Friday, May 27, 2005

05.27.2005

In this issue:

1. Outcry ...
2. My First Response To Changes ...
3. Caressing The Kitty ...
4. The Solution
5. In My View ...
6. IT 7 GOLDEN RULES
7. Payback

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1. Outcry ...

Welcome new members since last update ! Good progress. Glad to have you with us ... waiting with us : )

In recent years I have had a chance to read again a few books I first read long ago. In doing so, I wonder to myself: " Where was I ? ... how could I have misunderstood what is written in this book ? "

How could I have not got the message more clearly first time round ... ? On rare occasions I get to see a movie a second time, by choice or chance, and it is like seeing a different movie. Sometimes it may generate similar feelings as first time, but I notice many new things and wonder how I could not have seen them the first time ...

We get out of reading or movie watching something relative to where we are ... distracted ? upset ? in love ? depressed ... ? Same goes with reading in Parent Body ...

Monday morning IT announced its new structure - a relatively short message ... too short considering it had not enough detail - left too many questions unanswered, for which ... more confusion.

By the time I got to read the announcement, the message had already three pages of replies - mostly ...
- complaints, flaming, backbiting
- comments and "advice" regarding the complaints, flaming, backbiting
- backslapping congratulations on the comments and "advice" ... and some on the original post ...
- more complaints and flaming because someone commented ...

Initially, there were so many complaints, a few calls for refunds ... from people who had not yet time to read and understand the changes to IT. Still, about half the posts were in favour ...

I need real information though - not all the chatter. Not time enough to wade through fluff ...

The places to find real information, when it is available:

http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21001
http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16282
http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20091
See also: http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=193721#193721

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The Global Creation of Wealth * To Give Hope * To Fulfill Dreams * To Bring About Prosperity and Happiness * Through People Helping People

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2. My First Response To Changes ...

Very late in the day in OZ, Paul, Director of Communications, posted preliminary answers to the chatter.

His post prompted me to write. By that time, the announcement thread was closed for the day, so I posted as a new topic ...
_

theinvisibleman, Director of Communications said:


Quote:
"Paid back installments" means - as funds arrive from the markets they will be sent into the outstanding accounts.
I'm "Communications" not "Finance" - but I do know that they plan to pay out all overdue amounts as quickly as possible -
My guess? say 2 to 3 months.....could be sooner pending the markets
releasing the funds....if the markets are performing well then the payments will run hot.

main thing is - we are back and fulfilling our promise..... "


Seems to me it does not take an expert in finance to do some simple math here. What I read in that statement is that funds are not now available for payout; whereas, it has been my belief that funds are available in IT system, but the problem has been payment transactors, particularly e-Gold, slowing the distribution of funds due the membership.

Are we thinking differently here ? The above statement seems to indicate those funds are not available in IT system at present, but will only become available if the market runs "hot" enough ... ? I realize everyone is tired, stressed - but what is the situation here really please ?

"2 to 3 months" seems a bit awkward considering we are / have been led to believe skilled professional traders are at work behind IT and that profits, which I realize are estimated at best, are within acceptable range to cover payouts previously outlined in the Portal system.

If profits to general membership are being delayed for reasons of securing a larger and more stable trading fund, that could be a good move, but only if there are not problems within the system (as opposed to external factors) which have caused delays in disbursement. If there are, what measures are being taken to ensure such problems do not exist a year from now - at which time subsequent delays would be longer ?

IMO something does not quite add up here - at least not as "explained" by the above statement. New system as announced has many merits, though I cannot yet decide whether the system overall will be as accessible or helpful to as many as previously. Thank you in advance for your clarification.
_

About an hour later, my post was moved to the discussion table ... and there has been no specific reply to that message; however, I have had reply to another post since, and have had a little time to think through the changes ... what they will mean for us ...

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3. Caressing The Kitty ...

As I see it, one of the biggest problems within IT membership is unrealistic expectations. Each person so busy filling a pot of gold ... not seeing the larger picture ...

Most people do not want to do the math; ie. 20,000 members ... let us say each has on average $1000 in the works = $20 million ... and that to double each month - as long as they are in P2

Means at six months, there is $640 million in the works assuming no one takes out - more than traders can trade ... ? Who knows for sure ? A lot at risk ! A lot of $$ moving back and forth ...

... but suppose most of that money is taken as profits by members. Do you think IntGold and e-Gold and NetPay combined are going to move say 30 to 40 million dollars each month - outgoing - just for IT ?

Maybe ...

It should be easy enough for you to see from that example what I mean. The real PROBLEM is due to the fact that IT - successful IT - is causing an excess amount of funds to be transferred too OFTEN.

