It's All In The Crowd You Hang Out With

Well, the image above is looking for criminals, and it seems we have found a doozie in Wood River!

Glenn and Starla Green were awarded the President's Award at the August 2008 YTB Convention in St. Louis. They are Level 2 Directors with YTB and Kim Sorensen, the apparent good judge of character that he is, awarded them the prestigous President's Award.

Fast forward to this week, YTB is promoting and encouraging attendance at the Millionaires Mindset Conference on February 21st in Dallas. If you want more details on this conference, you can visit their site, Millionaire Mindset Conference.

On the surface, this appears to be just another scheme organized by fellow Directors Dave and Marlis Funk to grab $10 a piece from unsuspecting RTAs. (Or maybe it is to pay for the fuel in their rolling YTBmobile.) I am not sure of the intent, but one thing is for sure with YTB. If you scratch the surface a little bit, you will always find the dirt.

Well, it seems that Glenn Green has plenty of it. Back in December of 2006, the Houston Press News did an expose on this Millionaire Mindset Conference. Glenn Green does not come into play until the bottom of page 4 when he threatens the reporter several times. One of the threats was to not investigate him. Well, as any good reporter would do, he investigated. And here's what he found:

Except the ten-year sentence for theft in 1990, according to Harris County Court records. Green was released after one year. According to an affidavit by a Texas Department of Public Safety officer, the theft worked like this: Green gave an accomplice an American Express card in Green's ex-wife's name. The accomplice charged multiple purchases of $49.99 at a Chevron station, when "in fact, no merchandise had been bought." The accomplice then gave the cash to Green. During April and May 1990, the charges exceeded $20,000.

At the time Green was popped for that crime, he was on probation for forgery for two earlier charges out of Brazos County, according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons. He was sentenced to ten years for those, which he served concurrently with the Harris County sentencing.

Also falling short of the Glenn Green Investigative Worthiness Standard was the ten years deferred adjudication in 1993 for fraudulent transfer of a motor vehicle. According to the investigating officer's notes, part of the case record in Harris County Court, Green bought and sold over a dozen cars, promising to pay off the leases, when he had no authorization from the lenders.

All but one of the 20 associated charges were dropped. He was also ordered to pay $31,233 in restitution

Harris County court records also show that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sued Green and his wife, Starla, in 2002. The suit was for nonpayment of $107,000 Glenn and Starla bid on a champion steer and a grand champion barrow pig named Cowboy in the 1999 Rodeo auction.

"I know that the money spent here goes for a great cause," Green is quoted as saying in the Rodeo's press release.

Then Starla chimes in about the 17-year-old Brownfield Future Farmer of America who spent four hours a day after school tending to Cowboy: "[He's] very deserving. We were prepared to do what it took."

Everything, that is, except actually pay what they bid. A Harris County judge ordered the Greens to pay the full amount, plus legal fees.

Rodeo Vice President Leroy Shafer says the Greens never paid the money -- the largest debt of any one entity in the show's history. He says it was the first time in the Rodeo's history that a grand champion was involved in a bad purchase, and the first bad purchase of two champions in one year. (The highest bidder's money goes to whoever shows the animal, any charities the bidder earmarked money for, and the Rodeo's scholarship fund. Shafer says the Rodeo was able to pay the $25,000 promised to Cowboy's exhibitor, as well as the approximately $1,000 Green had earmarked for the Houston Women's Shelter.)

Green now works for a multilevel-marketing travel package company called Your Travel Biz.

Wow, Coach and Kim really take that Yale to Jail thing seriously. Penn State to State Penn. First there was Chris Paraldi, then Phil Piccolo and now this. This man has it all. I mean what more could YTB want in a Director. Someone whom they promote and encourage others to emulate. I wonder if all of the non-profit associations YTB is supposedly managing are aware that one of their directors stiffed a non-profit for over $100,000? Maybe in the interest of being transparent, they will add this to their "Facts" About YTB website!

Just to recap, here is the rap sheet on Glenn Green:

• Theft
• Forgery
• Fraudulent Transfer of Motor Vehicles
• Breach of Contract with a Non-Profit where he failed to pay then $107,000

NOTE: To all the Directors and Coach's Corner Members (and esteemed guests) currently in Wood River for the "Best Director's Meeting Ever"--watch your wallets!

