Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Its a bird...its a plane...its A-jel

Is there anyone on the planet who doesn't want to "get rich quick" or "work smart, not hard" and "retire in only a few years"?

Chances are you'll be approached over the course of your lifetime by a representative of an "organization" that will use any of the above buzz phrases to entice you to join them in their venture to make you rich.

Unfortunately, they will get extremely offended if you refer to their business as a "pyramid scheme" and they will always reply, "Pyramid Schemes are illegal -- We're a Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) Network Marketing Opportunity organization! (source)

Unless of course, you're trying to market the scheme to Homer Simpson, and in that case you would say:
Seminar speaker: "First, let me assure you that this is not one of those shady pyramid schemes you've been hearing about. No sir. Our model is the trapezoid scheme, guaranteed to give you an eight-hundred percent return...." (The Simpsons, Season 3, Episode 12)
Which brings us to one of the most "popular and exciting" Trapezoidal MLM Network Marketing Opportunity in Israel today -- "Agel"

The purists will tell you that "illegal pyramid schemes" are where no goods are exchanged, so the "Agel scheme" is not illegal. It may be unethical and immoral, but it's not illegal.

The question is, why does anyone need "Agel" which is sold exclusively through the Agel distribution network and not available in stores?

First, what is Agel? The simple answer: vitamins in "jell" form.

Marketing 101 teaches you the naming and branding is essential. No one will buy a product entitled, "Bitter Herb Monster-Sized Pills". You need s slick name, and "Agel" fits the bill. Going one step further, its classed by its marketeers as belonging to a made-up industry, "gelceuticals" (sounds strikingly similar to the serious industry known as "pharmaceuticals", doesn't it?)

In trying to convince us that Agel is a fantastic business opportunity, they will write things as follows:
"If you think that this is just another scam and don't believe gelceuticals will explode in the near future then don't invest... simple as that. But the truth is they will surpass all the pills, powder supplements, shakes, etc. If you like what you hear about the product, then perhaps you should do more research instead of saying "oh it's just another scheme or scam" you and I know that it's called ignorance.

Just like other pro-Agel people before me have written I challenge you to find out more about it, without saying "oh it looks like a pyramid structure it must be a scam".
And then, they drop statements from official looking press releases like this:
Predicted to be the next trillion dollar industry, AskMeWhyAgel.com Gelceuticals business opportunity is ground breaking in the marketplace by leading in an unequaled innovative revolution.
Yet ask yourself, why do we really need vitamins in jell form? Is this so much more useful than regular vitamins supplements? Is Agel a better solution than healthy eating?

No proof exists that gel technology is in any way better – in fact there is a greater danger of the product ingredients becoming unstable and breaking down.

If this product is so amazing, why aren't there over the counter versions of this amazing, revolutionary product, sold by other companies? (Readers, help me out here if I'm wrong...)

In Israel, this product is marketed as Kosher, and the Agel website points us to an OU kosher certification that expired a year and a half ago.

Again, its important to keep in mind that not every product with an OU on it is good for you, let alone healthy.

I found the following products that are also OU certified Kosher, yet I would advise you call your local poison control center if you accidentally ingested any of it.

A closer reading from the Agel website brings us some interesting points about their miracle product (starting with a clear statement on their advertising literature: "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA" )

Should pregnant woman use Agel products?

There are some ingredients in Agel EXO that have been listed in some texts as not appropriate for pregnant women. Consequently, we recommend that pregnant women not consume EXO. If you are pregnant, prior to taking any vitamin, herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, we recommend that you consult with your physician.

Can women take Agel products while breast-feeding?

We recommend that you review the ingredients in these products with your physician prior to using them while breast-feeding.

Should children use Agel MIN?

As a point of reference, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not endorse vitamin supplementation in children under the age of 16, except for specific groups with chronic illnesses. Furthermore, the mineral needs of children are unclear.

Should children use Agel FIT?

We recommend consulting with your pediatrician about appropriate food supplementation and weight management regimens for children. As a general rule, we do not recommend diet aids for children, and we therefore do not recommend using Agel FIT in the pediatric population. We do advocate healthy eating habits and plenty of physical activity as a means for children to manage weight. To initiate an early habit of dependence on dieting aids in childhood may be sending the wrong message.

Why did my skin feel hot and appear slightly red with OHM? OHM contains B3 in the form of niacinamide. It can have a flushing reaction. Sometimes the skin temporarily feels hot and gets red and sometimes a rash appears, but then disappears after a while. It is not harmful, just a bit scary if never experienced before.

Can Agel products help some medical conditions? Nutritional supplements are for supplementing the diet. They are not for diagnosing, mitigating, preventing or curing any diseases. As GelDocs, it is out of the scope of our legal abilities to diagnose or make recommendations for the treatment of any disease or diagnosed medical condition.

It may be out of scope for the Agel website, but the marketeers of Agel have no problem recommending agel (with official testimonials) as the miracle drug that can cure, alleviate or help: eczema, osteo-arthritis, TMJ, sinus and migraine headaches, ADHD, high cholesterol, low blood sugar, chronic fatigue, backaches, autism, those suffering from quadruple bypass heart surgery, etc.

Sounds like a real miracle drug,vitamin supplement right? Except, there is absolutely zero scientific, clinical, medical documentation to back up any of these amazing claims.

