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Seems POV to me 66.41.59.162 03:15, 22 July 2005 (UTC)
Sales is not for the weak minded flakes of the world. The only thing unsuccessful people are good at it pointing fingers. Maybe that's why they blame WFG.
*****Quit your whining, if you don't like sales, leave it alone. It's not anyone's fault you can't do it. Atleast you tried. ****** —Preceding
unsigned comment added by
67.120.60.249 (
talk •
contribs)
I have nominated this for POV as there seems to be a great deal of arguement over what is viewed as bias against WFG and the subsequent insertion of opposite POV for WFG. Arzel 00:57, 28 December 2006 (UTC)
I had recently changed the introduction to the article specifically because it was very POV for WFG. It seems that fairly recently an edit was made that effectively cut and pasted from one of the WFG corporate web sites. The additional sections of the article still require further edits to make them unbiased.
On the issue of whether WFG is MLM: according to Georgia state law WFG's sales practices and commission structures fill ALL of the requirements to be classified as an MLM business. Georgia's legal MLM definition is mirrored almost verbatim in most states and Canada.
Traiven 04:41, 28 December 2006 (UTC)
Traiven 15:45, 28 December 2006 (UTC)
This page on Wikipedia does seem to draw some very passionate views. My aim at editing this site is to present a balanced view point that sites facts.
There are a number of edit wars that are occurring. It is very distressing to see persons continually add points of view that are not based in fact, but are compilations of opinions by view points on negative web sites.
Specifically, Point of fact - World Financial Group is not a 'pyramid'. It is not a 'scam'. Continual references to that point are more then misleading. They are in fact not based in fact. MLMlaw.com site very clearly sites the law. World Financial Group by definition of law is not a pyramid scheme. References as such are libellous. Point of fact. Pyramids and like models are illegal. Pyramids pay for recruiting and they force payments for products and services not sold. Neither of those attributes in my research are attributable to World Financial Group.
In my research World Financial Group does have attributes attributable to MLM, and Agency model. Further, in my research, there are numerous companies that have similar models in many industries, and in fact in the Financial Services industry. (Primerica, is the largest)
Point of fact. World Financial Group does not have employees or ex-employees. WFG is an agency model.. They have agents. Referring to them otherwise is inaccurate and describes an employee/employer relationship that does not exist. It does seem like a trivial point, however relationships, salaries, and other characteristics of relationships are typically tied to such descriptions, and can thus be misleading. In accurate references as such, diminish the view point of the persons describing the issues relating to those relationships.
It is clear by the number of ‘anti-WFG’ sites that there are many upset individuals. In reading many of these sites, it is clear that many of them have a very strong view point. (One even makes reference to alien abductions). Analysis of these sites largely can be summed up as people that have been misled by individuals, and there are groups that do a lot of ‘marketing’ and ‘hype’, but little in the way of knowledge and help. It is understandable that people would be upset. Further research has also shown others expressing more thoughtful insight, describing opportunities that were not necessarily for them, but offered a balanced view point. Further research still shows others offering actual service, education, and value.
It would seem that World Financial Group is similar to Primerica in its model. As such is should likely be afforded similar description as Primerica on Wikipedia. The demonizing, and excessive marketing references regarding World Financial Group on Wikipedia should cease. The place for demonizing and marketing should be left to private web sites. 74.98.67.205 15:11, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
74.98.67.205 15:11, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
Note to Arzel. Thank you.Good points all regarding substantiation of claims. The point I would like to make is that for a level represnetation to be made the observations and allowed rules of statements must go both ways.
Statements of ‘belief’ and ‘opinion’ do not belong in a factual encyclopedia.
To the point I am trying to make - By the same guidelines.
Reference to people calling WFG a scam or a pyramid do not belong in wikipedia.
The fact that regulatory bodies recognize that it is not, strongly suggests that references as such do not belong. To state or opinion otherwise when regulatory bodies disagree is inflammatory.
Otherwise one can say every company that they ‘believe’ to be a scam can be stated as such on Wikipedia. (eg. There are many people unhappy with WalMart and other companies, but their ‘opinions’ do not exist or belong on wikipedia. Instead their criticism exist, but point to legitimate recognized bodies, and specific legal cases, NOT to unrecognized persons and bodies onto themselves who have no legitimacy outside of being disgruntled individuals or groups.)
