Quote:

Originally Posted by grnmach Brian, You have to get your facts staright...

You missed out the modifiers to the Wikipedia definition:



There's also the point that a pyramid scheme only exists to resell entry to the scheme. Are the majority of EDC Gold members actually selling their great products direct to the public as products, or simply selling entry to the EDC Gold program?

As before, I think PA 27 is the only person I've seen in any online conversation about EDC Gold who actual says the products have any value - but, others disagree.

Point is, let's look at the name - EDC Gold = Easy Daily Cash Gold. Gee, that sure sounds like a legitimate reseller scheme to me.

Funnily enough, a number of people have tried spamming this threads with ads for Perfect Wealth Formula, which runs on a similar system - sign up for between $500-$1500, resell rights to ebooks, etc. Excepting that one openly stated that that it was a pyramid scheme and that getting into the middle of the pyramid is good.

Yes, I know PA 27 has made a valiant defence, and I admire her personal attributes in doing so - I'm sure she would be a great asset to any business team - but let's face it, EDC Gold isn't sold on the basis of reselling business rights, it's sold on the basis of making money fast.

And then people wonder why I get the cynical attitude to it?

I know PA 27 has offered to enlighten me but I continue to be seriously busy - so I'm content to simply allow for open discussion on the subject. The only aspect of that discussion that are removed are the regular promos by one-post wonders that run as: "Hey, EDC Gold/PErfect Wealth Formula are great and offer easy money! Come and join my website and I'll show you how".

Just on the points Brian is making, I do think they are most valid and moreorless reflect my own view of such schemes (including EDC)...

I think it can depend though on individuals involved (eg PA27) that may actually operate in a more legitimate manner (for want of better wording), make use of the products, and help the products become of use to others.

That said, I still find it difficult how people could argue that the concept and business as a whole (note I believe the business is the people that run & control it, not those with reseller rights) is not operated mostly as a Pyramid Scheme... just see the website of it (incl many resellers) and it fits in nicely with Wikipedia's definition.

Please do let me know if anyone disagrees though... and what points in the 'definition' the business does not fit in with. Please note I am not talking about individuals.

You bought the site from edc not me. All you have to do is log into the help site located on the back office that is staffed throughout the week and they will take care of you. It's very clear where to go for help and things like that in our back office.
David Dubbs

We are seeing record sales of promo black box. A product that was designed for edc and edc gold. This is one of the best products out there for marketing and our company is retailing a ton of them. I have tons of people that just weant our software to help market the business. Because our software has unlimited resell rights a ton of people are selling it on ebay and etc... So yes we have people that just want our product. I just set up a realtor in town with our software to ad audio and video to thier website. We sell products all the time.
David Dubbs

Like you've said, DavidT, it is dependent on us, the "resellers" as you want to put it. We all choose independently how we want to run our businesses. Therefore, when a customer is interested in purchasing product or joining the income opportunity or whatever the case may be, they are dealing directly with us, not the company. The company merely hosts the products that we sell, and offers weekly training. Therefore, I find it hard to classify the business as a whole (because it isn't really a "whole") as a pyramid. That is just my opinion.

It's not just about the way a person or company chooses market, though by referring to the company's website, you make it seem that way. Any company, internet-based or otherwise can use the types of techniques that the main EDC website and many distributors use. How a company chooses to market doesn't make it a pyramid scheme. Regardless of what an ad or website says, the fact remains that EDC distributors don't have to depend on downlines or recruiting others to earn income. Many of them choose to earn in this way, but that is their choice, and that doesn't make the overall business model that of a pyramid scheme.

When distributors have no choice (according to the business model) but to depend on the sales of their downline to earn the majority of their income (as with many MLM companies), then you can call it a pyramid. But for EDC, that is not the case. As distributors we have control over how we operate. I can elect for my team members not to have to pass up any sales at all (eliminating most of the pyramid argument) and I often do. More times than not, actually. And I have a choice of what I want to promote. I can elect to only promote PromoBlackBox, which would be just straight sales of a retail product, and still be able to earn a significant income. However, I choose to promote both because I enjoy training others (many of the marketing and customer service positions in my background dealt primarily with the training of employees) and I enjoy being a part of the marketing industry.

