The World As I See It
At this point in time, I’ve pretty much been told to give up on actually helping our Traditionalists learn anything about YTB. It’s become evident that they already know all they need to know about our founders, our model, and our people. I have been informed by those that they have completely missed any points I’ve made concerning these questions because for the last two months "I have been regurgitating the same old crap and towing the same old YTB line". When stumped, I simply toss in some inane story or references some motivational guru. It’s called “Deflection 102”. Pre-requisite “Smoke and Mirrors 101”.
Whatever.
What John doesn't like is that I've acctually held him accountable for his comments. Arrogance never likes to be corrected, and instead of admiting that he and others have missed many marks, they choose to ignore it. As the old saying goes, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." Ignoring what YTB is doing to the Travel Industry won't make it go away. And I beleive they know that based on the daily posts and spin.
So it appears that I’m no longer doing this for them. I’m doing this for YTB. Nice to know they did get that as most of my comments are directed to those in YTB and Network Marketing not our Traditionalist. Those of us who love this company the way I do need to have the proper documentation in place to know that the accusations being thrown at us right now are nothing more than spit balls and mud.
Every move YTB makes at this point is evaluated and commented on, often within minutes of its initial release by the company from those that oppose us. I found out for example that YTB purchased Sunrise Travel Services in Canada via our Traditionalists, of course with their own spin attached to it, and they also seem to be more than a little miffed at the fact that YTB now has their own Learjet 35A “Executive Jet” to fly all over the country in.
While YTB keeps growing and expanding, the mud is quickly thrown up on the wall to try to distract everyone.
I find it interesting that when a question comes from the other side, it’s also ignored. Apparently, we don’t have a right to ask questions. Of course that puts us in control of the conversation, and “control” is what this game is all about. This company is spreading and growing at a very rapid pace right now, and is just now starting to hit its momentum phase of its existence. What they thought was going to crush the company, such as IATA and Royal Caribbean has in fact had very little effect in slowing the company down.
The initial plan of attack concerning suppliers, associations, and even attempting to get Federal and State Agencies involved (see below) isn’t working so they’ve resorted to more and more spin, and all they are left with is trashing yours truly with some garbage that I’m not only struggling but have also commented that I need to converse with my wife 11 years why I’m impotent.
Pure "Class" from those Traditionalists don’t you think?
If they don't think I've been able to rise to the occasion, I'm okay with that. I don’t need the aggravation from mindless chatter from bitter, angry, negative bickering and spin. It's unproductive and since I've been less focused on them and more focused on YTB, things actually look a whole lot better from where I sit.
While our Traditionalist would like you to believe they are in control, they have in fact lost complete control of an industry they once held very close and dear. I can’t blame many of them for being bitter and angry. They’ve invested years of training, education, time, blood, sweat and tears into a profession they love and respect. I actually believe that the services and time spent in this industry is not only admirable but to be commended.
Albert Einstein wrote in his book “The World As I See It
”, “The most important decision we ever make is whether we believe we live in a friendly universe or a hostile universe.”
It's become clear who lives in a hostile world, and who lives in a friendly world. While the “good old days” are long gone and some have done very well for themselves in adapting and changing with this industry, we have others who simply want to hang on to a long lost art form that has obviously changed without their permission or desires.
Which brings us to the next two questions in our LOOOOOOOOONG list of control questions from the Traditionalists.
Here is what we’ve gone over so far and if you’ve been following along with this laborious chore.
Question #1 - Why a compensation plan takes 12 pages to define?
Question #2 - How YTB arrived at $226 Million in travel sold for 2006. (Still waiting.)
Question #3 - Why so little of the "training" at the annual convention was for travel. (OK, YTB only believes in training at other meetings. We can let this one go.)
Question #4 - How nearly 150,000 RTAs can pay in the course of 9 months $79 million dollars in website sales, fees, and training; and receive $9.3 million in return. (This is huge...anyone?)
Question #5 - And for those that say I don't get the math, I did not learn how nearly 150,000 people paid in $79 million dollars and only got $64 million in return. (Hello? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?)
Question #6 - Why it is a good thing to have your top executives selling off stock. (There were no takers on this one, so I am gonna assume that it probably is NOT a good thing as everyone initially thought.)
