Just back from skiing and you seem to be turbocharged! Well done all. The ST article was, of course, excellent. You can send letters to the editor at [email protected]
Here's mine (it does help to respond I think)
Letter to the Editor: for publication
Sir,
Thank you for Robin Henry’s excellent article on Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) firm Forever Living (ST, 6th March 2016). MLMs (Amway, Nuskin, Stella and Dot, Mary Kay, Forever Living and many others) have exploited vulnerable people for years. Working at the fringe of legality these MLMS resemble pyramid schemes whose leaders exploit the lower, downline members. They sell a vision of wealth but use cult techniques to live off their salespeople. MLM members have to pay to join and then pay for testers and samples. They must purchase a set amount of product per month for personal use. Above all they must pay for training and motivational functions. Your article mentioned “ Success Express events at which the top-selling “Forever business owners” (FBOs) give triumphant speeches to packed-out auditoriums.” FBOs must pay to attend these events and the “packed-out auditoriums” are a sure money-spinner for the MLM.
Forever Living, in particular, has spurred a fightback from women who object to its targeting of vulnerable new mums (see enclosed advertisement). Those fighting back have created an excellent parody MLM called Timeless VIE and are spreading the truth about MLMs - via Facebook and mumsnet.com especially. Anyway, thank you again, and please continue as a full investigation of MLMs is long overdue and your article was an excellent start!
Yours etc.