Local Ad Link Scam

Kurt 2 years ago

So ineresting to me those who frequently label things as "scams" usually spend more of their time pointing fingers than achieving success. Robert J. McNulty, the CEO and founder has an incredible track record, if you research it, starting with his service as a U.S. Navy Seal. This is a most solid publicly traded company with generous stock options. It's the ONLY network marketing company IN EXISTENCE that has a stand alone product: a representative just selling the service alone, with zero recruitment, could realistically make 6 or 7 figures per year. Usually 'stone throwers' have an alternate income opportunity to promote, do you? Thanks but no thanks. I and hundreds of top, proven names in the Networking industry are giving Local Ad Link the absolute top priority it deserves. The word SCAM is not a relative term. I suggest you learn it's appropriate definition and apply it accordingly as it is most offensive when you direct it towards something that is it's polar opposite.

Kurt

Your AdLink Guru 2 years ago

The author of this post seems to be a smart internet marketer but he has missed some very important points in his comments about LocalAdLink.

Is it a scam?

Can it compete with PPC ?

I run one of those so called legitimate companies you’re referring to who charges a 20% management fee which means that over 80 cents of every dollar actually goes to the purchase of Google clicks. I make tons of money for Google ..what do I get?

I have to sell again and again to get income…other words Google has no residual income so I sell LocalAdLink in addition to servicing those clients who can afford PPC.

Local Ad Link pays a 50% commission and then other compensation (MLM structure) and they pay their bills and then they theoretically turn a profit. So, how much money is actually being used to buy Google clicks for the end customer?  NONE they are not a PPC management company they compete with PPC companies

You say ask any legitimate company to compare their service to the Local Ad Link packages.

My name is Paul Croskrey I am a SEO and SEM trainer for LocalAdLink.

I also own www.seo-tribal.com a website design and search engine marketing company.

I am volunteering a comparison.

I will also help you or anyone else understand the truth about LocalAdLink.

You stated that LocalAdLink is a scam for many reasons. Yet I see as a reseller of Advertising and as an advertiser a strong value in the LocalAdLink Service.

My company advertises for several hundred companies, for this discussion I will tell you about a Mortgage Loan Lead generation website I manage. I use organic search results, PPC and LocalAdLink to drive consumers to the website.

I use the keywords "Mortgage Loan" in my paid for campaigns

You say do the math?

My average cost for PPC for this selected keyword is $14.00 to $27.00 depending on the time of day.  When I offer my professional PPC services I charge 20% as a service fee on top of that.

When I offer LocalAdLink I make 50% without charging a service or management fee.

Compare PPC to LocalAdLink

The Mortgage Loan lead generation website is advertised on LocalAdLink for $199.00 per month of which I get 50% back as a commission selling the advertisement.

My cost is less than $100.00 per month for 50 zip codes. Compare that with “yellowpages.com”  To get the same apples for apples with Yellowpages.com it would cost me over $500 per month for my mortgage website and I get no commissions or stock options from them unlike LocalAdLink I get both commissions and stock options. 

For the same out of my pocket expense of less than $100 for a Google PPC campaign I would get less than 7 leads then add the service or management fee if I used an outside company.

Most companies cannot afford PPC in the first case. LocalAdLink’s customers are both those who have a website and those who do not.  I would say more so for the ones who do not have a website.  For $199.00 per month they can have web presence and have an online working Advertisement with online analytics you can see anytime just like a $20,000 website.   

For the same $100 on LocalAdLink I have been getting 20 to 30 clicks per day.

I can see the traffic on my website in my analytics and it shows I have been getting on my mortgage lead generation website over 200 conversions from LocalAdLink traffic per month since I have been using it and its been only two months.

200 times $14.00. Do the math! I would have to pay Google over $2800.00 to get the same traffic that I pay less than $100 for. That’s NOT a SCAM! That’s a DEAL!!!

Why does this work so well?

You really think that I can pay $100 out of my pocket to LocalAdLink and they are going to pay $14.00 per click to place me on Google? They will not pay anything to place me on Google just like I do not charge my clients to make their website show up in organic search results on Google. It is a by product of a well built website (ad on LocalAdLink) to show up organically.  Its is both the on page optimization and the off page optimization that make LocalAdLink work. Its not a PPC that makes LocalAdLink work

Here is a small list of search engines my LocalAdLink Ad is getting organic traffic from.

Google.com

aol.com

yahoo.com

myspace.com

altavista.com

Comcast.com

MSN.com

CNN.com 

Additionally I am getting traffic other than search engines websites over 100 so far from LocalAdLink. I can see in my LocalAdLink analytics that I am getting thousands of impressions from hundreds of websites I can also see the conversion rate.

How is it that LocalAdLink can place my ad on all these domains and hundreds or even thousand more without doing PPC?

First off let’s be sure that LocalAdLink does not need to do any PPC to promote any business advertising. It has over 1,000,000 domains and over 20,000,000 web pages that LocalAdLink pushes your ad out to as an impression. This is where you will get 90 % of your LocalAdLink supported traffic when you start your ad but as the Search engine index your ad it will show up organically as soon as two days.

As time goes by you will see more conversions coming from search engine keyword requests then seeing the ad in a impression

LocalAdLink itself has over 30,000 links going to it. This connection is created by the relationship with Beyond Commerce who owns iSUPPLY.com and BOOMJ. Their affiliations with over 100 high profile websites like CNN in addition to the Beyond Commerce portfolio creates link strategies that push LocalAdLink ads to top placements in search engines. It’s done all organically.

Google cannot accomplish this strategy and if they could would they let you sell it and make 50% commissions? Would they offer any stock options?  No they don’t>

I see everyday people trying to compare a PPC Google impression with a LocalAdLink ad. When you have all the right information and the right comparisons you will see LocalAdLink is a solution to high cost PPC hand down.

Most people run in to problems making an ad when they do not know how to make content or pick good keywords. When they do the ad will not perform well.

I see it all the time as a trainer that is why I train people how to make better ads on LocalAdLink

The ads I create on LocalAdLink show up in many search engines outside the zip codes I picked to use because I can build the ad well using the tools they provide and since its linked so well one of my ads show up organically in over 15 search engines in 14 countries organically.

As well as an impression in over 1,000,000 domains most are with a PR of 3 or more.

How can it do that?

For many reasons but the best one is link strategies provided by the LocalAdLink operation. Your ad is a website and it is placed in the network that LocalAdLink provides thus making your ad and your website if linked higher organic placements in search engines.

I can prove this beyond a doubt not just for my personal ads sales I placed for my company but thousands of ads my team and I have placed on LocalAdLink.

Now let’s look at the MLM effect or really it should be called Viral Marketing because that best explains the process of selling ads and recruiting the LocalAdLink Opportunity.

It’s really Viral Marketing because of this aspect. I buy an advertisement for my business from LocalAdLink and it works. I tell several of my friends who own business that I bought an ad from an online advertising company. I tell them how its works for less than $100.00 per month.

They in turn try it out and when it works they tell others just like I did. This is called viral marketing. The benefit to me as a buyer of LocalAdLink advertising is that if I tell only 5 people and they buy an ad mine cost me nothing. This is viral marketing not MLM.

When LocalAdLink is sold in this manner it will only create good will.

You can make serious money selling advertising I know I sell it every day.

What LocalAdLink offers is an alliance with the consumers of their product.

By offering a Binary payout with a product that every business consumes like advertising you create a wealth building opportunity from the effect of the binary payout plan they u

Karl 2 years ago

Timothy McVeigh was a highly decorated U.S. soldier too. Here are the facts on McNulty...

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HWW/is_37_

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-110118.html

http://www.fool.com/EveningNews/foth/1999/foth9901

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?c

http://www.legalcasedocs.com/120/243/354.html#item

http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jun/11/business/f

Noe Longoria 2 years ago

I don't know if I would compare Mr. McNulty to Timothy McVeigh. One was a killer. The other is a businessman who has had his share of failures while making more than his fair share of millions. You have to respect the man for his accomplishments too.

At the moment, I am waiting to see where this company goes. I started out with lots of enthusiasm and now find myself very dissapointed. Here is why.

1. Ads don't appear on the Local Adlinks website when searching by zip code. Or at least not all paid ZIP codes. Even after 30 days. Everyone knows it takes time for an ad to get pushed out to the search engines, but when it doesn't even appear on the paid web portal, that's a bigger problem.

2. There is no guarentee your ad will be pushed out to the search engines.

3. Tech support is non existent. Phone calls are directed to a voice recording telling you to submit an email support request. Emails are not answered. If they are, it may take no less than a week. Clients want an answer yesterday.

4. I'm very dissapointed in the company's decision to auto-deposit commissions into a debit card system they chose rather into my personal checking account. Initially I liked the idea until I saw all the inflated ATM fees associated with the banking service they chose for me. I think I would have preferred PayPal. At least you can transfer money for free.

I can not in good faith sell this product. Especially if my clients start complaining. I'll be taking all the heat with nobody with real answers to turn to. They promised to roll out a solution, but I'm still waiting.

Is Local Adlink reasonably priced? Yes it is. If it worked 100% of the time, it would be an absolute bargain.

Does it perform as promised? No it doesn't. I checked with others who are selling the service and they share the same frustrations.

Some will argue that the company is still in "soft launch." True. But the reality is that people are paying "hard money" for something that may or may not work. When dealing with potential clients, I always give full disclosure. Call me stupid, but you'll never call me dishonest. Unfortunately, I've lost sales. But I've never lost anyone's respect and that is something you can never buy.

When things improve I will reconsider. If I get dropped from the program after six months of inactivity, that's OK. I found out I don't have to pay the $350 sign up fee. I can sign up for free as an Account Executuve and become a Brand Builder after $1000 in direct sales. That should be a snap once the service performs as promised.

For now, I will sit, wait, and watch. And that's OK because I have other things to do.

Sara 2 years ago

This perspective is from from a Local Ad Link representative and a business owner - and it's definitely NOT pro-LocalAdLink. Local Ad Link has deplorable customer support. There is no phone number to reach anyone other than a computer . . . I have attempted to reach Local Ad Link multiple times through their support desk, and their phone system, regarding a billing error - their mistake, not mine. This error has already cost me $199.95 plus an additional $178 in bank charges. Do you think LocaL Ad Link has corrected their error? Of course not! So, their error is costing me money, but they're benefiting from the money they take from others to build their business and brag. They'll go to their fancy hoopla in Las Vegas this coming weekend and tell of all the money they're pulling in - my guess is that the money they're making is at the expense of many unsuspecting reps and business owners. I became a representative for Local Ad Link because I know some businesses will purchase Local Ad Link for the convenience of it. Different strokes for different folks. It's not up to me decide what product is good for a business. A lot of people will pay a premium for convenience. Not everyone wants to manage their PPC campaigns, nor do they know how - or know of the other options available to them. So, Local Ad Link seemed to be a solution for a certain niche. I say "seemed to be" because I tested the waters by running my own ad - and discovered that Local Ad Link doesn't always deliver the advertising a business owner purchases. In my case, they've charged me for an ad but I have yet to see it. And, we're past their 72 hour window - the time when the advertiser pays for their ad but Local Ad Link isn't contractually obligated to display the ad - well, apparently, Local Ad Link doesn't feel they need to display the ad after 72 hours, either! It's been 6 days since I ordered my ad. And my ad is still not on their website, or in my Back Office. In other words, since I've paid Local Ad Link for an ad and it's not being displayed anywhere, that's the most expensive advertising I've ever seen! I may as well have thrown my money down the drain . . . and, yes, you guessed it . . . Local Ad Link support is not hurrying to correct the problem. Why should they? They have my money. As far as the business opportunity goes - when you become a rep for Local Ad Link as a BB, you purchase approximately $1,000 in ad inventory that you are supposed to be able to use as a credit towards ads for yourself, or for other business owners, as an incentive to use Local Ad Link. I wanted to test the system, so I used some of my ad inventory for the ad I referred to above - and I was charged $199.95 for the ad anyway! So, the claim of Local Ad Link ad inventory being available is clearly bogus. Otherwise, why was I charged $199.95 for my ad? When I contacted Local Ad Link for support, they actually told me that they didn't charge me! Yeah, right! My bank just made up the charge and somehow erroneously sent the $199.95 to Local Ad Link out of the goodness of their heart? They must think I believe in the Local Ad Link Tooth Fairy too! Gimme a break! How stupid does Local Ad Link think people are? Local Ad Link also keeps plugging in additional income streams that benefit the company, and not reps or business owners. Now, I have no problem with someone promoting affiliate products. We're all in business to make money. Local Ad Link selling vista products and cutting edge media leads is their prerogative but, get this . . . they're actually charging their reps $1 to view the salespage of cutting edge media! Amazing, but true. They don't even tell their reps. what cutting edge media is until after the reps pay Local Ad Link for the privilege of reading a salespage! Unbelievable! I could go on and on, but I have to run for an appointment. I'll sum this up by saying this - I don't think most Local Ad Link representatives have a clue about what they're selling. And, form what I've seen, they're ONLY selling a business opportunity built on sand - there's no product behind their claims that is worth what they're charging - in my case, I've spent almost $800 between charges, bank fees, and ad credits and have not seen any product at all. Their customer service is sub par, to say the least - for representatives and business owners alike. Network marketing is a sound business model, but some companies sell hype and not good products too - they bring in people to sell their opportunity - people who don't know how inferior their product is. The company keeps their money and, of course, the reps can't get a refund. Network marketing companies that treat others like this usually go out of business. I can only hope that Local Ad Link is exposed for what they are, and that others do not lose as much money as I did! Oh, btw, I also brought 3 reps into the company - when I still trusted their hype - and was to be paid $130 for my efforts - and, guess what happened? No surprise here - they didn't pay me on time - I received payment nearly 2 weeks late - and I was sent a debit card with outrageous fees attached to it for future payments - like a $3.50 per month privilege fee, .50 per transaction fees - and a whole list of other charges for each withdrawal, etc. - guess who thinks that's a "convenient" way to pay their reps? Yep, Local Ad Link - who is undoubtedly making money on these fees while their reps are paying to help this company be profitable until they go public in a year or so. And, of course, future payments to reps is based on continuous ad sales - you know, selling those ads that don't get placed, and then having the reps handle the complaints from their customers, since no one can reach customer support. How long do you think ethical reps will continue to sell for Local Ad Link? Not long . . .and we all know who will keep the money earned by those reps - yep, the company: Local Ad Link. In my experience, all I've seen is that Local Ad Link collects fees on everything, doesn't deliver their ads within their alloted timeframe, doesn't pay their reps according to their contracted agreement, doesn't investigate their support inquiries or answer them with reasonable solutions - and treats their reps and business advertisers like they're idiots.

Your AdLink Guru 2 years ago

Stan, I see your point as well as understand your issue with LocalAdLink.

It is too bad they have had a 3% growth rate everyday since December.

Most companies would fallover backwards and die if they had they much growth.

I see a problem I fix it I belive that LocalAdLinks owner Beyond Commece who has two very effecient operations other than LocalAdLink. One being iSUPPY and the other BoomJ. I hope you now see the connection between LocalAdLink and the 1,000,000 plus webpages that I mentioned before.

If you had a pubicly traded company Like Beyond Commerce with Millions invested into LocalAdlink that you would do it to steal people money? Albeit they have some issues and are in BETA testing with over 30,000 users and have not publily announce thier grand opening that some issues might arise like what you have read from many.

Lets put you into position to own such a operation would you just let it crash and burn or would you invest people and money to get rid of the problems?

Imagine for one moment that your phone rang 10,000 times a day and you only had 80 people working for you and your still in beta testing and buildout of the project. Sure thier will be some problems and hiccups that cause the average person tons of grief over thier issues.

That does not mean it will not work or has no chance in this world of advertising.

What I see most in mesaages from LocalAdLink Associates since I am a trainer that many reps just do not understand how to make a good website let alone ad content. Even though LocalAdLink provide real good tools it still requires some knowlege of SEO and SEM to make well done ads that produce not just clicks but conversions.

As far as Lending Tree is concerned they are a competitor of one of my clients why would I want to teach them about my tricks. If they are smart they will see LocalAdLink as I do and that is it provides very strong link stratigies that help allow for better organic placement of the linked website. This lowers the overall costs of online marketing through organic search results. It will not eliminate the need for PPC for large companies like Lending Tree but for smaller operations like your average business owner who does not have thousands to invest in the development of websites let alone do a PPC.

I do have a strong back gound and do understand the difference between clicks and conversions. I make my money from the conversions not the clicks. That is why I seek to promote my clinets websites through organic search results instead of continuing the PPC nightmare as they call it, increasing the need for them to keep me as a service provider.

I will help any LocalAdLink Rep who has issues just call me I will help you.

Don't let people who motives might be to disprove LocalAdLink to save thier PPC management business like the person who started this thread.

After all why would he be doing PPC to promote this blog?

Paul Croskrey

209-586-4769

Ted 2 years ago

I have to weigh in on a couple points on this discussion that I feel are pretty far off base.

Local Ad Link is not a search engine placement company, period.

Any discussion of effectiveness or lack thereof in this area is moot since SEO and engine based placement is not the business model or function of this company.

Over an extended period of time and with the law of large numbers assisting as the company grows its brand and portal over the coming months and years, it is absolutely reasonable to think that our clients will have their listings or websites increase in organic search engine rank over where they were when our relationship began, but that is not our guarantee, claim or active function.