YTB Scoops The Travel Industry

It seems that not only was YTB the first company to think of putting the Internet and Travel together, they are the first to develop the concept of a "Traveler's Profile".

Yes, you heard it here first (well maybe second if you listened to their calls or visited this site)--YTB has an exclusive on the "Traveler's Profile". No longer will travelers need to constantly repeat the basic information and the not-so-basic information. No more forms to fill out. And to top it all off--it is automated!  I simply cannot believe that no one has thought of doing this before 2009!  Just imagine a concept where your travel agent can keep the following information:

• your name
• DOB
• addresses and phone numbers
• your passport information
• frequent flyer information
• car rental program data
• hotel guest program information
• itineraries
• payment profiles
• emergency contact information

Yes and to think that this is available exclusively to YTB Referring Travel Agents:

At, Sharnese Travel & Cruises we have a feature that eliminates all that hassle, making it easier than ever to plan your next trip- introducing The Traveler's Profile.

The Traveler's Profile allows you to create an individualized profile that is securely saved within the system. Each time you return to the site, your profile information is ready and waiting for you, eliminating the need to re-enter all of your personal data. This exclusive feature is an added convenience that sites like Expedia and Travelocity don't have. In fact, it is exclusive to Sharnese Travel & Cruises!

Gosh, what will they think of next? I bet they will develop plagiarism as well. One particular post on that blog was completely lifted from another source without reference. I mean who could have thought about ripping off someone' s writing besides YTB?  What do you think of that?

A YTB Blast From The Past

The other day, I came across some older promotions and sales pitches on YTB.  How many of these "facts" hold true? How many of these "dreams" are still alive?  

The obvious key to success for the author of all of these columns is recruiting. What's the lure? Tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in your bank account. Instant tax deductions for your vacations. I wonder how many in YTB have actually added tens or hundreds of thousands to their bank accounts? We know the answer from last year, I guess we need to wait for an income disclosure for 2008!

Ah yes, recruiting and the dangling carrot. This unreachable carrot has been dangling in front of the author's nose for over 4 years now, and he is still no further along. I venture to guess he is probably behind where he was several years ago. In October 2006, her was poised to be a director by December 2006. In July 2007, he could almost touch it. Now in February of 2009--where is that carrot?

But for someone who likes to claim that he is all about the customer experience, these columns seem to contradict that. There is not too much discussion about selling travel (other than to himself for a tax deduction). But that is not surprising, because as has been said ad nauseum, people in YTB that sell travel do not make any substantial money. People that recruit for YTB have a better chance, but only if they are positioned closer to the top of the pyramid.

YTBitis Sweeping The Country

The worst symptom of all…most whom are infected with YTBitis experience increased bank accounts of Tens, sometime Hundreds of Thousand of Dollars. 

Need A Tax Deduction? Own A Business!

To be in business, you merely declare it. And by doing so, you can magically turn personal expenses into tax deductions.

Our hobby is cruising. So we became Travel Agents. It is customary for Travel Agents to preview cruise ships so we can inform our clients. BAM! All our cruising just became a tax write off. We also took a trip to Disney earlier this year, and took the kids. Why? Don’t you think it might be necessary to get a 3 year old and 5 year old perspective on what they liked about Disney?

Team YTB Is On The Move

We learned at the trade show, that YTB has a Directors Challenge for anyone who becomes a director by 12/31/06, YTB will DOUBLE the Director bonuses for life. For example if you have 2000 RTA’s in your downline as a Director you receive $100,000 instead of $50,000 and so on. This has inspired Doug and me to work even harder to reach director by the end of the year. 

When you have someone who is interested in the business call Doug and give him a warm introduction, then stop talking and let Doug take it from there. Many of you know this works first hand, because you or someone on your team joined after being on a 3 way call. The team member who gets Doug on the most 3 way calls will win a prize. Also, you can win a prize by participating in thirty 3 way calls between now and 12/31. We have 12 weeks left, so that’s just an average of 2.5 calls per week.

Your Ticket To Paradise

With just a few core people that we have personally found, they have found others that have grown our team to over 200 at this time and we are getting closer every day to becoming Directors ourselves. We see it, we feel it, and it’s so close we can almost touch it.

