"Huns” are people involved in multi-level marketing schemes, so named for the dreaded “Hey Hun!” messages"
Thank you for that clarification. I was seriously wondering how these annoying and corrupt people were the equivalent of a massive brutal bloody short-lived empire.
I was watching some video of a guy making fun of right-wing vlog people. The vlogger was (pretending to be) horrified by a school district where they taught about capitalism, communism, socialism, etc, in their econ curriculum and intended to let the kids come to their own conclusions.
The guy was upset because it was so obvious to him that capitalism is the only thing children should be allowed to know about because everything other than capitalism is evil (for reasons he didn't seem to be able to say). I'm thinking, "Opposite, dude."
Honestly, I'm losing faith in capitalism entirely. Instead of a nice way to encourage economic development, capitalism has become a deadly rule that we should allow every possible variation of economic kudzu do anything they want to us at any time. Capitalism is the reason we allow Hobby Lobby to exist. Capitalism is the reason we can't have decent labor unions. Capitalism is, arguably, the most destructive force in history, viz, the environment.
There is no question that it has made us a wealthy country. It has also created a new kind of slavery. It has also ruined craft fairs. Capitalism is ruining everything.
Betsy Devos was in charge, on behalf of Tiny Hands, of creating enough dumb Americans who would grow up to buy and sell in this market of wingnut unemployables. Thanks, Republicans.
I have a Cutco story. I worked as a legal secretary in downtown Tampa for a year between college and law school. One lunch hour on a nice day, I was sitting outside enjoying the air when a man approached me and started talking to me. As it turned out, he was author Rick Shenkman putting food on the table etc. until his first book, "One-Night Stands with American History: Odd, Amusing and Little-Known Incidents" came out. I still have the knife, and it still cuts, so at least that part of their marketing seems to work. I'm sorry, though not shocked, to hear that they're just another exploiter of people.
Edit: I almost forgot the most important part. He said he'd be just as happy if I'd buy his book when it became available rather than the knife. I foolishly never wound up buying the book, but I've remembered him all these years later as an interesting and decent guy.
This crap occasionally shows up at our local farmer’s market and we have had to make certain that the people running the market prevent it in future, and when they come in under false pretenses - gasp! - they get told to vacate w/o getting their space rent back.
It’s worked so far but we had one Amway person who was threatening to litigate; I gather that the attorney for the market pointed out that the contract they signed forbade certain sorts of things, and their business was among those. They got pissy and came back with signs claiming discrimination, and got laughed out of the parking lot.
someone didn't get their money back from Amway when sales weren't as easy as they made it sound (I'm dealing with a few medical device finance companies that may cause me to bankrupt the business I tried to build over the past 18 years because I keep buying magic beans)
I don't know about ruining rather than invading, but I've definitely seen tupperware at the farmer's market and luluroe at a craft fair. Maybe one of those scented whatzits, too, though I tend avoid most of them so I only know one, who's definitely making her own soaps and stuff. Or was. She may be retired; i didn't go to the farmer's market or crafty markets this year because of soccer conflicts, and very few over the last couple years previous
There are over 5000 MLM companies in the USA they all exploit women, teach manipulating sales techniques and the only ones who make money are the top tier in the pyramid. Guess it’s the American way since the pyramid does appear on our money but I loathe the schemes. Craft fairs should be for home made items only!
Ta, Robyn. I can't even count all the MLM schemes into which people have tried to rope me; I hoped out of all of them. I had no idea they'd invaded the craft fairs.
The same thing is happening on Etsy online. Not surprisingly, Etsy just reported flat sales for its quarter. That's what happens when you take a place for handmade and vintage and turn it over to people selling mass-market crap.
I love Etsy for unique gifts or just unique things in general, and supporting small artisans/vendors. Super disappointed, but not surprised, MLMs have invaded there too.
This really hits home. My ex used to take me to flea markets a lot, she made jewelry and was an amazing "picker" (somebody who was expert at sifting all the junk and extracting the collectables, specializing in mid-century and Atomic Age designs) to clean up and sell on for multiples of the pittances she bought them for. More and more, though, we saw these expanded garage sales being infiltrated with booths full of brand new dollar store tat picked out of a catalogue. Imagine an acre of booths featuring antique furniture, garments and toys and how the ones selling Chinese-made plastic junk, crappy knockoff work gloves, and brand new sportsball team regalia stuck out like cold sores.