Reference to employee is factually incorrect. It is not a question of WFG claiming them to be agents. The contract that is signed by people involved with WFG is an agency contract not an employment contract. Your description of people ‘feeling like employees’ is an interesting observation, however that is not what was written on the site. The site stated ‘ex employees’. That is an incorrect statement of fact. I think we can agree this does not belong on Wikipedia.
Lastly, you statements regarding backed up and reference information that are credible sources is accurate and apply equally. I agree completely. Following the same unbiased statement. It follows that 1. Reference to ‘ex employees’ requires factual back up. It is not possible, since it incorrect. 2. Reference to anti-wfg sites that are opinion oriented and heavily slanted do not belong. If we disagree on this point, we need to effectively include ‘anti’ company sites to all wikipedia reference for companies that do have disgruntled persons formerly associated with them. (Walmart, McDonalds, American Airlines, etc etc.) It is not practical, not wise for wikipedia to move in that direction. Guildelines and standards need to be fair across the board.
Lastly, I wrote the pieces that also state what critics say about WFG, so I find it humorous that you feel that my view point is Pro WFG. My preference is for factual statement on this site.
Note to ARZEL. Appreciate your comments. I see many of your points,as I am glad you do see some of mine. It is regretable that you believe that I am removing large chunks of information. I have removed sections that say 'pyramid scheme' as it is inflammatory, unsubstantiated, and redundant. The 'linked sites' can make those claims, but stating such 'feelings, and impressions' do not belong on an 'factual' site. Stating MLM is sufficient, don't you think? . I have looked at Walmart sites and the like. The 'hyperbole' is left for the links. The statements that there are detractors, is stated on Wikipedia in a less passionate way. That would seem to me to be the most appropriate for an encyclopedia.
74.98.67.205 14:50, 6 January 2007 (UTC) Note to Arzel and other NPOV persons trying to make Wikipedia an excellent factual source of information,
I have taken your comments under serious advisement. I think we are on the same side.
Your goal, as is mine is a ‘neutral point of view’. In my previous efforts, a neutral point of view was to balance the negative with the positive. That resulted in a defamation and removal of the positive. I can understand if this is not the correct tactic. My mistake, if it was, was an honest mistake.
So instead of a pro/con listing That leaves the alternative which is a neutral POV
However, what seems to be lacking is the understanding that the postings that are referred to as credible, are not.. They are directly biased. Let me explain, and by doing so I hope that you may conclude the same – that by leaving only those this is not a neutral point of view.
Let me explain, as I make reference to the sites that come up most frequently in searches, and that I think you may be looking to as credible.
Cases in point
Ripoffreport.com and bad business.com Sites run by Ed Magedson. Currently he has five Federal lawsuits against him. Being sued, for extortion and cannot keep his legal counsel.
Please see - http://www.rip-off-bad-business.com/
The findings are corroborated by a news report and other findings.
Wfg-offline, and xwma – both created by Wally Tiu – Terminated by WFG. Not a NPOV or an unbiased source. Biased to the negative Point of View
www.armydiller.com – Site says specifically she hates all MLM and does not want to talk about it. Specifically states in communications that she only wants postings of lawsuits and complaints. It states specifically on her site that is all she wants to hear about. Admittedly Biased to the negative Point of View
Happy condo
– Private domain. Located in Toronto. This person continues threads and blogs where he names himself McWFG_McWGS_MLM– and posts a picture of a Machiavellian clown. His discussions are caustic, smear oriented and often rhetorical.
His recommended links are to
Badbusinessbureau
Ripoffreport
Armydiller – see above to see why his POV is likely not grounded in neutrality.
Biased to the negative Point of View
Annsieg from Minnesota
She is selling a book about how to do better then MLM- $79.95 – READ SEVEN PAGES and then ORDER THE BOOK Not a NPOV
PROGRAMCRITIQUE.COM A front for a company that is selling something else. selling Multiple Paycheck Systems. Not a NPOV
THE INTERNET REPORTER – owner of the domain is shane woods.
http://www.shanewoods.com/
It is a site that is selling something else. Shane woods is the owner of this domain and he is selling the notion that he is 31 years old and has a get rich quick scheme. Not a NPOV.
