LOL... sorry but to me the comparisons are starting to get ridiculous.

Having risk does not mean scam. Property, as with all investments has an element of risk... usually the higher the risk, the higher the return.

The argument on EDC being a scam is in it's approach to selling itself and often misleading people. Primarily promoted as "Easy Daily Cash"... if that doesn't mean "Get Rich Quick" or words to that effect... I mustn't be reading English.

I was reading a bunch of posts here and i think EDC Gold is not a pyramid scam, the people under you can make more money than you do if they promote it and you don’t. . .
a pyramid is something that the people under you can never make more than you.
a good example is one of my friends that in a MLM for a health/nutrition product.
he has 523 people in his down line.
506 on the right side.
17 on the left side.
he makes about $100 per week.
and on his right side he has 12 people making $500+ per week.
and 2 people making $1000 per week.
and those are only the ones we know, I’m sure many more people are making decent money. . .
.
by the way my friend stopped doing any promotion because of going through a divorce. "Bummer"
.
his down line went from 118 people to the 523 without him doing a blooming thing.
just because he couldn’t promote it did not stop everyone else. "They weren’t going through the divorce with him"
.
any way no matter what you go into.
Do you due diligence.
get into something.
do Great Things - - you will get Great Results.
be a Bum - - you will get Bummer Results.
.
well anyway that’s my 50 cents worth
.
.
CashCow

Kudos PA27 I have been following this post since inception you seem a very honest and intelligent person. I only wish this was a more popular site as to allow for more of a spectrum of opinions.

This is my contribution...

In my three failed online businesses, I realized that one of my biggest faults was in lack of knowledge on Internet Marketing. I have owned four brick and mortar businesses, currently a successful restaurant employing over thirty people, but this marketing on the computer is a different beast. Then just at the moment of complete desperation, came a saving grace.
A company with a free trial that allowed you access to behind the scenes. An offer I couldn’t refuse so I signed up for FREE and I listened in on a webinar (a live training class on the web) with 395 other people and we discussed internet marketing strategies. I learned more about marketing on the web on that call, than I had with all three other online business attempts. So I continued to check out all the classes and I examined every square inch of that web site and what they were offering. Two months of specialized training in internet marketing and I was revitalized. I kept saying to myself if only knew that before, I may have succeeded in my otherwise failed attempts (or at least had a shot at breaking even).
I’m talking about a company that allows a normal stream of communication with administrators, 5 days a week. Complete with a daily online chat room for help in areas of the setting up your accounts. Has over six specialized training webinars per week to help their members and records them in their training library (rapidly approaching 200 hours). Allows you access to speak to the owners directly via phone and email. A company that specializes in teaching you internet marketing and how to drive quality traffic to a highly converting web site to makes sales. I was a newbie turned guru, my phone rang almost continually in my first marketing campaign, generated more income in a month than my current income level as owner of my restaurant. So I focused my new skills on my new team members helping them learn and expand their earning potential. Then I applied the same marketing strategy to my existing brick and mortar business, the restaurant. My results were excellent, driving my web site to the number one on Google and other popular search for OaklandCounty restaurants. The tools and knowledge that were handed to me was well worth the price of admission. I have quality programs and products in my back office that are continually updated and that I personally use, recommend, and sell to others. This was a great experience over all and I will continue to use this program to provide an additional income stream for my family. My early failures could easily be attributed to my lack of knowledge in the art of internet marketing. But I was never afforded the opportunity to learn and expand my business by the leaders. This company has open doors and is in my opinion completely worth the value it gives for its small investment. But it is up to the person investing to use the tools they paid for and create their company. Put the book down, turn the telly off, don’t go out to the movies or the bar with friends and get to work. People that do the work reap the rewards and those that don’t work, blame the program.

JUST A THOUGHT FOR YOU. ANYTIME THAT YOU GET INTO A BUSINESS OR EVEN WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT IS SALES RELATED...IF YOU GO INTO IT WITH THE IDEA THAT YOU ARE SELLING THE COMPANY. tHEN YOU ARE DEFEATED BEFORE YOU START. WHO YOU ARE SELLING IS THE PERSON YOU ARE FORCED TO SEE WHEN YOU LOOK INTO THE MIRROR.

SIR, THEIR ARE MILLIONAIRES IN MANY HOME BUSINESSES. I AM DECIDING WHO I SHOULD LISTEN TO THE MILLIONAIRES OR YOU???? ARE YOU A MILLIONAIRE? HELP ME DECIDE.

A FOOL MUST LEARN TO KEEP HIS OR HER MOUTH SHUT LESS THEY REVEAL THEMSELVES. EDC GOLD IS NOT A JOB MAM. EDC GOLD IS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. FOR ALL THOSE ON THE SHORT BUS...THIS MERELY MEANS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO BUILD A BUSINESS. A BUSINESS IS NOT A JOB. IF YOU ARE TO EVER MAKE ANY REAL MONEY ...THAN YOU MUST STOP GIVING YOUR TIME FOR DOLLARS. IF I CAN MAKE A STRONG 5 FIGURE NCOME IN THE MORTGAGE BUSINESS...THAN I KNOW THAT I WILL MAKE 6 FIDGURES ON EDC GOLD!!!!!!

