Your Upline Vs. Joecool?

 Who is the most beneficial to society as a whole? Rather than an upline who fills a prospect's mind with hopes and fantasies that will never come true, Joecool shares his experiences, facts, and opinions about Amway. This lets IBOs to make informed judgments about whether or not to get engaged in the Amway opportunity. The purpose of this website is not to persuade someone to quit or not join; rather, it is to present information that will allow an IBO or information seeker to have full disclosure before committing time and/or money to this business enterprise. Due to my experience as an IBO and the fact that I have grown my business to a level of 4000 PV, I believe I am competent to talk on the subject. The majority of people feel that doing due diligence before starting a business is essential for anyone who wants to be successful.

When you stop to think about it, Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs) can really unknowingly contribute to the decline of their local economy. See, an IBO now spends approximately $300 or more each month on products that are provided by Amway, a Michigan-based firm. Those purchases may have been made at local food stores or retailers if they had been made elsewhere. Those purchases would assist in paying the wages of the local employees. Second, IBOs that spend several hundreds of dollars on conferences and meetings, as well as standing orders, voicemail, and other such expenses, wind up funnelling more money to their uplines in some fashion. As a result, instead of going to the movies or having a nice supper at a local restaurant, IBOs send their money elsewhere, which has a negative impact on the local economy. It's excellent for Amway, but I'm very certain that the influence on the local economy will be significant when a period of time has elapsed.

This would be different if a large number of IBOs genuinely made a lot of money and were able to spend it on themselves and on charitable causes in their communities. I've heard many stories about IBOs being told to put off donating their time and money to charity until they reach the diamond level, at which point they will be able to make ten thousand dollar donations to their local church. Unfortunately, so few individuals ever make a big income through Amway, and of those who do, I'm curious how many of them actually follow through on their pledge to contribute ten thousand dollar cheques to charity. I have a feeling the answer is a very, very small number. Instead, it appears that many diamonds prefer to provide for their own pleasure, as evidenced by the types of toys and luxury that they display at parties.

So, who is the more charitable of the two? A Joecool who gives away free information that can be of assistance to others? Also, what about uplines who may mislead or fool people into joining so that they may make a lot of money selling equipment to them?

The Least Efficient Way To Do Business?

 Back more than a dozen years ago, the proposal was presented to me as a possibility. I recall the speaker talking about how you may profit from distribution efficiencies in order to increase your profits. We, as independent business owners, would simply eliminate the intermediary, and the savings would be passed on to us. When reduced to its most basic form, it made logic, and the audience was misled into believing that purchasing Amway items would genuinely result in financial savings. Even if the entire globe joined Amway, the speakers said that even the last person to sign up would profit from the savings. Looking back, it appears that most of it was based on dishonesty and lies. And to think that people now and in the past paid a lot of money for training on how to become, in my opinion, the least efficient mode of product distribution.

We recently sat down to watch the Super Bowl. Furthermore, as you are already aware, Super Bowl advertising can cost millions of dollars. But do you know why this is so? This is due to the fact that hundreds of millions of people all over the world are watching the Super Bowl. Companies are most likely putting their best employees to work on making these commercials since they want to leave a lasting impact on their target audiences. These advertisements are still generating significant revenue today, indicating that they are effective marketing strategies that are still effective.

Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs) advertise from person to person, one person at a time.

What are the possibilities that an IBO will ever move a large volume of product or be able to reach out to possible new downline when they prospect one-on-one, face to face, and one at a time when they prospect person to person? That, in my opinion, is the most inefficient method of expanding a firm. And, let's face it, Amway's restrictions aren't very helpful when you aren't allowed to advertise online without special authorization, and you aren't allowed to sell stuff on sites like Ebay or Craigslist either. Being inefficient in today's technology civilization appears to be virtually crippling in today's society.

Even your cherished uplines, at your expense, operate in the most inefficient manner possible to maximise profits. Who needs voicemail when we have social media platforms such as Facebook, email, Twitter, and text messaging? Not to mention the additional costs that IBOs incur as a result of these antiquated systems. Another question is why people need to drive large distances for meetings and functions when they can use video conferencing, skype, or webcams. The solution is straightforward: your upline may not care about your achievement; they may simply be interested in your money. All of the training and incentive is a profit centre for upline, and upgrading their tools would only serve to cut their tool profit margins even further.