Its a dubious product to say the least -- yet thousands of Israelis are now actively selling agel, specifically in the religious and Chareid sectors. Some of the higher ups on the pyramid are making very nice "salaries" as a result of the work being done by their underlings.

The problem with MLM and pyramid-structured schemes is that the bottom tiered people have no one available to sell on their behalf or even buy the product. There's no one left to make those at the bottom, "get rich."

The charismatic, dynamic and influential people at the "top" of the pyramid are the ones making the money, while the middle and lower tiered people end up doing the hard work as they try to convince their neighbors, friends, and family that Agel is the economic and health miracle to let them live the good life.

Unfortunately, Agel is not anything a family "needs", like other products sold by more reputable MLM companies such as Amway. Amway sells household goods that everyone needs; tissues, toilet paper, soap, etc. The only real selling point of Agel, is once you get past the mega hype of it being a "vitamin" -- the point of selling it is to get people to sell it on your behalf.

Agel salesmen routinely advertise it as a miracle solution for the health ailments of society (like the list I provided above), learning disabilities, and more.

In a country like Israel, where money is tight (and this was even before the global recession), I find it immoral for charismatic Agel salesmen to get guileful, impoverished victims to buy-in to the program with the siren song of financial independence and "easy money"

For every person making a lot of money in Agel, there are hundreds who don't.

To end off -- here's a educational video from the "King of Queens" about MLM companies, and why it's common sense to avoid them like the plague.




Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

There's an interesting story behind the OU on those types of products.

I've encountered such shady organizations - ::shudder::

Lakewood Falling Down said...

Anytime a person knows his Simpsons, it's a sign of greatness. Will Rabbi Krustofsky be endorsing this product any time soon?

Anonymous said...

Jameel or whatever your real name is:

Agel works. Thousands of people are happier now because of it, thousands of people are living the good life as a result.

Maybe if you concentrated on selling Agel instead of blogging, you wouldn't need to write nasty anti-Agel posts like this one (and you could enjoy life a little. It seems to me like you're waaaay too grumpy.

Anonymous said...

We moved to Israel and let it be known where we live that we were not interested in Agel. Agel people in our neighborhood were specifically told to leave us alone. Don't think that stopped them from trying to approach us anyway. I like my friends - why would I want to ruin a friendship pushing something like this?

Anonymous said...

BTW, I know Jameel, and he is far from Grumpy. Doc maybe, but not Grumpy.

Anonymous said...

Gee, I didn't even get a chance to post the "Be prepared for the Agel defenders to insult you" before they got here.

MLM upper level people are shysters & con men. The ones that get hoodwinked into it are stupid, desparate, or both. And because many of them are too ashamed to admit how stupid they are for falling for this garbage, they have to jump on anyone who questions it, trying to convince themselves they're really smart.

You know, Pakleds.

Anonymous said...

Agel is providing parnassa to thousands of Israelies, and its the only way for many to stay here. For a blog that is proportedly "pro Eretz Yisrael" this blog certainly does its best to trash an honest living.

If you think Agel is all about shysters and conmen, you're plain wrong. I invite you all to join the Agel family for financial independance and well being.

You too Muqata -- you might learn a thing or two.

Anonymous said...

I was sent to this post by another Agel friend, and I can't believe what slander you wrote.

Your "investigative report" is bordering on libel, and I would think it might be in your best interest to take it down.

Agel is the best thing to have ever happened to my life. I was fired from my job, and now Agel is earning me more money then I could have ever dreamed. And it helps provide muchly needed nutriton as well (something lacking in the average diet here in Israel).

Anonymous said...

"Agel is providing parnassa to thousands of Israelies"

I bet they say that at all the MLM meetings.

"And it helps provide muchly needed nutriton as well"

Ever hear of a multi-vitamin? How about fruits and vegetables?

"I would think it might be in your best interest to take it down"

Or we'll put you on our mailing list.

"I invite you all to join the Agel family for financial independance and well being."

I won't stop bothering you until you get sucked into my pyramid and I can pay off the lifetime supply I bought.

I was fired from my job, and now Agel is earning me more money then I could have ever dreamed.

I was screwing the covers onto the top of toothpaste bottles until the factory closed down, and Willy Wonka took over and only hired Oompah Loompas.

Anonymous said...

I AM AGEL - ARE YOU?

Dear Friends,

If you are considering a change in your career or an additional stream of income this might be the right thing for you. The information on this website might be the most important financial information you ever review. There are a series of decisions that you as a prospect must make in order to join this business and to have success with it. Those decision are in order:

That you want the freedom of life that come from financial leverage & that this can only be done by owning your own business.

That you believe the Network Marketing business model holds the greatest opportunity to achieve this freedom.

That within the Network Marketing industry Agel Enterprises presents the strongest opportunity available.

That you believe yourself to be capable of having success within the Agel system.

By making these decisions you can take an outside-in look at the industry. Only by going through this logical process can you position yourself to have success in Agel Enterprises. I want to help you through each one of these simple, logical conclusions. Look for additional information and resources below to help you make this decision.

http://www.ageljacob.com/

Commenter Abbi said...

Much needed nutrition in Israel? You have got to be kidding. Fresh fruit and vegetables are cheap and available wherever you turn. Even our national junk food, falafel, comes with salad.