Geez... and you think you are listening to the millionaires? Of course there are millionaires in home businesses... many home businesses? I doubt that (good if you can find statistics to back that).

I am sure many millionaires started as home businesses, which grew and developed into much more. And when has a millionaire offered to help any complete stranger 'be rich' out of the kindness of their heart?

Apart from the shouting, I think you should have a think about what these 'millionaires' are all offering.

I wonder how you know that!

Personally, I can't speak to EDC Gold from experience, however I will say that it has a lot of the markings of its predecessors in selling information on the Internet. That said, it quite obviously has some innovative marketing/training going on tapping into the latest Internet communication technologies.

As an entrepreneur, I have been successful in developing on-line based networks of entrepreneurs as well as customers in the past and am re doing so again with a cutting edge company in the health/wellness/fitness arena. And in my previous company affiliation as well as in my new company, I have had and have people below me earning more than me. And I have had that experience where a number of people sponsored well below me were making more than me in the business only to surpass them or some of them later on as a result of my own focus and efforts.

The concept of "leverage" irrespective of whether it is people's time or money or dirt is what attracts people to such ventures as EDC or other home-based and network marketing opportunities. And the people who are attracted to leverage-based opportunities are as diverse and wide ranging as people you would thoroughly enjoy spending an evening out with or having over to dinner ... to people you wouldn't trust to take out your garbage. You see it all the time- so common in real estate, very definitely in the investment/finance arenas and network marketing.

There are many factors that go into the success formula for a good business opportunity be it traditional or Internet based that are exclusive of the person, but in any scenario the one key element an individual will need is a belief and a passion for the product/service/opportunity that supports his/her highest values and ideals in life.

Ultimately time will be the test for EDC Gold as to whether or not it offers enough substance and value for enough of people to perpetuate it in time.


Jeff

Hello All!

Just dropping in to see how things are going. This season has been a busy one for me, as EDC has lots going on, and my fiancee and I are launching 2 new business ventures in early 2008 that we're preparing for now. But as I'm fond of TFF, I like to stop in every now and then to see how things are moving.

It's nice to see some new folks and opinions in here. It seems like the misconceptions about EDC Gold are still there, though. As much information as can be found about the program online, it seems folks are still somewhat confused as to what EDC is, what it offers, and value truly is.

I think those discussions are overplayed, and I've said enough by now that you guys know my opinions. I will say that it's been almost a year since I've been with EDC, and I'm no less excited about working my business everyday, and certainly not less passionate about what I do than I was when I first started. EDC has turned out to be what others have said it wouldn't be - a solid business opportunity with longevity. I couldn't be happier with the way things are going or the direction the company is moving in!

DavidT, I have to disagree with a recent statement you made in response to tonyb5. I'm afraid I don't understand how EDC as a company is misleading anyone or selling itself in any way other than what it should be. First off, the replicated sites, the owners, the training sessions, the back office information, the terms & conditions...all of it is very straight-forward. The owners are adamant about letting members and interested individuals know that this opportunity is intended to be treated as a business, not a "get rich quick" scheme. Plain and simple, if you don't work, you don't earn. That is reiterated in all of our training. All of the pricing, monthly fees and products are also plainly listed so there should be no confusion. Beyond the product suite fee and monthly admin fee, there are no other required purchases or fees to remain a member of EDC. Though there are several services and tools that are recommended, these are not, and never have been required. Further, there are also earnings and product disclaimers plainly listed, stating that examples of earning and testimonials are based on current members, but are in no way guarantees of earnings. How much simpler does the information need to be stated for it to be understood?

The problem, as I've always stated, lies in the way that individual distributors choose to market the business. I feel it is because many of them have not been taught how to market properly, and because many of them only care for the income-earning aspect. That is not the fault of the company, though it could be considered the responsibility of it. Thankfully, Craig and Mike are dedicated to enforcing the rules, helping members regardless of what level or how much they make. They have and continue to take steps to reprimand those members who are found to be operating unethically, and have several programs and options in place for members whose sponsors were not helpful or who have dropped out. I feel that they are doing what's necessary to maintain professionalism within the business, encouraging us as members to promote ethically, to show the value of the products and to stay away from negativity and unprofessional/petty competitiveness between other programs. That is there job, and from what I can see happening within the company, they're doing it well!

Every opportunity will have its share of rotten apples. There will always be those who don't promote or treat their members as they should. That does not make the company or opportunity as a whole a scam. Fortunately for EDC, most of those rotten apples have either moved on or been terminated. But when it comes right down to it, it's up to the individual distributors to uphold integrity. I guarantee you that 99% of the issues that have arisen within EDC can be traced back to the sponsor who did not do their job in some way. The company itself provides exactly what it says it will, including immediate access to the product suite once it's been purchased, weekly training and support, regular product additions and updates, and innovative new products and programs for us to promote. I can count on one hand the amount of complaints I've seen against the owners or the actually company (and not a sponsor) in this forum, other forums, Ripoff Report, blogs and other sources. For a company that's been around almost 2 years, that's not bad at all!