Since the overall goal of IT is to generate LONG-TERM wealth for all, there is no NEED for money to be moving back and forth all the time, is there ?. Solution to inability of payment processors to handle excess load is NOT to stop the process of generating profits, not to buy more gold, not to form a bank ( which has been done - Access Universal Credit Union, not yet available at google ) ...
_

At the other extreme, Mac at top of IT cannot be "connected" to the real-life concerns of many members ... not able to keep a clear head if he were, and not necessary that he should be.

Communication from top to members therefore is filtered, and IMO not so very well right now. There seems to be too much "shotgun" approach from Paul - trying to "please" everyone, yet not quite addressing the issues voiced by members in general ... concerned about not answering posts, yet not quite answering the pressing questions ...

There is suggestion that delayed maturities have somehow been "reinvested" ... but no more than rumour - nothing solid to say either way, which IMO is not good from point of view that a member wants to know where he or she is ( "Am I due what was due then, or what will be due from a subsequent cycle ... ?" ) and leaving such an important question unanswered or at least "cloudy" is not good practice.

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4. The Solution

The SOLUTION is simply to reduce the volume - the rate - of funds transfer. The new system accomplishes exactly that, and more ...

The new system limits the amount you will be able to double - triple actually - to $1000 per month:
http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20889
- http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21001

You will be able to have funds available within IT (YOUR ACCOUNT) and to distribute those funds as you decide - without incurring transfer fees outside the system, until you decide to withdraw from YOUR ACCOUNT. The minimum plan allows you to have "any amount up to $1000" but "LIMITED TO $1000 INVESTMENT IN ANY 30 DAY PERIOD" earning "300% in 30 days"

" ALL MATURITIES IN ALL OPTIONS ARE RETURNED TO "YOUR ACCOUNT" " - again, no transfer fees to IntGold, etc.
... however, when you decide to withdraw funds, you will incur a fee from GoldNow.

The opportunity to triple up to $1000 each month is not something to be sneezed at. In Sonia's case, it does pose some difficulty ...

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The thoughts you give to your mind are the things you will receive in the near future. Be careful what you give. It is you who will wear the fruits.
- Ken Darby
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5. In My View ...

Thinking seems to be that IT membership should be more focused on long term investing rather than short-term greed. I agree.

As the new system has been so far defined, with minimal calculation seems to me members profits will be higher overall - with exceptions. For instance, Portal 2 was limited - max 10 $180 deposits per day, with total return about $13.500 per month ...

Closest to P2 in new system is: TRADING ACCOUNT

_

"YOUR ACCOUNT" is:
YOUR ACCOUNT (cleared funds not invested) ... like a bank account, but without the criminal intent to deprive you - 48% per annum instead of 1.5% at your local vault shop.
Limit: Any balance
Requirement to earn interest: Minimum $100
Return: 1% per week - paid monthly

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When your own financial house is in order, then you can be a blessing to others.

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6. IT 7 GOLDEN RULES

- 1. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. (Experienced investors know this is a basic rule) [ remember that invested funds are at risk - ed. ]

- 2. Never place all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments. IT is just one of many opportunities, including property and shares.
(Experienced investors always spread their interests widely)

- 3. Aim to remove all personal debt as your number one strategy.

- 4. Aim to build a private investment portfolio so that you are self funding even if it4us were to dissolve.

- 5. Never give up the day JOB until you are self funding.

- 6. Never introduce friends and acquaintances until you are at least debt free or only if they understand the risks and are prepared to take FULL responsibility for their decision.
(You can't be held accountable for other people's decisions)

- 7. Continue to educate yourself. The world keeps changing.

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Back issues of updates at: http://adafad.blogspot.com/
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7. Payback

There are and will be those who do not believe / see what we are doing at growcash as "real business" ... and that is okay with me. In my view, among the fundamental differences between individuals in any society ( and this is at present a flaw within IT itself ) are "background" and "present circumstances" ... that some folks are sometimes so overwhelmed with present financial or other NEED that they are temporarily blinded to all else; conversely, being overwhelmed with position and responsibility is also blinding.

One finds a new job, circumstances change ... outlook improves, there is time again to see the larger picture - unless we, as individuals, do not have it within us to take in that larger view. Some never will - not part of their lifestyle. Nothing against them personally ... we all have our own private road to travel in this life ...

The purpose of our association with IT is to generate income, is it not ? Sound arguments can be made on both sides of the question whether the Portal system was / is sustainable. I personally believe it is ... and having said that, I say again as I do too often, that most people do not do the math. The downside of the Portal system is in too many people continuing a "get-rich-quick" mentality ... perhaps through necessity in some cases - hard to say what is root cause for each person. Shifting to investment and strategy mode takes time for some.

