Help me remember the name of a book about how MLM doesn't work.

August 20, 2014 11:00 PM

I am trying to remember the name of a book I read within the past few years about how multilevel marketing (MLM) doesn't work. I could be wrong, but I don't think the book was solely about MLM. The book talks about all the reasons that MLMs don't work, but the one distinguishing thing I remember from the book is: MLMers need to set up "events" at random-ass places, where they get people to sample the product and get them hooked into the scheme. There were *pictures* in the book of these places, and the author made points about there's never any description on the outside about what's happening inside. I remember that one particular MLM sold smoothies or juices or something along those lines, and some of the pictures showed how bizarre it looked to have small cups of juice sitting on a table for people to sample, and no one was in the room. It's a shot in the dark, I know.. but even if you can suggest books that talk about how MLMs don't work, that would be great. Thanks!
posted by wuMeFi to Work & Money (2 answers total)

Rob Cockerham has a pretty good overview ("Why Herbalife Doesn't Work"). Not a book, but it sounds similar to what you're describing, maybe worth a look.
posted by disconnect at 6:27 AM on August 21, 2014

'Dreams Incorporated' was published in the magazine The Baffler, and later in the book-length anthology Boob Jubilee.
posted by box at 9:27 AM on August 21, 2014 [1 favorite]