Question #7 - Why a 3:1 split was a good deal when two of the three shares are worthless. (Thanks to Doug for the most reasonable explanation of this. The split may have been a good deal but with the current value of the stock, it is anyone's guess.)
Question #8 - Why employees at YTB could not sell me a cruise on November 9th. (Still no answer on this one yet other than they don’t do anything till an RTA sells it. Well, the YTB site said to call them. Coach in an interview was touting how the res center is all staffed with professional agents. So, why is it that they cannot sell me a cruise, and how is it that they do not know that cruises do not depart from Phoenix?)
Question #9 - Why when presented with facts and figures, the argument mysteriously turns to "you don't understand". (This is another one that we will just have to say...because that is the way it is.)
Question #10 - How many RTAs drop out in a month...a year..... (This number I fear will NEVER be known.)
Question #11 - How long does an RTA continue to pay the fee before canceling? (Answered. They continue to pay as long as YTB continues to charge them and they jump through the hoops to get them to stop.)
Question #12 - How it is a misunderstanding with IATAN and Royal Caribbean. (Answered. It apparently was NOT a misunderstanding and RCCL called a spade a spade and it is what it is. YTB has moved on and said they would never do business with RCCL again.)
Question #13 - How the air gets booked -- through a YTB ARC number or a Travelocity number. (This is the biggie. No answer other than the errant dribble from a director about it being a cruise misunderstanding. When a RTA sells an airline ticket, who's ARC number does the sale get attributed to when processing via IAR...is it a YTB number or a Travelocity number?)
Question #14 - The number of RTAs and Reps that actually comply with local business licensing regulations. (We will let this one go. They cannot control what they say, or their press releases, so why would I be so naive as to think they could control that they abide buy any local laws and statutes? I am going to assume that most attempt to fly under the radar here. In all honesty, I probably would as well. Why invest more money being bonded and registered and in compliance when you are seeing so little in return? It can always be written off as a hobby rather than a business I suppose...hmmmm imagine that...a hobby??)
Question #15 - The number of RTAs that comply with the Seller of Travel laws in the states that have them. (See answer to question above.)
I wanted to combine these two questions for two reasons. One they are related, and two, this is a perfect example of how mud is simply throw up without regard to validity or truth. Take a small sampling of YTB and throw a huge brush over the entire company.
John has no clue, nor do I for that matter how many states have local statues and laws that require licensing. My county for example simply requires a “Special Use Permit” for my home based business. Most States and Counties from the research I’ve done simply want to collect a fee and make sure that you, as a home based business, will not be doing any manufacturing, have employees, or produce heavy stream of customers moving in and out of your premises. As long as the business is run out of your home, and generally fall within the guidelines of the “Special Use Permit”, you should be good to go. You should however, check with your local municipality to see what, if any regulations apply to you.
In regards to the Seller of Travel Laws that John is so concerned about, I did find a nice link which gives a very good general overview of why Seller of Travel Laws exist and what states require them. You will note that all States that require SOT’s are listed at the bottom of all YTB Booking Engines. As long as the travel is booked by the customer from these sites, it is my understanding that YTB and the RTA involved conforms with all SOT’s. If however an RTA does booking direct without the use of the booking engine, the RTA must register their own SOT.
Speaking of SOT’s and Licensing, I’ve been asking John about an update on Rhode Island.
Back in November, John caught wind that Rhode Island is the only state in the country that actually requires a “Travel Agent License”. Being the good “Traditionalist” and “Investigative Journalist” that he is, decided to “blow the whistle” on YTB for not complying with what he believed to be an obvious oversight concerning licensing regulations. You may also “note” that John’s source was not all that reliable, and he had to do some back peddling concerning his initial post. Big surprise there huh?
In a follow up post, John also commented that he wasn’t quite sure what the issue was, but he was certain that there is in fact an issue. He then blamed typical Government run around for not answering his intended question and accusation. (Blaming others...another big surprise.)
I’ve also been following this issue and actually spoke with Kim Sorensen directly about this very subject the very day that this mud was thrown up on the wall. I’ve asked both John and other Traditionalists repeatedly about this issue in recent weeks concerning Rhode Island. I’ve gotten very little response if any concerning answers. Remember, my views and comments don’t count, and I’m either ignored, or cast off as “The Spin Doctor” from the other side. All they claim to know is that the issue is still being worked on.