You could try approaching your upline with this question. Why do we continue to rely on the most expensive and inefficient methods of conducting business and communicating with one another? I'd be interested in hearing the response to that question.

Justifying Yourself?

 When our upline diamond used to talk about how people rationalise their actions, I thought it was fascinating. They'll compare themselves to a neighbour or a coworker in order to convince themselves that they're doing OK. Alternatively, they may argue that because they attended public school, public school is sufficient for their children. Alternatively, a guy might react to a wife's wish to visit Alaska by advising her to check the freezer if she wants to see ice, if she wants to see ice. We justify our actions by identifying someone who is either equal to or worse off than ourselves. It makes us feel better to realise that we aren't in such dire straits after all.

Then your superiors will advise you that you should work hard to improve, which is a positive thing. Ironically, they'll also tell you that the only way to improve your situation is to become a member of Amway and become immersed in the tool system. While there may be an initial rush of enthusiasm and ecstasy, this quickly wears off, especially when the promised instant earnings and development in the business never materialise for the majority of people. People who resign are labelled as losers or failures by their uplines, who ingeniously use this to their advantage to keep you engaged and active in the game. Their tools will persuade you that you should never give up and that you will eventually succeed if you keep pushing forward. Amway's standing orders are brimming with anecdotes of men who were broke when they joined the company. They struggled at first but never gave up, and now they are diamonds who live large and only attend functions out of love for their downline. Don't you ever wonder why no one can name the folks who truly started a diamond business and then walked away with a large sum of money and a happy life in the process? These individuals do not appear to exist in reality, in my opinion.

The IBOs then attempt to rationalise their financial losses, which is unfortunate but ironic. The expressions are often used. I am a kinder person, and I am a better father and husband as a result of this transformation. I am carrying out God's work (Is Amway carrying out God's work?). Being a part of Amway taught me a lot about business. There are many good reasons given by people to explain their involvement in Amway and the systems, but producing a good income is rarely one of them, if ever. Occasionally, I hear ludicrous income claims, but not a single IBO has ever offered any evidence or confirmation of their claimed earnings.

Yet another justification offered by IBOs is that Amway products are the best available, and hence they are the most expensive. Also, the concentration factor (I hope you don't spill any) is used to explain the expense. Although product quality is subjective, many people are not concerned with it when it comes to everyday household items such as bar soap, which is a good thing. WalMart and Costco are hugely successful because they provide excellent value at a low price. When you observe independent company owners (IBOs) in action, it can be rather amusing to see them defend their products and business opportunities.

Obviously, it's a difficult sell in North America, where Amway sales appear to be declining, and even with the national advertising effort, I'm not certain that a major difference was made. Here's something to consider. The tagline of WalMart is "Live better, save money." The slogan of Amway is "Now you know." That's all there is to it!

Justifying oneself to others, particularly in the face of criticism or opposition from those around you, can be a difficult and tough endeavor. It is possible to have the impression that you are always defending the choices, behaviors, or views you have made. Nevertheless, the ability to justify yourself is a crucial talent for developing healthy relationships, preserving one's self-esteem, and speaking up for one's beliefs and principles. In this post, we are going to discuss the significance of justifying yourself, when it is appropriate to do so, and how to do so in an efficient manner.

To begin, it is necessary to have a fundamental comprehension of the relevance of justifying oneself. You are able to express your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and others are able to grasp what you are trying to communicate when you justify them. This assists you in gaining clarity regarding your goals, beliefs, and values. It is essential for the development of healthy relationships since it fosters communication, understanding, and respect amongst the parties involved. Justifying yourself gives you the opportunity to assert yourself and express your originality, both of which can contribute to a rise in your self-esteem and confidence.

There are many different scenarios in which it is possible that you will need to excuse yourself. When you are confronted with opposition or criticism from other people, this is one of the most prevalent types of scenarios. This may take place in a person's personal life, in social settings, or in their work life. It's possible, for instance, that your partner could criticize your choice to accept a job offer in a distant place, or that your supervisor will challenge your strategy for completing a project. Justifying oneself in these circumstances can help you explain your rationale, clear up any misunderstandings, and demonstrate that you have the necessary skills.