Sorry, it's been pretty well proven that vitamin supplements, no matter what the form, are pretty much a huge waste of money: They do not prevent cancer, heart disease and as long as you eat a vaguely balanced diet, they're pretty unncessary for nutritional supplementation. The only thing they are good for is lining the pockets of the "gelceutical" CEO. See these reports:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C03EFDB173EF934A25751C0A96F9C8B63

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E7D91E3EF933A25751C0A96F9C8B63

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A07EFD7113EF93AA25752C1A96E9C8B63



That's great that you're making money, but you're making it on the plaetzes of some other poor schlubs. I hope you can live with that.

Anonymous said...

Meet Agel's Newest Diamond Directors Yair and Dori Bar Lev

For Yair and Dori Bar Lev, Agel represents everything they believe is worthwhile in this world, including innovation, team work, personal development, healthy living, wealth, love and support, to name a few.

Though not new to the network marketing industry, with Agel, the Bar Levs have seen financial success and personal freedom many never dare to dream about, and up until a few months ago were merely dreams to them.

Yair has long been an entrepreneur at heart. Twenty years ago, someone told him to go fly a kite and he took them literally and opened his own kite business. It was over a decade later, during a kite exhibit in San Diego, that he was introduced to business coaching which would eventually lead him to network marketing.

At a time when he was searching for wealth creating opportunities in coaching, Yair came across a book by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert B. Allen, entitled, The One Minute Millionaire.

"The book spoke about ideas that were foreign to me," said Yair. "Ideas like leverage, unlimited income and residual returns."

The book showed Yair a new possibility, that of becoming an enlightened millionaire, a person who not only creates wealth for himself but shares that same opportunity with others, thus creating a better world for all. Yair said that in those moments of reading, he decided he would not only become a millionaire, he would become an enlightened millionaire.

Soon after, Yair met a man who challenged his point of view about the coaching world by introducing him to network marketing. Yair said he realized right away that network marketing was the opportunity he had been looking for to help him create the wealth he'd imagined while reading The One Minute Millionaire, and at the same time allow him quality time to spend on the important things in his life, such as family and community.

He joined a company that was 30 years old, had great products, a fair compensation plan and nice people. Yair thought that was enough to succeed and jumped right in, dedicating as much time as he could to building his business. He said the results were slow in coming, making only $10 his first month, $60 his second, and $150 his third month. By the twelfth month, Yair and Dori were making $6000 a month, however, it was at that point that Yair realized that while the company he was working with offered the opportunity for a nice income, he would never obtain the wealth he sought.

He turned back to life coaching and created a training called "the butterfly effect," in which the major principle is that even a tiny change in a process can create big changes. Yair focused his training on sharing this principle. During one training event in Los Angeles, he met team members Kobi and Liel Avisar, who introduced him to Agel, and according to him, there was no turning back.

Yair and Dori realized that if they were to engage in the Agel business they would have to give up their residual income with their current company, a risk they saw as worth taking in order to be part of the Agel opportunity and a risk that has been well rewarded. Nine months after joining the company, they were introduced as Agel's newest Diamond Directors at the Go Diamond Weekend event in San Diego, California. And with a residual income of $40,000 a month, they are literally living their dreams.

Since then, Yair and Dori have continued to build their business, as well as the businesses of those around them, fulfilling their role as enlightened millionaires.

Yair and Dori live in Hof Hacarmel, Israel, where they enjoy the proximity to both the beautiful beaches and green mountains. They have five children: Jonathan, age 10, Lay, 9, Yoav, 3, Michael, 2, and Lior, nine months.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jameel,

That's it, they're worse than Jehovah Witnesses. You've let them in the door.

The Muqata (aka MuqatAgel) is going to be the new channel for acquiring Agelstitutes.

Sorry, but you opened that door.

Anonymous said...

I live in Ramat Beit Shemesh, and Agel is the only source of income my family has.

(And its perfectly kosher, despite your silly comment about the OU teuda's expiration)

We'd be back in New York if it weren't for Agel.

Jameel @ The Muqata said...

Attention Agel Freaks:

Don't you realize that your entire business model is based on taking advantage of people, by charging them outrageous sums of money for vitamins supplements?

Don't you have any ethical or moral backbone?

Jameel

Lurker said...

Wow.

I am totally floored by the kind of comments here atacking Jameel for this post. I had never even heard of Agel products before, so I certainly didn't have any prior opinions. If someone disagrees with Jameel's opinion, that's fine. But this is over the top. I mean, if he had written about why he hates Kellogg's cereals, and thinks they're bad, there's no way there would have possibly been weird, creepy responses like these:

"Agel works. Thousands of people are happier now because of it, thousands of people are living the good life as a result."

"Maybe if you concentrated on selling Agel instead of blogging, you wouldn't need to write nasty anti-Agel posts like this one..."

"I invite you all to join the Agel family for financial independance and well being."

"Your 'investigative report' is bordering on libel, and I would think it might be in your best interest to take it down."

"Agel is the best thing to have ever happened to my life. I was fired from my job, and now Agel is earning me more money then I could have ever dreamed."

"There are a series of decisions that you as a prospect must make...
That you believe yourself to be capable of having success within the Agel system."


