It seems that those who organise multi-level marketing scams prey on two types of people:
1. Cheerful, outgoing, and charismatic people (mostly NTs).
2. Socially inept, gullible, and easily-intimidated people (mostly Aspers or similar types).
The former are used to draw the latter into the scam, while the latter types are used to fill out the ranks of income-generating people. Social pressure is a major factor in motivation, since "everyone" wants to be popular and successful.
In all Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scams, a member does not start making money until he or she has recruited a large number of subordiantes to do all the work. The profits flow upward, and little or no benefit is realised at the lower ranks, except as "gifts" of little value and questionable quality.
The only difference between MLMs and Ponzi schemes is that MLMs offer some kind of product or service for sale. Usually the value of these products and services is artificially inflated, and the financial returns come from lower-ranking (and thus newer) members of the corporate pyramid.
Be careful of people who suddenly want to be your friend, especially if they offer to bring you into a business without first checking your background and references. Such people are looking for patsies to use for their own profit.
Don't be a victim.
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The mere fact that science may not yet adequately explain an object, event, or experience does not mean the immediate explanation should automatically default to a conspiratorial, extraterrestrial, paranormal, or supernatural cause.
21 Dec 2008, 12:48 pm