When you are accused of something that you did not do or say, you are another circumstance in which it is possible that you may need to justify yourself. In this situation, it is absolutely necessary to dispel the misunderstanding and articulate your point of view. Restoring your credibility and protecting your reputation in this circumstance can be accomplished by arguing your side of the story and clearing up any misunderstandings that may have arisen.

In conclusion, it is possible that you will need to justify yourself when you are required to defend the principles or ideals that you hold dear. If you find yourself in a social or political setting in which you are forced to defend your view or stand on a particular issue, you may find yourself in this situation. Justifying oneself in these kinds of circumstances can assist you in asserting your position, expressing your principles, and fostering healthy discourse.

Let's take a look at how to properly justify oneself now that we've discussed the significance of the topic and the circumstances in which it would be required to do so. Justification that is persuasive relies on a number of essential components, including the following:

Make sure your objectives are clear: It is crucial to make sure your intentions are clear before you try to justify yourself. Ask yourself why you did or said what you did and what you were intending to achieve by acting in the way that you did or saying what you did. This will make it easier for you to explain the reasons for your actions or ideas.

You need to present proof to support your statements in order to properly justify yourself. In other words, you need to provide evidence. This may take the shape of data, facts, or even one's own personal experiences. It is possible to illustrate the legitimacy of your position by providing evidence to support it.

Maintain your composure It is absolutely necessary to maintain your composure while you are justifying yourself. If you become defensive or emotional, it will be more difficult for you to successfully explain yourself, and others will be less inclined to listen to what you have to say as a result. Take a few slow, deep breaths, center yourself, and concentrate on articulating your thoughts in a way that is understandable.

Active listening isn't only about expressing yourself; it's also about hearing what other people have to say. Justifying yourself requires both. Actively pay attention to the concerns, questions, and objections that they have. This will assist you in understanding their perspective, allowing you to respond in a more appropriate manner.

Recognize the validity of alternative points of view; defending your position does not imply ignoring the thoughts and experiences of other people. Recognize the validity of alternative points of view, even if you disagree with them. This will contribute to the promotion of understanding and constructive discourse.

In conclusion, being able to defend oneself is an important skill that can assist you in developing good relationships, preserving your sense of self-worth, and advocating for the things that are important to you. In circumstances in which you are subjected to criticism or resistance, accused of something that you have not done, or required to defend your views or ideals, it is vital for you to do so. Clarifying your aims, offering facts, remaining calm, actively listening, and admitting the validity of other points of view are all essential components of an effective justification. Simply by becoming an expert in the art of justifying oneself,

Is The Truth "Negative"?

 One of the ridiculous things that Amway Independent Business Owners are taught is to avoid being negative. I believe this is something that is taught today by uplines, and it was certainly something that was stressed throughout my time as an IBO. It would be said by the upline diamond that the world is full of negatives and that we as individuals take in far too much of these negatives. As a result, the IBOs were instructed to abstain from watching television, reading newspapers, and engaging in other forms of communication with the outside world. The group was also instructed to avoid conversing with anyone who had an unfavourable opinion about Amway. As a result, many people have labelled Amway groups such as WWDB or N21 as cultish or cult-like in their approach (information deprivation or information control).

I can understand that you don't want to exclusively take in negative information since it can tyre you down, but not watching the news or reading about current events in the newspaper makes you indifferent and misinformed, and I can understand that. For example, wouldn't you want to know if a storm was heading your way and whether you should prepare for it? I live in Hawaii, where hurricanes do occur from time to time. Staying away from the news could be extremely destructive to your family and house. You would want and need to know if a tornado was going your way if you lived in the midwest of the United States, wouldn't you? Do you avoid going to the doctor because he might not give you a "positive" appraisal of your health? As a result, I feel that many Amwayers walk around with a mask on their face and a phoney smile on their face, trying to appear unduly optimistic.

In addition, many IBOs are unable to discriminate between the negative and the truth, which is an extremely critical distinction. If your wife inquires as to whether her new dress makes her appear overweight, the truth may be that the new dress does, in fact, make her appear overweight. Even though it may be difficult for you to give that answer, you must do so because the truth is the truth. The truth might be either positive or negative at times, but the truth is always the truth.

