var json_comments = new Array("
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Git Em SteveDave loves this guy-->
October 23, 2008 7:30 PM
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Is the Purple Horror a one eyed, many handed, flying personal savings eater?

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5 replies
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Meggers
October 23, 2008 7:43 PM
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@Git Em SteveDave loves this guy-->: WIN!


Our IT guy did this, he would leave the juice in the break room and then hover around until someone would pick it up, then he would swoop in and ask them out to a \"business\" lunch. I never went for it but several coworkers have told stories about how he would take them to Taco Bell and talk about the incredibly business opportunity that they could work on.

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JuantheGardener
October 24, 2008 7:17 PM
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@Meggers:
If I was selling this, I would take advantage of Taco Bell's free taco offer when taking my coworkers for lunch, saving me a few dollars.

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bluewyvern
October 24, 2008 11:12 AM
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@Meggers: Why, just look at me! I started selling MonaVie, and I started earning so much, why, now I can afford to eat out here at Taco Bell every day! You can live the high life, too! That chalupa could be your lunch every day -- hell, maybe even your breakfast, too! How about it, friend? Do you wanna make some money?

That blog is weird. I started reading the first couple entries, then my eyes started to go all woogly and I started to feel funny and not know who I could trust any more. All those strange culty endorsements and testimonials and stuff mixed in with the venting... I had to cover my eyes and grope around for the close tab button, then take a couple deep breaths and go have a bit of a lie down.

I've never even heard of MonaVie.

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Haltingpoint
October 23, 2008 10:26 PM
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@Meggers: Wow--that's pretty ballsy to be doing it at work like that. Bet they didn't try it on people above a certain level...

I would have reported him to HR for trying to trick people into joining a fraud, complete with a file folder full of the factual information out there that proves that Monavie is nothing more than a scam.

P.S. You can get more antioxidants from a thin slice of apple than you can from the drink itself. An apple a day truly does keep the doctor away.

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Rhayader
October 23, 2008 7:46 PM
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@Meggers: Yikes. Did you send new people in on their first day to \"grab you a glass of juice\"?

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mariospants
October 23, 2008 8:01 PM
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I'd go into the lunchroom and start a rumor that the juice causes polyps to grow in your stomach and that the FDA is considering taking it off the market. Just for giggles.

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Meggers
October 23, 2008 8:19 PM
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@mariospants: He also got into a pyramid scheme involving energy drinks. I quess some people never learn.

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RedwoodFlyer
October 24, 2008 3:23 AM
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@Meggers:

Quixtar (amway)? They have their stupid perfect water...it supposedly has air bubbles in it which..does stuff. Look up the \"Tip Test\" on youtube, it's amazing how people can be dumb enough to fall for this crap (both the MLM and buying the perfect water)

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IR1
October 23, 2008 7:32 PM
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MLM schemes make me sick, they are full of idiots or deceitful scumbags.


I was at a job fair a few years back where there was a Primerica booth. They tried to tell me all about how great a job it was. It is a Citigroup ofshoot that gets you to sell insurance. The second the person mentioned a \"seminar\" and that I would have to pay for training etc I knew it was a scam.

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Anonymous
October 24, 2008 1:54 PM
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@IR1:

They actually had Primerica 'recruiters' post our my college's recruiting network and were able to interview on campus. I think it's horrible that they don't filter these people out. I ended up going to the seminar, and when the guy said you can 'be your own boss' I got up and left.

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Anonymous
October 24, 2008 4:55 AM
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@IR1: The Primerica people were targeting CCNY students a few months ago because there was a job fair. I knew what they were about because a friend told me about it. When the upline called me I told him that I knew it was a scam. Undeterred, he tried some methods he learned from his cult leader. Seriously. I watched a documentary on how to avoid cults in Psychology of Religion class and all of his methods were there.

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m4ximusprim3
October 23, 2008 7:39 PM
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The term \"upline\" just makes me queasy somehow. Not sure why, but it just sounds like that person is taking advantage of you.

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shorty63136
October 23, 2008 7:40 PM
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And I've tasted Monavie. It's disgusting and kind of a cross between pulp-y and gritty.

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2 replies
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magic8ball
October 23, 2008 10:01 PM
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@shorty63136: I bet they make it gross on purpose. People think if something tastes good, it's probably bad for you; conversely, they assume that if it's nasty, it must be good for you.

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samurailynn
October 23, 2008 7:40 PM
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I only took a quick look, but that is a horrible website.