I went along to help with the loading and unloading and to man the booth when she went shopping or shmoozing, just watching that her stuff didn't get pilfered and saying "I'm sorry, I don't know what the price on that is, my wife will be back in a couple of minutes" over and over, and cruising the books,
not always fruitlessly. My two best winter coats were bought at flea markets for pittances, a big very warm parka for $7 and a dressy black Burberry for $5.
Hubs and I used to do that too, and started seeing more and more new crap and less legitimate good junk. My guess is they are able to pay more for a booth space & the flea market venue isn't turning it down. Sad.
The best dollar I ever spent was at the old San Jose flea market. I found a cast iron dutch oven, complete with lid and trivet, for $1. It needed some cleaning and re-seasoning, but I still use it frequently. And as a bonus, the lid fits my old cast iron skillet, inherited from my mother-in-law.
Congratulations on your excellent luck. That is the sort of thing that makes flea markets worth your time, not the vendors with a van full of new junk.
I worked for a company that did some work for It Works!.
HIGHLIGHTS:
An executive told us we were forbidden to use the phrase "pyramid scheme" around this client.
Lots of time creating graphics congratulating people for hitting quadruple diamond raspberry platinum status.
A PPT where the management team describes themselves as "A close knit family like the Trumps"
So so so glad I don't work there anymore.
"Huns” are people involved in multi-level marketing schemes, so named for the dreaded “Hey Hun!” messages"
Thank you for that clarification. I was seriously wondering how these annoying and corrupt people were the equivalent of a massive brutal bloody short-lived empire.
Also, "trauma dumping" is a new concept to me.
"Also, "trauma dumping" is a new concept to me. "
Sounds like the modern version of guilt-tripping..
I was watching some video of a guy making fun of right-wing vlog people. The vlogger was (pretending to be) horrified by a school district where they taught about capitalism, communism, socialism, etc, in their econ curriculum and intended to let the kids come to their own conclusions.
The guy was upset because it was so obvious to him that capitalism is the only thing children should be allowed to know about because everything other than capitalism is evil (for reasons he didn't seem to be able to say). I'm thinking, "Opposite, dude."
Honestly, I'm losing faith in capitalism entirely. Instead of a nice way to encourage economic development, capitalism has become a deadly rule that we should allow every possible variation of economic kudzu do anything they want to us at any time. Capitalism is the reason we allow Hobby Lobby to exist. Capitalism is the reason we can't have decent labor unions. Capitalism is, arguably, the most destructive force in history, viz, the environment.
There is no question that it has made us a wealthy country. It has also created a new kind of slavery. It has also ruined craft fairs. Capitalism is ruining everything.
Betsy Devos was in charge, on behalf of Tiny Hands, of creating enough dumb Americans who would grow up to buy and sell in this market of wingnut unemployables. Thanks, Republicans.
I have a Cutco story. I worked as a legal secretary in downtown Tampa for a year between college and law school. One lunch hour on a nice day, I was sitting outside enjoying the air when a man approached me and started talking to me. As it turned out, he was author Rick Shenkman putting food on the table etc. until his first book, "One-Night Stands with American History: Odd, Amusing and Little-Known Incidents" came out. I still have the knife, and it still cuts, so at least that part of their marketing seems to work. I'm sorry, though not shocked, to hear that they're just another exploiter of people.
Edit: I almost forgot the most important part. He said he'd be just as happy if I'd buy his book when it became available rather than the knife. I foolishly never wound up buying the book, but I've remembered him all these years later as an interesting and decent guy.
This crap occasionally shows up at our local farmer’s market and we have had to make certain that the people running the market prevent it in future, and when they come in under false pretenses - gasp! - they get told to vacate w/o getting their space rent back.