The majority of IBOs make less than $100 each month. That is the absolute truth. Most independent business owners (IBOs) lose money if they participate in functions, standing orders, and other similar activities. That is the absolute truth. The majority of independent business owners will never even sponsor a downline. That is the absolute truth. The majority of IBOs, despite their high levels of desire and ambition, will never see their goals realised. That is the absolute truth. Many upline diamonds, who counsel IBOs to acquire tools and attend functions, and who fill the IBOs' heads with visions, earn a substantial amount of money from the selling of tools and attending functions. That is also the truth in this case. In a one-year period, nearly half of all independent business owners (IBOs) will resign in the first year. That is the absolute truth.

Is it a bad thing to be honest with yourself? Or are IBOs incapable of dealing with the truth?

Are You A Glorified Amway Customer?

 IBO is an abbreviation for Independent Business Owner. The vast majority of Amway representatives consider themselves IBOs, or independent business owners. For some, the idea of owning a business is appealing. It appears as though you are accomplishing something, and it may even appear as though being a business owner confers some sort of social standing. It is one of the factors that may persuade someone to join the Amway opportunity, and it is a valid cause. It was a minor aspect in piqueing my interest when I was first presented with the "plan" several years ago. Nevertheless, are you truly a business owner operating an Amway firm?

According to what I've seen and heard on Amway-related websites and forums, the vast majority of people who are involved in the Amway opportunity are not entrepreneurs. They are merely customers in this case. They are clients of Amway, and they are customers of the system, which includes voicemail, CDs/audios, books, and seminars, among other features and services. Is this all a little confusing? Consider the implications of this. Many groups encourage people to "purchase from themselves" and to persuade others to do the same. In the event that you are a member of one of these organisations, you are being educated to be a loyal Amway and system customer, and nothing more or less. By providing you a small rebate every month, both Amway and the system profit from your continued patronage, and they deceive you into believing that you are getting a fantastic price on your purchases. If you are successful in recruiting enough gullible people into your downline, you will eventually be able to leverage their purchases in order to generate a little profit. While it is possible to build an impressive fan base, this will come at the expense of the people who put their trust in you enough to join up and follow your updates.

If you take a moment to consider the nature of a business, you will realise that it cannot survive without clients.. I can't think of any enterprises where there are little or no customers, and I'm sorry. What makes you think the Amway opportunity will be any different? If you are your own greatest customer, or if you are your only customer, you may not even be considered a business owner, but rather a customer of Amway and a customer of the system in general. Consider the following for a moment. If you don't have any actual clients, any bonus you earn has to come from your own pocket or the pocket of any downline you may have sponsored. Is this a description of your company's operations?

Without any sales to non-IBO consumers, all profit generated by the Amway system is merely taken out of the pockets of the people who work in the system. When you receive a rebate, you are merely reclaiming a portion of your original investment. You have not made any actual money as a result of your efforts. Selling to third-party customers is the only method to create significant income. This injects money into the system, or the "Amway economy," if you will, allowing it to grow. If this is not the case, an IBO is simply a glorified client who generates revenues for Amway and the tools systems.

So, do you consider yourself a business owner or a customer?

Companies that engage in multi-level marketing, also known as MLM, have been in existence for many years. These businesses give people the opportunity to work for themselves and attain financial independence. Amway, which has been in operation since 1959, is widely regarded as one of the most successful multi-level marketing firms. Some people have been able to make a living off of Amway and other multi-level marketing firms, while others have become what are known as glorified Amway customers.

Therefore, exactly what does it mean to be a glorified Amway customer? In its most basic form, it refers to a person who registers with Amway to become a distributor but who does not actually go on to develop a business. Instead, they stick to making standard purchases from Amway in the hope of accruing sufficient savings to make the business worthwhile. These individuals may participate in Amway meetings and events and may even recruit a few people here and there, but their business is never actually taken to the next level by any means.

There are several different paths that might lead to an individual becoming a glorified Amway consumer. To begin, it's possible that they lack the knowledge and experience required to establish a lucrative multi-level marketing (MLM) firm. In order to be successful with multi-level marketing (MLM) organizations like Amway, one needs to dedicate a large amount of time and effort, in addition to having excellent sales and networking skills. Becoming a glorified Amway customer may appear to be the easier and more enticing choice for individuals who do not possess these abilities or who are unwilling to put in the necessary work.