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Rippleeffect
October 23, 2008 7:42 PM
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If the upline was telling them to lie, then they should lose their business. You can't use the word \"definately\" since there is no proof. The best way is to tell the person \"Try is for a couple of weeks and see how you feel, then stop taking it and see how you feel.\" Warn them about the placebo affect too. Don't change anything in lifestyle except drinking the stuff.
Be upfront about the stuff. It honestly, if you're already pretty healty, you wont notice a difference, and you shouldn't take the stuff.


Geez, don't lie.

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6 replies
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kduhtoe
October 23, 2008 11:31 PM
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@Rippleeffect: A lot of the time when people ask for proof, the advocates refer to a University of Florida study where the researchers basically drowned cancer cells in Monavie. Also the study clearly states that although Monavie killed cancer cells when used in this manner, in no way does the study support the efficacy of the product when CONSUMED orally. So maybe bathe in the stuff?

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RedwoodFlyer
October 24, 2008 3:27 AM
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@kduhtoe:

I heard that in San Francisco, they use it as a suppository...

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ludwigk
October 23, 2008 8:22 PM
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@Rippleeffect: I'm cromulent that you can say \"definately\" all you want about any product. It embiggens your sales pitch.

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Rippleeffect
October 23, 2008 9:08 PM
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@ludwigk: Not selling the product, and certainly not pitching to anyone. Just a user myself.

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howie_in_az
October 23, 2008 10:32 PM
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@Rippleeffect: That flew so far over your head it got hijacked and flown into a major landmark. ludwigk's message was a subtle way of saying \"spelling is 'definitely'\".

[www.d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.com]

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theblackdog
October 23, 2008 7:45 PM
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@Rippleeffect: Yeah, my co-worker tried that while he was still selling the stuff. He was swearing up and down that he was feeling better and had more energy and he was so sure it was making him healthier...

...until he had bloodwork done, not only his numbers not improve, some of them were actually worse!

He switched to exercise after that.

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BullLifter
October 23, 2008 8:11 PM
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@theblackdog: Our healthnut friends tried to get my wife and I into MonaVie. After hearing that it was $80 a bottle, we looked at each other and through mental telepathy said \"no way\" to each other. I recognized it as a MLM scheme right away.


They also tried to ease us in by splitting a case or some such thing. We quietly never mentioned it again. They still drink it, and continue to buy $80 bottles so they can have their one shot of acai a day...

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dr88
October 23, 2008 7:43 PM
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what a coincidence. we had a guest speaker in my marketing class this morning who's the founder of a MLM company. The professor lost a lot of credibility in my eyes by letting that guy stand up there and pitch his \"once in a lifetime business opportunity\"

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6 replies
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RedwoodFlyer
October 24, 2008 3:28 AM
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@dr88: Didn't realize that the University of Phoenix had guest speakers...

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dr88
October 24, 2008 3:33 PM
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@RedwoodFlyer: That's what it felt like yesterday. I actually go to one of the top 10 research universities in the country. This particular professor went to business school at Harvard and apparently didn't learn much about ethics.

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Haltingpoint
October 23, 2008 10:29 PM
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@dr88: That's crazy...wonder if he got paid to let the guy present. I personally would have loved to have someone like that come into one of my classes in college. Being fully versed on MLM scams and how they prey on people I would have torn that guy to shreds and if the professor got upset I'd tear him a new one as well for letting the guy pitch to us.

Of course it would be quite different if they brought one of those scammers in as an example of that type of marketing and analyzed his approach but that would be under completely different context.

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dr88
October 23, 2008 11:34 PM
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@Haltingpoint: He's good friends with this guy and his company (reverse auction site/MLM school) is doing a US tour after \"much success\" in europe. Wouldn't surprise me if he got paid for it.

My favorite line from this toolbag was \"Many people think MLM is a scam. Ive learned over the years that having an attitude like that will only hold you back. I abandoned that attitude and look where i am!\"

Where do I sign up?!?!

/sarcasm

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theblackdog
October 23, 2008 7:46 PM
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@dr88: The professor didn't even try to present it in the context of the kind of marketing that people completely fall for?

FAIL

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dr88
October 23, 2008 11:28 PM
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@theblackdog: His expertise is MLM and actually mentored the founders of the company he brought to speak. His last lecture to prepare us went over how MLM businesses are not scams, and how the government has investigated thousands of MLM companies and companies like Amway are still around.

In my opinion, if a professor has to take a lot of time to explain how \"even though the government investigated these companies, they're still legit\", something smells fishy.

