Direct Selling Critics, Old and New, Join Regulators at Caustic 2-Day Conference

Organizers block channel representatives from contributing

By:  David Bland

There were a number of factors that led us to think that the timing was right for this type of conference, including indications from the Federal Trade Commission that they are tightening focus on the MLM industry.

—Douglas M. Brooks, Attorney

Anti-MLM influencers appear to be more interested in fostering a cottage industry of their own than they are to an inclusionary dialogue on how best to promote entrepreneurship.

—Direct Selling Association

For decades, direct selling’s opponents have worked to challenge the channel from the relatively confined spaces within their respective legal, academic and media circles. 

The occasional high-profile court case would generate publicity for a few news cycles, and newspaper and magazine articles would follow with passing coverage.