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== NAICS 454111 ==

===Early discussion===

I added information on the sales modes that the company uses but Rhode Island Red reverted it. The contention is that Melaleuca does not sell its products through multilevel marketing, online shopping, and retail sales. I did not mention this before, but Melaleuca's sales operations are officially categorized under the following two NAICS codes (directly quoted):

* "454111 - Electronic Shopping"

* "454390 - Other Direct Selling Establishments"

The first code should be included in the article unless there are reliable sources that state that the company does ''not'' offer its products for sale over the Internet or retail. Because the relevant Wikipedia article is entitled [[online shopping]], I opted to use that name instead of "electronic shopping". There are multiple sources that refer to Melaleuca's online sales and retail. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 20:30, 10 January 2013 (UTC)

:I'm curious about the notion that [[Hoover's Company In-Depth Records]] constitutes something "official". I'm not (yet?) persuaded that we need to have our article reflect what that particular company says about Melaleuca. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 21:16, 10 January 2013 (UTC)
::We engaged in a lengthy discussion about the MLM designation long ago. We reviewed multiple sources (in the dozens) establishing that Melaleuca is an MLM company. The issue was brought to several noticeboards and resolved conclusively. Since then, "multilevel marketing" gradually got pushed farther and farther down the lead and then finally diluted with other terms such as internet sales etc. That's not cool at all and it smack of whitewashing. There's no point in having these discussion if the participants refuse to abide by the outcome. Hoover's (one source) does not outweigh all of the other sources that establish the company as an MLM, and if you think otherwise, then the onus is on you to make a compelling case here instead of edit warring. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 22:45, 10 January 2013 (UTC)
::: Yes Hoovers isn't good enough, we'd need something from a news source where a third-party discusses the issue, before we reopen this can of worms. I'm less firm on its permanency of the term MLM, considering the attractiveness of words like "pyramid scheme" or "MLM" to journalists trying to sensationalize or sell copies of their publications, but no Hoover's doesn't work in comparison to third-party commentary. No source to support the contention still. So not conversation yet. [[User:Jeremy112233|Jeremy112233]] ([[User talk:Jeremy112233|talk]]) 00:04, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Hmm. I guess I missed the big consensus concerning reference to ML as an MLM. When was it? Maybe RIR or Nomo can enlighten us. And I suppose some editors missed this comment I made on 13 November 2012, because I never did get a response to it: 'I call everybody's attention to the fact that this article was stabilized '''for two months,''' without referring to Melaleuca as a multilevel marketing organization, a term that Frank VanderSloot himself (the subject of this article) vigorously denies. The stable version was instituted [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=prev&oldid=500319380 here]. and was reverted [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=prev&oldid=511428473 here] by Rhode Island Red, who had been absent from the discussion for that length of time. The two-month-stable version was reinstated by [[User:Collect]] [[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=next&oldid=511438633 here], with the Edit Summary stating succinctly, "I suggest you read the discussions which led to one versionbeuing stable here." So you see, this issue was never really "settled," as alleged above.' [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 07:13, 11 January 2013 (UTC)

Hoover's is a very important and highly regarded source about businesses. It is part of Dun & Bradstreet. It is not an "iffy source" - it meets [[WP:RS]]. It is used as a source in ''thousands'' of Wikipedia articles. If one wishes to dispute this, RS/N is [[WP:RS/N|thataway]]. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 14:00, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
:I don't doubt that it meets RS. But I reject the notion that it amounts to something "official" as per Andrew's post, and I see no good reason it should direct the way we describe Melaleuca in the lead sentence. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 14:29, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
::NAICS classifications are established by the US Government. Is that "official" enough for you? Hoover ''reports'' on the classifications which a company falls under. Hoover is [[WP:RS]] and has been considered so for aeons on Wikipedia. NAICS is ''not'' a creation of Hoover. Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 15:58, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
:::No, Collect -- it's not official enough. The government makes the codes -- but Hoover's decision to label a company with particular codes is Hoover's own decision (or so it would appear). [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 23:42, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
::::The codes are '''not generated by Hoovers'''. Period. The codes are used on ''government forms'' which the company is required by law to furnish. Companies are ''required'' to accurately state the business they are involved in. The codes are used by ''multiple'' government agencies including the Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of the Census, EPA, etc. They are numbers which have the same legal value as social security numbers have for individuals in some respects. Is this sufficiently clear? Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 00:38, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::Ah -- so the company itself determines what number to report? Fascinating. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 08:25, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::No more than the company also "determines" what income to report to the IRS. The IRS would put the company under horrid fines if it lied about its status on forms sent to the IRS, folks. The NAICS number is thus used with the weight of the federal government. You act like the company simply lies on all its government required forms? Really????[[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 13:46, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::Given the "creativity" of many large corporations' tax affairs, I do think you've come up with a rather apt analogy. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 15:04, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::I have a very [[Matrix scheme|dim]] view of MLM's and the like, but your approach here is not helpful. If you are editing here under the premise that he is doing something illegal I suggest you provide some evidence or go elsewhere. [[User:Arzel|Arzel]] ([[User talk:Arzel|talk]]) 23:31, 13 January 2013 (UTC)
The Wikimedia Foundation NAICS code is: 813410, Civic and Social Organizations. [http://www.manta.com/c/mrs2n9d/wikimedia-foundation-inc]. Not a number generated or assigned or created by Hoover's. A number required by federal law. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 00:52, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
:Even more fascinating -- WIkipedia is a "civic and social organization". Who knew? [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 08:25, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
::Yep -- read the definitions thereof. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 13:46, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
:::I found just one citation to the Hoover's group in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=hoover&prefix=Wikipedia%3AReliable+sources%2FNoticeboard&fulltext=Search&fulltext=Search the Reliable Sources Noticeboard]. I'm posting a notice at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Business#Request_for_comment_.2F_Melaleuca_.2F_Hoover.27s Project Business] for others to chime in here if they like. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 15:13, 12 January 2013 (UTC)

===Later discussion===
''Post new remarks here.''

NAICS is referenced at insideview.com [http://www.insideview.com/directory/melaleuca-inc]

Manta.com [http://www.manta.com/c/mmqv67l/melaleuca-independent-distr]

Gale company profiles

Industrynet.com

And a few hundred more sites.