From where I sit, it appears an awakening for IT Principals ( those in charge ) to grasp the real NEED among the general membership ... the same sort of "class distincition" that allows otherwise ethical individuals to continue "Backward Marketing" - lack of awareness that $5 or $10 or $25 actually makes a difference to some folks out there. While one member devoted 10% of her household budget and grew substantial IT earnings, others have squandered their profits, expecting the "golden goose" to continue unchanged. They disregard Natural Law - adapt and survive.

What IT has done to date is given those who have invested ( yes ) wisely something of substance to help themselves get even fiancially and / or help others begin the task. Now it is time to bring the IT system level and set course for farther destinations. There is much we have to do, so remember to get your exercise, and not eat too much ! Stay healthy as you can.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

05.22.2005

In this issue:

1. Interminable Waiting ...
2. Growing growcash In The Meantime ...
3. growcash Updated Member List
4. Internet Privacy
5. " ... but can you explain it to them ... ? "
6. Cleaning The Yard ...
7. Payback

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1. Interminable Waiting ...

Welcome new members since last update ! Good progress. Glad to have you with us ... waiting with us : )

IT site is not altogether offline. Have found some ingress, but nothing much functional yet. The one bit of news I can lay hand on right now came through Bryan Hedges at STI:

" Here it is!! Storm's Post
Posted on 05/20/05 at 07:49 GMT
HEY GANG *S*Posted by STORM on 05/20/05 at 07:19 GMT

Hey Everyone, All of this caught me in transit :PSo just popping in to CONFIRM that there is nothing to be concerned about. Mark, Shawn, Jodi and few others are all either in transit or at remote locations also, so they are doing best to contact their "People" and get things resolved. What the "Situation" is at this time, is that we were in process of switching servers, and also -- as mentioned -- encountered a DDOS attack. Nothing to worry about, just little bump in the road. Soon as that bump has been sorted out, then we will be Sharing some FANTASTIC News and New changes. Have some really exciting changes in store for everyone. Soon as we can get all of these changes implemented, all of our current "Issues'" will then be Completely resolved, and then we can ALL get backing to "Working" and Most Importantly ENJOYING our Business, as apposed to just talking about IT.

We know there is an awful lot of concern out there at the moment, and certainly enough of the Rumours and all the other "Garbage" floating around that certainly does not help at all. But from where we are sitting things are looking Absolutely Fantastic -- Very Soon you will be able to SEE -- and even more importantly -- be able to EXEPRIENCE what we are working on at present. Once all of these things/ changes start becoming Obvious to you, and as you are learning the "Course" of things, we will be working to eliminate all previous backlog, and then ALL of us can get on with the Really Exciting Stuff :D. Okay, losing my connection here gang so will close. Next few days are going to be filled with getting our people back to their Home countries and sitting down to get all of these things underway.

Paul (T.I.M) will be sending out a MAJOR Announcement and Update just as soon as he can sit down somewhere and bust IT all out to you :) In the mean time we will do our best to share as much Accurate information as possible. We also have some audio recordings we will be working on uploading for all of you. Okay must go before getting cut off. Take Care All Mac "
_______

Also good for you to read while you are thus waiting ...
http://it4us.net/PressReleaseNZ.html

If you can access site no other way, use: http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18935
... only membership list is functional as I can see

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Listening is an art form and there are rules to follow:
1 Be truly interested in what someone is saying to you.
2. Be aware of body language. Does it match the words?
3. Look the speaker right in the eye for sometimes the eyes will tell you more than the mouth.
4. Actively engage in the conversation.
5. Never speak to someone without looking them in the eye.
6. Never speak with something in or over your mouth.
7. Care about who you are speaking with.
8. Care about what they are speaking about, because, while it may be of no real interest to you it apparently is to them.
9. Check out the surroundings to see if there are any clues of which you should be aware.
10. When listening, have both feet on the floor and ean slightly toward the speaker.
11. Smile

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2. Growing growcash In The Meantime ...

Some days, if it were not for getting bogged down ( computer problems ) or sidetracked ( priorities ? ) ... or elevated by your kind words, I wonder if I would feel like I was getting anywhere at all. Comes to mind about four years ago a bit in a brilliant sales piece referred to the Internet as a "world-wide love fest" - everyone building each other up, forums for the otherwise lonely to spend endless hours ... abounding opportunities to make money, etc. The author has since gone on to another occupation ... without "untold" riches from Internet - a Backwards Marketer gone bust. Oops !

Am I keeping up here ? Keeping you up ? Caught up ? Wow - I finally got to a point where I can catch up with some I have not heard from since before "Crash of 1/17" ... !

Just have to keep after it. A few days on 32MB RAM might as well have been offline altogether - able to answer some e-mails, but not much practical use.