Any debate over whether the company is effective or not in this area is a waste of words since this is NOT what it does. In fact it doesn't even represent that as our service.

If the company chooses to do any PPC for its clients, especially while in BETA soft launch and growing its corporate and online infrastructure, why would that not be a bonus service to the client if it is indeed occurring rather than a "scandal" or misrepresentation in any way.

We are being paid to expose our clients to local consumers on the internet and doing PPC as an extra service when it is not our function would add to the represented level of service and value, not detract from it.

Frankly, PPC is more an art form than a predictable form of advertising, causing many legitimate well intentioned businesses heavy losses instead of the intended quality targeted exposure. In fact, "click fraud" by unethical competitors and unknowledgeable surfers cause great risk to those businesses willing to engage in PPC advertising.

This can be a financial nightmare for the small business person on a limited budget.

Frankly, I think the $14 figure quoted earlier for someone to just CLICK on an ad ONCE with no assurance or representation of becoming a viable lead for the advertiser is outrageous, but that's what the market bears for some industries.

Whether a few consumers click on our advertiser's ad or a few hundred thousand do so, we provide our service to our client at a controllable fixed cost, a real value in the marketplace and one of a very few fixed cost options in online advertising.

Our client suffers no waste of their advertising dollar if someone clicks just to surf around with no sincere interest in our client's service.

This doesn't mean PPC is a fraud or a scam as is being claimed by the author about Local Ad Link...it simply means that PPC is not a satisfactorily predictable form of advertising for any company with a limited budget. And I didn't say COMPLETELY unpredictable...I said less than satisfactorily.

What Local Ad Link DOES provide is a low priced fixed cost alternative for a large amount of exposure specifically to the targeted local market consumers of our client businesses, specializing in "budget limited" small businesses that previously had little to no viable option available to them for online marketing.

Many of our clients don't even have an existing website, so our listing of their business actually increases the value of our service beyond this discussion for that large group of clients.

The vast majority of clients who DO have their own website either do nothing to drive traffic to it or are simply throwing cash at marketing without any measuring stick to help them determine value or performance.

By any measuring stick, Local Ad Link's service is a hugely valuable option in the advertising industry that historically is staggeringly overpriced, especially considering hardly any of it is performance based or targeted in any way for the advertiser.

A small Yellow Pages display ad (1/16th page to be precise) in one medium sized market in my area costs over $600 a month, similar for the online version...the same Yellow Pages ad in my local community of only 30,000 residents is priced at $400 a month...and the only way a consumer will see that ad is IF they go to actively search for a business of the type of that advertiser IN that local Yellow Pages book. Many people just recycle them and never open them once these days, using the internet to find what they are looking for.

Local Ad Link will attempt to expose our client advertisers to consumers who may already have a legitimate interest or need for their service BEFORE they go searching for a provider through contextual reading technology, a large partnership website network, and other outside partners as well...but UNLIKE PPC, they will provide this service with a fixed cost rather than charging our client every time someone wants to LOOK at their listing or website as is the currently accepted but unreasonable (IMO) model of PPC. Even in the content network, when someone clicks on a google ad, the advertiser pays yet again.

Newspaper? Not only are the rates very high for anything of any exposure value, but readership in print media of all types is going down faster and faster as the internet continues to grow in its use to the everyday consumer.

Radio? Even costlier, much more so with higher listener bases and during the most desirable times of the day or evening. Again, out of reach for most small businesses, so they are once again left with no option.

TV? TOTALLY Unrealistic for most businesses...and consider that Tivo, DVR, and the consumer instinct to change channels has made this almost worthless for anything other than national branding, making this also totally out of reach to the small business person.

To top all these points off, none of the advertising in any of these traditional mediums can remotely be considered targeted. It's shotgun advertising, not strategic marketing, and terribly overpriced for several decades up to this point.

Anyone who has taken more than a sweeping pass through the advertising industry knows all of this to be totally on point.

If LAL were a PPC management firm, the statements in the above posts regarding comparitive cost in the marketplace could be at least partially legitimate, but since this is not the case, these statements are not relevent.

The company doesn't promise any specific placement on google or any engine and specifically warns representatives that making claims of such are against company policy and can result in termination and loss of any business built by that rep.

As to the "warnings" about Bob McNulty, these should be looked at with a very skeptical eye.

I submit that most every successful business person on the planet has had far more failures or mistakes in their experience along the way to building their career.

At least that's consistent with many statements made by people like Warren Buffet, Robert Kiyosaki, and Donald Trump who specifically has failed very publically several times. If you don't like those examples, read any successful person's biography to find a littany of failures or mistakes along the way to their "overnight success".

What can truthfully be said of Mr. McNulty is that several times in the past couple decades he has recognized a coming trend and created fabulous business successes that served the companies he created, those who helped him create them, the stockholders, and most importantly the public consumer who ultimately decides with their wallet if any company fails or succeeds.

Included in his business resume are 2 very prominent successes that grew into the hundreds of millions of dollars and 1 that grew to a billion dollar enterprise.

IMO, that's someone to consider following.

With over 30,000 client advertisers in less than 120 days, the market is proving there is a strong desire for a product like that of Local Ad Link. It simply fills

Your AdLink Guru 2 years ago

Stan as you can plainly see I have put my contact information and have had many people call me and asked me to prove what I am telling everyone here who has had the pleasure of reading your posts.

But not you. Why is that?

You want me to prove to YOU it works YOU would have to call me and politely ask me to show you what I do and see my convertions.

But No you do not want to proven WRONG do you?

How much have you blown on your useless campain to slur this company.

I would not be surprised if you are not on the radar of Beyond Commerce and that someday your investment in PPC to slander Beyond Commerce will cost you a lot more then your PPC slur campain.

Go ahead call me. Or not.

Paul Croskrey Your Adlink Guru 209-586-4769

Guest 2 years ago

Interesting post here: http://ontopresultsllc.com/news/2009/03/06/localad

Your AdLink Guru 2 years ago

Stan, I did you just can't see the writing on the wall.

All I see is a person with a problem.

get a life

Andrew 2 years ago

you know...Bernie Madoff grew his company with a yearly growth of 12% for decades. Well...we all knew where that went.

His resume includes...

- serving on boards of numerous nonprofit institutions, Formere Treasurer of American Jewish Congress, help start and develop NASDAQ, largest 'market maker' of NASDAQ, worked as a Board member of SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association), and grew his company to a $65 Billion Investment Corporation.

...I know I know...it's really not as impressive as your Navy Seal Leader

..but let's add to it...BOMJE...stock ticker symbol is still an OTCBB stock. In other words...it's over the counter (about $1.00 right now). It's not listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ. It doesn't meet the requirements. I'm in web marketing. My background is in financial and real estate analysis and I swing-trade stocks. That being said, I wouldn't trade BOMJE. It's low volume and market cap is a little too nerver racking even for my loose trades.

3% a day is not a healthy growth. That's a strong and agressive growth. Typically on the highest of ranges. very very very few companies maintain that. Every legitimate company I know that grew at rates like that always had a pop. Madoff did.

As a web marketer SEO/SEM consultant, I had done my own research after being approached about this and had found the same findings as Stan. So I was pleasantly surprised when I had found some of his posts recently. Local Adlink is fronting an illusion and selling hope. That's the market that will always be in need filling and unfortunately, it doesn't take much to fill it. Local Adlinks is a startup yellowpages with a cheap offer, short-term fun and a hang-over to show for it.

Andrew 2 years ago

Here's something interesting I found on someone else's post...

Why does this Multi-Million dollar corporation only have $29k in it's bank account? That's some bad management. Although...$1,700,000 in assets ain't bad, but that's probably mostly inventory and the 'worth' of their website because $1,000,000 is coming from some prepaid loans. This is essentially interest to them. So where is this $1M money coming from? I'm thinking Local Adlinks' hopeful customers. If that's true, then that would mean that Local Adlink is the only real company they have that's bringing money to the company. That would debunk the 'magnificent' business of BoomJ.com being that that part of the company is only worth $600k.

- of course this is from a 5 minute breakdown but you can see where this can start leading to some potential sketchy..ness.

BOOMJ, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As of September 30, 2008 Unaudited ASSETS Current assets : Cash $ 28,209 Accounts receivable 68,265 Prepaid loan cost 973,013 Other current assets 5,316 Total current assets $ 1,074,803 Property, website and computer equipment 871,180 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (271,907 ) Property, website and equipment - net $ 599,273 Other 63,671 Total assets $ 1,737,747 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT Current liabilities: Short term borrowings, net $ 2,191,842 Accounts payable - trade 1,148,555 Other current liabilities 620,142 Total current liabilities $ 3,960,539 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ Deficit : Common stock, $0.001 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, $ 40,725 40,724,139 issued and outstanding Additional paid in capital 11,752,178 Accumulated deficit ( 14,015,695 ) Total Stockholders' deficit $ (2,222,792 ) Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit $ 1,737,747

Camping Dan 2 years ago

I prefer to work with PPC management companies that charge a flat out fee to set up and maintain my account. This way I can see exactly how much clicks are costing me and see my own reports from Google. If they are doing a great job then their fee is money well spent.

Stay Away 2 years ago

I find it funny that someone above claims that LAL had 2 or 3 million dollars in sales....As with virtually ALL MLM's, those are misleading numbers. Take a look at YTB, they were supposedly the big thing, now they are going down for being a Ponzi Scheme. It is quite simple, the VERY PEOPLE WHO GO INTO THESE MLM'S TO MAKE SOME EXTRA P/T INCOME OR TO GET RICH ARE THE ONES WHO SUPPLY THE ACTUAL MONEY TO CREATE THOSE PHONY SALES NUMBERS. For instance, for YTB virtually all of the money generated (i.e. about 85%) came from sign-up fees, purchasing marketing materials, monthly website maintenance fees, etc. and a very, very small % came from the actual sale of travel - ILLEGAL, but most importantly, the very people looking to make some extra money were duped.....now LAL is the new hype - stay away. It is a statistical fact that MLM is almost always a losing proposition - when will people learn?

Your AdLink Guru 2 years ago

Stan. I am not afraid to show in a public forum how it works. Here is that list you asked for. I can prove it too just ask me to.

Here is the current list by Top Referers for just one of my clients who ad is less than 30 days old. let me see you geta website to do that for $100.00

google.com aol.com ask.com comcast.net localadlink.com mywebsearch.com doubleclick.net information.com pricerunner.com berlington.com kaboodle.com retailmenot.com conduit.com best-price.com insiderpages.com myway.com berlingtoncoatfactory.com localadlink.net babydepo.com burlingtonscoatfactory.com verizon.net rr.com burlingtonbabydepot.com burrlingtoncoatfactory.com bulington.com peoplepc.com googlesyndication.com dogpile.com burlingtioncoatfactory.com burligtoncoatfactory.com alot.com burlingtoncoatfacory.com burlingtoncostfactory.com killerstartups.com pch.com bearshare.com burltoncoatfactory.com pronto.com incredimail.com swagbucks.com webcrawler.com mapquest.com domainmall.com infospace.com burlingtonbaby.com burlingtondepartmentstore.com burglintoncoatfactory.com wwwburlingtoncoatfactory.com burlingtoncoatandfactory.com wowway.net 365currency.com daemon-search.com myspace.com burlingtongcoatfactory.com zoomtown.com bulingtoncoatfactory.com ndparking.com windstream.net yahoo.com burlingtoncoatfactorie.com burlingtonbabyregistry.com babtdepot.com info.com m5prod.net brulingtoncoatfactory.com findarticles.com mediacomtoday.com ehow.com burlingtoncoatfactorty.com brlingtoncoatfactory.com shopping.com burlingtoncoatfactiry.com burlintonscoatfactory.com burlingtincoatfactory.com burlingtoncoatfacotory.com babydepoy.com jobster.com faqs.org burlingthoncoatfactory.com wisegeek.com burlingtoncaotfactory.com reference.com burlingtoncoatfactoery.com armstrongmywire.com cheapuncle.com burlingtoncourtfactory.com http://www.google.com./search?hl=en&q=burlington+coat+factory&aq=0&oq=burlingto babycoat.com burlingtonfactorystore.com robisonmay.com burlintons.com burlinghton.com search.com frisgo.com fastbrowsersearch.com bulingtoncoat.com topix.net burlingtoncoatfactories.com factbites.com burlingtoncoatoutlet.com univision.com yelp.com macraesbluebook.com bullingtoncoatfactory.com berlintoncoatfactory.com burlintonfactory.com burlingtoncoatfctory.com http://www.google.com./search?hl=en&q=burlington+coat+factory&aq=0&oq=burlington+coat+ charter.net berlingtonfactory.com myembarq.com merchantcircle.com alltheinternet.com excite.com burlingtoncoayfactory.com burlightoncoatfactory.com babydepto.com dealnews.com burligntoncoatfactory.com sweetim.com

over 2300 visits not hits the last 26 days

I got more just as impressive.

124 refering sites you see the top ones that plianly shows results from organic searches in 20 search engines so far. and its less than a month old. what will happen when its 6 months old? by your thoughts we will be outa business but by reading the press release and seeing the results first hand I know they will be a hugh sucess. what will you be?

I teach my team how to do this for thier clients too.

What do you do?

Below is a recent news release you should read it.

Beyond Commerce, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BYOC- News) http://www.beyondcommerce.com/, an E-commerce solutions, local advertising and niche social networking company, announced today that http://www.localadlink.com/ has again exceeded its growth expectations. Total revenues of $3,326,000 for the month of February represent an increase of 44% compared with the prior month, and about 80% increase since December 2008. Based on current trends, the Company anticipates the first quarter to be profitable.

"We are creating income opportunities for people who need to make a living to support their families, pay mortgages and put food on the table during these difficult times in our financial lives," stated Chairman and CEO Bob McNulty.

LocalAdLink is a low cost provider of local advertising, selling ads to local businesses through its network and skilled independent ad sales representatives. Exploiting the “people-to-people” business model, LocalAdLink uses a local sales force in order to connect local businesses with local consumers with the goal to develop local marketplaces, helping small businesses grow and reach new geo-targeted customers. This business model has proved successful and the Company now has reached the pathway of profitability. Additionally, the Company has assembled a strong management team across all operating divisions and continually develops innovative technologies.

Bob McNulty said, “Our profitability will even get better when we launch i-SUPPLY, along with other pending technology products and powerful solutions for our valued Advertisers. The vision of Beyond Commerce is to go beyond our “hybrid” platform and to become a meaningful partner for any small or mid-size businesses that want to grow and increase their profits.”

The i-SUPPLY’s E-commerce widget store will enter the market using a beta version 1.0 on thousands of Web sites in late March 2009, offering about 1.8 million brand name products. i-SUPPLY will add an additional revenue stream and be the backbone of the proprietary advertising network the Company is currently developing.

About Beyond Commerce, Inc.

Beyond Commerce, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BYOC - News) http://www.beyondcommerce.com/, provides best in class products, services, and solutions by being the low cost provider in its market sector. i-SUPPLY, http://www.i-supply.com/, offers easy to use, fully customizable E-commerce services, and revenue solutions for any Web site, large or small, and hosts local ads, providing extensive reach for our proprietary advertising partner network platform. LocalAdLink, http://www.localadlink.com/, is a local search directory and advertising network that brings local advertising to geo-targeted consumers. BOOMj, http://www.boomj.com/, is the leading niche portal and social networking site for Baby Boomers and Generation Jones.

This did not come from a craker jack box...made in china.....its real stuff!

Paul Croskrey

209-586-4769

www.your-ad-link-guru.com

Joe Rose 2 years ago

F Rating - I am sure someone from LAL will come ratioanalize that one...hurry, quick!

Jon Akins 2 years ago

That "F" rating is based on 2 complaints that have gone unanswered. That’s not really significant at all. If this number was greater than 50, the figures could be something to go by. This company has 10,000 active accounts and customers and with only 2 complaints to the BBB is not bad at all seeing that their service isn’t even live yet and will be later on this month.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Considering they have not even "officially" launched - I think it is highly significant

Nancy 2 years ago

Not sure why people are calling this a scam. I recently moved to Atlanta and needed a stain removed from the carpet in my dining room. I googled carpet cleaning and ended up clicking one that brought me to localadlink there was only one ad on there for carpet cleaners and I called the company and hired thier service. I'm just wondering why this is called a scam when I accidentally used it to find a service i needed.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Nancy, you can't read? One positive experience amonng hundreds of bad ones..... Plus, 2400 dollars per year can be much better spent on a real approach to having a web presence. Like I said earlier, if LAL would put you on the directory for 15-25 dollars per month - no big deal....but to charge people 200 dollars for ONLY 50 zip codes and THREE search terms is wasteful and not fair.....

Nancy 2 years ago

Just because something is more expensive than you feel it should be doens't qualify it as a scam. For instance I've been with the same Merchan Account provider for the past six years. They leased me a terminal for $39/month for 48 months. I later found out that terminal sells for about $300 brand new. At first I felt ripped off. But because of the service I get the low discount rates I get and the fact the company has replaced for me two times now because Visa/MC changed thier ISO standards it was worth every penny. Replaced free of charge and deductible free. My point is just because something costs more then what you feel the price it should be doesn't mean it's a scam.

Larry 2 years ago

Nancy,

Are you a Local Ad Link rep (Brand Builder)?

Regarding your first post where you accidentally found the Local Ad Link ad online - you're right, those ads appear from time to time, however, many people have found that Local Ad Link rarely lives up to the promises it makes. So, there's a saying that I think applies to the rare occurence of someone actually finding a Local Ad Link advertiser online:

"Even a trash can gets a steak once in a while."

