Ignite - Stream Energy SAME OLD PYRAMID SCHEME ripoff Dallas Texas

Don't take this personal but if you want to make alot of money with a company like subway or other franchises you would have to pay alot more than 15k to have your own franchise.  So if you are referring as to being a w2 employee that would be funny to pay the company to make a sandwich for a customer, that would be working for free.  But if you purchase a franchise to sell sandwiches that is called owning a legitimate business.  So please think about what you post.  I am a business owner, my title for the ignite company I paid for is Managing director,  I am not a employee.  I make money with my business.  I get a 1099 to pay my taxes on the money that I make from my business.  Some people fail at this business because they do not put forth a  honest effort also some people fail because they run out of options and are either to lazy our not scary enough to know how to keep profit going.  Any business will fail if the owner does not try.  The money that you buy in with is money that pays for magazines dvds customer support associate support web sites that make your business paper less.  Some are optional by your choice.  I had my concerns when I bought the company of course.  Everyone does with any business, that is called taking a risk.  This risk had proven to be a great risk. Two months in I am in the top 15% money earners of the company I paid for. Its not a pyramid my associate has made more money than I have as of now.  Don't knock the company til you can understand of what we stand for.  Helping people save money.  Helping non-profit organizations with extra income . Thanks very much

I would just like to know how many of you associates were told to come here and defend what is a obvious pyramid scheme. If it walks like a rat, smells like a rat, its probably a rat even if you want to just call it a living creature.

Hello, my name is Debbie. First allow me to clarify that I am not an "employee" of Ignite, but the choices given by Ripoff Report did not allow for the correct term for my status with Ignite, being an Independent Associate, which is considered by the IRS to be an "Independent Contractor" who instead of receiving a W-2 at the end of each tax year, I receive a Form 1099-Misc. This means that I do not have taxes garnished out of my paychecks from Ignite and therefore am responsible for paying them myself at tax filing time each year.

I started with Ignite in April, 2006 and was moderately successful as I worked my business in a very part time manner. I did get promoted twice and was compensated accordingly. However, I became ill with a serious form of glaucoma in July, 2009 and was also diagnosed with a serious form of cancer six months later, in January, 2010. The chemotherapy treatments caused significant damage to my body and I have been battling the debilitating and disabling effects since that time. I was forced to close my home based (primary) small advertising business in August, 2010 and also, put my Ignite business on a back burner, due to my ill health. However, to this day, I STILL receive my monthly residual income checks, based upon the customers I recruited for Stream Energy as an Associate of Ignite, which is the "marketing arm" of Stream Energy. They are directly deposited into my checking account, every single month on the 15th of each month WITHOUT FAIL!

Due to my ill health, I have been unable to work at ANY business... home based or any other. Hence, I must admit that I am thankful that I took the opportunity to work with this legitimate and generous company when I did. Those continued residual income checks are a God-send at this point in my life!

I wanted to address the "Pyramid" issue that was reported here on Ripoff Report. I have done my due diligence to research exactly what a "Pyramid" or "Pyramid Scheme" means. Now, I would like to say that I was not surprised by the statement made by the person reporting that Ignite is a Ripoff and basically stating that it is a "Pyramid". I have also heard this term referred to as a "Pyramid Scheme" or "Ponzi Scheme" over the years as well.

Many of us have heard of "Pyramid" described in a negative or derogatory context. Even though if asked, some of us could not give a very thorough definition of the term itself. Therefore, I would like to propose a most excellent description of what a "Pyramid Scheme" actually is, from a very reliable source. There is an excellent report that was prepared by Debra A. Valentine, who is General Counsel of The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and this thorough report was presented at the INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND'S SEMINAR ON CURRENT LEGAL ISSUES AFFECTING CENTRAL BANKS, Washington, D.C. on May 13, 1998. Her report can be found IN FULL at this link: http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.shtm
and I would encourage all interested parties to take a moment and read it for yourselves.

In the meantime, I have copied and pasted an excerpt from Ms. Valentine's report, that may help you see why I totally and unequivocally DISAGREE that Ignite is a "Pyramid Scheme". You will find this paragraph in that official report. Ms. Valentine states: "Some people confuse pyramid and Ponzi schemes with LEGITIMATE MULTILEVEL MARKETING. Multilevel marketing programs are known as MLM's, and unlike "Pyramid" or "Ponzi" chemes, MLM's have A REAL PRODUCT TO SELL! More importantly, MLM's actually sell their product to members of the general public, without requiring these consumers to pay anything extra or to join the MLM system. MLM's may pay commissions to a long string of distributors, but THESE COMMISSIONS ARE PAID FOR "REAL RETAIL SALES", and not for new recruits."

So you see, Ignite does NOT fall under the description of a "Pyramid Scheme". Yet, there are multitudes of misinformed people claiming it is, simply because they do not understand the compensation plan of MLM's like Ignite. Ignite DOES have a product that they sell. It is ENERGY. And they pay their associates commissions for finding energy customers who switch from their current energy provider to Stream Energy. Ignite Associates are encouraged to simply approach their "warm" market (family, friends, co-workers, business associates, etc.) who live or own businesses in deregulated energy areas of Texas (and now 5-6 other States), to switch to Stream Energy. And I should tell you that since Stream Energy started back in 2004, it has won many awards for it's commitment to excellence in providing great service to tens of thousands of very satisfied customers.

Ignite also has another part of compensation for their Associates. They are "BONUSES". Associates are further encouraged to work at recruiting AND training other people who would also like to be generously compensated for their efforts. However, just like a car salesman who does not succeed in selling vehicles for the dealership he or she may work for, you cannot expect to get paid if you fail to close a sale! Not everyone is cut out for sales. Therefore, it is only logical that they should spend their time at a job that will compensate them for the type of work they are capable of performing. Right?

I just wanted to set the record straight here about "Pyramid Schemes" guys. Ignite is NOT one, and I have provided evidence to support that fact. I am sorry that the complainant had a relative who was not successful in his Ignite business. And I am sorry that his friends and relatives who also tried their hand at becoming successful with Ignite also failed. As I mentioned, Ignite, (and any other MLM or sales position) may just not be the type of job they were cut out for. It happens. But it certainly isn't Ignite's fault. They offer opportunity, extensive training, generous compensation for those who are successful in recruiting customers and other Associates and a huge amount of support from the company and other Associates. Success is obviously available... and NOT just for those who got into the business when it first started. Stream Energy is on track to become an energy provider in every state that deregulates their energy market, all across the country. I can't even imagine how long (if ever) the market could possibly run dry!

So there you have it. Just fact based common sense and the truth about Ignite. I believed in the opportunity Ignite provided me. And even though I am currently unable to "work" that business, here it is, almost 7 years later.... and almost 3 years since I worked my Ignite business... and I still get paid residual income from them every month for the work I performed years ago! Need I say more?

Respectfully yours,
Debbie
Tomball, Texas

Regarding this comment:

"As I said, whatever floats your boat.   My opinion is it's a pyramid scheme and you won't change my mind.  I've heard all of the MLM crap before.  And, by the way, I'm getting a lower rate with Spark than Stream."

I find it interesting that someone posted their negative views regarding Ignite/Stream and MLMs in general but closed by stating they're getting a lower rate with Spark than Stream when Spark is an MLM that's marketed under Ampegy.

   I am a new Ignite Associate. I have only been in for a few month's. I have not made much money and I only have one Business Associate. Does that mean this Business does not work? Not at all. It means that some will build it faster than others. I have worked very hard at times and other times not so hard. There have been many obstacles along the way, such as: Negative stories on the Internet, negative people who either quit this Business before they succeeded or they knew someone else that did. Also, freinds and family that are not even open-minded enough to take a look at this business,let alone become a customer. But, I am not a quitter and I will succeed in this business in time,in spite of all of the distractions and negativity. I have overcome much in my life, with God's help and there is no doubt in my mind that God will help me to overcome this as well. Vince Lombardi said: A Winner Never Quits & A Quitter Never Wins! I have been around some of the leaders in this business and I can tell you that they are men and women of integrity. The only way that someone can fail in this business, is if they do not follow the pattern of success and try to do it on their own, or just flat out quit. I hope this will help someone. I know that it has helped me.            

Scott, Ignites policies are very clear on advertiseing.  You CAN advertise, BUT you must have it approved by the company.  I've been with Ignite for 5 years and advertise all the time, and to cover my butt I get approval first.  Next time read policies first!

IN RESPONSE TO: When you think about it, it's pretty ridiculous to PAY a company to sell their product. Even commission only sales positions in legitimate companies do not ask you to pay to work for them.

 ummm, Subway wants me to pay them $15k to sell their product.  I guess your saying their business model is pretty ridiculous too.

   Hi. I have read a negative report about the company name IGNITE. 
  I have looked at the company and some others on the market. I am just a simple a man and it seem that any time there is a company that comes with a system that works there would be complaints against it. 
   Me and my wife have been involved in few network marketing companies and they all have one thing in common and that is compensation plan. Every network marketing company is based on the fact that people wold like to make money. Some work better and some worse then other. But its always about the same principle. You do have to get some people to recruit under you that you can benefit more from it.
   I personally do work as independent associate for Ignite and I do not see anything wrong with one time fee of $329. It see as a small fee for something that you can start to do as a side business. There is some other companies on the market (i live in NJ) and they also offer service in energy market. Some of those are asking for even more money to start with them and their compensation plan is not even close to what Ignite company is offering.
  Why is it that big monopoly can be making millions and millions of dollars in profit every month and very seldom we will even think about it. Yet when you offer a service that is better price wise and some decent compensation for the people that actually put their time into it then its a scheme......
   My mother in law lives in Texas and has been with stream energy as a customer for few years and she is very satisfied. I am not sure how much people know about the condition for a company to become a supply of energy in different states. What I know is that things are being closely watched by different commisions for regulation of energy.It is not like you can come and set your business and supply the energy..... The system in Ignite is great and it works. There is enough money to be made in the energy industry if people are not greedy to keep it just for few.......

It's always the people on the outside looking in that always have the most to say.. As with any other MLM and any other job, or business ever invented.. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PYRAMID PRESENT! Only question is which part of the pyramid do you want to be on? I have been with Ignite for 3 months so far and it has been a hell of a ride for my team and I! All except 6 of my 89 associates have received their initial investment back and all are making a profit at this point. The 6 that didn't get their money back didn't simply because they didn't apply themselves.. This system is based on your influence on people, your network, and your determination! I was totally against all MLM until a friend of mines pulled me in now I can't see my life without it!  

The person that brought me into this business told me from the beginning what to expect and told me that if I couldn't complete a 3&10 then this business isn't for me! Well Ironically I did it in 3 days.. Got my 329.00 back  a week later with a $771  DOLLAR PROFIT! Bottom line this business works if you work it.. This business is for everybody but everybody isn't for this business! Just like every other business.. There will be bosses and workers... If you can't see yourself being your own boss and willing to work hard towards it.... Just keep working your 9-5 sending someone else's kids to college, making someone else's dreams come true, and keep running that ridiculous rat race trading hour's for dollars and pray your company doesn't downsize or start laying off.....  Mines Won't!!! #teamignite 

I have recently joined up with Ignite (my family is doing it) but I am NOT here trying to recruit people. I just noticed that you showed us the percentages of how many people did or did not make money, however, you do not show the total number of people.
89.66% of 4 people basically means only 1 in 3 made money, but 89.66% of 5 million people means 500,000 people made more than an extra $953 in a year.
Your high income of $1582. 

$329 initially + ( 12*$25 for a year of websites and networking tools = $300 ) = $629 
$1582 - $629 = $953

So roughly 500,000 people made an extra $1000 while probably still maintaining a regular job/career. Even at this scale I don't see how that is a bad thing, and I am curious to see what the actual numbers look like. Just want to get the facts as straight as possible. Also keep in mind that after the first year the yearly cost goes down to ~$300 give or take whatever lunch meetings you write off on your taxes. (Which is perfectly legal by the way.) Not sure if the monthly fee can be written off but something to look into.

The point is, people will get out of it what they put into it just like any other source of income. Want to make more investing? Spend more money. Want to make more providing a service? Provide it better, faster, cheaper. Want to make more building MLM teams? Spend more time and effort on it. It's all the same.

Other advertisement methods are the same, present yourself to as many people as possible and make money off of the very few who bite. The difference here is the advertising is cheap. How many companies in the top 5 (stream is #2) earners in the world do you think pay less than $476500000 in advertising each year?(Based on my previous scale at $953:500000 "employees") I bet its less than 3.

I will reserve my personal opinion of the company itself when I have more solid numbers on how many people are actually making money, rather than how many are not.
As far as my experience in the company I will reserve my opinions until I see what my effort rewards me, and see my own effort:success ratio as I am sure it is different for most everyone.

There is nothing broken about THIS site. My team is MOVING. FAST. $$$$$

I have been reading this for quite some time and never wanted to respond because I usually get very emotional and extremely long-winded. This time I just would like to ask all Ignite Associates this question, "why continue to argue and convince? who cares?"  most of us still work our nine to five jobs and at night we spend and hour or two talking to people we know, four or five days passes.......a check other than the check we work nine to five for comes in like "free money" for talking with our grandmoms about their enormous bills that we decrease because with them WE CHOOSE FIXED RATES THAT DO NOT FLUCTUATE and if they did decide to go with a variable rate, they are smart enough acknowledge the notice Stream Energy gives a week or so BEFORE the rate changes. That gives grandmom (and anyone else complaining about the variable rate fluctuating like any other commodity does...duh...) the opportunity to cancel her business with Stream Energy at NO CANCELLATION PENALTY if it's variable (at least up here in the Northeast).

And the question I have to the unhappy variable rate customer, "why in the world didn't you chose a fixed rate like most people do? why didn't you check the rates each month since you knew you chose a variable? and why in the world didn't you switch back to a cheaper supplier when Stream Energy let you know of it's next months rates?" Especially since there is no penalty fee for variable rates. And the question to any Ignite haters, "why don't you know any body who would trust you to be your customer?"

Back to the Ignite Associates, "You've seen the $8,000, $14,000 checks, ignore the haters and move on. WE know what it is. Imagine all of those people that DON'T....go get 'em!!" By the way Ignite Associates, You gotta see this You-tube video about pyramid schemes, it's a riot! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZiw15VgWoI

I'd also like to know why that guy is no longer in business....Also, wouldn't an insurance company be considered an MLM?  You become an agent, under another agent and get paid when your customers pay their insurance bill.  Is there really a difference?

I read from comment #1 (by an employee) that "...here's a website you will never find a broken link to: http://TeamBarroEnergy.IgniteInc.biz." Unfortunately, the link is broken.

Is TeamBarroEnergy.IgniteInc.biz still in business? I have some questions because someone just told me about this opportunity.

Thanks.

A general note/cautionary tale of encouragement/enlightenment to the newly self-employed or those seeking self-employment.

I was looking down the list of complaints due to someone I know starting out in Ignite wanting me to check out the company and saw a very familiar yet disturbing trend.

Why would anyone listen to someone that has had no substantial success in a business venture?  Why waste your time listening to them? They do know how to complain and poor-mouth though.

A little background first.

I have been self-employed for about 40 years and have never been in any MLM's or door-to-doors or anything like that. Just an old school type business selling goods and services.

I am not wealthy yet am very comfortable by most people's standards. I've done it long enough to know success is not a happy accident or luck. I have been there and done that and did nothing immoral/illegal/unethical to get there.  Yes, it took a lot longer with that approach yet I sleep like a baby at night and my customers brag on me, many are dear friends.

In my lifetime, I have witnessed the kinds of people around the world who make it in any business situation as employees at all levels, independent contractors, self-employed, etc., and there is a pattern. They all have common traits and the ones who can't cut it have similar traits and patterns in their group.

The pattern is this.  For any moral/ethical/ legal/legitimate enterprise, there are the people who make it happen and there are the crybabies.  The crybabies will let anything chase them off, the people who make it happen have staying power.  I'm not suggesting/talking about selling your soul for $$ or ripping people off or ruining your health. I mean people who just have plain old GUTS and a strong, honest work ethic. 

If you work in the corporate world, the offices are full of crybabies.  They could make it if only for........  They actually drag down their own business or company they work for and they don't know/care. 

Time for a little tough-love.

At this point, I don't know/care if Ignite is a good deal or not, but I see alot of crybaby types here. And I wouldn't ever consider taking advice from the "can't cut it" type personalities. They can't cut it in the legitimate businesses. Right?

In fact, I wouldn't hire some of you on a dare and have little/no faith you could handle it being self-employed. You scare too easily and take the easy way out in your lives and that's why you will likely never have success unless you change. I know. My experience beats your reckless speculation every single time.

For those crying about business cost, the crybabies have no clue.  I spent ~$40,000 my first good year on advetising alone ( B4 internet ) and hocked almost everything to do it. i couldn't get any loans. Are you kidding?

Oh, my goodness ( the crybabies complain ), I have to talk to people to grow my business? I have to pick up my lazy rear and plow the field a bit? I have to spend some money to make money?  My, my, well forget it then. I want something for nothing.

Crybabies won't do it. They do however cry about cost, cry about effort, cry about others making $$, and the usual final jab, it's illegal or immoral, in their personal opinion. They all have the same, lame excuses as to why the couldn't make it. Old story, old pattern. The crybabies make excuses for their lack of productivity.  Every time.

Nancy, as a business professional, in my opinion, you have no vague notion about what it takes to run a successful business. Successful businesspeople simply don't talk like you.  Full stop, end of story. Have you ever had to make payroll?  I doubt it. Have you ever worried about your employees or their families? I doubt it. Per your incorrect definition of a pyramid, ALL BUSINESSES IN THE US ARE PYRAMIDS.

The very few at the top of any business make the most MONEY AND have the most RESPONSIBILITY. Right? So, if you're employed, you're working in a pyramid. Right? You're slaving at the bottom to make $$$ for the people above you and you'll probably never make it to the top. The people that, more often than not, worked harder and longer and smarter than you will end up being your boss/superisor. Do you deny that? Maybe they were just lucky or crooked.  Right?

Lastly, the "you can't change my mind..." mentality is very telling. Never met a successful businessperson with that attitude. There you go.

Those of you that have almost made it or have already made it in whatever you're doing, keep it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Don't let the crybabies scare you off. That why success pays so very well.

It's not lonely at the top, it's just very crowded down at the crybaby level, don't you know.  I don't ever want to go back down there with the Nancys of the world.  No thank you!  And you can never change my mind on that!

Have a good one.

All the people down playing ignite are mostly scared... scared THEY can't do it. Read any successful self-made millionaires book or talk to anyone who's financially independent and they will tell you that: "SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO WHAT UNSUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE NOT WILLING TO DO SO LATTER THEY CAN DO WHAT UNSUCCESSFUL PEOPLE CAN'T DO" Successful people aren't scared and business minded individuals look to recoup their investment and know scary money doesn't make money. What business can you start for free... what business can you invest your money in and get it back 4 fold in a month?! Why would I show you my CHECK!!!! If I get paid I could care less if your to scared to join or if you spread rumors; the truth always comes to light. Why would I want a scary, pessimistic, bad attitude spreading person who spends there time typing against something that doesn't matter to them (if they don't want to do it) on my team. You are a time "waister" and your faith is in you can't instead of you can that's a losers mentality if you joined Ignite through me you would be on my team. I would have to take time and train you an...I refuse  to even tell you what we do. I'm only disturbed by your ignorance.  How hard is it to teach 3 people to teach 3 people to get 10 people who need lower light bill chances are they already know the 10 people and the three! I've worked for TXU going door to door I've worked for MX Energy ...and did not like both (not because of money but polotics) but I didn't  let that make me negative and hopeless and in 1 or 2 more years I can retire! I just started Ignite this year! lol You can say what you want but in a year I'll be watching my daughter do ballet and jet skiing while you fight recession all because of fear. Why generalize companies that's prejudice and ignorance. Hypocrite.  where will you be next year? lol
GO IGNITE LOL!!!!!!! How lame "Post a check"...Go get a check!
(((Redacted)))


CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Here are the facts to the case, and they are indisputable.....

All the bickering about "this does work" "this doesn't work" is all a direct reflection of work ethic, drive, and self-growth!!  The simple facts are that ANY business requires start up costs in some form or fashion and whether it is MLM, Network Marketing, Telemarketing or traditional company set up is indifferent!!   If you are at a point in life where you are wanting to break free from the "work for the man" environment, then any options that fit your desire and abilities is worth looking at.   As a man who has worked in both environments both corporately and self-employed, here are my takes...