There is, IMHO, little doubt that the NAICS number per government regulations are reported in multiple reliable sources for this company, and such numbers are not created or "given" by any of these sources. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 23:00, 13 January 2013 (UTC)
:Correct me if I'm wrong, but your argument seems to be that the article shouldn't refer to Melaleuca as a [[multi-level marketing]] company because of Hoover's. You do realize that's an unsupportable argument right? So why continue to split hairs? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 23:06, 13 January 2013 (UTC)
::I wrote '''absolutely nothing of the kind''', and I would ask you to remove your errant comments saying I wrote something I did not write. Making such claims is uncollegial entirely. And a really, really poor method of discussing anything. What I ''did'' post is that Hoover's did not "create" or "assign" anything at all to the company whatsoever, that the NAICS number is required by the US government, and is controlled by US government agencies. I would also note that by your ''apparent'' standards, [[Sam's Club]] is an MLM as it charges a "membership fee" and allows resale of its goods. Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 23:20, 13 January 2013 (UTC)
:I said nothing that warrants removal. Be specific and other editors won't have to guess what you're getting at. I'd like to cut to the chase and understand why we're bothering talking about the source at all -- what edits are being proposed? The analogy about Sam's Club isn't constructive because, unlike in the case of Melaleuca, there aren't more than 20 reliable sources that identify Sam's Club as an MLM company. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 02:10, 14 January 2013 (UTC)
::If I was here at the time, I would have replied above. The NAICS number is self-reported, and there is only a penalty if ''willfully'' misreported. In other words, if they don't call themselves an<s>d</s> MLM, and they believe they do not qualify as the NAICS code for MLM, then they can <u>properly</u> report otherwise. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 02:36, 14 January 2013 (UTC)
:I believe that two different issues are being confounded here: if Melaleuca is an MLM and if Melaleuca sells its products through retail and Internet means in addition to other ways. I don't get why Melaleuca running a store and a website somehow changes the MLM issue. The edits I made did not change the MLM wording whatsoever. More to the point, reliable sources state that the company has stores, so there should be no controversy over saying so. The company operates stores from Idaho to Shenzhen for members to use.<ref>IBR Staff (April 10, 2006). "Idaho Falls-based Melaleuca continues 20-year growth streak, sales top $702M". Idaho Business Review.</ref> Similarly, there is no doubt that members can buy things from the company website as well.<ref>"Melaleuca: Enhancing People's Lives One Customer at a Time (cover story)". Caribbean Business 34 (2). 19 January 2006.</ref> <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 19:03, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
::I have no objection to mentioning that the company sells online, etc., but the way the text was modified watered down the essential point that the company is an MLM. A series of modifications were introduced without discussion that gradually pushed the MLM designation further and further down in the description, ultimately obscuring the facts. It should be stated upfront that the company is an MLM without obfuscation. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 20:25, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Looking at the [[WP:RSN#Hoover's Company In-Depth Records|other parent]], and the actual NAICS numbers in question:
:::* There isn't a specific NAICS number for MLM.
:::* A company with either of the codes (454111 or 454390 ) could still be entirely MLM (with some effort &mdash; "retail" customers are arbitrarily assigned to a sponsor &mdash; specific example available by E-mail), or primarily MLM.
::: — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 20:32, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Arthur: As I said before, I am not looking to argue the MLM issue based solely on NAICS. The reason I posted them was to draw attention to NAICS 454111 as evidence that the company sells products over the Internet, which is well established. The sentence that was repeatedly reverted did not change the MLM wording. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 02:13, 18 January 2013 (UTC)

== Melaleuca Subheads Reverted ==

The recent addition of subheadings to the Melaleuca section of the article has been reverted[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&action=history] because they did not accurately describe the content. For example the "founding" section refers to the company's current product portfolio (nothing to do with founding); the business model section refers to details that have nothing to do with the business model (distributor earnings) and it fails to mention the most central characteristic of the business model -- that the company is an MLM; the "reach" section describes details that have nothing to do with reach (eg, revenue); the membership section refers to Vandersloot's role on the executive of DSA and his contributions to the DSA's PAC (which have nothing to do with membership per se); and what are labelled as "government inquiries" were not not in fact inquiries (they were "investigations" and a warning letter). The newly added subheads create more problems than they solve. If there is any further interest in adding subheads, which don't seem to be necessary, then a proposal should be presented here for further discussion. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:49, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
:The editor above has taken the second step in the [[WP:BRD]] model, ''Reversion,'' and has begun the third step, ''Discussion.'' He seems to have two objections to the editing changes I suggested in [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=533316350&oldid=532580775 this diff], wherein my Edit Summary said "Dividing Melaleuca section with subheaders for ease of understanding and of editing. Moving one fact from one part of the Section to another; no change in wording." RIR reverted, with the Edit Summary as "these subheads don't work -- square pegs in round holes -- see Talk." His explanation above seems to be based on two premises: (1) Subheads are not necessary, and (2) they don't accurately describe content.

:We should handle the first objection first: Are subheads necessary (or even desirable)? I say yes, they are desirable, because the section is pretty long right now, covering a wide variety of subjects, and the average reader might like some help in switching from one major detail to another. (I couldn't find any guidance to the use of subheads in the swamp of Wikipedia policies and advice, but that doesn't mean there is none.) Anyway, I made this proposal primarily for the ease of reader comprehension: The advantage of editing ease is just a positive side effect. If we have a [[WP:Consensus]] that this long section should be broken into its parts, then we can talk later about just what those parts should consist of and what the subheads should say. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 20:33, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Putting the cart before the horse. If the material fits well into a specific set of subheads, then using subheads might be appropriate. If they don't (as in the recent revision), then it is not appropriate. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 20:43, 16 January 2013 (UTC)