I continue working down my list, crossing items off one at a time. "We do not do boredom here" ... will be a sign over the doorway soon. In theory, for most of you, all this waiting should have not much effect, as growcash is a way of earning you alternate / extra income ... not to take away from your other activities, which I know keep you quite busy. Still, I do not want to leave you impression that what we are doing is just waiting for it to happen - someone needs to be making new friends, developing relationships, talking about what we have to offer, eh ?

One simple way for you to spread the word about growcash is "the plan" ... with which some of you are too familiar : ) ...

You have a computer ( if you are reading this ) and that machine could be making $$ for you right now while you are reading this message ... and you could be showing / telling someone new about what we are doing - gaining new members for growcash, even while you sleep, using "the plan" ... ask me !

With IT profits, even Nick could afford to run "the plan" ... but no, disregard that, Sir ! Better pay attention to giving good dental care - no distractions.

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The Global Creation of Wealth * To Give Hope * To Fulfill Dreams * To Bring About Prosperity and Happiness * Through People Helping People

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3. growcash Updated Member List

You may have noticed ( http://growcash.proboards19.com/ ) I am now able to make changes to your profiles ? I did. Log in to see changes ...

Spent considerable time going through the Boards one by one, making notes ... believe I have accurately recorded your points earned to date. Please let me know if you disagree ...

One thing I noticed in Board 4 - "About You" - is that most of you carefully included all your qualification details there - thank you ... even though the intention was for you to include them in your Profile - reason being that member list is easier for other members to find that info about you should they want to contact you.

In "Welcome and Introduction" is stated:
" To fully qualify, you must:
1. Register - include your city, state, country
2. Include First and Last Name in your profile
3. Complete all numbered boards (2-10) below this board "

You see, I did say "in your profile" regarding first and last name, but did not specify profile regarding city, state, and country. See how difficult my job is ... ? : ) One little "mistake" and ... confusion.

The lovely and efficient staff at ProBoards has solved all that for all of us ... with new changes to the software, I can now make changes to your profile, and other members do not have to dig to get to know details about you. Notice the member list is not available to the public, so only hackers would be able to access the member list without being a registered member of growcash ... and if you really have an objection to other group members knowing those few details about you, then you do need to contact me soonest !

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4. Internet Privacy

Is there such a thing as privacy on the Internet ? The way I look at what I do, is like having a physical store where, at any minute, anyone from anywhere in the world might "pop in" ... their popping in more like receiving a phone call from them to be sure - but in the sense I need to devote myself to them personally for that portion of time ? I would really prefer they were present physically - would be easier to make sure communication was fulfilled, for one thing ... so yes, I would prefer their physical presence. Might get crowded here sometimes : ) ... but that is okay.

Whether you are in business on the Internet or not, you do have the option to put up the storm windows (firewall) and keep them up; filter your e-mail, deny access to as much of the outside population as possible, if that is what you want or need to do. Firewall is a necessity for all the criminal pranksters about - especially for the damage they do to one's system if allowed to enter. Filtering ? Not for me. Here, e-mail filtering is only a nuisance - impedes flow of communication. Yes, I do receive unwanted and obnoxious communication, but my memory is good enough still to find the Delete key ...

Privacy is not an issue here; I have no privacy. My choice. Hard to be Customer Service Guy and have privacy at same time : )

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entrepreneur: " one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise "

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5. " ... but can you explain it to them ... ? "

One challenge I have been grappling with ...

How to present the overall picture of what we are doing - how it can be of help to others ... locally, to an individual who may not be familiar with Internet follies, or not even online; how to present to someone for whom what we are doing seems "too good to be true" ... ? Interesting dilemma ... because any sensible person you will talk with and say " You can double your money every month. " will quckly decide what you need is a straight jacket ... ?

Takes a lot of thought and preparation to be able to explain that someone in this world is willing to stand behind their own name, form an international corporation ... to help others.

" The Global Creation of Wealth * To Give Hope * To Fulfill Dreams * To Bring About Prosperity and Happiness * Through People Helping People "

Must be a nutcase, eh ?

We know IT works. We have our Clubhouse stats to prove it ( though we cannot access them today ). Nothing illegal about what is being done - has been done for decades ( how long really ? ) ... trading currencies in the open market, benefiting as a group from legal trading that is usually available only to corporate entities and those who can hire knowledgeable professionals to trade for them ...

A short-term goal here is to find six people with whom I can work one-on-one, face-to-face ... people with a willingness to use the opportunity of IT not just for personal gain, but with a diversity of outlook from which we can help get some people off the streets, off the "dole" ... support a safe environment for at risk teens and women who need "out" ...

Are you thinking Big Enough ?