Based on the experiences I've read from people who have bought in to the hype and were consequently burned by Local Link - absolutely, it's a scam. If you read about their so called strategy, it's full of holes - leaving the advertiser and the would be entrepreneur with less a low value service, but a completely empty promise - and wallet.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

"Replaced free of charge and deductible free. My point is just because something costs more then what you feel the price it should be doesn't mean it's a scam."

It is not merely the issue of costing more....it costs more and for the most part does not deliver. For instance, if I am selling LAL to someone and they ask (since I am supposedly an expert)--is this the best bang for my buck - would you answer "No, it is not??"

It is a scam because they present it as if it is superior to going to Google directly, as if it is a great product when it is in fact a pretty crappy product. I mean c'mon - 200 bucks for 10 zip codes and 3 key words??? Plus, half of the money is going to pay a commission fee, etc. What does that leave the local merchant for his or her "ad campaign"? Not much. The point is I believe it is a scam when someone knowlingly sells you a product that costs a lot and does not really work.....your anaology is poor because people will charge different prices for the same thing, thus people should shop around. Plus, you explained how the monthly fee made it worth it....the product worked well and they replaced it when it broke, they kept up with the technology, etc. Thus, a REAL company delivering a REAL product with REAL service - the exact opposite experiences people have had with LAL. That is what makes LAL a scam....it a) misleads people into thinking they will have all this exposure on the web - when they do not AND b) it costs too much.

Plus, it is so obvious that you are a brand builder or someone from LAL monitoring the sites to be sure there are positives put in the blogs...LOL

Cory K 2 years ago

Just a few Points for Stan K and the his crew:

First of all, like some LAL reps the majority of your contributors have no clue.(Joe, $200 = 50 zip codes). Quit being a hypocrite and know what your talking about before you call out others for not knowing what their talking about!! Local Business for local Customers...50 zip codes is plenty! Back to the real reason for my comment.

1)Is LAL a Scam?

NO. quit calling it a scam. I can live with the term misrepresented, but it is not a scam. Anyone on this or reading this knows that LAL is a perfectly functional directory with more offerings and customization/customer control then other directories out there.

You all should also agree on the FACT that LAL ads do show up on 3rd party sites. Which again is more than any other directory can match!

What I can identify with is the FACT that there are LAL reps out there over selling the capabilities of LAL. True, there are a lot of reps that have no clue as to what optimization and Internet advertising is all about. However, you can't deny that for some businesses LAL is a good advertising alternative. Actually, I think Stan made mention to this fact before, so again stop being hypocrites and applying the actions of some, to LAL as a whole. LAL is only 4 to 5 months old and the FACT is that they are going through a beta phase. So, again before everyone judges give them a fair shot.

2)Your call to Competition

LAL is not trying to compete with you or any other optimization companies when it comes to grabbing space on Google. They are offering the customer the ability to tailor their own ad campaign on a local platform with the extra bennift of popping up on several national search engines and informational sites. by the way, at a much more affordable price then most. Again, LAL is only appropriate for some businesses. However, yes in a lot of cases paying a flat fee for fully customized ad campaign on a soon to be very popular directory with the added benefit of occasional exposure on the big stage...would seem much more appealing then the expensive alternatives! Now Stan, don't insert here your cost comparisons per click BS because you're forgetting all the other exposure that the LAL ad might be drawing from other sites plus their own directory. Plus, we all know how expensive pay per click campaigns are which you've failed to offer specifics on. It's funny how LAL can be scrutinized for putting their stuff out there while everyone else hides behind their 20% take. 20% of what??????????

3) Exposure "garbage sites"

Stan this is where your agenda is getting the best of you. Can you honestly sit there and say an ad that was viewed on a national informational site like garden.com or photography.com is garbage? Burlingtoncoatfactory.com might hit the target of some businesses as well. Remember key words???

That's what advertising is all about connecting with someone who might not know they need what you're offering. Targeting the person that might not be wanting to buy, but does because the ran across an ad. ADVERISING!!!!!! It's not perfect and it's not guaranteed.

Wouldn't you like to offer your Photography Studio or freelance Photographer customer the ability to be seen at a local level on national photography site?

Exactly! To some this is not garbage but again your letting your overall agenda cloud your understanding of how this could be important.

4) ROI

Please tell me and all your other readers that you would not pay $100 or even $200 a month if one or two times every couple of months your add draws business from a national site, while the whole time offering you a presence on a local directory where you can customise ad campaigns without the hassle of dealing with you.

If you say no then again your agenda is blinding you to how expensive advertising can be and how if sold the right way LAL is a great alternative for certain LOCAL businesses. Not all businesses. I better through that in there again because you might forget that I mentioned it before,...again not for everybody.

5) Optimization Companies

20%of what????????????

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Cory, you have no clue whatsoever about internet search. Stop claiming that LAL puts you on all of these wonderful sites when virtually all searches on the next take place on 4-5 search engines. 50 Zip codes is nothing for the price being paid. Like I have said, you can get your own website and have customers come right to your webpage for the same yearly fee rather than go to LAL's site. Plus, it is well established that targeting specific zip codes is not accurate much of the time. But, targeting a region is.

LAL IS a scam...a scam is a business that runs on misconceptions, distortions, exaggerations, etc. Clearly, LAL is a scam considering that brand builder after brand builder continue to complain about LAL in terms of websites not showing up at all even after paying, BB not receiving commission checks, and having no response at all from customer service. LAL also has an "F" rating from the BBB, which means that, "We strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices."

http://www.la.bbb.org/BusinessReport.aspx?CompanyI

Granted, that is based upon three complaints only, but that makes it even worse. Why? BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT LAL IS SO INCOMPETENT THAT THEY CANNOT EVEN RESPOND AND RESOLVE 3 COMPLAINTS. If that is not a scam, IDK what is....and the brainwashing is funny too....you are trained to say "We are in soft launch." BS.....the company brags that they have 14 million advertisers, sounds to me like that is an "established" business.....2) if the company had kinks, then why launch at all until they can be worked out, 3) Not responding to phone calls and e-mails cannot be attributed to "soft launch" or working out kinks,,,last time I checked, in order to answer a phone, you, lets see, pick it up!!...not exactly rocket science....ignoring customer phone calls or e-mails is done ON PURPOSE.....do you have no "street smarts?" LAL is a scam and terrible company that is misleading local merchants that do not know any better.....Don't waste your money!

Joe Rose 2 years ago

BTW, I knew that 200 dollars was 50 zip codes....it was a typo....you will have to excuse me though, I cannot be held accountable, I am in "soft launch" LOL, LOL

Joe Rose 2 years ago

"Back to your reply: "Getting your own website" could idea but what is the cost of web developing today..............$5000, $10000"

One again Cory - you demonstrate no knowledge of anything. If someone is considering LAL and is on a limited budget, then a 3 page website is fine and a much better option, which is what I did....that costs 350-400 bucks....not sure where you pulled out 10 k for a webpage...mb if you are Sprint or IBM, but for Joe the Local Pizza guy who has no web presence, but just wants a simple 3 page webdesign, its cheap to do.

Once again, if you are a genuine internet search expert, you would NOT be advising someone with a 2,400 dollar yearly budget to do LAL.....its plain dumb when there are much better options.....I understand, however, if you are brand builder and your sole goal is to get more people in your "downline" why you would recommend something like that - because you really do not care about that person at all - it is all self-interest - thats fine if that is the way you roll, but remember in the long run, that does not work.

Thinking outside the Box?? You keep acting as if LAL is free....its 200 dollars a month for the higher plan....you can upload photos...big deal. I did that on Google Local and Yahoo Local and it was FREE!! I know, I know, LAL is a directory, I got that...but for the money, it is not a good value at all....the biggest reason being that out of the 200 dollars, much of that goes to paying commissions, etc. I got news for you, I think the more legit web optimization companies are BS too, but for a different reason. If someone knows nothing of Google Ad words or is inept with computers, etc. then those companies are fine. But for many people, like myself, I manage the Google ad words myself and the total of my $150 goes to the ad campaign....its amazing what you can learn from reading.

Oh, and comparing LAL to Microsoft and Apple gave a good chuckle for my commute home...see those are legit companies that sell real products with real services, whereas LAL is a flyby night BS MLM......

Cory K 2 years ago

Joe

I forgot your the spokesperson for all business owners. Yes I'm sure you have the ability to build your own page, but again your not everybody.

TIME IS MONEY.

I bet you do not understand that because you hang your own drywall, run your own electric, build websites. Mr. Do it all. There are business owners out there that believe it or not do not have the time or do not want to invest the time in buying software and apps to build a web site. They would rather pay for that service. Now do they pay a big chunch a cash or do they use another alternative.

Yes LAL is not free but it gives the bus owner the freedom and easy of use to modify their site/ad campaign themselfs. Saving them TIME or money dealing with 3rd party developers.

Thanks for saying other companies are BS to I think there is a little light coming through that wall you built around your beliefs. However, you can't keep going around putting down all these companies just because you can do it all.

Yes, i do have experience with google adwords, which is why I think LAL has a value. I set up a 200 dollar budget for a kids furniture website. I set a $.05 pay per click budget and ran through my 200 in know time. Guess how many times I showed up on the first page of google.....none, the second page......none.

Stan,

you seem to know a lot about Google and how ads are placed. Please help me better understand because I honestly can't answer this question.

Within google's sponsored ads is it possible for an LAL ad to show up on the 1st page for a search in columbus, ohio and another LAL ad to show up on the 1st page at the same time for a search in Denver regardless of the difference between the two search topics?

I know that might be hard to understand. Basically can multiple LAL ads be driven to google in different cities at the same time?

Thanks,

Joe Rose 2 years ago

"I forgot your the spokesperson for all business owners. Yes I'm sure you have the ability to build your own page, but again your not everybody."

Try to follow along Cory - I had someone design my webpage. I know nothing at all of web design - absoultely nothing.....where did you even get that idea from? And, it only cost me like $350 to do so. What I did say is that I manage my Google Ad Words account with no problem....no time....trust me any business owner has enough time to manage an adwords account...its not that big of a deal. And, if they can't then they can hire a legit person to help out, not LAL

Joe Rose 2 years ago

BTW, here is an example of a site design company that will design a nice starter web page starting at $199.00

http://google.heritagewebdesign.com/?gclid=CK__0qv

Sure it will be basic, but it is a start and genuine real estate on the WWW. It is what I did.....it is 2009, nobody charges 10k for a simple web page. And, if you want some more bells and whistles, add nother 100-200 bucks. But, even then the total cost is 400 dollars, leaving you with 2000 dollars for a Google Ad Words campaign. So which would you prefer:

SCENARIO A

Three page web page designed for 400 dollars

Google Ad Words campaign = $167.00 per month in a "region" (not only 50 zip codes)with as many or as few key words.

Hits go DIRECTLY to your custom website - also increasing your professional appearance and credibility.

TOTAL COST FOR YEAR = $2,400

OR

SCENARIO B

200 dollars a month to go on a fairly obscure (at least at this point) directory where you MIGHT show up

Clicks will NOT take you to YOUR website, but the LAL site.

You get only 50 zip codes for searches with it being well established that zip code searching on any search engine is the least accurate

You get ONLY 3 Search terms

TOTAL COST FOR YEAR = $2,400.00

Since the cost is the same, and if you say Scenario B for LAL, then you are obviously biased and not worth "speaking" to

Hayley 2 years ago

I read all posts. I hold more than 1 bb position. The company is not paying their bills. The credit card companies have locked local ad link out. I purchased a BB position on March 26 and noticed today that it did not appear on my credit card. I spoke with a local BB and he said that they feel the credit card companies will no longer process local ad link b/c of so many complaints. He told me this without knowing my issue. I have a sales rep who has sold 3 BB positions, 1 advertising package of 2 months at $99. Today he sold another 6 month package. When I saw that the money is not being credited correctly to the accounts. I emailed customer support. Of course, no help. My upline said we will have someone call you. No one called. MY BB spots acknowledged some of my activity but the compensation is incorrect. I went to my Americas card and there is a 0 balance on both of them. I recieved an email they are to pay by check again. I am not holding my breath. I called all of my friends who I talked into doing this to cancel their position immediately. I canceled all of my sales reps activity and tomorrow we have to tell them that we can not in good conscience get them involved. The sadest part of this is the economy is horrible. Local ad link claims they are the solution for employment. My rep would have earned well over 800. in commissions this week b/c I have free ads that were provided when I purchased the positions. We also placed enough brand builders that would have triggered another $300 in commissions. In addition, my points on the binary cycled thru but did not give me the $65 stock or community cash 3 times so there I was short another $195. One of the brand builders I added this week took his only $500 cd to buy a position with this company- he is pretty much below poverty level and wanted a better job. The sales rep. that set the world on fire this week has to sleep on a floor in the living room of his mother and step fathers apartment. He literally is so poor I have to feed him breakfast and lunch so that he can focus to work. He was closing another sale on the phone today and I made him stop. If local ad link were a legitimate company my 19 year old sales rep could have bought a matress, kept his phone from getting shut off, and moved out of his step fathers house this week. His step father thru all his business clothes in the dumpster this week and he was still able to turn it around and sell. We worked our but off for this company. We are now exhausted. Disappointed. Poor. and Tomorrow we have to go into our community and apologize for believing in local ad link. Tell Bob McNaulty I hope he enjoys himself in Vegas. I will be working at a real job paying for my brand builder positions so that my credit isn't ruined.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Stan: Well put...I have a 7 figure legit business that has nothing to do with MLM. I only post here because I hate to see people duped and ripped off and a relative of mine is involved in MLM for many years and tries to "recruit" me into this BS all of the time.....I have seen over the years that virtually all MLM's are scams and fly by nighters that just never last.....Haley, I have been reading posts not just on this blog, but many others with the same experience, which is unfortunate.....Corey, well good luck and hopefully you can "profit" from the experience of reading all of these posts....if you get burnt, you can never say that you were not warned

Joe Rose 2 years ago

BTW, Stan you obviously understand online marketing quite well....the problem is at this point, is that you ar overanlyzing the situation. In other words you are tkaing it too serious.....those who started LAL certainly could care less.....The individuals that started LAL are looking to turn a quick profit by creating "excitment", having meetings, "sizzle" calls, selling marketing materials, and getting people to sign up as many brand builders as possible...and maybe if it happens, sell some ads.....once those at the top can rake in millions while the poor hopeless saps at the bottom hustle, they will shut down on their own or the gov't / authorities will shut them down....the clearest current example, YTB....The point I am making, is something I have said before, in MLM the PRODUCT OR SERVICE IS ALWAYS INCIDENTAL - - whether it is potions, lotions, vitamins, herbs, legal services, travel, etc., the goal is to always get more people in your downline and sell distributorships - thats how they make money....that is exactly what happened with YTB, virtually all of the money generated for the company was from the VERY PEOPLE LOOKING TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY (i.e. from the "distributors" themselves - from their purchaes of online websites, paying recurring monthly fees, etc.). The actual sale of travel (i.e. the alleged purpose of the company) accounted for only like 14% of the company sales! And, btw that 14% was likely mostly from the distributors themselves buying travel at their own websites, not from the public buying travel).....that is what happens in virtually every MLM. - It is not my opinion, but a well establihsed fact that aside from the top 2-3% of an MLM, virtually no one will make money....Once LAL disappears, they will move on to the next scam...buyer beware!!

Cory K 2 years ago

Stan,

My questions was not a sarcastic one, but a real question. I am only trying to figure out how google would handle ads for a company like LAL. I'm sorry if where I posted it confused my meaning behind it. I'm not claiming to be an expert just someone who is trying to look at this from all sides. If I'm just on google, i have one ad, but LAL has thousands of ads. So if, and when an LAL ad hits google is it possible for another LAL ad to be on google in another city at the same time?

If you're in Denver and you search car dealer, and I'm in Atlanta and search car dealer at the same time I'm assuming we'll see different results. If so, can LAL (in theory one business with multiple ad campaigns) through google push different ads based on zip codes and target terms?

Cory 2 years ago

Stan,

No that was very helpful. I was wondering about multiple LAL ads competing over the same space. For example, 20 realtor companies using the same zips and target terms would be fighting over the space on google.

So let me make sure i understand regardless of percentage for zip code targeting. there could be (in theory) multiple LAL ads on google being shown at the same time in different areas of the country, right?

cory 2 years ago

I meant to say Yes, that was very helpful

Joe Rose 2 years ago

BTW, Stan I was being semisarcastic....you obviously do have a lot of background in web search, etc. I know very little, except for the basics. I was just making my point because over the past 15-20 years these MLM's just come and go.....Like you said, if they were remotely serious, they would hire real people in web search, pick up a phone, etc...and like I said, saying you are in a "soft launch", yet claiming 14 MILLION customers is totally contradictory......but, I am in fact glad you did the technical breakdown on why LAL is a scam....mine focused on the bigger issue I guess...take care.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Not sure if I know, but I think I know what you are asking....if you search google and your website is in a selected region then your ad should only show in that region. So, if someone picks the greater NYC area to list on Google Ad Words for lets say a landscaping company - it should only come up when people in that NYC zone (according to their IP address) search on those terms. If that NYC based landscaping company came up on an Atlanta search for that term that would defeat the purpose.