Another One Bites The Dust

I follow several YTB blogs and just wanted to point this one out. Here is one of the more successful RTAs and Reps that has quit. He has identified what YTB is, and more importantly what it isn't. You can read his entire post here, but here are some excerpts:

• My first year (2007) in YTB wasn't anything to brag about. Nevertheless, I was in the top 5% in the company. It doesn't take much because most members don't do anything.
• My experience with YTB started out well. Since I was mislead and actually told lies when I signed up I had no doubts I would make a ton of money. I built a decent downline, which by now has shrunk to 18 paying members. Everyone else has dropped out. Very few in my downline ever did anything, which caused me to feel guilty because I talked them into something that did not work for them.
• Last fall I listened to Coach Tomer telling us that YTB was unfairly targeted just as Roger Clemens was. That was the whole theme of that Saturday morning's call. That was the beginning of the end for me with YTB. If YTB falls in the same category as Roger Clemens, a cheater and dishonest person who will likely spend time in jail soon, then I don't really want to be associated with YTB.

Congratulations!

The Reps Make A Buck Any Way They Can

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

YTB's Response To NCL

The following notice was just sent to Coach's Corner members 30 minutes ago. 

Important Notice re: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

YTB Travel Network has been advised that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has elected to discontinue accepting new reservations from YTB or its agents. More than a year ago NCL elected not to renew YTB's contract and reduced commissions by almost 40% to our RTAs - thus the decreased sales activity. NCL offers an excellent product and the dissolution of our relationship is unfortunate, however NCL is not a Preferred Supplier of YTB.

During these difficult economic times it is important that YTB and our Affiliates and RTAs focus on our Preferred Suppliers (such as Carnival)
for all of our travel needs. A complete list of YTB's Preferred Suppliers is accessible from your Travel Portal.

All commissions owed by NCL to YTB for any passengers who booked prior to January 20, 2009 will be paid to YTB. All existing reservations booked prior to January 20 will be serviced as per the usual course of business for final payment. Of course YTB will continue to provide service to the passengers booked prior to January 20.

If you have any questions about any vendor on this list, please contact YTB's Travel Support.

Thank you.

YTB Speaks To The Press In Texas Fails To Heed December Policy

Did Becky Brown fail Reading 101? She must have, because speaking to the press (or even having an original thought) it is specifically prohibited according to Section 3.9 (Page 17) of the December 15th missive. But Becky spoke with the Beaumont Enterprise anyhow and had this to say on the travel industry and the economy:

Becky Brown, an agent with YTB Travel Agency, said she has not seen business decline with the economy, and she doesn't expect it will anytime soon.

"The travel business has done well," Brown, who said she's booked more trips in the last six weeks than she did in all of 2008, said. "It's cheap to travel right now."

However, considering the average sales levels of RTAs, selling more travel then you did last year is not a difficult thing to do.  And is she employed with YTB? I think that is another violation!

Even More Blah Blah Blah From A YTB Supporter

And the drivel continues from Endless Drivel Travel......

It isn’t just about where I can get the best percentage commission.   If all I wanted to do was book cruises…I would just go get a job doing that.  Chasing a higher commission split is not unique to those in the travel industry, and though some will do just that…I am not one of them.

Plenty of business to go around my friend…and yes…the high I experience being my own boss is incredible with no employees and with no overhead is awesome.  As an independent contractor, I gladly pay a monthly service fee, which is in fact reimbursed, for YTB to handle my licensing fees, E&O and all the paperwork.  

And now I see that a new twist lie has been tossed into the mix. YTB now handles all licensing fees, E&O, and all the paperwork. Are you sure about that? I Have a source that says otherwise!

More Blah Blah Blah From A YTB Supporter

Round two from Bob Cushman from Endless Journey Drivel Travel.

 

As you are probably aware, many network marketing companies have tried to do what YTB is actually doing, and none have succeeded.  Our travel sales are proof of our success and impact.  YTB didn’t cause the paradigm shift, the internet did.  All we did was recognize an opportunity to capitalize on the consumer fulfilling their travel needs on the internet instead of calling a travel agent.  The only thing Barry Dillar (Expedia) got wrong was the power of word of mouth vs. advertizing.  Simple as that.  What YTB has done is take that model and put the relationship back into the transaction.