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Back issues of updates for anyone who wants to reread - but especially for those of you new still trying to figure out just what are we doing here ?
http://adafad.blogspot.com/
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6. Cleaning The Yard ...


For most of us, the work starts at home - weeding, mowing the lawn ... or replacing with more natural vegetation that requires less water ? ... getting rid of credit cards, eliminating debt ...

Find a good quality Zip-Loc bag, fill it one-third with water. Put your credit card in the bag. Put the bag in the freezer.

Consider it "frozen assets" ... there if you need it in case of emergency, but not so easy to use as to continue those ridiculous interest payments, eh ?

When I do have another credit card, it will be for convenience only - balance to be paid monthly, no interest accruing on debt.

Are you forming a picture of your future ? What is your plan ? A year from now ? Five years ... ?

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7. Payback

I remember the conversation I had with Anna when she joined growcash. Her only pause in deciding to join was in that she would need to introduce growcash to others ...

To my mind, it is not helpful for us to invite anyone to join us without having first formed a relationship with the other person. Someone you know knows you, and you know enough about the other person to know whether, and how, that person might benefit from what we are doing. We do not recruit. We do not go out for mass signups ... does not benefit you or any of us in the long run.

I still maintain that everyone knows at least three people who can use a bit of help, in some way. Does not mean the other person has to be in some sort of crisis. You might hear a friend speak of a dream they have of doing something to benefit someone else, benefit community ... but, even though your friend is doing fine personally, he or she cannot quite see how to get beyond limits of personal finances to turn their dream into reality. You can.

You just have to think a while how to present what you have to offer - multiple incomes for your friend, to help whatever is their need, or dream, or desire ...

Until next time, work on learning to think Big Enough ... and be well

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Friday, May 06, 2005

05.06.2005

1. Am I Psychic ... ?
2. What Is On Your Agenda ?
3. Assisted Living
4. Harmony At Your House ?
5. Maturity Delays ...
6. Looking Ahead ...
7. You Hear What You Want To Hear

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1. Am I Psychic ... ?

By now you will have read and know about SmartCard. How did I know SmartCard was coming ? I did not. At the same time, IT principals have been talking for some time about setting up their own bank ... and it just makes sense, to me at least, that some sort of transaction card would at least be auxiliarry, if not central, to such a plan. Moreover, we have touched on difficulties with other processors ( IntGold, PayPal, e-Gold, etc. ) and that additional time is required for IT employees to make payouts, and more ... all of which beg for simplicity. As Doris has mentioned ( I will talk more about later ) we do have these computers to work with, and in reality, it is the machines which should be doing the work for us - not us spending all of our hours working the machines.

The "big announcement" for anyone who has not yet read it is at:
http://www.it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16753

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That was the "big announcement" then - almost two weeks ago. Since then another which you may read ( should read ? must read ? ) at:
http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18935
... dated 05.02.2005

Yesterday I received a P2 maturity that was due April 26. Means IT IntGold maturities for P2 are running 9 days behind ... not bad considering what all is going on, which I will say more about shortly.

There is no " IT4US forum " ... which may seem to one or more of you a bit of silliness - to which I must reply that you may be missing the point. What was a forum, what may appear to you to be a forum ... IS NO LONGER, NOR WILL BE. If you want a place to chat and commiserate there will be plenty of forums in which to do so, but I hope you will not go to any of those - counter productive IMO ... and if that does not ring with you, then we need to have a chat through Imvite please. The ZONE is being resurrected. The ZONE will replace I.T. Cafe, etc. The ZONE will be the place for you to go to learn and have any questions about IT answered ... any that I cannot answer, or if you need answer(s) more quickly ?

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I left this quote right here from last issue as, to me, it seems more appropriate this week than when I first included it. Maybe I will keep it here permanently : )
" A proactive person will place into motion the plan that they have by working it and doing it. There will be no procrastination and no laziness. Tomorrow is not allowed. No daydreaming allowed. You must work a plan without ceasing. "

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My Clubhouse stats for May 5, 2005
Your User Id Number is: 427
You have been an IT trader since: 2005-03-09
Your default language is set to: English
Total Portal 1's purchased: (5) - $25.00 Total Portal 1's matured: (5) - $50.00
Total Portal 2's purchased: (3) - $225.00 Total Portal 2's matured: (2) - $312.50
Total Portal 3's purchased: (1) - $200.00 Total Portal 3's matured: (0) - $0.00
Total Portal 4's purchased: (0) - $0.00 Total Portal 4's matured: (0) - $0.00
Total Portal 5's purchased: (0) - $0.00 Total Portal 5's matured: (0) - $0.00
Total Portal 6's purchased: (0) - $0.00 Total Portal 6's matured: (0) - $0.00
Total Portal 7's purchased: (1) - $27.00 Total Portal 7's matured: (0) - $0.00
Total Portal 8's purchased: (0) - $0.00 Total Portal 8's matured: (0) - $0.00

Total value of Portals Purchased: $477.00 Total value of Matured Portals: $362.50
Number of portals purchased today: (0 / 10) - $0
Number of Smart Card Portals today: (0 / 7) - $0.00
Number of matured portals today: (1) - $250.00
Number of SD's paid today: (0) - $0.00

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2. What Is On Your Agenda ?