As to how LAL might work, I have no clue....The search terms should only display in that region (i.e. zip codes) and for the key words. However, besides not delivering on that, I believe most people are saying that on the zip code level, it is hard to narrow it down...

Joe Rose 2 years ago

BTW, when I said an Atlanta Search - I meant someone at their home in Atlanta searching for a landscaping company....obviously, since their IP address is not in the NYC ZONE, it SHOULD NOT show up.....

Cory 2 years ago

Stan,

Just because I switch up cities does not mean I'm trying to confuse you. Easy!!!! Wow you are freak that is blinded by his own blog. As joe pointed out earlier, i think your continuing to over analyzing.

Joe, Thanks for trying to answer my questions.

All that I'm trying to figure out is if multiple LAL ads (meaning different business through one ULR) can be scene at the same time on google in different parts of the country.

If the answer to this question is no, then that would mean all LAL customers are fighting over the same space.....which would be useless!!!

If there answer is yes which I believe it is then that could help explain why LAL could be a benefit to some companies.

Cory 2 years ago

It looks like the stock just trippled since monday. Stan I bet you made out on that.

Cindy L 2 years ago

http://biz.yahoo.com/e/090403/byoc.ob10-k.html "Here is the link to the 10K..and and excerpt from this link to follow....As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we incurred a loss of $12,857,990 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2008. Our current liabilities less debt exceeded current assets by $3,212,306 at December 31, 2008 and negative cash flow from operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 was $5,740,549. These factors, and our ability to meet our obligations from current operations, and the need to raise additional capital to accomplish our objectives, create a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

We currently do not have sufficient funds on hand to fund our anticipated on-going operating expenses. We do not have any bank credit lines. Accordingly, we will have to obtain additional funding in the near future in order to continue our operations. Although the amount of revenues that we are now generating from our operations is increasing on a monthly basis, we do not anticipate that we will generate sufficient cash from operations to fund our working capital needs until the second half of 2009, at the earliest. Accordingly to fund operations for the next twelve months, we intend to continue to seek additional financing from various sources, including from the sale of convertible debt or equity securities. We have not yet identified, and cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain any additional funding from either of these sources, or that the terms under which we may be able to obtain such funding will be beneficial to us. In addition the Company is maximizing the margins in each product line and expanding the capabilities of the widget technologies of its i-supply division along with identifying some strategic partners to assist in the distribution channels through product and operating lines of credit. If we do not obtain sufficient additional funds in the near future, we will have to suspend some of our operations, scale down our current and proposed future operations or, if those actions are not sufficient, terminate our operations.

All of the convertible notes that we have issued during the past year in order to fund our working capital needs mature during 2009 (most of which mature on July 31, 2009). Accordingly, in addition to having to raise funds to continue to operate, we also will have to raise funds to repay these convertible notes (to the extent that such notes are not converted by the holders). As of December 31, 2008, the total amount of our short-term borrowings was $4,928,500. Most of the convertible notes that we issued are secured by a lien on certain of our assets and/or the assets of our subsidiary. Therefore, in the event that we fail to repay these secured promissory notes as they mature, we will be at risk of losing our assets through foreclosure of our assets. Accordingly, a default under the secured convertible notes could result in the loss of our assets and the termination of our operations."

mr x 2 years ago

ok so i check that my ip address is being properly geotargeted by a third party website as well as google and although a little off its accepetable, same city and that

so i goto localadlinks.com and it comes up with my city and shows all the featured businesses, awesome good job!

now from my understanding all the listings that have red promo text underneath them are paying $200/month the top package..... all of these businesses are providing local services, they are just that a local business

so i go on google and start typing in what could possibly be there search terms, which isnt difficult, when some are lawyers, real estate, autoshops, jewelers, etc... im thinking i should see some of these displaying in the sponsored links on google... nope... now this isnt just a one time thing

i goto several spots around my city, using different internet connections, non are mobile or air card connections - repeat the process nothing

i do the same process against all of the "partnered sites" (basically the majority of sites within the google adnetwork nothing to do with them being connected directly with local adlink) myspace, facebook, aol, cnn, etc, etc

nothing what so ever... not even for random searches, not one single adlink sponsored link anywhere... this was done over the past three weeks

i took it upon myself to research this as i am a BB and was wanting to promote this too along with my other internet marketing services, initially i was seeing some great results but now nothing????

localadlink just lost out on a 50x$200/month deal with an insurance company i have been busting my balls to work with... i havent lost a penny as i will be still using my own ppc and seo services

almost all of my support requests have gone unanswered and when they have been answered it is clear that support hasnt a clue what they are doing/what they are talking about

the last time i even watched a seminar i couldnt believe my eyes when one of the owners was telling people to use as targeted keywords for the example working site - i was in pure disbelief and was like wtf is this guy doing he obviously doesnt know anything about targeted keyterms!

i know i wont be promoting adlinks any more and am glad i only lost my sign up fee for a BB signup

in theory this could have been great product/service but the proof is in the pudding, how can i sell a product like this to a customer when i cant i even find the ads myself!!!!!

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Hey Stan, check this out, apparently some guy at the "top" of LAL is basically a crook - name is Gary Wood whos has had some past "troubles" for the lack of a better term:

http://www.corp.ca.gov/ENF/pdf/2008/WoodG-dr.pdf

http://www.cftc.gov/opa/enf04/opa4955-04.htm

Its getting worse everyday, LAL has no money, being run by crooks, etc.....Cory, run and I mean run fast!

Cory 2 years ago

Stan,

What happen to my last post? It's gone, If I was as paranoid as you I would think you were screening our replies.

By the way I was not trying to confuse you by switching up the cities with my question. Easy!!! Joe was right, you are over analysing things.

Again just trying to figure it all out. I get the point, if I just ask questions and not write a book on all the negatives I must be trying to push a scam.

I see their stock tripled since Monday. Stan I bet you got in on that.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

So, Cory you are "excited" that the stock tripled on Monday (supposedly), depsite the fact that a published report from literally two days ago says that they have essentially no money, which, "create a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.”

I guess love is not the only thing that is blind...

Hayley 2 years ago

does anyone know how I could get the number of bob mcnulty? Also. I have 1500 shares of stock. Do u think I will be able to sell at the opening bell to save it? Also, there was a "leaders" webinar this evening. I had to do my real job and missed it. Did anyone catch it. Also, I called Dr. Scott....left a message and threatened him with news publicity for running a scam so I could get a refund for my bb positions. I guess I am sol. He sent an email and said he had a death in his family. What am I to do about that?

Hayley 2 years ago

I hold most of my position at schwab. the rest at ameritrade. do i have to wait until opening bell? Thanks for your help. It is very much appreciated.

Hayley 2 years ago

I feel like i am in la la land. Everytime I talk to the leader about getting paid they hang up at me screaming there is something wrong with me for not understanding that this is a start up company. All of them talk like this is a sure thing and they are all going to be rich. They always have an excuse for why the money isn't right.

Nicole 2 years ago

If this company is so great why did it score an F on BBB.org? That should tell you something about how this business is run.

Hayley 2 years ago

Good news...... I actually made an $885 dollar profit on selling my byoc position. I sold into a small rally today. I also did get some rediculous emails from support today. They said they can't help me until I provide a long list of stunts. All of which were in the enclosed initial email. Then it asked for any suggestions. I responded and said I suggest you read the email instead of requesting a second one. They immediately responded and said, please only send one email per issue. You have to love it.

anonymours 2 years ago

If you just joined with LAL within the last 3 business days, and would like OUT! Send your request for cancellation and full refund to "cancel@localadlink.com.

This information is not shared and NOT in any of the literature available.

I RECOMMEND GET OUT!!

Hayley 2 years ago

Hi stan- I thought you dropped off the sight. My 19 yo rep told me that local ad link had the assets frozen then unfrozen and said he saw it on yahoo. He said he read that their checks were to clear now. I told him great if they would just send the $500 plus they are acknowledging we made. And acknowledge we made another 400 in bonuses life would be great with lal. But u know, I know and we all now know... not going to happen.

MLM 2 years ago

I don't like MLM companies period, the whole concept is unethical and if you don't understand that then you need help!

juice 2 years ago

this may be new or unique to my area... but the rep also mentioned a $100/mo. retention (you are required to sell ads... or you buy)... was that a joke?

LAL~~NOT 2 years ago

Julie,

You are required to sale 2 ads a month to be considered "active" or you can pay to stay active. There's a lot of fine print that is not available BEFORE joining. It's all in the back office of your LAL site. At times you have to really dig!!

On the Edge 2 years ago

Has any one received a check today? Supposedly 1800 checks went out on wednesday. My Post-man came and went-nothing!!!!

Joe Rose 2 years ago

YTB's fate:

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/Travel_Pyram

Is Local Ad Link next?

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Hey Stan, here is an actual customers BOUNCED CHECK IMAGE - and BTW this was a small check (i.e. a little over a hundred dollars)...I love when these reps claim "growing pains", yet they brag they have 14 million customers...a bit contradictory.

http://www.totaan.com/

dude 2 years ago

Moms always told me. You should never pay somone to work. Brother interested me in this. I got really exited. I do think that i can be an exellent salesman for the right company. This is just another dissapointing led to nowhere. Thanks Stan-k for not giving up in proving a point. And Haily thanks for sharing. Does anyone have a real job for me. I couldnt sleep. Thought I could make a future for my family. Guess ill go back to manual laboror.

Randy 2 years ago

Hmmmmm ...

One thing I have noticed is that dogs don't bark at parked cars. LocalAdLink in the end will have those talking of scams and rip-offs eating their words. Till then ... keep barking.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Hmm...lets see, should we go with the old wives tale or the financial statement from Beyond Commerce and the statements of those being ripped off? I think I will go with the OWT...Lol, Lol

mike c 2 years ago

Barking dogs, huh? What's astonishing to me is how anyone can defend this company in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Well, maybe not "astonishing", maybe just human nature- when people want to believe in something and need it to work... I got involved with these people almost from the beginning and their story remains the same: "Just you wait and see - we're in "beta"; this is just the "pre-launch"; these are just "potholes" and "challenges" to overcome. People who "get in now" will be the winners and those who don't will be the "losers"."

Classic dubious MLM rap - ignore the facts and get your people to the meetings - get yourself "positioned" for "the next big thing"... it goes on and on. Ignore the fact that there is no value to speak of (yet?), ignore the indictments and SEC violations of numerous top people, ignore the fact that people aren't being paid, checks bouncing, multiple charges to peoples' credit cards, no customer service whatsoever, ignore a 10K statement that says the company has no money, and more..........

Feels like the current rap is actually to forget about LocaladLink and focus on i-Supply - yeah, that's the "game changer" now and give them more money, take advantage of this great deal to get in now!!

OK - let's say we give them the benefit of the doubt that all this is "growing pains" due their tremendous "success". Let's look at some basics - how sustainable is a company in light of all these "challenges"? How "brilliant" is their leadership when they continue to push enrollment and not deal with providing value to their customers or fix their abysmal customer service?

What happened to their "University" and insisting that everyone get "cerified" before being "allowed" to sell? Oh, that's down the road. In the meantime, let's put 30-40 thousand people in the field and have thousands of people tell outright lies about the service. Or at best, have no idea what they're selling or how to represent it? That's a good formula for success....... to knowingly allow people to continue to tell people that they will be on the first page of search engines, that there are 14 million customers already involved, that your ad is being pushed out to "millions of web-sites" ...... nice. (And for those still effected by the kool-aid, please don't straighten me out on these mis-representations - I have personally heard people in this organization say such things within the past two weeks.)

So here's one of the bottom lines for me: If this is the "next big thing", then it will be here after the "launch", after they "turn the damn thing on" and provide valus for the end-user, and train their people...... What's the rush to sign up as many brand builders as possible before the launch? That's pretty obvious - because you can make a ton of money by signing people up to "do" the business whether they ever produce or not. Pretty simple.

Seem to me, that if you're honest and reputable, you would wait until they get their act together before representing this company. How can you ask people to invest their time and money because you have "faith" in this company? Let's be honest, it's because you see all these players making big money and you want in - regardless of the overwhelming facts....

You have to hand it to these guys, though. They are as good as they come and they're masters at understanding human nature - seemingly all geared to peoples' fear of losing out.....

Amazing how many times I've seen the exact same thing. Amazing that people still fall for the "get yourself in front of these people and you'll believe too". "Don't be dissuaded by adversity" - all companies experience it; all great people (just like Donald Trump) have gone bankrupt and been up in front of the SEC and have had multiple companies that have gone down the tubes........ etc., etc.

If this is a real business, it will be here next month - or next year - and this "opportunity" will still be there. Although I doubt it... not in the face of all the evidence to the contrary.

Ray 2 years ago

Straight from the terms of service, You are not garunteed to be on google,msn or yahooPlease Note: Ad placements are only guaranteed on LocalAdLink.com and on owned & operated websites such as www.boomj.com and i-SUPPLY partner sites. Placements on third party advertising networks and search engines are not guaranteed as part of our service. If you do not see an ad appearing on LocalAdLink.com, please contact support@localadlink.com with the subject line "Ad placement". Please include as much information as possible including your .Net User ID#, the invoice number of the Ad Sale (this starts with the letters LAL) and the name of the business.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

"Straight from the terms of service, You are not guaranteed to be on google,msn or yahoo"

So, then why do the people that push this crappy product "brag" about it by showing a "screen shot" of a lucky person who happened to get their ad to appear under Google sponsored links? Let me guess, to mislead people into thinking they will get regular hits on the biggest search engine? Are the Brand Builders telling the people that their 200 dollars is essentially placing them in a useless directory that no one uses? I would think not since then they could not sell any ads....oh, wait a minute, lost my head their...this is another MLM scam in which no one gives a rats ass about the product, they just want to sell more "distributorships" and get more people in their "downline." Sorry, almost forgot!

MAX 2 years ago

Those of you who doubt this company...you are a fucking idiot! The reality is this...the very fact that this blog excist is proof in inself that localadlink is a hot topic and will very soon put idiots (like the owner of this blog) out of business. People should realize that bad press is created when someone is scared! OK...so the company is in "soft launch". The technology that localadlink is using is new. They have a few things to work out! That happens with every new company that has ever been created. The truth is, this is an actual product that actually works!! Maybe not at 100%...SO WHAT!! The percent that it does work is HIGHER than any other internet market company in excistance! It all means one thing...GROWTH!! Just look at the companies that Mr McNulty created...almost everything he has done has been a success. For those who responded who "claim" to have worked for the company...your a lier! You may have signed up but you never worked! By the way, I have been with localadlink for 2 months and 3 days...I have 1500 reps under me and I have made over $30,000.00. Its called work! All you have to do with this company is swing the bat. STOP standing at the plate with your thumb up you ass and complaining that you didn't get any lube! OH and one more thing. Localadlink is in PARTNERSHIP with google and 109 other search engines and over a million websites. So those of you who claim they are going to hurt google, maybe you should contact google and tell them thay you are smarter than them. We now have over 14 million clients and over 40,000 reps. THANK GOD that someone has finaly created a job that helps the american people create a life for themselves. You should stop being a part of the problem and start being a part of the solution!

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Max you are a liar and lets see a fax of those checks...The bottom line is that LAL does NOT work and is a rip off. See, you hate these blogs because it sheds truth on the scam and puts a damper on the "excitement" for the product. 200 bucks per month to go in some stupid directory that no one even knows about (just check Alexa.com for there ranking). C'mon

Eric  2 years ago

Max, LOL! Robert J. McNulty is far from successful. What company was he successful with?? He was forced to resign from Shopping.com (http://www.secinfo.com/dR7Km.71m4.htm) (click on #11 - resignation letter) of previous violations of SEC laws. He did net out about 10 million (after taxes) from the company when it was bought by Compaq, however, after buying a yacht, mansion and other things, he lost it all by 2003 when many Shopping.com stockholders sued him (settled out of court) and the failure of BigStore.com (see link).http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HWW/is_37_

McNulty had his Yacht "Imagine" foreclosed on him in 2003 and the plaintiff bank, Union Bank of California, was still trying to get money from him in late 2005. During a debtor exam in a Nevada District Court (under oath) he claimed to have NO money and NO assets as late as Dec 2005. See Case Number

Case 2:05-cv-00733-RCJ-RJJ filed 10/28/2005

Document 9-2817090

Recently, in an Orange County court, he is being sued again from a collections agency filed Jan 2009. So, basically, we know that he was dead broke 3 years ago...unless he lied under oath. If he did lie and was hiding assets, I'm sure the Union Bank would like to know where he hid his money and/or assets.

So, please let us know what assets he had in late 2005 and pass it on to the law firm representing Union Bank. The law firm is Goold, Patteson, Ales and Day filed in US Dist. Court of Nevada. The plaintiff attorney at the time was Douglas Monson in front of U.S. Magistrate Robert J. Johnston.

There is nothing wrong with McNulty filing 4 bankruptcies on various businesses or being totally bankrupt 3 years ago (if not more recent), however, it is wrong to hold him out as a beacon of success to lure unsuspected business owners/reps into LAL! That is what concerns me.

We review applicants backgrounds before we hire them because history/behavior often repeats itself, so it is only fair that there is full disclosure regarding McNulty's past before we invest time and money into LAL.

You are right about one thing when you said, "People should realize that bad press is created when someone is scared!" And, there is reason to be scared if you are not doing due diligence on this company. Just like the bad press that was created about Enron and Madoff...bad press is created when people are scared.