It’s worked so far but we had one Amway person who was threatening to litigate; I gather that the attorney for the market pointed out that the contract they signed forbade certain sorts of things, and their business was among those. They got pissy and came back with signs claiming discrimination, and got laughed out of the parking lot.
someone didn't get their money back from Amway when sales weren't as easy as they made it sound (I'm dealing with a few medical device finance companies that may cause me to bankrupt the business I tried to build over the past 18 years because I keep buying magic beans)
I do not understand your situation but still express my sympathy. 18 years of building is a hella long time.
I don't know about ruining rather than invading, but I've definitely seen tupperware at the farmer's market and luluroe at a craft fair. Maybe one of those scented whatzits, too, though I tend avoid most of them so I only know one, who's definitely making her own soaps and stuff. Or was. She may be retired; i didn't go to the farmer's market or crafty markets this year because of soccer conflicts, and very few over the last couple years previous
I think the arts and crafts show downtown may be keeping them out; can't remember any there. But then, my town isn't so small.
Whenever there is something decent ,no matter what or where, there is always some conservative doing their damnedest to fuck it up.
“ The method itself, by the way, is nothing revolutionary — it’s just basic color correction and using that instead of foundation or concealer..”
Robyn, you are adorable. Some solid make-up advice squeezed into an incisive social commentary.
My daughter makes jewelry. I’ll warn her about these groups.
There are over 5000 MLM companies in the USA they all exploit women, teach manipulating sales techniques and the only ones who make money are the top tier in the pyramid. Guess it’s the American way since the pyramid does appear on our money but I loathe the schemes. Craft fairs should be for home made items only!
Ta, Robyn. I can't even count all the MLM schemes into which people have tried to rope me; I hoped out of all of them. I had no idea they'd invaded the craft fairs.
It's happening at 'farmers markets' too! ... and, AND! RW political dicks are getting booths too. totally f's up the 'local market vibe!'
While I've got you all gathered here have you heard the the good news of Scientology?
The only good news about Scientology I want to hear is that it is pining for the fjords.
No, but I'd be happy to listen if you buy some Amway products from me
Did a short (2 week) Navy Reserve cruise on a destroyer back in the 70's. Seemed as tho everyone on the ship was trying to sell Amway to each other,
The same thing is happening on Etsy online. Not surprisingly, Etsy just reported flat sales for its quarter. That's what happens when you take a place for handmade and vintage and turn it over to people selling mass-market crap.
I love Etsy for unique gifts or just unique things in general, and supporting small artisans/vendors. Super disappointed, but not surprised, MLMs have invaded there too.
This really hits home. My ex used to take me to flea markets a lot, she made jewelry and was an amazing "picker" (somebody who was expert at sifting all the junk and extracting the collectables, specializing in mid-century and Atomic Age designs) to clean up and sell on for multiples of the pittances she bought them for. More and more, though, we saw these expanded garage sales being infiltrated with booths full of brand new dollar store tat picked out of a catalogue. Imagine an acre of booths featuring antique furniture, garments and toys and how the ones selling Chinese-made plastic junk, crappy knockoff work gloves, and brand new sportsball team regalia stuck out like cold sores.
I went along to help with the loading and unloading and to man the booth when she went shopping or shmoozing, just watching that her stuff didn't get pilfered and saying "I'm sorry, I don't know what the price on that is, my wife will be back in a couple of minutes" over and over, and cruising the books,
not always fruitlessly. My two best winter coats were bought at flea markets for pittances, a big very warm parka for $7 and a dressy black Burberry for $5.
Hubs and I used to do that too, and started seeing more and more new crap and less legitimate good junk. My guess is they are able to pay more for a booth space & the flea market venue isn't turning it down. Sad.
those are always pretty marginal enterprises, so we can't expect them to turn away good money even if it violates the ethos of the business
The best dollar I ever spent was at the old San Jose flea market. I found a cast iron dutch oven, complete with lid and trivet, for $1. It needed some cleaning and re-seasoning, but I still use it frequently. And as a bonus, the lid fits my old cast iron skillet, inherited from my mother-in-law.
Congratulations on your excellent luck. That is the sort of thing that makes flea markets worth your time, not the vendors with a van full of new junk.
The difference between MLMs and pyramid schemes is that MLMs lie about where most of their money comes from.
Oh I thought it was ponzi and pyramid schemes were spelled "crypto".*
*Crypto should mean cryptography. Still on that hill, dying.