EDC Gold reads as just another pyramid scheme - but with a higher loss to those at the bottom of the pyramid.

It gets around the technicalities of being outright illegal by selling junk ebooks, which is an increasing tactic for pyramid schemes looking for a legal loophole.

Here's how it works:

1. You pay someone $997 for access to these "ebooks".
2. You then try and resell access to these ebooks to others for $997
3. The person you signed up for gets your first few sales
4. You join people up to you, you get their first few $997.

Got to admit, I find the whole EDC Gold scheme to be pretty sick. It's not simply just like a pyramid scheme, it's one that demands a hefty investment just to get involved.

So the people who sign up stand to lose a lot of money unless they can get other people signed up onto it.

Make no mistake, the EDC Gold system isn't at all about selling ebooks - check any of the EDC Gold conversations going on online and no one mentions the books as an actual saleable product - they just talk about making earnings from signing people up.

And mention EDC Gold and just watch the scammers jump in to tell you how it's all about making easy cash.

Anyone here wants to join a pyramid scheme and scam people, join EDC Gold.

I see my first reply was edited out and never posted, imagine that...

But get your facts first, brian, before you post on EDC Gold. They don't sell ebooks, they sell COMPUTER SOFTWARE (and in the coming weeks will be rolling out a retail aspect to the business).

And you don't "only join at $997" . You can join at $15, $297, $997, even for FREE to get a back office, and THE OWNERS' PERSONAL PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL THEM.

What kind of a scam gets you to join for FREE?

Get your facts right. Using the words "scam" and "pyramid scheme" are very serious allegations. Do you have the facts to back that up? Do you even know what those words are?

You are of course free to post any opinion, but just that - if you don't like it, think it's terrible, feel free to say that - but EDC Global is a very legitimate internet business - just because YOU don't like it (or don't know anything about it), does NOT make it a "scam"

And lets see if "brian" the administrator has the cajones to post this reply, a reply contradicting YOU and what your opinion is.

Cheers!

Doug

Link drops in a post automatically set it up for moderation, but as you've replied without the link drop I'll ensure that's removed.

As for your comments - you've not made any effort to contradict it being a pyramid scheme - all you've done is broken down the entry levels to it.

If you think a scam needs to charge people first, that's your opinion - but too many scams seek to identify a market (desperate people with $1k to burn?) and then basically groom these "leads" until they're ready to hand over their cash and join the pyramid.

I'll say this - it's a clever scheme - but I expect it won't be too long before we read that it's all come crashing down.

I'd love you to come back and post about your opinion then, telling us that it was all about "internet marketing" and "ebooks" or "computer software".

Face it - you're peddling junk and the only interest behind the entire scheme is how to get the next $1k out of those free leads, so that you can make money off their sales.

Sounds like a pyramid scheme doesn't it? Just technically isn't in legal terms if you're "selling" goods, but doesn't mean to say it won't come crashing down like a pyramid scheme.

Brian,

You are totally contradicting yourself. First you call it a pyramid scam/scheme, then you follow up with "Just technically it isn't in legal terms."

Either it is or it isn't! C'mon. The real issue is that you don't like those type of opportunities, which is cool. We all have our bias. But don't throw around the word "scam" when you youself know "technically" you are wrong. To this day, there are people who call Amway a pyramid scheme, even though they've been around nearly 50 years.

If you truly want to talk about a pyramid scheme, look no further than Tyco, Worldcomm, Enron and countless other mega corps where the guys at the top are the only ones getting rich, while the poor saps at the base of those structures suffer. (Oh, I know, we accept those type of pyramids.. it's ok for the Dennis Kozlowski's of the world to pocket 9 figures annually but a guy looking to change his life by promoting a network mktg home business is somehow scamming..)

Fred

BTW, I am not a member of EDC.

ft12, according to Wikipedia:

Hm...sounds just like EDC Gold to me.

However, it's not technically a pyramid scheme unless ruled as one in a Federal court.