What our Traditionalist don’t want you to know is that there has been a response from Rhode Island concerning “Travel Agent Licensing” and I think the response is typical of what they have been running up against for the last several months.
And that response is…“Pfft, so what?”
The issue of Bonding and Licensing in Rhode Island is so important to both the State and the industry that the law which requires it should be repealed by years end. All that work, all that fuss, all the spin and mud thrown up that YTB is breaking the law comes down to the State looking at the issue and finding a way to save not only themselves money, but also save what’s left of the Traditionalist in the State a ton of money.
Thanks to John’s efforts both Richard Berstein, executive counsel for the department, and Michael Marques, the department's director, concluded it was time to eliminate agency licensing and bonding "for a myriad of reasons," including the dwindling number of agencies in the state. While Traditionalists would like you to believe that business is booming Rhode Island looked at the stats they have and found a dramatic decline in the number of travel agencies, by about 40% in the last five years, leaving only 80 Agencies left in the entire state.
But what about John’s spin that YTB operates in Rhode Island? YTB does have literally hundreds of YTB RTA’s doing business as Referring Travel Agents in the state. Wouldn’t that add additional revenue to the States $1 Billion deficit?
Apparently, according to Richard Berstein, most states don’t require such licensing and bonding and they are huge competitors for the Agencies that reside in Rhode Island. This would include web sites. (A YTB web site?)
The internet changes things folks. Nancy McAdams, owner of Anchor Travel in Pawtucket, said getting rid of the law would be "good news. ... It is a big chunk of money" to buy the bond and pay licensing fees for employees as well as the agency. She said, "a lot of people from other states are selling in Rhode Island and are probably not licensed." and she’s probably right. I could do a Google search and find Seashore Travel in Florida or Farnesi Travel in New Jersey just as easily with the same product price and service. (All Powered by Online Agency) But Nancy has to pay $10,000 in bonding and Licensing per Agent because her office resides in Rhode Island.
Now I know that our Traditionalists on the other side are going to point out the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes repeal, which is probably why I haven’t seen a post on “Rhode Island – Resolved” as yet. If the governor's budget is accepted in the statehouse with the article that eliminates agency regulation, the licensing law will be effectively repealed anyway. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce can ask the Traditionalists for a little help in boosting the budget?
The issue certainly isn’t over as yet, but it sure doesn’t look good for those Traditionalist who want to hang on to way things “use to be”.
The airlines didn’t care, Internet Web sites don’t care, most of YTB doesn’t care, and now it looks like Rhode Island doesn’t care either.
Is it any wonder why they are so bitter, angry and upset?
Subscribe to Just Picture It Now for additional announcements and details!
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
Book Your Travel & Vacations With
Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635
Whatever.
What John doesn't like is that I've acctually held him accountable for his comments. Arrogance never likes to be corrected, and instead of admiting that he and others have missed many marks, they choose to ignore it. As the old saying goes, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." Ignoring what YTB is doing to the Travel Industry won't make it go away. And I beleive they know that based on the daily posts and spin.
So it appears that I’m no longer doing this for them. I’m doing this for YTB. Nice to know they did get that as most of my comments are directed to those in YTB and Network Marketing not our Traditionalist. Those of us who love this company the way I do need to have the proper documentation in place to know that the accusations being thrown at us right now are nothing more than spit balls and mud.
Every move YTB makes at this point is evaluated and commented on, often within minutes of its initial release by the company from those that oppose us. I found out for example that YTB purchased Sunrise Travel Services in Canada via our Traditionalists, of course with their own spin attached to it, and they also seem to be more than a little miffed at the fact that YTB now has their own Learjet 35A “Executive Jet” to fly all over the country in.
While YTB keeps growing and expanding, the mud is quickly thrown up on the wall to try to distract everyone.
I find it interesting that when a question comes from the other side, it’s also ignored. Apparently, we don’t have a right to ask questions. Of course that puts us in control of the conversation, and “control” is what this game is all about. This company is spreading and growing at a very rapid pace right now, and is just now starting to hit its momentum phase of its existence. What they thought was going to crush the company, such as IATA and Royal Caribbean has in fact had very little effect in slowing the company down.