The strange intensity, glassy-eyed pathos, and righteous indignation in these comments, are nothing short of spooky. Most disturbingly, the almost quasi-religious nature of some of them make it entirely clear just what this Agel thing is: Not just a scam, but a cult. A real, genuine, "I have seen the light", drink-the-kool-aid cult.

I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

Anonymous said...

I was an out of work loser. I just lost my job, my wife, and never talked to anyone.

But then I opened the door to an Agel salesman, and I saw the light.

Now I don't have to do anything but continue to buy a lifetime supply of Agel and constantly harass my neighbors in temple, at barbecues, at softball games and wherever else I see a living human being.

Agel has changed my life. I now talk to everyone. I have to, how else will I unload my stock and payoff those people above me in the pyramid.

And money? Let me tell you. There is a sucker born every minute.

All I have to do is keep finding them.

This internet is a great thing. Your blog is great. I will keep posting here every day until I sell off my stock, but then I will have to buy more.

It never ends!!!!

I won't end!!!

I will keep selling it. I will keep posting.

AGEL AGEL AGEL AGEL

Aaaarghhhh

Anonymous said...

This Agel stuff sounds too shady even for me.

Jameel @ The Muqata said...

Madoff? ROFL! :-)

Anonymous said...

Agel has taken roots in Anglo communities all over Israel, with inroads in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Ramat Beit Shemesh, almost all of Gush Etzion, Hashmonaim, Karnei Shomron, Tzofim, Raanana, Tzfat, and more.

The acceptance of Agel by so much of the Religious Anglo community proves that this is quality product.

Those of who you don't want to earn residual income of tens of thousands of dollars a month are simply losing out on a winning product.

Jameel, you're doing a huge dis-service to your readership by discouranging people from one of the best deals around.

Anonymous said...

Agel has taken roots in Anglo communities all over Israel,

And what happens when you run out of new Olim at the bottom of the pyramid?

Anonymous said...

The acceptance of Agel by so much of the Religious Anglo community proves that this is quality product.

No it doesn't. At best it just means they are more susceptible to idiocy. More likely it means that it they are taking advantage of their friends in this close-knit society.

Those of who you don't want to earn residual income of tens of thousands of dollars a month are simply losing out on a winning product.

Wow! You're all at the Diamond Level. Amazing. Who's left to buy the stuff?

To what degree will you keep lying to find more suckers?

Oh, Nefesh B'Nefesh has a fight coming in.

Anonymous said...

am I the only one wondering why virtually all the pro-agel comments are by anonymous commenters?

Anonymous said...

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/204/RipOff0204475.htm

http://www.scams.net/community/showthread.php?t=106

Anonymous said...

You and everyone else here who do not believe in Agel and mock it are merely showing your sad ignorance and hopelessness. See, Agel is all about hope and truth. Countless people like myself, who used to have no hope in their lives, have finally found salvation and fulfillment through Agel. You could, too, if you would just let go of your skepticism and allow yourself to believe.

Don't listen to the scoffers, Agel is the answer!

Anonymous said...

Sorry, i'm a gentile, but if God provides for all His creatures, does He sometimes run out of options, having to revert to unethical means?

Anonymous said...

All along the Watchtower...

Oops. Wrong cult.

Anonymous said...

Agel is all about hope and truth.

Because I thought it was about overpriced vitamin supplements.

Countless people like myself, who used to have no hope in their lives, have finally found salvation and fulfillment through Agel.

Honestly, after a confession like that, anything I write here would just be cruel.

Neshama said...

I am wondering why in the world would Jameel be doing a post like this? Then I read some of the comments....
I met someone at a mutual friend's dining table, who was opening a packed of this stuff with the silverware, and I asked if it was kosher, whell, she let out a packet of verbs and nouns that shocked me. Maybe this stuff 'perks' people up? Is it a stimulant? The 'flush' is usually from niacin, and not everyone should be taking it.
What in the world are the ingredients?
Listen you 'frantic hyper commenters," No one talks to/about Jameel that way and gets away with it.
After the Madoff thievery, next will be the A-jel fraud.
J...e...l...l...oh my what a racket!

Anonymous said...

Obviously from some of the peoples comments the Agel worshippers are in a cult like business.

How sad that they are unable to make money with Kavod and find the need to prey on the weak and unemployed.

Anonymous said...

This is hilarious. MLM schemes are full of fail. Here in Singapore it's infected some too. The 'product' is different, but it's the same pyramidal approach. Strictly for the gullible.

Anonymous said...

Agel cured my Aunt who had cancer. Scoff all you like, but it was the answer to our prayers.

God Bless you all.

Ann Kent
USA

Anonymous said...

Randy Schroeder, reportedly the # 2 income earner and a Triple Diamond Director at Agel has left the company.

I am hearing from multiple sources that MonaVie paid Randy Schroeder $3 Million to leave Agel. MonaVie seems to be shelling out a lot of money lately to attract big leaders. I have heard a larger number was given to Orrin Woodard, formerly of Quixtar.

Anonymous said...

Rav Shlomo Aviner specifically said that it was mutar to sell Agel and earn an honest living from Multi Level Marketing programs.

Maybe you should stop your attack on this product already? People like it, it helps them out, others make a living from it so go blog about something else.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if there are any Agel sellers in the Modi'in area? Sounds like a good venture for my spare time (and reading the links here, the product doesn't sound bad at all!)

