| Comment Number: | 522418-00359 |
| Received: | 6/1/2006 5:39:45 PM |
| Organization: | Mannatech Independent Associate |
| Commenter: | Marla Finley |
| State: | OK |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
June 1, 2006 Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex W) 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 RE: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 I am 30 years old, and I have been a Mannatech Independent Associate for more than 12 years. Originally, I became a Mannatech product consumer because of the improved quality of health I experienced even at the age of 17. After earning my BA and MS degree, I decided that it was time to educate others about the amazing products and hope Mannatech has to offer. Additionally, I have been able to put my husband through school to get his Mdiv degree because of the income I earn through Mannatech. Now, I’m able to be a stay-at-home working mom through the gift of Mannatech. My family depends on this income since my husband’s minister salary is minimal. Our team devotes our time empowering others to proactively seek wellness through promoting health through mind, body, family, and service. All of this requires that we must seek to be financially healthy and give generously. Thank you for the work you do at FTC to protect consumers. However, I believe this proposed new rule has many side effects that would negatively affect my family and my team. The 7 day waiting period would seem to taint the already fragile network marketing reputation and would cause an unnecessary delay to obtaining these foods that we desperately need. Direct selling is rare and definitely the fairest way to earn an income. The litigation reports seem to overlook the difference between winning and losing lawsuits when anyone can state an accusation. Also, the new rules seem to complicate administration. We pride ourselves on being paperless and just providing information that people can use to empower themselves. Please do not increase our burdens. I understand that there are groups with scrupulous practices that need stronger checks and balances. However, these rules would unfairly target our organization and my business as a Mannatech Independent Associate. There must be better ways in achieving its goals than to deprive us of this great business opportunity. Thank you for reading this letter and considering my family and my Mannatech team. Sincerely, Marla Finley