I have said, and will maintain, that I do not depend on my team members' sales to earn a living. Nor do I just have to recruit other members to continue earning. I sell our products to those with a need for what I'm offering, and I know of several other distributors who operate on the same principals (and I'm not referring to my team members). As ddubbs said, PromoBlackBox is an outstanding product and selling quite well. It is strange, but wherever I find the pyramid argument and folks saying that EDC has no stand-alone product and therefore isn't legitimate or is a pyramid, no one ever mentions the PromoBlackBox product. And when I mention it in a rebuttal, there is no answer, just the same old "EDC is a pyramid and it's illegal, stay away from it" argument. I wonder why that is, and why those who are against the program are so content to overlook it as a valid product? Could it be because it's exclusive to EDC and would require the naysayer to have prior membership experience? Could it be because those outside of the business don't know enough about it (as they claim to know so much about the other products in the marketing suite that we sell) to speak about it? I know of and have heard of other members profiting from the sales of this product alone. A pyramid simply wouldn't offer the benefits and streams of income that EDC offers. If anyone disagrees, I welcome your opinions!

-PA27

It is very strange to me, Brian, that you "continue to be seriously busy" yet you seem to have ample time for more negative comments about the program (this is not the first somewhat negative comment you've made about EDC since you set me my challenge). Are you so busy that you can't spare an hour out of one day to have a look at it? Perhaps if you're that busy, you might want to look into something (job, home business, affiliate program, advertising or otherwise) that will help you free up some time....

I'll repeat that I'm more than happy to show you or anyone else how the business works, and allow you to see for yourself what we get as members. Trust me when I say that what I get on an almost daily basis is worth much more than I paid originally. I understand that there are others who would disagree, and that's fine. But if you look closely at some of those folks, you'll notice that they weren't every about the products or even internet marketing in the first place. Many have admitted that they were looking to get money fast. Understand that when it comes to any internet-based business (not just EDC), there will always be those that are only out to make a quick buck. That is not something that the owners of EDC encourage or promote, not based on the training the we receive. Again, how they and everyone else chooses to market is an individual thing.

And just so you know, PWF does not run on a similar business model. It is slightly more on the side of MLM, as its distributors earn a share on each sale made by their downline through several levels if not infinity (something like $100). EDC does not operate in this way. And yes, EDC Gold is sold on the basis of reselling business rights. Many of our training sessions are centered around how to do this effectively, and thanks to this training, I'm now pulling in additional streams of income from individual products (something I understand many folks aren't able to succeed at). All of our training is recorded, so if you're a member and you don't believe it's possible to resell the software you've purchased at the listed retail prices, you may want to check out those recordings. And as for you Brian, we've had a special 2-part series on how to do this, the second part being this evening. Those recording should be up in the back office by end of week, and if you're interested I'll be glad to give you access.

As I stated before, a companies name, or the way its independent distributors market doesn't make it one thing or another. I've seen and heard of several companies boasting titles and slogans with "financial freedom" or "achieve wealth" or even "get rich" that have nothing to do with getting rich quick. It almost sounds as if you put EDC in a league with such schemes as "Six by Six Million" where users pay a small fee for no kind of product whatsoever and then are promised the opportunity to earn thousands, even millions, in a very short period of time just by getting others to do the same thing. Sorry, but that's not EDC. We run a full-scale marketing training and services business with the opportunity to resell what we're being provided. That isn't illegal. A name, slogan or ad copy on a website doesn't make it cross over into the realm of illegality either. It's just the way the company or individual distributors choose to market.

Names and words don't make a business. It is what's provided that makes the business what it is. Words are chosen simply to engage a person's interest. Anyone who has a good understanding of marketing would understand that. If I tell a person they can possibly earn $1000 a week or even a day from becoming an affiliate, that doesn't mean it's a get-rich-quick scheme, nor is that all that they business is about. That would just be a way to engage someone's interest. I'm not saying that I condone this method of marketing, but it is just that, marketing. If all of the websites said only this and nothing about the products or training (and I've had a look at them and can assure you that this isn't the case), I could see your point. But that isn't the case.