Let's face it, all EDC Gold is all about is reselling "rights" to other people to resell the rights to someone else who resell the rights on...and all the time the originator taking a cut from the scheme.

So I'm saying it sounds like a pyramid scheme - but until it is technically classified as one in a court of law, I would be in danger of commiting libel which would demand I single-handedly prove EDC Gold is a pyramid scheme.

Instead, as EDCgold.com is registered in Nevada according to the public WHOIS, I've filed a complaint at the Nevade Attorney General's office:
NVAG

If EDC Gold is a legitimate business then no body has anything to fear.

If it can be judged a pyramid scheme by US Federal authorities, then perhaps joining up now isn't going to be a good idea because there's a good chance of losing a thousand dollars pretty quickly.

I'll keep you informed of how my reports to US authorities go.

Scam or not?
You be the judge.

- What are the products?
- Software or getting people to join with a fee
- Legally they have to give you something for the money, so they give you some second rated software
- But really, you are selling the idea of "making a thousand a day", which many people will buy, very "smart" and "sick"
- Because you really get nothing for your money except the opportunity to be in a group of scam artisits
- get the similar website and duplicate the same rubbish about marketing "team", sound professional, but actually bunch of losers who are desperately trying to get his loss back and contining cheat on others
- first you want to be a business owner
- after you paid money, you feel like a victim
- then you become a criminal yourself
- you have to cheat to get others involved so that you feel better
- I can assure you that all of these people who made money via this method WILL eventually be broke
- what goes around comes around and someone else will get to them
- you will see
- okay, don't join any of these garbages

"The thing you have to realize, is that most of these people are so inert, so hopelessly dependent upon the system, that they will fight to protect it."

Sound familiar guys? He's talking about YOU. (and bonus points for guessing which movie that is from...)

If you don't like something - good for you! But it's not a "scam" just because you don't like it.

I have a very wonderful group of people in my team, we love life, and we go about our days finding other people who love life. NO ONE is scammed on ANYTHING - everyone knows EXACTLY what we are doing, and what they are buying with their money.

BUT PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW I CAN SCAM SOMEONE WITHOUT TAKING ANY MONEY FROM THEM? WITH THEM JOINING FOR FREE?

I used to live in my cubicle just like you do, brian, except one day I woke up and realized it was slavery - nothing more. Now I do every day what I want to -not what my boss tells me to do. And I thank Craig and Mike from EDC Gold for it every day I call them.

Cheers!

greenflash, I own multiple businesses and make a lot of good money - by putting the effort in to develop proper and sustainable business models that earn a long-term income.

Funnily enough, reading about it online, your "top earners" on the EDC Gold program earn less than me. Difference is, I'll even have grown my revenue streams in two years time - your EDC Gold earners will probably have none and have to chase the next "get rich quick" scheme.

The problem you have is that EDC Gold doesn't apparently have sustainability - you're dependent on people looking for easy cash with little work, who are prepared to drop $1k for the rights to resell the "opportunity" to make easy cash with little work.

What I find really pathetic is when EDC Gold wannabes spam my forums with their junk, desperately trying to find the next desperate sucker who will part with $1k for easy promises.

And somewhere along the lines this gets called "marketing" by "marketing consultants".

If you actually knew anything about real marketing, you'd know that free leads are ripe for upsell, which is precisely why they are collected. You're not looking for free sign-ups - you're looking to convert free into paid sign-ups. That's upsell. But you're not selling them any value.

I sincerely hope you have some kind of alternative business plan set up, because when pyramids collapse, it takes out every level. Enjoy your cash while you have it.

The thing you have to realize, is that most of these people are so inert, so hopelessly dependent upon the system, that they will fight to protect it

That sounds entirely like EDC Gold "internet consultants" to me.

brian, please advise:

I am vey sick of my current job situation and have been eagerly seeking "opportunities such as GDI (global domains), PAS, and now EDC --- I appreciate your candor and reading your posts has made me very sceptical and wary of these schemes. (extremely disappointed as well -- they did look
promising !!)