1.  EVERY company is a pyramid in some form or fashion!  I don't care if you work for Mary Kay, AT&T, or McDonald's...there is someone above you that worked hard in the beginning and is now working less than you are and making more money that you do!!  The difference is that as an employee, you do not get paid on the hard work of those beneath you!  Your boss sets your pay and controls when/if you get to make more in most cases!!   A true MLM company allows you to encourage your team(s) to make as much as they possibly can or want because that means you make more!! 

2.  Most people that have complaints or "sob" stories about MLM's are people that were looking for a "get rich quick" process and didn't take the opportunity to WORK it for what it was....A BUSINESS!!  But this is very typical of modern work-force!  We are complacent to make as much as we WANT to do as little work as possible, and I am sorry...true business does not work that way!  It is a FACT that MLM organizations are the most profitable and strongest business models that exist today!  The problem is not with the organizational model, it is with the people that work them!  There are MANY examples of great companies that use the MLM model for their business growth...Mary Kay and AmWay are just two!  For those of you that continually make the point that the "people at the top/beginning make the most money,"  I challange you to show me ONE company that this isn't the case?   Does the tool maker in the manufacturing plant make more than the CEO that started the company??  Does the beat writer make more than the person that started the publication??  That arguement is nothing but blind ignorance!

3.  MLM advertisement is used EVERYWHERE, but people are too blind to open their minds to it.  Think for a moment the last time you saw a movie and recommended it to a friend.  Or you ate at a good restaurant and referred it to a friend who went and ate there.   Is that NOT a form of MLM advertisement???   Except you didn't get paid on it!!  The movie company or restaurant still made a profit off of your referral didn't they??!!  Have you ever referred a friend to your cell phone company or bank for a "$25 gift card"??  don't look now, but that is MLM advertising!!!

4.  Most MLM companies will tell you this point blank...They don't need your "enrollment fee" and in fact, almost all of them pay that enrollment fee right back to the associates that enrolled you.  The company doesn't make a dime on it!   As far as Ignite is concerned, they actually LOSE money on the enrollment fee!!  The reason for an enrollment fee is to create drive in the new associate!  If you spend a little money to get involved, you are committing yourself to working the business, which ultimately is what it is all about, isn't it??  Most companies I have looked at provide a SIMPLE way for you to make your money back VERY quickly if you apply just a little bit of effort!  Yet, the majority of you that are bad mouthing this model, are the same ones that will run out and spend $10 on a lottery ticket every week that you have a 1 in 5,000,000 chance of winning!!   Which is the better BUSINESS model for operating with a profit to you???

5.  The biggest reason for the negative opinions on MLM's is simply the people that are complaining!!  MLM works just like any other business, not everyone succeeds because they are A) Not willing to put the work in to create a successful business, or B) They are not willing to accept responsibility for their own paycheck!!   They are perfectly comfortable with working as little as possible for their boss and then complain when the boss let's them go or doesn't give them a raise! 

In today's economy if you think your corporate job is going to provide you financial freedom, you are in for a rude awakening!  Even CEO's of big business will tell you that they "made their own way" which is why they are at the top!  They didn't settle for the $10/hour job, they worked to earn their way!!  I have NO PROBLEM if MLM is not a model for your personal preference, but I do find it funny that most people I talk to that bash on the MLM industry are they same ones that won't do ANYTHING to better themselves financially!!  If MLM is not for you, then start your own business using another model!!  Owning your own restaurant is a GREAT way to provide for your family, but it is just another model of success for financial independence!!  

If you are looking at MLM it is a GREAT opportunity if you research and manage your expectations of YOURSELF!  I would venture an educated guess that each of you that have bashed the MLM model are the very ones that if you HONESTLY reflected on it, would find the reason for your disappointment was your expectations, desire, or work ethic!  

After reading all this i find myself drawn to reply..

MLM.. well I have had my fair share.

Understand that in my 38 years as a self employed American, I have seen most of them. I have been corralled into a room with people guarding the doors, seen the infamous tables at the back of the room covered with white table cloths as if some magic secret item was being concealed. Listened to the standard cheer talk and hype and even seen some companies imply only the first ( fill in the blank) number of people that RAN to the back of the room could "qualify" to even get in on the MLM..

I did Amway, best-line, property foreclosures, no money down.. etc... went to ALL the MLM meetings since 1970.  Most of the time for research only,I tried almost all of them Made "some" money doing  a few of them and noticed a few things..

The ones at the TOP of the pyramid made Lot's. Everyone else gets the trickle down crumbs..  Annoying your friends, family, and associates " sphere of influence" makes them start to avoid you... And eventually some may no longer answer your calls.

ANY "opportunity" that requests a fee over $10.00 For you to join should be approached with EXTREEM caution; if not avoided completely.. over 100.00 is probably not worth your time.. over 300.. well GOOD LUCK ....

While being self employed I also served 25 years in the military which permitted me to travel the world and research being self employed and I always had my military income to fall back on.. You will probably not be that fortunate.. don't get me wrong, I was desperately trying to find one of them that worked.. MY first two wives worked the programs hard.. we usually where happy to "break even" each month..

After 38 years I can offer you this.

My insurance license cost me about $100.00 including taking the tests and getting finger printed and so forth.

My first year i was signed up with not so reputable companies until i found the good ones. the most i payed to get signed on with a company was usually 20.00..

My first checks went to my general agent for advances I had to take to survive. I had retired from the military and the retirement income was not enough to make it..

I opened a "loan brokerage" for my spouse and then opened a custom computer company and a testing center to last me until " my ship came in"... And off i went..

After 2 years I finally broke out on my own and now i could make $80,000.00 in one sale that takes roughly 5-10 hours... I prefer major companies and I prefer to sell to companies of 15-100 employees and offer a "package " of benefits. What I do is legal and technically only cost me about $190.00 including the online course i took before taking my state licensing test that cost $85.00 and $15 for finger prints.

So , when your wanting to self employ, be careful . I probably spent 4-5000.00 on fees to enter all the different MLM companies I joined and seldom cleared minimum wage from them even after 4 years of my wife and i working the business plan hard... Once i broke away from the big MLM;s and found a legitimate self employment "opportunity" i became self sufficient and now also own a Technologies Contracting Company that makes a pretty good income as well. ( my dream for years) I don't charge agents to work for me and the only fees they pay are legal membership fees to companies we market products for ( usually not over 10.00) And my agents can make very good money and work when they ant and where they want and as long as they remain ethical and obey all the insurance laws and get their continuing education mandated by the state they can make a good income with residuals for many years..

Most MLM companies pray on low income people, that recently lost a job to attempt to get them to work VERY long hours to make a small amount of income while the top of the pyramid gets filthy rich. This has been the norm for many years. Before getting involved; research it a lot using your google engines or other means if you will. Scam reporting sites are plentiful

If the product is limited to a small location or single product and they are asking more than $10-20.00 up front, I would advise against it.

If it is such an AWSOME MLM let them provide it FREE and charge you a small percentage of your future residuals to compensate them for the so called training package. I read this companies contract on their website and it has a lot of NO guarantees... and you must remain in "good standing:" language that just made my skin crawl... And the little logic voice in my head said.. No...

Just my advice, take it or leave it.. I , personally, will probably NEVER get involved in a pyramid of this type again. Stick with whats real , of your going to sell something, fill a need.. get a product that EVERYONE needs ( I wish I had invented toilet paper LOL) Make sure the supplier of the product is WELL established and has a rating from a nationally known or government agency ( we use AM Best in the insurance industry, I never (intentionally) sell anything that is not rated A) You have to BELIEVE in your product and live the product you are marketing or you can't sell the product, you must know EVERYHING there is about the company you market for and the products you market and have a strong well established support system in place or you will fail..

Avoid pushy (hungry desperate) sales people and any situation that they "take you to the meeting".... Sit at the  back of the room NEAR THE DOOR if you do get stuck actually going to one of these meetings. I personally only go to the ones with free food LOL.. and usually stand outside the door (after the meal of course)  during the first few minutes and watch the back of the room, and listen.. If I see people starting to uncover credit card machines and packages of books and video's etc.. I simply turn around and leave, save myself the trouble of the "pressure sale" and them from hearing me say NO.. give up the door prize, it's not worth it... lol

Anything that is good enough to get involved in, will last many years.. Don't rush in until you have all your facts.. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..

(don't bother critiquing my spelling or grammar, I speak several languages and spell atrociously.. I know it, so save your breath I'm just here offering my 2 cents worth ..

I relative recently approached me with this company so i am out researching it before we consider investing in it..

Thanks for reading it...

Frank

The sad fact is 97% of the people that join Ignite as well as any network marketing program will never make enough to live on.  While the system in place works if done properly most people are inherently lazy and have little concept of the work involved or what it takes to run a business of their own.  Im sorry but if a sponsor is not a leader with good people skills their is little doubt he will not be able to train people he brings into the business to be successful either.  If people would quit looking at the numbers on the business presentation and qualify the person that will/should be working closely with them to help build a business together many more would make an income.

As to the original report made all I can say is this person has a total misconception of the Ignite business model.  This persons "nephew" undoubtably had a poor sponsor as his lack of success in the business was due to poor goal setting, low self esteem, and very few people or communication skills.  Ninety percent of "conventional" business startups loose money and end within their first year with half of the remaining business going out of business within the next 3-5 years.  Nobody calls these scams even though the money invested in these types of enterprises can be very substantial often resulting in lost personal property and shattered lives.

I am glad I have chosen to live a life where I am responsible for my successes as well as my failures.  When a person fails its very easy to fall into that blaming game and look for excuses.  I feel bad when an article like this one gets top billing when there is very little factual basis for its content.  Ever notice how these rubuttals get buried but the Original report remains at the top?  Unfortunately a majority in our society likes a "scam" better than they like a positive well written factual article.  Bottom line is "bad news sells". 

Comon guys!  Lets keep helping others save some money on those energy bills!

I read earlier that someone bought their first set of business cards for $40!

 I am here to offer you a suggestion. I got my business cards from (((Redacted))) in McDonough, GA. They were a HUGE hit and helped me better myself in the Ignite Business!

1000 for only $33.80 ***FULL COLOR FRONT AND BACK HIGH GLOSS***

(((Redacted)))

Oh BTW it is NOT a Scheme! :)

As John Adams said, "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." The facts about Ignite are simple.

Regarding a so-called "pyramid scheme," the Ignite / Stream Energy business model has not only completed a lengthy approval process in Texas and Georgia, but has also been officially licensed by the governments of those states. Furthermore, Ignite has been approved in several additional states, including Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. These facts beg a key question for Nancy:  Would all of these states, independently of one another, license a "pyramid scheme"? Of course not. The business model is sound, and quite legal.

Regarding having to "pay a company to sell their products," apparently Nancy is not familiar with the concept of franchiseing. Anyone who wants to represent a franchised company (e.g., McDonalds, the UPS Store, Ace Hardware, Circle K) must pay a franchise fee to start their franchise business. The same is true of Ignite. However, how many franchises offer the potential of Ignite for a $329 franchise fee? None that I'm aware of.

When Donald Trump was asked what he would do differently if he had it all to do over again, he replied, "I would get into network marketing."

Warren Buffett, the world's second-richest man, recently said he believes that the deregulation of energy will result in the largest exchange of wealth in history.

Put it together. Network marketing is legitimate. Deregulation of energy utilities is legitimate. Ignite is legitimate.

My Ignite business is doing quite well after only 12 months, thank you very much. I can't wait to see how large it will be in a few more years, after Ignite moves into several more states!

I went to an Ignite meeting last Wednesday upon the request of a friend and told him I would give it serious and fair consideration.

After the meeting I expexted to get some sort of documentation or flyers or something stating the cold hard facts of the program but there was none so I had to resort to doing my own research.

One thing I thought was rather ODD at the meeting was in their discussion of the Company STEAM Electric. They talked about the SIZE of the company, about the customer base and little else. There was no discussion about the benefits or cost savings a customer would gain by switching to STEAM other than the fact that there was no monthly service charge.

After Researching it I determined that the cost of Electricity through STEAM is 11.9-12.5 cents /KWH for usage of 1000KWH or more a month on a 1 year fixed plan. Further research showed that I could get electricity through CHAMPION for 9.3 cents + 4.95 base charge, through TEXAS POWER for 10.2 cents with no base charge, or through STARTEX Power for 10c with no base charge all for 1 year fixed price plans.

In the meeting the speakers professed that all the money used to pay out 'residual' checks was available because STEAM did not have to spend any money on advertising. It would appear that a great deal, if not ALL, of the money for those checks also comes from all the STEAM customers who are paying around 2 cents/KWH MORE than they would be if they had signed up with one of the aformentioned providers. Further evidence of this lies in the fact that it the customers base usage is 699KWH per month or less STEAM charges 2 cents MORE across the board on all their plans. To put it plainly, if you are only using half as much as the average residential customer, STEAM must overcharge you twice as much in order to make the residual payments for the Associates upstream of you.

PYRAMID SCHEME: n.
A fraudulent moneymaking scheme in which people are recruited to make payments to others above them in a hierarchy while expecting to receive payments from people recruited below them. Eventually the number of new recruits fails to sustain the payment structure, and the scheme collapses with most people losing the money they paid in.

Does IGNITE quaify as a Pyramid Scheme?

Well Instead of 'people are recruited to make payments to others above them' Ignite has substituted 'people are recruited to sign themselves and a limited number of friends/family for electricity service and pay rates higher than what is easily available from other providers in order to generate income for others above them in a hierarchy'

I guess this is what makes it LEGAL since they haven't been shut down, instead of making payments into the pyramid members just OVERPAY for Electricity to provide money for the pyramid.

now the next part 'while expecting to receive payments from people recruited below them' certainly fits IGNITE to a 'T'.

And the last part: 'Eventually the number of new recruits fails to sustain the payment structure and the scheme collapses'

Even though it hasn't happened yet, it certainly is a fact that there is a finite number of electricity customers so the progression mathmaticaly CANNOT continue indefinitely and at the point that it can grow no further the vast majority of people involved will have lost their money.

One thing that I think makes THIS pyramid scheme worse than most others is that the money that is used to make the top dogs rich doesn't actually come from the people below them in the pyramid, the vast majority of it comes from all the electricity customers that people in the pyramid have talked in to switching to STEAM. These people are innocent victims who stand to gain nothing from the pyramid who are being taken advantage of by those people trying to get rich via this scheme.

Deriving the income stream from overcharging for electricity might be the thing that makes this system LEGAL, but it certainly doesn't make it morally right.

After 2 years, and calling, emailing texting everyone he knows, a person close to me has now resorted to cold calling for Stream.
He has made virtually no money. I don't know why he calls people to try to get them involved.
He listens to the Sunday night motivational calls. It's really sad. It's like he believes in the truth that if some people are making money in Stream than he can too.
Only problem is that some people in all businesses are filthy rich, and usually that is a very small percentage. The rest of the workers in the company? Any company? Is the pie in the sky really for all Americans?
Because we all want the pie in the sky, pyramid schemes like these waste legitimate people's time by tapping into that "you deserve more" desire. Disillusioned workers become loser zombie followers. The person I know searches out disillusioned workers. As if a pyramid scheme is THE PIE IN THE SKY, GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW! Business world not taking care of you, run into the arms of your new daddy, his name is your blessed disillusion.
I'm sorry to see it in action.
Go to college people. Get a real job. If your degree did not sit you pretty, go back to college, get better training.

Stop calling people. They are only watching the video so you will quit annoying them.

I feel sorry for people that don't take risks in life. How do people experence anything if not for taking a risk. When you were born, did you automatically know how to walk? NO
As with any company its a risk to work or work for. My husband has worked construction for nearly 25 years, I have held jobs here and there, currently I drive a school bus. (Mostly a stay at home mom). Some friends of ours from church brought the risk of Ignite / Stream to us. One of them called me a moron for not starting it 2 years ago when I was approached about it then. Let me just say if you have a problem putting up the $329 + $25 (rounded up) fees for the 'risk' of starting your own business, then let it go. But I am a risk taker. My husband and I started with Ignite Friday night (4-3-09) and in about 30 minutes we had already made back $200 of the start up fee. And all we (or I) did was mention it to a co-worker, and they wanted to check it out. We all watched the DVD and WHAM knew the potential of what we could be making in 1 year, 2 years etc. And then I could actually make all my husbands wishes come true.

My father told me once, that he was proud of me. Why? Not because I sat back and watched the world go by and not try anything new. But because I always took the chance and took a risk at trying something new. I never was an inside the box kind of girl.

Whats a little hard work, if all it really is gonna cost me is $25 a month for a website that i dont have to learn how to design (because some one else can do it better).

I read comments on the $329.00 paid to be in Ignite. What about the $120,000..00 I paid for my college degree, the $150,000 that a gentleman paid for his sub sandwich shop franchise, that failed in less than a year. Keep it simple, the steel toed boots my G.E.D nephew had to buy before he could work as a temp. There are costs in everything. Multi level bunk everything is multi- level. dealer sells car for a price, salesman get his cut, dealer get his cut, advertisers get the cut, CEO get his cut share holders get their cut pension employees get theirs. The cost of any item must support all who are involved in getting that item to market. Insurance salesmen get 60% 0f yearly premiums no one yells about that because that is the way everything works. In the true multi level business model you get rewarded financially for everyone you bring. Most products will not support this model I believe energy will.

If anything using energy in a multi level payout will be better because you have everyone using it now. Again I would like to know what job you can get that doesn't cost something to get in. Hell I had to buy my high school son black pants and shoes before he could work at pizza hut $125,00 He didn't get his share of all the pies only minimum wage.

This is a great opportunity, any time the government deregulates anything many benefit and a few profit.

This is a long term one step at a time deal. IF I can get a penny from half of the gas users in my state I am in

There are people who were born to sell cars and push the moral and ethical envelope and there are those people who don't get turned on by the agressive pitch and the victory of a close.

Make no mistake. All of these programs are PYAMIDS or MLMs (pick a name, it's the same).

The extent ot which these companies exist legitimately is within what the law allows. They are careful to make all the necessary disclosures and the caveat is IT IS UP TO YOU TO READ ALL THE FINE PRINT.

Having said this, if you are a type A sales hot dog who doesn't mind risking any friendships or social connections by "working" them all like a pinball machine to sell a product, then this is for you and you will probably make decent money.

If you don';t mind attending online, conference call or live rah-rah meetings that more resemble a charismatic religious sect than a business meeting, then you'll get off on this way of doing business.

If you don't mind selling a genuine product that everyone needs, but with a slight exaggeration as to the benefits comparable to other major CONVENTIONAL competitors, you'll fit right in.

Realize - it is ALL ABOUT PERPETUATING AND MOTIVATING AN ACTIVE DOWNLINE.
The product is the SECOND Part of the process because without an active downline
of producing reps, YOU earn only off what YOU sell.

MLMs are a HUSTLE and for the people that can move and shake and can calmly walk through chaos, it can be rewarding.

Make sure you have a vry healthy network that is willing to listen to you even if you are selling them something. Be ready to buy plenty of lunches and drinks and to create the facade that you hit a gold vein as an impression, Because the GAME is the GAME.

BUT...as someone already stated, you shouldn't have to pay anyone squat to be hired for a job. That is the first sign it is probably what it IS. The certain truth is that the only people who are making a mint are the people who put this together
and deposit your checks for that "start-up" kit.

So what have we learned here? It's real and it's legal but so are banks, Wall Street frms and insurance companies that are still in business after they fleeced their investors and made thousands of bad loans!

THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMER. And we can all rant on these boards and write the FTC and our Congressman or the Attorney General but it won't resolve a bad mistake wev'e already made or get our precious time or money back.

MY advice is use common sense. There is never something for nothing and any kind of employment that pays off, takes time, skill hard work. Otherwise, take your time a buck at a time and play the lottery. Your chances at getting that $55,000 a month check like the church guy are much better.

But if POWER is your thing and you really want to help people, sell SOLAR AND WIND and have a clear conscience and make decent money.

Peace out.

The web link in the first post that will "Never be down" is no longer up.

I have been an Ignite associate since October of 2008 - and as many have all ready stated the Ignite opportunity is legit but only works if you work it. I can attest that the potential is there having made $950 in Quick start and Leadership bonuses in the 3 months I have been in. If you do not like talking to others, helping them either save money on their electric bills (or gas bills in Georgia) or helping start their own organization then this opportunity is probably not for you.