Again, my offer still stands provide more info on how this program actually works. However, I employ you to do some bit of research and get the facts before you make judgments. It will be more beneficial to those who are interested in the EDC program if this thread and other forums express facts and figures with actual basis rather than just opinion. If you were interested in a product, wouldn't you want more to go on than someone's opinion (some of which haven't even had experience with the product)? I think most folks would.

-PA27

Absolutely right - I have a heck of a work schedule already and am having to turn down a lot of projects already, while delaying proposals for new ones. I took on 5 new staff since I last replied and have another 3 to take on this week. Busy doesn't even begin to describe it.

The internet is such a rapidly changeable medium that there's no time to sit back on laurels with current successes - I see a desperate need to invest in continued future success.

Anyway, I'm genuinely sorry I can't take you up on your offer at present - I really would like to - but I simply cannot prioritise doing so at present. I have a to-do list of around 15 pages to work through.

If that's the only difference, then does simply having a share in future sales solely make PWF a "bad" business, but EDC Gold a "good" business?

Words have meaning, names have power. A product that calls itself "Easy Daily Cash" is positioning itself to a certain target audience in a certain target market - namely, that of "get rich quick".

Maybe in the USA that's more like to project a certain respectability - here in the UK, it's more likely to be received with cynicism.

Anyway, 5 minute break checking up on TFF over - back to work.

I think people should be able to appreciate that Brian is busy, as are many of us... he has formed these forums for various reasons, and does what he can to be involved in the forums themselves but that doesn't mean he has time to accept every challenge, every offer people make to him.

Definitely agree that sitting on a success nowadays just doesn't cut it... the world has changed and continues to change I expect faster than ever before. I actually visit here, only now when I get an email that a couple of threads have new posts which gives me that 5 min rest from other things.

In Australia too, there would be little chance of people being interested in Easy Daily Cash... people just don't go for that. Here in Poland though I think people may be far more curious as they are relatively new to the west & capitalism but I think it would be sad to introduce such things here.

I don't believe one is better or worse than the other when it comes to the two businesses mentioned. They are simply different. I prefer the business model I'm working with now. It doesn't make having a share in future sales a bad business, but it does more closely relate it to MLM. All MLM businesses aren't bad or scams. You just have to find a good one where there is training available.

Words and names can have meaning, it's true. But that isn't the only thing that makes a business. If you wanted to go on that basis alone, then nearly every opportunity out here would fall under your "get-rich-quick" umbrella, Perfect Wealth Formula being one of them. However, there is more to these businesses than just making money. How these opportunities are viewed is again, in the eye of the beholder. EDC will look different to someone who's looking to get rich faster than they would working a 9 to 5 job as opposed to someone who's looking to learn how to market effectively online, but both parties will benefit greatly from what EDC provides.

And I don't think a person's country has anything to do with it (let's not go there again please). EDC's following in the UK is actually just as strong as it is here (and it's growing in Australia, DavidT). That is apparent just from our weekly trainings. Because we value entrepreneurship doesn't make us bad or greedy. It just means that we value being able to work for ourselves and having a bit more of what we should all be entitled to anyway, which is personal and financial freedom. I personally feel a bit sorry for those who feel they'll never be successful at anything but a job, because they'll always be at the mercy of someone else (who could care less about them on a personal level), and because they will never achieve the security their families need to live worry- and debt-free lives. Entrepreneurship is how every business, large or small, is born. Without it, there would be no economy. Capitalism isn't something that was born here in the US. There were Europeans conquering other nations for gold and trading rights long before this country was ever born, let's not forget that. Capitalism is everywhere, it's what makes the world go round. As much as I wish we didn't have to depend on money at all, it is a necessary evil. Unfortunately, without money there is little that we can do. Those who try to live mostly without it (by growing their own food, raising their own livestock and making their own clothing) are able to do ok, but not when faced with home and land foreclosure. It's just a part of the world. We all have to face that.