== The lead ==

=== In general===

I'm wondering something at this point. The MLM issue has been beaten to death here unless new sources are provided, but why is it in the lead? That Melaleuca is considered by this article to be an MLM is mentioned in only a four word phrase very low down in the article, and is not in any way a major part of the article. If it is contentious as to whether or not the phrase could be harmful to the person represented in this article (that's not something anybody disagrees with), and is a minuscule, non-important part of the article, can we not remove it from the lead, leaving it lower down? I know that previously the MLM issue was a larger part of the article, but most of those items have been removed. Is it still necessary for the lead? I don't see how removing it harms the article, other than perhaps an impulse to flag this minor point due to its potential connotations that are not really fleshed out in the article. Just wanted the opinions of those who have been working so hard to get this article into shape :) [[User:Jeremy112233|Jeremy112233]] ([[User talk:Jeremy112233|talk]]) 20:21, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
:The MLM aspect is a cardinal feature of the company, and it has been established that the company is an MLM by about two dozen sources, which were discussed already at great length. Whatever connotations the term MLM might have to some people are irrelevant; it is not slang and it is not inherently negative. As I've said before, the argument you have raised is akin to saying that we shouldn't include the fact that a company sold [[credit default swaps]] because the term might arouse negative emotions. The discussion about MLM has dragged on way too long already. Beating dead horses is not constructive. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 20:31, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Jeremy is on to something, and I applaud his endeavor. I would like to remove the MLM issue from the article entirely, since it is contentious and really minor in "real life," but getting it out of the lede is a good idea. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 20:41, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Yes, it quite obvious already that you would prefer the article be whitewashed of the term MLM -- you have been campaigning unsuccessfully to do this for the better part of a year now. But the fact remains, the MLM feature is a defining characteristic of the company that has been established by a plethora of sources. Persisting with this argument is counterproductive. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 20:46, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::I don't understand how this is a cardinal feature of the company worthy of being included in the lead. I don't know much about MLM as a term or as a practice, but I think we have too many conflicting sources to proclaim Melaleuca as an MLM in the second sentence of this article. Here's a new one that I plan to incorporate soon: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100366770. This source quotes VS stating that Melaleuca is not an MLM and says that the company does not meet state or federal criteria.[[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 23:32, 16 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::There ''are'' no "federal criteria", except in VanderSloot's opinion. To quote that article, "everybody has their own definition of multi-level marketing." There are criteria for an organization being a pyramid scheme, and that is alleged (in this case) by a number of reliable sources, but not proven. See, for example [[Multi-level marketing#Criticism]] for the difference. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 14:22, 17 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::The MLM issue is a non-issue. The company is unequivocally an MLM. In addition to the 20+ sources (which have been presented and discussed already) that establish the fact that Melaleuca is an MLM, Vandersloot himself admitted it to the Utah Attorney General in this official affidavit he signed.[http://www.motherjones.com/files/melaleuca1991avc-1.pdf] It says "The Attorney General is informed and believes that Melaleuca sells various nutrition, personal care and homecare procucts, pursuant to a '''multi-level marketing''' plan" -- and Vandersloot signed it! So if Vandersloot turned around and attempted to deny that the Melaleuca is an MLM, he was either not being truthful, or he was not truthful when he signed the AGs affidavit. Either way, any denial of the MLM nature of his business that Vandersloot may have issued subsequently can be dismissed as PR fluff -- inconsequential noise -- and an apparently less than honest attempt at damage control. Regardless, the WP article cannot be a party to misrepresentation of the nature of Vandersloot's business. Please let this issue die once and for all and stop wasting WP resources by continuing to beat this long dead horse. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:15, 17 January 2013 (UTC)
{{od}}They are indeed an MLM - they may not want to be labelled that to distance themselves from the moniker, however a company is MLM based on its compensation structure (getting paid for not just your own customers, but also sales the people you recruit do as well). They use a 5x7 "Forced Matrix" compensation plan. I found a PDF of their compensation plan online here: http://mlmhelpdesk.com/wp-content/Docs/Melaleuca/BB_CompPlan_enUs.pdf
The question on whether to include it in the lede, I'll leave up to the active editors here to continue discussing. <span style="border:1px solid black;">'''&nbsp;[[User:Leef5|Leef5]]&nbsp;'''</span>&nbsp;<small><sup><font color="orange">[[User_talk:Leef5|TALK]]</font>&nbsp;&#124;&nbsp;<font color="black">[[Special:Contributions/Leef5|CONTRIBS]]</font></sup></small> 18:47, 17 January 2013 (UTC)

===Three different issues===
There are three issues that are now being considered, discussed, and confused.

====Does Melaleuca use the Internet and retail locations to sell products?====
There is no doubt. They have stores all over the world and the website is self-evident (in addition to being referenced in reliable sources). Rhode Island Red says that (s)he does not want the words multilevel marketing to be obscured by having retail and Internet in their vacinity. This is not a valid reason to repeatedly revert edits.

====Should the words "multilevel marketing" be placed in the article's lead?====
I see more opposition than support on this front. Remember that this is a BLP, not an article about the company. It would be akin to starting the article on Henry Ford as "Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was the founder of Ford Motors, a franchise-dealership business."

====Is Melaleuca an MLM?====
This is a larger question and one that has not been resolved. I'm just about the only person who has actually written content on the BLP about the company's business model as opposed to clinging to catchphrases. The Consent Decree states that, in the 1990s, the Idaho Attorney General believed that Melaleuca was an MLM. I'm sure that VanderSloot would still agree that that was the AG's opinion at the time. Trying to read legal documents is tricky at best and interpreting them is in danger of becoming [[WP:Original Research]]. Leef5 states that Melaleuca is an MLM based on his own review of a compensation plan found on a website, which fails both [[WP:OR]] and [[WP:SPS]]. Arthur Rubin states that there is no federal definition of MLM, which is not true. A previous editor pointed to the definition adopted by the FTC in rule-making documents [http://www.ftc.gov/os/fedreg/2008/march/080326businessopportunityrule%20.pdf here]. The company does not appear to fit that definition, which refers to multiple levels of distribution or sale. Melaleuca sells products directly. I have not reviewed each of the state’s laws (and it does not appear that any other editors has either), but it appears that VanderSloot may be correct in that the company does not fit the definitions that rely on multiple distributor or sales levels.

In any event, the Talk page of a Wikipedia article is not the place to have a scholarly debate about the meaning of the term MLM. We are not MLM experts. We are here to report on what the sources say. Some sources describe the company as an MLM (although most of the sources cited by RIR do not actually analyze the issue and/or are from political sources without deep backgrounds in business). Some sources describe the company as a Consumer Direct Marketing Company. Other sources describe the company as a network marketing company. VanderSloot has steadfastly maintained that his company is not an MLM based on material differences between the distribution methodology between his company and others, such as Herbalife (that is making headlines in the news). Let’s not take sides and act like we know better. There is nothing definitive here that conclusively establishes the company as an MLM. I see no reason for this in the lead, and I see a need to revise the description in the body of the text to incorporate all sources and viewpoints, particularly those held by the subject of this BLP. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 02:34, 18 January 2013 (UTC)
:More than 20 sources including VanderSloot himself acknowledged that Melaleuca is an MLM. According to the overwhelming preponderance of evidence -- it's an MLM company. The detail is not ambiguous; we've addressed it on multiple noticeboards and talked about it ad nauseum. I can't understand the reason for your confusion about the issue or why you are still trying to challenge the validity of using the term in the article.
:As for the lead, the MLM detail is a defining feature of what the company is/does, as established by a preponderance of sources, so it naturally belongs in the lead as per [[WP:LEAD]] – ie, Melaleuca is a multi-level marketing company that sells x,y,z”. The phrase " multi-level marketing company" had been in the lead for quite some time, so it seems very odd to campaign for its removal all of a sudden, given the preponderance of evidence and past discussions. The suggestion is [[WP:TE]].[[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:26, 18 January 2013 (UTC)
::A couple things: First, the attorney general's affidavit that states that the AG believes that Melaleuca is an MLM does not mean establish that the company is an MLM nor that VanderSloot believes that it is an MLM. Second, in footnote 34 on page 16113 in this [http://www.ftc.gov/os/fedreg/2008/march/080326businessopportunityrule%20.pdf|federal register], an MLM is defined by its distribution method, not its compensation method.
::I'm throwing the above out there for general knowledge, but I agree with Andrew that we don't need to debate whether or not Melaleuca is an MLM. Going by the sources, however, is inconclusive. Sure there are quite a few articles that refer to the company as an MLM, but there are also quite a few that refer to it as Consumer Direct or quote VanderSloot denying any relationship to the MLM structure. So based on the sources, we don't know if Melaleuca is an MLM and it should not be in the lead.[[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 16:10, 18 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Continuing to debate this in the face of such overwhelming evidence is really counterproductive (i.e., [[WP:TE]]). I suggest you go back and read the archives and let this issue die once and for all. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 16:14, 18 January 2013 (UTC)
::::I have read the archives. The PDF was over 100 pages,

:::::although

::::::indenting

:::::::helped

::::::::make

:::::::::it

::::::::::so

:::::::::::long.

