I have to say that it frustrates me to see people posting false info about TLC2003, or any program - gifting or otherwise - for that matter. If you do your research, you'll see that this article was written by a guy named Randy who is pitching his cash gifting program.
TLC2003 is perfectly legal, moral and ethical. I've been with the organization for over 4 years now (yes, four and one half years); and I've been quite successful. I've helped many, many others find success as well. I did a fair amount of research before joining, and found that the organization follows each and every legal requirement to a "T".
First falsehood: TLC2003 does NOT require you to use their capture pages. It is simply a service provided by an outside source - not TLC itself - for TLC's members. Most people have absolutely NO idea how to create a capture page, and how to use an auto responder. The capture pages provided have all the work done for you, are very professionally designed, and offer a myriad of marketing ideas and resources to help members best utilize it, all for a price much lower than I've seen anywhere (and I've done my share of research). Again, using this service is completely voluntary - not mandatory; and TLC2003 does not profit from it.
As for the "skipping" of levels: Hopefully no one would encourage somebody to join the program at solely the $2,000 level, thus "skipping over" the first 2 - $500 and $1000, completely separate levels. That's just plain nonsense. Yes, the system allows for it, but it's not recommended by anyone that I know of. The TLC2003 website very clearly explains the disadvantages of such strategy, and anyone who chooses to do so does it at their own risk and choice. If the person writing the above article was qualified at $500 and $1000 and then signed someone up at $2000, then it was clearly his fault for allowing it to happen and not explaining it properly to his new member. He must take full responsibility for his own mistake. It's explained very explicitly on the website that the 3 levels are separate, as well as the daily, live training calls that all members are encouraged to attend. Why did he choose not to be informed, when the information is very clear and available? 1up: Who exactly is waiving the 1-up? Again, nobody I know. TLC2003 does not condone that practice; nor does its leaders teach it. It's obviously each individual members' perogative to do so; however, I would imagine that a true, successful leader would not make it common practice or knowledge that they do so. Participating in such tactics reduces the value of the program to the new member, thus diminishing their chances of success.
Stealing of leads? Seriously?!? That's so ludicrous, I won't even give it attention here, except to say that TLC2003 does not do it.
Lastly, the workshop calls are in fact LIVE. TLC2003 has 15 of them each and every week. There are volunteers (TLC members) to greet the guests and to host the calls; as well as volunteers to give their stories at the end of the call. Whoever tells you they're not live is uninformed. So, for "everyone" who knows they're not live, you're mistaken.
I do agree with the author of the article in a couple of respects. Your success WILL depend on your own efforts - not the efforts of your mentor and/or team members. Also, procrastination is the death of all success. It will and does create hardships for you and your family's well being.
As for cash gifting being "easy" and requiring only "a very small amount of painless effort on your part", I don't completely agree. I will tell you that the system(s) are typically very, very simple - as is the case with TLC2003. When you try to complicate things, you run into trouble. However, for some people, simple does not always equate to easy. This author cannot possibly say that what's easy for him will be a cakewalk for others. I deem it his responsibility to share exactly what the requirements are to find success with his program, and let the prospective member decide if it's "easy" or not.
With all things in life, do your due diligence and follow the path that's right for you - always strive to grow and become better - and you'll find joy and success.
Many Blessings,
Teresa from Michigan
(this link leads to one of those not really required capture pages the author discussed - judge for yourself)