Over the years I have had opportunity to talk with many men who were nearing "retirement" age. I put that word retirement in quotes because it is not so clear just what retirement means from one person to another. A word hard to find in my dictionary - one I use mostly for those who cannot quite figure just where I am these days relative to anything with which they are familiar.

Retired ? Me ? Guess again !

... but is easier for some to understand if I just say " Yes. " Some men talk mostly of the "honeydo" list they are about to receive. For those few who do not know, that is a list their wives will give them to "keep them busy" or to keep them "out of the way." " Honey, do this. " ... maybe with a please attached ? Now wait a minute. A "honeydo" list might represent a work of love - that a man feels his focus on career or job has caused him to neglect his wife and so he wants to spend his time "working for her" doing what she needs - or wants - done. Nothing wrong with that. I cannot speak here for women because I have not talked to many women as they were nearing retirement age, but I doubt many women "retire" to a list of things their husbands want done : ) Maybe you will tell me different ? I learn something new every day - a habit of mine you know ...

Sometimes a man would talk to me of his days ahead as though he had no more to look forward to than that "honeydo" list, for which I sometimes sensed a man in trouble. We develop habits early in life and do not often work to change what becomes so comfortable to us. Sitting in front a television, for instance ... something for which a woman would provide a "honeydo" list just to get a man moving ! Men who quit working and then just sit do not often live very long as I can see - especially if their work has been their main focus for many years prior. Those who survive have a plan - an agenda ready to fill their "free time" - and for them, "retirement" often becomes a whole new career ! Could be a man gives his time to coaching or mentoring. There is energy in staying active.

Even with some health issues, advances in medicine through the past few decades mean a person can now expect to live 20 to 30 years beyond so-called "retirement" - plenty of time to make a significant contribution to a cause or community of choice ... assuming one has a plan, that is. That plan actually helps extend one's life expectancy ! There will be more advances before some of you are ready to retire ...
... but while I am thinking of it, has anyone noticed we seem to be attracting more folks in their late 50s ?

A few of you are quite younger; a couple of you I am not sure your age : ) Those of you nearer my age likely know: Sooner or later, we cannot lift quite as much ... but we have knowledge how to more easily carry heavier loads ? Maybe we cannot hold it up or hold it in as long, run as fast or pound as hard, but we know how to more nicely and convincingly ask someone else to help ? We begin to rely more on our brain as the days go by, eh ? A common roadblock is age discrimination. Not so long ago, I did not believe age discrimination still existed, but then I found out for sure ... so there you are with perfectly good skills, but no one to hire you ? What to do ? Cannot take those skills with you ?

There is a good example in PB about an auto shop struggling to find or afford experienced mechanics. Meanwhile, a good mechanic is disabled and cannotwork. Solution ? The disabled but experienced mechanic is hired to train a new crew, who works for less pay while learning. The shop grows and thrives ( maybe even with a little funding from IT ? ) - everyone wins. What solutions do you have ?

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3. Assisted Living

I rented a Grand Caravan (Dodge) from Hertz for six days, moved everything out of my Dad's apartment and into an assisted living facility - had some help transporting larger furniture. I could have done a better job cleaning the apartment perhaps, but I did not leave much undone. Dad's birthday present this year ? Aside from what I mentioned already, I paid first month of his new living arrangement. Bought a new dresser for him too. A very busy week and when I got home I was ready for a break, so my apologies for not diving right in Saturday evening - it has taken me days to get "back in the saddle" and up to speed. Mail backlog is the hardest thing to face when I have to be gone several days ... but I have to say: It is springtime out there. I love to travel - especially this time of year when everything is green, so "reconfining" myself after last week is an effort ! Lots to contemplate for me from last weeks events too ...

Dad was nine years old when the Great Depression hit our country. He is nowliving in what is probably the best housing of his entire 85 years. Five of his good friends through the past 30 years are in the same facility just down the hall, around the corner - some of them wheelchair bound. Not Dad. He is learning - determined - to walk again, after breaking his hip January 30. He is happy to be out of VA hospital the first time in three months too ! He has a lot to do, and he has a lot of help - no housekeeping or laundry or cooking or dishwashing for him now. Anything he needs will be provided.