::::You make the logical leap that, even if Melaleuca were an MLM, that it is the best apposition for the company. For that to be the case, it would require additional policies, precedent, or proof. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 23:49, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:::::Are you purposely trying to be not understood? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 04:18, 3 February 2013 (UTC)

=====Sources=====

I previously stayed out of this argument but lately it has become absurd. The lead is supposed to reflect the preponderance of secondary sources, so I searched to see how (mostly) reliable sources refer to the company, especially in their leads.

'''VanderSloot's own words'''

*"We don't want to be thrown in the multilevel bucket because there are programs there that we just don't want to be affiliated with. Nothing else we do is even similar."<ref>Curtis, Bruce. "Direct-Marketing Company Target Part Timers." Tulsa World, 1993, 5-5.</ref>

*"It's unfortunate that someone would suggest that Melaleuca is something like Amway. It's not. We started Melaleuca 26 years ago to market environmentally responsible products and to provide a business opportunity for folks who weren't successful in climbing the corporate ladder and didn't inherit wealth from their parents. We try to be champions of the little guy. My father was a little guy. And I still see myself as a little guy. Contrary to those who do not know us, our business model is nothing like Amway or Herbalife. I challenge anyone to find any similarity whatsoever. There is no investment of any kind unless you want to call a $29 membership fee an "investment." And anyone can get a refund on that by just asking. We do offer a home-based business opportunity. But it is no "pyramid scheme." We have long been critical of the many MLM/pyramid schemes operating in this country. I agree with those who say that typical MLM companies destroy people?s finances. Most are designed to attract people to "invest" in large purchases with the promise of "getting rich" quickly by getting others to invest. The guy at the top always wins and the guy on the bottom always loses. In Melaleuca's case there is no investment and no getting others to invest. We do pay commissions to those who have referred customers based on what those customers purchase. There is really no way to lose money on referring customers. And there's no way for customers to lose either when they're buying high-quality products at grocery store prices. Customers just order the products they use every month directly from the factory. We have hundreds of thousands of customers who buy from us each month. They don't ever resell anything. They don't invest in any inventory. There can be no pyramiding without some kind of investment. In 26 years, no one has ever complained that they lost money. It?s simply not possible. Our business model works pretty well for most folks. We have already paid over $2.9 billion in commissions to households across the country. Our mission is to enhance lives by helping people reach their goals regardless of their beliefs, backgrounds, or affiliations. Last month we sent out almost 200,000 checks to American households alone. Members of those households tell us we are doing a pretty good job achieving that mission."<ref name=VSresponds2>[http://www.localnews8.com/news/VanderSloot-Responds-To-Allegations-Of-Threatening-Media/-/308662/14519370/-/item/1/-/k85mcnz/-/index.html Marissa Bodnar, "VanderSloot Responds to Allegations of Threatening Media," KIFI Local News 8, posted February 21, 2012; updated March 1, 2012, screen 2]</ref>

'''Op-ed and pundits'''

*"Frank VanderSloot is the CEO of Melaleuca Inc. The 63-year-old has run that wellness-products company for 26 years out of tiny Idaho Falls, Idaho."<ref>Strassel, Kimberley A. "Strassel: Trolling for Dirt on the President's List; First a Romney Supporter Was Named on an Obama Campaign Website. That Was Followed by the Slimy Trolling into a Citizen's Private Life." Wall Street Journal (Online), 2012.</ref>

*"The founder of Melaleuca, which sells $700 million in wellness products a year, Vandersloot puts business first, partisanship second."<ref name=Popkey2>{{Cite news|last=Popkey|first=Dan|title=Twilegar is the best, but that may not be enough|url=http://idahoptv.org/idreports/showEditorial.cfm?StoryId=24122|accessdate=September 25, 2012|newspaper=[[Idaho Statesman]]|date=October 6, 2006}}</ref>

*"Turns out Idaho Citizens for Justice got half its money from Melaleuca Inc., an Idaho Falls firm owned by Frank VanderSloot..."<ref name=Trillhaase>{{Cite news|last=Trillhaase|first=Marty|title=VanderSloot won Supreme Court race|url=http://idahoptv.org/idreports/showEditorial.cfm?StoryID=46584|accessdate=September 17, 2102|newspaper=[[Lewiston Morning Tribune]]|date=May 27, 2010}}</ref>

*Even Rachel Maddow didn't think it was important to mention MLM in initially describing the company: "In addition to being the national finance co-chair for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, he also runs a company called Melaleuca, which sells all sort of household products."<ref>THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW for February 20, 2012, MSNBC</ref>

'''Organizations'''

*BYU Hawaii press release: "Johanson...most recently worked as Communications Manager for Melaleuca Inc. in Idaho Falls, Idaho, an $860 million worldwide wellness products company."{{cite press release

| last =Foley

| first =Mike

| title =BYUH names new Director of Communications and Marketing

| date =21 January 2009

| publisher =BYUH

| location =Hawaii

| url =http://newsroom.byuh.edu/node/2069

| format =Online

| accessdate = 2013-01-19

}}
}}


== External links modified ==
*DSA profile written by the company: "Melaleuca manufactures all types of wellness products, including nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, eco-friendly cleaners, and personal care products."