Lastly related to regulatory bodies and disciplinary actions reported on the NASD web site.
WFG – 0 Please do a search of other large firms. Most have been fined and had disciplinary action taken against them. I searched the largest banks and dealers in Canada, and all had disciplinary action and fines against them My point is there must be a way to show a NPOV, by showing positive and negative, while not adding disputed sources, and not using emotional language and writing techniques that slant a view point.
I know you believe me to be Pro WFG. Even if that is the case, it does not make it correct to reject the reseach and the facts 'out of hand'. I want a fair resolution. I look forward to a resolution that we can both be a part of.
NOTE TO Anonymous 74.98.67.205. DO NOT remove discussion content, this is a form of vandilism. Why did you remove all statements regarding the MLM nature of WFG? As I stated earlier, personal research is not allowed on Wikipedia, and the information links you provided are not relevent to whether the information provided regarding WFG is true.
It appears you have a very upset person in one company insanely upset with anything negative regarding them on the internet and the rip-off report.
Note to Arzel - 5 lawsuits, a defendent that cannot be found, lawyers deciding not to represent, an independent news article (journalist require- or at least used to - require independent validation of information and sources) is not 1 lone person with a vandetta. Certainly 1 person made the site.I agree..but they did not invent the information. These lawsuits 'could be' 'fictious' but they are likely a bit more relevent then rants on sites created for the sole purpose of ranting. You have in a roundabout way, made my point. (what makes you think this one person that made the post is 'insane' but the others that have posted to other sites are 'not insane'?. Point is perhaps that since this cannot be determined, reference to both sides should be removed. Respectfully, I would like to know your thoughts as to what the right action should be.
The information regarding the MLM aspect of WFG should be reincorporated back into the article. You try to skirt around the issue by calling it a hybrid but it is clear that WFG has many elements of the common MLM.
Note to Arzel - I did not make the change. I will put something in its place.
Finally, in the future, please add discussion talk within the appropriate sub-heading, and do not delete other peoples comments. Arzel 15:39, 8 January 2007 (UTC)
Note to Arzel - I did not delete peoples comments. I am sorry that you think that I did.
74.98.67.205 13:37, 9 January 2007 (UTC)further note. I did more investigation. Someone on the same router made changes. I have instructed them to stop. Again, sorry.
Note to Arzel. - Regarding personal research posting.I make reference to those sites in this discussion session, NOT in the ARTICLE section. I am following the rules as you have explained them to me. I did so as a point of explaining. If I misunderstand, it is not for lack of trying to understand. I am sorry for any and all confusion. It is my intent to be clear and I am trying my best to ensure the communication is clear.
Lastly the point of the reference to the NASD site. NASD web site is not made up information by me, but I understand your point about 'personal research'. The only point I am trying to make, in a communication forum, and not in the article is that NASD is a regulatory body in the industry in question. Its JOB is to look for inpropriates. All other 'opinion' should be removed. Otherwise you might have an article that looks like that 'Big Daddy' article on wikipeida, that looks more like an advertisement. No one wants wikipedia to end up like that.
In reading your thoughts, and digesting what has transpired and the purpose of wikipeida, I respectfully submit that the sources used in keeping wikipedia NPOV be recognized regulatory bodies or bodies that are independent sources set up for the purpose. I recognize that the internet is an unregulated body of information. Lets try to keep wikipedia a source of clean reference and a good reputation.
thanks for your time and efforts in that regard. It is appreciated.(even if it may appear otherwise.).we have both taken cosiderable efforts to do what we believe is the 'right thing' and for that I have respect.
74.98.67.205 13:37, 9 January 2007 (UTC) I agree. I did not remove the points in question for that very reason. It is my hope that a fair representation can be made, that does not penalize the people who are good business people, for the actions of those who are not, by those that are very angry. An article that is factual, that is not 'emotionally worded' nor 'manipulative' is the end goal that I think we are both aiming for. Warts and all are fine as long as there are balanced view points, leaving for the reader to decide, and not have their opinion 'formed' by the words of the site. A sincere thank you Arzel.