Stream is a "Competitive Residential Electric Provider" (CREP)- this means they offer competitive rates but doesn't mean they will always have the lowest rates at all times. As with all CREP's they offer a variety of month to month, and term contracts as well as "green" energy choices. It is my task to keep my customers informed of those offerings and provide them with the information concerning the future power markets so they can make an informed decision on which plan would be the most beneficial to them. I also keep tabs on those that are on term contracts seeing when they will be expiring and again providing information to my customers so they again can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

I also work with those associates in my "leg" to do the same - and we get rewarded for doing this "job" by getting paid a fixed amount on each and every paid energy bill of my customers and of those customers' bills of my associates I have brought into the business.

Anyway for anyone reviewing this to see if Ignite is a good opportunity - and you are willing to work and enjoy working with others - do check it out, review the information on an associate's web-site or go directly to Ignite's web-site and make an informed decision for yourself.

Stream/Ignite is a classic pyramid marketing scheme. There is nothing inherently illegal about what they are doing, but make no mistake, they are misleading many people with false claims about their earning potential as a sales associate.

The first tip-off that Ignite is a scam is the fact that they charge an upfront fee for the privilege of working for them. Any company that asks you to spend money up front on their behalf is almost certainly not legit. What does your $329 + $19.99/month get you? Not much, aside from the high honor of being allowed to go out and spend your valuable time and resources marketing for Stream Energy. Other energy companies pay marketing pros money out of their own pockets to do this job. Not Stream, though. They expect you to lay out money to become their door-to-door salesman (they don't allow web marketing), and they expect you to pay them a renewal fee every year to maintain this privilege.

The second tip-off that Stream/Ignite is a scam is the revival tent meetings that they hold to recruit new associates. Jim Jones would be proud of these affairs. They are full of bombast and BS and motivational hogwash that has been spewed forth by sales gurus from time immemorial. All of it is calculated to get people's hopes up that they can actually make a living selling for Ignite. Sadly, many "sheep" tend to fall for this gambit, hook, line and sinker. In desperate economic times, many desperate people are all too eager to believe what Murphy's Law tells them they shouldn't.

Ignite encourages each associate to bring new agents into the company, new dupes from whom they can extract some up-front bucks. What happens is that the new people pay their fee to Ignite, then proceed to sign up all their friends and family members as new Stream customers. This will make the average person about $50/month while Stream will bring in about $1500/month. Once the low-hanging fruit is gone, most people struggle to find new customers among a public that is wary of these types of scams, thanks in large part to the Web. Stream's rates are cheap, but their business practices and customer service are less-than-forthright. They've lost their standing with the BBB, and have many complaints on file with the state's attorney general's office in Texas for deceptive billing practices. Suffice it to say, you will likely be hearing from some pissed off friends and family members after they switch to Stream.

The upshot is that the average Joe will not make any substantial money in this scheme. It's set up--like all pyramids--to produce big money for the original people who sit at the top of the food chain. They make big money while the rank and file struggle to make gas money for the week. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a get-rich-quick deal. If you have a career or some other kind of meaningful work, don't waste one minute even considering working for Ignite. You may end up making a little money, but honestly, I'd rather give back my pittance and deprive the scamsters at the top of the money that lines their deep pockets.

Stream/Ignite is a classic pyramid marketing scheme. There is nothing inherently illegal about what they are doing, but make no mistake, they are misleading many people with false claims about their earning potential as a sales associate.

The first tip-off that Ignite is a scam is the fact that they charge an upfront fee for the privilege of working for them. Any company that asks you to spend money up front on their behalf is almost certainly not legit. What does your $329 + $19.99/month get you? Not much, aside from the high honor of being allowed to go out and spend your valuable time and resources marketing for Stream Energy. Other energy companies pay marketing pros money out of their own pockets to do this job. Not Stream, though. They expect you to lay out money to become their door-to-door salesman (they don't allow web marketing), and they expect you to pay them a renewal fee every year to maintain this privilege.

The second tip-off that Stream/Ignite is a scam is the revival tent meetings that they hold to recruit new associates. Jim Jones would be proud of these affairs. They are full of bombast and BS and motivational hogwash that has been spewed forth by sales gurus from time immemorial. All of it is calculated to get people's hopes up that they can actually make a living selling for Ignite. Sadly, many "sheep" tend to fall for this gambit, hook, line and sinker. In desperate economic times, many desperate people are all too eager to believe what Murphy's Law tells them they shouldn't.

Ignite encourages each associate to bring new agents into the company, new dupes from whom they can extract some up-front bucks. What happens is that the new people pay their fee to Ignite, then proceed to sign up all their friends and family members as new Stream customers. This will make the average person about $50/month while Stream will bring in about $1500/month. Once the low-hanging fruit is gone, most people struggle to find new customers among a public that is wary of these types of scams, thanks in large part to the Web. Stream's rates are cheap, but their business practices and customer service are less-than-forthright. They've lost their standing with the BBB, and have many complaints on file with the state's attorney general's office in Texas for deceptive billing practices. Suffice it to say, you will likely be hearing from some pissed off friends and family members after they switch to Stream.

The upshot is that the average Joe will not make any substantial money in this scheme. It's set up--like all pyramids--to produce big money for the original people who sit at the top of the food chain. They make big money while the rank and file struggle to make gas money for the week. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a get-rich-quick deal. If you have a career or some other kind of meaningful work, don't waste one minute even considering working for Ignite. You may end up making a little money, but honestly, I'd rather give back my pittance and deprive the scamsters at the top of the money that lines their deep pockets.

Stream/Ignite is a classic pyramid marketing scheme. There is nothing inherently illegal about what they are doing, but make no mistake, they are misleading many people with false claims about their earning potential as a sales associate.

The first tip-off that Ignite is a scam is the fact that they charge an upfront fee for the privilege of working for them. Any company that asks you to spend money up front on their behalf is almost certainly not legit. What does your $329 + $19.99/month get you? Not much, aside from the high honor of being allowed to go out and spend your valuable time and resources marketing for Stream Energy. Other energy companies pay marketing pros money out of their own pockets to do this job. Not Stream, though. They expect you to lay out money to become their door-to-door salesman (they don't allow web marketing), and they expect you to pay them a renewal fee every year to maintain this privilege.

The second tip-off that Stream/Ignite is a scam is the revival tent meetings that they hold to recruit new associates. Jim Jones would be proud of these affairs. They are full of bombast and BS and motivational hogwash that has been spewed forth by sales gurus from time immemorial. All of it is calculated to get people's hopes up that they can actually make a living selling for Ignite. Sadly, many "sheep" tend to fall for this gambit, hook, line and sinker. In desperate economic times, many desperate people are all too eager to believe what Murphy's Law tells them they shouldn't.

Ignite encourages each associate to bring new agents into the company, new dupes from whom they can extract some up-front bucks. What happens is that the new people pay their fee to Ignite, then proceed to sign up all their friends and family members as new Stream customers. This will make the average person about $50/month while Stream will bring in about $1500/month. Once the low-hanging fruit is gone, most people struggle to find new customers among a public that is wary of these types of scams, thanks in large part to the Web. Stream's rates are cheap, but their business practices and customer service are less-than-forthright. They've lost their standing with the BBB, and have many complaints on file with the state's attorney general's office in Texas for deceptive billing practices. Suffice it to say, you will likely be hearing from some pissed off friends and family members after they switch to Stream.

The upshot is that the average Joe will not make any substantial money in this scheme. It's set up--like all pyramids--to produce big money for the original people who sit at the top of the food chain. They make big money while the rank and file struggle to make gas money for the week. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a get-rich-quick deal. If you have a career or some other kind of meaningful work, don't waste one minute even considering working for Ignite. You may end up making a little money, but honestly, I'd rather give back my pittance and deprive the scamsters at the top of the money that lines their deep pockets.

I guess you are not familiar with network or multi level marketing and how they work vs pyramid schemes. The ponzi scheme that Madoff pulled off is a classic pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme is when money is put in and no product or service is rendered. I have been in several network marketing positions and have understood this to be so. It might be helpful to look up network marketing or multi level marketing on line for an explanation. Madoff was taking money from new investors and paying the older investors off. There was no real investing going on-just passing the money up the line.

With network marketing, good or services are bought and sold. In the case of Ignite, it is electricity service. Yes, Chris Domhoff was head of Excel which was another network marketing company. The basic idea behind network marketing is to sign up or sell the product or service to people you know and get others (especially those you know) to do the same. It does end up looking like a pyramid in an organizational way but I would also advise you to look up pyramid scheme as well. There are Universities who are now teaching this method of marketing in their business schools. There have been companies doing this since the 40s and 50s.

I just so happen to work for Stream Energy and personally know some of the people in Associate Support and have found them some of the nicest people I have ever known. I am sorry you have had such a bad experience with it but I have found that people who feel that way about network marketing have entered in to it with unrealistic expectations. I am not saying you were duped, it may have been the way the opportunity was presented to you.

I guess you are not familiar with network or multi level marketing and how they work vs pyramid schemes. The ponzi scheme that Madoff pulled off is a classic pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme is when money is put in and no product or service is rendered. I have been in several network marketing positions and have understood this to be so. It might be helpful to look up network marketing or multi level marketing on line for an explanation. Madoff was taking money from new investors and paying the older investors off. There was no real investing going on-just passing the money up the line.

With network marketing, good or services are bought and sold. In the case of Ignite, it is electricity service. Yes, Chris Domhoff was head of Excel which was another network marketing company. The basic idea behind network marketing is to sign up or sell the product or service to people you know and get others (especially those you know) to do the same. It does end up looking like a pyramid in an organizational way but I would also advise you to look up pyramid scheme as well. There are Universities who are now teaching this method of marketing in their business schools. There have been companies doing this since the 40s and 50s.

I just so happen to work for Stream Energy and personally know some of the people in Associate Support and have found them some of the nicest people I have ever known. I am sorry you have had such a bad experience with it but I have found that people who feel that way about network marketing have entered in to it with unrealistic expectations. I am not saying you were duped, it may have been the way the opportunity was presented to you.

I guess you are not familiar with network or multi level marketing and how they work vs pyramid schemes. The ponzi scheme that Madoff pulled off is a classic pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme is when money is put in and no product or service is rendered. I have been in several network marketing positions and have understood this to be so. It might be helpful to look up network marketing or multi level marketing on line for an explanation. Madoff was taking money from new investors and paying the older investors off. There was no real investing going on-just passing the money up the line.

With network marketing, good or services are bought and sold. In the case of Ignite, it is electricity service. Yes, Chris Domhoff was head of Excel which was another network marketing company. The basic idea behind network marketing is to sign up or sell the product or service to people you know and get others (especially those you know) to do the same. It does end up looking like a pyramid in an organizational way but I would also advise you to look up pyramid scheme as well. There are Universities who are now teaching this method of marketing in their business schools. There have been companies doing this since the 40s and 50s.

I just so happen to work for Stream Energy and personally know some of the people in Associate Support and have found them some of the nicest people I have ever known. I am sorry you have had such a bad experience with it but I have found that people who feel that way about network marketing have entered in to it with unrealistic expectations. I am not saying you were duped, it may have been the way the opportunity was presented to you.

Sorry for your nephew but take some responsibilty. He may have failed because of the mind set of the people around him. As Far as a pyrimid. This is not by definition or any other way. First this company has been investe=igated by all the public utility commisions in areaes they are marketing. These check are brutal. not like whipping up some cosmetics in the kitchen and selling then or any other actual meet in the hotel and exchnge 100 dollar bills.

first of all every home or majority uses utilities. gas and electric. now that some states are deregulating these others can make some of the bilions of dollars that are spent each month on these. great opp. as far as the pay before. did your doctor just start his practice, did the mcdonalds owner in your town get in for free, no this minimal fee which does go to those who are involved . much as the $30,000 i sent to my sons college is dispersed to someone and gues what he has to go three more years before he can participate in his field of choice. The fact that your nephew failed is more likely because you and the rest of the peopel around him said all the bs stuff you have posted.

It is walmart simple gas and electric use to becontrolled bty a few who charge what they wanted to it is now avaiable for all who want to sell it Man if you cant sell elect and gas to people who use it now at a discount what can you do. That brings up a point what are you doing or how are you living that is so much better than what your nephew tried to do. take some blame you are more responsible for your nephew failer that the opp.


I have not been a part of ignite but have been waitng for the chance to come. Miss out on the cell phone and bottled water opp. had your attitude back then. My group are going to do this it is a no brainer wish i would have join the cell phone group then I would be on a beach somewhere instead of working 80 hours plus as a so called professional. just to make a decent living.

This is what you make of it. not everyone can do it I am sure just like all other professions.

some will make alot off deregulation. It is not a con energy is being use will continue to be long after they repo the car and house you will just be using it in a rental.

Normally i do not comment but during my research I stumbled on to this whinning and just couldnt stand it. We need to realize most of us are where we deserve to be. sad but true

I'm a successful sales rep for a Fortune 50 telcom company.

When I make a sale -

My immediate supervisor (sales manager) gets paid a commission.

My sales manager's boss (Director) gets paid a commission.

My Director's boss (Area VP) gets paid a commission.

My VP's boss (CEO) get's paid a commission.

Shareholders make a profit



As you can see.....this is basically the same structure Ignite/Stream uses.
The main difference is every month everyone in my company starts back at 0 (quota's). I didn't have to pay my company to hire me...but I had to buy a suit for the interview..I had to get a new reliable vehicle to get to work. I had to INVEST in the opportunity.

I was approached by a close friend two years ago about Ignite and blew him off "I didn't have time". I saw my friend again in April and he asked me to take a look at the comp plan. I didn't really have to think much about it after I got EDUCATED about the business.

You see EVERYONE uses electricity.
NOBODY gets paid unless customers are aquired.
OUR RATES ARE CHEAP!!!!
Steam Energy has EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE


So lets talk about ROI - Return of Investment.

I paid $329 +$40 for a box of business cards + $25/month for my website (which has streaming video, full site development, ecommerce, back office etc)

I projected my Total Year 1 Cost at $969.00

My year 2 cost to run this business wil be $300 (Website x 12 months) plus cards.

Have I made money? Sure about $1500.00 and I just got my first residual check for $12 in November.


How much time have I spent?

Well I stuck my toe in the water.....I work 60-70 hours a week with my JOB. I own a recording studio & play in a band. Plus I have my wife and 3 dogs.

I set a modest goal of mentioning this business to 1 person a day......and I've skipped some days.

I have personaly done less than 6 Business presentations (about an hour for each)

So lets just say 6 hrs. Plus some followup calls.

All in all I'd say I've actually worked this business about 20-30 hours TOTAL...in 8 MONTHS...thats 3.75 hours/month. And I've made $500 in PROFIT

If I had stuck that money in the bank I would have made pennies on the dollar.

Now here's the thing....I stopped working for a while but guess what....my associates were still gathering customers...I still got paid.

I make 6 figures a year with my JOB. I'll tell you though when I got that $12 check in the mail I was thrilled...proof of concept.

This is the real deal and I've jumped in the pool.

Consider this.....

You go out and get 10 personal energy accounts and find 1 person a month that needs to make some extra cash on the side.
They do the same thing....10 customers and find 1 associate (sales rep) a month.

After a year YOUR projected residual income (from CUSTOMERS) is over $20k PER MONTH. This does not include bonuses for helping train your team.

So can you get 10 personal energy cusomers? Sure you can

Can you find 1 person a month who needs to make extra money? In this economy if you can't then your not looking.

Can you put your hold your head high...eat some rejection and work the plan for a year? For the opportunity to make a five figure monthly income...I know I can.

Bottom line.....every Ignite rep I've met in my area are the nicest most honest people I've come to know. Doctors, farmers, housewifes, sales people, business owners etc.

If someone is trying to pressure you to do this business...don't do it with them.

You can fail in this business 90% of the time and if you keep working you'll still make more money that you would have if you did nothing.

Can you fail at your job 90% of the time and still get paid?

YOU HAVE TO DO THIS FOR YOURSELF. 2 years ago I was offered a great opportunity and I shot it down because I did not understand. Fortunately the universe gave me another shot.

You need to surround yourself with positive people and good things will happen to you if you work hard and never give up.

Ask yourself 1 question.........what if it did work for you?

What if you put in a little effort and didn't make a million bucks?

Would $100/month in extra income help you and your family?

For most people in this country especially in this economy a mere $100/month can make all the difference.

You control your own success. Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably broke and unhappy.

I'd suggest you stick your toe in and try it out. Then come for a swim.

Deep thoughts.....

I'm a successful sales rep for a Fortune 50 telcom company.

When I make a sale -

My immediate supervisor (sales manager) gets paid a commission.

My sales manager's boss (Director) gets paid a commission.

My Director's boss (Area VP) gets paid a commission.

My VP's boss (CEO) get's paid a commission.

Shareholders make a profit



As you can see.....this is basically the same structure Ignite/Stream uses.
The main difference is every month everyone in my company starts back at 0 (quota's). I didn't have to pay my company to hire me...but I had to buy a suit for the interview..I had to get a new reliable vehicle to get to work. I had to INVEST in the opportunity.

I was approached by a close friend two years ago about Ignite and blew him off "I didn't have time". I saw my friend again in April and he asked me to take a look at the comp plan. I didn't really have to think much about it after I got EDUCATED about the business.

You see EVERYONE uses electricity.
NOBODY gets paid unless customers are aquired.
OUR RATES ARE CHEAP!!!!
Steam Energy has EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE


So lets talk about ROI - Return of Investment.

I paid $329 +$40 for a box of business cards + $25/month for my website (which has streaming video, full site development, ecommerce, back office etc)

I projected my Total Year 1 Cost at $969.00

My year 2 cost to run this business wil be $300 (Website x 12 months) plus cards.

Have I made money? Sure about $1500.00 and I just got my first residual check for $12 in November.


How much time have I spent?

Well I stuck my toe in the water.....I work 60-70 hours a week with my JOB. I own a recording studio & play in a band. Plus I have my wife and 3 dogs.

I set a modest goal of mentioning this business to 1 person a day......and I've skipped some days.

I have personaly done less than 6 Business presentations (about an hour for each)

So lets just say 6 hrs. Plus some followup calls.

All in all I'd say I've actually worked this business about 20-30 hours TOTAL...in 8 MONTHS...thats 3.75 hours/month. And I've made $500 in PROFIT

If I had stuck that money in the bank I would have made pennies on the dollar.

Now here's the thing....I stopped working for a while but guess what....my associates were still gathering customers...I still got paid.

I make 6 figures a year with my JOB. I'll tell you though when I got that $12 check in the mail I was thrilled...proof of concept.

This is the real deal and I've jumped in the pool.

Consider this.....

You go out and get 10 personal energy accounts and find 1 person a month that needs to make some extra cash on the side.
They do the same thing....10 customers and find 1 associate (sales rep) a month.

After a year YOUR projected residual income (from CUSTOMERS) is over $20k PER MONTH. This does not include bonuses for helping train your team.

So can you get 10 personal energy cusomers? Sure you can

Can you find 1 person a month who needs to make extra money? In this economy if you can't then your not looking.

Can you put your hold your head high...eat some rejection and work the plan for a year? For the opportunity to make a five figure monthly income...I know I can.

Bottom line.....every Ignite rep I've met in my area are the nicest most honest people I've come to know. Doctors, farmers, housewifes, sales people, business owners etc.

If someone is trying to pressure you to do this business...don't do it with them.

You can fail in this business 90% of the time and if you keep working you'll still make more money that you would have if you did nothing.

Can you fail at your job 90% of the time and still get paid?

YOU HAVE TO DO THIS FOR YOURSELF. 2 years ago I was offered a great opportunity and I shot it down because I did not understand. Fortunately the universe gave me another shot.

You need to surround yourself with positive people and good things will happen to you if you work hard and never give up.

Ask yourself 1 question.........what if it did work for you?

What if you put in a little effort and didn't make a million bucks?

Would $100/month in extra income help you and your family?

For most people in this country especially in this economy a mere $100/month can make all the difference.

You control your own success. Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably broke and unhappy.

I'd suggest you stick your toe in and try it out. Then come for a swim.

Deep thoughts.....

