NONE: Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Question of ethics...
Re: ONLINE-ADS>> Question of ethics...
Chris Waage (cwaage_at_examiner.net)
Fri, 8 Aug 1997 07:52:34 -0500 (CDT)
You may want to check the policies of your MLM's corporate sponsor. Many
MLM's have a set policy with regard to electronic media advertising, so I'd
play it safe.
Personally, I feel that using other MLM's names in meta-tags would be
deceptive and most people, when looking for a specific MLM would be HIGHLY
unlikely to check out another when they are directed to it's web site by
false or misleading information. Also, this decreases your personal
credibility due to the false or misleading meta-information.
MLM has struggled for years with false and misleading information due to
the unethical behavior of a few individuals. For example, Amway is one of
the most respected corporations ($6.5 billion retail volume in 1996
alone!), but due to the unethical practices of a few individuals, Amway has
a rather poor name association. Whether it is Mela-Luka (sp?), Excel, NSA,
Primerica Financial Services or any of the thousands of MLM's out there
today, the major drawback to MLM is that, because of the minimal up-front
investment, anyone can participate. This often attracts either unethical
or patently dishonest individuals just out to make a quick buck. The best
of the MLM's, no matter which corporate entity is backing it, stress the
personal nature of the business and the fact that the surest way to build a
successful downline is to build relationships.
I've rambled enough, but I would agree with your original statement ". . .
I find this highly unethical . . ." Depending on the structure of your
particular MLM, I would check further upline to see if this is truly an
accepted policy, or merely the idea of one individual.
Best of luck!
Chris
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