"World Financial Group (WFG), formerly known as World Marketing Alliance (WMA) is what is commonly known as a multi-level marketing company. " "World Financial Group's real objective is not about selling products and services as it may want us to believe. Instead the organization sells a dream to those seeking to better their lifestyles. Often the WFG's sales pitch will be about early retirement, 12% consistent rate of return on investment, guaranteed life insurance, the potential to earn six figure income, and all expense-paid trips to Hawaii. This dream unfortunately can be so enticing that subconsciously many will become brainwashed into believing that the mission of WFG and its money making strategies are easily attainable and without risks." Sources: http://www.wfg-offline.com/ http://www.wahm.com/boards/Forum59/HTML/000169.html
Please stop simply reverting to a version that erases the inline source citations. The various elements that I have just removed have the following problems:
We don not need to "cite […] sources that WFG is legit" because the article makes no claim that "WFG is legit". Your suggestion that editors who seek a NPOV form in good faith does not mean that they have "probably joined WFG and brainwashed or refuse to accept the truth." In my opinion, this article is not "very POV and reads like a propoganda". It is unemotional and factual as an encyclopedic article should be. It cites its sources. The author's belief about the legitimacy or otherwise of WFG should not be apparent in the article. To suggest that other editors are "either in denial or brainwashed" because they do not share your style and because you believe them to hold a point of view other than yours is a form of personal attack. Please try to be more civil in your future contributions. You clearly have extensive knowledge of WFG so you can make useful additions to this article and those related to it if you can moderate your emotion and use an encyclopedic style. — Theo (Talk) 12:16, 23 August 2005 (UTC)
Okay, so why do people keep deleting changes to make this article objective? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.181.30.215 ( talk • contribs) .
What you keep reverting this to is not objective and is also slander as it contains unproven allegations as fact (you cannot prove why Humphrey sold it). I tried to write a more objective one but you killed it so I put the more biased one back. Can't we compromise on neutral language? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.181.30.215 ( talk • contribs) .
***** Bottom line....Sales is not for everyone. WFG has good products that are being presented to it's market in a very unique-genious way. If you don't like it don't buy it...any of it. But only immature people point fingers. ****** —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.120.60.249 ( talk • contribs)
Exactly why is it necessary to allow bashing of a company in Wikipedia in order for it to be considered a neutral article? I have researched World Financial Group and Aegon and disagree that there is anything fraudulent about either company. I consider it offensive that, just because a few people hate a company, they are allowed to falsely categorize a company as fraudulent or as a "pyramid scheme" on Wikipedia. To do that is unprofessional, at the very least, and causes me to lose respect for Wikipedia as a reliable source of information about companies in general. There are sources like the Better Business Bureau available to research and find if there are problems with a company. Personally, there is one company out there that I hate with a passion, yet I would not consider it to be fair if I logged on Wikipedia and bashed that company based on my personal experience. Please remove all the negative bashing of legitimate companies from Wikipedia!
Please Note that www.wfg-offline.com is a site of opinions towards World Financial Group. The company is currently in very good standing. (comment moved from the article to the discussion page) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 70.27.192.5 ( talk • contribs) .
1. The article states "World Financial Group (WFG), formerly World Marketing Alliance (WMA)". This is not politically correct. When a company A acquires company B, you never refer to company A as formerly company B. For example, when Chase Bank acquires Bank One, you don't refer to Chase Bank as formerly being Bank One. Chase Bank is Chase Bank. Bank One no longer exist. In the same sense, WMA no longer exist. World Financial Group is World Financial Group. WMA was acquired by AEGON.
2. In addition to offering variable life insurance, variable annuities and mutual funds, WFG also offers term life, whole life, universal life, and variable universal life, equity index universal life, fixed annuities, equity index annuities, 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, Custodial accounts like Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts, and many other retirement solutions and business solutions.
3. WFG does not "co-owned" World Group Securities, they are affiliated companies.
4. WFG is not "an agency of" AEGON, WFG is a Member of the AEGON Group.
5. WFG does not put "emphasis on recruitment at the expense of training". WFG emphasizes recruiting as an effort to expand and grow their operation.
6. WFG does not have "lower returns on its policies than are normal for comparable products." WFG is a marketing agency which sells those same "comparable products." WFG pointedly does not have any products of its own. 207.10.189.13 18:21, 26 March 2007 (UTC) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.11.247.132 ( talk • contribs) .
