drama for you and your pals to stir up the pot.

Case in point, you were on the YTB Travel webcast last Sunday night and were given answers first hand from Kim. You heard about our plans and where we intend to be as a Host Agency. Do you expect us to answer any differently for you simply because of your inability to listen and actually learn like the rest of us?

Stop asking questions that you already have answers for. I know you don’t like the answers, but good grief, grow up and accept that we’re not going to change because you think we should. You’re not that important and there’s no amount of bitching that’s going to change that.

Q: Are you planning on hanging around?

Hanging isn’t word that resembles someone who is passionate and motivated. Too many people just “hang around” and that’s why we see the poor income disclosure statements that you like to slobber all over. So in that regard, no, I won’t hang around. I do however have a strong desire to continue to learn and grow with this company. I feel it’s an important aspect of success.

Q: With the cruise industry’s Wave Season in the beginning of the year; what was the rationale behind terminating 25% of YTB’s travel customer service people? I understand the economy and scaling back, but for a “travel company” to cut back on the travel staff just as the economy is picking up did not make sense to me.

Can you document for us which department was actually terminated? You found out the SVP of Training for YTB’s RPM program was part of that “termination”. RPM is not part of YTB’s travel customer service and neither were others I know at the home office.

You’ve got to do a better of collecting data and finding better sources. You’ve just proven you don’t actually know what department YTB decided to cut back on, so your question and accusation makes you look arrogant to some and foolish to others. (Not to worry, you still have a handful of faithful who like you, don’t care about facts, they just like to be part of the insults and slander.)

Q; How many RTAs/TSOs do you currently have? How many new Zam Zuu sites have been sold since the launch?

This qualifies as “insider information” and is not something a public company will disclose to anyone outside of the SEC filings.

Q; Do you have any comment on the income disclosures? Both the Marketing and Travel ones are showing that it costs more to be involved with each successive year, yet the average income declines each year as well.

I’m very happy to report that due to YTB Travel Networks commitment to training and upgrades, our new Travel Agent incomes have actually increased to a level that now exceeds the monthly service charges and fees as an average group. We owe much of that to the industry which help resolve and works with the industry instead of tearing it down. And we actually listen and then respond appropriately to the concerns and questions that the industry has. (Imagine that!) It’s especially gratifying to see this type of growth through a turbulent and difficult year that saw prices drastically reduced – thus cutting all of our commission by a substantial amount.

If you would like to compare 2008 numbers to 2009, you are welcome to do so. 2009 was a very trying and difficult year that saw many companies crumble and tens of thousands of jobs lost. To pin our decrease on our business model is narrow minded and one sided.

Word has it, and I’m certainly showing that 2010 could be a real game changer in that regard thanks to the hard work and enhancements now in place courtesy of the Home Office at YTB.

###

So there you go. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. It’s been a long time since I had an opportunity to actually tear into somebody like this. (And after such a nice post like Wednesday…what a shame.)

I suspect there will be more pointed questions concerning my answers around the various blogs and forums. A lot of “Yeah butts” and “What about this” type stuff in an attempt to keep me engaged. Let me state for the record that I don’t expect them to consider my answers acceptable. Thing is, I didn’t answer the questions for them; I did it for those who comprehend and read accurately and correctly.

Like I said, it’s not about answers. It’s about drama, rumors, and doubt that these questions are asked. Most as you’ve seen had already been answered – several times.

I’m also sorry about the long post – but I wanted to get it over an done with in one shot. I get calls and e-mails all the time about his behavior and his accusations and there’s just not enough time to pick up after this guy. So I just let it go and you should too, especially after seeing how wrong he actually is.

Onward and upward on Monday and looking forward to getting back to our regularly scheduled programming.

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Do You ZamZuu?

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?

That life is boring at YTB. ;-P

I apologize for not getting something out sooner – the kids had early release the last two days and we had projects planned. I also have a business to run and don’t have the vast amount of time in my profession that others apparently have. I have however been trying to sort out fact from fiction from various sources I know and trust via phone since the latest episode of “Days of YTB” has hit cyberspace.

Before we get started…I think it’s appropriate for the proper background music due the nature of what’s happened this week. For your listening pleasure, I’ve resurrected an oldie but goody that I’ve used before when there’s so much talk about YTB.