MAX 2 years ago

Yeah I just check the alexa rating and we are now in the top 4000. This past saturday we in the top 6000. I don't reallly care what you guys think you know. I am successful with company and so is everyone that I know who is involved. Good Luck to you all!

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Max you are a liar.....Alexa puts LAL at close to 20,000 - here is a cut and paste of its TRAFFIC RANK: Alexa traffic rank for localadlink.com:

Yesterday 17,368

7 day avg 19,835

1 month avg 22,998

3 month avg 19,601

WOw - I can pay 200 dollars a month to be listed on a site that ranks 20,000!!! Holy cow, sign me up right now. BTW, ranks of other directories that have free listings: Super Pages= 801 YellowPages=612 Google= #1 Yahoo=#2 So, keep advising those suckers to spend their 200 bucks on that junk you call a directory....

Mike C. 2 years ago

Max, you might just exemplify exactly what is wrong with this company and the concerns of many of us that have, in fact, put time, money and energy into this company:

1) First, what kind of sustainable business has its 'reps" speaking in such a fashion to other people? What kind of training have you received? How the hell can you talk to people like that? Perhaps, instead, you should threaten bodily injury to those who disagree with you? Maybe you'll break some legs, huh?

2) The company is absolutely NOT going out to "over a million websites". Just not true - right in the company material. (Are you just misinformed or outright lying?)

3) There are NOT 14 million customers.! Those are just the free listings that the company dumped in there..... (Again, misinformed?)

4) The company does NOT guarantee any third party placement in search engines - so how do you "quantify" those "109 search engines? (Do you have any idea what you're selling? Do you even care?)

5) Great - you have 1500 people and you're getting rich by signing up people to "do the business"... good for you. And those of us who don't get in NOW are all losers - and you and the "people on top" are the winners. Seriously, how do you sleep at night?

If you're so sure that this company is not going to implode on itself, then you'd be willing to personally refund all the people you've signed up if this goes south - wouldn't you? I think not. (What was your last "next big thing" before you migrated over to this one?)

I don't want to misjudge you, Max. Perhaps you actually believe what you're saying. Perhaps you're just rough around the edges (and not too bright) but you really do mean well and have fooled yourself into believing that you're "helping" people... Seems to me that any reasonable (and ethical) person would be damn clear about the value their service has before bragging from the rooftops as to how much money they're making.... and dragging people into this........

But, of course, I could be wrong. But I don't think so........

mike c 2 years ago

Oh, yeah, max - I forgot my other two points on this: God and Country? God and Country!!?? That's your response?

Thank God for Bob McNulty.

Do you hear yourself, man?

Rich 2 years ago

local adlink was a big thing for a couple of weeks they made a promiss to my wife that you can make good money selling this product and she did around $8,000 in a couple weeks and that was good but ...SHE NEVER GOT PAYED there are scamming the little person to feed there fat ass we want are money and and we will be contacting an attorny if this matter is not solved soon.... to go around and take the time to sell this cost money like ,gas,, printing paper, ink ,ect. and to top it all a sitter for the kids and for the kids to be with a sitter instead of the mom while im at work this is a crock of b,s and it needs to stop and one that has been screwed by this system needs to come forword aand help the lawsuit thank you for you time

john 2 years ago

I'v been a sales rep for various companies for many years. Due to the current economy i'v been unemployed for a few months and recently signed up to be a rep for LAL. I'v been around the block many times and right away there were a few things that didn't meet the smell test. First of all, the guy 'hiring' me wanted me to put up money right away to become a brand builder. Making me his equal. I thought that odd since i hadn't yet even been in the field. Second, there is no package for reps, no pitch, no customer referals/testimonials to bring to the client saying, 'these are businessess in your zip code who are successfully using LAL, perhaps you know some of them, etc'. No office support, nothing. Just a promise that it will be launched in june and check out the webinar. And of course at the end of the webinar there's a pitch for people to sign up to become brand builders. I'v always lived by the code, never pay to play. you pay ME, i don't pay you. BTW, i worked for a few years for NFIB so i understand small business and that company has excellent training, supurb sales support, impeccable commission paying etc. All the things that you'd expect from a real company. LAL can't even accept a check from a business. what kind of a company can't accept checks as payment???

James 2 years ago

I got suckered in to sign up as a brand builder. It is very misleading- I tried it- I also tried an ad campaign and did not get anywhere near my money's worth for the clicks I got. Try it for yourself- you will see it is not a good value.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

"With the stoppage of the credit card processing and the processors holding back over $900,000 of funds due to the Company, we inadvertently had 567 checks returned totaling over $250,000 to valued employees, commissioned sales force and vendors." (Wow, over a quarter million dollars in bounced checks!!) "We currently do not have sufficient funds on hand to fund our current obligations until we reach our projected break-even level of operations. We do not have any bank credit lines. Accordingly, we will have to obtain additional funding in the near future in order to continue our operations until our revenues are sufficient to fund our operating expenses." "...we do not anticipate that we will generate sufficient cash from operations to fund our working capital needs for at least another three months. Accordingly, we intend to continue to seek additional financing from various sources, including from the sale of debt or equity securities. We have not yet identified, and cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain any additional funding from either of these sources, or that the terms under which we may be able to obtain such funding will be beneficial to us. If we do not obtain sufficient additional funds in the near future, we will have to suspend some of our operations, further scale down our current and proposed future operations or, if those actions are not sufficient, terminate our operations." "As a result of the above activities, we experienced a net decrease in cash of $87,596 for the three month period ended March 31, 2009. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our success in obtaining additional financing from investors through the sale of our securities and continuing our stream of revenue through LocalAdLink."

Full report here:

http://biz.yahoo.com/e/090515/byoc.ob10-q.html

Esti 2 years ago

See here:

http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/internet_pyramid_ponzi_

Jim K 2 years ago

I joined Local ad link when first week of 2009. It was good for about 1 month... sold ad's... businesses were happy... and I got paid

2/15/09 the whole thing fell apart for me... found out they did not have an ad network that they were "pushing contextual ad's out to up and running"... they simply lied to me.

they couldn't afford to keep paying google so the search engine results disappeared for over a month.. never recovered from that

from the 58 people I know in the biz... they have NEVER paid the residual commission for an ad. that is one of their main selling points when recuiting people "make a residual income" they continue to say "their working on system". It's been 4 months... fraud

I heard they bounced 597 checks in March, I know they bounced 2, cause they were ours... I still have not been paid...

from what I hear there are several people ready to spear head a class action suite...

doubt this company will make it, they are all over the internet as a fraud, if they had to get 1.7 million from the CEO's son's holding company you know their hurting

this is just based on my experience, my biz ad's, and my teamPersonally I gave up even trying to collect the money they owe me

also... 11 rip off reports filed recently... link providedhttp://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresults.asp?q5=l

gene Yau 2 years ago

Hi, I am a small online tea distributor and also a customer of google ad words campaign and yahoo as well. I'm not a saavy expert on seo's or sem's, but do know basics with a very limited budget. After reading all of the above posts after being approached by a reseller, I concluded that I will pass on their "opportunity". Is there a way I can improve what I'm already doing on google adwords? Please contact me at "gene@asianteadepot.com". Much appreciated.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

"Is there a way I can improve what I'm already doing on google adwords?"

Well, spend more money

Joe Rose 2 years ago

For whatever reason, I have not been able to post this reponse at Home Based Business Blogs, so I appreciate the opportunity to do it here -

Dear Frank:

First off, I am not a "family doctor" - I am a specialist. Where anyone got the idea that I was a “Family” doctor, I have no idea. Plus, where did I ever say on any of these blogs that I was something other than a doctor?

In any event, I live in the largest and most condensed urbanized area in the country, so within my county alone, there are hundreds of zip codes....why would I lie about zip codes? It is so easily verifiable. Where I am from, people will drive 30-45 minutes to see a doctor, especially a specialist. 30-45 minutes from my office is easily four to five counties...which constitutes 800+ zip codes. Ya' ever hear of NYC or the metro NYC area? Again, just a fact.....Thus, LAL would be an absolute waste for me from the zip code perspective, as well as for many other reasons….plus, they just released their latest finance statement and admitted to all the bounced checks, as well as essentially having no more money.

Plus, you claim I lie about being a doctor (which I am not sure why it cannot be believable, its not a big deal), but you believe some guy made 50k with LAL in 2-3 months, despite LAL admitting in two financial statements that they have bounced over $250,000 dollars in checks and essentially have no money – yeah, I guess it is possible, but it does not seem to me to be realistic that someone made 50K in LAL....

What’s up with the cyber stalking where you find posts on DIFFERENT sites no less....you are starting to scare me there. Anyone can cut and paste….like you said MD’s are “whores” to the pharmaceutical industry then bragged how many MD’s are in Amway and MLM…..what a contradiction!!…....but who cares…the point is, this blog has nothing to do with personally attacking people….sure an occasional jab is fine, but these extensive attacks and doing research is a waste of time. Stick to discussing MLM.....I actually enjoyed it and thought you made some valid points....and hey I even mentioned some MLM's I liked (or at least one).

I only referred to people as “customers” because it fit that particular conversation within the CONTEXT of that blog (you know the one where you were actually researching my posts on different blogs). The fact that it was ‘patients’ that can find me on web searches was not relevant to the flow of that conversation…so I did not change the verbiage or language that was being used (i.e. in the context of business owners wanting to get hits to their site, people refer to them as customers, so I stuck with it)…it was not a big deal.

The Neil "pert" thing was a joke - I referenced his name as the SHAMPOO, which I thought you might pick up on. I ignored that whole line of ranting because this is not a music blog....but I think that quote is very fitting with the recent YTB settlement and as you correctly pointed out the plethora of dishonest people and scams in the world today....the most profound far outweighing any MLM, being the banking scandal, which has negatively impacting everyone.

But, what I am doing here is blogging facts about a topic - Who I am has no bearing on anything. The points I made may not be popular, but they are true and factual IRRESPECTIVE OF WHO I AM OR WHAT I DO OR DON'T DO.....so, if I am a bum off the street that says the FTC has a warning about MLM's on their site, would that suddenly not be true because I am a bum on the street? Plus, I cannot “prove” anything to you since this is an anonymous blog for all intents and purposes. But, if you want me to be a bum or a loser who lives with his parents, then that’s great, but it has no relevance to anything. You can live in your fantasy world, if you wish.

Joe Rose 2 years ago

BTW, thanks Stan for letting me "rant" as they say...btw, I was re-reading the blog from the top. Your point is very valid, as a legit internet search engine marketer, LAL could potentially taint your reputation and others like you....that is EXACTLY what happened with YTB....legit travel agents hated YTB for that reason. It gave them a bad name....unfortunately, when MLM gets involved in any industry, it tends to decrease the credibility of that field, profession,etc. Anyway, I think you might be right that LAL will be gone in less than 18 months, but I know someone involved in it and he talks about the business like they just invented internet search.....he claims it is going to be the "biggest thing" ever....he even compares it to Amazon.....either he is lying and just says that to create "excitement" or he really believes it....who knows at this point.

Scam Caution!!! 2 years ago

I sold over $20,000 worth of ads. They are a complete mess and a complete joke. Everyone in my downline has stopped selling because it does not work. I will not put my name on something and take advantage of people like they want us to do. They have made excuses for over a year about thier launch coming! I have spoken to Bob personally and he has no control of his company or his people. Nothing ever gets resolved! This is a huge scam and anyone considering this company should use extreme caution. The Feds have been contacted and I would expect that an investigation will be forthcoming soon.

Eric 2 years ago

Joe, is your office is in NYC? Also, as a specialist, do you get more referrals from other M.D's or from from your online advertising...ie the 800 zip codes you target? I'm interested because a HS friend of mine is trying to launch a niche catering business in the city. Thanks.

Joe 2 years ago

Eric,

"Zane, could you be a little more specific? Also, now that Dr. Rose has been exposed as an anti-MLM fraud, what alias do you think he will come back in here as?"

Now you want advice???....:-) see anyone can do the cut and paste thing.....Kidding aside.....I do not specifically target 800+ zip codes. I have an office in Nassau County, so I can "pull" from Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, and even Manhattan....(BTW, that is where the 800 + zip codes comes from - hurry Frank, go do a quick search of zip codes in those counties...trust me, I am not lying :-)...I get a lot of referrals from other professionals, but I do get people online for sure.....I try to expose myself as much as possible on the web with Google Ad words (that is the only one I pay for), but then I do the free stuff, Google Local, Yahoo Local, and a bunch of specialized listings / directories that are free.....believe it or not, I have been on the web for like 2-3 years now, and I get hits "organically" now....the more specialized you are, the better the hits can be with Ad words.....the more competitive industry you are in, the more money that has to be spent. So, if you are in the mortgage business, I would imagine you would have to spend like 500 bucks per month (where I only spend 150). I can do that because my industry is much less competitive.....catering would probably fall in the middle, but who knows...

Eric 2 years ago

Hey Joe, thanks for the feedback. Not sure what all you were referring to regarding "Zane". I know I am the only Eric that posted on this site as I am perplexed by the fraud McNulty and why anyone would follow him. Just read my posts from above…I’ve done my research on him unlike many others.

Anyway, you stated, "where I am from, people will drive 30-45 minutes to see a doctor, especially a specialist. 30-45 minutes from my office is easily four to five counties...which constitutes 800+ zip codes". And, I forwarded that on to my friend because he was complaining it took almost an hour to drive from NYC to Long Island…which I thought was in the same county? You say 30-45 minutes to drive “easily four to five counties”. So, based on what you indicated, it is apparent that he is exaggerating...or he just lost his mind. He needs to lay off the Jack and Cokes!

Right now he has a deep pocket partner who is a long time customer of a obscure company who uses "Maestro and "Blizzard" platforms...Didit.com or something like that…a nobody LAL type company. Anyway, it sounds like you have the proper insight and results that they could use to save money and do it right. I look forward to watching them take this to the next level. Thanks for clearing this up for me and hopefully for him!

Joe Rose 2 years ago

Eric,

I am not sure what your point is.....When there is traffic obviously, it takes longer, when there is no traffic less.....from Western Suffolk county with no traffic, I have made it into Manhattan in 35-40 minutes.....on other days in NY when it is rush hour or raining, etc. it can take one hour to go 5 miles......it sucks....but certainly it can take an hour to go from Manhattan to Long Island in rush hour.

To explain the counties here it goes:

Suffolk ----Nassau, which are Long Island ----(NYC - Queens County is right after Nassau), then there is Kings County (Brooklyn), Richmond County, Bronx County, and New York County (Manhattan).....I have had patients come to me from Brooklyn and Manhattan.....

Anyway, the point I was making, is that LAL with 5o zip codes for any business in a condensed urbanized area does not really work when in the area I practice, there are litterally hundreds and hundreds of zip codes in a very, very small radius.

With Google Ad words, they target regions, so my ads run in the Metro NYC Area (i.e. NYC counties, Long Island Counties, plus Westchester and Rockland, which are north of the city, although I would likely not pull from there)...anyway, the point is moot since LAL sucks for so many other reasons beyond zip codes.....

HMMM 2 years ago

I'm a BB with LAL - and after reading this hub - I find it very hard to continue to actually call my clients up to put them in this. I will sit back and watch from a distance - I really needed this type of injection do to the lack of funds in my pocket... But hey I did not pay to be a BB - Good thing with me is I don't pay to play - I get paid to play - so I was actually put in this by another BB and he paid for me to be in his download.

Zak 2 years ago

“In October 1995, McNulty settled an action brought by the SEC, consenting to a judgment providing for a civil penalty, which included disgorgementof his illegally obtained profits from a prior fraud. Defendant McNulty participated in the fraud complained of herein despite the injunction which prohibits him from violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. In fact, because of defendant McNulty’s prior shenanigans, Waldron was compelled to sell IBUY shares only to certain qualified investors, i.e., those who made certain threshold earnings and asset requirements and only after having such persons execute required documentation. Defendant McNulty prepared, reviewed and signed the false Registration Statement and Prospectus.”

http://securities.stanford.edu/1011/IBUY98/001.htm

JR 2 years ago

http://believethemovie.com/trailers.php

Click "Theatrical Trailer" first

Then the rest - so funny!

JR 2 years ago

Hey Stan - here is all the information on Burnlounge and the rest of the characters who are also involved in LAL:

http://ontopresultsllc.com/news/2009/05/11/localad

JR 2 years ago

Watch all of them....that actor has basically "nailed" how to mock an MLM'er. I might even buy the movie.

SC1958 2 years ago

Thanks Stan and others for your research and insight on LAL. I had been researching and considering signing on with LAL. for the past 3-4 weeks . I saw an ad on craigslist, the routine was presented to me, Account Exec at no cost then the created urgency of becoming a BB by midnite that night - (included - stock options, boomj, isupply), for the sheep getting in on the ground floor. The clown I spoke to could not even explain how ads appear on the affiliate sites. All he could say was that the ads were revolving and he was not really sure how it worked. I called in on a 3way conference call with so call tech experts with LAL. Being in sales and marketing since 1984 and knowing the basic steps of just about any type of sale. What I requested was how to present LAL to a small business owner by giving a solid credible sales presentation on site, with a laptop, proving the validity and credabilty of LAL and prove during my sales presentation how local ads appear while an internet user is on any of the affiliate sites. During the 3way conference call they tapdanced around my presentation request. At the same time I was on-line trying to find rotating ads on the affiliates, as you know they never appear. At one point I went to the LAL site typed in a pizza search, one showed up but for the featured ad a womans spa showed. I mentioned this being strange to the LAL clown, he agreed that this was strange, searching pizza and getting a featured womans spa. Anyway I could go on and on, I was really hoping for credibility because as I reinterated to the LAL clown this is a great concept once again concept for the $$$. If there is anyone out there that can explain and prove the value of any of LAL ad packages and prove that I would not be duping a small business owner, please respond. I live north of S.F. with residential access to Chicago and Tampa. 3 major markets that I will penetrate, expand and increase sales revenue. Don't wanna here any LAL mumbo jumbo need proven facts. All replys welcome. Oh by the way, when I didn't bite on the created urgency of becoming a BB before midnight, the next day the LAL clown mentioned that McNutty had magically extended the BB offer another 5 days.