Sure it was disheartening to see the California AG filed a lawsuit, (key word ‘accusing’ ) but YTB wasn’t surprised it happened…they were only surprised it took them so long.  Who do you think put pressure on the AG to do so?  It will be amicably settled, just like the one before it and the one previously filed in Florida and the one in Rhode Island.   Just like Art Williams took on the entire insurance industry, as Primerica Financial Services and refused to give in to those who vigorously opposed them…YTB too will ultimately prevail.  If you were to read Art Williams’ latest book, “Coach, the A.L. Williams Story…you would see the parallels.

Sure sales are down…as they are across the entire economy and just like other companies; YTB has taken appropriate measures to compensate.  I served our great country for 22 yrs, and have learned the meaning of loyalty, commitment and the values that determine a great leader.  What I believe is not important; I look to a person’s actions which reveal true intention.  Yes, there are those like yourself who believe YTB is a cult and/or some illegal pyramid scheme.  Professional Network marketers are a rare entrepreneurial breed, and the ones who have chosen to build the foundation of YTB will be justly and richly rewarded.  Controversy is just part of what our CEO calls Success Tax.

I am right here; aware, informed, educated and taking action.  I will continue to build relationships with my clientele who will book with me.  I will also continue to share the YTB opportunity with others who seek a genuine home based business opportunity.  YTB isn’t for everyone…but many do want to learn how to: earn commission on their own personal travel and that of their friends, family and co-workers - save money on their travel - and take advantage of the legal tax benefits that are available to those that work their business with a clear intention to earn a profit.  Our Founders along with our legal department will continue to vigorously defend our rights to do so.

Who needs IATA or even IATAN?  RCCL "DEMOTED" Lisa Bauer for the decision to not do business with us because we did $13 Million in business with them before they made one of the biggest mistakes EVER!  In response, we sold more cruises in ONE DAY with Carnival, setting the record for the ENTIRE INDUSTRY (not just MLM) for the most cruises EVER sold by one agency in a single day. 

If I were you, I would be careful of what you say because you might have to eat your words later. 

This Is What It's All About

There is an interesting conversation going on over on WAHM.com right now. It started off talking about how online travel bookings increased by 17% in 2008. It was started by a Traverus agent, who did not note that the article also stated that while bookings increased, satisfaction decreased by a comparable percentage. He also didn’t note that TTA’s use the Internet on a regular basis to make bookings via supplier websites. But that is not what I want to talk about here. What I want to discuss is what the discussion has evolved into. It has gotten to be a discourse on what to call a person who works in the travel industry. Is it an agent or a consultant, and what do you call a person who is just starting out.

There are many differing opinions, all of them good. Personally, I call myself a consultant. Webster’s defines a consultant as “one who gives professional advice or services”. That’s what I do. I offer my professional advice to a client on what would be the best options for them, and then I service them by making the booking, and handle all the business transactions that arise from that booking. But what really caught my eye in this “sub-topic” was a quote from someone involved in a travel MLM, WorldVentures. He stated:

”Agents” shouldn’t be used at all in MLM UNLESS they have met the criteria to actually be agents. This is why WV took “agent” out of the terminology of its members titles until they actually were able to meet the criteria. We went from “Referring Travel Agent” to “Leisure Travel Consultant” which was a great move IMO. I do sell travel, but I just point them to my site. I make no bones about the fact that I don’t want to deal with getting certified and all that. For me, having a team is what I prefer. Kudos to all of you that choose differently. That is what makes America great, we can choose what avenue to take.”

This person admits right here, that while he is involved in a travel MLM, he has no desire to get any type of travel certification or “all that”. He’s all about “having a team”…..in other words, recruiting.

So, the conversation goes on a bit, bantering back and forth between “agent” and “consultant” when this person chimes in again with this

“It is splitting hairs at this point. Dies it really matter seriously? Traverus has taken the step to do the right thing by changing the agents to consultants. (RTA to RTC) The thing is that the traditional agents will never be 100% happy with any change short of the mlm companies being shut down. Getting hung up on what to call yourself is kind of silly don’t you think?”

This, is exactly the point that we are fighting about; one point of this blog. This “right of entitlement” to all of the privileges and perks afforded to travel agents. The perks given to people who work in the industry actually selling travel, people who work at it. Here is a person who, admittedly, says he sells travel, but doesn’t work at it, he only gives people a web address and tells them to do it themselves. He doesn’t consult, he doesn’t act as an agent, and says he has no interest in doing so. When confronted with this, he states that he is “in the business to build a team, not in the business to try and get travel “perks””, yet when pressed a bit further, admits to getting and taking them.