'''Business databases'''

*"Deriving its name from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), the company is a leading manufacturer and direct seller of more than 350 personal care and household products, many of which are environmentally friendly."<ref>{{cite encyclopedia

| title =Melaleuca, Inc| encyclopedia =Hoovers|publisher =D&B| date =2012|accessdate = 18 January, 2013}}</ref>

*Orbis categorizes the company as an "Industrial company" and files its distribution model under "Direct selling establishments".<ref>Orbis (2008). "Melaleuca". Orbis Company Information.</ref>

*MarketResearch's report is behind a huge paywall, but the abstract is available: "Melaleuca, Inc. (Melaleuca) is one of the leading manufacturers of wellness products, based in the US. The company manufactures and distributes nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical, personal care, facial care, cosmetics, home hygiene and various wellness products. Melaleuca delivers its products directly to customers through a catalog and internet shopping system. In addition, it offers more than 400 products for home and family, which include wellness products for kids, including a complete line of skin care and cosmetics, bath and body solutions, and pharmaceuticals. The company carries out its operations in the US, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, China, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Bahamas. Melaleuca is headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the US."<ref>{{cite encyclopedia

| year =2012

| title =Melaleuca, Inc.: Consumer Packaged Goods Company Profile & SWOT Report

| encyclopedia =

| publisher =Canadean

| url =http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/2087351/melaleuca_inc_consumer_packaged_goods_company}}</ref>

*The Million Dollar Database categorizes Melaleuca under the following codes:

"SIC Codes

28 - CHEMICALS AND ALLIED PRODUCTS

2833 - MEDICINALS AND BOTANICALS

28330109 - VITAMINS, NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC: BULK, UNCOMPOUNDED

Other SIC Codes

28340000 - PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS

28410000 - SOAP AND OTHER DETERGENTS

28440000 - TOILET PREPARATIONS

51220000 - DRUGS, PROPRIETARIES, AND SUNDRIES"

Line of Business

MFG MEDICINAL/BOTANICALS WHOL DRUGS/SUNDRIES MFG TOILET PREPARATIONS MFG SOAP/OTHER DETERGENT MFG PHARMACEUTICAL PREPS

Products Manufacturing

NAICS Codes

325411 - MEDICINAL AND BOTANICAL MANUFACTURING

Other NAICS Codes

325412 - PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION MANUFACTURING

325611 - SOAP AND OTHER DETERGENT MANUFACTURING

325620 - TOILET PREPARATION MANUFACTURING"<ref>{{cite encyclopedia

| year =2012

| title =Melaleuca Inc. Industry Details

| encyclopedia =The Million Dollar Database

| publisher =D&B

}}</ref>

'''Journalists'''

*"Melaleuca Inc., the Idaho Falls-based wellness products company that employs more than 3,400" <ref>Brad, Carlson. "CEO of Idaho Falls-Based Melaleuca Inc. Says Revenues, Sales Force on Rise." Idaho Business Review, 2009.</ref>

*"One of Idaho's largest privately held companies, Melaleuca is headquartered in Idaho Falls and has over 3,400 employees, including sales offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom."<ref>IBR, Staff. "Boise chamber to host Melaleuca CEO." Idaho Business Review (Boise, ID) 3/30/2009: 18 Jan. 2013.</ref>

*"Melaleuca markets personal care and household products."<ref>Carlson, Brad. "A Statewide Building Boom In Idaho/ICR." Idaho Business Review (Boise, ID) (Dec 18, 2006): Web. 18 Jan. 2013.</ref>

*"Melaleuca, The Wellness Company, a manufacturer of 350 health and wellness products sold directly to consumers around the world..."<ref>IBR, Staff Report. "Idaho Falls-Based Melaleuca Continues 20-Year Growth Streak, Sales Top $702M." The Idaho Business Review (2006)</ref>

*"Melaleuca, Inc., an Idaho Falls company that sells its products friend-to-friend, word-of-mouth throughout the country, is expanding into Canada."<ref>Rose, Peter. "Melaleuca Expands into Canada." The Idaho Business Review 13, no. 27 (1994): 10-10.</ref>

*"Melaleuca, an Idaho-based natural products company."<ref>Lofton, Dewanna. "Nature Kick Retailers Meet Need for Health Enhancers." The Commercial Appeal, 1999, 0-C.1.</ref>

*"An Idaho Falls manufacturer of nutritional, pharmaceutical, personal care and household cleaning products is ranked No. 4 in the nation in absolute dollar growth and No. 5 in job creation by Inc. magazine, hitting the most categories of any Idaho company on the list."<ref>Gardner, Larry. "Idaho's Melaleuca Ranked No. 5 in Absolute Dollar Growth." The Idaho Business Review 12, no. 48 (1993): 0-18A.</ref>

*"Melaleuca thrives on well-oiled direct-marketing plan" (in title).<ref>Ferrendelli, Betta. "Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Melaleuca Thrives on Well-Oiled Direct-Marketing Plan." Puget Sound Business Journal 22, no. 6 (2001): 30-30.</ref>

*"[...]wellness products maker Melaleuca in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The 2,500-employee company manufactures and direct markets nutritional, pharmaceutical, personal care, home hygiene, and other wellness products throughout the U.S. and various global markets."<ref>Hannon, David. "Midmarket Consumer Products Firm Focuses on Supplier Success." Purchasing 135, no. 18 (2006): 46-46.</ref>

*"Now in its 22nd year, Melaleuca Inc. sells nutritional supplements, skin creams and other products largely through home-based businesses and personal-product presentations."<ref>Menser, Paul. "Melaleuca Adds 843 Jobs in 5 Years." Post Register, December 26, 2007.</ref>

*"Frank L. VanderSloot , president and CEO of Idaho-based Melaleuca Inc., agrees the industry got a bad reputation from some overzealous firms."<ref>Towns, Hollis R. "Knocking on Doors Again - Direct Selling Provides the Extra Cash Many Need." The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution, 1992, E/1.</ref>

*"His Idaho-based company, Melaleuca, which manufactures and distributes natural products ranging from shampoo to vitamins to tile cleaner, has reinvented the direct-marketing model, beginning by dialing back the sales pressure."<ref name=inc>{{Cite web|last=Fried|first=John|title=Inc.com Hall of Fame Profile: Frank L. Vandersloot|url=http://www.inc.com/magazine/20041015/hidi-vandersloot.html}} October 15, 2004</ref>

*"The Idaho Falls-based manufacturer of health and beauty products..." The title refers to the company as a "health products manufacturer".<ref>"Health Products Manufacturer Opens Call Center." Associated Press, 19 August 2000.</ref>

*"Health and wellness company Melaleuca..."<ref>Bodnar, Marissa. [http://www.localnews8.com/news/Melaleuca-Celebrates-1-Billion-in-Annual-Sales/-/308662/14523454/-/h67abhz/-/index.html "Melaleuca Celebrates $1 Billion in Annual Sales."] NBC 8, 23 December 2011.</ref>

*"Melaleuca produces cosmetics, household products and nutritional supplements."