Apparently there was a mass exodus of wackos over the last 36 hours that have put out some pretty outrageous stuff. As usual, those of us who have a firm grasp on the situation are left to clean up the mess. Due to time restraints, I need to warn everyone that I have not read – but merely heard some of the rumors I’m about to squash. Therefore, please understand that some of what I might comment on – may not have ever been written in the vast space we call the internet – nor can I reference just who said it.

The following is a list of what I have heard and what I know to be true.

YTB’s CFO, John Clagg has resigned effective February 2nd. I’ve heard of various scenarios on how this came about. Some reasonable and some outlandish. The reasonable would consist of being burned out. With what the company has gone through since the California Law Suit was filed the day before the 2008 National Convention, and a new CEO who has a keen eye on the companies bottom line – it’s understandable that it would drain anyone.

Another reason I’ve heard is that John saw the writing on the wall – meaning, YTB isn’t going to make it.

Please…

One, the company has secured a $650,000 loan based on the expectant sale of the former home office located at One Country Club Drive. Which is odd – because it’s been widely publicized for years on various boards and blogs that YTB doesn’t have any assets to speak of. (Who knew?)

Two, it was announced on a company call yesterday, and corresponding documentation will be available to the field of some 300 $1000 Quick Start Bonuses will be in mailboxes across the country today. The ZamZuu e-commerce platform announced at the Coach’s Birthday Bash in early January has provided a much needed stimulus package for the field. When the field is making money, the company is making money. The enhanced commission structure enables the average person to attain a bonus, and that builds momentum.

You certainly don’t need to be a CPA to understand that cash flow isn’t the current problem at this point in time. (Still tight, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

An interesting observation from some time ago – I remember the exiting CFO being chastised by critics as “unqualified” for the position. It’s rather convenient that the ridicule and lack of qualifications are quickly tossed aside now that John has decided resign. I just love how folks can play both sides of the fence when a new position appears to benefit them. Happens with Directors too. All of the sudden these liars, scammers, and cheaters suddenly turn into Saints simply by leaving the company for another.

It would make any John Kerry supporter proud.

While there is a rumor of massive trading from our Directors due to this news, I’d hardly consider 29,300 shares massive. While John did resign on February 2nd, it was well after the closing bell on Tuesday. (3:00 Central time) I’ve never really understood just why this type of rumor persists with our Directors. I just chalk it up to ignorance and a way for critics to create more drama. Day traders have a ton more fun with this stock than any Director. Due to the timing of our CFO’s resignation and how suddenly (although not surprising) the resignation developed – nobody had any chance to benefit one way or another from this news. Based on the volume, between the verbal resignation and the release of the 8K – the numbers certainly don’t indicate insider knowledge.

Current CEO Robert Van Patten will fill in as interim CFO of the company until a replacement can be acquired. Mr. Van Patten is well equipped to fulfill the roll as CFO for YTB International, and has been in charge of much larger corporations in the past. His leadership is the largest reason why YTB has been able to acquire – all be it small – profits the last two quarters even with revenue down in 2009.

Another rumor floating around is that Ron Head, YTB’s Master Distributor has been terminated. While this may be the case after a thorough investigation – at present any word of termination is premature. Ron has I’m sorry to say been suspended due to possible cross recruiting.

If I’m getting e-mails and calls from every Tom, Dick, and Harry about the next “Big Thing” I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of carrots our Directors are seeing. How much greener the pastures are – how well everyone BUT YTB is doing in this economy – or all those “special positions” reserved for “true leaders” in the industry. I’ve seen and heard some real WHOPPERS in regards to rumors about what’s going on with YTB – including one I’ll mention later – that aren’t created by critics of MLM – but other MLM companies to lure people over to their company.

Attaining a Circle of Champion Director from YTB is a HUGE feather in the cap of any company because – as we all know – YTB created massive amounts of income for those who went to work. So much so, it caught everyone’s attention. Especially in an industry that understands and wants “recruiters”.

A personal note here – and this has nothing to do with Ron or any specific Director who has since left YTB for “greener pastures”. I have yet to hear of see any of YTB’s former Directors leave and actually stay with the next best thing they left YTB for. Several Directors that I know of have been with several different companies since leaving YTB and I can’t think of one (NOT ONE) who is currently better off today than they were the day they left YTB. Nor, with the exception of Corr, who just launched his new venture this week, is currently with the same company they moved on to.