We considered Medicaid but decided against it because ... the state requires Dad to sign over all his income into a trust. Under that arrangement, when he passes on, anything in the trust goes to the state - helps balance out for those whose income is short, I understand that ... but no - not unless we really need Medicaid. No. IMO since Medicaid is not involved now, it leaves the door open for me to provide Dad additional income from IT - unrealistic if it would affect Medicaid benefits, but this way he can save some, invest some, play a little more. At some point in future, his medical care will need increased and expenses will go up, so the extra income will be put to use likely.

On the other hand, rather than jumping through hoops with IntGold for Dad, I think it best just to gift him for now. Reminder: Up to $11,000 per year can be transferred as a gift with no tax consequence.

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4. Harmony At Your House ?

As many of you know, I grew up in a Navy family. When we moved back west from NAS Jacksonville (Florida), shortly after that a Navy plane crashed in the back yard of housing close to where we had lived. Enlisted housing was just across the freeway from the end of the runway, so planes were constantly taking off and landing just over our heads while I was in first and second grades there.

Seems all my life when I leave some place, even temporarily, there are calamities while I am gone. Here, since I left for Hermiston, two houses have gone up for sale, one couple split up, and in the last four days, I have seen police visit three different neighbors in this block. Just makes me want to stay home so everyone is at peace, you know what I mean ?

The worst snowstorm to hit Oregon in the last 35 years began the morning I started driving to Arizona. The Columbus Day Storm hit while I was on vacation ... so another person might observe that it is my guardian angel making sure I am somewhere else when disaster strikes ... ? Of course my inquiring mind wants to know all the details when I find out that I missed something ...

As long as three years ago I was tired of people getting ripped off on the Internet - spending their own money to make money, spending more and still not profiting. Is true that you, or anyone, can now join International Traders and forget about MLM and affiliate marketing and all the inbred tedium that goes with them and more - "opportunities" in which you will likely only lose more than you will ever make, unless ... unless you are working to grow your contact list as I have spoken to you about. You only need 3

growcash introduces you to a way to earn from at least three different income streams, and all you have to do really is keep in touch with me once in every 30 days ( was 90 days previously but that proved to be too long - too much happens in people's lives in 90 days; we lose touch with some completely ). Not all of you are doing that one thing - keeping in touch. The opportunity just slips away when you do not keep in touch ...

... which leaves me asking some days: " What do you need me for anyway ? " Why, now you can just sign up with IT and have your money double every 30 days and live happily ever after. Right ?

Could.

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5. Maturity Delays ...

Wow ! What happened ? Sonia has been biting her nails, wondering ? I mentioned above specifically that " IntGold maturities for P2 are running 9 days late " ... maturities paid through e-Gold I believe are farther behind. Since we specified using IntGold for growcash, I will leave it to one of you who needs to know to update us on e-Gold - I do not have enough time ... but why the delays anyway ?

Some of you are still thinking in HYIP mode ... is a problem. Needs to stop. You know that most HYIPs are not what they say they are; you know when HYIP payouts start to slow, usually means it is collapsing - a pyramid. I know you know. Last issue I told you about Forex trading - what fuels International Traders. IT is not HYIP. Some of you have not gone to Parent Body to read as you were instructed. In these updates, I can help you learn, answer some of your questions, sure ... but if you do not go to PB and educate yourself, what can I say to you except ...

Please do so soon as you can - read as much as you can.

There are other places to find information, but here is one:
http://www.kitco.com/
Now go to http://www.goldage.net/?RefCode=1D78C5 and look at the kitco chart.

Pretend that you own $1000 of gold - sitting in your account. The chart I am looking at right now for May 5 closed with gold $1 higher than the day opened - lowest price was about $428 / ounce, highest at about $431 / ounce. The price of gold is always changing - day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute - always changing. You have to know that.

Your $1000 in gold ? Actually, in your gold account you have a QUANTITY of gold - not a quantity of dollars. Something very important to consider, eh ? If you have $1000 in gold at the start of a day, and the price of gold goes up, you still have the same amount of gold, regardless of price. If the price increases one dallar during the day, the value of your quantity of gold has gone up, so you actually have about $1002 of gold at the end of the day ( about 2.33 ounces at $430/ounce ) - you would have "made" $2.33 - around that. If the price went DOWN a dollar, you would have lost a little over $2.00 so you would only have $998 in monetary value.

Now, let us suppose you start the day owning gold worth $1 million. The price goes down a dollar ? You lose over $2000 ... see ? If you are holding a lot of gold, and the price begins to fall ? What will you do ? Keep your head, I hope. Some folks tend to panic. What if you are a payment processor like e-Gold and you need to buy more gold to back up customer deposits ( IntGold does not do that ) ?