My question is whether you can recommend a truly legitimate and solid business plan out there - on the net that really would warrant one's time, resources and effort -- a plan w/excellent support systems and a whistle clean rating ... can you e-mail me to let me know of your reply. I just joined this finance forum. Thanks, David50

I think the biggest problem is people looking for "easy" money. Look at any entrepreneur/business owner profiled for thier success and you'll almost certainly be looking at individuals who put a lot of time and effort to build a secure business model with longevity.

Buying into "get rich" schemes and "work from home" schemes is often no better than buying lottery tickets - sure, the winners get showcased as an inspiration to everyone else, but the chances of everyone else actually winning are pretty low.

And those who do make it in these schemes could probably have made more money and have better income longevity by putting the same effort into a properly developed business plan.

The best way to find a good business idea is to examine what you are actually genuinely interested in, and what skills you may have to work with that.

For example, I came to the net as an aspiring writer, so I devoted time and effort into developing a community around genre fiction in my area. It's now the largest community of its kind online and I regularly work with publicity depts from Penguine books to Warner bros because of it.

Thank you for welcoming me to this forum. First, I would like to say that I am a professional woman with a doctoral degree. I am considered by many to be an expert in marketing online. I hope that my opinion is not suppressed as I would like to say that I joined EDC Gold because it is clearly the best home business opportunity of its kind available and it is the first program of its kind where I see that the vast majority of people are succeeding.

It is true that there are many scams out here on the Internet to be avoided, but EDC Gold is not one of them or I would never be involved with it. My goal is and has always been to help as many people reach their potential in life as possible.

When 90% of all home based and small corporate businesses are failing on the Internet one has to examine the dynamics that create this fact. Without massive marketing efforts to get people to your website to purchase what you have to offer any online business is doomed to failure. EDC Gold separates itself from the rest by providing the most outstanding marketing training, compensation plan and products available on the Internet. Whether free ads, small cost ads or paying for leads, we do it on a grande scale and teach others to do the same exactly the same way. This is the basis of financial success on the Internet. The average person starting a home business, if not thoroughly trained in marketing, will fail. That is one aspect that separates EDC Gold from all the rest. We teach massive marketing. Just like any brick and mortar business you have to have interest in your site of business and without people no business on or offline can survive.

Just because a product is a virtual information product does not detract from its value. Products that teach people how to create audios, videos, audio streaming, podcasting, blogging, article submission are valuable tools to have in any Internet marketers arsenal in order to survive online. Why wouldn't they be? Everyone knows that the current and future trends of Internet marketing success are in creating audios and videos...just look at YouTube. Soon Google will be filled with video ads, so this type of software offering is right on target. EDC Gold offers distributors over $125,00.00 worth of software that is useable and valuable...not only that but complete resale rights are given to these products. This is by no means garbage. Many distributors bundle the software and resell it.

EDC Gold requires work like any other business...but you can succeed if you have 2 hours a day or more to dedicate to your business. Focus, patience and consistency are the main traits needed to succeed in any online business. One must proceed with a positive mindset in any worthwile endeavor. I am a mover and a shaker who makes things happen for myself and my associates and I proceed with determination and motivation so that my family and their families will have a better life. I do not have time to wallow in self pity if I get minor setbacks. I am too busy taking action on everyone's behalf. I have been a success coach for 35 years. Before I entered the financial arena it was my job to rehabilitate the most severely injured individuals on this planet who could barely function or enjoy life...to restore them to their proper stance in life through my talents when all else had failed for them. My work with EDC Gold is no different!

Extremely reputable companies are partnering with EDC Gold and in the near future ( within a month). Because of our marketing expertise we will be working with corporate businesses to teach them how to market using tools and training that can only be described as "space age" and totally innovative.

It is mandatory to study and question any potential home business program in great detail before deciding to start that business. I have examined EDC Gold to the nth detail with a fine tooth comb and have found nothing to fault here.