John 2 years ago

If all you whining, complaining, fault-finding naysayers were around when the fifth or sixth car company was established we would have missed out on some beautiful rides down through the years, plus we could close several museums. Personally, I think I will now purchase an ad with LocalAdLink. They may not make make it, but why bash a new way of doing business without testing your own ad first. Long live the dreams of man!

sc1958 2 years ago

Yes Stan - Just looking for some degree of proof - I need to see for myself how an invisible ad is effective - Thanks

Johnny Boy - Cars are tangible you can see them, touch them, smell them and even drive them - Please Johnny Boy let me know where and how we can find an ad-link ad.

JR 2 years ago

"why bash a new way of doing business"

Listing a business in a directory is a "new" concept - LOL, LOL

SC1958 2 years ago

John - let me know when you post your ad - and where I can possibly find it.

John Thompson 2 years ago

Fact 1: LocalAdLink bounced over $2500.00 worth of checks to me personally and 8 other distributors that I know of. That is a felony in the state where I live.

Fact 2: In the beginning these crooks were buying Google ad words and pretending to have some great new technology. During presentations the distributors were bringing up a business and demonstrating its # 1 position on page 1 and claiming that it was optimization, spider technology, ground breaking stuff, all lies and crap.

Fact 3: To this day I get all kinds of calls from former reps WHO HAVE NOT BEEN PAID THEIR COMMISSIONS and unfortunately never will.

Larry Stopa 2 years ago

"Sven"/Bill wrote:> If this is Larry Stopa, I sent you at least 10 screen shots of local businesses that were working. You verified them and admitted they were working in your email.You sent me a variety of screen shots of Google searches for "landscaping Richmond VA" that showed rotating LocalAdLink advertisers. I was able to reproduce the LocalAdLink ads on searches some of the time during our correspondence on May 19 and 20. Today I do not see any LocalAdLink ads on Google searches for "landscaping Richmond VA." "Sven"/Bill wrote:> This is another lie. I gave you his ad with all of his info about his business and I'll give it to you again. His name is Dale 757-229-1312 Professional Grounds Management Va Beach Va. Call him.I asked you for the name. You did not give it to me. Call me a liar all you want. I have all our email correspondence.Up until your HubPages comment today, I did not know who you were referring to when you emailed me, "He said the first week his ad was showing up, he received several calls and landed a job that made a profit of 3000.00. Had he not have been in google, he would have never got the job."I called Dale. He told me he does not advertise with LocalAdLink. I asked him if he received any leads from Google. He told me he does not need leads."Sven"/Bill wrote:> I don't have any advertisers, nor am I personally running any ads what so ever for my business.Your claim really strains credibility. Why are you putting all this effort into defending LocalAdLink? Are you claiming that you are not involved in LocalAdLink in any way? As I emailed to you, "My motive is I hate bullshit. LocalAdLink's marketing materials are definitely baloney. I don't like companies who rip off people who are ignorant of Web marketing. There are plenty of posts on the Web from LocalAdLink customers who received no traffic for their money."I also wrote to you, "LocalAdLink raised a huge red flag when it claimed 'We are pro-actively pushing your listing out through our partner websites. Your listing can be seen on some at the most popular websites, search engines, and social networks in America. Some of these include Google, Yahoo, MSN, AOL, Ask.com, Earthlink, YouTube, GMAIL, About.com, Napster, PGA.com, Redbook, Hollywood.com, Monster.com, MySpace, Linkedln, Friendster, Bebo, Hi5, Orkut, MiGente and B00Mj.'"People marketing Scam SEO make false claims like that. LocalAdLink has no special partnership with the above list, except for Beyond Commerce sites like BOOMj. All LAL does is use the Google AdWords Content Network. That is not a 'partner website.'"I despise fraudulent promises where people pay good money and receive little to nothing in return. I know search marketing and I have seen the many cons practiced in this area. LocalAdLink does not pass the smell test. Nowhere close."

Larry Stopa 2 years ago

(My apologies to the readers of this thread for making a post that did not have any line breaks. I'll try again. Larry"

"Sven"/Bill wrote:

> If this is Larry Stopa, I sent you at least 10 screen shots of local businesses that were working. You verified them and admitted they were working in your email.

You sent me a variety of screen shots of Google searches for "landscaping Richmond VA" that showed rotating LocalAdLink advertisers. I was able to reproduce the LocalAdLink ads on searches some of the time during our correspondence on May 19 and 20. Today I do not see any LocalAdLink ads on Google searches for "landscaping Richmond VA."

"Sven"/Bill wrote:

> This is another lie. I gave you his ad with all of his info about his business and I'll give it to you again. His name is Dale 757-229-1312 Professional Grounds Management Va Beach Va. Call him.

I asked you for the name. You did not give it to me. Call me a liar all you want. I have all our email correspondence.

Up until your HubPages comment today, I did not know who you were referring to when you emailed me, "He said the first week his ad was showing up, he received several calls and landed a job that made a profit of 3000.00. Had he not have been in google, he would have never got the job."

I called Dale. He told me he does not advertise with LocalAdLink. I asked him if he received any leads from Google. He told me he does not need leads.

"Sven"/Bill wrote:

> I don't have any advertisers, nor am I personally running any ads what so ever for my business.

Your claim really strains credibility. Why are you putting all this effort into defending LocalAdLink? Are you claiming that you are not involved in LocalAdLink in any way?

As I emailed to you, "My motive is I hate bullshit. LocalAdLink's marketing materials are definitely baloney. I don't like companies who rip off people who are ignorant of Web marketing. There are plenty of posts on the Web from LocalAdLink customers who received no traffic for their money."

I also wrote to you, "LocalAdLink raised a huge red flag when it claimed 'We are pro-actively pushing your listing out through our partner websites. Your listing can be seen on some at the most popular websites, search engines, and social networks in America. Some of these include Google, Yahoo, MSN, AOL, Ask.com, Earthlink, YouTube, GMAIL, About.com, Napster, PGA.com, Redbook, Hollywood.com, Monster.com, MySpace, Linkedln, Friendster, Bebo, Hi5, Orkut, MiGente and B00Mj.'

"People marketing Scam SEO make false claims like that. LocalAdLink has no special partnership with the above list, except for Beyond Commerce sites like BOOMj. All LAL does is use the Google AdWords Content Network. That is not a 'partner website.'

"I despise fraudulent promises where people pay good money and receive little to nothing in return. I know search marketing and I have seen the many cons practiced in this area. LocalAdLink does not pass the smell test. Nowhere close."

Sven/Bill 2 years ago

Sorry Larry. I gave you the wrong# 757-714-0522 Dale Look guys, I'd be be glad to speak with you via phone and anwers questions about my findings. So please feel free to call. Thanks

Larry Stopa 2 years ago

"Sven"/Bill,

I have wasted enough time with you. My email correspondence with you demonstrated that you have no clue how search marketing or LocalAdLink works.

Please answer on this forum the questions that Stan K and me have asked you.

Diane 2 years ago

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I read every bit of this thread. W O W - Not good!

Stan, you are the person who owns this thread correct?

Every day I read blogs analyzing opportunities. I read the good and the bad. I read legitimate as well as scams. My view of this thread is that you are bitter, negative and obviously threatened by Local Ad Link. Obviously you have a real emotional problem!!!!

The question that needs to be determined is, what is the R E A L WHY?

I mean I really feel the hatred you obviously feel for Mr. McNaulty, and his Business? Why do you feel so threatened by him? By Local Ad Link?

Reading what you have said and H O W you say it, you really sound like an evil person with a HUGE grudge - what has this person ever done to you?

Has his company stepped on your toes???

Taken some of your profits away?

As I read through this thread that is what I picked up on. I’m sorry to say but that is what jumped out at me loud and clear. Maybe you were not aware of your hostile tone.

Is his business model cutting in on your "PROFITS", how else can you explain this childish banter, which has taken place here over the last 3 months, 3 months! You have allowed this to go on for 3 months at least!

I guess by now you can tell I have a background in physiology. I will say I’m very alarmed by your tone, anger and bitterness.

I feel when we look for reviews; we are not looking for someone’s emotions to carry the story. I will not look to your site for reviews on ANYTHING any longer. I think you have a real problem and need to seek help.

Diane Marie

Martin 2 years ago

Is LocalAdLink a scam? Definitely! They should call it LocalScamLink.

If you search the Internet, you will find thousands of stories just like mine.I can't believe that this guy who claims to be a part of LocalScamLink has the balls to even try to defend this thing. He obviously has had way too much cool aid.

Bottom line: A legitimate company has a support phone number and a customer service staff answering phones to quickly handle problems. It's only a matter of time before this thing crashes & burns!

I signed up as a Brand Builder in April. Promptly signed up some close friends who were in need of income. Also sold some ads to some close friends in business.The problem is, the hype is so strong that you throw reason out the window and sign up. Remember, "If it sounds too good to be true..."Anyway, here is the snapshot of what I've been through 3 months later:When I signed up the BB cost was $348. Better hurry, offer ends April 26th. LIE! Not only did the price not go up on April 26th, it went down to $99.95. What a slap in the face to me and all those who rushed to signed up at $348. What is LocalAdLink thinking? Need to coerce a few more people, who cares about existing BB's we have their money, that's what.Signed up for an I-supply store for $299. "Better hurry offer ends this Saturday" going to cost you $495 later on. LIE! The I-Store was still available in the back office for $299 at least a week later.I was mistakenly charged for my own ads that I used BB credits for. Cost: $199.95+$99.95 = $298. Tried to work it out via the trouble ticket email system. Only received a bunch of crap back which had nothing to do with the problem. No phone number for customers or BB's? What kind of company is this?Also over a dozen emails to support for non-working website issues including but not limited to:Paid Ads never appearing anywhereRed taglines missing or none at allStatistics for ad impressions not workingPaycheck not comming on time (took 6 weeks not 2)All these support issues were side stepped by canned responses stating that they were "working on it, thanks for your patience". Try telling that to a paying customer whose ad they just paid $199.00 for. I mean the ad never showed up!I could go on and on. The embarrassment that I suffered in front of friends & business owners due to this SCAM really upsets me. INTEGRITY MATTERS! It's all we have.I finally had to cancel my credit card and ask business owners who I signed up to do the same. Why? Because there is no way to cancel ads. Believe me, I tried everything.Now I am in the time consuming abyss of having to prove to my credit card company that I never received what I signed up for. To get my money back.Here's the latest score:LocalScamLink: plus $978Me: minus $978Business Owners: Thousands in wasted dollars!Thinking of trying LocalScamLink? My suggestion is turn and run very fast and thank God you stumbled on this website!

JR 2 years ago

Diane: do you see the irony here? Your post is ALL emotion and no content or facts....who are you really? Suggesting someone needs "help" because of his views (facts) about LAL is frankly strange and bizarre.....to me it is obvious you are someone from LAL trying to discredit him......I highly doubt that Stan would be "threatened" by any MLM concept, in particular LAL. MLM is a joke, a pathetic joke and I don't think anyone could ever be threatend by any of them.....history has shown that the MLM never lasts and that form of marketing (i.e. selling door-to-door or directly to friends and family) is so antiquated it is pathetic - this is not the 1950's. That is why most modern day MLM's end up being nothing more than endless chain recruitment schemes (ACN, Burnlounge, YTB, etc, etc.). I will tell you, I cannot wait for LAL to fold, so we can all say I told you so and put an end to the utter nonsense. But, of course once LAL folds we will all have to hear about the new TRUMP MLM and about overpriced vitamins, etc. God help us all.

In any event, of course any post will have some "emotion" to it, but so what.....Stan has passion about HIS field - thats all. If you actually said something pertinent, I could go on...anyway, later.

JR 2 years ago

BTW, Diane - where did you get the feeling that Stan is "evil." Quite the contrary - I obviously do not know him personally, but if any sane person was reading these posts, they would clearly surmise that Stan is an honest and ethical business person - in other words, the opposite of your assessment. Thus, following this logice, you must be......well, you know :-)

Troy Krause 2 years ago

I agree, LAL is a scam. How can it be antthing else. Ads don't show up because 20% of each $1 goes into advertising. Rubber checks show up late. So, let's go get a line of credit so that we can pay the BB's and we can suck a little more money into our pockets before we have to file bankruptcy again.

However JR, I don't agree with your comments about MLM, it really is no different than owning a traditional business. Someone is always at the top raking in the majority of the business. They too never stop recruiting until the doors close. And the new person usually makes the least amount of money.

As far as the Trump Network. You don't have to wait to hear about it. and you will hear about it for a long time. I've been in health and wellness MLM's for quite while and their supplements are not overpriced by a long shot. The company has been around for 12 years and is very solid. You can expect The Trump Network to be around for a long time.

If you'd like to hear about it before the fal of LAL, feel free to hit me up.

mlmplatinum@gmail.com

Have a great day

Troy

JR 2 years ago

Actually, the company Trump bought was a failing vitamin company that has phony baloney "urine tests" to tell potential customers what vitamins they need based upon their "profile"...of course such a test is totally unsubstantiated:

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/

As for the analogy of MLM to traditional business, been there done that. Of course those that own a company or who are in upper management make more than a laborer. Sure corporations or traditional businesses can fail, but they do for very different reasons compared to MLM... For instance, those that work on the "bottom" for lets say Hershey making chocolates....they get paid a salary, have medical benefits, sick time, holiday time, etc. I think the brainwashed MLM'ers refer to that as a "J-O-B"....

Sure people can get laid off when companies are squeezed, but the laborer gets paid a set salary and MAKES money when they work. If they get laid off, then naturally they do not get paid because they are no longer performing work for that company - it is that simple. In sharp contrast, MLM always makes promises of riches (i.e. see cheesy pamplets with yachts, mansions, and Bentley), yet 98% do not make a dime or even lose money - in a legitimate business, people always get paid a salary if they work for the company - naturally, those at the bottom make less, but that is expected. Again, a study of all MAJOR MLM's reveals that:

"A statistical analysis of income disclosures made by 10 major multi-level marketing (MLM) companies and the largest of all MLMs, Amway/Quixtar, reveals that, on average, 99% of all participants received less than $10 a week in commissions, before all expenses. Additionally, the report shows that on average no net income is earned by MLM distributors from door to door "retail" sales. Total losses of the participants exceed $5 billion each year, if only the entry fees, basic business expenses, marketing "tool" purchases and the pyramid commission portion of their product purchases (about 40% of their purchase price) are totalled."

Now this is a study of all the MAJOR MLM's, the rest can be read here:

http://www.pyramidschemealert.org/psamain/news/Myt

I love this one about Herbalife - it is startling!:

"Herbalife's own documentation shows that the average annual commission paid to a supervisor is $549, and only 41 percent of supervisors remain in that position for more than one year. Each supervisor must pay a minimum of $4,000 to obtain the required point value to become a supervisor . However, only 12.4 percent of supervisors make enough in commissions to even recover that amount. Thus the truth is, only approximately 12.4 percent of the best of the best ever earn enough money to get their original investment back. Worse yet, the bottom 88 percent of the Herbalife sales chain (1.5 million distributors in 2007) received no commissions at all..."....

"The total retail value of nutritional products sold by Herbalife for 2007 was $3.1 billion, or 3.1 billion points. The supervisor minimum purchases account for 1.9 billion points, or 61 percent of total points. The distributor minimum purchases account for a conservative 250 million points, or 8 percent of total points. Between distributors and supervisors making their minimum required purchases, and the presence of Herbalife lead list sales income, little room is left for any meaningful retailing. The reality is, the vast majority of Herbalife's sales are not to retail customers but to distributors who are making minimum required purchases." (In other words, the billions in sales is actually GENERATED BY THE VERY PEOPLE LOOKING TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY - WOW!! - scary...)

I think I will stcik with my "J-O-B" and now I see why people in MLM say, "Fake it til you make it."

Tom 2 years ago

OK, I MUST weigh in. I joined localadlink over 6 months ago to try the service at half price for my own business. I figured I'd give it a try and if it even worked a little, I could sell it to others and make some money. Well, I have not even attempted to sell it to others and won't. I do not want to ruin my reputation.

I ot the 50 zip code package and prepaid for the year. It has been almost 7 months now and it has brought me NO BUSINESS AT ALL. None. In fact in doing searches with my keyword 5 to 20 times a day on multiple search engines over a 4 month period, my localadlinks listing has not come up even once. NEVER! There is no customer support on the phone and of my 50+email requests for support only 3 have been answered, all after more than 2 weeks and all with general rah, rah replies and excuses about BETA conversion. No specific responses to my specific concerns have ever been forthcoming. For businesses advertising it is a total waste of money. For Brand Builders and reps it is a great way to destroy your reputation and make you out to be a con artist.