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Rhayader
October 23, 2008 7:43 PM
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I had some guy try to sell me this crap while I was waiting to use the bathroom at a Wendy's. I don't even want to know what it would have \"helped me with\" in that case.

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2 replies
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Rhayader
October 23, 2008 7:49 PM
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@theblackdog: No chance. I was just coming back from a drug test (which is why I needed to stop and use the bathroom). I'm sure there was nothing but clarity for the next couple hours.

Yes, I passed the test. Piece of cake.

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mariospants
October 23, 2008 8:00 PM
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It's too late. The guy who started it all is swimming in so much cash that even if the FDA and the BBB shut him down, he wouldn't so much as frown.


Makes me sick that you have to lie and cheat to make any quick money these days.

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ludwigk
October 23, 2008 8:34 PM
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@mariospants: Pretty bottle + good marketing + vague health claims = profit?

As long as you have the warning messages \"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.\", you can then proceed to say almost anything you want as long as its somewhat carefully worded. \"Improves circulation and liver function!\" \"Aids in recovery after surgery\" You get the idea, and its all legal.

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Adisharr
October 23, 2008 8:22 PM
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Just one more bottle of over-priced crap on the market.

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DaneB
October 23, 2008 8:25 PM
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I'm not part of Mona-Vie, never have been, never will be. However, I do believe anti-oxidant supplements of this type do help some people. But yes, they are pitching it the wrong way and have probably been sued over that.

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2 replies
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floraposte
October 23, 2008 9:10 PM
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@DaneB: Unfortunately, there are several good studies that suggest some dietary antioxidant supplements can actually increase mortality, with little improvement from the others. Eating the actual food seems to be the real source of benefit.

Either way, though, the MonaVie site is quite the eyeopener, both about people's credulity and people's odd logic. Weirdly fascinating, too.

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madamdalriada
October 23, 2008 8:59 PM
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My friend's sister is absolutely convinced that her second (and the desired boy child/hier) was concieved thanks to this foul tasting brew.
She gave my buddy a bottle for us all to try. Looking at the ingredients list was a shock, apparently there is some sort of shellfish in there? Maybe that's what that gritty stuff is that's left behind in the cup!

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iseemoo
October 23, 2008 9:09 PM
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It's sick when they target older people, promising them their illnesses or disabilities will be cured. I had a neighbor who tried to get me in on something similar to this and when he explained that the juice sells itself by getting more people to sell the stuff for you and that you can do it at your regular work place, the words \"pyramid scheme\" kept popping in my head. My neighbor is nice enough and thought I was still a college student and ensured me that it would be so easy to get other students or friends involved that I wouldn't have to work at my 8-5 for long. He tried to impress me with his recently purchased used BMW. Used! He must have got it in his head to put on an image of success but I was not impressed. It actually hurt my feelings that he would try to scam me and although that might not have been his intentions, that would have been the end result. I'd rather wish I was wrong and that he was a big success BUT without lying to those that may not recognize a pyramid scheme when they see it.

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3 replies
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BeFrugalNotCheap
October 24, 2008 3:00 AM
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@iseemoo: Well that's just how Xango conned my family into the whole thing. i'm getting sick just thinking about it now. Please, anyone reading this: Don't EVEN think about joining an MLM/Pyramid company. Don't let your family get suckered in either.

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Outrun1986
October 23, 2008 9:24 PM
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@iseemoo: Sadly he might have actually believed the sales pitches and thought that he was doing you a favor, I doubt he thought he was scamming you even though thats what he was doing in a sense. Some people don't even see that it is a scam.

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iseemoo
October 23, 2008 9:37 PM
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@Outrun1986: True and if he really believed that then he's just being taken advantage himself. Thing is, I can only feel so bad because a couple of our older neighbors have bought the stuff from him. I really really hope that they were just being polite and didn't get pulled in.

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testsicles
October 23, 2008 9:16 PM
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An $80 bottle of wine would be better off for you. Hell, 8, $10 bottles of wine would work too. Though 40, $2 bottles of wine is probably pushing it.


WAR Boone's Farm!

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5 replies
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jsnorcal
October 23, 2008 11:14 PM
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@testsicles: You could wipe out Trader Joe's stock of 2-Buck-Chuck and throw a HELLUVA party! FTW!

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RedwoodFlyer
October 24, 2008 3:30 AM
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@doctor_cos:

Ever since that SNL skit, I avoid anything in a box altogether..