This person states that the TTA community will never be happy until all travel MLM companies are 100% shut down. I say not true. I say that traditionalist and MLM’s can co-exist, but within the MLM’s there has to be a complete and total separation of the travel side and the recruiting side. If you want to be a marketer for the MLM company, fine and dandy. But don’t expect to receive any type of travel perks. Don’t tell a supplier that you are “affiliated” with a travel company and expect or accept any type of discount, unless you are actively selling travel. If the travel MLM’s of the world want to be truly accepted by the traditional community, then this is the change that must come about. Yes, there are those out there in MLM’s that are all about selling travel, and want to be treated with respect, but as long as they are in the MLM’s that have not made the changes sought, then they will remain tainted. Unfortunately, it’s called guilt by association.

A lot of this also falls onto the vendors. Until the vendors stop offering perks to any and everyone affiliated with these companies, the problem will remain. TTA’s need to make a stand. TA associations need to make a stand. Those in travel MLM’s that are serious about selling travel need to take a stand. Because the scenario I have described above is what the fight is all about.

Blockbuster Ho Hum Announcements From YTB

Here are the 10 ho hum announcements from the "Tailgate Party of the Century!" This was an extra long call and featured tons of pre-recorded applause and a few people positioned to look like a lot at the car dealer next to YTB. Of course it was replete with the required weekly homage paid to Coach, Kim, Scott, and Andy.

1. YTB’s Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes
-Enter to win a trip for two to Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour in the Bahamas!
-Register all your friends and family by clicking on the Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes banner on your booking engine. (Uhm, this is illegal you cannot register people to receive mailings and for contests without their permission. Have you ever heard of the Can SPAM Act? But this does make sense since YTB specifically states that any client or prospect entered into the system belongs exclusively to YTB)
-The more people who register for the sweepstakes from your travel site, the more chances you have of winning the trip for yourself! (And the more people YTB will have to solicit for whatever they want in the future.)
-Continue to register every month for the next Trip of a Lifetime! (And we will feature a new sweepstakes every month!)

2. Mark your calendars for the First Tuesday Travel Parties!
-Host your own Travel party the first Tuesday of every month! (Per the call, this will be followed by an "opportunity meeting", so make sure that your guests are aware that you are not only inviting them to learn about travel, but that they are going to get the pitch to join a pyramid scheme.)
-A live webcast will announce the winners of the Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes and the details of the next sweepstakes prize!
-Each travel party will be themed (such as "Springtime in Paris") according to the feature destination of the Sweepstakes.

3. YTB Great Escapes
-Find the best travel destinations on the planet for an unbelievable price!
-Travel Site Owners, login to your Travel Portal now and click on the YTB Great Escapes banner to take advantage of these fantastic travel destinations!

4. All new FAM Trip to the Bahamas!
-Take in the sights and sounds of the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour on this spectacular FAM trip February 6-9, 2009!
-This trip normally costs up to $800. But, your price on this FAM is only $340 per person based on double occupancy (This is really not a FAM at all. This is a negotiated group rate. However, most RTAs likely do not know the difference. Plus YTB makes commission)
-Includes private beach party, shore excursions, diving, snorkeling and
much more!
-Sign up now! Only a limited number of rooms are available!

5. "Taking Care of Business" at the 2009 Convention
-With this year’s theme, we’re going to show the world what "Taking Care of Business" really means in a Rock and Roll atmosphere!
-Register now in your Back Office for only $125 per person!
-Don’t wait! Price goes up April 1, 2009! (Coach pleaded with everyone and said everyone ought to bring 8 to 10 guests with them because you simply cannot know YTB until you attend this meeting.)

6. Coach’s Specials extended!
-There’s still time to take advantage of the half-price Affiliate Special and the extras included in the RTA Special!
-Don’t wait! Coach’s Specials end on February 28! (I guess the initial program was not too successful. On the call they did not specify an ending date and said it woudl be going forward till further notice...well I guess this is the notice.)