I read so much about people saying bad things about Ignite as if Ignite doesn't do what it says it will do. I have not once heard anyone say that when they completed a task that was required for a payment that they didn't get it. I've heard many times people tell only part of a story, just enough to put Ignite in a bad light supposedly but when you get the whole story then the person making the allegation is the one responsible for whatever the problem was.

If you see the business model for ignite and it looks like something you can do then you join and find out that you don't want to try harder to do what is required then it's not the company's fault. If you talk to 100 people about Ignite and no one is interested then you conclude that it's not worth it then again it's not the company's fault that you quit there and didn't continue to reach your goal. It's about persistence. not saying harrass people. There are plenty of resource available to gather leads.

If you don't want to put forth the effort to find out how to get leads then that can't be the company's fault. We are all independent reps that are looking to make plenty of money with the opportunity that Ignite and stream have available. Of course we can all get 9-5 jobs and gather customers, we wouldn't have to pay anything for that. But no 9-5 is going to pay you over and over again for something you did last year and much less pay you for something that other people do.

So many people miss the point because they only know one way of thinking and try to argue it from a point that misses the entire big picture. Without vision you can't see how 50 cents a customer adds up to 10K a month. But those that do truly understand know that if it's what they really want than they will find a way to make it happen.

I signed one rep that once he signed up all he had to do was get 1 customer. he asked a couple of people and they all had bad credit and had to make a deposit. instead of asking neighbors or co workers if they thought about trying a new service he completely just quit. Not because Ignite doesn't work. It's because he didn't he was more than happy to tell strangers about going to see a movie that he saw that he thought was good or eating at a restaurant that he went to. (he has stream energy and has saved money on his gas bill so he knows first hand how easy it is and it benefits the customers) But bottom line is he didnt' make his money back and it was because he didn't even do the minimum that was asked.

So many people would just look at the fact that he didn't make his money back and conclude that Ignite is a ripoff and doesn't work. But when you look at his case you'll find out that there are countless other examples of the same thing happening with other reps and people think it's the business' fault when it isn't.

When something doesn't work with Network Marketing then people say I WILL NEVER GET INVOLVED IN THAT INDUSTRY AGAIN. but yet people start traditional businesses everyday and 90% of those businesses fail yet no one is telling people not to start their own business because they fail. It's because it's all they know. And since not many people have a real grasp or understanding of Network Marketing then it really scares them.

If people really approached any network marketing company as a business then we would have far less people gettting involved that start day 1 and quite day 2. Like the one guy eric before was saying that he and his wife let someone buy them into ignite (which you're not suppose to do) and they knew very well that they were NOT going to do a thing. They should have been strong enough to say NO WE'RE NOT DOING IT so keep your money. But they were content with letting their FRIEND spend over $300 dollars that they knew they wouldn't help them get back.

I fault more so the associate who wasted the money on them when from the message they put up here really don't even care that it was wasted. I mean really if you can't get a minimum of 10 customers for your BUSINESS then are you really serious about it? I don't care if you can't use the internet, you have a phone, you have feet, you can walk and knock on doors in your neighborhood provided that you know your neighbors.

You don't need to post flyers anything for customers. Word of mouth is good enough. I just got a customer this weekend because someone told them to contact me for service. That someone that I told about ignite and stream last year and since I told them I gathered customers then that was the first thing she said when she knew someone was looking for service.

I don't care if it comes a year later, I will plant seeds all day everyday. I'm serious about this business and I will succeed. it's a shame that so many people are not serious and would rather blame eveyone except themselves for not having success. People can make a killing running scams and that shows you what opportunity you have when a company like ignite is here with something legitimate because you have something that people actually can use and do use everyday(electricity/gas) someone made referrence that people don't need stream service.

Everyone needs electricity and gas, Maybe not from Stream but the same thing goes in every other industry. NOt everyone needs to buy food from Walmart but everyone needs food. If you owned part of walmart and got paid when customers shopped there to eat then you bet your butt you would try to convince customers to shop at your store. Same thing applies. PLease people with the negative outlooks, just don't get involved in anything that gives someone the chance to tell you NO and you'll be fine in life I guess but stop trying to make others not try, they may be trying to change their mentality and actually want to achieve more in life..

We are all adults so let's allow other adults to look into their own avenues. All we can do as associates is let people know about what we're doing. and that's what I'm doing. letting everyone know. I don't even live in TX. or Ga. I live in NJ. and I still got a customer this weekend, so those that don't think they can do it are just content with not trying to figure it out. There is a way to get things done if you really want them. I've seen it done time after time.

Associates from other states build large teams and making really good money. while people in the state may just live outside the service area talk about stream doesn't service their area so that can't do the business. That's a typical thought. I don't fight with them. I just know that if I tried to talk them into joining then I'd have to talk them into working it. I don't want to use that much energy to make someone want to be successful. It has to be within you. Those are my thoughts. Is it in you?

if you want to communicate with me please do so. my name ls Lorenzo Pearson.

I would like everyone to focus on what Ignite or any other sales business is really about and have you look at other types of companies or industries which we all, at some point in our lives, do business with each day.

I was in the insurance industry many years ago. I started in sales. My income was in direct proportion to the sales I generated. The insurance recruiting class I attended had 20 individuals in it. All became liscensed and started into sales. This may come as a surprise to some of you, but one year later only 5 were still in the insurance business. Yes an attrition rate of 75%, quite the norm in almost any sales position, in any industry. Sales is not for everyone. Hence the attrition rate of Vivian's nephew and others. Some people are not meant for sales and cannot handle the rejection involved with sales. There are many other factors like: not attending sufficient training programs; not having management assistance; not truly believing in the product; having a bad product, etc.

Ignite offers outstanding training on a weekly basis for all of those who wish to avail themselves of it. Ignite offers management assistance on a daily basis. Ignite not only has a good product, but one that is indespensible in everyones' lives. Therefore failure is in the individual's personal makeup, whether it be their inability to sell or their lack of the perserverance required in sales.

As to all the comments regarding management (MD-SD & ED) overides and recruiting, please let me again refer you to all other sales industries.

When I was promoted to management in the insurance industry my main job was to recruit new sales people and to train those sales people. My income was derived NOT FOM MY SALES EFOORTS BUT THROUGH THEIR SALES EFFORTS. Yes my income was solely from overides on the insurance they sold. If they were successful, I was successful. Think about it. Car Sales Manager: income based on salesmen's production from overides. Furniture Store Manager: Income based on the sales efforts of the sales staff he supervises. Real Estate Broker: Income based on the productivity of the realtors being managed. I personally cannot think of any industry which relies on a sales force in which the management compensation, be it from overides or bonuses, is not in direct proportion to the volume of sales generated by the sales staff being managed (the sales staff under him - ie his downline).

Vivan would have us believe, based on her logic, that all of these sales industries (insurance, auto , real estate, etc.) are pyramid schemes, when in reality they are just sales organizations which use a sales and sales management format that has existed for centuries, as opposed to direct marketing via the internet like Ebay does. But wait, Ebay gets an overide on all sales, maybe they are a pyramid too. Just joking.

I will say that Ignite is not for everyone, any more than playing pro football, or being a carpenter, or surgeon is for everyone. It is important to look inside yourself in whatever career you choose and ask some of the most important questions of life:
Is this really for me? Can I really do this? Do I really have the ability to do this? Will I have the willpower to stick this out until I am successful at it. Will I enjoy doing this for any prolonged period of time, i.e. years. Will it really be financially rewarding for me?

One last comment. If an Ignite Director or Managing Director were only able to achieve $300/month in residual income, what would that really equate to?

To be able to have $300 per month of passive income today you would need over $80,000.00 in a savings account. This would mean you would have to earn over $110,000.00 to net $80,000.00 after taxes. So even the individual who Vivian mocked at his $88.00 per month residual income in only 4 months with Ignite, has in actuality earned the equivalent of $30,000.00+ in 4 months or $7,500 per month in just a start up business.

I own my business. I am a very sucessful real estate developer. I personally can tell you that I did not make any money in the first 4 moths in my business and my investment and start up costs were far in excess of $100,000.00, with no return for over a year.

I wish my costs were only $300-$700 for the first year and that I had seen any income check within the first 4 months or even any of my investment returned.

Ignite is a business. It has costs and like all businesses it has risks, but also like any business it has the potential for great rewards.

I feel very sorry for your nephew Vivian, had you encouraged your nephew to continue he may have made it and turned the corner. However, from your writings, I can only imagine the anchors you and you family became on him in his endeavor.

The world need more balloons and not more anchors, try being one you may be very pleasantly suprised at the results.

I would like everyone to focus on what Ignite or any other sales business is really about and have you look at other types of companies or industries which we all, at some point in our lives, do business with each day.

I was in the insurance industry many years ago. I started in sales. My income was in direct proportion to the sales I generated. The insurance recruiting class I attended had 20 individuals in it. All became liscensed and started into sales. This may come as a surprise to some of you, but one year later only 5 were still in the insurance business. Yes an attrition rate of 75%, quite the norm in almost any sales position, in any industry. Sales is not for everyone. Hence the attrition rate of Vivian's nephew and others. Some people are not meant for sales and cannot handle the rejection involved with sales. There are many other factors like: not attending sufficient training programs; not having management assistance; not truly believing in the product; having a bad product, etc.

Ignite offers outstanding training on a weekly basis for all of those who wish to avail themselves of it. Ignite offers management assistance on a daily basis. Ignite not only has a good product, but one that is indespensible in everyones' lives. Therefore failure is in the individual's personal makeup, whether it be their inability to sell or their lack of the perserverance required in sales.

As to all the comments regarding management (MD-SD & ED) overides and recruiting, please let me again refer you to all other sales industries.

When I was promoted to management in the insurance industry my main job was to recruit new sales people and to train those sales people. My income was derived NOT FOM MY SALES EFOORTS BUT THROUGH THEIR SALES EFFORTS. Yes my income was solely from overides on the insurance they sold. If they were successful, I was successful. Think about it. Car Sales Manager: income based on salesmen's production from overides. Furniture Store Manager: Income based on the sales efforts of the sales staff he supervises. Real Estate Broker: Income based on the productivity of the realtors being managed. I personally cannot think of any industry which relies on a sales force in which the management compensation, be it from overides or bonuses, is not in direct proportion to the volume of sales generated by the sales staff being managed (the sales staff under him - ie his downline).

Vivan would have us believe, based on her logic, that all of these sales industries (insurance, auto , real estate, etc.) are pyramid schemes, when in reality they are just sales organizations which use a sales and sales management format that has existed for centuries, as opposed to direct marketing via the internet like Ebay does. But wait, Ebay gets an overide on all sales, maybe they are a pyramid too. Just joking.

I will say that Ignite is not for everyone, any more than playing pro football, or being a carpenter, or surgeon is for everyone. It is important to look inside yourself in whatever career you choose and ask some of the most important questions of life:
Is this really for me? Can I really do this? Do I really have the ability to do this? Will I have the willpower to stick this out until I am successful at it. Will I enjoy doing this for any prolonged period of time, i.e. years. Will it really be financially rewarding for me?

One last comment. If an Ignite Director or Managing Director were only able to achieve $300/month in residual income, what would that really equate to?

To be able to have $300 per month of passive income today you would need over $80,000.00 in a savings account. This would mean you would have to earn over $110,000.00 to net $80,000.00 after taxes. So even the individual who Vivian mocked at his $88.00 per month residual income in only 4 months with Ignite, has in actuality earned the equivalent of $30,000.00+ in 4 months or $7,500 per month in just a start up business.

I own my business. I am a very sucessful real estate developer. I personally can tell you that I did not make any money in the first 4 moths in my business and my investment and start up costs were far in excess of $100,000.00, with no return for over a year.

I wish my costs were only $300-$700 for the first year and that I had seen any income check within the first 4 months or even any of my investment returned.

Ignite is a business. It has costs and like all businesses it has risks, but also like any business it has the potential for great rewards.

I feel very sorry for your nephew Vivian, had you encouraged your nephew to continue he may have made it and turned the corner. However, from your writings, I can only imagine the anchors you and you family became on him in his endeavor.

The world need more balloons and not more anchors, try being one you may be very pleasantly suprised at the results.

I would like everyone to focus on what Ignite or any other sales business is really about and have you look at other types of companies or industries which we all, at some point in our lives, do business with each day.

I was in the insurance industry many years ago. I started in sales. My income was in direct proportion to the sales I generated. The insurance recruiting class I attended had 20 individuals in it. All became liscensed and started into sales. This may come as a surprise to some of you, but one year later only 5 were still in the insurance business. Yes an attrition rate of 75%, quite the norm in almost any sales position, in any industry. Sales is not for everyone. Hence the attrition rate of Vivian's nephew and others. Some people are not meant for sales and cannot handle the rejection involved with sales. There are many other factors like: not attending sufficient training programs; not having management assistance; not truly believing in the product; having a bad product, etc.

Ignite offers outstanding training on a weekly basis for all of those who wish to avail themselves of it. Ignite offers management assistance on a daily basis. Ignite not only has a good product, but one that is indespensible in everyones' lives. Therefore failure is in the individual's personal makeup, whether it be their inability to sell or their lack of the perserverance required in sales.

As to all the comments regarding management (MD-SD & ED) overides and recruiting, please let me again refer you to all other sales industries.

When I was promoted to management in the insurance industry my main job was to recruit new sales people and to train those sales people. My income was derived NOT FOM MY SALES EFOORTS BUT THROUGH THEIR SALES EFFORTS. Yes my income was solely from overides on the insurance they sold. If they were successful, I was successful. Think about it. Car Sales Manager: income based on salesmen's production from overides. Furniture Store Manager: Income based on the sales efforts of the sales staff he supervises. Real Estate Broker: Income based on the productivity of the realtors being managed. I personally cannot think of any industry which relies on a sales force in which the management compensation, be it from overides or bonuses, is not in direct proportion to the volume of sales generated by the sales staff being managed (the sales staff under him - ie his downline).

Vivan would have us believe, based on her logic, that all of these sales industries (insurance, auto , real estate, etc.) are pyramid schemes, when in reality they are just sales organizations which use a sales and sales management format that has existed for centuries, as opposed to direct marketing via the internet like Ebay does. But wait, Ebay gets an overide on all sales, maybe they are a pyramid too. Just joking.

I will say that Ignite is not for everyone, any more than playing pro football, or being a carpenter, or surgeon is for everyone. It is important to look inside yourself in whatever career you choose and ask some of the most important questions of life:
Is this really for me? Can I really do this? Do I really have the ability to do this? Will I have the willpower to stick this out until I am successful at it. Will I enjoy doing this for any prolonged period of time, i.e. years. Will it really be financially rewarding for me?

One last comment. If an Ignite Director or Managing Director were only able to achieve $300/month in residual income, what would that really equate to?

To be able to have $300 per month of passive income today you would need over $80,000.00 in a savings account. This would mean you would have to earn over $110,000.00 to net $80,000.00 after taxes. So even the individual who Vivian mocked at his $88.00 per month residual income in only 4 months with Ignite, has in actuality earned the equivalent of $30,000.00+ in 4 months or $7,500 per month in just a start up business.

I own my business. I am a very sucessful real estate developer. I personally can tell you that I did not make any money in the first 4 moths in my business and my investment and start up costs were far in excess of $100,000.00, with no return for over a year.

I wish my costs were only $300-$700 for the first year and that I had seen any income check within the first 4 months or even any of my investment returned.

Ignite is a business. It has costs and like all businesses it has risks, but also like any business it has the potential for great rewards.

I feel very sorry for your nephew Vivian, had you encouraged your nephew to continue he may have made it and turned the corner. However, from your writings, I can only imagine the anchors you and you family became on him in his endeavor.

The world need more balloons and not more anchors, try being one you may be very pleasantly suprised at the results.

I would like everyone to focus on what Ignite or any other sales business is really about and have you look at other types of companies or industries which we all, at some point in our lives, do business with each day.

I was in the insurance industry many years ago. I started in sales. My income was in direct proportion to the sales I generated. The insurance recruiting class I attended had 20 individuals in it. All became liscensed and started into sales. This may come as a surprise to some of you, but one year later only 5 were still in the insurance business. Yes an attrition rate of 75%, quite the norm in almost any sales position, in any industry. Sales is not for everyone. Hence the attrition rate of Vivian's nephew and others. Some people are not meant for sales and cannot handle the rejection involved with sales. There are many other factors like: not attending sufficient training programs; not having management assistance; not truly believing in the product; having a bad product, etc.

Ignite offers outstanding training on a weekly basis for all of those who wish to avail themselves of it. Ignite offers management assistance on a daily basis. Ignite not only has a good product, but one that is indespensible in everyones' lives. Therefore failure is in the individual's personal makeup, whether it be their inability to sell or their lack of the perserverance required in sales.

As to all the comments regarding management (MD-SD & ED) overides and recruiting, please let me again refer you to all other sales industries.

When I was promoted to management in the insurance industry my main job was to recruit new sales people and to train those sales people. My income was derived NOT FOM MY SALES EFOORTS BUT THROUGH THEIR SALES EFFORTS. Yes my income was solely from overides on the insurance they sold. If they were successful, I was successful. Think about it. Car Sales Manager: income based on salesmen's production from overides. Furniture Store Manager: Income based on the sales efforts of the sales staff he supervises. Real Estate Broker: Income based on the productivity of the realtors being managed. I personally cannot think of any industry which relies on a sales force in which the management compensation, be it from overides or bonuses, is not in direct proportion to the volume of sales generated by the sales staff being managed (the sales staff under him - ie his downline).

Vivan would have us believe, based on her logic, that all of these sales industries (insurance, auto , real estate, etc.) are pyramid schemes, when in reality they are just sales organizations which use a sales and sales management format that has existed for centuries, as opposed to direct marketing via the internet like Ebay does. But wait, Ebay gets an overide on all sales, maybe they are a pyramid too. Just joking.

I will say that Ignite is not for everyone, any more than playing pro football, or being a carpenter, or surgeon is for everyone. It is important to look inside yourself in whatever career you choose and ask some of the most important questions of life:
Is this really for me? Can I really do this? Do I really have the ability to do this? Will I have the willpower to stick this out until I am successful at it. Will I enjoy doing this for any prolonged period of time, i.e. years. Will it really be financially rewarding for me?

One last comment. If an Ignite Director or Managing Director were only able to achieve $300/month in residual income, what would that really equate to?

To be able to have $300 per month of passive income today you would need over $80,000.00 in a savings account. This would mean you would have to earn over $110,000.00 to net $80,000.00 after taxes. So even the individual who Vivian mocked at his $88.00 per month residual income in only 4 months with Ignite, has in actuality earned the equivalent of $30,000.00+ in 4 months or $7,500 per month in just a start up business.

I own my business. I am a very sucessful real estate developer. I personally can tell you that I did not make any money in the first 4 moths in my business and my investment and start up costs were far in excess of $100,000.00, with no return for over a year.

I wish my costs were only $300-$700 for the first year and that I had seen any income check within the first 4 months or even any of my investment returned.

Ignite is a business. It has costs and like all businesses it has risks, but also like any business it has the potential for great rewards.

I feel very sorry for your nephew Vivian, had you encouraged your nephew to continue he may have made it and turned the corner. However, from your writings, I can only imagine the anchors you and you family became on him in his endeavor.

The world need more balloons and not more anchors, try being one you may be very pleasantly suprised at the results.

I am sorry your nephew and you had a bad experience. Pyramid based sales is not what Stream does but Network Marekting which certainly isn't for everyone. You must be prepared for a long building period before you see any significant money. It takes time and effort and perserverance.

Simply put, network marketing firms have by legal definition two attributes that improper pyramid operations do not:
A focus on gathering customers, as opposed to a sole focus on gathering sales agents.
The provision of a consumable good or service at a fair and reasonable price. In Ignite's case, the service is energy provided by our parent company, Stream Energy.

I am involved in Ignite (Stream Energy) and am at the beginning of the curve. I do not expect money to rain fom the sky but I do see the potential of the company and am will to spend the time and energy to be successful and earn a substantial amount of money in the future.

If you have ever been involved in a commission only sales job, you would find out that the small amount you paid as overhead for the web site (now $24.95 per month) is not much at all. It gives you a site for potential associates and/or customers to look at the opportunity of marketing the company or pricing on the customer side. And ,it track yours activities(results) and has just a wonderful amount of tools and materials for you to use. The support team has, in my experience, been nothing short of fabulous!