The initial plan of attack concerning suppliers, associations, and even attempting to get Federal and State Agencies involved (see below) isn’t working so they’ve resorted to more and more spin, and all they are left with is trashing yours truly with some garbage that I’m not only struggling but have also commented that I need to converse with my wife 11 years why I’m impotent.
Pure "Class" from those Traditionalists don’t you think?
If they don't think I've been able to rise to the occasion, I'm okay with that. I don’t need the aggravation from mindless chatter from bitter, angry, negative bickering and spin. It's unproductive and since I've been less focused on them and more focused on YTB, things actually look a whole lot better from where I sit.
While our Traditionalist would like you to believe they are in control, they have in fact lost complete control of an industry they once held very close and dear. I can’t blame many of them for being bitter and angry. They’ve invested years of training, education, time, blood, sweat and tears into a profession they love and respect. I actually believe that the services and time spent in this industry is not only admirable but to be commended. Albert Einstein wrote in his book “The World As I See It
”, “The most important decision we ever make is whether we believe we live in a friendly universe or a hostile universe.” It's become clear who lives in a hostile world, and who lives in a friendly world. While the “good old days” are long gone and some have done very well for themselves in adapting and changing with this industry, we have others who simply want to hang on to a long lost art form that has obviously changed without their permission or desires.
Which brings us to the next two questions in our LOOOOOOOOONG list of control questions from the Traditionalists.
Here is what we’ve gone over so far and if you’ve been following along with this laborious chore.
Question #1 - Why a compensation plan takes 12 pages to define?
Question #2 - How YTB arrived at $226 Million in travel sold for 2006. (Still waiting.)
Question #3 - Why so little of the "training" at the annual convention was for travel. (OK, YTB only believes in training at other meetings. We can let this one go.)
Question #4 - How nearly 150,000 RTAs can pay in the course of 9 months $79 million dollars in website sales, fees, and training; and receive $9.3 million in return. (This is huge...anyone?)
Question #5 - And for those that say I don't get the math, I did not learn how nearly 150,000 people paid in $79 million dollars and only got $64 million in return. (Hello? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?)
Question #6 - Why it is a good thing to have your top executives selling off stock. (There were no takers on this one, so I am gonna assume that it probably is NOT a good thing as everyone initially thought.)
Question #7 - Why a 3:1 split was a good deal when two of the three shares are worthless. (Thanks to Doug for the most reasonable explanation of this. The split may have been a good deal but with the current value of the stock, it is anyone's guess.)
Question #8 - Why employees at YTB could not sell me a cruise on November 9th. (Still no answer on this one yet other than they don’t do anything till an RTA sells it. Well, the YTB site said to call them. Coach in an interview was touting how the res center is all staffed with professional agents. So, why is it that they cannot sell me a cruise, and how is it that they do not know that cruises do not depart from Phoenix?)
Question #9 - Why when presented with facts and figures, the argument mysteriously turns to "you don't understand". (This is another one that we will just have to say...because that is the way it is.)
Question #10 - How many RTAs drop out in a month...a year..... (This number I fear will NEVER be known.)
Question #11 - How long does an RTA continue to pay the fee before canceling? (Answered. They continue to pay as long as YTB continues to charge them and they jump through the hoops to get them to stop.)
Question #12 - How it is a misunderstanding with IATAN and Royal Caribbean. (Answered. It apparently was NOT a misunderstanding and RCCL called a spade a spade and it is what it is. YTB has moved on and said they would never do business with RCCL again.)
Question #13 - How the air gets booked -- through a YTB ARC number or a Travelocity number. (This is the biggie. No answer other than the errant dribble from a director about it being a cruise misunderstanding. When a RTA sells an airline ticket, who's ARC number does the sale get attributed to when processing via IAR...is it a YTB number or a Travelocity number?)
Question #14 - The number of RTAs and Reps that actually comply with local business licensing regulations. (We will let this one go. They cannot control what they say, or their press releases, so why would I be so naive as to think they could control that they abide buy any local laws and statutes? I am going to assume that most attempt to fly under the radar here. In all honesty, I probably would as well. Why invest more money being bonded and registered and in compliance when you are seeing so little in return? It can always be written off as a hobby rather than a business I suppose...hmmmm imagine that...a hobby??)