That’s not to say they won’t be able to find another home. For some, I sincerely hope they do. It should be noted however that all of the fanfare up to this point has been nothing more than a passing fancy for every single Director who has left YTB for the next big thing.

Another very curious rumor floating around was that Coach, Scott and Kim were forming another MLM. Honestly, I just can’t wrap my head around this one. Critics, I could understand – they’ve always thought that our Founders would eventually call it quits. Some speculated retirement on some remote island with all our $50 checks in tow – while others speculated another industry entirely to rape and pillage. I’d expect that kind of stupidity from them.

It appears that rumor has also been squashed as Coach has been appointed the newest Master Distributor of…

Wait for it…

YTB.

Sigh…Coach will be recruiting again and honestly, it’s what he does best. I realize that frustrates some, and I know the fears and phobias surrounding the word “recruiter”. People slap that word on me all the time – and truth be told – yes, I do recruit. I recruit for Carnival, Princess, Sandals, Collette, Delta, Air Tran, Holiday Inn, Avis, Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, and YTB. (Among others, but you get the idea.) We all recruit in some form or fashion and I fail to see what the concern or deal is when it comes to word “recruit”.

I can only hope that at some point in time they come come to grips with their “issues”. But don’t expect me to own that type of stupidity and fear just because it makes someone angry or bitter. The heightened outbursts and emotions I see reflects more about them, then it ever will me.

In closing, for those of you in YTB for reasons only you have a right to decide and place judgment on – don’t lose your focus or the sight of your dreams. Many of you got into YTB to sell travel and/or e-commerce. Others have found a new spark in the e-commerce platform that has triggered bringing people into a very promising opportunity that like travel a couple years ago was attractive to the masses.

If you’re like me, you see all the deposits waiting to turn into cash when these vacations are consumed this summer. Like the company, you need to think long term and tighten up to stay in the game in order to capitalize on the deposits your sitting on. Others saw checks in the form of cash back this week for doing what you already do – shop. More of the same is coming on the 11th when the residuals for being a business owner are sent out not only for your own shopping but all those who shopped on your sites.

By the way you realize they too got cash back checks this week from their own shopping experience with ZamZuu right?

Call them up…ask them if they think this works.

I got to tell you, it’s a much better alternative than searching the internet right now, trying to get a feel from a bunch of cowards who don’t have the guts to put a real name behind what they plaster all over the internet or talk about on the phone.

Because I had another post scheduled for today, it’s been bumped to Monday. I think you’ll like it and it drives home why ZamZuu is right on mark and why big name companies are going to a model just like ours to sell their product or service. You don’t want to miss it!

Hope to see you again on Sunday in your e-mail box with this week’s wrap up and the Just Picture It Now Newsletter.

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As I think back to my early childhood, there are a couple of events that I can recall. One of them was watching Armstrong land on the moon. The other was a year prior. The day Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. I think one of the reasons I remember the faint flicker on the television, was because the news interrupted the celebration of my fourth birthday.

April 4, 1968

I don’t really recall anything else growing up as a child concerning the Civil Rights Movement. The now famous “I Have A Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial was 8 months before I was even born. Nor did I have any knowledge of the type of segregation or prejudice that existed in our Country. It wasn’t until I reached my Middle School and High School years that I became aware of the Movement as a history lesson – not experience.

I always think about that flicker on the television this time of year. How peaceful Dr. King was. How violent others were. And yet, how he was able to change history. Two score and six years ago, there was a peaceful march in Washington to speak up and say:

“We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.“

Nineteen sixty-three was not an end, but a beginning. There was neither rest nor tranquility in it’s pursuit. Because of one man’s undeniable dream, others followed long after he was gone to produce a true American Triumph for this Country. 

I took some time to read Dr. Kings “I Have A Dream” speech yesterday. How the Civil Rights Movement challenged “that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – and realize how he had won.

At the same time I read the text, I couldn’t help but think of the prejudice and bigotry that exists for those of us who work in the MLM industry. How people I know and love are ostracized, ridiculed, and spit at with insults simply because they work in MLM. I looked at Dr. Kings words and could feel the frustration of knowing what is right and just – yet the power within him to deny the frustration and insist that there could be change.

Peaceful change.