I have worked for Fortune 500 companies as well as privately held companies where my expenses were alot higher and provided me with less tools and resources. The only thing I had coming to cover the exepnses and provide me with money to live on were my sales. If I didn't make enough to cover the expenses, that was my tough luck.

Stream is growing at a rate of 500% and will reach $1B in revenues this year. That in four years of operations and in just two states. The next quickest any company has done this was in 6 years and that was Walmart.

Again, sorry the opportunity turned out to be a poor choice for your nephew. But for some of us, it is a opportunity of a life time.

My name is Scott and I'm an Ignite rep. Here is the #1 and fatal problem with Ignite and Stream Energy.

The wave of Web 2.0 marketing has allowed people to grow their MLM business in ways never dreamed of in the MLM industry. MySpace, YouTube, Blogging, and 100's of other strategies have made it possible for Network Marketers to drive a steady flow of fresh prospects to their business every day. The Pros are hitting 5 figure monthly incomes in under 60 days with this new trend.

Nearly every single MLM company encourages their reps to use these strategies to build massive downlines except for Ignite.

Ignite is still stuck in the same old MLM methods dated back to the 1970's. These old style methods are fading fast and are becoming very ineffective in today's market.

My personal experience: I created a simple YouTube Video about Ignite. Within 3 days I was in the #1 position on Google which is not hard to do if you know what you're doing. I was getting contacts everyday from people curious about the business. Within 7 days my entire Ignite web page was shut down. I couldn't add a customer or sponsor a single new rep.

You see it's Ignite policy that you can not use any other web page or link to promote your personal ignite web page. Without warning they shut me completely down.

I then created a few simple online classified ads for the purposes of acquiring customers. I sent them to Ignite for approval and was again told that I can not do any such advertising.

Since I build my business by marketing online I was basically shut down almost completely. I live in Ohio and I can't easily gather all my friends and family together to start an Ignite business in only Texas and Georgia. Friends and Family never work anyway.

Ignite is way behind the trend and this will be their ultimate demise unless they change they way they allow reps to market their business. So many other companies have beat them to the punch (Ambit, Affordable Energy, Zurvita to name a few).

If you like the old fading methods of MLM then go for it. If not then I would not recommend Ignite.

Information Provided by

Scott

We have all noticed the rates at the gas pumps this past year. They are up and down but generally more up than we care to think about. Unfortunately, energy prices are affected by the same factors as the gas we put in our cars. Since most electricity generating plants, including wind, use natural gas for some part of their generation process every time oil goes up so does the cost of generating electricity.

During the month of July virtually all of the month to month rates listed on Power to Choose were in the .17 to .22 per kwh range for ALL the 75+ electric providers. However, since most retail electric providers have more than one plan, and therefore rate option, it would be imprudent to quote a rate for someone to compare to unless you knew EXACTLY what sort of plan or rate you already had. Amazingly, most people cannot tell you how much they are paying per kwh or what sort of contract they have or when it expires. If your current contract did not expire for another 6 months, unless it was much higher than what we were currently offering so that you would want to buy out of it, it would be silly to quote a rate now as it will surely be different in 6 months.

As Ignite Associates we are urged not to advise anyone on what sort of plan they should choose but educate them on the benefits of each type. That choice is a personal decision based on the individuals needs and lifestyle preferences. Plans offered in July included 100% Green plans to 24 month fixed rate plans to the more expensive month to month plans. Month to month plans offer the greatest flexibility but will usually be the most expensive with ANY provider because they all work on energy futures. If a person had a 24 month contract that was close to expiration it is possible that they had a rate as low as .09 per kwh because it was based on energy futures purchased 2 years ago. If that rate was compared to rates available in July it would be, as you noted, about half of what was available on a month to month plan in July 2008. Rates have decreased since July and many people are finding it advantageous to buy out of the contracts they have with their current provider to save money with Stream/Ignite.

If you asked the question "What are your rates" and did not give the associate anything to compare to then their answer was rightfully vague. Rates depend on your area, usage and type of plan preferred. That is for virtually EVERY electric provider. A few only offer 12 month fixed rate plans so if you want to lock in a good rate for 24 months or want 100% renewable energy you would have to choose a different provider. Through Ignite you can choose from several plan types and lengths with Stream Energy and the rates are always competitive when compared apples to apples.

In reference to the thoughts on pyramids. My husband and I both worked for a major computer company in our area. The owner of the company is a multimillionaire. I worked there for 5 years but could have worked there a hundred years and NEVER would have made as much money as him. Does that make his company a pyramid? I would rather be responsible for how much I make by how much I work than letting that company decide how much I am worth or when they can lay me off. Making a successful Ignite business is definitely hard work and not for the soft skinned. However, the rewards and support are more satisfying than anything I ever experienced at the computer company. I left there by my own decision and always received high appraisals by my supervisors so I don't have sour grapes. I have a college degree and have made decent money in my past employment. The Ignite opportunity is simply better for my family and personality. I like being able to help people save money when I can and go green when they can.

There are those that would view Ignite as a pyramid scheme but those are the misinformed. Any opportunity that you can purchase for $329.00 and would lead to an unlimited income opportunity is tremendous. I joined Ignite three months ago when it came to the Atlanta area. I know that network marketing requires diligence, consistency, and perserverence in order to succeed. I reached Senior Director within two in a half months of joining. This month alone my weekly checks were as follows: $997.00, $2007.00, and $1327.00 and that is during the month of August. The month is not completed yet. Network marketing companies are for the masses of people. It is a gift to those who were not born into immense wealth. It is the great equalizer. For those who think it is a pyramid scheme you are blocking your own blessing. Yet you may work in a major corporation and regardless of your title- whether you are the mechanic or the lawyer, the janitor, or the Vice President - you are working in the biggest pyramid of all. You have a slim to nil chance of ever reaching the pay of the CEO. Yet you don't complain about that pyramid. And even if you have the capital to buy a franchise as I do, you have bought yourself a job and you have to pay a percentage of your profits monthly to the franchisor. Network marketing is actually for people who want to work hard to improve their lives and the lives of others. It takes work and daily discipline to reach the highest levels in the company. I have a downline of about 100 people and the work has only begun. Ignite is a sound, ethical company. It has received numerous awards and will be a member of the Direct Selling Association this month. I am proud to be associated with the company and look forward to helping my team members achieve whatever income levels they aspire to.

I was approached by someone I haven't seen or heard from in 10 years. Red Flag #1.

He convinced me to drive 40 miles to what turned out to be a rah rah meeting. NOT ONCE did they talk about how switching to this service would benefit the people I sold the service to it was all about how much they made. And, although having spent several hours on the phone with 3 different people, NOT ONE has answered that specific, direct question. In checking my electric rates as compared to Stream, my current service is about half. When I ask these people this specific, direct question, they NEVER ANSWER IT.

I am a college educated professional, and have been in sales for 30 years. If the product I sell is not beneficial to my prospective client, I advise them to stay where they are. For all of you wanting to get into sales, that is the ONLY approach to establishing a career in sales. Otherwise you're going to be seen as a shyster/ripoff.


It's a classic MLM scheme. You might as well sell Amway

To all you people out there that do not know how to run a business, don't ruin it for the rest of us that do know how.

Stream Energy is a Utility business licensed in Texas for deregulated electricity and in Georgia for deregulated Gas.

Go to the web sites for these state commissions and check it out before showing your ignorance.

Just like any business you have to work to make money. Just so you know, pyramid schemes are illegal. We are licensed by Ga. and Tx. Don't believe you can dupe these two states. Gets the facts unhappy people!

Carolyn
Atlanta

How am I supposed to believe you know what you're talking about when you don't even have your facts straight?
It's Chris Domhoff, not Emhoff.
I just graduated from high-school and made my money back, from Ignite, in less then 48 hours. It's not a career, just something you can do in your spare time for extra money. Eventually it will be just a constant flow of income, with no work at all, if executed properly, but if you get into it you understand it's not a get rich quick scheme.
The start-up fee is VERY necessary. Think about it, if you were just given the opportunity to switch people over to Stream, you are a whole lot less committed than the guy who paid his $329 and wants to make it back. Stream doesn't want thousands of associates, with the tools to work, but no motivation - not smart business.

Oh, and just some quick pointers and criticisms...

the $19.99 website fee is absolutely optional. It makes it a paperless business rather than having to fill out tons of paperwork and making liberals everywhere cry about environmental responsibilities. I'll happily pay that to shut them up.

And also, Energy deregulation is going to happen with or without you...why not make some money along the way?

I am looking into this business and need some infrmation.

This is only a simple question...

Who is Chris Emhoff and what was Excel..?? And what do they have to do with Ignite..??

I can find no information on either web-sites.

Thank you....

are in a position in life wanting to earn more, start a business on the side, etc. It is perfect for me, I am an airline pilot and my reason for doing this is that the high price of oil and gas has had a severe negative impact on my career earnings and this is my way of changing that, with the very same source.... Kind of ironic, right?

I am only about two months into my experience with the Ignite business and have already been compensated for my fee to start and then some! The people that thought up this idea are absolute geniuses! What other business sells something EVERY AMERICAN HOUSEHOLD USES? and HAS NO OVERHEAD? No need to follow up with customers or manage accounts or oder and stock your product... It is too bad companies like AMWAY have made a bad name for this type of marketing... If we all got involved, we would be putting back the money in our pockets that we are paying out the nose for the high gas prices! OK, back to my business...

What is a pyramid scheme? Is that like your JOB, where a number of workers are under the supervision of some managers who are under a smaller group of upper level managers who are under a few top level directors who are under the chief? That, in simple terms, is how most organizations are structured. My regular company is, probably yours is, and even entities such as your local school district are structured that way. Legally, a "pyramid scheme" is an illegal activity, not a real business with a real product.

The company you refer to is a licensed Retail Electric Provider in Texas, providing a legal opportunity to earn income while offering a real product in the form of an alternate choice for anyone who would like to save a little on their electricity bill. Notice I said earn, because it is not a free ride and it is not the lottery or a get rich quick scheme. Everyone who starts in the business does not succeed, but that is not for lack of a real chance. Those who give it an honest effort typically earn their investment back in hours or days. There are statistics available in an income disclosure published by the company showing what reps earn.

The suggestion of paying to work for the company is inaccurate. The cost is a relatively small fee that simply covers the expenses of the business start up. That fee is nothing in comparison to the cost of most business start ups, and the return can be immediate for someone willing to give it the effort to earn it. Additionally, the website is well worth the monthly fee for someone who is active in the business. It pays for its self.

I am sorry your nephew didn't do well with the business, but many are making a little, and many are making a lot of income through this opportunity when they treat it like the real business opportunity it is.

This company has a proven track record and is recognized as one of the top privately held companies in Texas as well as one of the fastest growing companies in US business history.

First I want to say all businesses are so-called pyramids. There is a chain and there is always someone at the bottom and someone at the top that makes more money than you. That is how all businesses are run. However, in NO WAY is Ignite a scheme. Do you think the Public Service Commissions in 2 states haven't done their homework and would allow this company to "legitmately" operate in their states with more states to follow? Avon, JuicePlus, Mary-Kay, and countless other companies use the MLM strategy, #1, its cheaper advertising which is always a good business practice.

In all these companies, some succeed, some do okay, and some fail but its all about the you, your drive and your determination. I have a very close friend who is awesome with coming up with business ideas to start her own company and has spent thousands of dollars and many, many long hours to get the business up off the ground. She did 4, 3 of them failed and she lost thousands of dollars in the process. THIS IS A BUSINESS and you are investing in a piece of this business which the marketing plan has already been developed, tried and proven.

I don't know anywhere else where you can do that for $329. You know how much it would cost to get a piece of the action in other "companies" where that was the case which would be buying into the franchise? Is it easy, NO and I have not encountered ANYONE, not from the founders, the top earners on down who leads you to believe its easy. They tell you OVER & OVER, YOU HAVE TO WORK THIS BUSINESS, you have to get out there and NETWORK otherwise you will not be successful in anyway in this business. They even say, if you are not willing to work this business then don't waste your time.

They don't teach pressure tactics, they say hey, you will get a lot of NOs, move on, its hard, it takes time but be diligent and keep going. Work this business like you go to your job and help that company make millions of dollar while you take home a small salary in comparison for all your hard work and long hours. Would you only put in a few hours a week if you were starting any other kind of business, you'd fail if you did and wouldn't make any money. Ask any business owner, they work long, long hours, days, days, months & months to get that business off the ground yet people get into an MLM and think they don't have to invest the same kind of energy to be successful.

How funny we will do it for that 9-5 but we won't do it for ourselves. I was guilty of that but the difference is, I knew I only had myself to blame. Then Ignite is very, very supportive, those people that are "making all the money" as you say, they take time out, to talk to you, to train you, to help you learn and work this business. Is it helping them of course but they've been where we are. They could be sitting back in TX not doing anything while their checks role in but they don't. I have only come across, good, hard-working, honest people in this businesss who believe in this business and know it can work if you PUT FORTH THE EFFORT. I was guilty of slacking but not because I didn't have GREAT upline support, great training at my hands but just because I was being lazy.

Every time you turn around they are offering bonuses to help you make money and get you motivated. They even offered an extension in GA, giving associates another month to get their 4 points in to get that bonus. They made it easy to get the bonus for those 1st 4 so if you didn't, it was because you weren't WORKING THE BUSINESS. You will also learn, don't start out recruiting, get your 1st 4 FIRST so you can get your 1st check. I did it backwards at 1st then I changed my thought process and worked on getting my 1st 4 and guess what, I got $200 of my money back just like that. The check arrived in a week.

Then I got slack, got lazy. Started thinking, oh well, I'll get my next 6 points in time, let me take a break. Now I'm about to miss out on getting the next $300 which would have been $500 back in my pocket and I spent how much.... $329. It's a quick return if you PUT IN THE WORK!! Come on, that's a deal you can't beat. So if I don't get my bonus, whose fault is that? MINE, no one else's, I know I slacked, I know I haven't been working this business and giving it my all so if I miss out on that other bonus, its my own fault.

Yet I know it can work. My upline team is wonderful and they are really working this business and are making good money. Guess what, we haven't been up & running that long in GA. My upline team will do anything they can to help us newbies. If we're not doing well, it does impact the team and that's how we operate, as a team and they know leadership is the key. They train you on that as well, your team will only be as good as its leadership. Another key, we want to go to our family and friends and you should but you want to go to people who are ABLE and WANT to work this business and that's not always our friends & family.

If you don't pick those who will make good associates you will end up with someone who spent their money, doesn't want to work the business and now they are mad at you. You have to take the brunt of that responsibility because you were not a good leader or a good recruiter. When you interview for a job, they are looking for the BEST CANDIDATE or someone with great potential. This is YOUR BUSINESS so you should look at it the same way. People who have drive, perseverance, determination and vision seem to be the ones that can join this business, see the potential and make some money.

Will everyone make 4-5 figures a month, no, of course not and they don't lead you to believe you will. However, is it possible, yes it is, very much so. There are people who are doing it and have shown their checks. But for me, I set short term goals and build on that. I don't know about you but with gas prices what they are, I can use another $200-$300 a month, that can put gas in my tank for the month of pay a utility bill, buy groceries. Yet the opportunity is there it make so much more than that, if you #1, work this business like you work any other job you have to get up and go to, #2, build your team with good, QUALIFIED people, #3, be a good leader, help your team and give support and last but most important, DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOURSELF, if you do, you can't blame the MLM, your upline, because you are the one who slacked and need to look in the mirror. Everyone that's in Ignite and maintaining a positive outlook, I enjoyed your msgs, they were inspirational and it helps to know there are others like me keeping their eyes on the prize, so good luck and DON'T GIVE UP. It helps me to see people who are NOT QUITTERS.

God Speed and Many Blessings

Stream Energy & Ignite through-out 2006 & 2007 have been featured and passed consumer reports by Belo Broadcasting's WFAA Channel 8 News out of Dallas, Texas as well as other consumer reports from many other television and radio news stations around Texas.

That Stream Energy & Ignite have been featured in the March, 2006 issue of D Magazine, with honest and fact based journalism, projecting Stream to be the fastest growing company in the United States, if not the world!

Stream & Ignite have had several positive business write-ups in the business section of the Pulitzer Prize winning Dallas Morning News City Paper through-out 2006 & 2007.

Stream & Ignite have had featured cover stories with Direct Selling News (DSN) in Feb. 2007 edition and the Feb. 2007 edition of Empower Magazine. Both covers shared the incredible success of Stream/Ignites marketing plan as a model for others to follow.

Ignite is currently a pending member of the Direct Selling Association. The DSA is one of the toughest organizations to become a member of. The DSA only allows honest, ethical and sound business to be apart of their organization and the application process is one of the most grueling for its industry!

In October, 2007 the Dallas Chamber of Commerce awarded Stream/Ignite with its Chamber Momentum Award. Award was presented by Chamber Board Member and former Dallas Cowboy QB, Roger Staubach to Stream/Ignite co-founders Rob Snyder and Chris Domhoff. (They don't hand these awards out to known pyramid schemes).

Stream/Ignite was also nominated in Oct. 2007 as one of 10 finalists from around the world for the Platts Global Energy Award. (They don't nominate known pyramid schemes for these awards)

In May of 2008, Stream Energy/Ignite was one of only two companies from the United States to receive the top awards from the annual Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories Award ceremonies held this year at the G-Force event in Berlin, Germany. (They don't hand these awards out to known pyramid schemes).

Stream/Ignite was featured in Jan. 2008, as a cover story in the Dallas Business Journal.
The featured article reported on the viability of Stream Energy as a world class company, breaking records in the energy industry and featured the sound structure of it's marketing arm Ignite, inc. The Dallas Business Journal is one of the most respected news journals in the Southwestern United States. They never would have published such an article on a known pyramid scheme!

Finally, does the Texas Public Utilities Commission and the Georgia Public Service Commission certify and license known pyramid schemes in their respective states for business operations? (Texas License - #10104 & Georgia Certificate - #GM-38)

A-Friend-Of Domhoff

I have read the comments made by the person who reported this rip-off.

I am not an employee of Ignite and I am not an employee of Stream Energy.
I have never purchased or owned or worked for Excel Communications.

But I am a close personal friend of Mr. Chris Domhoff former Marketing Director of Excel Communications and current Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ignite, Inc the marketing arm of Stream Energy. I have been Mr. Domhoff's friend for over 30 years.

His integrity is impeccable, he is a good Christian believer, family man, honest and fair.

The comments made by the filer of this report, stated that Mr. Domhoff co-originator of the marketing program with Excel Communications is questionable in regards to the failure of Excel going into bankruptcy as if this is any indication of the same happening to Ignite?

I admit to not knowing the complete inside details as to the failure of Excel, however I know what has been explained to me by my friend Chris Domhoff as to what happened over many lengthy conversations with him.

Excel was a complete success story, all involved with the Excel MLM, who applied themselves, all made money from that venture. The success of Excel was so complete that it's competitor VarTech Communications bought-out the company for fear of competition and then ran it in the ground, eventually doing away with the MLM program. After that, most people involved with that program jumped ship and was at the right moment when Rob Snyder CEO of a new start-up electricity company Stream Energy (which was at this time the 63rd Electricity provider in Texas) was introduced to Mr. Domhoff by a mutual lawyer friend and the two minds developed a plan to bring the successful MLM plan of Excel to Stream Energy.

The result is the fastest growing Company in the United States, if not the world!
Stream Energy is now the 5th largest Electricity Provider in Texas in less than 3 years!

Although I am not apart of Ignite, I am a Stream customer for over 2 years now and saved $78.oo a month last year, since switching from TXU. (thats over $800.oo in one year).

Chris Domhoff is not a millionaire, as of yet! But by golly he deserves to be!

A-Friend of Domhoff.

Ignite and Stream are 100% legitimate. I have personally been involved with Ignite for 4 weeks and it's unbelievable and offers individuals a great opportunity. I have received checks and have seen others checks. I have met the CEO of Stream and other high level managers as well as their top money earner. The reality is that this is a business like any other business, and will reward those who put the time in to become successful. It's not a get rich quick scheme, and is in no way shape or form a pyramid or ponzi scheme. IT IS A 100% LEGITIMATE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL REWARD YOU BASED ON YOUR EFFORTS AND DEDICATION!