As for Mr. McNulty, it is my considered opinion that he is a very clever marketer and his minions lie. It was represented to me that Mr. Mcnulty was the founder of The Home Depot, when actually it was some web based home site with some similar name. Also they bragged about how he bought websites cheap and resold them at huge profits. Well bBernie Maddoff also made huge profits. That doesn't make him a good businessman, just a clever con man.

LocalAdLink is a complete scam in my opinion. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME!

JR 2 years ago

Worth Reading this lawsuit:

http://news.localadlink.com/wp-content/uploads/200

Rick 2 years ago

My friend signed me up on line and from there it went downhill! It was confusing, didn't work, couldn't get the websites in the right area's etc. When I cancelled the account they refused any refunds because they have a 3 day cancellation policy. EVERY company out there has a 30 day cancellation policy. They WILL keep your money.

Rick 2 years ago

Here are the announcments where they acknowledge lack of customer service and glitches in their system. And yet they keep your money! They are a scam and I have not only filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau but the Federal Trade Commission

Here they acknowledge that they are in fact having problems

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: FRIDAY FEB 27, 2009

We are aware that some of you are experiencing problems with 1) ads showing in the directory and or the ad network and 2) getting a white screen when attempting to login. This is a temporary problem as we are currently in the process of migrating from Beta 1.0 to Beta 2.0. This is a migration of all our software (localadlink.com and the ad server) to a new set of servers. We are conducting this "live migration" to keep from taking the entire system offline during the overall migration process.

We expect this migration to be done by 1am on Monday night.

We expect to have some of the errors occur in different regions of the country while the live migration takes place. We apologize for this frustration and are striving to make our systems completely stable. These upgrades to our system will give us the ability to sustain the incredible growth that LocalAdLink is experiencing. The current system IS allowing ad sales and we will continue to accept orders normally. We are processing hundreds of new ad sales each day. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

08/13/2009 More info received from the consumer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Response and excuses from top level support on April 1st.

-----Original Message-----

From: Tier 2 .COM Tech mailto:noreply@localadlink.com

Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 11:51 AM

To: jason@theinterneteconomist.com

Subject: support #63998 Re: Customer Jason Hartgrave requesting major technical assistance.

Jason,

Thank you for contacting LocalAdLink customer support regarding this very serious issue of your listing not coming up correctly in search results on localadlink.com. We apologize for the delayed response. This issue was identified early this month and fixed recently. Your listing can now be successfully pulled up using any of your keywords when searching in your business location's zip code or city. We greatly appreciate your patience with us as we do our best to provide the most efficient and beneficial service as possible to the public. We were currently upgrading the "Manage Customers" area as well as the Detailed Statistics. We have over 10 MILLION records in our database for the Detailed Statistics Reporting that we are currently importing. This traffic has not been importing over the past few weeks. This issue would not only affect the Detailed Statistics page, but also your main customer profile's Unique Views and Total Views. This traffic should start showing up in your client's back office this week if it hasn't already. We also have found a small bug in certain areas of the country with broken images. We are working on posting an update to correct this as soon as possible. Rest assured that your ad is indeed active and being pushed out; they are in fact getting views that are not being recorded. Please bear with us as this company is only 3 months old are we are experiencing many unforeseen growing pains during our beta phase.

We appreciate your patience in this matter and apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. Please understand that in our soft launch, we oftentimes experience technical difficulties but our technical team works tirelessly to resolve issues when they do come up.

We greatly appreciate your patience in this matter as our 3 month old company experiences unforeseen growing pains. Feel free to write us a new email to support@localadlink.com if you encounter any further issues. Best of luck in your endeavours!

--

Tier 2 .COM Tech

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

08/13/2009 More info received from the consumer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email from March 11th

Attempts to send the email more than once due to a lack of response generated this.

-----Original Message-----

From: support@localadlink.com mailto:support@localadlink.com

Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1:15 PM

To: jason@theinterneteconomist.com

Subject: RE: Customer Jason Hartgrave requesting major technical assistance.

Thank you for your support ticket!

To speed up the process please refrain from sending multiple emails regarding the same issue.

We would like to inform you that we have implemented a new ticketing system in our customer support department! This will ensure a timely response acknowledging your issues.

We truly appreciate your patience during our soft-launch and want to make sure your support issues are resolved quickly.

Keep in mind when you send an email to support@LocalAdLink.com or support@LocalAdLink.net, we will respond to you within five (5) business day (LocalAdLink Support Office Hours are 7:00AM-7:00PM Monday Through Friday).

If your issue or discrepancy involves escalation to another department (Accounting, Marketing, etc), it may take up to one (1) week to have a final resolution. Should your request require escalation, you will be notified and updated on the status of your ticket.

Some examples of Issues that need to be escalated include (but are not limited to):

1. Those who do not have their brand builder drop down menus or 1 year

free premium Ads from Christmas & New Years Eve Promotions. These must be manually added in by our Technical Team.

2. Functionality issues; i.e. Map issues on Localadlink.com

3. Requests to delete an Ad

4. Discrepancies with commissions due and point volumes.

If your ticket requires more information, please be sure to reply to the Account Manager?s response (which has your ticket number in the subject

line) to keep issues isolated to the same ticket. However, please make sure not to send in duplicate tickets, as our ticketing system is sure to track

each support ticket submitted.

Also, please look at the FAQ?s in your LocalAdLink.net and/or LocalAdLink.com Back Offices, as many of your questions can be answered

there. Once again, we thank you for your patience during our pre-launch!

We are working around the clock to make sure our processes are in place prior to our Official Launch.

Thank you!

LocalAdLink Support Team

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

08/13/2009 More info received from the consumer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email from them just after we enrolled.

Week of February 23, 2009:

Technical Update to LocalAdLink.com Field Staff:

We have received hundreds of emails asking for technology updates. At LocalAdLink are committed to having consistent open lines of communication with our valued Brand Builders and Account Executives. As such, we have listened to your suggestions and this message will be the first of many technology updates.

Questions we repeatedly receive are "does corporate know about these bugs and are they doing anything?" and "what are they doing to correct the errors/bugs in the system?". The following update is a response to those key questions:

LocalAdLink.com is proud to announce that Beta Version 1.0 has been a success. Thanks to everyone for your hard work and thank you for the incredible success of selling thousands of ads! Of course, there has been ups and downs as we expand our technology. Overall, our business model is working and we are proud to say that thousands of localadlink.com advertisers are being populated all across the Internet. That said, we are excited to announce Beta Version 2.0 which is going to be released very soon. Even though we have experienced and are continuing to fix some items we still consider our Beta 1.0 a "success" as we have accomplished major milestone with this technology includin

Jim K 2 years ago

I still have 2 bounced checks from LAL. NEVER PAID! Out of 58 Brand Builders on my team NOT ONT still selling this service for one reason, IT DOESN'T WORK. Some guy was talking up Bob McNutty here a few months saying, the guy is a flat out scammer, plan & simple, no past success (shopping.com he was kicked out of and sued.. this list goes on... do your own DD

JR 2 years ago

"Our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $9,443,091 at June 30, 2009 and negative cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $3,403,485. Included in current liabilities is deferred revenue of $3,010,849 and notes payable of $5,350,391. These factors, and our inability to meet our obligations from current operations, and the need to raise additional capital to accomplish our objectives, create considerable doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern."

The rest here:

http://biz.yahoo.com/e/090814/byoc.ob10-q.html

Mike B- 2 years ago

I joined for one LAL session, and it took about 1 minute to see,hear and smell trouble. Like anything else, when the real desire is a little extra money people will simply ignore the obvious. Many references were made in this blog about Bernie Madoff and the ponzi scheme that was exposed when the market collapsed and withdrawals accelerated. There were hundreds of people inside and outside nd connected to Madoff, but all ignored the facts because of the return on investments or the commissions for brokering the deposits. The real test for LAL is now, with minimal cash on hand, less investment capital, and the strength of the BB's they recruited (and charged) all over the US. It looks like this company is melting. All of us can use this example when exploring any MLM opportunity. My condolences to the loyalists of LAL that have dragged friends into this mess and added costs to families that were already in trouble financially. With references above about a class action suit, no lawyer will want to handle this on a percentage cut....minimal chance for collection. Class actions only work against deep pockets.

paula f 2 years ago

I was approached to sell adzZoo, but I know it's a pyramid scheme and does not

deliver an effective service to the businesses it promises. They guarantee a front page ad every time. I don't see how this could be possible. Also, they encourage you to recruit new people to sell ads or just focus on building a pyramid recruiting people. Who are these get rich quick con artists who started AdzZoo?

Does anyone have any info on this company and it's founders? Thanks.

JR 2 years ago

Here is the complaint agains Addzoo owners:

http://news.localadlink.com/wp-content/uploads/200

Blossom13 2 years ago

Hi Stan K, I live in Australia and have been following this blog for a few months now. You're right, LAL is now flooding Oz and a family member of mine is putting his heart and soul into it all. It makes me so angry to see so many people jumping on the bandwagon to make cash at any cost and unfortunately a lot of good people get caught up in it all too. I just wish it would all fall apart before too many more people get burned. I look forward to keeping up to date here. There doesn't appear to be any blogs with unhappy people in Australia as yet, because LAL only went live a mid September. I've been getting all my info from US blogs.

CANADALAL 2 years ago

Stan;

The same nonsense has been promoted here in Canada. The site was supposed to go live back in July, when LAL officially launched here. Month after month of promises... still nothing.

I was told today that the Canadian direct sales compliance regulations for LAL have still not been approved. LAL expects to be live sometime in October 09. Notwithstanding, LAL says that it's best to recruit a large sales team first anyway in order to hit the ground running when ads are finally available for selling to businesses.

Your posts have been incredibly helpful to me and for that I am extremely grateful. I will get the word out here to as many people as possible so that they too don't fall prey to these con artists.

Many thanks again.

CanadaLAL 2 years ago

I just got off the phone with a company executive who confirms that the Canadian market will in fact not be open for business until at least the end of November.

Contrary to what was stated by McNulty regarding the projected "live" date and being able to recruit just not sell ads, the company executive reminded me that under no circumstances are we to recruit, sell or distribute anything LAL until the Feds approve LAL. Also, the McNulty live statement was an unfortunate error. Additionally, all websites in Canada that reference LAL must be temporarily removed in order to not directly jeopardize regulatory approval.

Anon 2 years ago

Thank you, your post kept me away from this company. Sadly a gentlemen I worked with left his job to do adlink full time.

Ad Link Employee 2 years ago

I wanted to put a post up here too. I am a LocalAdLink employee who has yet to be paid since September 18, 2009. Any Brand Builders who happen to read this should pay attention. McNulty tells us he is waiting for a wire/round of financing prior to being able to pay his employees/Brand Builders which does not look like it is coming anytime soon. It appears Omni-Reliant wants to take control of the company prior to releasing any type of funds, which McNulty will not let happen. As of today, 9/29/09, I have officially launched my campaign against this fraud of a company. I will be contacting the local news, the Better Business Bureau, the Labor Board and anyone else who will listen. I have read several threads where people have gone without pay all while this scumbag walks away with his multi million dollar yachts, houses, cars..etc. Also, I'll bet the money I am owed that Mr. Paul Croskrey would not defend this company the way he did in his previous post if solicited for a comment today. I know Paul and I know about his "hush" campaings against LAL.

CanadaLAL 2 years ago

BREAKING NEWS....

From: Dr. Scott Elliott [drscottelliott@earthlink.net]

Sent: September 30, 2009 12:43 AM

To: Dr. Scott Elliott

Subject: Official Notice - Re: Dr. Scott Elliott (Advisory Board)

Please find below my official resignation from the Beyond Commerce / LocalAdLink Advisory Board.

If you have any questions please contact me directly.

Respectfully, Dr. Scott Elliott

________________________________________

Beyond Commerce

Robert McNulty, CEO

9029 South Pecos Road, Suite 2800

Henderson, NV 89074

Beyond Commerce,

Effective immediately, I respectfully resign from the Beyond Commerce / LocalAdLink Advisory Board. Please immediately remove my name and credentials from all web sites and company literature.

As a LocalAdLink Brand Builder it is my sincerest hope that Beyond Commerce / LocalAdLink can resolve its current challenges and provide LocalAdLink Brand Builders a viable financial path.

Please confirm receipt of this correspondance.

Sincerely,

Dr. Scott Elliott 214.244.8515

STAN... you were right all along... the façade walls are crumbling down.

BEYOND COMMERCE INC (OTC BB: BYOC.OB)

Last Trade: $0.07

Trade Time: 10:03am ET

Change: Down 0.02 (25.53%)

Prev Close: 0.09

Open: 0.09

Bid: 0.07 x 5000

Ask: 0.07 x 5000

1y Target Est: N/A

Day's Range: 0.07 - 0.09

52wk Range: 0.07 - 2.55

Volume: 221,716

Avg Vol (3m): 232,640

Market Cap: 3.24M

P/E (ttm): N/A

EPS (ttm): -0.40

Div & Yield: N/A

Sara  2 years ago

I'm a web developer and had several clients sign up for local ad links... all were very very unhappy with the system, service and lack of results. The person who signed them up also was unhappy with the company and stopped selling it.

CanadaLAL 2 years ago

This seems to be the sentiment of many advertisers and brand builders.

On another note, and I'm not sure why, Beyond Commerce has recently experienced a (short-term?) spike in their stock prices. Here's the latest data:

Last Trade: 0.1350

Trade Time: 3:59pm ET

Change: Up 0.0750 (125.00%)

Prev Close: 0.06

Open: 0.062

Bid: 0.14 x 5000

Ask: 0.17 x 5000

Day's Range: 0.06 - 0.15

52wk Range: 0.05 - 2.55

Volume: 1,634,108

Avg Vol (3m): 251,049

Market Cap: 6.25M

EPS (ttm): -0.398

Huge surge in volume and market cap.

Anyone have an idea of what's happening?

Blossom13 2 years ago

Hi CanadaLAL, I was reading the info you put on re: Dr Scott Elliott resigning. I did notice that on his Twitter dated 21st September he says 'his dedication to LAL remains constant'. See: http://twitter.com/drscottelliott . To me he is sending mixed messages. Do you have any further info about this guy and how involved he is or was? I noticed your last comment re the spike in the stock. I don't know what it has to do with, but LAL is absolutely flooding Australia at the moment and I know 1 person alone has over 300 people in his group, never mind all the thousands out there spruiking it. Thanks again everyone for all the comments, it's great to hear feedback from all over the world.

CanadaLAL 2 years ago

Hi Blossom

Dr. Scott Elliott is a MLM scammer from way back. There are several references about him and his past scam activities (see Stan's documentation above and also google Dr. Scott Elliott AND scam). I've heard that he has moved on to his latest recruitment scheme called Adzzoo which is an identical scam. Most of the cons that launched LAL came from BurnLounge and now have jumped ship again to do the scam Recruiting game over at Adzzoo. And, LAL is currently suing Adzzoo for $50 million - see: http://news.localadlink.com/2009/07/localadlinkdot Dr. Scam Elliott is no doubt using another one of his many AKA's and below radar for now.

Another excellent blog, with exceptional comments like Stan K, is: http://www.ontopresults.com/2009/05/11/localadlink

My understanding is that Australia, like Canada, is not operational as promised, or is in soft launch. And if it is live, good luck finding an advertiser's ad (see Stan's many comments above).

Canada is nothing more than a pyramid recruiting scheme. I would bet Australia is absolutely no different. Perhaps not today, but give it a few weeks so that these recruitment con artists can do what they do best - recruit, but never deliver.

Blossom13 2 years ago

Thanks for the links CanadaLAL. Yes Australia was 'supposed to be live from 1st Sept, but I don't think it was. More delays I suspect.

former adlink employee 2 years ago

the spike in their stock could have to do with the fact they are now under a shell corporation of omni-reliant I believe. By the way, since the last post about not being paid, one of two checks which are outstanding were issued today.

JR 2 years ago

Having your own personal "mall" where people can buy products. Has never worked...is the biggest scam around. When people want to buy products they go to reputable sites like amazon, etc. they do not go to Joe Shmoes website...gimme a break. These MLM'ers just never give up...it is amazing.

William 2 years ago

Keep the posts coming and if you hear of anything keep the updates coming, especially from Australia and Canada.

Its important that the right word gets out there as no-one deserves to get hurt, especially in these unforgiving times where money is so critical. No-one can afford to be losing any amounts of money to potentially dodgy companies.

Cory Hanks 2 years ago

Hi Stan and the rest of the people posting comments on this site. I an a network marketer with a company called Zurvita, and the leaders of the company Mark and Tracy Jarvis, who were seven figure earners with Ameriplan before starting Zurvita, just announced yesterday 10-8-09 that Omni Reliant has bought LAL, and Zurvita has Bought the rights to sell LAL.

I realize that with this marriage, I can be labeled as bias since i will soon have the option of selling the LAL product. But one thing i will say, is that there is no doubt that LAL has had some serious problems since its inception, but with Omni reliant owning the company only moves them in a positive direction. Omni is a tv infomercial company that has produced many products that we know today as household names like the Ginsu knife, and there are tons more that i do not know offhand. But my point is that Omni is a billion dollar company, and that being said, they have the capitol to erase the issues with payments, and credit card processing. They have taken a responsibility to turn this company around for the better, and hopefully make LAL a good viable product.