Along with being a student of the Travel Industry the last few years, I’ve also become a student of the Network Marketing industry. What I’ve come to know without a doubt, is MLM is full of theories and myths. Theories are great, but they don’t mean a thing if they’re not practical.

Or even worse – dis-proven.

One of the best “theories” I know of is this myth about running out of people – that MLM can’t be sustained. I can’t tell you how many times this graph showing the “unsustainable exponential progression of a classic pyramid scheme” is thrown up in my face.

True, the math is correct. Also true, the theory exceeds the world’s population.

Therefore, it should also be true that we should be able to find an example of when it’s actually happened.

But where?

Not only has it never happened, an MLM that’s been around since 1886 is STILL able to sustain itself by sharing the business with friends, family, and acquaintances. You just might have heard them. They changed their name in 1939 to AVON. Then add in an Association that supports and defends the Network Marketing model that’s celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year. (Created in 1910 as the DSA.) The Direct Selling Association protects and serves another 200 companies who use Direct Sales as a model.

So why do so many use theory that’s not only never happened but proven invalid?

We often think of the fight against prejudice when we think of the Civil Rights Movement. I looked up the word last night and here’s the definition:

an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.

More times than not, that’s exactly what we see when it comes to MLM and Network Marketing. Some were shown this unsustainable graph and without any knowledge of the history behind Avon, Fuller Brush, Tupperware, Mary Kay, and a host of others, they accept it as fact instead of just a theory. Most all staunch critics or cynics of the industry merely come from prior programming like this. And because prejudice comes without thought or reason, it can be extremely difficult to extract the weeds that are now overgrown and choke the sunlight needed to help them grow.

Another word we often think of concerning the struggle of the Civil Right Movement is bigotry. And yes, I looked for a definition of this word as well.

stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.

I don’t know about you…but boy does that strike a cord with me when you look at the insults, the spitting, the dirt digging and the childish pranks that critics and cynics have pulled over the years. If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard that I need to find another host, what a scammer, a liar, and not so proud member of the dumbass den I am – I wouldn’t need MLM.

I’d be independently wealthy.

Yes, it’s frustrating to read the words of a bigot, especially when you’re the one who has the relationship with their subjects at hand and not them. But remember these words when you see the emotional outburst and anger that are evident on the various blogs and boards concerning our company, our Founders, and our people.

In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

Some try to confuse and muddy discipline with bigotry. It angers and frustrates a bigot that their differing views and opinions have boundaries – that they can’t be heard or express their intolerance everywhere and anywhere. A big reason why I am the subject of much of bitterness and hatred they have.

I fight intolerance and differing creeds with silence. And that’s the worst thing you can do in the eyes of a bigot, because their self worth is tied to their beliefs which need to be heard in order to be valid. Otherwise, like the theories they spit out become invalid.

I’m no Martin Luther King – and I don’t have the fraction of the following or voice that he had. But I can pass his message on, especially on a day like today to help us continue the fight “that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.

For me, that includes a dream that I have a right to pursue and promote my YTB business without ridicule, insults, or slander.

Sounds like a long shot I know. But so did the Civil Rights Movement when Dr. King spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial having no idea that 45 years later his Dream would realize a true American Triumph.

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I have to admit, since the Convention, there really hasn’t been much in the way of news about YTB to report. The vast majority of what was released has been implemented and underway for the last month and half. We’re simply riding the wave of momentum coming out of the convention. Of course we have Funshine Travel Trade Show down in Orlando next week which will produce new upgrades and enhancements like we experienced at the Convention. In other words, don’t worry. We’ll be reporting the events at Funshine just like we did at Convention both here and in our Newsletter. (So if you’re involved in YTB, you’ll want to make sure you’re on our mailing list.)

Like last year and the Convention, Funshine was merely a pipe dream that would never happen according to the obnoxious and outspoken critics who were absolutely certain Coach, Scott, and Kim would be long gone at this point in time. The hope was they would be “pilfering” some other industry and the critics who detest our business model would be able to go back to “business as usual”.

Unfortunately, critics appear to be stuck in a quandary with the lack of news and have resorted to more lies and deceptive statements. The activity provides people like me an opportunity to show just how desperate and angry they’ve become since things aren’t working out they way they planned. They should be desperate. Most were absolutely certain that the California lawsuit filed just a day before the 2008 Convention would fulfill their desire of complete and total elimination of YTB. Unfortunately, not even Attorney Generals have the luxury of shutting someone down with false and misleading statements about “paying for the opportunity to recruit others into a gigantic pyramid scheme” without providing the proper proof and documentation to the courts.