This keeps getting reposted even though it only contains rumors, does nothing to explain the company, is poorly written and poorly cited. Regardless of whether you are a critic or support WFG this article does nothing other than say it may be certain things. Why do we keep having to revert to this? Can't we have some actual information on both sides included and maybe just maybe some cites??? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Gelfling ( talk • contribs) .
Attacking me does nothing to improve this article. I removed some of the libel from the article and also attempted to make changes, which were immediately reverted. As pointed out below, this article has major problems with it. Rather than waste your time discussing me I suggest you spend it on making the article better--Gelfling.
As long as MLM companies have existed, there has always been some sort of issues with how they handle things internally, aswell as how they handle dealing with the public. I've spent a well over ten years dealing with several different companies, including Amway, Quixtar, Equinox, Cognigen, ACN, and within the last few years, World Financial Group. No, I haven't been a part of all of these companies, I think two, maybe three to be honest, but I have spent alot of time on the outside looking in. Here is my take on what the issues really boil down to. First and foremost, it's the people you deal with. Quixtars biggest issue involves and outside of the company "Tools" (Support material and seminars) business. These money from this "Outside" business is not controlled by Quixtar in any way. The people in control of the "tools" are free to do what they want with this business. You do get the good with the bad. In many cases, there is much more bad than there is good, but that really boils down to the people you end up dealing with. Crooks are all over, especially in the Quixtar business. But that doesn't means everyone in Quixtar is a crook. My most recent involvement with Quixtar that lasted until 2004, I actually searched out who I wanted as my sponsor. It ended up very good. I can honestly say from the relationship we had, and my "Inside info" that I got from this guy, that he wasn't one of the crooks. I'm not going to say his name (I'm not trying to advertise for this guy, I'm just trying to make a point based on my experiences), I will however say he is a Diamond distributer, and has much control over his form of the "Tools" business. He ran things with the "tools" business in a very fair way, unlike many of the other people in control of any "Tools" business. There was no strong arming, or talk of "If you want to succeed, then you will buy this". Instead, If he thought you should hear something on a CD, he'd loan it to you for a week. If it helped, great, if it didn't, great. IF you wanted to buy it, cool. If not, cool. After spending 3 years in Quixtar/Amway previously, this was a huge change. The group in the past did basically force feed a direct connection of "your success is linked to how many tapes you buy". Well, as for that tactic I can say this. The group I was a part of years ago is all but gone now. They are dealing with many lawsuits, and many issues. The group I was most recently dealing with, was also around the years before, and they still are now. No lawsuits, no issues. Just basically running a business "Selling soap" and other various items. Two different groups, dealing with the exact same business. What is the difference? The people involved are the difference. You will run into this in any sort of MLM or network marketing business. It does not make the business bad, it does however make the people involved bad. People can easily avoid any sort of issues by simply doing what they are told. Time and time again it is preached by the people who are trying to bring you in, that it is a "huge business", a "Multi-Million dollar business" or various other statements meaning the same thing. Since that is the case, why not take the time to research it, just as you would if you opened your own business franchise such as "McDonald's" or a "BP Gas station"? People often don't read all they have handed to them, and then cry foul later. Please don't put yourself in that boat to begin with. When the information is handed to you, please read up BEFORE you sign up. It will save you time, money, and stress. This does really apply to all MLM type businesses, including World Financial Group. Be aware of who and what you are getting involved with. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 71.143.136.44 ( talk • contribs) .