Question #15 - The number of RTAs that comply with the Seller of Travel laws in the states that have them. (See answer to question above.)
I wanted to combine these two questions for two reasons. One they are related, and two, this is a perfect example of how mud is simply throw up without regard to validity or truth. Take a small sampling of YTB and throw a huge brush over the entire company.
John has no clue, nor do I for that matter how many states have local statues and laws that require licensing. My county for example simply requires a “Special Use Permit” for my home based business. Most States and Counties from the research I’ve done simply want to collect a fee and make sure that you, as a home based business, will not be doing any manufacturing, have employees, or produce heavy stream of customers moving in and out of your premises. As long as the business is run out of your home, and generally fall within the guidelines of the “Special Use Permit”, you should be good to go. You should however, check with your local municipality to see what, if any regulations apply to you.
In regards to the Seller of Travel Laws that John is so concerned about, I did find a nice link which gives a very good general overview of why Seller of Travel Laws exist and what states require them. You will note that all States that require SOT’s are listed at the bottom of all YTB Booking Engines. As long as the travel is booked by the customer from these sites, it is my understanding that YTB and the RTA involved conforms with all SOT’s. If however an RTA does booking direct without the use of the booking engine, the RTA must register their own SOT.
Speaking of SOT’s and Licensing, I’ve been asking John about an update on Rhode Island.
Back in November, John caught wind that Rhode Island is the only state in the country that actually requires a “Travel Agent License”. Being the good “Traditionalist” and “Investigative Journalist” that he is, decided to “blow the whistle” on YTB for not complying with what he believed to be an obvious oversight concerning licensing regulations. You may also “note” that John’s source was not all that reliable, and he had to do some back peddling concerning his initial post. Big surprise there huh?
In a follow up post, John also commented that he wasn’t quite sure what the issue was, but he was certain that there is in fact an issue. He then blamed typical Government run around for not answering his intended question and accusation. (Blaming others...another big surprise.)
I’ve also been following this issue and actually spoke with Kim Sorensen directly about this very subject the very day that this mud was thrown up on the wall. I’ve asked both John and other Traditionalists repeatedly about this issue in recent weeks concerning Rhode Island. I’ve gotten very little response if any concerning answers. Remember, my views and comments don’t count, and I’m either ignored, or cast off as “The Spin Doctor” from the other side. All they claim to know is that the issue is still being worked on.
What our Traditionalist don’t want you to know is that there has been a response from Rhode Island concerning “Travel Agent Licensing” and I think the response is typical of what they have been running up against for the last several months.
And that response is…“Pfft, so what?”
The issue of Bonding and Licensing in Rhode Island is so important to both the State and the industry that the law which requires it should be repealed by years end. All that work, all that fuss, all the spin and mud thrown up that YTB is breaking the law comes down to the State looking at the issue and finding a way to save not only themselves money, but also save what’s left of the Traditionalist in the State a ton of money.
Thanks to John’s efforts both Richard Berstein, executive counsel for the department, and Michael Marques, the department's director, concluded it was time to eliminate agency licensing and bonding "for a myriad of reasons," including the dwindling number of agencies in the state. While Traditionalists would like you to believe that business is booming Rhode Island looked at the stats they have and found a dramatic decline in the number of travel agencies, by about 40% in the last five years, leaving only 80 Agencies left in the entire state.
But what about John’s spin that YTB operates in Rhode Island? YTB does have literally hundreds of YTB RTA’s doing business as Referring Travel Agents in the state. Wouldn’t that add additional revenue to the States $1 Billion deficit?
Apparently, according to Richard Berstein, most states don’t require such licensing and bonding and they are huge competitors for the Agencies that reside in Rhode Island. This would include web sites. (A YTB web site?)
The internet changes things folks. Nancy McAdams, owner of Anchor Travel in Pawtucket, said getting rid of the law would be "good news. ... It is a big chunk of money" to buy the bond and pay licensing fees for employees as well as the agency. She said, "a lot of people from other states are selling in Rhode Island and are probably not licensed." and she’s probably right. I could do a Google search and find Seashore Travel in Florida or Farnesi Travel in New Jersey just as easily with the same product price and service. (All Powered by Online Agency) But Nancy has to pay $10,000 in bonding and Licensing per Agent because her office resides in Rhode Island.