Think “Amended Class Action” here. Much like that blunder, where critics made all kinds of outrageous claims, and followers waiting in the wings cheered how “powerful” it was, instead came out the other side battered and severely bruised for redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous claims. While the Judicial System’s desires in California were not quite as public (exposed on the internet) the process did demand that California and YTB work out their differences (in the case of the Attorney General – illusions) and come to an agreement. Like the class action that was filed in Illinois, California courts didn’t want their time wasted either.

In the end, California got what they wanted – $875,000 in their pockets. Critics got what they wanted – a press release with claims that YTB’s pyramid has been shut down. And YTB certainly got what it wanted – a blue print in the form of settlement agreement and the ability to continue doing business in the state of California.

Because the hopes and dreams of YTB being long gone is nothing more than a pipe dream at this point for our critics, when all else fails, you simply make things up to keep up appearances that something dastardly is afoot. Which of course leaves me a great opportunity to link and document the blunders. While some get angry and bitter over the false and misleading claims made against our company, I’d advise you to take some of the following list and put it in the proper perspective.

They really don’t have much else left to do.

So let’s begin.

Over on Scam.com, we find another “no name” who came up with the brilliant idea of posting a picture from Google Earth of the YTB home office parking lot in an attempt to show how few people are actually working there now.

Small problem…check out the date posted at the bottom of the picture. February 2004, two years before YTB even moved into the current home office location. (Ouch!)

Another critic decided to hang out on Coach’s Facebook page and magically turned “They are running a SPECIAL.” into “I’m running a SPECIAL.” (meaning Coach and YTB) promoting a 90% discount on Restaurants.com.

Apparently because Coach didn’t put and asterisk (*) next to the words “the promo code is “ninety” somehow that turns it into a false claim. I guess we learn something new every day huh? So remember the asterisk when sending someone to another store through shopYTB will ya! Otherwise any promotion or special that run from these 600 stores will firmly land on YTB’s head as false and misleading.

In another strange and bizarre twist, apparently people who double opt in to our “Steals and Deals” e-mail campaign have an issue with being offered free trips. How someone doesn’t understand that clicking the link to verify that “Yes, I want to subscribe” from the very e-mail account that requested it escapes some people blows my mind. But under the circumstances, it gives them something they can complain about. Besides, I can see how a free cruise would offend some people. (??)

Truth be told here, it was the best excuse this critic could come up with after taking bets that he would get a “recruiting pitch” for signing up for shopYTB. Here’s the quote from the day before.

John said…
Rod– send me the URL in an email and I will sign up. I want to see if I do get recruiting messages….anyone want to take bets?

If you’re wondering how shopYTB and YTB Marketing got thrown into the mix, it’s all a part of mixing everything together so they can report it to California as a violation of YTB’s settlement agreement. Not to worry however. YTB can provide a date/time stamp, and the IP address from the account that opted in from the initial request.

Also…how on earth do you lose and e-mail address from the day before so you can claim you can no longer contact the TSO with questions?

Very odd.

When you run out of things to complain about YTB, you can always fall back on the name calling and slandering of it’s members. That’s always a lot of fun and given enough time and energy you can go back months to find a single article on the Examiner so you can file an abuse report. Management and I however had a good laugh at this idiot for not checking the dates and trying to pin me with a plagiarized article.

Wonder if it’s okay with him if someone else copies my original work on the Mexico reopening on May 31st if they wait to the very next day?

Honestly, I find it amusing that some think I’m a deadbeat writer while others apparently like it enough to re post my work, and journalists quote that I’m “one of YTB’s most articulate defenders“.

And being the doting parents that critics are, with this illusion they need to keep me in line, they take our new YTB Success System launched at Convention and turn it into another claim that I’m doing something underhanded.

While they most certainly read about the announcements posted here regarding the new partnership with Pinnacle Systems unfortunately they got distracted with a Tina Turner appearance. Not only did they take exception to a missing “r” in the name, but of course had to ask why I felt the need to comment about her famous legs. Completely irrelevant to the upgrades and announcements I know, but when your a critic and need to find fault, that’s about all your left with. It also provides a great excuse as to why they can lay claim “I didn’t know”.