I am not saying that LAL has not had major issues by no means, but with Zurvita taking over the geneology, and the rights to sell LAL, Zurvita will now have control over the sales force and compensation. Zurvita has an impeccable reputation for taking care of Consultants, and customers specifically. Hope this helps the conversation on this blog since things have been flared at times from what i have seen. Cory Hanks www.ZurvitaCentral.com

moneyman 2 years ago

Cory, Does that mean the lack of quality product will be fixed as well as the $8 million in debt that will be erased? It seems Stan K has a excellent point in regards to the problem being the product. Erasing the 'dodgy' aspect of the payment plan and paying recruits etc still doesn't fix the product and what the client actually gets or more specifically doesn't get.

Cory Hanks 2 years ago

I am not by any means backing the obvious liability that local ad link turned out to be. Their first problem was that they had 50,000 people signed on to sell LAL in the first 90 days, along with their payment processing being dropped, only added insult to injury. They didn't prepare themselves for the firestorm that eventually brought the house of cards down. And by no means, are my comments meant to make excuses for the past of the company. I just want to show that the jury is still out, and the fact that zurvita has control over LAL, says alot about the way LAL will be run, marketed and improved. All i am saying is that there is a new sheriff in town, lets give Zurvita the benefit of the doubt, and the chance to turn LAL around. After all, Zurvita is a a subsidiary of the Amacore corp. which is a 40 billion operation. lets just give them a chance to make things right. thanks everyone, Cory Hanks.....

Be Found Marketing SEO 2 years ago

Be Found Marketing SEO offers real local SEO and Google Maps Marketing strategies for small businesses. If you, or your clients, are looking for real results, call us today at 888-287-7370

Chris 2 years ago

TO MANY CHIEFS, AND NOT ENOUGH INDIANS!

Blossom13 2 years ago

Looks like LAL are on the move again - into India.

See: http://www.videostreamaustralia.com/fastlocaladlin

localadlink sucks 2 years ago

Bottom line, the local adlink program does not work. Speaking from personal experience, ads may briefly and sporadically appear in the sponsored links but disappear to never return again. And forget about seeing your ad in organic links. The ads may show up if you are searching on localadlink.com but not on 3rd party search engines. As a former "Brand Builder" I've had clients prepay for a year in advance, and clients who paidon a month to month basis and they are unable to get refunds when the product does not deliver. There is woefully non-existent customer support and their slow response time is a business killer. Its tough to sell ads when they don't appear and there is no confidence in their crappy product. Good luck trying to get any money back or any responses from customer dis-service. I'd advise anyone involved to cut your losses and run as fast as you can from this sinking ship. LAL is a POS, and you can't polish a turd.

Donna 2 years ago

I am so thankful I found this post!

Cory Hanks 2 years ago

Stan, i am not here to stick up for any of the problems or shortfalls of Beyond Commerce/Local AdLink. But i do see that your last post was 9 days ago, and beyond commerce does not own local ad link anymore. Your info is most likely correct about beyond commerce though. Omni reliant, which is the largest infomercial company in the world, and the first to ever make infomercials is the owner of LAL. Zurvita has the licensing rights. I think we should all give the benefit of the doubt that this product, can be turned into a viable entity that can offer customers a quality and value that was not present with their previous owners. All i am saying is that anyone who really believes that this product would be released without a substantial overhaul is delusional at best, why don't we wait and see what this product develops into, and what zurvita turns out as the final product.

Graphixman 2 years ago

I was watching this blog for sometime and now I see they have come to my area.

http://richmond.craigslist.org/med/1510756882.html

I am not sure how many business owners will buy into this but Richmond is hard hit right now. I hope no one else has to suffer from scams like this.

Cory Hanks 2 years ago

So what you are saying is that there is no way that Zurvita and Omni can make this a useful product? It just seems that because of what LAL was supposed to be, and what it failed to do, is the reason that you make this strong statement of the product being junk. What i don't understand is that if the product was a mess and useless before, what makes you think that these 2 companies cannot make this product perform the way it was meant. They have been working on this product to make it something people want to purchase and find value in, because it performs as expected. Saying it is a useless asset like enron is way off base. Lets think for a minute, you are saying it is useless without even admitting that this product could be gone through and made to work and perform as expected??? Maybe microsoft vista is crap, does that mean that microsoft 7 is also?? I guess cause one version of a product that a company sold is junk, could never be fixed and made into a good product by a totally different company thats sole purpose is to better the product to perform as expected. Is it really that you dont want it to, or you just don't want to admit that it could happen? Omni is a major investor in Zurvita, and they are working closely with Zurvita to change this product for the better. Maybe beyond commerce didnt have a clue, but they have left the building.

Larry Stopa 2 years ago

I could not understand what OmniReliant Holdings was thinking when it bought the LocalAdLink "software" for $4 million. I assume OmniReliant believed the baseless hype like so many Brand Builders did.

LocalAdLink never had any technology that could automatically feed local ads to the top of Google and hundreds of thousands of Web sites. For that to happen, you need to have business relationships involving payments for the ads.

Just like LocalAdLink/Beyond Commerce, OmniReliant could buy ads on Google AdWords and its Content Network. But you don't need special software to do that. You need money to pay for the ads.

Software is not necessary. Only cash is needed. $4 million could buy as many as 40 million more clicks than LocalAdLink "software" will ever deliver.

I wonder if the owners at OmniReliant ever figured that out.

Jim L 2 years ago

Stan K - found your blog among several regarding LAL. I met a rep yesterday, and LAL sounded enticing. I always do "due diligence", and I am glad you guys have been so thorough. The LAL website is decrepit. No way I will dump money in this.

Now - for micro-biz owners tryign to market on a slim budget, what do you recommend for internet advertising?

Billseeds 24 months ago

I was a LAL Rep and it is a company to stay as far away as you possibly can. Their problems are many and I have many years of ad sales experience. Problem #1 commission checks that bounce, taking your money and not providing any service or the ads paid for, promises of positioning that never happen, etc. Need I go on? What they do is of no value to small businesses of which I have owned a few. How would anyone know to go to the Local Ad Link website to see their directory? They will tell you different but what they say just aint so!!!!!!

Your AdLink Guru 22 months ago

Everyone Knows LocalAdLink was sold to Omni Reliant back in October last year. Zurvita now runs the show.

BYOC has been out and away from LocalAdLink ever since then.

Using OLD news to try to make your agenda look good...now that is a scam.

LocalAdLink is under NEW ownership and is VERY EFFECTIVE. ALL reps get paid and ad sales happen everyday.

SO get off your soap box Stan and get a life.

You want to find a problem with localadlink then look at this short video at this website http://www.your-ad-link-guru.com/localadlink-team. After looki ng at this video I am sure you will have something to say.

How about this...a challenge!

Stan your seem to be a smart fella and we have bumped heads before over this stuff. You do your best to make a website and push it out for under $400 per month and make it get more visits then what you see in the video.

FYI this ad your seeing the results from is a lowly standard 10 ZIP code ad at LocalAdLink. Which only costs $299.00 so I am giving you a handycap of $100.00

So you make an ad or website push it our for under $400 per month make a video to prove your work like I did and then and if you do that is when your words will have some value.

Until then your words are just that ...words.

Prove it don't just use it as a platform to push your agenda.

Your AdLink Guru

Vince 21 months ago

Scammers be scammin'

It's interesting that you referenced Forest Marie's blog. Several months ago he changed it from "why it's a scam" to actually selling it.

My Dad, who owns a computer therefore is an expert on the internet, got caught up in this and lost a lot of money, which he doesn't have. When he first mentioned it to me it took about 30 minutes of research to determine it's just a stinking pile of shit. I told him to stay away from it but he took the bait anyway. But what do I know? I'm just a computer support professional.

Cory Hanks 21 months ago

I know you have used the Enron reference before on this blog, and it is kind of cute but old. And we all know that Lal was a joke, but the sad thing is that since Zurvita has taken over the reigns, i have seen no complaints, no consultants claiming that they are not getting paid, and not even a customer claiming they are being robbed. I, being a Zurvita Rep prior to Lal being aquired by Zurvita, was somewhat skeptical at first when i heard of the aquisition of Lal, mostly due to the fact of blogs like this one right here. I realize that you have a negative opinion on the old Lal, and the old issues that they had. But one thing you need to realize is when any company goes out of business, and the new owner hangs up the sign that says under new management, it means just that. If you have any recent complaints, facts, or proof of how Lal is not working "NOW" please feel free to chime in, but if you have to bring up Beyond Commerce References, which they are totally out of the picture, then you are obviously grasping at straws. I thought i saw a legitimate Challenge from Croskrey, and i saw you averting the Challenge that he layed on the table by totally avoiding him. Can i ask you a question? Are you ducking, or do you just have nothing to show us. If you had something that could top what Croskrey did, then please feel free to show us all since you have stated in this blog that you can do better without Lal. I am really curious as to what you will say to this message. My guess is that you will probably not even answer the questions at hand, and totally go off subject. But the fact is that you have absolutely no new evidence that Lal is not working. And if you do, i would love to see some of it.

John S. from Boston 21 months ago

I have had great sucecss with AdzZoo. Lots of sales, and lots of happy customers. Three unhappy customers, but you can't win them all. Good income, and fun to recruit into. (30 new recruits in 30 days with the help of free recruting tools) I have no issues putting my phone number out there: 508-472-6417. Never played ball with Local ad link but heard a lot about it. Let's all try and stay posative on this one.

Cory Hanks 21 months ago

Stan, First i have no remorse, because i was never a LAL Rep, never sold anyone into the old LAL, and have been a Zurvita Consultant from the start. and while i feel bad that people were blatantly robbed in my opinion, i only stated in my previous post, was that beyond commerce does not own LAL, and it is unfair to continue badmouthing LAL. Every one of the issues you presented, i never said were unfounded, but i did say that Beyond Commerce does not run the show anymore, and that being said, we should wait and see. Is that such a bad thing. Do you have any recent facts about how LAL is doing now? I have heard no negative in the 4 months since we launched the new Local Ad Link powered by Zurvita. I beg to differ with you about how a company with a bad name can come out of the brink. My post was never meant to back up any of the previous owners actions, and just to reiterate, i do care to read. go ahead and show me where i backed up anything the 'old LAL did, they are all posted on this blog, and are only a half dozen posts up. Zurvita is doing well for its LAL customers, and is getting results the honest and ethical way, by providing a service that the customer paid for, which is what Beyond Commerce never did for its reps or customers. And finally, the reason Zurvita would not start over or change the name is for a simple reason. What would you and others do if zurvita changed the name of this product once it was purchased? The first thing would be that we were trying to hide something and trying to scam people. But the fact that Zurvita was honest, hid nothing, made no excuses for Beyond Commerce, and is doing a good job of making LAL a successful. And for the record, i will take a limited sales volume anyday doing things ethically, than outright robbing people the beyond commerce way.

Your AdLink Guru 20 months ago

Dear Stan K,

you are apsolutly amazing even when your chips are down you feel your on top of the world.

You just can't leave LAL alone can you.

Well you got your way LAL is out and a new product is in.

There will be bite with this one Zurvita is not going to play games with turkeys like you. They will seek you out and sue you.

You have slandered LAL as well as myself.

You do not post your real name and you spout nonsense

scammers like you hide behind aliases

Get a life dude.

Larry Stopa 20 months ago

I would like to see client examples from LocalAdLink and Adzzoo to independently confirm whether those services are actually delivering what they promised their customers.

Here is a link to the Google cache of LocalAdLink.com

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=sit

I checked one LocalAdLink customer. I could not find LocalAdLink ads for this customer on Google.

On another blog that discusses the LocalAdLink scam, someone staunchly defended Adzzoo and posted a customer name. At the time of the post, this customer did have Adzzoo ads appear on Google. Less than two weeks later, the ads were gone.

Here is a link to the Google cache of Adzzoo.com

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=site%3Aadzzoo

I checked one Adzzoo customer. I could not find the Adzzoo ads for this customer on Google.

Even if the ads appear, the advertising model is poor. Both LocalAdLink and Adzzoo offer limited search visibility. Considering what they promise, they charge a hefty price. The customer Website is still at least two clicks away from the ad.

Both directories have rather low numbers of visitors. Compete.com estimates LocalAdLink had 34,928 visits in March 2010, while Adzzoo had 100,143 visits. See:

http://siteanalytics.compete.com/localadlink.com+a

In comparison, Superpages.com had 11,278,504 visits, and Yellowpages.com had 21,061,628 visits.

http://siteanalytics.compete.com/superpages.com+ye

Larry Stopa 20 months ago

Thanks for your kind words, Stan.

I have yet to see anything resembling the value for customers promised by LocalAdLink and Adzzoo. They promise plenty, but I have yet to see the results.

I want to add that when you go through Google's caches of LocalAdLink and Adzzoo, you can identify their customers who have their own Web pages on their sites.

I found this Adzzoo blog post interesting

http://adzzoo.com/blog/2010/03/why-its-okay-that-y

"Why It’s Okay That You May Never See Your PPC Ad"

Wow!

Talk about excuses! It’s NOT okay that you never see your PPC ad. It should appear. If you do not see it, then it is not appearing.

Merchant Circle would be more effective than what I see LocalAdLink and Adzzoo delivering. Plus it is free. Merchant Circle is also a better choice than Superpages or Yellowpages.com which both charge more than they are worth, IMHO.

Trish Corvelli 20 months ago

LOCAL AD LINK SCAM ~ Below is one of MANY notes that I wrote to LocalAdLink management and others involved in selling me the membership. A NOTE TO THE WISE: Do NOT have ANYTHING to do with LocalAdLink or Boomj, or anything to do with Bob McNulty who started these company flops that literally will STEAL your hard-earned money.

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

ANYONE STILL ALIVE OUT THERE ????????????????????????

I realize it is a LITTLE amount, but hey I asked for a refund since shortly after I signed up and saw that LocalAdLink was NOT working the way it was told/sold to me. It's truly sad that you and your company told people what to say, lied to them, they lied to us, and you STOLE so many American's hard-earned money.

I've heard some people lost over $10K to you! Not to mention hours and weeks and months of their time invested in your scam.

You should be ashamed.

Go look at the previous emails; there have been over 100 of them, asking for the refund with YOUR PROMISES, over and over, to refund my money. AGAIN LIES. I never saw one penny. You just kept promising a refund and never did one thing about it. Shame on you!

What goes around, comes around. When you are having very hard times, remember what you did to me and many others. This will haunt you for many years to come. You may have made you money off of us now, but it will hurt you later; maybe not financially, but there will come a day when bad things happen and you WILL remember this.

I will get this out onto the internet soon. I am truly embarrassed for YOU and everyone involved in the theft you managed to accomplish on so many good people. Again, my amount being so small compared to others that you STOLE FROM ... I humbly do this for myself AND so many others.

YOU SUCK! It's almost comical, but it won't be when that little thought rises in your head every time something bad happens to you and your family... one person at a time ... you will get yours in the end.

Signed by one more person you cheated on your way to the bottom ...

Trish Corvelli

Trish@CorvelliRealty.com

703-815-6250

Mark  17 months ago

Stan K, What a great post it truly is awesome to see a fellow SEO expert step up to the Local Ad Links and The AdZoo's in the world. T

he real problem is one thing and one thing only as I see it. I own an SEO firm in Dallas and on occasion I run into these two or other programs VERY similar. The problem is there are tons of people who want to " Jump on the wave" or worry about a higher commission or payout than become educated. Look at it this way 98% of users stay on page one when searching so these same people are not really understanding or researching the industry.

They use words that experts NEVER use. Like " Guarantee" Or "Preferred Partners" and my personal favorite "Preferred Pricing" WHAT? I have even heard that from SEM firms that are suppose to be reputable companies like ReachLocal.

I've even lost business no matter what I show my clients the true cost per click is because they feel since they might be a larger firm it might be true, all we can truly do is create case studies on these black eyes on our industry and hope our clients and prospects chose to listen.

The bottom line is these people are not the ones doing the work they just sell it and they are not informed.

Mrs Wallace 16 months ago

I was phoned by local link up yesterday and their tactics to make me buy while not being able to take NO for an answer were the worse I have ever come across. The seller was so rude she made my stomach churn she was very unprofessional and obviously under far too pressure to make a sale and should never be put in a position where she spoke to the general public. she didn't care a fig about what I wanted she just had to sell me something/anything no matter what. There is absoluteley no way that I would EVER buy anything from people like this I don't trust the company or what they are selling. I thought these sort of backward 1950's spivvy selling techniques went out with the ark but apparantly not. Mrs Wallace

scott 12 months ago

I made the huge mistake of signing on with adzzoo last fall. Should of just burned the money for all the good their campaign is. My ad was often hard to find if i could find it all as adzzoo sends them off to be buried in Google content network. The click thru rate was horrendus and the stats they send you are vague and misleading. Adzzoo is a comlete waste of money. Ended up designing my own campaign and it is doing considerably better then adzzoos was for me, the phone actually started to ring.No such luck while adzzoo campaign was running.Save your money and stay away from adzzoo!

Larry Stopa 12 months ago

Google has established a policy that demands Google AdWords resellers be transparent about clicks and costs to the end clients. If you have a problem with LocalAdLink, Adzzoo or Reach Local, you can file a complaint with Google at

http://adwords.google.com/support/aw/bin/request.p

Here is background on what Google is cracking down on:

http://adwords.blogspot.com/2011/02/adwords-policy

AdWords Policy updates and auditing plans for third parties

http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/110203-221843

Google Plans To Audit Adwords Resellers, Agencies