I am a physician and have found this to be a phenomenally ethical and honest group of individuals, who run this company. Individuals often misunderstand what the difference is between a Pyramid and Legitimate MLM. Warren Buffet's company purchased Pampered Chef in 2002 and they use a MLM sales model. Other legitimate companies using this model are Avon, Juice Plus, Tupperware, Primerica, Herbal Life, Mary Kay, etc.. Pyramid's by definition pay individuals purely to recruit and IGNITE DOESN'T PAY 1 PENNY TO ANY ASSOCIATE UNTIL A GAS OR ELECTRIC SERVICE IS SWITCHED TO A CUSTOMER PER THEIR COMPENSATION PLAN. I think the public needs to spend more time educating themselves on what these companies are all about and how powerful the MLM or Direct Sales model can be to distribule products or services that are legitimate!

As with any business, you have people that are successful, and those that do fair and those that do poorly. Unfortunately, this model is like any other business model and it takes hard work, dedication and persistence to succeed. I think when someone thinks they can do this without much effort and get big checks, they are better off playing the lottery!

All I know from my personal experience is that this company is solid and offers great opportunities for those who are willing to work hard. I am not getting paid a dime to say this but believe strongly in this company and the principals who run the company.

David

First of all, she is simply misinformed. We are not "working" for NOR are we employees of Ignite or Stream Energy. We invest $329 to own our piece of this business. Just like you would for starting your own Mary Kay business.

She is also misinformed about us being a "Pyramid Scheme". This term came into existence many years ago back in the 1980's. It was actually named a Ponzi or sometimes Pozzi Scheme and later referred to as pyramid scheme. The following info was copied and pasted from the internet to describe the original Ponzi Scheme. It is so sad that most misinformed individuals think all network marketing companies are this totally ILLEGAL scheme. They are just that...mistaken!

"A Ponzi (or Pozzi) scheme is a simple investment scam that hides behind the disguise of a new or poorly understood investment instrument. In a typical Ponzi scheme, early investors are paid funds in the form of interest payments from later investors. Initial investors may receive interest payments, but as the pool of potential investors dries up, all investors will loose any funds invested.

Here's how it works - at first investors believe they are putting money into a legitimate investment, although too complicated to be completely understood. Ponzi scam artists present the investments as legitimate, and may go to great lengths to make it look professional. In reality, the investment is simply a method the scam artist uses to swindle money. They may make the investment look like it is performing, with interest payments paid early on, but this is just a way for the scam artist to make the investment look successful. The scam artist is using money from new investors to fund any such payments. There will come a time when the scam artist disappears with any funds they have received from investors"

So, just like Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, etc., we are a legitimate business. As with any franchised business, you buy into it. Then you work to get your customers with advertising and sales, etc. Our advertising is done through word of mouth. You will get paid for gathering customers and for recruiting associates. I have and everyone I personally know has gotten and continues to be paid for the work that they have done in gathering customers and recruiting other associates. I can prove my income if anyone would like to see it!

Sincerely,
Debbie Kane
www.PaidForEnergy.com

My wife and I joined Ignite after going to a meeting that Steve Fisher (3rd Highest Earner in Ignite) was at a neighbors house for a private presentation. I am not an easy sell. I went to the meetings and I did my home work. This opportunity is real and it is very hard work to get started. I am a former Marine. Marine Boot Camp was not easy either; however I am glad I have that 110% attitude training from the Marines where failure is not an option. Failing is very easy to do, it requires you doing nothing. I admire Steve Fisher and in the short 5 weeks we have been involved I have talked to him twice and received several e-mails that were from my questions. I have met so far 4 of the executive directors at meetings and I see in them that same Marine spirit that does not give up. I have never seen this level of support from any company.

My wife was in Ignite for 3 weeks and got her $300 check. I am now in her downstream and we will be getting paid for my customers and associates twice. We are expecting to be even with our investment with in a couple of weeks. We are treating it like a business and are learning how to do the MLM or warm marketing that Ignite teaches.

My wife's business or daytime job is a Music Therapist which requires her to do warm marketing. I am a Computer Consultant and I am required to do warm network marketing. I see this as an opportunity to get paid to learn the process of warm network marketing where the exposure to successful people will teach me the techniques of warm network marketing for free or very cheap. I have had people from the Ignite meetings ask for my Computer Consulting business card for their daytime job. We have paid way more than $329 for networking group memberships that returned no business and no referrals.

My wife did Beauty Control, Amway, Week Enders all of which required buying product up front and making your sales goals each month. These provided little or no income to the house hold. I worked for two Mutual Fund Companies for 14 years of my 30+ years of being a Computer Professional. Picking winning companies and ignoring loosing companies requires research. This product and business made since to me. I had a good friend and mentor of mine that I have none for 30 years check into Stream and Ignite. He had already chosen Stream for his power choice and he looked into Ignite for me. He does day trading and can smell good or bad companies. He also has over 15 years in the financial market. The only thing he found which was obvious is that you have to work at it like any other company and you have to be persistent.

We will be successful with this business because we are treating it like a business and not a get rich quick scheme or a way to scam money from people. I am telling people if you think you will not get your money back from your investment of $329 then Ignite is not the place for your money. You have to work hard to earn that money back to get your business going.

For Nancy in Houston and others who fear "pyramids" which are actually illegal, and do not understand the concept of getting paid for what you start:

I have found that Ignite has more than paid me back the $329 for signing up gas customers, introducing it to a few friends who are ABLE to do the same, and running it like a business! If you are SCAMMED, did you do the work outlined for you or did you sign up blindly without doing your homework? You are paid first and foremost for actually signing up gas customers, as well as teaching others to do the same. How hard is that? If you don't want to DO network marketing, you don't have to sign up; if you don't do the work it's netNOTwork marketing.

For Nancy in Houston and others who fear "pyramids" which are actually illegal, and do not understand the concept of getting paid for what you start:

I have found that Ignite has more than paid me back the $329 for signing up gas customers, introducing it to a few friends who are ABLE to do the same, and running it like a business! If you are SCAMMED, did you do the work outlined for you or did you sign up blindly without doing your homework? You are paid first and foremost for actually signing up gas customers, as well as teaching others to do the same. How hard is that? If you don't want to DO network marketing, you don't have to sign up; if you don't do the work it's netNOTwork marketing.

For Nancy in Houston and others who fear "pyramids" which are actually illegal, and do not understand the concept of getting paid for what you start:

I have found that Ignite has more than paid me back the $329 for signing up gas customers, introducing it to a few friends who are ABLE to do the same, and running it like a business! If you are SCAMMED, did you do the work outlined for you or did you sign up blindly without doing your homework? You are paid first and foremost for actually signing up gas customers, as well as teaching others to do the same. How hard is that? If you don't want to DO network marketing, you don't have to sign up; if you don't do the work it's netNOTwork marketing.

For Nancy in Houston and others who fear "pyramids" which are actually illegal, and do not understand the concept of getting paid for what you start:

I have found that Ignite has more than paid me back the $329 for signing up gas customers, introducing it to a few friends who are ABLE to do the same, and running it like a business! If you are SCAMMED, did you do the work outlined for you or did you sign up blindly without doing your homework? You are paid first and foremost for actually signing up gas customers, as well as teaching others to do the same. How hard is that? If you don't want to DO network marketing, you don't have to sign up; if you don't do the work it's netNOTwork marketing.

I am a customer and an associate of Stream energy. As a customer I have saved approximately $40.00-$50.00 per month by switching (I have been with 2 different providers and Stream has been by far the best one). I also payed the$329.00 fee to become an associate, I got my four points in a couple of days and within a week a received a $300.00 check back. Recently I signed up 3 persons as associates, and 2 already received $400.00 back (special February promotion) after getting their four points. Personally, I received a $400.00 bonus for signing up these people after they got their 4 points and I'm expecting another $200.00 in the next week for the 3rd associate.
I just want to say that yes, it takes time, and it takes work, but what doesn't?? And yes, the people that started this are becoming millionaires, well good for them!! They created the business didn't they? Every Stream customer that I know is very happy with their electricity bill after they switched, including myself. It is just sad to see that some people are too close-minded to see this opportunity, or too lazy to take advantage of it once they become associates. You are not going to become rich from one day to another, it is a long term goal. This is not a fairy tale, it takes some work. I also want to add that I am more than willing to email you a copy of all my stubs, including a couple from my recently added associates (my mom & my dad ). I also want to say that I am a HS teacher and I also have a degree as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist from UTHSCSA, so I am not just another uneducated person trying to get rich. I simply know how to take advantage of good opportunities in life.

Thanks

This company is pushing their sales staff in exactly the same manner as AMWAY did when I was suckered into them 15 years ago.

The author is correct:

$329 is an absolute rippoff for permission to sell a product! The company wins on all angles of this! They get the fee, they earninterest on the fee while you try to get it back by signing other up, where they get more fees, p-lus you are financially vested in your success (You are selling to try and get your investment back).

$20/mo for a website? To sell YOUR product? Come on! This should be GIVEN to any representative of any sales organization for free!

Then almost all the money comes from signing people up. Your only get a small amount per invoice for customers. To make any reasonable money at all you have to have a customer base of thousands of customers. In a pyramid, it is not that hard to get a structure of thousands, but for how long? Is this really a stable income? How many of those customers will be there in 5yrs?

I am involved in several MLM's myself, one charges for a website, the other does not. Neither charged me extra to become a distributor VS a customer. I buy their products be cause I like and use their products. And let's face it, I don't know of any industry where the sales organization isn't an MLM of some kind (Automotive, Real-estate, department store, shoe store, grocery store):

Sales clerk (bottom of the pyramid)
departmental manager
sales manager
general manager
VP of operations
VP of ?????
President
CEO

They are all just pyramids.

I don't by energy from Ignite! I have a contract with TXU for 3yrs and my rate is similar to Ignite's and there would be a penalty from TXU to switch.

Would I buy from Ignite? Of course! If their rate is competative and the contract was favorable over a long period of time. But I am in contract for now.

My beef is that their distributors are so desparate to get new distributors and customers that they almost force it on you - at least the ones I am dealing with. My wife and I told them no several times. Finally, our "friends" (Warm contacts in the biz) came over offering dinner, to "hang out". Well, it was just a high pressure business meeting - just like AMWAY from 15yrs ago. They were so hyped about the company that they "fronted" the sign up fee just to get my wife started in a program that we dont even use.

We are not sales people, Used to be, not interested in pushing something someone doesn't want or need. I may offer if there is a need and I have a product to fill the niche but dont EVER ask me to high pressure sell. I wont do it.

Now our "friends" are pressuring my wife to get her "3" direct associates within the 30 day signup window so they get their bonus and she gets hers (so she can repay them). My wife is worse at selling than I. I choose not to, she just can't do it.

Very likely, our "friends" have thrown their money away on signing my wife up.

My opinion this and other MLM's? If you use the products, like the products and will save oney by being a distributor and they offer a free affiliate website? Then do it.. Might make some money, will save some money. If you don't use the product, then don't be an affiliate! If they charge a monthly fee or a huge signon fee, then dont do it! You will probably lose your proverbial shirt.

My MLM's (in case your interested): (((ROR redacted)))
I will not give my wife's affilliate site here... As the author states, it probably wont exist in 30 days anyway....

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

This company is pushing their sales staff in exactly the same manner as AMWAY did when I was suckered into them 15 years ago.

The author is correct:

$329 is an absolute rippoff for permission to sell a product! The company wins on all angles of this! They get the fee, they earninterest on the fee while you try to get it back by signing other up, where they get more fees, p-lus you are financially vested in your success (You are selling to try and get your investment back).

$20/mo for a website? To sell YOUR product? Come on! This should be GIVEN to any representative of any sales organization for free!

Then almost all the money comes from signing people up. Your only get a small amount per invoice for customers. To make any reasonable money at all you have to have a customer base of thousands of customers. In a pyramid, it is not that hard to get a structure of thousands, but for how long? Is this really a stable income? How many of those customers will be there in 5yrs?

I am involved in several MLM's myself, one charges for a website, the other does not. Neither charged me extra to become a distributor VS a customer. I buy their products be cause I like and use their products. And let's face it, I don't know of any industry where the sales organization isn't an MLM of some kind (Automotive, Real-estate, department store, shoe store, grocery store):

Sales clerk (bottom of the pyramid)
departmental manager
sales manager
general manager
VP of operations
VP of ?????
President
CEO

They are all just pyramids.

I don't by energy from Ignite! I have a contract with TXU for 3yrs and my rate is similar to Ignite's and there would be a penalty from TXU to switch.

Would I buy from Ignite? Of course! If their rate is competative and the contract was favorable over a long period of time. But I am in contract for now.

My beef is that their distributors are so desparate to get new distributors and customers that they almost force it on you - at least the ones I am dealing with. My wife and I told them no several times. Finally, our "friends" (Warm contacts in the biz) came over offering dinner, to "hang out". Well, it was just a high pressure business meeting - just like AMWAY from 15yrs ago. They were so hyped about the company that they "fronted" the sign up fee just to get my wife started in a program that we dont even use.

We are not sales people, Used to be, not interested in pushing something someone doesn't want or need. I may offer if there is a need and I have a product to fill the niche but dont EVER ask me to high pressure sell. I wont do it.

Now our "friends" are pressuring my wife to get her "3" direct associates within the 30 day signup window so they get their bonus and she gets hers (so she can repay them). My wife is worse at selling than I. I choose not to, she just can't do it.

Very likely, our "friends" have thrown their money away on signing my wife up.

My opinion this and other MLM's? If you use the products, like the products and will save oney by being a distributor and they offer a free affiliate website? Then do it.. Might make some money, will save some money. If you don't use the product, then don't be an affiliate! If they charge a monthly fee or a huge signon fee, then dont do it! You will probably lose your proverbial shirt.

My MLM's (in case your interested): (((ROR redacted)))
I will not give my wife's affilliate site here... As the author states, it probably wont exist in 30 days anyway....

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

This company is pushing their sales staff in exactly the same manner as AMWAY did when I was suckered into them 15 years ago.

The author is correct:

$329 is an absolute rippoff for permission to sell a product! The company wins on all angles of this! They get the fee, they earninterest on the fee while you try to get it back by signing other up, where they get more fees, p-lus you are financially vested in your success (You are selling to try and get your investment back).

$20/mo for a website? To sell YOUR product? Come on! This should be GIVEN to any representative of any sales organization for free!

Then almost all the money comes from signing people up. Your only get a small amount per invoice for customers. To make any reasonable money at all you have to have a customer base of thousands of customers. In a pyramid, it is not that hard to get a structure of thousands, but for how long? Is this really a stable income? How many of those customers will be there in 5yrs?

I am involved in several MLM's myself, one charges for a website, the other does not. Neither charged me extra to become a distributor VS a customer. I buy their products be cause I like and use their products. And let's face it, I don't know of any industry where the sales organization isn't an MLM of some kind (Automotive, Real-estate, department store, shoe store, grocery store):

Sales clerk (bottom of the pyramid)
departmental manager
sales manager
general manager
VP of operations
VP of ?????
President
CEO

They are all just pyramids.

I don't by energy from Ignite! I have a contract with TXU for 3yrs and my rate is similar to Ignite's and there would be a penalty from TXU to switch.

Would I buy from Ignite? Of course! If their rate is competative and the contract was favorable over a long period of time. But I am in contract for now.

My beef is that their distributors are so desparate to get new distributors and customers that they almost force it on you - at least the ones I am dealing with. My wife and I told them no several times. Finally, our "friends" (Warm contacts in the biz) came over offering dinner, to "hang out". Well, it was just a high pressure business meeting - just like AMWAY from 15yrs ago. They were so hyped about the company that they "fronted" the sign up fee just to get my wife started in a program that we dont even use.

We are not sales people, Used to be, not interested in pushing something someone doesn't want or need. I may offer if there is a need and I have a product to fill the niche but dont EVER ask me to high pressure sell. I wont do it.

Now our "friends" are pressuring my wife to get her "3" direct associates within the 30 day signup window so they get their bonus and she gets hers (so she can repay them). My wife is worse at selling than I. I choose not to, she just can't do it.

Very likely, our "friends" have thrown their money away on signing my wife up.

My opinion this and other MLM's? If you use the products, like the products and will save oney by being a distributor and they offer a free affiliate website? Then do it.. Might make some money, will save some money. If you don't use the product, then don't be an affiliate! If they charge a monthly fee or a huge signon fee, then dont do it! You will probably lose your proverbial shirt.

My MLM's (in case your interested): (((ROR redacted)))
I will not give my wife's affilliate site here... As the author states, it probably wont exist in 30 days anyway....

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

This company is pushing their sales staff in exactly the same manner as AMWAY did when I was suckered into them 15 years ago.

The author is correct:

$329 is an absolute rippoff for permission to sell a product! The company wins on all angles of this! They get the fee, they earninterest on the fee while you try to get it back by signing other up, where they get more fees, p-lus you are financially vested in your success (You are selling to try and get your investment back).

$20/mo for a website? To sell YOUR product? Come on! This should be GIVEN to any representative of any sales organization for free!

Then almost all the money comes from signing people up. Your only get a small amount per invoice for customers. To make any reasonable money at all you have to have a customer base of thousands of customers. In a pyramid, it is not that hard to get a structure of thousands, but for how long? Is this really a stable income? How many of those customers will be there in 5yrs?

I am involved in several MLM's myself, one charges for a website, the other does not. Neither charged me extra to become a distributor VS a customer. I buy their products be cause I like and use their products. And let's face it, I don't know of any industry where the sales organization isn't an MLM of some kind (Automotive, Real-estate, department store, shoe store, grocery store):

Sales clerk (bottom of the pyramid)
departmental manager
sales manager
general manager
VP of operations
VP of ?????
President
CEO

They are all just pyramids.

I don't by energy from Ignite! I have a contract with TXU for 3yrs and my rate is similar to Ignite's and there would be a penalty from TXU to switch.

Would I buy from Ignite? Of course! If their rate is competative and the contract was favorable over a long period of time. But I am in contract for now.

My beef is that their distributors are so desparate to get new distributors and customers that they almost force it on you - at least the ones I am dealing with. My wife and I told them no several times. Finally, our "friends" (Warm contacts in the biz) came over offering dinner, to "hang out". Well, it was just a high pressure business meeting - just like AMWAY from 15yrs ago. They were so hyped about the company that they "fronted" the sign up fee just to get my wife started in a program that we dont even use.

We are not sales people, Used to be, not interested in pushing something someone doesn't want or need. I may offer if there is a need and I have a product to fill the niche but dont EVER ask me to high pressure sell. I wont do it.

Now our "friends" are pressuring my wife to get her "3" direct associates within the 30 day signup window so they get their bonus and she gets hers (so she can repay them). My wife is worse at selling than I. I choose not to, she just can't do it.

Very likely, our "friends" have thrown their money away on signing my wife up.

My opinion this and other MLM's? If you use the products, like the products and will save oney by being a distributor and they offer a free affiliate website? Then do it.. Might make some money, will save some money. If you don't use the product, then don't be an affiliate! If they charge a monthly fee or a huge signon fee, then dont do it! You will probably lose your proverbial shirt.

My MLM's (in case your interested): (((ROR redacted)))
I will not give my wife's affilliate site here... As the author states, it probably wont exist in 30 days anyway....

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

My husband and I are thankful our banker told us about Ignite. After 2 yrs., we're making 4 (low) figures a month and it grows slowly each month. Our best advice is just stick with the plan and be patient.

Many people do not know about deregualtion or do not understand it. We keep explaining it, which is finally making an impact on the competitive market of Texas. This is so important for our state.

Sadly, some people try to work Ignite without training or give up quickly. Their opinions are valid, but do not reflect what we see on a daily basis.

Suspicion is normal and healthy. Please keep asking questions...

But please get all the facts straight. If you do, you will find this company and the thousands of us affiliated with it--lawyers, doctors, professionals, school teachers, coaches, ministers, accountants, landscapers--have helped vast numbers of people. They (we) deserve thoughtful consideration. Thank you.

I'm beginning to realize that maybe network marketing just isn't for me, but why has the term pyramid "scheme" been associated with ignite so consistently? I believe I have gotten all the facts on the subject and can make an educated decision, and in no way has ignite appeared to be a "scheme". Even after reading these "rip off" reports. Its sounds to me like maybe some people didn't do the research needed to fully understand ignite, or were just looking for an extremely easy way to become a millionair. That just doesn't exist.

For starters, yes there are going to be a select few representatives who miss represent just to get more people under them... and in the longrun it won't pay off. That's why it is our job to look further into it to get all the information (which can actually be found on the ignite website).