7. New Sizzle Call in English and Spanish!
-Get your prospects on the line now!
-3 minute call gives exciting overview
-Dial toll-free 1-800-985-1858
-Press 1 for English and 2 for Espanol (This was an interesting segment. We were told that it was a 90 second call, not a 3 minute call, but Scott suggested that you ask everyone you see if they have 90 seconds. And if they have any interest at all, you can invest in giving them the DVD or the magazine, otherwise move onto the next person you see. He said there was no reason that everyone you see can't call this line. It is now in Spanish and it is now toll free. There is nothing to lose.)

8. New DVD with Spanish Subtitles!
-Let’s Get Started is the 10-minute version of the Affiliate Presentation on a DVD with optional Spanish subtitles.
-Get your copies today from Shop YTB! Sold in packets of 50 for $50 plus shipping.

9. Blockbuster Announcement- Aisle 19
-Travel Site Owners --Tell all your customers about YTB’s exciting new partnership with Aisle 19, the "cash back portal" that works with 600 retail stores such as Walmart, Target, Old Navy, Macy’s and many others to earn cash back on your purchases.(They neglected to mention that this is also available to EVERYONE and also for free, so there is no value add to the proposition)
-Aisle 19 is by invitation only, so start spreading the word today and earn commission on virtually all your referrals’ purchases! (Coach called a play and said all reps will now be able to sell travel stores left and right because of this. He said to expect your downline of 10 to grow to one thousand in a few weeks. Good luck with that! Please take not that this effectively installs YTB/Coach as the top pyramid sitter in Aisle 19 with a HUGE downline. Actually a pretty ingenious way to come up with some quick cash.)
-There will also be commissions paid to the PowerTeam Leader and six generations of Dream Team.(The pitch to give your customers is to be happy. When they ask why you are so happy, tell them you made money when they purchased on your mall. Then explain how they can make money. Good luck with that too!)
-To access your Aisle 19 "cash back portal," simply visit www.aisle19.com/login.aspx where you will be prompted for a username and password. For your user name, simply put YTB (all capital letters) in front of your YTB username - for example: YTBjohnsmith. Your password is YTB (also in capital letters) in front of your YTB password - the one you use to log in to your Back Office and Travel Portal. For example: YTB12345. From there, begin shopping and earning cash back on your purchases!(Coach called another play. He challenged everyone on the call or listening at the tailgate parties across the country to go out in the next 48 hours and shop online, get your discounts and earn a commission. Coach, judging from your drop in RTAs it appears they cannot afford the $50 a month to you, why do you assume now that they can just go out and spend surrepticiously to further line your pockets?)

10. $6,000 Guarantee Goes Live in Canada on Friday, January 16, 2009!
- Watch for details to come!

Finally, The Truth Emerges

Enter The Shopping Mall (Exit Travel?)

The word on the street is that YTB will be announcing tomorrow that they are adding an "E-Mall" to the RTA sites comprised of 1600 "E-Stores".  One director is quoted as saying:

I have been in YTB for 28 month and what we will be announcing and going "LIVE" with tomorrow is truly the most mind bending addition to the value of your position with the company

Well, I guess we will find out for sure tomorrow but I imagine it will be sold as something new and different. But at this point it sounds an awful lot like Market America (another MLM that has the term "scam" associated with it) which has been around for a LONG time.

I wonder if this is not a last ditch effort to retain the few RTAs that they have and preface an exit from travel? I wonder if their new potions, lotions and mall sales will be included in their "travel" sales for next year? But if they are actually selling more product and earning more income from product it may legitimize them a bit. But I think it is a little too late for Jerry Brown!

More Independent Views

I just discovered a somewhat dated post in another blog that does a good job analyzing YTB. And the blogger posted a recent update as well.

This guy is not in YTB, he is not in the travel business. He just took a look at the opportunity for what it was worth and commented on his findings.

No spin from either side here. What do you think?

Even Minnie Knows It's A Joke!

Please Take Off The Blinders

It is always good to end the year upbeat. There are many reasons to be upbeat, but one recent blog post really had me (as my kids might say) ROTFLMAO.