*"Melaleuca Inc., the producer of cosmetics, household products and nutritional supplements..."<ref>"Melaleuca Inc., the Producer of Cosmetics, Household." Associated Press Newswires, 9 November 2004.</ref>

*"Melaleuca Inc., an Idaho Falls-based health products company, found the family and paid for their transportation, gas, lodging and food on the trip West, Harris said."<ref>"Blackfoot, Idaho (Ap) - Members of the Carvogal Family Are Finding Shelter From" Associated Press Newswires, 20 September 2005.</ref>

*New York Times: "Melaleuca, an Idaho-based company that manufactures skin and nutritional products."<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/us/politics/campaign-finance-reports-show-super-pac-donors.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0</ref>

*"Frank Vandersloot, who owns the health care products company Melaleuca Inc., is donating the money after a drive to replace crumbling McDermott Field had fallen short of a $1.35 million fundraising goal..."<ref>"Ballpark Effort Gets Cash Infusion from Idaho Falls Businessman." Associated Press Newswires, 5 October 2005.</ref>

*"An Idaho Falls businessman who already owns a health-care products company with $650 million in annual sales is thinking about expanding -- into radio."<ref>"Idahoan Aims to Buy 6 Bonneville Stations." Deseret Morning News, 26 December 2005.</ref>

*"US-based Melaleuca Inc., a fast-growing direct marketing company..."<ref>"Melaleuca to Open Supermarket in Shanghai." SinoCast China Business Daily News, 14 April 2006.</ref>

*"Melaleuca markets personal care and household products. The company is based in Idaho Falls."<ref>Carlson, Brad. "A Statewide Building Boom in Idaho/Icr." Idaho Business Review, 18 December 2006.</ref>

*"Melaleuca Inc., a direct sales giant in the USA, announced in Shanghai on December 12th that it obtained a direct sales license from the Ministry of Commerce."<ref>"Melaleuca Inc. Obtains Direct Sales License." China Industry Daily News, 17 December 2007.</ref>

*"Melaleuca Inc., The Wellness Company is expanding its facility in the Forks of the River Industrial Park. The company manufactures nutritional and pharmaceutical products."<ref>Silence, Michael. "Company Plans 14-Acre Expansion at Forks of the River Industrial Park." The Knoxville News-Sentinel (MCT), 15 January 2008.</ref>

*"A health care products company has broken ground on a $3.28 million manufacturing facility in Bonneville County."<ref>"E. Idaho Company Breaks Ground on New Plant." Associated Press Newswires, 4 July 2009.</ref>

*"Melaleuca Inc., which manufactures nutritional and pharmaceutical products, will hold a ground breaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday for a $22 million expansion of its Forks of the River distribution center."<ref>"Brief: Groundbreaking Thursday for Melaleuca Expansion." The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 26 August 2009.</ref>

*"Melaleuca Inc., an Idaho-based maker of nutritional supplements, cleaning supplies and other products, is building a 231,000-square-foot distribution center that will nearly double the size of its facility in Forks of the River Industrial Park and bring jobs to Knox County."<ref>Marcum, Ed. "Melaleuca’s New Ground." The Knoxville News Sentinel, 27 August 2009.</ref>

*"The Idaho Falls-based health care products company Melaleuca Inc...."<ref>"Idaho Company Gives Employees `Longevity' Payments." Associated Press Newswires, 16 November 2009.</ref>

*"The reach of Melaleuca Inc. long has stretched beyond the borders of Bonneville County. The company offers 352 household products and sells its wares directly to customers in the U.S. and 13 foreign markets. Melaleuca has been a global player for 14 years, since the company entered Taiwan, its first Asian market. The company employs nearly 3,100 workers worldwide."<ref name=GlobalReach>{{cite news|last=Corbin|first=Clark|title=Melaleuca's Global Reach is Rooted in East Idaho|url=http://commerce.idaho.gov/news/2011/07/melaleucas-global-reach-is-rooted-in-east-idaho.aspx|accessdate=20 January 2013|newspaper=The Idaho Falls Post-Register|date=7-01-2011}}</ref>

''All sources after this line are currently cited in the BLP''

*"Frank VanderSloot is best known as the successful owner of Melaleuca, a global supplier of cleaning and wellness products made with natural ingredients."<ref name=Ranch1>{{Cite web|title=Ranch maintains family's link to tradition|url=http://www.capitalpress.com/lvstk/JO-VanderSlootRanch-022712|publisher=Capital Press|accessdate=March 1, 2012}}</ref>

*"Four contributions of $250,000 to Mr. Romney’s super PAC came from affiliates of Melaleuca, an Idaho-based company that manufactures skin and nutritional products."<ref name=NYT1>{{Cite news|last=Confessore|first=Nicholas|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/us/politics/campaign-finance-reports-show-super-pac-donors.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all|title=G.O.P. Donors Showing Thirst to Oust Obama in November|work=The New York Times|accessdate=May 17, 2012|date=January 31, 2012}}</ref>

*"...his health and home products company, Melaleuca, had lost hundreds of customers, and asserting the Obama campaign list and liberal websites have misrepresented his company and political activism."<ref name=Vogel1>{{Cite news|last=Vogel|first=Kenneth P|title=Mega-donors: Quit picking on us|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76899.html|accessdate=September 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Politico]]|date=May 31, 2012}}</ref>

*"The 1966 Sandpoint High School grad makes his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where his international manufacturing company is headquartered."<ref name=SandpointPlasterInterview>Plaster, Billie Jean. [http://www.sandpointonline.com/sandpointmag/smw04/interview.html "Frank L. VanderSloot"] Sandpoint Magazine. Winter 2004.</ref>

*"Mkts. pharmaceuticals & personal-care prods."<ref name=Inc1>{{cite web|title=Inc 5000 List 1994: Melaleuca|url=http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/melaleuca|publisher=[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.]]|accessdate=October 15, 2012}}</ref>

*"Frank VanderSloot, CEO of the Idaho Falls-based wellness company Melaleuca..."<ref name=OConnell>O'Connell, John. [http://www.capitalpress.com/newest/JO-VanderSlootDonation-082812 "Controversial donor praised by dairymen."] Capital Press. August 30, 2012</ref>

*"He is chief executive of Melaleuca Inc., which sells cleaning supplies and personal-care products."<ref name=Mason1>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Melanie|title=Money is on the unofficial agenda at the Republican National Convention|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-0830-money-20120830,0,1301460.story|accessdate=November 11, 2012|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 29, 2012}}</ref>

*"Vandersloot, the founder and CEO of Idaho Falls-based health care products company Melaleuca Inc., said he learned of the two federal inquires within the last month and intends to cooperate."<ref name=IPTaudit>[http://www.idahopress.com/news/state/vandersloot-subject-of-irs-labor-dept-audits/article_d438c2f4-f2e8-56f6-9c0c-2cb8d22557fc.html Todd Dvorak, "VanderSloot Subject of IRS, Labor Dept. Audits," Associated Press in ''Idaho Press-Tribune,'' July 26, 2012]</ref>