The following was emailed to <helpdesk-l@wikimedia.org> Fatal problem with article: World Financial Group I understand there are many people trying to obtain information about World Financial Group (WFG) and the article about this company on wikipedia.org is not providing an accurate description of this company. Unfortunately, the article has been protected, so no changes can be made. However, it seems that even when changes are made to this article, the changes are never permanent and are removed even when it is accurate. There's several things I want to point out: 1. The image used is for World Group Securities, a separate but affiliated company. WFG logo can be found on their corporate website at www.WorldFinancialGroup.com. There should be a separate entry for World Group Securities and their logo accordingly. 2. World Lending Group (WLG) is not co-own nor affiliated to WFG. WLG is not even a registered broker dealer. Please check it under www.NASDR.com (National Association of Securities Dealers website). In fact, WLG by corporate contract cannot be in the securities business. WLG is a completely different company. 3. WFG is affiliated with World Group Securities (WGS), a registered broker dealer. You can find this information on their corporate website at www.WorldFinancialGroup.com. WFG does not own nor co-own WGS either. AEGON is the parent company of both WFG and WGS. 4. WFG offers more than "variable life insurance, variable annuities and mutual funds". This is an incomplete list of products offers by the firm. 5. The wording is confusing for the reader: "Formerly known as World Marketing Alliance (WMA), the company was founded in 1991 by Hubert Humphrey, who subsequently founded World Lending Group. Humphrey sold the company to AEGON in 2001." Which company was founded by Hubert Humphrey? Is it WMA or WFG. Which company is sold to AEGON? Is it WMA, WFG, or World Lending Group? I hate to see Wikipedia getting sued for misrepresentation by a $320 Billion company. This email has also been posted on the discussion page. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.11.247.132 ( talk • contribs) .
There is also no proof as to why Humphrey sold WFG. Why does this libel have to continue to be added? If this is a true comment then it needs to be far better cited. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Gelfling ( talk • contribs) .
How about the changes made? This makes it clear that the reason for selling was not necessarily the Money Magazine article but it does but the events in sequence. I cleaned up the NASD fine reduction addition and made it a little more neutral. However, is there any cite that shows there has been a reduction in fines?
I recently made a manual reversion of edits asserting that WFG is not MLM [8]. I did this because (1) we have sources in the article to the effect that WFG is MLM and (2) both old and new descriptions of WFG fit the general style of MLM outlined at multi-level marketing. I noted these concerns with the editor in question ( [9], [10]) and, after several days without response, proceeded with the edit. Of course, it can be hard to cross paths with an IP-based editor, so I'm noting this bit here as well.
I am by no means an expert on WFG, MLM, or much else in this article. I'm merely trying to balance all the POV-pushing that this article seems to attract. To that end, if we can provide well-sourced evidence that WFG is not MLM, I'm all in favor of moving the article in that direction: certainly the existing sources have a high degree of bias to them; its just that the fundamental assertions seem to match up pretty well. —
Lomn
Talk
19:55, 21 March 2006 (UTC)
According to the definition put forth on Wikipedia's page on MLM's, WFG clearly is one. It is also important to note that it is equally clear that WFG is one of the completely legal forms of MLM -- there is no product required for purchase by a new agent and no charge to the agent for failure to sell products. additionally, no agent receives any compensation for simply bringing someone new into the company. There are also, however things about WFG (as can be found in their agent field manuals, which separate WFG from other MLM's: for example, hierarchies are not fixed -- i.e. someone brought on as a recruit can easily surpass the agent(s) who brought them into the company (their "upline") further showing that WFG is not a ponzi or pyramid scheme. Compensation, contract level, and position within the company are based solely upon personal performance.
The corporate and compensation structure in a WFG office is almost exactly identical to that of a real estate brokerage. 207.10.189.13 18:38, 26 March 2007 (UTC)
This article contains the line: 'Because multi-level marketing has a bad reputation arising from its confusion with illegal pyramid schemes' Unfortunately, this article is helping to add to that confusion. By that line it would appear that the article is indicating that WFG is not a pyramid scheme. However, the external link: Rip-Off Report forum on WMA/WFG indicates, wrongly, that WFG is a pyramid scheme.(Point #4 on the page that is linked to).
This article, while having a reference to a website with obvious libel against WFG, is one that helps to discredit Wikipedia a base of encyclopedic knowledge.
I suggest that that external link be removed. - Veers
This article seems to have quite a bit of self-promotion. The first line states they are one of the fastest growing financial services distribution and marketing organization in North America, yet there is no reference indicating this in the article. The Industry Outlook section seems only to provide validation for use of WFG. Every single line makes statements relating to some statistic, study, or forecast without any verifiable reference. The first section should be rewritten and the Industry Outlook section completely removed. Arzel 05:42, 12 December 2006 (UTC)
Due to lack of comment I have removed the uncited POV comments which were decidely in favor of WFG and could be viewed as promotional material for WFG. Further discussion is desired. Arzel 05:53, 16 December 2006 (UTC)
Personal experiences irrelevant to the article have been removed per WP:TALK — Lomn 21:27, 8 February 2007 (UTC)
If WFG is a scam, then i guess you could say Wikipedia, and Investment Executive are scams also,
as Wikipedia has nothing bad to say, and Investment Executive gives WFG a #1 rating over all, including ethics. It's sad to hear that all the haters will miss out, and even more waste their breath on something they have no idea about.