Through it all folks. Don’t think for a second that you or anyone else will be able to enlighten these poor lost souls who have nothing better to do than conjure up examples like these. I know it looks really bizarre, but they claim to be quit content in their activities and illusions. To correct and educate will not only prove futile, but the backlash of name calling and pestering would certainly tell you that they have absolutely no intent to change their thinking or perception – regardless how stupid it makes them look.

But it certainly makes for a great post and a good laugh when you add it all up.

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Hope you had a fantastic Labor Day weekend. Personally, I enjoyed myself for the most part – if it weren’t for the emotional outbursts far into the weekend concerning the video of Candi May I posted on Friday. I had no problem responding to comments on Friday, but when one outspoken Moron continued with his obscured and irrational comments deep into the weekend, it became apparent someone couldn’t help himself, so I gave him a little push by cutting off the comments.

As I read the outbursts from this Moron and the way this alter ego shoved beliefs and misconceptions around I couldn’t help but recognize how little some have learned over the years. If you recall, Candi May is the same woman critics attacked a year ago when they claimed she couldn’t possibly be a “travel agent”. Last year, I spent an entire month being harassed by another traditional agent who claimed to have all kinds of proof the Candi wasn’t who she said she was. When I asked for this “proof” the excuses began to mount along with the anger, bitterness and harassment that I was not only a coward, but didn’t see the light.

Because all we ever get from critics is a bunch of smack, I took the time to collect the proof and show both Martha Burke and John Frenaye that neither one of them had any clue how to research and find the documentation they claimed to have. To my surprise, when it was all said and done, there was a very nice apology from Martha, (the woman who was being so abusive here) and John Frenaye, who eventually admitted that HE was wrong. (Although he has since forgotten the entire ordeal.)

Fast forward to the last couple of week’s and we have a new Moron who’s now talking all kinds of smack and making all sorts of false accusations claiming that he has all the answers to finally prove we’re wrong and he’s right.

Sigh…

Because the video did a very good job of showing our critics that Candi May was abundantly clear that she obtained her perks while a traditional agent, and was granted the privilege of these perks by winning supplier contests, and for booking lots and lots of travel, Moron decided he wanted to go off in another direction this weekend in yet another irrelevant tangent in an attempt to keep me on the defensive during my extended holiday weekend.

Do want me to get on topic about Candi May? Okey dokey. This is from her blog: ” I am absolutely committed to assisting at least 100 more in achieving success in their own business and reaching millionaire status within the next 3-5 years… be one of them…” Now I ask you since you’re so close to her, has this happened? Take particular note of “100 more in reaching millionaire status.” That sounds to me like she has already made at least 100 people millionaires several years back since this an old bio. And why aren’t you in her group and a millionaire yet? Simple questions require simple answers.

My simple answer was that I found her desire admirable, and I’d be the first to congratulate her when accomplished. I wasn’t about to get caught up in yet another issue because some Moron is constipated about Candi May. All this talk was yet another attempt to find something else they could throw up about her being misleading. Notice how this Moron changed the quote from present tense to past tense so he could continue his charade inside his alter ego talking smack. Case in point; Candi used the word “assisting” while Moron changed it to “assisted” when he stated she’s already accomplished the task. The word “more” here simply means that she’s already found a number of people to assist and wants to expand her goals which I do find admirable.

Bottom line, I didn’t respond to the statement in past tense because if you need to change the words in order to change the meaning, why is it relevant?

Because this alter ego is an confused, arrogant, pompous Moron. That’s why.

Now mind you, I’ve outed this Moron here before for the antics and lies that he’s attempted to spread, only to have them blow up in his face. Because of his constant obsession with YTB and me, he tried to out me for badmouthing Pleasant Holidays back in the spring. Instead of siding with Moron, Pleasant Holidays became even more involved with YTB because they saw the value YTB brings to the table. But instead of accepting the new partnership between Pleasant Holidays and YTB, he has this grand illusion that they’ve finally agree with his side of the story.

Regarding PH [Pleasant Holidays], the last PH-YTB Sale-a-Thon was a disaster according the reps at PH. It didn’t generate enough business profit to merit the cost to them for having it. They will not be attending Funshine, just as 99% of the suppliers won’t.