*"Yet VanderSloot, owner of the Melaleuca wellness product company, never expected to be branded on an presidential campaign website as a 'litigious, combative and bitter foe of the gay rights movement.'"<ref name=Weber1>{{Cite news|last=Weber|first=Joseph|title=Romney donor bashed by Obama campaign now target of two federal audits|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/24/romney-donor-bashed-by-obama-campaign-now-target-two-federal-audits/|accessdate=September 17, 2012|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>

*"Frank VanderSloot, founder and CEO of the eastern Idaho Melaleuca Corp. and listed by Reuters as one of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's top contributors, says he's on a White House enemies list and is the subject of two federal investigations..."<ref name=Prentice1>{{Cite news|last=Prentice|first=George|title=Vandersloot Says Being on 'Enemies List' Triggered Audits|url=http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2012/07/26/ap-vandersloot-says-being-on-enemies-list-triggered-audits|accessdate=September 17, 2012|newspaper=[[Boise Weekly]]|date=July 26, 2012}}</ref>

*"Vandersloot is the CEO of Idaho Falls-based health care company Melaleuca Inc. and among donors who have given $1 million to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney."<ref name=Mrque>[http://www.komonews.com/news/local/-Vandersloot-subject-of-IRS-Labor-Dept-audits-163778656.html Assem Mrque and Diaa Hadid, "VanderSloot Subject of IRS, Labor Dept. Audits," Associated Press at KOMOnews.com, July 25, 2012]</ref>

*"Meanwhile, Frank VanderSloot, owner of Idaho Falls-based health products direct marketer Melaleuca Inc., injected some $1.5 million into the pro-overhaul effort..."<ref name=Miller1>{{cite news|last=Miller|first=John|title=Idaho voters rebuke Luna, Otter in dumping ed laws|url=http://www.kboi2.com/news/Idaho-Election-Education-Proposition-Luna-177667281.html?m=y&smobile=y|accessdate=November 10, 2012|newspaper=[[KBOI-TV]]|date=November 7, 2012|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

*"...it emerged that the funding for both came from Melaleuca Inc., a personal-care products firm in eastern Idaho headed by conservative activist Frank VanderSloot."<ref name=Russel2>{{Cite news|last=Russell|first=Betsy Z|title=Groups fined over ads against judge|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/jun/04/groups-fined-over-ads-against-judge/|accessdate=September 26, 2012|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|date=June 4, 2010}}</ref>

*"That helps explain why, Thursday evenings in the downtown building of Melaleuca, a health-products company owned by Frank VanderSloot, one of Idaho's richest Mormons, groups of Rexburg college students and townies get together."<ref name=Ring1>{{Cite news|last=Ring|first=Ray|title=Prophets and Politics|url=http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/prophets-and-politics/Content?oid=1012875|accessdate=September 27, 2012|newspaper=[[Boise Weekly]]|date=October 22, 2008}}</ref>

*"The zillionaire CEO of Melaleuca, Eastern Idaho's huge health-products company?"<ref name=BWouting>{{cite news|title=Best Multiple Personalities 2012: Frank VanderSloot|url=http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/best-multiple-personalities-2012/BestOf?oid=2735331|accessdate=October 6, 2012|newspaper=[[Boise Weekly]]}}</ref>

*""People are thinking a lot more about the price of freedom," says Frank VanderSloot, president of Melaleuca, a company that sponsors one of the country's largest fireworks displays in Idaho Falls, Idaho..."<ref>{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Daniel|title=After years of muted July 4ths, more pyrotechnics in the works ; In a surge of patriotism, towns throw costs to the wind|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0702/p02s02-ussc.html|accessdate=November 22, 2012|newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor|date=July 2, 2004|page=02}}</ref>

*"Since Melaleuca began in September 1985, CEO Frank VanderSloot has directed its growth into an international company that reaches hundreds of thousands of households across the globe."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Frank VanderSloot Idaho Hometown Hero Medalist 2011|url=http://www.idahohometownhero.org/index.php/medalists/medalist-profiles/77-vandersloot-frank|publisher=Idaho Hometown Heroes|accessdate=October 8, 2012}}</ref>



The striking thing is that even sources that have mean things to say about VanderSloot still generally do not introduce the company as "Melaleuca, a multilevel marketing company...". In fact, the vast majority of coverage that the business has received, especially in the neutral press as opposed to politically biased sources, make no reference to MLM. There is no overwhelming evidence to support MLM and, more immediately, there is no justification to keeping it in the lead. It should be removed from the lead.

<span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 05:42, 20 January 2013 (UTC)

:A quick study indicates that no sources other than VanderSloot, himself, say specifically it '''isn't''' an MLM. We have some reliable sources which say that it '''is'''. Now, I agree, we do need to determine which of the reliable sources ''would'' have said it was an MLM if they believed it was, to determine whether it would be undue weight to include the statement that it is, but you have not ''proven'' your case. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 07:00, 20 January 2013 (UTC)
::Yes, that's right -- in fact it's hard to imagine what that big long list is supposed to establish given that none of the sources except for VS himself are saying it isn't an MLM. For a big long list of sources that say it ''is'', see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Business#Request_for_comment_.2F_Melaleuca_.2F_Hoover.27s here]. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 07:09, 20 January 2013 (UTC)
:::The only apparent reason why anyone would argue against describing Melaleuca as an [[multi-level marketing|MLM]] company, despite the wealth of evidence to the contrary, is the belief that the term, which in reality is inherently neutral, somehow evokes negative reactions among consumers, and that those perceptions could negatively impact someone’s (i.e., VanderSloot’s and Melaleuca distributors’) bottom line. Thus, these vehement but completely baseless arguments for excluding the term, in the face of such overwhelming evidence that it applies to Melaleuca, violates [[WP:NPOV]] and is strongly suggestive of a [[WP:COI|conflict of interest]].

:::As I’ve said before, this ridiculously tendentious argument to exclude the term MLM is equivalent to saying that a WP article should not mention that [[AIG]] sold [[collateralized debt obligations]], even though multiple sources establish that they in fact did, because the term CDOs might evoke a negative reaction among investors. Non-evidence of the type that Andrewman327 posted above, is equivalent to saying that several articles mentioned that AIG sold “investment vehicles” but did not specifically mention CDOs, therefore the AIG article must not mention CDOs. Obviously such arguments are patently absurd.