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magic8ball
October 23, 2008 10:06 PM
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@testsicles: It might not improve my liver function, but I bet it would improve my mood a whole lot more than the Monavie stuff.

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kduhtoe
October 23, 2008 11:26 PM
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While traveling in Florida, a married couple tried to sell this stuff to my girlfriend and one of her friends. She and I had discussed this product previously and decided the MLM scheme was a joke and blueberries/wine would be healthier. They sat through the sales presentation, but she said the husband selling the product became defensive and nervous every time she mentioned \"pyramid scheme\" or asked how the product works. He basically said antioxidants cure everything, even his wife's sciatica. She asked how antioxidants combat mechanical nerve root compression/irritation. He said it just DOES! MAGIC! Needless to say, the couple did not manage to recruit any new tiers in their MLM.

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Corporate-Shill
October 24, 2008 1:57 AM
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I know a lady who walks with a serious limp.


One leg is shorter than the other due to complications from a very serious childhood auto accident.


She is about 50 years old.


Ya think the stuff will make her leg grow?


I don't think so.


One day we are out outside of a mall and a jerkweed approached the group trying to sell his magical mystical brew that would cure all that ails you. My friend took offense when the jerkweed said his magical mystical brew would cure her disability.


Her response? \"Cure this\", as she shoved her cane into his face and bloodied his nose.


I wonder if his magical mystical brew can repair a broken nose?

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crazyasianman
October 24, 2008 3:09 AM
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@Corporate-Shill:


shhh, believe in the product. and if you don't notice immediate results, take more! eventually that nose will heal, praise monavie!

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yungjerry703
October 24, 2008 2:53 AM
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Monavie Acai juice!?!? I would rather sell crack!

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moore850
October 24, 2008 12:15 PM
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@yungjerry703: at least crack has a noticeable effect...

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winstonthorne
October 24, 2008 12:10 PM
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@yungjerry703: Crack is actually proven to be effective when used as intended. You don't have to lie to your customers to be a crack dealer. Selling crack is definitely a more ethically sound business model.

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Kishi
October 24, 2008 6:59 AM
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@yungjerry703: I bet the profit margin is better, and the people you owe money to are only slightly more dangerous.

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yungjerry703
October 24, 2008 6:58 PM
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@Kishi: @winstonthorne: @moore850: so what you guys are saying is compared to this purple stuff crack is an honest days living, now if only i could convince the police that.

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BeFrugalNotCheap
October 24, 2008 2:58 AM
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My mom got suckered into the whole \"Xango\" bullshit and actually BELIEVED the \"testimony\" from some \"doctor\" in a brochure they sent her. She never made any money and tried to get my family involved. I finally had to intervene and show her the internets and all the info out there. She has since quit and kept her hard earned money. FUCK MLMS.

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BeFrugalNotCheap
October 24, 2008 3:12 AM
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Ah, christ...you people should really google \"monavie\" and see what pops up. Rachel RAY actually plugged this shit on her show?? FAIL. Not only that but all the videos that came up via youtube are filled with nothing but spammy comments sometimes using the same phrases over and over. WEAK. Exactly how much did this company spend to pay off all the FOX news affiliates to run ads during their newscasts??

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BeFrugalNotCheap
October 24, 2008 3:13 AM
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bluewyvern
October 24, 2008 11:23 AM
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@BeFrugalNotCheap: I think there's something subliminal going on here...that repeated footage of the woman pouring the juice, stirring the juice, taking a sip, putting the spoon down, pouring the juice, stirring the juice, taking a sip, putting the spoon down...it's hypnotic! Stop it! Give me back my brain!

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RedwoodFlyer
October 24, 2008 3:33 AM
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Number 1 superfruit = Richard Simmons

There goes any respect I had for Fox...oh wait.

Any O&A fans would get the d-chills from the \"Berry Beneficial\" line.

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West Coast Secessionist
October 24, 2008 6:34 AM
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@BeFrugalNotCheap: What a load of crap! And I thought only the actual \"Fox News Channel\" had such ridiculous propaganda.

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CulverAutesion
October 24, 2008 8:42 AM
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If the antioxidant content is a big deal:

Sprinkle some cinnamon on your cereal, buy a thing of mixed berries at the produce section, about $6 / 1lb it lasts me all week.
The berries are pretty amazing fresh, but all those substances break down quickly, I doubt they are using anything better than a frozen pulp for that juice, and strawberries are better at that point.

Eat a balanced diet You'll feel better than this juice will make your feel.

