She also thinks that the way this was done just pointed the finger of suspicion at everyone and created an atmosphere of lack of trust in our “family” and believes sometimes things are better left unsaid if the truth cannot be told.
end quote:

I stumbled here looking for something else. I understand the JV world a little and I’m commenting as an outsider.
I’m also old enough to give an educated opinion on this. In fact, for what little hair I have left I share some of your color.

Mary Grace is correct.
I believe you really shot yourself in the foot. You damaged your group for a long time. Nothing you can say or do will ever recapture the camaraderie you may have had. Whether this person really exists or not is immaterial at this point. I can see the speculation in the posts above me.
Take your group out of the picture, and use a parable from some world outside your own, and you could have had a positive impact.

I wanted to get here yesterday and here it is today! Well better late than never.

This is the blog poswt that keeps on teaching and giving it appears.

I learned something about myself and human nature from your first post, which it appears was your underlying intention. I thought it was (and still think) it is a magnificent lesson dressed up in wolves’ clothing. Communication and marketing dressed up as controversy.

I find the comments and reactions, interpretations, take-aways of all those commenting fascinating. It really goes to show you that human beings are a very diverse collection of consciousness.

What a study in human nature! And what an interesting menagerie to market into!

In Joy,

Amy
twitter: http://twitter.com/allaboutenergy

http://allabout-energy.com

Wealth Abundance Joy [Amy Flynn]’s last blog post..Just Say No & Transcend Fear and Negativity in A Snap!

You prove your point on how to stand out in a noisy world.

The fact is that all interaction is manipulation in one form or another and those who deny that or wish not to believe that they manipulate too, need to learn more about themselves before jumping on the judgment band-wagon on you, or anyone else for that matter.

Everyone refuses to believe that they manipulate but if you’re a parent/single parent, husband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend, single/married, doctor/lawyer, etc. etc., if you are alive, you manipulate AND on a continual basis.

It isn’t BAD or GOOD to manipulate unless you manipulate someone into killing them self or to commit some heinous crime. However, manipulation is what we do all the time whether we do it consciously or unconsciously. I prefer to, and apparently you do too, do it consciously.

I am a bit surprised that some noted people here took the high road but not shocked by it. I feel those that did should look into who they are and understand the human condition a bit more.

I read your post and wanted to find out who the culprit(s) were and then realized I already know who they are, so do they and so do others. They just wanted to hear it from you, that’s all. Great marketing (manipulation) lesson here for all to learn from. I got a kick out of it, really. It was a GOTCHA!

Oh, BTW, if you’re a direct, online or off line marketer, then you are a MANIPULATOR of the highest order. I’m surprised you (other people) don’t know that about yourself/themselves. OK, ’nuff said.

Peace out.
Jorge

I thought both posts were excellent, as they were insightful into human nature, made us think, and perhaps made us more sensitive to the frailties of those around us (not to mention ourselves!) such that each at some point disappoints unintentionally.

The first post also showed again your caring heart. It stressed your unswerving loyalty even to those who slip, to love them and lift them up again (not condemn, abandon, make outcast)…and to protect them from unnecessary embarrassment.

That said, still those who know you know that you will not knowingly expose us to people who might harm us, that you would give warning if truly needed, and that you do NOT endorse anything in which you do not believe. I am sorry if some people mistook your instructions here and considered this somehow deceptive. I, personally, did not see any of it that way. The exposed “man” is “every man!”

The second post explained not only your intents and more about human nature (the how’s and why’s of different responses), but also emphasized the value, risks and considerations in using controversy in marketing.

Taken together, these two highly creative and expertly written posts comprised an outstanding copywriting and marketing lesson while displaying again your quiet genius.

No, I despise manipulation… but I do love intrigue. Apparently, a lot of other people do, too!

Your loyal friend,

Actually, I DID warn everyone. Wasn’t that the subject line that started all of the controversy?

I warned everyone about the fact that people will let you down … even my friends.

I don’t endorse people that I don’t believe in.

But I don’t claim that any of them are perfect either.

All the best,

Ken

I saw the subject line of your original post and I immediately clicked through to read it, and my respect and admiration for you rose several notches…

It continued to rise as I read your opening sentences, believing that you had finally realized the importance of honesty, responsibility and accountability in the leadership role you have with all those who follow you.

I can’t begin to express my profound disappointment when I realized this wasn’t the case.

“A “No” uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a “ Yes” merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

I would rather hear an honest negative opinion from you than the whole “Let’s hold hands and all sing Kumbaya” thing that you and many marketers have decided is the way to go. Even if I didn’t agree. To me, this borders on irresponsible, especially in a leadership role.

If you know of unethical or illegal behavior, or even just bad advice coming from someone, does it not make sense to steer those people who follow you in the proper direction? To actually warn them about things that may harm them?

I can appreciate that you hold friendships sacred… it’s a commendable trait in anyone to be accepting and tolerant of even the most unsavory person. But in business, and especially in a position when your leadership is perhaps pivotal in the success of others, I personally believe it’s important to be honest and responsible – even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.

When someone who has attained a certain prominence in this industry endorses someone else, this leads people to attach the same level of integrity to that person that you yourself have worked hard to earn. When this person is proven to be unethical or unsavory, it diminishes YOU, in that exact same way, simply by your unwavering support of them.

I’ve gone on far longer than intended, as I’ve said this to you privately before.

To me, supporting and endorsing those people who behave in such a way that might harm others is really no different than saying nothing at all to protect those who count on you to provide sound advice.

Just my two cents… again.

Lisa Preston

Lisa Preston’s last blog post..Get DOUBLE The Bonuses – EXCLUSIVE From Tony Blake!

The bible is probably the best example of people ‘never’ being able to see eye-to-eye. How can one book be interpreted in ‘so’ many different ways??

There’s the quandry. To post, or not to post? You’re sure going to upset ‘somebody’ who looks at life from a different prospective.

Keep ‘em comin’ Ken.

Pete Moring.

Pete Moring’s last blog post..Light Accross The Universe

I for one felt the original post was a very thought provoking comment on the “human condition”.

It highlights the fact that we all make mistakes (I know I sure do) and so we shouldn’t be quick to pass judgements.

A very worthwhile reminder to all of us.

Cheers,

Michael