If i can help the 91% of Canadians that will retire broke, and the 7 millions Canadians that have no life insurance
(stats Canada), by sitting down with them for free and just offering them a choice to change what there doing by
replacing it with something better, and by being an independent broker, having no bias, using the best products on the
market (AFG, CIBC, Transamerica, Equitable life, Franklin Templeton) to serve them, and also if i can show people an amazing business opporunity that can change there life forever, as it has mine, i'm sure as hell going to do it. It's now a responsibility.
World Financial (and any similar type of group) is a good business for some people and not so good for others. You're not stupid for liking it, and you're not stupid for NOT liking it either. So everyone just relax :)
There are bad apples in every company, and World Financial seems like no exception. But there are also some genuinely good, hard-working people in every company too, and World Financial seems like no exception. I'm sure we've all seen our fair share of good, bad, and ugly every where we've worked.
Everyone's trying to get some kind of business going, and the financial field seems like not a bad place to be. Can't knock them if they succeed, can't knock if they fail, and definitely can't knock them (or yourself) for trying.
But some people are so angry on this talk page though. You all need to just relax and do your thing whether it's with this company or any company. All I know is if I owned my own company (which I do), I probably wouldn't want most of you working for me, especially the angry ones. Yikes!
Buckwyld43
00:26, 16 May 2007 (UTC)
The first sentance describing World Financial Group is:
"World Financial Group (WFG) is a multi-level marketing company based in Johns Creek, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, which sells investment, insurance, and various other financial products through a network of distributors in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.[1][2][3]"
Citation #1 references an article as described below:
Lubove, Seth (May 28, 2008). "Dutch Insurer's U.S. unit draws scrutiny from regulators". The New York Times. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
"One thing about the unit, based in Duluth, Georgia, that sets it apart from traditional sales force is structure. As a pyrmaidlike, multilevel sales organization, World Financial produces the big compensation for its agents not from their sales of products so much as their recruitment of new agents, according to the company's marketing materials."
The author refers to World Financial Group (WFG) as a pyramidlike, multilevel sales organization which produces big compensation for agents from the recruitment of new agents. This means that the author is implying that World Financial Group compensates its agents for the recruitment of new people into the organization which is false. If this were true, World Financial Group would be considered an illegal business and would be shut down. WFG associates do not receive compensation from recruiting new associates.
Furthermore, upon clicking the "multi-level marketing" link within the World Financial Group wikipedia page, the following is the common feature found in all MLMs.
"...the common feature which is found across all MLMs is that the compensation plans theoretically pay out to participants only from the two potential revenue streams. The first stream of compensation can be paid out from commissions of sales made by the participants directly to their own retail customers. The second stream of compensation can be paid out from commissions based on the sales made by other distributors below the participant who had recruited those other participants into the MLM..."
If we accept this description for MLMs, then all brokerages, whether it be a mortgage, real estate or financial services brokerage, qualify as an "MLM." At World Financial Group (WFG), just like any brokerage, compensation comes from two revenue streams, personal production & overriding agents within your company or "baseshop".
Traditionally, when a broker hires or recruits an agent to their brokerage, the broker will receive override compensation on the production of that new agent. The difference here is, the new agent is not afforded the ability to recruit or hire their own agent because the compensation plan does not allow for it.
This is where the World Financial Group (WFG) business model differs from the traditional brokerage model. WFG allows for associates, new and old, to recruit and hire individuals into their team or hierarchy from day one because they have a unique compensation plan, different from any agency or brokerage out there. Revenues come from 4 streams, not 2. 1st stream is personal production, 2nd stream is overrides, 3rd stream is trails & renewals and 4th stream is company bonus pools.
I do not find this description accurate because I do not believe it is appropriate to describe any company by the way they execute their marketing. I also do not believe World Financial Group is a multi-level marketing company because that is not what WFG provides. WFG is a financial services broker / dealer, plain & simple.