Because they actually take pleasure in using the items is still another reason why someone might become a glorified Amway customer. Amway provides its customers with a diverse selection of goods, such as dietary supplements, products for beauty and personal care, and cleaning supplies for the home. Some people can join Amway for no other reason than the fact that they like the level of quality offered by these products and wish to get a better deal on them. On the other hand, this might soon become a problem for the individual if they are spending a greater amount of money on Amway products than they are actually making in discounts.

It is essential to emphasize the fact that turning into a glorified Amway consumer is not necessarily a negative thing to do in and of itself. If a person is content with buying things from Amway and obtaining a tiny discount on those purchases, then there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is essential for individuals to be informed of the possible drawbacks of multi-level marketing (MLM) organizations such as Amway and to comprehend the fact that developing a successful business with one of these companies needs a great amount of time, effort, and expertise.

One of the most significant issues that frequently arise with multi-level marketing firms like Amway is the fact that the generation of revenue frequently depends on the recruitment of new members. This indicates that those who join Amway are typically urged to recruit their friends and family members to also join Amway with them. Even though this may appear to be a smart approach to establish a company at first glance, it has the potential to quickly become problematic if people are recruiting others for the sole purpose of earning a commission rather than because they actually believe in the products or the business opportunity.

Another problem with multi-level marketing (MLM) organizations like Amway is that their compensation structures are frequently overly complicated and difficult for individual customers to grasp. This might make it challenging for individuals to precisely forecast their prospective profits, which may result in dissatisfaction if the individuals find that their earnings are not as high as they had imagined they would be. Additionally, in order to continue being eligible for income, certain multi-level marketing (MLM) organizations need individuals to purchase a predetermined quantity of merchandise each month. Because of this, those who are already having trouble making ends meet may find themselves in an even more precarious financial situation, which can be a source of stress for them.

In conclusion, becoming a glorified Amway consumer is not necessarily a negative thing, as long as folks are aware of the possible dangers of MLM firms and realize the amount of time, effort, and skill required to develop a successful business. Amway is a multi-level marketing company that sells its products through a network of independent sales representatives. It is essential for individuals to do an in-depth analysis of the motivations behind their decision to become an Amway distributor and to maintain an honest perspective regarding the earnings possibilities available to them. In the end, the decision to sign up with a multi-level marketing organization like Amway should not just be motivated by the desire to get a discount on items; rather, it should be founded on a real belief in both the products and the business potential.

Get It In Writing?

 An example of what Independent Business Owners can do when they notice their upline leaders making promises and guarantees about the system is shown below. Inquire as to whether they will put it in writing and what they will guarantee. It's simple to stand on a stage and claim that running a business is straightforward or a piece of cake. That purchasing tools and attending functions almost guarantees success is a given. Inquire with your sponsor or upline as to what you will receive specifically if you follow their recommendations and the results are not there.

Uplines will always find a way to justify their actions by claiming that you did not follow their instructions to the letter, and that any failure is your own fault. I find it amusing that these leaders are quick to claim credit if any of their subordinates achieve success. Like playing a game of heads I win, tails you lose, it's the same thing. There is always an excuse built in for the upline. This wouldn't be nearly as wicked if the uplines didn't make their fortunes from the sale of tools and functions to their customers.

Even more importantly, when it comes to writing, have you ever seen a formal tools contract that specifies how you qualify for and the compensation that would be earned if you are successful? To my knowledge, platinums are only entitled to a portion of the standing orders; they do not receive any further compensation. What is it about some of these situations that is so shrouded in secrecy? It's a little like the legend of Sasquatch, really. Many people have heard of it, and some have even claimed to have seen it, but there is no solid evidence to support its claim to exist.

Amway supporters and defenders frequently criticise my site, claiming that it may discourage individuals from joining Amway if they are aware of the reality about the company. People who have been fooled or lied to about Amway and who have joined just to lose money, regardless of the amount of effort they have put in, deserve to be held accountable. As an example, my former sponsor worked in the business hard core for more than two decades. I'm curious as to what kinds of losses he endured as a result of his efforts and sacrifices in the past. Prior to joining the WWDB, he was actively involved, and at that time, WWDB management flatly denied that any tool profits were being generated by the company.

Is your upline making unbelievable claims? You can ask for written promises and assurances from them, but you will not receive any.

The expression "get it in writing" is frequently used to underline the significance of having a formal agreement or contract in place to eliminate the possibility of misunderstandings or disagreements arising in the future. This adage is especially pertinent when considered within the framework of the Amway business.