I appreciate Brian's concern for the public in these matters, but must aver that EDC Gold is one of the finest forthcoming companies which I have ever had the privilege to be associated with and the purpose of this business is to bring success...at long last...to those who have been struggling online to give themselves a better life. My biggest joy is seeing another person succeed and there is no way I could be involved in an enterprise that would do the opposite for one moment.

Thank you for listening to my opinion and allowing me to share my experiences with you.

Rachel Rounsifer

Brian,

I hve been in internet marketing for 4 years now and for 3 out of the four I failed miserabily until I met someone who was willing to teach me the ropes. I joined edc Gold back in Jan. and although I would not call it a pyramid scheme by any stretch, you have a fat cat by the name of ___ who basically advertises that he will teach you this or that but he does none. Meanwhile He is the only six figure earner in the company so those of you that read this know who I am talking about. I think that it is so possible to make a decent residual income online IF and only if you have strong mentorship. EDC does have the software suite as its products so it can hardly be called a scam. What is disturbing to me is that these products do not download properly, and none of the support is there. I can afford to "lose a thousand dollars" but most people cannot. I dropped this one after the first month I was in it because of the product suite not working correctly and could not ethically sell it to anyone. To make it online you need a mentor and they are hard to come by and you also need a decent product which EDC Gold has neither. People if you are reading this post and have been successful then I am happy for you. Thsi one was not for me.

Brian,

I hve been in internet marketing for 4 years now and for 3 out of the four I failed miserabily until I met someone who was willing to teach me the ropes. I joined edc Gold back in Jan. and although I would not call it a pyramid scheme by any stretch, you have a fat cat by the name of ___ who basically advertises that he will teach you this or that but he does none. Meanwhile He is the only six figure earner in the company so those of you that read this know who I am talking about. I think that it is so possible to make a decent residual income online IF and only if you have strong mentorship. EDC does have the software suite as its products so it can hardly be called a scam. What is disturbing to me is that these products do not download properly, and none of the support is there. I can afford to "lose a thousand dollars" but most people cannot. I dropped this one after the first month I was in it because of the product suite not working correctly and could not ethically sell it to anyone. To make it online you need a mentor and they are hard to come by and you also need a decent product which EDC Gold has neither. People if you are reading this post and have been successful then I am happy for you. Thsi one was not for me.

Rachel, as with all discussion about EDC Gold online, what you say is devoid of facts and instead filled with lovely fluffy language which doesn't really say anything other than you've joined up to a scheme, and will support it just because you've signed up.

I'd love to see some references from people in the internet marketing world.

My day job is corporate marketing, so I kind of expect to see names I recognise.

All you're telling me is that you joined a scheme, and because you joined a scheme it couldn't possibly be a scam or pyramid scheme. This isn't an argument.

You've simply said the EDC Gold scheme is well marketed - you tellingly ignore the fact that many home businesses fail because they are chasing easy money with no long-term plan.

Whether EDC Gold is well-marketed or not does not validate itself as a business model with either legality or longevity.

This, along with some of your other statements, is what I'd expect to hear from a pyramid scheme. You're teaching others to market a scheme - one I've already suggested as pretty questionable.

Again, all you've said is that EDC Gold is aggressively marketed. You've not even begun to state any kind of benefit/risk assessment in business terms.

Again, you're selling the "easy money" concept. Real-life valid business models don't work on "easy money".

Don't believe me? Check out the profile of any renown entrepreneur and you'll find people who dedicated all their time for years to build their business.

Keep me updated on this, because I don't believe you.

Let's be clear, probably the vast majority of home business programs are scams and shams, and that's why so many people jump from one to the next, looking for easy money, when they should be looking to develop a working business.

Thanks for that - I didn't hear anything from the Nevada DA, so I filed a complaint with the FTC a couple of days ago, and they got back to me today. Let's hope the FTC takes a very cold hard look at the entire EDC Gold program.