Who can I contact?

Thanks,

Roger
Modi'in, ISRAEL

Anonymous said...

Its clear Jameel, that you have an axe to grind. For as many bad links you can find, there are good ones. I know, I did all the searches. Its a shame

There are plenty of naturpaths, physio's, chiropractors, sports ntrition therapists and so on on board who have done proper research and see the product for its worth. People like that dont put their reputations to scams.I know, Im one, and so is one of my downline, and several others I know. The product is great. The pay plan is great. the company is supportive. For all the people who are out there who are worried about scams, stay away from gifting programs and the like. As far as the majority of mlm's, which includes people like amway, nuskin, avon etc, they are all fine. That includes Agel. Its all a matter of finding a company that has the products you like, the pay plan you like, and financial backing. The difference with Agel is that its new so there is more scope for wealth, as it is a new company.

Jameel @ The Muqata said...

I'm actually thinking of taking this posting down -- if its ENCOURAGING people to be interested in Agel!

(I need your help here, people)

Where did all these Agel supporters come from?

--Jameel

Lurker said...

It is entirely clear that Agel is a bona fide cult.

If there had been any doubts about this, the nature of the comments being posted here by Agel supporters have completely removed them.

Anonymous said...

Lurker, you sound very bitter.

Are you happy in your current job? (Do you even have a job?)

Agel Business Marketing opens up a whole new range of possibilities, unlimited financial freedom to live your life the way it was meant to be.

Don't get stuck in a 9-5 job to nowhere, but you can be your own manager, your own boss, and relax.

Throwing names like "cult" at Agel people is simply a sign of jealously or not knowing the facts.

I invite you to join the fastest growing business opportunity in Israel today -- join us!

Follow your dreams -- sign up here

Rafi
Agel Israel

Anonymous said...

Agel offer,
Dear Jameel,
I have never heard of Agel. However, I am a scientist and my gut feeling is this is a great example of a company taking advantage of people who are desparate. I do not have time to research this myself. But if anyone can send me a scientific paper "proving" that it has any human benefit, I am willing to read it and give a critique. If the paper meets proper scientific standards I bet you would be willing to eat your hat if to "eat your hat". By scientific paper I do not mean something randomly published on the internet. I mean a peer reviewed journal. Your fans can look for the paper on pubmed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/
OK Agel people - can you meet the challenge?

Anonymous said...

Agel changed my life. It's a miracle cure. It made me happy. It cure my incurable medical condition. It even tastes great going down.

You fools who don't want to drink the cool-aid, I mean, swallow the blue gel don't know what you are talking about.

I lost my job, and had nothing to live on, and worse, nothing to do all day. I took out a $1000 loan and signed up as an Agel salesman.

I now spend all my time looking for other people to sign up to Agel.

I talk to my neighbors about it every time I see them. I talk about it to everyone I see in shul. At the supermarket, if you are in front or in back of the line with me, you got it, I talk to you about it.

Agel has even given me a social life.

It's been only 3 months now, and I have nearly sold enough to pay back the interest on the loan I took out to buy my first stock.

Agel is great. It's given me purpose to my meaningless life.

It's given me something to obsessively talk about with complete strangers, and friends who are now strangers.

And now, I can even blog about it, and go to other people's blogs and ask them to sign up too!

Agel is the bomb!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if there are any Agel sellers in the Modi'in area?

Modi'in?

We're all over. Wherever there an Anglos, Agel is there.

Gee a Moron said...

Before I read this post I never even heard of Agel. I've been following the Muqata for some years and never before have I seen anything that Jameel and friends wrote draw such an amount of interest let along flak. That alone makes me skeptical.

I have no intention of touching the stuff but I'm curious to know how much a year's supply, for personal use, would cost?

Anonymous said...

If the Agel converts and cult members were only 10% as passionate & committed to Eretz Yisrael as they are to Agel Avoda Zora we would still have Gush Katif and be able to Daven on Har Habayit.

Why do the Agel worhippers find it necessary to take advantage of the weak, down on their luck and disadvantaged here in Israel.

By the way Rav Aviner came out against Agel.

Anonymous said...

Gee a Moron: Agel products are custom tailored per person, and it depends how you want to improve your lifestyle. For a month's supply of any of the following products, it costs only about 1000 NIS. While the price may sound a bit steep, it's nothing compared to the benefits of feeling your best.

There's the MIN vitamin supplement:

We have made MIN better by adding more of the minerals you need everyday. The new MIN now provides the same essential vitamins of the original MIN and a full 75% of the RDI for essential minerals to build a strong body full of stamina and vitality.

EXO:

EXO is a unique and perfectly balanced blend of exotic fruits and plant extracts. Some of these fruits and extracts are already well-known and well-regarded by those interested in health and well-being. These celebrated sources of health include seabuckthorn, mangosteen, and a'ai, to name a few. But EXO also contains many, many other sources of anti-oxidants in a rich and tasty blend.

OHM: To gain alertness and clarity without losing your calm, put your mind to the properties of OHM. Empty calories and artificial stimulants will lose all their appeal after you experience the natural energy OHM provides in abundance.

Rich in resources for increased mental energy. OHM contains schizandra, rhodiala, and ginseng, all of which may help you increase your resistance to stress and enhance your mental focus. It also contains taurine, numerous B vitamins, and D-ribose for even more punch.