It is essential for you, as an Amway Independent Business Owner, to have a formal agreement or contract with the IBOs in your upline and downline in order to define your obligations, expectations, and compensation levels. This agreement ought to address subjects like commission rates, product returns, how the agreement can be terminated, and the usage of trademarks and logos.

Because all parties concerned will have a crystal clear grasp of the terms and circumstances of their connection, having a formal agreement between IBOs can help prevent misunderstandings and arguments amongst those involved in the partnership. In the event that a dispute arises, it can also act as a point of reference, and it can assist in the protection of IBOs from any unethical or unlawful action on the part of their upline or downline.

IBOs should make it a priority to collect written evidence of any promises or assurances given by their upline or downline IBOs. This is another reason why it is essential for them to do so. This may provide assurances on revenue, product quality, or assistance for the enterprise. IBOs are able to keep their upline and downline accountable for their commitments and ensure that they realize the benefits that were promised to them when they obtain these pledges in writing.

In addition, Independent Business Owners (IBOs) need to be aware of any verbal commitments or pledges made by their upline or downline, as it will be difficult to verify these statements in the event of a dispute. Even if the other person seems trustworthy and the relationship appears to be cordial, it is critical to insistence on a formal agreement between the two of you.

In conclusion, one of the most important steps that Independent Business Owners of Amway can take to protect themselves and make certain that they will obtain the business benefits that were promised to them is to get all of their agreements and commitments put in writing. Having a written agreement can assist Independent Business Owners (IBOs) achieve their financial goals and be successful, despite the fact that it may appear cumbersome or unnecessary. It can help prevent misunderstandings, disagreements, and unethical activity.

Edification?

 Edification. During my time in the Amway business, we witnessed a large number of Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs) become edified, including myself. The feeling you got when your upline platinum or diamond said something that made you stand out in a crowd was unquestionably wonderful! One such instance is the promotion of an IBO who had resigned his job to attend a significant function, according to my memory. As a result of his boss' refusal to allow him to take vacation time, he was unable to attend the celebration. I recall Brad Wolgamott telling folks that it was just a job, that they should attend the function and then find another one (job). I recall a man who was edified by the diamonds at a family reunion celebration. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but instead of staying at home and moaning and complaining, he was at an Amway function, making a difference in the world, as they would say. However, in retrospect, I honestly feel that the upline's goals were to uplift individuals who went to great lengths to spend money on tools or functions in order to advance their careers.

In other words, you are paying for your own enlightenment. Of course, when I say that you are purchasing your edification, I am not implying that you are doing it in dollars. It can be expressed either in terms of currency or in terms of time. Consider the following examples: you may have been edified by listening to 15 standing orders in one day, or you may have been edified by driving the kilometres to show plans, even though the guest failed to appear. I also recall some IBOs in the group getting edified for personal use of 1000 PV in a month, which I believe was the case. I honestly don't know how somebody could feasibly produce 1000 PV in personal use without spending a lot of money on some high-end equipment or software. I'm talking about how much SA8 or LOC anybody can consume in a month. While it's possible to make Nutrilite vitamins your primary source of nutrition or something along those lines and move a significant amount of PV, it's absurd to spend that much money for personal consumption.

So, how far are you willing to go in order to get more educated? For my upline sponsor, it was the reason he got up in the morning. My sponsor was/is a physician, and as such, he could live comfortably without the help of Amway, but he was more interested in the recognition and edification that the company provided. When he was asked to speak at a gathering, he jumped at the opportunity. According to him, the fantasy of performing on stage as a diamond was far more significant to him than the money he was earning. Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, he never progressed past the platinum level, and at the time of writing, he had less than 4000 PV. Whatever your vision or motivation for establishing Amway, I honestly believe you should consider the financial implications of doing so. In order to go diamond, you wouldn't, for example, sell your soul to the devil in exchange for money. I actually wonder how my former sponsor feels these days now that our upline diamond (his hero) has moved to Washington and he cannot spend much time with him anymore?

The expense of edification at Amway is too expensive. Are you willing to shoulder the financial burden? I'm pleased I woke up and realised that there are far better ways to spend my time, money, and effort than I had previously considered. Joecool's blog is one of the better things. :-)