The author was taking a shot at Joystar (I am no fan either) and some of the shots were amusing. For instance, he noted the following:

• He had covered the "exploits" of the Joystar CEO and his previous MLM. (Well, given that the author is in a MLM himself, dissing MLM does not seem right, but what about the Coach? Exploits? Lisa Marie...gas additives...AL Williams....come on)
• Joystar failed to pay commissions to agents. (This does indeed suck. But YTB just released a document that allows them to do the same thing.)
• Joystar laid off 14% of it's corporate staff. (Again, this sucks, but YTB also laid off staff. And when we commentexd on that, it was hailed as a good thing in a bad economy. But I guess it is not a good thing for Joystar.)
• Joystar did not renew SOTs and lost their CLIA accreditation and earned it back. (Well we all know that losing a CLIA accreditation is pretty bad--especiall when you don;t have IATAN to fall back on. Joystar did lose it temporarily. Unlike YTB who lost the IATAN accreditation, appealed the termination, and lost that. I shudder to think what might happen if CLIA wised up and closed the loophole and gave them the boot--back to the RTA caard for them.)
• Joystar is being sued by IHG Hotel Group for $163,000. (That amount is less than a month's new recruits to YTB. But last time I checked (and this may indeed change) but Joystar was not being sued by the Attorney General of California for $25 million nor did they have two separate class action suits filed against them in excess of $100 million.)

But the best ine in the entire post was after the author detailed all these "reasons" why Joystar is bad, he says, "And some think YTB has problems?"

To the author I say it is really time to take off the blinders. Preferrably before sending in that next payment of $49.95. Do you honestly not see the trouble looming on the horizon?

'Twas the Night before Christmas

'Twas the Night before Christmas

(YTB version by Steve Mencik)

(with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land,
The YTB minions were happy, all was just grand,
Their websites were posted, their blogs filled with air,
In hopes that many travelers would soon visit there.

The RTAs and the REPs were all snug in their beds,
While visions of dollar signs danced in their heads.
The Coach and his son and their jolly elf Kim,
Would make sure that the money would simply rush in.

Then some REPs misbehaved at trade shows and FAM trips,
TTAs and suppliers said they acted like Dips.
John started a blog to discuss all this stuff,
The YTB crowd dismissed it as fluff.

He noted the fact that the average RTA,
Received next to nothing in annual pay.
The crowd said that those facts were real hazy,
You only would fail if you were very lazy.

The Coach and his cronies bought an abandoned K-Mart,
From there their empire would get a great start.
The loan for the land came from a sweetheart bank,
Run by a YTB director, and soon that bank sank.

Another director had a plane on sale for a while,
So the YTB three bought it, to travel in style.
While the company was growing, they raked in the money,
But they needed to stash it before things got funny.

They threw a big bash in the town of St. Louis,
With trimmings and trappings that were all superfluous.
The biggest attraction was a statue of foam,
That made all the environmentalists grimace and groan.

A Grumpy Old Agent started a long Card Mill list,
YTB was on it, I'm sure they were pissed.
RCL took notice and Perillo did too,
Soon even IATA said, "YTB you're through!"

But Coach said, "Who needs them, we'll be okay"
"We've got an ARC number, we're here to stay."
The California AG looked hard, yes he did,
And finally decided YTB's a pyramid.

Some former RTAs thought that they had been swindled,
They filed their lawsuits, YTBs numbers they dwindled.
While the SEC filings showed ever large losses,
The YTB minions cheered on their bosses.

Things aren't so bad, but the stock it would sink,
The stock could only be listed on sheets that are pink.
The DSA says we're great, why give us that ink?
How could it be bad, YTB's featured in Inc.?

But the losses were mounting, the effects they were telling,
YTB started to shed assets they were selling.
First an office they'd bought only one year before,
With office equipment included and more.

Then they sold off the jet to a company unknown,
But wait, the deal's off, they couldn't get a loan.
So they found another firm, but that deal wouldn't stay,
So Coach and his son figured out another way.

So the YTB three read on up on Robert Irsay,
And said to themselves maybe it's better this way.
We'll take our trucks to the K-Mart loading docks,
And empty the place and change all the locks.

We'll fill up the jet and to Rio we'll go,
We'll be out of the country and have all of our dough!
The three laughed as they left and soared out of sight,
"Sorry suckers!", they said, "have a pleasant good night."

And Now For An Encore I Present...

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please put your hands together for the return engagement of none other than the one, the only, the fantastic....

TravelMoms

Yes, you thought she was gone. You may have thought YTB gave her the boot*, but she is back in all her glory and in her absence has now become a Destination Wedding Specialist!

*They probably just told her to go play quietly in another corner rather than give up the $50 a month!