What if a new entity comes along "overnight" and begins paying out 3 or 4 times what 18,000 or more members have deposited 30 days previously, and you are e-Gold ... and suddenly you do not have enough in your reserve account and you have to buy more gold, and the price is rising ? You know, you might just go out of business, unless you take your time and follow procedures ... which might mean that you will not be able temporarily to satisfy the needs of your customers ... so are you beginning to see what is going on behind the scenes with IT maturities ? The payment processors were overwhelmed by IT in the last week of April, and at the same time, the price of gold went down suddenly as I recall ( it has regained since ) ... so even if they had "enough" gold, it was not worth as much ... complicated ya think ?

Well, good time to buy more, maybe, if you are fast ? While price is down ? Maybe. Are you beginning to be glad that you are an IT member and the trading is left to skilled experts ? I hope so ...

To be honest, I cannot pretend to explain to you thouroughly about the delays in IT maturities right now. I can give you some insights. I can remind you the wisdom of IT setting up its own bank ... and you can begin to see, I am sure, that SmartCard is a very smart idea. One thing I will say is that you do not really have to worry about the fluctuating price of gold - that is gray hair and wrinkles for the traders. Whatever currency you begin with, you will receive the specified amount at maturity - regardless the price of gold. Only if you are using e-Gold ( another reason we use IntGold ) are you concerned about the price of gold affecting what you are holding. Your e-Gold monetary balance fluctuates - something you likely have not noticed if you only keep small amounts there ...

The problem with delayed maturities is with the payment processors ( e-Gold, IntGold, etc. ) The $$ is with IT - the problem is getting it to you when the processors between IT and you cannot handle the increasingly larger transactions, for whatever the reason they cannot. Just as soon as you can, if you are managing your own account, MAKE SURE you devote at least $27 to Portal 7 - get in line now for a SmartCard ! No need to put in more than $27 - you can, but no need. I recommend if you want to add more to P7, wait. Grow your own funds first - that is more important to you personally, to be able to benefactor your 3 soonest so you will get your alternate incomes growing.

Important note: DO NOT attempt to purchase a SmartCard for someone other than yourself through your Portal 7 using your own IntGold account. That will not work. We will talk more about that later.

Only 9 days behind schedule ? Not bad, all things considered ... not bad at all.

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Problems will either stop you or stretch you.

Most of the times we want to use our faith to get rid of a problem with Divine delivering power, but we forget about Divine enabling power, to enable us to endure.

You are not just going through ... you are growing through.

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6. Looking Ahead ...

I am still not psychic - not a psychic, no - and I do not have a crystal ball, but I will tell you something of the future of growcash. It will continue slow for a while ...

Through May and June I will continue to build on your STI positions, and as my P2 maturities come in I will build in 7 Dollar Plan, knowing that you are not far behind me and will begin adding your own entries before long. As you continue to have evidence of our system working to your benefit, you will begin sharing those benefits with others, who will want to join us. As slow as I am sure this process has seemed to you so far, I am also sure you can begin - are beginning - to see it picking up steam now, and you can imagine what this pot will be like when it starts to boil for you !

With good intentions, most of you will follow our plan as soon as you are far enough in profit to do so without much diminishing you earning power with IT - that as it should be. My preference is that you continue to build your IT earning power so you have a strong financial base from which to work. When you receive your first profit from STI, I hope you will follow through with benefactoring at least 3 right away, so I hope you are thinking about who you can help. I realize STI is no immediate help to anyone financially, but as a goodwill gesture on your part, STI is a way to help solidify a new friendship and to build trust, showing that you are serious about helping others.

Some of you will remain in your comfort zone, not adding new members to our group. Makes quite a difference if you do. growcash membership would be approaching or passed 100 by now if each of you introduced 3 others.

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7. You Hear What You Want To Hear

" Parent Body registration is temporarily closed. We are making changes, and for security reasons, we have closed registration to the Parent Body until further notice. When improvements to the system have been made, it will reopen with full details "
See http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19061

Please read for yourself and make up your own mind:
http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18935
... and I recommend you read: http://it4us.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19007

It strikes me right off that one point constantly stressed in learning about IT is doing something positive for others with IT profits. IT is answer to prayer for me - a way to facilitate what I have been working to implement for almost three years. IT has special meaning to Sonia, and to you as well I hope - that is, more than just "easy money" ... because money is not happiness. What you do with your earnings is what will bring you fulfillment and satisfaction.

Last item today: It would be most helpful to me when you are asking about something you read in PB - please include URL of the thread or post so I can go right to it to read it myself. Not enough time here to keep up with those of you contacting and also read in PB, so I am relying on you to update me on important items you find

Stay well. Take your time and plan carefully. Until next time ...