When I documented that Pleasant Holidays would not only be at Funshine, but hosting one of the seminars there, the response was “Where are all the others?”

See how that works? It never ends. Because I didn’t provide a complete list of attendees of some 50 or more suppliers who will have booths at Funshine, he’s able to claim that he’s right about nobody showing up!

All in an effort to keep me preoccupied with his constipation and bantering.

Lastly, there has been an enormous amount of attention and focus on this illusion that I can’t pay my bills. Furthermore, Moron seems to think I threw my wife under the bus to keep up appearances. Forget the fact that there’s new legislation to prohibiting banks from changing rates at a moments notice. Forget the fact that the National Arbitration Forum was shut down by the Minnesota Attorney General for misleading people that collection agencies had a controlling interest with the banks. Forget the fact that because of the fraudulent activity, creditors were now demanding thousands more than what was actually owed. And forget the fact that the entire process chewed up, and spit my wife out leaving her an emotional wreck.

Because I made the mistake of loving and supporting my wife’s wishes to end her ordeal through bankruptcy, somehow it’s my fault. Apparently, I should have stood up and told Ronda because some nut case on the internet would not only take issue with her choice, but blame me for throwing her under the bus.

Excuse me, but he was nowhere to be found or was the one holding a sobbing wife in his arms  – or had to endure the sleepless nights wondering how she/we could pay our bills or put food on the table for his children without a bank account - or have the guts to stand up for himself and refuse paying THOUSANDS more than what was actually owed.

Somehow that’s throwing my wife under the bus?

There’s a reason why there’s a Moron Registry on the internet – it’s for imbeciles just like this who because they don’t have a real name or identity, they don’t have to live a real life. They can come and go as they please, never have to take responsibility or be held accountable for what they say or what they do. It’s a gutless existence that wastes an incredible amount of time for those of us who deal with real issues and real problems. Not some strange, bizarre, and emotional twist in an attempt to turn the name Moron into Saint Moron.

So there you go Moron. You got your 15 minutes of fame on my blog. Not sure it’s how you actually wanted to be presented, but that’s okay. Nobody will ever know the real Moron behind the mask. But for those who do know who you are, it’s about time they begin to understand how pathetic you really are.

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I like people I can relate to. Heck, who doesn’t? It’s hard even listen to someone who constantly talks down to you like they’re somehow better than you are. It’s my belief that people read this blog and subscribe to my newsletter because I’m an average guy. I can be very serious, but I also like to have fun. I’m also very thorough in documenting what’s written with third party sources to reference. 

I’m also human. I’ve made my share of mistakes. When I fall short, I admit it, fix it, and move on.

I’ve written about my good friend Candi May several times here and over the last few years we’ve become great friends. When you have your own ringtone on my iPhone, you know we talk quite a bit. (Actually, I wish she’d call me more, case I love that ringtone!)

Candi is also one of those down to earth individuals you can relate to. There’s no arrogance, false fronts, or an ounce of bitterness in this person to make you think that she’s somehow attempting to con anyone. Yet, she, like me, Coach, Scott, Kim, and some of the other better known names who have the guts to show up on the internet as real people are scorned and ridiculed on a daily basis by a very small group, with this illusion that we’re out to deceive and mislead the general public.

After this years Convention, there was a bizarre twist from a “professional travel agent” with this this idea that Candi stood in front of the Convention crowd and deceived everyone that she learned how to “travel like a pro” while in YTB. The anger and scorn it generated was incredible, especially when you see the the actual video and what was really said at this years Convention.

Which ironically, we now have.

Now, if you can stomach it, go read the emotional outbursts from the “traditional side” of the fence, and then watch the demeanor of one of our own. Compare her speech with the tangled mess that was trumped up from the other side and then ask yourself…”who would I rather work with?”

There’s really no question in my mind who I’d enjoy working with more. (And also learn more from.) There’s also no question who’s desperate and who’s secure in who they are and what they do. Mind you, Candi has never had any desire to lash out in an attempt to defend who she is and what she’s accomplished. No need when you compare the two sides.

However, I’m going to step to the side here, and let you be the judge. Make your own choice on your own who you’d pick to be mentored by in this industry. Afterward, if you’d like to find out more about this incredible lady, you can read more about her on her new blog.

Makes no difference to me, cause I’ve already made mine.

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