High & Dry With YTB

At first, I was cynical. I came across a thread at WAHM about someone who bought a ticket to the UK from an RTA and she was unable to get to the airport. I thought it might be a Traverus fishing expedition at first, but ultimately it was a legitimate client and ultimately, she had her problem somewhat resolved.

The back story. Bought a ticket from YTB on an RTA site. Scheduled to fly to the UK on December 15, 2008. Does online check-in on the 14th, per the instructions of the RTA. Get's socked into a blizzard and cannot get to the airport. RTA is unable to help her. YTB headquarters advises her to call the vendor. Client calls the "vendor" and realizes it is none other than Travelocity in India.  Client is given some false promises from Travelocity as well as British Airways and decides to post the saga on WAHM asking for help.

As any travel agent with any experience knows, this is a very routine issue. It could have and should have been handled in a matter of minutes. However, it took three RTAs and a headquarters of 325 employees to get it resolved and the one that resolved it, was not even the one that sold it.

The end result was that the client has a new reservation on a different flight and is submitting the difference in fare to the insurance. Again, had she dealt with a trained professional, there would have been a lot less stress and no increase in fare.

Yes, YTB ultimately got the issue resolved. But this only reemphasises my point that they have no business putting out ill-advised non-trained people to call themselves travel agents--referring or not.  The original RTA had no interest in helping his client (but he readily accepted the commission on the fee). He had no training to even begin to help the client. When the client called YTB, they could not help her--well, it seems they could, they just did not want to--and pushed her off to Travelocity. Does anyone see the problem here?

And I also need to question why the client was told to call Travelocity when YTB has supposedly moved all their booking to a Canadian company. Why weren't the active PNRs bridged to the new fulfillment source? We know what type of control YTB has on the Reps and RTAs and it seems they have a similar level of control on thier PNRs. Frightening for the client.

This was one isolated instance reported on WAHM (of al places), but I have to wonder how many similar issues are poppin up under the radar each day that no one hears about? YTB says they sold $414 million last year. Many are saying they have already sold $1 billion so far this year. You KNOW this instance was a small drop in the bucket.

Kudos to the RTA that ultimately resoved this for the client. She did not have to do anything, but she did the right thing. I am glad she was able to convince whoever she needed to convince to take charge and recticfy the situation. But again, this one RTA likely represents less than 1% of the RTAs in YTB. The one who sold the trip didn't care.

So, I wonder what this client thinks of YTB right now? Who knows, but if it were me, I woudl be thankful for the one RTA and vow to never use them again for the treatment received up to the point when that RTA stepped in.

But YTB does not seem to care that there is yet another RTA or Rep dragging their reputation through the mud.  Well, maybe they like it.

If you want to read the three threads (if they are still online) you can read them:
here
here
and here.

I have a printed copy if they pull them to back up the facts!

Today's Math Lesson: Ratios

A Ratio is defined as the relationship between two numbers. For example, the ratio of travel commissions to recruiting commissions in a MLM travel company might be expressed as $20M:$103M. This represents 14.5% for Travel and 73.4% for Recruiting.

Now the FTC and the California Attorney General both don't like this type of number. They much prefer to see numbers that reflect more product being sold to consumers. Too much recruiting is never a good thing for a pyramid scheme. Never.

So, what is the obvious solution? Sell more product! But, that can be  problematic when your product has a very low yield to begin with; and it becomes even more of a problem when you realize that your sales force is inept.

So, to get the critical ratios up to an acceptable level, the only solution is to branch out and sell more stuff. Preferably products where you do not rely on your sales force and the consumer can handle it on their own.

So enter the following:

• Meats
• Seafood
• Produce
• Baked Goods
• Coffees and Teas
• Quick Meals
• Dining Out
• Flowers
• Rugs
• Pictures
• Furniture
• Kitchen Gadgets
• Garden Items
• Blinds
• Credit Monitoring
• Checks
• Receipt Scanning and Safekeeping
• ID Theft Protection
• Sunglasses
• Organic Products
• Handbags
• Jewelry
• Cars

Oh, and if travel can be sold, all the better. By adding these items, the ratio of product commissions to recruiting commissions will likely increase.  But the secret is to do this BEFORE everyone thinks you are a scam and you have already attracted the attention of numerous government agencies.