Contrary to what you may feel, businesses like these that originate in the US don't focus on attracting folks who only want to get rich quick. More often, they attract seasoned and experienced business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to expand their portfolios as well as folks just looking for a better way to earn a living for their families. I don't know if, by your statement, you meant a slight on our character here in the US, but that kind of attitude (and such covert insults) aren't necessary. Capitalism runs just as rampant in the UK and other parts of the world as it does in this country (if not more so). If anything, we learned it from your country and others in Europe long ago. I don't often get into debates pitting the character of US society against that of the UK or other countries. That is an altogether different topic. But I'll be more than happy to share my thoughts if you so choose to open that can of worms.

I just choose to earn it of my own wits, and not by depending on others to tell me what I'm worth. I like the fact that how my family lives depends on my own efforts, and not the "good nature" of a boss. And whether it be this business, another like it, or someone's own establishment, I encourage others to do the same. If you are good at something, get better at it and then capitalize on it. Your families will be better off when their incomes depend on them and not a corporation who doesn't care about them.

-PA27

I haven't been around for a while and just thought I'd check in (I've been on a bit of a vacation with my fiancee). I see that brian still has not taken me up on my offer (we really need to find you an new job if it's running you in the ground that much, lol).

EDC is going strong, well over 100,000 members (no exact figure, you may want to ask Craig about that). As we're entering the busy season for home business, sales and interest in the program are really picking up. I wanted to announce that I've made some updates to my website and added a detailed FAQ sections (with answers, of course). I've also produced several videos introducing myself and explaining the program in detail. My website is listed on my profile here. Just take a look if you have any questions.

EDC has also updated and added to our marketing suite. There are many new software titles and tools for us to use. And the company has also launched 2 new product levels within PromoBlackBox, so that we now have more to offer to our business clients!

I'm holding a Live Overview Event on Sept. 1st at 3pm. I'll be answering questions live, explaining the program, giving a virtual tour of our back office, announcing new features for my team and more. Details can be found on my website.

If you're researching the program and have questions, I encourage you to post them here so that all can see the answers. I work from home, so you'll receive a response fairly quickly!

Good luck to all this season!

-PA27

Hi Power_Advisor27 I have been reading your posts here and I liked it so I went to have a look at your website I have been doing some research for several days I even subscribed to your mailing list.
But Now... Reading the red lines of this post I sudenly realize that when I become a member I am a newbie and as you are recomending people not to go with a newbie, how the hell would I start my business if even my (possible) sponsor is telling people only to subscribe with the profesional marketers!!!

Hello MultiDC,

If you've gone through the training, and understand the business, I don't consider you a newbie in the truest sense of the word (you may be new to the opportunity, but the knowledge is not new to you). When I say newbie, I'm referring to someone who joins, has not had (or bothered to follow) any of the training from the company or sponsor and who has no plan in place to help those who may join their team. In short, someone has has no real knowledge of the business, yet is attempting to train others.

I do not consider my team members newbies. This is because they understand fully what they are selling, how to sell it (properly), who it benefits and so on. I have known others who don't really know the first thing about the products or who they'll benefit, and don't know how to get traffic to their own sites, yet they're saying they provide this and that to new members. Those people are total newbies.

As my fiancee put it, there is no seniority in business. I look at what knowledge a person has, and whether or not they're actively trying to seek more (not just about this business opportunity, but business and marketing in general). So if you were to join my team, you would receive the training and experience necessary to move you beyond that point in my eyes. And if you are interested in mentoring others, you would learn how to do that properly as well. You would no longer be a newbie, but a trained and knowledgeable distributor. I hope that makes some sense.

-PA27

Brian,
You are a well concerned citizen. I have seen my share of MLMs and see how most of them dissolve, this one will as well. Rock on. PS I am in SALES butr do not take advantage of others, not saying Gold does...

I think it is fair to keep an open mind on things... I always try to... but when I hear MLM it usually rings bells and says stay clear.

This thread surely must cover enough now for the forums, probably good to keep it in a single thread rather than fill the forums with it.