Despite what others have said the past few months, EDC is steadily moving forward, expanding, and becoming more innovative and progressive! Unlike other programs, I have yet to see the interest in this one drop off. But as Jeff said, only time will truly tell whether the program has gained its spot among the long-term opportunities. I feel that it's here to stay, but then I'm a bit biased . I honestly feel though that if they keep in the direction they're headed, EDC will be just fine! Just remember that if you're looking into this or any other opportunity, do your part to research it thoroughly before making a decision, and as much research on the potential sponsor as on the opportunity itself (for your choice in sponsors will make a difference, trust me). A lot of the misconceptions and misunderstandings come from not doing enough research. Let common sense be your guide. If you don't feel as though you could personally benefit from the opportunity (as in, benefit even if there were no income opportunity attached to it), then move on and find something that will better suit you. EDC can be a success for anyone who is willing to put forth effort. However, it's not for everyone. If you don't have the time to devote, or the willingness to commit to a long-term venture, you may be better suited for affiliate programs.

I know that this little debate will rage on and on. I feel that even if EDC were around and still growing 10 years from now, there will always be those who look no further than the surface. So it's up to each individual to make up their own minds. Just remember, whether its EDC or something else, choose something that will benefit you personally, regardless of whether there's an income opportunity attached. That is the only kind of program that will hold the most value for you. For me, it has been and will continue to be EDC Gold! Good luck to all!

-PA27

I've eyed this forum a couple of times over the past six months and have just have a few questions for our busy Brian. (You do come across very well educated and well spoken Brian. It would be a pleasure to do business with you in any circumstance IF we had a common goal.)

Brian, how much do you pay your top producer...out of all of your business ventures? I'm not asking about your personal income. Is it part of your business plan to create several six figure income earners other than yourself in any of your businesses?

Please tell me that in any of your business ventures that the gentlemen and women you hire have the ability to make as much or more money than you.

Please explain to me how you are not sitting on top of a 'pyramid' in any of the business ventures you create if you do indeed have employees and if you pay yourself more than those who work 'beneath' you.

Also, if you go into a business partnership, do you pay your partner's ways in to the business? Or do you expect them to put up some capital or skill or time invested in order to receive their proper percent of profits from your joint venture?

Am I right to assume that you're opinion is that your business structure is 'better' more 'legitimate' than EDC's because you market and make money through other methods rather than building a sales force utilizing multi-level leveraging incentives for those who provide the items or services you sell/market?

Hi and nice to meet you. I started to read this forum some days ago and I really impressed with you and your answers and congratulate for your success.
Anyways, quick question:
Once you become a member of EDC and you receive the software, I suppose you have to learn it and familiarize with it before able to sell it. I believe you have a background on online and off line marketing business. How long would it take me and others like me, total beginners, to do all that homework and study before I actually I can start selling?

You said that you rather promote the products first before promotingh the opportunity of becoming a distributor for EDC. What kind of people or business you have sold the product to that have not become a EDC a member?

In other words, are people interested in the product because the business opportunity o because of the value itself?

Do you know there are other online companies like EDC that are selling same similar systems that promise you better ways to market your website and creating more traffic, like the Fennel System. Do you know them, and what do you think about them?

Thanks a lot, I hope it make sense; I am not a good writer

Though the money sounded great, I too was concerned because I could find no information of actual tangibles sold by EDC. After reading these comments, I would not join EDC until I could find actual products that people can use one way or another. What does the software referenced above do? I appreciate everyones view but will continue to seek something I can do from home via internet and feel confident in.

bariharris,

Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinions, and you should never involve yourself in something you don't feel comfortable about. But as I've said, there is ample information on the products sold within the EDC Gold suites. The replicated sites, as well as many individual sites, reviews, blogs and forums (even this one) discuss the products available, what they do and who they can benefit. While not all of them are listed by name (there are now well over 3000, and some very well-known titles such as Camtasia Studio, Article Submitter, Directory Submitter and many new exclusive products from leading mentors like Jeffrey Combs and Ellie Drake), there is more than enough for you to research. Not to mention, the training alone is a service that is quite useful to business owners and entrepreneurs. The products, while they are not tangible in the sense that they are physical products delivered to a member, are there for us to use and sell. I don't think we're allowed to post links here, but feel free to contact me if you're interested in viewing the product list and descriptions from the website.

There are several different titles, and all do various things that can assist with website traffic and interactivity, analytics, website promotion, business operations (legal forms, sales letters, grant proposals...) and even self improvement. While many are new and exclusive to EDC, most can be researched and/or found elsewhere online.

If you have questions about the products, services and training provided by EDC Gold, feel free to post them here and I'll be more than happy to answer them. Good luck in your search for a home business opportunity. And remember not to join just for the money...do what works for you!

-PA27