Energy when you need it.
This proprietary formula also gives you physical energy when you need it and can help reduce the time it takes your body to recover from the strain of normal physical activity. The travel-friendly gel pack allows you to have easy access to that energy at your convenience. It all adds up to an essential resource for anyone engaged in the fast pace of today's modern world.

UMI: Fucoidan is one of the most exciting nutritional discoveries of the last decade, so it's important that millions discover it for themselves. UMI is rich in this amazing ingredient derived from brown seaweed, which for centuries has been heralded by cultures with famously long life spans.

Find out what many have known for centuries.
In coastal and island cultures around the world, fucoidan-rich brown seaweed has been considered a staple of healthy nutrition for centuries. It looks like they were on to something. Their choice to include seaweed in their diet is now supported by science. There are hundreds of studies already published about the potential health benefits of fucoidan, and many other health experts and scientists are now exploring the possibilities of this incredible nutrient.

Improve your immune system.
Fucoidan has been shown to sustain and promote better health. It also helps promote the health of white blood cells, and supports their production in the body. Healthy white blood cells are a critical part of your body's imuno-response.

FLX: Healthy joints can help you maintain an active lifestyle. Joint pain from exercise and the normal activities of an active life can be a big annoyance, which is why maintaining healthy joints is so essential.

Four supplements for healthy joints.
There are four supplements touted for their healthful effects on joints: Chondroitin Sulfate is a part of a large protein molecule that gives cartilage elasticity. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is believed to assist in cartilage formation and repair and in the lubrication of the joints. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a biologically available form of sulfur shown to be effective at supporting joint health. And Celadrin™ is a proprietary combination of cetylated fatty acids that has been shown to promote joint health and reduce minor or temporary pain due to the normal activities of an active life.*

There are many pills that contain one or even two of these supplements. But FLX contains all four.

All natural for an active lifestyle.
All four of these ingredients are derived from natural sources, which means that the most effective help for healthy joints might be found right in nature and, more conveniently, in easy-to-swallow, easy-to-carry gel packs. In other words, it's a simple way to keep your joints healthy for an active lifestyle.

FIT: Losing weight can be a huge struggle. But FIT can help you finally win the battle of the bulge. Being overweight increases your chances for health problems and decreases your ability to do things. Overcoming it isn't easy, but using FIT as part of your weight control program can help.

FIT fits perfectly with your weight control program.
To reduce your weight, you have to eat less and move more. But FIT can also help. If you take FIT gels before two meals, you may increase the effectiveness of your weight control program. That's because it contains an active ingredient called hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that comes from the fruit and rind of garcinia cambogia.

Prevent your body from storing unused carbohydrates.
Clinical studies have shown that HCA prevents your body from storing unused carbohydrates and inhibits fat production. In other words, it helps you win the battle between how many calories you consume and how many calories you burn. Whenever you win this battle, you lose weight.

Eat less, move more, and lose weight.
Another benefit of HCA is that it is a mild appetite suppressant. If taken 30-60 minutes before a meal, it can help you eat less. If you eat less and move more, you can win the battle of the bulge. And few things benefit your health more than losing those extra pounds. Studies show that weight loss helps maintain healthy blood pressure, improves sleep, and can add years to a person's life.

See our website for more information.

http://www.agel.com/products/gel_packs

Anonymous said...

Rabbis also endorse Agel -- and they sell it as well!

Why don't you get involved?

Anonymous said...

Agel is no worse than all the alternative medicine scams which are extraordinarily popular amongst the same crowds. Jameel, when did you suddenly require scientific proof? I thought you accept annecdotal "proof"?

Jameel @ The Muqata said...

cyrano: I'm a science guy. There's a difference between anecdotal and anecdotal proof. Anecdotes happen, but they don't prove anything.

DoubleTapper said...

Agel? Have you actually tried it?

I did. A "friend" who is in Agel, thought it would be a good for his
business if I tried it. He figured- who better to use as a reference
then me.

For those of you that don't know me, a little background...

I work out. A lot.

I lift weights 4 times a week and do up to an hour of cardio 3-5 times a week. I train in Krav Maga too. I'm in my mid forties, and am
often mistaken for my kids’ older brother.

I moonlight as a bodyguard and work part time as a tree surgeon... Ask Jameel

I took the Agel OHM chalange. It's supposed to be good for you,
increase energy, endurance...
(http://www.agel.com/products/gel_packs/ohm)

So I figured, why not, it could help with my workouts...

I used the Agel OHM gel packs for a full week.

No increase in energy.
No increase in endurance.
Nothing.
Nada.
Zilch.
Epes!

WTF?

Agel, What a waste of money!

On the other hand, my local pharmacy sells a certified Kosher Mega B vitamin that started working for me the first day!

Are you an athlete? Have any of you tried the product for at least a week?

What certifiable results did you experience?

I'm waiting to hear from you...

DoubleTapper
DoubleTapper@gmail.com
DoubleTapper, blogging on
Guns Politics Defense from Israel

Lurker said...

Agel Israel: Agel Business Marketing opens up a whole new range of possibilities, unlimited financial freedom to live your life the way it was meant to be.
Don't get stuck in a 9-5 job to nowhere, but you can be your own manager, your own boss, and relax.