Second of all yes it has a pyramid-type setup, but just because the word "scheme" has always been paired with the word pyramid doesn't mean it is a scheme. It is just another way to market, by word of mouth, which has proven to have an incredeibly high success rate. If you are going to be a part of this type of marketing, you have to be willing to work at it. Money isn't going to come rolling in the second you start... If you fail, chances are it's your own fault. It isn't hard, but you can't sit around and do nothing.

I probably will never be incredibly successful at it because I don't care enough, but there seems to me to be many more people who are excited and happy with ignite than people who are pissed off at them, and if they are pissed, ask if they truely put the time into it that it would take to start your own business.

so update. I made MD at the end of October. didn't do anything in november and december. my customers started to get switched over officially (paying bills under stream. before they were waiting for their cycle to end and then pay 1 cycle with stream).

I got my first residual check. the main reason everyone does this is to get a passive residual check. I sat on my butt november and december (well, not really sitting the whole time as I was out of town a lot) and guess what I find on my door step the 15th of January? My first residual check. My November residual was too small since only a handful of customers were paying so they held that until my December residual came in.

My goal for this business was to pay for my electricity bill every month ~ $100-$200 depending on season. so I said if this business can make me $200/month residual then I would consider this business a success. 4months into it and I have not achieved that goal. Instead, I can only pay for my phone bill. BUT THAT'S A START!!!

I had a goal to hit that magic number of $200/month by my 1yr anniversary. At the pace I'm going I think I should be able to make it. And you know what? that's just the residual checks. That's not the leadership bonuses or $275 I get when I hire on a new agent.

My definition of a scam is one that doesn't make you money but instead "tricked" you into earning potential. Now that I'm actually making money I can't see how this is a scam. I still work full time yet I can do this on the side until then. They always say you need a goal. My goal was to have this replace my wife's income. I'm a long way off but that was the end goal.

All in all I'm happy and from this have found out the people who really love you. You would be amazed by the amount of people who will turn you down for cheaper electricity even though it's generated by the same company and maintained by the same company.

Conclusion, sitting at home not working the business Nov/Dec I still got paid in Jan 08. How is that even possible? If i did that at my full time job I'd be fired but instead I got paid for doing nothing those months!

Residual status:
telephone bill - covered in 4 months
cable + internet bill - projected 8 months
electricity bill - projected 12 months

If you don't have a goal, you won't be going anywhere.

Background: I have a BSME from UT so I'm not some chump who gets suckered into stuff. This is my first venture into MLM and so far I don't see what all the crying is about. Grow a pair and get to work.

I paid $329.00 to become an associate of Ignite (Stream Energy), and made my money back plus more in 6 weeks. I don't call that a RIPOFF!

It's interesting to read the comments on Stream Energy and it''s network marketing company, Ignite. If you do not believe ths Ignite MLM is legit, please file with the State Attorney General's Office. The State AG investigates all network marketing companies doing business in the State. In fact you may even want to check with your PrePaid Legal attorney. Oh yes. Pre-Paid Legal Services is an MLM. If MLMs are illegal, how do they get away with selling illegal legal plans and have for over 25 years.

I MADE MY $329.00 BACK IN 2 WEEKS, AND AN ADDITIONAL $200.00. SO, I DID NOT GET RIPED OFF. I HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR 3 MONTHS. HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE YOU TO SAY THAT YOU ACTUALLY MADE MONEY. BUSINESSES TAKE YEARS TO GET OFF OF THE GROUND. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG YOUR NEPHEW LASTED IN THE BUSINESS, BUT I WOULD SUSPECT LESS THAN 6 MONTHS. AND IF IT WAS LONGER HE PROBABLY DID NOT WORK ON IT EVERY DAY.
MAYBE YOU SHOULD ASK DONALD TRUMP ABOUT PERSISTANCE.
IT TAKES TIME. YEA, THE FIRST GUYS IN ARE MAKING MONEY, BUT SHOULDN'T THE GUYS THAT STARTED THEIR OWN BUSINESS BE MAKING MONEY? IS THAT NOT WHAT WE GET INTO BUSINESS FOR? DO YOU KNOW THAT MARY KAY IS A PYRAMID THING? HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW HAVE BEEN IN HER BUSINESS?
FOR THE ONES THAT STAYED IN IT AND REALLY WORKED ON MAKING IT A BUSINESS HAVE DONE VERY WELL FOR THEMSELVES. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WITH IGNITE IS THAT I DON'T HAVE TO KEEP ELECTRICITY STORED IN MY CLOSET AND ASK EVERYONE I KNOW IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE MORE EVERY MONTH. AND I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A GREAT BUSINESS TO BE IN. IN OUR AREA I AM SWITCHING OVER CUSTOMERS AND THEY PAID 14.5 CENTS A KW. NOW THAT THEY ARE WITH STREAM ENERGY THEY ARE GUARANTEED 11.9 CENTS A KW.
SO, I FEEL REALLY GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE SAVING ON THEIR ELECTRICITY. ESPECIALLY THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON A FIXED INCOME.
BEFORE YOU ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A WEB SITE FOR $19.95 A MONTH YOU DO NOT. THAT IS OPTIONAL. IT'S A GREAT ASSEST TO THE ASSOCIATE, BUT IN NO WAY REQUIRED BY IGNITE. I AM SORRY THAT YOU ARE PREVENTING THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU FROM SAVING MONEY ON THEIR ELECTRIC BILL. SHOULD YOU EVER CHANGE YOUR MIND AND MAYBE LIKE TO SEE THE PROGRAM AND TALK TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS CLOSE TO A YEAR. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. UNTIL THEN I LOOK FORWARD TO GIVING YOU AN UPDATE ON HOW I AM DOING IN IGNITE. I PROMISE TO GIVE YOU AN ACCURATE UPDATE.

SINCERELY,
JOYCE

Alfredo, you must have been sitting on your throne when you wrote your rebuttal because your report is full of it.

I think that you are the scammer because you try to talk people out of a legitimate opportunity by presenting only your feelings instead of facts. Thus you have been attempting to deny good people a decent income in exchange for their efforts. You base this on the presumption that the opportunity presented is not completely safe.

Your payoff is some kind of sick satisfaction that you may have convinced someone out of a chance to improve their lot.

Look, Alfredo, you should know that most start up businesses fail and most fail within the first five years of trying. Read Michael E Gerber's, "The E-Myth".

Using your anti logic we would have to conclude that most businessmen, not just MLM'rs are victims of a great capitalistic scam. Yet, in spite of all the challenges, capitalism has proven itself the outstanding winner.

The winners in business are the ones who never give up.

HELLO,

This is my $.02. I got dragged to one of this Network Marketing meetings last week on 10/24, by a close friend of mine. He's one of these people who thinks he is going to get rich quick. I didn't have the heart to tell him, that this was a MLM scheme, it has all the makings. Fancy hotel in north Plano (The Shops at Legacy), very legitimate looking, for a very shady scheme.

Like I said I got dragged by my friend, I was a hostage in his car, because my car was 30 miles away on the other side of the town, parked in his driveway. And I had no idea where I was being driven to.....
I care a lot about my friend, he is a close business associate, who has always helped me, but he is way off base with this program...

It is a MLM scheme and like they say on the Internet it is a SCAM (((ROR REDACTED))) nothing but, just with a new twist. They use psychological tactics to weeded out the strong, and to sucker in the weak ones.
they hoover around the room like vultures, checking out everyone.

Always sit in the back, never respond to their questions, because they'll will never
answer or provide any concrete answers. Its one giant cheerleading party, to
promote the "concept", but it falls short of any substance. its always about the
$329 associate sign fee. And, they never show you any checks or can ever prove
that anyone is really making any money. Not even their star pupils, or their big money makers, either...who are just glorified cheerleaders in business suites.
Its all about perception and maintaining the illusion.

All in all, its two hours of my life I will never get back, I could've been eating or looking for foreclosure property, or taking a good long BM on my throne..

-- Alfredo

Always sit in the back, its the quickest way out of the room, run like Hell...!

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

HELLO,

This is my $.02. I got dragged to one of this Network Marketing meetings last week on 10/24, by a close friend of mine. He's one of these people who thinks he is going to get rich quick. I didn't have the heart to tell him, that this was a MLM scheme, it has all the makings. Fancy hotel in north Plano (The Shops at Legacy), very legitimate looking, for a very shady scheme.

Like I said I got dragged by my friend, I was a hostage in his car, because my car was 30 miles away on the other side of the town, parked in his driveway. And I had no idea where I was being driven to.....
I care a lot about my friend, he is a close business associate, who has always helped me, but he is way off base with this program...

It is a MLM scheme and like they say on the Internet it is a SCAM (((ROR REDACTED))) nothing but, just with a new twist. They use psychological tactics to weeded out the strong, and to sucker in the weak ones.
they hoover around the room like vultures, checking out everyone.

Always sit in the back, never respond to their questions, because they'll will never
answer or provide any concrete answers. Its one giant cheerleading party, to
promote the "concept", but it falls short of any substance. its always about the
$329 associate sign fee. And, they never show you any checks or can ever prove
that anyone is really making any money. Not even their star pupils, or their big money makers, either...who are just glorified cheerleaders in business suites.
Its all about perception and maintaining the illusion.

All in all, its two hours of my life I will never get back, I could've been eating or looking for foreclosure property, or taking a good long BM on my throne..

-- Alfredo

Always sit in the back, its the quickest way out of the room, run like Hell...!

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

HELLO,

This is my $.02. I got dragged to one of this Network Marketing meetings last week on 10/24, by a close friend of mine. He's one of these people who thinks he is going to get rich quick. I didn't have the heart to tell him, that this was a MLM scheme, it has all the makings. Fancy hotel in north Plano (The Shops at Legacy), very legitimate looking, for a very shady scheme.

Like I said I got dragged by my friend, I was a hostage in his car, because my car was 30 miles away on the other side of the town, parked in his driveway. And I had no idea where I was being driven to.....
I care a lot about my friend, he is a close business associate, who has always helped me, but he is way off base with this program...

It is a MLM scheme and like they say on the Internet it is a SCAM (((ROR REDACTED))) nothing but, just with a new twist. They use psychological tactics to weeded out the strong, and to sucker in the weak ones.
they hoover around the room like vultures, checking out everyone.

Always sit in the back, never respond to their questions, because they'll will never
answer or provide any concrete answers. Its one giant cheerleading party, to
promote the "concept", but it falls short of any substance. its always about the
$329 associate sign fee. And, they never show you any checks or can ever prove
that anyone is really making any money. Not even their star pupils, or their big money makers, either...who are just glorified cheerleaders in business suites.
Its all about perception and maintaining the illusion.

All in all, its two hours of my life I will never get back, I could've been eating or looking for foreclosure property, or taking a good long BM on my throne..

-- Alfredo

Always sit in the back, its the quickest way out of the room, run like Hell...!

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Just scanning the comments and the web about how bad this company is put me off of this opportunity for ~3months. Main reason was I didn't have a large circle of influence and $329 was a lot of startup money even though you could get back $100 if you found 2 new electricity customers to switch within 30 days.

Well, 3 weeks ago I finally joined because they had a promo where when I signed up and in 7 days got 2 electricity customers to switch (rate at that time was 12.49 cent/kw) I got $200. That check got to me in 1 week so it's legit. I then hired my dad and he also got his 2 electricity customers so he got a $200 check 1 week later. Since I recruited my dad I got $200.

so for 1 week in the business working ~5hrs that week I paid $329 yet pocketed $400 minus processing fees (small processing fee I didn't know about ~$3? can't remember). Not bad considering I was scared I might get taken for my initial startup but now I actually profited in 1 week.

Knowing they pay out bonuses that fast I had more faith in the company. For the month of September the electricity rate dropped again to .1199 cents/kw (which is pretty good compared to 12month contracts on powertochoose.org) and the new agent gets $300 now if they get 2 electricity customers to switch (they can be their own customer). So I would get $100 and new agent $300 if they complete their 2 switches in 7 days.

Doing quick math for new hire: (-$329) + $300 = (-$29).

So, the risk is $29 initial cost in 1 week and $20/month isn't bad to start a company that you can work on the side and on the phone. I don't see how that is a bad thing considering all the people I did save, including myself just on electricity rates. Just for tax savings this is a great way to actually save money too.

I was paying 15.3 cents/kw as a reliant customer for 5 years and like a dummy it took a $300 bill to realize there are other people who just haven't switched to lower rates.

Last month on a .1199 rate I saved $72 last month on my electricity bill just because I took 5min out of my night to switch my electricity from reliant. I don't see how saving money is a bad thing.

It's not for everyone but I figured I would try it considering I already made money off of it so fast.

my 2 cents.

Hi. I read your comments about Ignite, and do agree with you that success will vary with Ignite, as it will with any MLM company. I felt the need to respond to your comment because I consider myself to be extremely skeptical when it comes to MLM companies, but I have found Ignite to be different. Please "hear" me out.

When I was first approached by a friend of mine who joined Ignite, I blew her off for two months. I had a bad experience with another MLM company (I will withhold the name) in the past, so I took my bad experience out on Ignite. I didn't take any time to research Ignite at first, I just immediately said no--until I saw her checks come in.

I then began to analyze Ignite. During my whole protest of MLM, I didn't stop to really take a close look at what Ignite marketed. We market electricity, one the main essential elements to life. And, if I hadn't been so stubborn, I would have saw a long time ago that Stream Energy, the company that Ignite markets for, is one of the lowest priced, if not thee lowest priced, electric company in Texas. Not only am I able to make money, I am able to save people money too. :-)

In my short time with Ignite (three weeks), I have almost tripled my investement, secured close to forty customers, and have signed up two associates. It's really not that hard if you believe in yourself.

As far as the 19.95 monthly fee, this fee stretches further than the website. It pays for Associate Support and access to the best associate support materials I have ever seen. Ignite compiles all reports for you, and provides dedicated people to help you. Believe me, 19.95 is not that much to pay for overhead.

I am certainly not judging you for not wanting anything to do with Ignite, and I hope you find your niche in the business world. I can say this for the CEO of Ignite, Chris Domhoff, more power to him. Maybe he is a millionaire. We can't fault him for having the ingenuity to get rich. The United States of America may have its problems, but it is truly is a land of opportunity, and with some hard work, a little luck, and maybe even a push from above, I will have an office next to Mr. Domhoff one day.

I say again, I know results will vary. But, belief in yourself will overpower in start-up cost if you are committed enough.

Hi. I read your comments about Ignite, and do agree with you that success will vary with Ignite, as it will with any MLM company. I felt the need to respond to your comment because I consider myself to be extremely skeptical when it comes to MLM companies, but I have found Ignite to be different. Please "hear" me out.

When I was first approached by a friend of mine who joined Ignite, I blew her off for two months. I had a bad experience with another MLM company (I will withhold the name) in the past, so I took my bad experience out on Ignite. I didn't take any time to research Ignite at first, I just immediately said no--until I saw her checks come in.

I then began to analyze Ignite. During my whole protest of MLM, I didn't stop to really take a close look at what Ignite marketed. We market electricity, one the main essential elements to life. And, if I hadn't been so stubborn, I would have saw a long time ago that Stream Energy, the company that Ignite markets for, is one of the lowest priced, if not thee lowest priced, electric company in Texas. Not only am I able to make money, I am able to save people money too. :-)

In my short time with Ignite (three weeks), I have almost tripled my investement, secured close to forty customers, and have signed up two associates. It's really not that hard if you believe in yourself.

As far as the 19.95 monthly fee, this fee stretches further than the website. It pays for Associate Support and access to the best associate support materials I have ever seen. Ignite compiles all reports for you, and provides dedicated people to help you. Believe me, 19.95 is not that much to pay for overhead.

I am certainly not judging you for not wanting anything to do with Ignite, and I hope you find your niche in the business world. I can say this for the CEO of Ignite, Chris Domhoff, more power to him. Maybe he is a millionaire. We can't fault him for having the ingenuity to get rich. The United States of America may have its problems, but it is truly is a land of opportunity, and with some hard work, a little luck, and maybe even a push from above, I will have an office next to Mr. Domhoff one day.

I say again, I know results will vary. But, belief in yourself will overpower in start-up cost if you are committed enough.

Hi. I read your comments about Ignite, and do agree with you that success will vary with Ignite, as it will with any MLM company. I felt the need to respond to your comment because I consider myself to be extremely skeptical when it comes to MLM companies, but I have found Ignite to be different. Please "hear" me out.

When I was first approached by a friend of mine who joined Ignite, I blew her off for two months. I had a bad experience with another MLM company (I will withhold the name) in the past, so I took my bad experience out on Ignite. I didn't take any time to research Ignite at first, I just immediately said no--until I saw her checks come in.

I then began to analyze Ignite. During my whole protest of MLM, I didn't stop to really take a close look at what Ignite marketed. We market electricity, one the main essential elements to life. And, if I hadn't been so stubborn, I would have saw a long time ago that Stream Energy, the company that Ignite markets for, is one of the lowest priced, if not thee lowest priced, electric company in Texas. Not only am I able to make money, I am able to save people money too. :-)

In my short time with Ignite (three weeks), I have almost tripled my investement, secured close to forty customers, and have signed up two associates. It's really not that hard if you believe in yourself.

As far as the 19.95 monthly fee, this fee stretches further than the website. It pays for Associate Support and access to the best associate support materials I have ever seen. Ignite compiles all reports for you, and provides dedicated people to help you. Believe me, 19.95 is not that much to pay for overhead.

I am certainly not judging you for not wanting anything to do with Ignite, and I hope you find your niche in the business world. I can say this for the CEO of Ignite, Chris Domhoff, more power to him. Maybe he is a millionaire. We can't fault him for having the ingenuity to get rich. The United States of America may have its problems, but it is truly is a land of opportunity, and with some hard work, a little luck, and maybe even a push from above, I will have an office next to Mr. Domhoff one day.

I say again, I know results will vary. But, belief in yourself will overpower in start-up cost if you are committed enough.

There are success stories in every MLM. But, even Ignite admits, over 80% of their associates will not recoup their $329 fee. That's pretty poor odds in my opinion. Everyone talks about the hard work that's involved if you want to make money. Funny, any time anyone with a MLM has tried to recruit me (which has been PLENTY), they've always stressed how EASY it would be too make money.
I've never been told when I'm being recruited what all I'm going to have to do to be successful or how hard I'm going to have to work. It's always been the opposite. First, I'm told about the school teacher or the preacher or the church member who only spends a few hours a week and is making huge sums of money. The checks are just rolling in. Of course, no one ever sees the checks.

No, I don't think Mary Kay is a pyramid scheme. I do think that associates that drive the cars are the ones who are big recruiters.

Maybe I missed something in the Ignite compensation plan. You're saying you can make money by not recruiting anyone and only selling electricity?? How much residual monthly income do you make off of an electric account?

No one is going to change my mind. You can all say I'm crazy, I don't know what I'm talking about. Fine! I wish you success! But, I in good conscience, would not recruit one person into this company. Chris Dumhoff and crew were with Excel when it went bankrupt. If they are such geniuses, why did that happen?

Educate yourself:

Legal multi-level marketing (MLM) involves being recruited in order to sell a product or service that actually has some inherent value. As a recruit, you can make a profit from the sales of the product or service, so you don't necessarily have to recruit more salespeople below you. And while you may be encouraged to recruit other salespeople whose sales would give you more profit, you can stick to just selling the product directly to the consumer if you choose.

A pyramid scheme MLM, however, will most likely sell a product with no independent value. The product could take the form of reports of some kind, for example, or mailing lists. In this kind of pyramid scheme, you would be required to recruit new members into the MLM in order to make a profit and keep the MLM alive. Joining the MLM is the only reason anyone would buy the products sold by this pyramid scheme.

Ignite/Stream Energy sells one product - electricity- seems to have inherent value since it's a necessity to all. Yes you can make a small residual from your own personal customers! And yes if you recruit it builds your residual. And yes that is your choice! WOW we answered yes to all the above characteristics of a LEGAL multilevel marketing company.

Violet - would you call Mary Kay Corporation a "pyramid scheme"? Very similar, it's just not make up. There are plenty of associates who would be happy to show you their residual and bonus checks! It does work, it makes total sense, and you really shouldn't blame the company if you didn't give it the time and energy needed to make it successful like any other business venture. Is it the treadmills fault if you don't lose weight? This does and will work for anyone willing to treat it like what it is - A BUSINESS!