About a year ago i started eating some cottage cheese with berries (mixed myself, so much cheaper) for lunch. I felt better almost immeatiately. Then a couple months back I started taking a vit.C pill, a fish oil pill and a centrum every day. That helped alot too.

I believe that ppl are feeling better after drinking the juice. As most ppl eat such poor diets and very little \"real\" fruit juice. But this is an expensive remedy that can be replaced with some much cheaper and healthier alternatives.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%A7a%C3%AD#Nutritional_content

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_Radical_Absorbance_Capacity#Comparisons_of_ORAC_values

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moore850
October 24, 2008 12:20 PM
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it's shocking how bad that site is in terms of trying to dispel any myths about the drink... it's basically just a huge dump where tons of pro-monavie peopel are trying to fight off any criticism in an enormous comment post.

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opsomath
October 24, 2008 12:47 PM
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the best part? the website contains numerous postings from people either a) plaintively trying to get help selling the stuff or building their \"downline\", or b) posting other scammy schemes. (I guess they figure these people fell for it once, they can do it again)

plus the site's fugly.

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smurph0404
October 24, 2008 3:11 PM
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WOW. I just checked out the website and the Monavie crazies are trying to flood it with testimonials about how good the stuff is for you. The least couple posts are all pro-monavie. It's like 4chan raid. Classy, Monavie.

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B1663R
October 24, 2008 4:42 PM
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look, there is the truth and the truth. let me explain

Dilapidated = Rustic
On fire = Motivated seller
Tiny = cozy
bad view = unique scenery
crap curb appeal = fixer upper
Used = previously enjoyed

everybody knows at least a few of these tricks by now.

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bbagdan
October 24, 2008 5:16 PM
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People who buy into Goji and Acai berries are basically retarded. Let these fools easily part with their money.

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fonfa
October 27, 2008 1:45 PM
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@bbagdan: so you're basically offending half of Brazil's population. NICE!


btw, açaí is GREAT. just not magical.

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HurfDurf
October 24, 2008 6:04 PM
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I sat in an MLM meeting once where they were selling vitamins. Literally the same line was used. They asked if anyone had back problems, or maybe even got hangovers. Well those things will be a thing of the past, my friend! Just buy $65 worth of vitamins a month, and if you don't believe us, lets bring in this guy that's only been taking them for 2 weeks...and look, he used to have to use a cane!!! Now?!! All better!! Sign-up is to your left.

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Smd75
October 28, 2008 9:30 PM
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I listened to the pitch this weekend post race at a triathlon. It seemed fishy to me, give me $39 now and you can buy these bottles at wholesale, or spend $45 and buy 1 get one free (\"a $45 value\")

Buying them wholesale was something like $21/bottle or something, I thought that sounded stupid. spend $50 for one bottle or $45 for two. Oh and you couldnt buy directly from anyone the retail price. I dunno, it didnt make sense to me then, it doesnt make sense as i type it, but I am typing what I heard. It was only 2 days ago that I did this Tri... the company had a stand at another tri I participated in over the summer.

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Steve
July 24, 2010 1:12 PM
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I'll tell you what -- it's almost a rock and hard place scenario. MLM has brought it upon itself that everyone calls it a \"scheme\" and \"pyramid scheme\" with the negative connotations in place. But remember, every corporation is a pyramid, and a scheme is just the way it's set up. The connotation, though, is \"scam.\" In MLM where products are overpriced compared to retail, or things are said about the products that are not true, then it is akin to a scam. But if someone is happy with their initial purchase regardless of any sales made, then it can't be close to that. MLM has the potential to have an outstanding, empowering business model, yet unfortunately its name will carry the bad reputation with it for a while until we can get rid of the scams.

Some companies are now coming into play designed to save people money every month rather than having them spend it, similar to any consumer group like AAA. Only instead of spending outside money to market, they spend it on referrals, which creates a greater incentive for word of mouth, growing the group large, and getting more buying power to bring the members better values. It's a great cycle. There is one company that I belong to that uses that concept along with being a hybrid between network marketing and conventional business, which means that members can share in traditional retail profits, which means you're not just earning from the people in your network; therefore you don't have to earn as much on the network and their network products often meet or beat retail prices.

I say all this to promote that idea that MLM can be done right. It just hasn't typically done so in the past. I always believe in keeping an open mind, and if someone says, \"We're legitimately different,\" rather than just saying \"We have the best compensation plan,\" I'll look at what real value they bring to consumers. Only after that is determined do I even care about the compensation plan. In this way, you have something much more akin to a typical sales position, but coupled with far greater leverage.

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