The above is extremely entertaining if you imagine it being recited by Troy McClure of the Simpsons, in a lite-nite infomercial...

Lurker said...

Agel Israel: Throwing names like "cult" at Agel people is simply a sign of jealously or not knowing the facts.

And talking in pre-packaged, plastic slogans and irresponsible promises of guaranteed success is simply a sign of being a cult recruiter.

Agel Israel: Lurker, you sound very bitter.

And you sound very phony and delusional.

Agel Israel: Are you happy in your current job? (Do you even have a job?)

Why, yes, I am. (And yes, I do.) Thanks for asking. And most importantly, its an honest job. It doesn't entail targeting naive dupes whom I can sucker into laying out their meager, precious savings in order to sign onto a pyramid scheme that I'm pushing.

Anonymous said...

I know soooooooooooo many people who were tricked into this. THEY LOST ALOT OF MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!
don't fall for it!!

Anonymous said...

Lurker wrote: "...talking in pre-packaged, plastic slogans and irresponsible promises of guaranteed success is simply a sign of being a cult recruiter."

The only "plastic" in Agel, is the monthly use of my Platinum American Express card. When you're making $30K a month from residual income, come back and we'll talk.

Anonymous said...

I hope you are all properly reporting your income.

In fact, I recommend all you Agel resellers publicly post your VAT receipts and invoices online so you can prove to the rest of us that what you claim is actually true.

And I mean the average new Oleh, not the people on the top of the pyramid.

Anonymous said...

I took Agel - I grew an extra leg and two extra arms - and an eye at the back of my head. Now I can run faster - use two keyboards at the same time or cook and type at the same time. And to top it all, I can see whats going on behind me without using a mirror.
Its wonderfull. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to gain extra skills....

Orthonomics said...

The Yated ran an advertisement for Agel in the Letter section where a lady told everyone that she could help the ladies make money and still be available fulltime for family. I left out the product name, no need to mention it for free at that time on my own blog.

Here is my post on the subject:
http://orthonomics.blogspot.com/2008/01/get-rich-quick-no-this-is-not-post.html

Anonymous said...

Let's talk tachlis.

All the Agel reps here are talking about big profits and life changing experiences.

But are any of you willing to give me straight answers online for all to see?

I mean it. Don't tell me to go to a meeting, or a website. Are you willing to publicly give me real answers?

1) How much does it cost to join Agel?

2) What is the minimum initial purchase you must make to join or when joining?

3) How much must you buy per month? (units and dollars)

4) How much do you sell each unit for?

5) How much do you keep from each unit you sell?

6) How much do you get for each person you sign up?

7) How much do you keep for each person you sign up?

8) When you receive your residual income from those below you on the pyramid, what percent do you keep and what percent do you have to send upwards?


If this is a legitimate business opportunity that is open to everyone to join and participate then you should have no problem openly answering these questions here.

Anonymous said...

i am agel

What does it mean?

"i am agel" means being physically, mentally, and emotionally engaged...

"i am agel" means getting the nutrition you need, every day...

"i am agel" means taking the stairs, not the elevator...

"i am agel" means reaching out to your family, your neighbors, your community, and beyond...

"i am agel" means you are the last one you think of...

"i am agel" means being counted, being interested, asking questions...

"i am agel" means planning your day and doing the simple but important things consistently...

"i am agel" means learning your business and teaching what you learn...

"i am agel" means finding what is needed in your team and having the courage to step in, step up...

"i am agel" means knowing what makes you happy and taking the time enjoy yourself...

"i am agel" means smiling and being a blessing to any who pass your way...

We live in a cynical world—an "it's him or me" world. Most succeed by beating others to the punch.

Agel team members who can say "i am agel" succeed only by helping others around them succeed. It's "one for all," not "him or me."

Who will you call today? Who will you listen to? Who will you lift? Who will you teach?

Three little words that mean a lot:
"i am agel."

Can you say it?

Anonymous said...

I feel sorry for MLM dupes after a while. I've seen all this crap in various other forums before, as long ago as 8 years back -- people debating pyramidal MLM schemes and their merit or lack thereof. The 'true' converts are seriously delusional and will argue with you till the cows come home.

Don't they realise that there are only so many uplines and downlines you can have before you run out of people? For every new 'tier' the number increases exponentially. Basic mathematics tells us that the bottom or even mid-tier feeders are losers. Bernie Madoff would be proud!

Anonymous said...

ODannyBoy: But are any of you willing to give me straight answers online for all to see?

Much of the information you ask for is secret, and is only available to those initiates who have reached OT VIII, or Diamond Level, or whatever it's called...

Jack Steiner said...

Jameel,

I think that these Agel meshugehnehs are part of the loag. It is time to settle this.

Let's pick a time and place and the Waffle Crew will be happy to engage in a little rumble with these charlatans.

The time has come.

Anonymous said...

1] The initial investment is on the order of $2000. They have smaller packages for "third-world countries", but Israel is not eligible.
2] The minimum order is for daily doses of 2 products, which works out to something on the order of $500 per month.
3] The calculation of the kickback is incredibly complex and cannot be answered with a simple number. At the agel meeting I went to, the presenter dedicated over 40 minutes - and over 15 slides - to an explanation of the kickback system. Just to start you off: there are two chains of people under a given agel rep. The rep gets a large percentage from the chain which does the least business, and a small percentage from the chain which does the most. There are bonuses for hitting various numbers, and there are opportunities to advance levels, at which point the percentages change.