This person has no clue what she is talking about. Ignite is not a pyramid scheme. If it was it would have been out of business on January 2, 2004 (this company started January 1, 2004). This company is highly regulated by the Public Utility Commission. It took the company from 1999 to 1/2/2004 to open its doors because of the red tape and expense it had to go through.

It is a business opportunity in which some people will succeed and some will fail. That's life. Just because this person knows people that failed doesn't mean it's a scam. The people she knows paid their $329 and thaught the money would just roll in. When it didn't they blamed Ignite instead of themselves.

This company's business plan is simple but it isn't easy. It takes a lot of work and effort. This is the fastest growing company in American history, and one of the greatest ones I've ever seen. I use to sell mutual funds and it was my job to research & know about thousands of companies so I have a lot of data to compare this company to. Chris Domhoff and his founding partners are geniuses for created this company the way they did.

So for anyone else that wants to slander this company go ahead. I'll be there with a rebuttal with facts that will make you look like a fool.

Why is it everyone is affraid to earn a buck? They want it to fall into their laps.

Let's use some common sense here:

Q: Are there scandalist pyramid schemes out there?
A: Absolutely

Q: Am I going to have to work harder than I ever had at a capped salary/wage job?
A: Well uhh, yes, that is kind of how it works in the world.

Q: Are there companies today, with service that I use, that started their marketing campaign with multi-level marketing?
A: More than you know.

Q: Why?
A: Well, it's pretty much the fastest way to market. Who reads spam mail, pays attention to commercials, reads ads? I'd say almost every company and entity I know about today is from someone telling me about it. Infact most companies are moving to a referal style market. Take BNI or LeTip for example. Look it up, thousands of businesses are going to that method.

Q: Why do I have to pay for an up front fee?
A: Face it, it's incentive for the company to make some money, learn from it.

Q: How do I know if this multi-level market is illegit?
A: Homework. Just like anything, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Read about them, research them, check out the product they sell. One major factor is stability. Another thing is if their product isn't obviously apparent, run. If you here a bunch of mumbo jumbo before you figure out what the product is, that is a very bad sign. I will note that Ignite is very open about what they sell.


I am sorry but I've seen several pyramid schemes, yes, they exist. Let's be realistic though. How is it "illegit"? Just because it didn't work out for some kid does not mean it is illegit.

I saw someone comment about "All he made was $43 dollars a week". Oh man, do you know how many people envy him for that? You need to try and start a business on your own. You'll be fortunate to not be 43 dollars in the hole. Squawk about the $330 sign up fee, but the fact of the matter is you're buying a business. Considering it is pretty much the most liability you will ever have in running your own business that's pretty dang small.

Anyway, I just wanted to point out some of those things that everyone seems to miss. All I ever see is "I couldn't do it so it's a scam!". There are scams out there, beware! I do not believe Ignite is. Let's also shoot straight. It does not cost Ignite $330 to setup and account with your back end site. Since when was it a syn for a company to make money.

Bottom line is check out the company, see if you feel good about them. If you have the money and you want to run with it. DO IT! If you are short on cash and you're taking out a payday loan to get $330 dollars, don't do it. Plain and simple.

That's my 2 cents, thank you for reading.

1.) If you had that kind of money you would not be waving it around. If you did, you better believe someone will come around to help you out of it. (My friend - I have seen the checks and even bigger ones you wouldn't believe)

2.) Recruiting ... That's why it's called "Network Marketing" Just like when you refer someone to a restaurant or to a dry cleaner.

I do not pay a monthly fee to Spark. I pay a flat 11.7 per kwh and no meter read fee. If you look closely in the Stream verbage, there's a monthly fee buried. in it.

Hey, I not going to change your mind and you're not going to change mine.

God bless you and I hope you're successful. I would still ask that church member who's making $55,000 a month for proof. If they are truly making that, they shouldn't mind showing the check stubs. I would gladly do it if I were bringing in that kind of bucks. Heck, I'd be waving them around!

Bottom line, if you have to recruit to make money, it's a pyramid scheme.
Sorry, you're not going to change my mind. Good luck to you!

First off, I can' t ask people to do that; however, they freely discuss their income at the meetings or when meeting with other people. The point was that there REALLY are regular pepole making $$$ with Ignite.

I didn't say you can make money if you don't recruit. As a matter of fact, there is no money in it if you don't recruit. I only reason I said they "suggest 3" is that you don't have to stop at just three! You can have 90! You have to see the business plan and you HAVE to work it as a business. Like I said - this ain't the lottery - but an opportunity and like Albert Einsten said, "Oppurtunity is often missed because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work." I never said I only spend 2 hours a week - I said I have only spent about 2 total cumulative hours working the business. I don't have a lot of free time. I'm a part-time Instructor, a Navy Reservist, and I work a full-time job. Two of the three people I sponsored haven't really done anything, but get their 4 points and the other one - well there's over 100 people in her downline. And that's where the money is. Also they run bonus promotions every month and I recently made $750 for promoting to MD.

If you read that Income Disclosure better you will find there is a 'LOW' and 'HIGH' and 'AVERAGE' columns for 'Annual Income' and '# Months in Ignite'. If you compare the Low/ High columns to the #Months in Ignite columns you will see that there were QD's who made $10 in their first month and $1,988 in 12 months. I told you there are over 70,000 Associates with Ignite. When it says 'Average' it takes the total made by all Associates at that level and divided by the total number of Associates in that group. Managing Directors (MD) make up 9.41%. Let's say it's 70,000 total Associates that would mean 6,587 are MD's and multiplying that by the current average of $1,795.51 Annually equals $11,827,024.37 is paid out ANNUALLY to just the MD level (Almost $12 MIL.) How it is divided is based on each individual's business growth and is paid out according to the compensation plan. It's not so focused on deep, (up to the 5th level), as it is focused on wide. Teambarrowenergy.igniteinc.biz . The current disclosure is higher than the ones you have, and guess what, they're going to be higher next year as well.

Ignite even says this on the Income Disclosure Page:

"The income statistics shown above are for all qualified Ignite Associates who were eligible to earn commissions and bonuses during the 12-month reporting period of July 2006 through June 2007. A Qualified Associate is defined as an Associate who earned at least one commission or bonus payment during the reporting period.
The average annual income for ALL qualified Associates was
$818.47. During the reporting period 56.04% of all qualified Associates earned at least one commission or bonus payment."

"THE EARNINGS OF THE IGNITE ASSOCIATES IN THIS CHART ARE NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INCOME, IF ANY, THAT AN IGNITE ASSOCIATE CAN OR WILL EARN THROUGH HIS OR HER PARTICIPATION IN THE IGNITE COMPENSATION PLAN. THESE FIGURES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS GUARANTEES OR PROJECTIONS OF YOUR ACTUAL EARNINGS OR PROFITS. SUCCESS WITH IGNITE RESULTS ONLY FROM SUCCESSFUL SALES EFFORTS, WHICH REQUIRES HARD WORK, DILLIGENCE, AND LEADERSHIP. YOUR SUCCESS WILL DEPEND ON HOW EFFECTIVELY YOU EXERCISE THESE QUALITIES."

The reason why peolple don't make their money back is not from lack of opportunity in my opinion. Ignite always run some kind of Bonus Promotion and usually double or triple the regular compensation of $100. In May and June - if you landed your first 4 points within 7 days they gave that person $300 and $300 to the person who recruited them AND if that happend in the downline of a Managing Director - that MD go $75 per every Associate not recruited by them - FOREVER - a Senior Director gets $175 - FOREVER - for every Associate that comes in to their downline they didn't recruit. An Excecutive Director makes $225 for the same thing. The reason why people don't make their money back is that they don't really believe in what they're doing. And if you don't believe in it how can anyone else? Nobody is going to do it for you. The potential is there, but you have to work it and work at changing your thinking.

If someone hasn't been successful at anything then they are probably are not going to think too highly of themselves and when they encounter rejection they will deal with it the way they always have. I have talked with several people at the Top of the Ignite business who say they had to chage their thinking as well. They grew up poor and had no idea how to handle money or help others to make it. Likewise, no one's gonna believe you if you don't believe in yourself.

"No one is a prophet in their own home town." The only person in my family doing this business is the one who showed it to me - my MOM. Everyone else ... same story as your nephew. I had to step outside my comfort zone and ask people I don't even know and to date of about maybe 25 or 30 people I have gotten only one Associate. The other my wife knows and the successful one was our apartment manager who saw the website video and signed her and her husband up. Am I giving up? Hale no! Last month's residual was $88 and next month's is going to be close $200! All that from only one of my three Associates. I haven't started building my Managing Director Stream yet, but I'll keep you posted. If I do anything at all it will be to help the other two get going by showing the plan for them and giving the credit for the recruit. It's the power of of duplication combined with leadership. If you don't feel good about yourself or what you're doing - you're not going to want to duplicate it much less show any leadership. When I start seeing commas in my residual checks - I will keep you posted.

Not all MLM's are the same. You said you've heard all the same MLM stuff before, but you really haven't been listening. All the other MLM's you have to purchase inventory sell it make a commission and recruit, have them do the same and make a residual off of that. With Ignite- There are NO quotas - There is NO inventory - There is NO billing - NO collections I can work whenever and wherever I want and not have to worry about getting my time in. I don't have to carry a bunch of electricity around in my trunk and try to sell it to people :) They already have it! It's habitually used and unconsciously purchased. I have NO employees, and my only overhead is $20 a month. The commision is dollar based not percentage based - so there's no difference in how much a customer uses compared to how much I will make. There is not a business in the world that has that.

And when the lights go out - there's only one company who can bring them back on and for this area it's Centerpoint - so it's dependable, reliable service and a cheaper rate and my residual has already paid for my website and my electric bill so everything from here on out is pure profit and I've only been in it for 7 months. I say "in it" b/c I've never really 'worked' it. Who knows, maybe it would be bigger if I invested a little more time, but I don't have a lot of it so I do what I can.

I'm happy you're getting a better rate. Most of those CREPs and Aggregators out there start out low then raise their rate after establishing a large enough customer base. Stream has always had the better deal because it costs nothing to switch, there are no hidden line charges, and the total tax on your bill is only 1% of the total KW usage. Most companies charge a monthly fee for service and/or a meter reading fee - and they don't even read your meter! Centerpoint reads your meter and then electronically sends your company the info.

As far as pyramid schemes go ... you can call it what you want. There are not any of those that I know of who have been in the news since they're illegal. Here everyone has a chance to benefit. It sounds like to me your nephew does not have a very strong upline. You're only as good as your leaders. They may be giving him good advice, but are not effective in "leading" the way. Whenever I have peolpe in my downline who need help we get together and together we overcome it. This is about assisting other people and not just about ourselves.

Once you let go of the mindset of "Me and my four and no more" you will begin to open up another dimension to everything you do. The plan works. I've seen it work and there's nothing anyone can say to convince me otherwise. It takes time and showing the plan. You know the people at the top right now are the ones who have shown the plan the most. There is nothing really special about them either. They're just diligent and "the hands of the diligent makes one rich." If I was having as hard of time as your nephew is having - I would examine myself. You know, it's been said that the definition of insanity - 'Is doing the same the same thing over and over again - and - expecting different results.

"Responsibility and honesty are core values at Ignite. We conduct business in a professional, ethical and legal manner and require our Independent Associates to follow suit with respect to customers, other Ignite Independent Associates and Ignite. When you choose Ignite as your financial vehicle, you can be sure that you are teaming up with an organization rooted in a firm foundation of entrepreneurship and integrity."

"Evrything is possible to the one who believes."

Please show me how you can make money (and how much) by not recruiting your 3 and getting your 10 energy accounts. Also, would the church member that's making $55,000 a month like to post a copy of one of their checks?? Everybody's always has a story about somebody (and is usually a very humble somebody) making an incredible amount of money. Usually, not a shred of proof is offered.

Anyone who has talked to me or my nephew has been very high pressure and telling you to recruit. I've not run into anyone saying you don't need to recruit.

I've also not run into anyone who says you can work the business and be successful in 2 hours a week. You're the first. My nephew worked his b*tt off, spending at least 25 hrs a week on it, sucking anyone into it he could. All he's done is lost a lot of friends along the way and made a little money.

I'm looking at Ignite's Income Disclosure Statement for 7/2005 to 7/2006. 0.05% qualified as Exec Director, 1.22% Senior Director, 9.08% Managing Director, 89.66% Qualified Director.

89.66% is almost the whole workforce. Drumroll please -- their average annual income was $460.31. The low was $10.00, the high $1,582.00. Those are not numbers that get me real excited. That's not even minimum wage. I read somewhere (I'm trying to locate the article; when I do, I'll post) that states
at least 80% of Ignite associates do not even earn their $$329 back.

As I said, whatever floats your boat. My opinion is it's a pyramid scheme and you won't change my mind. I've heard all of the MLM crap before. And, by the way, I'm getting a lower rate with Spark than Stream.

Most of it's of bonus money - Bonus Money is paid out weekly.

I spent maybe two hours total to generate that income, but the best part is the residual, if you check out the website, you'll see what I'm talking about. The residual is paid out monthly as lined out in the compensation plan and as more customers become active and pay their bills every month it generates a Passive Residual Income every month. Yeah, I know it doesn't slike a lot and the plan does say that if everything grows - up to five levels - perfectly, then you will get paid a residual income of over $8,900 a month. But what - if anything - grows perfect? In case your wondering, a Passive Residual Income is money that comes in whether you're there or not. So- yeah - the 'potential' is there and you only have to generate 20 energy accounts for your business and, if you get the website which helps you generate customers and associates at the speed of the interent, then it counts as two customer points - so you really only need 18. The rest is teaching others to do the same and helping them get theirs - it's the power of duplication.

Maybe we're not talking about millions, but I have a friend in my Church who's making $55,000 a month. They're not anyone special - they're just working the plan. If some one gets in to it and accomplishes what it recommends you should do - the simple fact of the matter is - you're gonna make money. It may be a slow process or it could be a fast one determined by your committment. Such as some folks I know were making over $10K a month in just seven months of being in business, but their a husband and wife team and that tends to double their efforts. How can two walk together if they don't agree?

I guess the long-and-short of t is that: 1. I've already made my money back and then some. 2. I now have an income coming in to my household everytime pepople pay their light bills that I didn't have before. 3. Oh yeah - and my light bill is cheaper now!

Food For Thought: Having $250 reidual coming in month after month is like have $100,000 in the bank earning 4% intrest.

Most of it's of bonus money - Bonus Money is paid out weekly.

I spent maybe two hours total to generate that income, but the best part is the residual, if you check out the website, you'll see what I'm talking about. The residual is paid out monthly as lined out in the compensation plan and as more customers become active and pay their bills every month it generates a Passive Residual Income every month. Yeah, I know it doesn't slike a lot and the plan does say that if everything grows - up to five levels - perfectly, then you will get paid a residual income of over $8,900 a month. But what - if anything - grows perfect? In case your wondering, a Passive Residual Income is money that comes in whether you're there or not. So- yeah - the 'potential' is there and you only have to generate 20 energy accounts for your business and, if you get the website which helps you generate customers and associates at the speed of the interent, then it counts as two customer points - so you really only need 18. The rest is teaching others to do the same and helping them get theirs - it's the power of duplication.

Maybe we're not talking about millions, but I have a friend in my Church who's making $55,000 a month. They're not anyone special - they're just working the plan. If some one gets in to it and accomplishes what it recommends you should do - the simple fact of the matter is - you're gonna make money. It may be a slow process or it could be a fast one determined by your committment. Such as some folks I know were making over $10K a month in just seven months of being in business, but their a husband and wife team and that tends to double their efforts. How can two walk together if they don't agree?

I guess the long-and-short of t is that: 1. I've already made my money back and then some. 2. I now have an income coming in to my household everytime pepople pay their light bills that I didn't have before. 3. Oh yeah - and my light bill is cheaper now!

Food For Thought: Having $250 reidual coming in month after month is like have $100,000 in the bank earning 4% intrest.

Most of it's of bonus money - Bonus Money is paid out weekly.

I spent maybe two hours total to generate that income, but the best part is the residual, if you check out the website, you'll see what I'm talking about. The residual is paid out monthly as lined out in the compensation plan and as more customers become active and pay their bills every month it generates a Passive Residual Income every month. Yeah, I know it doesn't slike a lot and the plan does say that if everything grows - up to five levels - perfectly, then you will get paid a residual income of over $8,900 a month. But what - if anything - grows perfect? In case your wondering, a Passive Residual Income is money that comes in whether you're there or not. So- yeah - the 'potential' is there and you only have to generate 20 energy accounts for your business and, if you get the website which helps you generate customers and associates at the speed of the interent, then it counts as two customer points - so you really only need 18. The rest is teaching others to do the same and helping them get theirs - it's the power of duplication.

Maybe we're not talking about millions, but I have a friend in my Church who's making $55,000 a month. They're not anyone special - they're just working the plan. If some one gets in to it and accomplishes what it recommends you should do - the simple fact of the matter is - you're gonna make money. It may be a slow process or it could be a fast one determined by your committment. Such as some folks I know were making over $10K a month in just seven months of being in business, but their a husband and wife team and that tends to double their efforts. How can two walk together if they don't agree?

I guess the long-and-short of t is that: 1. I've already made my money back and then some. 2. I now have an income coming in to my household everytime pepople pay their light bills that I didn't have before. 3. Oh yeah - and my light bill is cheaper now!

Food For Thought: Having $250 reidual coming in month after month is like have $100,000 in the bank earning 4% intrest.

Some people simply cannot say NO. These people should avoid situations where they can be hustled. Like dealing with car salesmen and people pushing "business opportunities".

If anyone solicits you about an "opportunity" they should be able to outline the product, working capital, and general business requirements in 30 minutes without inviting you to a mystery meeting.

I enjoyed planetmind's earning $1500 in eight months (Jan to Aug). At 4.35 weeks per month, lets see

$1500/(4.35 x 8) = $43/week.

How many hours per week did he work? He did not say.

Gosh, this does look like the road to millions, though, doesn't it?

Here are a few facts that I know about Ignite.

There are over 70,000 Assoiciates working for Ignite. This is Network Marketing -not-"Net-Lottery". There is a measure of work involved and if you follow the plan- you will make money! They only suggest signing up 3 Associates and 10 Customers to give people direction- a goal - if you will.

You can make money off a few energy accounts, but substantial money is made when your business goes deep and wide - up to five levels. Most people look at the potential of the opportunity without seriously evaluating whether or not they will actually follow through. And guess what, they don't make it. They even tell you, that if you're not going to work the plan then don't sign up. Why get involved with something you're not really goign to work on anyway? I don't understand.

You throw words like 'pyramid scheme' around like you know what you're talking about. If you really examine it; it's more like a tree. And you can grow that tree to as little or as big as you want. All it takes is a vision, a desire, and a committment to see it through.

Stream Energy had over 400% growth from 2005-2006 and is the largest Commercial Retail Electric Provider, (licensed by the PUCT), in Texas with 5% of the market share in the 11th Largest Energy Market - in the world. Right behind Great Britain. They are also the fastest growing start-up company in the history of American business. Stick around, you're going to see amazing things with Stream and Ignite and Texas is only the beginning.

The initial $329 does pay a lot more than you realize. Ignite sets up a back office where you can monitor every aspect of your business in 'REAL' time., They keep track of every Asssociate, every Customer and every check that comes your way. You can view the promotion status and statitistics of erery person in your downline. You can even mass email everyone or just selsect few.

You don't have to purchase the website, however, if you want your business to grow - you can either do it at the rate of snail mail or at the speed of the internet. I know b/c I have a few Associates who do just that and I help them and they do okay. They're working towards getting a website and they're not giving up. People are going to say "no" and usually they are the ones closest to you.

That's when you don't let it get to you, dig your heels in and press on and don't look back. That's why your rear view mirror isn't as big as your windshield b/c if you spend all your time looking in your rear view mirror - you're gonna crash. Besides, the initial investment does apply a simple business principle that if it doesn't cost you 'something' then you're not going to respect it.

As for all the broken links - I haven't a clue. However, here's a website you will never find a broken link to: TeamBarroEnergy.IgniteInc.biz. As for me I have been doing it since January and so far I've made over $1,500. My first residual check came in last month and it was $88. And guess what? I can guarantee you that next month it will be bigger than that. I'll keep you posted.

By-the-way, this business is will-able, transferable, and you can also sell it.

Happy Hunting!