Now I know that our Traditionalists on the other side are going to point out the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes repeal, which is probably why I haven’t seen a post on “Rhode Island – Resolved” as yet. If the governor's budget is accepted in the statehouse with the article that eliminates agency regulation, the licensing law will be effectively repealed anyway. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce can ask the Traditionalists for a little help in boosting the budget?
The issue certainly isn’t over as yet, but it sure doesn’t look good for those Traditionalist who want to hang on to way things “use to be”.
The airlines didn’t care, Internet Web sites don’t care, most of YTB doesn’t care, and now it looks like Rhode Island doesn’t care either.
Is it any wonder why they are so bitter, angry and upset?
Subscribe to Just Picture It Now for additional announcements and details!
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
Book Your Travel & Vacations With
Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635
Labels: Home Based Business, MLM Myths, Travel Agent, Travel MLM, YTB Travel Network
Hey Doug!
As usual, nice job on your blog.
I have given up on reading John's blog because it is a great waste of time to read, analyze and formulate a rebuttal comment or response. I have found that I am much more productive since. John is a narrow-minded contrarian, and no matter what you say or what YTB does, he will not change his attitude or opinion. I only wonder what he would say if we resolve IATAN and reconcile with RCI -- but then again, I don't care. As much effort as John exerts into slaying this dragon, he remains insignificant.
Best always,
David
david@totaltravel.biz
bizteambuilders@gmail.com
Posted by
Anonymous |
Monday, March 10, 2008
Doug;
The way I see it…you’re on a completely different level. While I commend you for trying to help the TTA’s in the industry understand, their minds are already closed to anything new. A mind is like a parachute, it only works when it’s open.
I’m sorry for the falling out you’ve had with John and thought you were making tremendous progress in getting the two sides to come to terms.
Keep up the good work, we in YTB value the work and documentation you have provided for us.
Thank you!
Posted by
Anonymous |
Monday, March 10, 2008
I never understood why you ever liked this guy to begin with. I knew he would stab you in the back.
He's no friend and you're much better off without him.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Monday, March 10, 2008
Doug, why do you only allow YTB members to post on your blog? YTB is not a good business investment, major issues have been brought up that haven't been answered properly, and I keep hearing the same responses from you and YTB. That is very one sided and at least John allows you to post as much as you want on his blog. Communism comes to mind here.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Monday, March 10, 2008
I’ve have many comments on this blog from John, John225, The Vacation Stop, Ann CTC, among others. I will not however allow my blog to become the sewer that John’s has become with bickering, belittling, and mindless chatter. I do require some sort of respect, intelligence, and decorum here.
It’s an open forum.
I do allow all but the most blatant comments here on this blog. I will not allow bickering or belittling of another human being here on my blog.
Those are my rules and this is my blog. If you don’t like it, you can go back to John’s blog, Scam.com, or the Travel Weekly forums to cry and whine over there.
I would respectfully disagree that YTB is not a wise investment. It’s been the best company I have ever had the honor of working with and has allowed me more time to spend with my family and I can’t put a price tag on that.
Any issues you have with YTB are strictly your own. Furthermore, none of these issues concerning YTB have any impact on your life unless you allow them to be. You are not even involved with the company and it controls a vast amount of time and effort.
I wonder how productive you and the rest of the Traditionalist can really be with all this focus on YTB instead of your own business?
Posted by
TravelPro |
Monday, March 10, 2008
I am not a traditionalist. I am not a travel agent. I am not in an MLM. You assume way too much about me. You even called me a whiner. I asked you a question and I got what I expected. How typical of YTB and their unprofessional reps.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What is typical is how Anti-MLM Zealots such as yourself “read” way too much into things.
I never called you a Traditionalist or Travel Agent.
I see that I was correct in not being involved in MLM and being a whiner.
I have to ask how productive it is to consume so much of your time, energy and emotion into something that should have no bearing in your life. You should have absolutely no attachment to YTB or MLM whatsoever, but here you are with bitterness, anger, and resentment.