The information recorded here is based on my recollection of the agel meeting which I attended some time ago. If I erred in the numbers, or if the numbers have changed since then, I urge the Agel reps on this forum to come and correct the numbers as appropriate. The important thing is to get the real information out there.

The need for this information is not simply voyeuristic. The proper evaluation of the viability of Agel as a business depends on these numbers. If they were selling vitamins for $5 a month, I don't think anybody would object; it would be a perfectly reasonable sum for a new product, and the natural market forces would then determine the success of the product. However, it is the absolutely outrageous sum which they are charging which turns the company from a viable business into a non-viable pyramid, in which the only way to justify the cost is via the money being kicked back from those underneath. Since the kickback is the only way to justify paying those prices, then the business is inherently non-viable, because there are not enough people in the world to continue to build the pyramid, as has been reiterated here several times. When the lower levels dry up, the levels above them will have ended up paying for years worth of vitamins at exorbitant prices, way beyond what they ever would have paid if it were not for the promise of other people paying it off for them.

Anonymous said...

I found all the answers online. What a pyramid scheme! I wonder if the initiates really understand it themselves.

http://www.whyagel.com/agel-comp-plan.html

http://www.whyagel.com/agel-faqs.html#compexamples


No wonder these people are so dedicated. They have to buy in at $1000 (less in Israel). Then they have to buy $60-$120 every month just to be eligible to get commissions from sales.

But to really make money they need to keep bringing in new people on the "executive" level ($1000).

And they only get their "higher" commissions in a month if they maintain that level in the month.

Of course, you don't really get commissions from all the sales down the line (only the smaller half), and that is another part of trickery in the system, making it more important to bring in people as opposed to sales.

And in order to get the higher levels and larger commissions you need to primarily bring in more people into the system, and they need to bring more people into the system.

Anonymous said...

When you're making $30K a month from residual income, come back and we'll talk.

Since 95% of your members will never approach those numbers by at least 2 zeroes, I guess we'll never talk.

Anonymous said...

Lucky for me, I had been to a parlour meeting for Nikken magnetic products so when friend got sucked in to Agel and then tried to pull me in as well with dreams of earning some extra money for doing nothing, I was ready to resist the brainwashing. Coming from a frum guy, the idea also sounded quite disturbing. Baruch Hashem, my intuition saved me.

A) for their zchut, to be successful, a lot of work is needed . Most people do not have that talent, so there is no chance that most will continue the chain.

B) Thankfully, I resisted the invitations to hotel meetings, but at least gave my friend over an hour for a very cool live internet presentation. What I thought was cool was when I heard a plane go over my home in the Shomron, I'd hear the exact sound a couple of minutes later on the presentation.

C) what totally distubed me is that at no time during the Agel presentation was their an attempt to sell the product (as opposed to the Nikken presentation as well as the Lifestyles/Intralife products). The Agel presentation was 100% pushing the idea for the subscriptions and finding more people under you.

D) The internet presentation was slick. I work in high-tech and have seen many good ppt's, but this was nice. The presenter was very professional and convincing.

E) Another disturbing thing, my friend became obsessed with trying to get me to a presentation, the very least to watch the show and make sure that he knew which username I chose (I didn't tell him)

F) Another disturbing thing; during the presentation, there is also a cool chat box sidebar for questions and answers. From the beginning, something seemed fishy but I shutup in respect to my friend. Then the cheerleaders started pumping the product in the chat, I had to resist not chewing them out they were so pathetic.

G) But, on the other hand, I have a friend who is selling intralife and he claims that a bad skin condition he has had for years that kupat holim doctors were not really successful in helping with, has disappeared since he started selling. Now he wears a lapel pin to shul on Shabbat in testimony of his sales chain.

H) our community has ever since had so many community evening parlour meetings with some Dr about health and wellbeing.

G) Baruch Hashem for creating vegetables and fruits. Baruch Hashem for opening my eyes to these schemes.

Commenter Abbi said...

I think the MLM scourge in the frum community is an untold story, another side effect of low/no wages, something-for-nothing attitude towards work that is prevelant both here and in Israel.

:(

Anonymous said...

Abbi,

I've been reading all these comments, and for once I agree with you. What happens when it all falls apart for them?

RivkA with a capital A said...

A few years ago, I attended a meeting for an MLM program selling phone cards.

The presentation was very convincing, but I make it a policy not to sign up for anything without thinking about it first (no matter how good the "sign-up now deal" is.

When I had time to review the business, I realized that the real money was made by recruiting more people, rather than by selling the product (in this case phone cards).

My friend, already a member, was super enthusiastic. Later, when she was no longer involved, I did not ask if she turned a profit. I just wanted to know if she made back her investment.....

Leah Goodman said...

1. Oreos have OU certification too. They're not going to make you healthy.

2. If it seems too good to be true, it's not true. You wanna make money, you're going to have to work your tush off. that's life.

rockofgalilee said...

I heard a story that Agel helped with sexual dysfunction. There he was with no job and no money. His wife left him and his girlfriend didn't want to talk to him anymore. In short he wasn't getting any.

Then he started selling Agel and found that he could screw a whole lot more people then ever before.

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