Again, please take your dysfunctional behavior back to John and Scam.com.
Thank you.
Posted by
TravelPro |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
You keep saying that YTB has no impact on someone's business. I disagree. The whole reason the threads on Travel Weekly, the blog that John started, the threads on scam.com are because of the business practices of YTB ARE affecting the industry.
Minimal training, minimal professionalism (you are one of the few exceptions), minimal committment to selling travel, minimal interest in anything other than recruiting the next Power Team. Yes, it does impact the industry. The Network Marketing concept has no place in travel. You have polluted the waters. You are making a fast buck off of the hard work of suppliers and agents, and when the well runs dry, you and your wonderful Coach will go onto some other scheme to vilify another industry and leave the travel agents (the real ones) to deal with the customers that feel they were deceived.
So yes, Travelpro, it does affect our industry and who are you to tell me that it does not?
You can claim all you want that this is an open blog--and it is your right to not have it--but just because you were caught and now have a few posts from someone that may oppose your guilded view of the world, does not mean that it is open. I think it is obvious that the other blog is open. There are more YTB people calling names and slamming the posts than not. SO go ahead and open it if you like, or keep it closed. It's a great country, you can do what you want.
Last point, I see that you mentioned that YTB allowed you to spend time with your family. That is admirable and a great perk of working from home or for oneself. But I noticed that you did not mention (like a lot of the posters on John's blog) about the tons of money you make in the program. One woudl think that RTAs spend most of their time arranging armoured cars to shuttle the money between their homes and the bansk
Posted by
Anonymous |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Outstanding post Doug. You keep taking the high road and they will eventually understand.
Good job and God Bless!
Posted by
Anonymous |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Anonymous said:
“The Network Marketing concept has no place in travel. You have polluted the waters. You are making a fast buck off of the hard work of suppliers and agents, and when the well runs dry, you and your wonderful Coach will go onto some other scheme to vilify another industry and leave the travel agents (the real ones) to deal with the customers that feel they were deceived.”
I’m sorry that you want to buy into these myths and misconceptions. The same was said last century when AL Williams, now Primerica Financial Services, entered into the Financial Services industry. Insurance Agents were up in arms in the same way our Travel Agents are today. The similarities and parallels are uncanny.
Furthermore, Primerica an MLM is now the largest Financial Services Provider in the world.
Coach, Scott and Kim spent 20 plus years with that company, and now with YTB. (2 companies in 30 years.)
If you’d care to know the facts, (which is strictly up to) you can find them here.
I will be responding and using the rest of your comments in my next post.
Thank you.
Posted by
TravelPro |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Doug;
I honestly don’t know how you can be so calm about all this. With all the bad press, blogs, forums, and negative spin going on about our company I think it’s time something is done about all the lies concerning our company. You seem to be the only one who can come up with the documentation we need and I’ve seen you show how the TTA’s are blowing nothing but hot air. Please don’t give up the good fight, the need to understand! You’re doing awesome and I really enjoy reading your blog and posts.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
You've really started the name calling which is higly unprofessional. I am not a whiner, and as for my time, what about yours? How could you possibly have any time to do business with this blog and the multitude of others you are on? I guess when you're failing, you need to come up with excuse after excuse.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Doug,
I admire your efforts and I appreciate all the information you provide. There is nothing to be discouraged about and the negative is truly a means for lifting us up. I appreciate the slams and the disgruntlement from others. It helps us analyze our choices, appreciate our truths, and instills confidence in our decisions. Not to mention - it keeps us on our toes in order to do what the founders of YTB's intent was - Help Others!!! Keep up the good work and I hope I have an opportunity to meet you someday and shake your hand (and buy you a beverage of your choice).
Travel the world and give back!!!
Posted by
Anonymous |
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Doug “respectfully disagrees” and that’s unprofessional?
I find it interesting you can’t discredit anything Doug’s written about, so you have to attempt to discredit the person.
Why don’t you try sticking with discussing the topics? Oh I get it…it’s because what Doug has is rock solid and you can’t. Therefore you have to attack the person.
What a lame excuse.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The trouble with our anti-mlm friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.
Posted by
Anonymous |
Wednesday, March 12, 2008