:::Just for the record, the quotes provided above by Andrewman327 do not even indicate that VanderSloot denies that his company is an MLM. Vandersloot merely says that he doesn’t “want to be thrown in the multilevel bucket”, and that, essentially, Meleleuca is somehow not like Amway, neither of which even remotely resembles a denial that Melaleuca is an MLM, VanderSloot signed the Utah AGs affidavit stating that Melaleuca is an MLM – that’s official and on the record. His other statements appear to be mere obfuscations of the facts to serve the interests of his company. Vandersloot’s signing of that affidavit, along with detailed evidence from multiple sources across the spectrum (including recognized experts on MLM, the FTC, investigative reports, court documents, etc.) leaves no room for debate. In fact, we’ve already wasted far too much time belaboring this issue. The only “sources” that say Melaleuca isn’t an MLM are the 3 editors (George Louis, Collect, and Andrewman327) who have been campaigning since mid 2012[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Deleting_contested_info_with_no_consensus_._._.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#bold_edits_changing_the_stable_version_from_27_July] to whitewash the term (and, subsequently, everything else that could even remotely be construed as critical) from the article. Around that time, Collect went so far as to evoke [[WP:SPA]]/[[WP:SOCK|sockpuppets]] as evidence that there was prior consensus to support his whitewashing all mention of the term MLM from the aricle.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=prev&oldid=511873724][http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=511439131&oldid=511438633]
:::I also find it disturbing that whenever George Louis claims, in the midst of being rebuked for improper conduct (e.g., edit warring[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Edit_warring#User:GeorgeLouis_reported_by_User:Nomoskedasticity_.28Result:_No_action_.28see_comments.29.29] most recently), to be taking a break from editing,[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Edit_warring&diff=prev&oldid=533546188] one of the other members of the conservative/VanderSloot PR spin-doctor contingent (e.g., Andrewman327 in this case), immediately moves over and takes the wheel, driving home the exact same tendentious arguments that George was trying to push. This is exactly the type of conduct that has prompted me to raise concerns about [[WP:TAGTEAM]] in the past.

:::(PS: Andrewman327, when providing hyperlinks the Talk page, enclose them in brackets without the reference template format, otherwise they don’t directly link to anything.) [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:14, 20 January 2013 (UTC)
::::The majority of the 20 sources you cited do not refer to Melaleuca as a multilevel marketing company in their leads. In fact, the way that the current article refers to the company in the lead isn't present anywhere in the literature, which a basic search of Google/EBSCO/ProQuest/Hoovers/etc will demonstrate. There has heretofore been minimal discussion regarding the lead. And, per your example, AIG's article has no reference to CDOs in its lead.

::::In a larger sense, there are important attributes of Melaleuca's business plan that you have been burying over the past two weeks in the interest of applying the MLM label at every opportunity instead of providing greater context or more specific information.

::::On another note, I am frustrated at the accusations that I am in league with other editors. As my user page says, I am always open to talk about my edits, and that's true. It makes as much sense to tell me I'm tagteaming as it does to say that I'm [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AAndrewman327&diff=534056007&oldid=533873654 in league with the Chinese government]. The two links you cite to 2012 discussions do not have anything to do with me. Every interaction I have ever had with any editor is publically available, with three exceptions for rejected AFC authors who e-mailed me. This is only one of the thousands of articles that I have edited this month. It is not constructive to the editing process to say that editors who disagree with you have conflict of interest. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 18:25, 31 January 2013 (UTC)

'''Reply to Andrewman327'''

''“The majority of the 20 sources you cited do not refer to Melaleuca as a multilevel marketing company in their leads.”''

Huh??? Red herring? When the sources mention Melaleuca, they refer to the company as an MLM; that’s all that matters, not the physical location of the text in the source article. The point is irrelevant.
:Actually that's not true, they refer to the company as a range of things but most refer to the company's ''business model'' as MLM. There's a difference. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 00:13, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
::Actually, you're wrong yet again. A majority (at least 90%) of the articles I've cited do not even mention "business model".[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Business#Request_for_comment_.2F_Melaleuca_.2F_Hoover.27s] You can stop making baseless statements any time now. The tendentiousness is grating. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 04:32, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
''“In fact, the way that the current article refers to the company in the lead isn't present anywhere in the literature…”''

The fact is that Melaleuca is an MLM company. Are you splitting hairs about precisely how we should say “Melaleuca...a MLM company”. I don't see any ambiguity in the current version.

''“There has heretofore been minimal discussion regarding the lead.”''
We apparently have very different definitions of minimal. IMO we've wasted entirely too much time beating this dead horse already. What further discussion is needed?

''“And, per your example, AIG's article has no reference to CDOs in its lead.”''

The metaphor was used merely to illustrate the absurdity of arguing that the term MLM is defamatory simply because some people (who they may be, you never mentioned) may or may not have a negative opinion about MLMs. I really don’t understand why you are pursuing such tenuous arguments; it gets us nowhere and it makes the process more painful than it should be.

''“In a larger sense, there are important attributes of Melaleuca's business plan that you have been burying over the past two weeks in the interest of applying the MLM label at every opportunity instead of providing greater context or more specific information.”''

You misrepresented my activities. The term MLM is mentioned exactly TWICE in the entire article. It’s clear that I have not applied “the MLM label at every opportunity”. What precisely is it that you think I’ve been burying for 2 weeks and why are you focusing on me? The term MLM isn’t in the article solely because I think it should be there. Multiple editors have been discussing this for ages. You and George seem to be the only editors expressing any skepticism about the company’s status as an MLM. Consensus does not support that POV.

''“On another note, I am frustrated at the accusations that I am in league with other editors…It is not constructive to the editing process to say that editors who disagree with you have conflict of interest.”''

That has nothing to do with the MLM issue, so we can take that up on your talk page if you’d like. It’s not really appropriate to have a back and forth discussion about it here (c.f. [[WP:TPG]]). You already know my position regarding the connections of several editors with [[WP:WikiProject_Conservatism]] and the past attempt at canvassing the group for support; it set a bad precedent and is reasonable grounds for concern, particularly when the editing and opinions expressed by some of these editors have been tendentious to the extreme. To me, such tendentious editing on an article about an MLM company that has thousands of independent distributors is suggestive of a potential COI. [[WP:AGF]] aside, WP [[WP:PACT|is not a a suicide pact]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 06:18, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
:I have never canvassed. I was a member of that Wikiproject but left before you started complaining about it because it was pointless and I did not engage in any of the Project's activities. I have never canvassed anywhere. In fact, I'm proud of my edit history. I've made mistakes, but it would be hard not to once your edit count enters five figures. Your account only edits one kind of article, but I've never implied you have a conflict of interest because I don't know you. If you believe that I have violated a single Wikipedia policy, then present your evidence on the proper noticeboard and I will explain myself to an administrator. As it stands, I have an exemplary record.

:Remember that [[WP:PACT]] is an essay by [[user:Fences and windows]] that reads in part, "...we can cut some serious slack to '''administrators''' who are doing the good work of defending us from nonsense" (emphasis mine). You are not an administrator, and regardless, an essay does free you from your obligation to [[WP:AGF|assume good faith]], which is "a fundamental principle on Wikipedia". <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 00:13, 3 February 2013 (UTC)

::I didn’t say that you canvassed. I said that you already know my position, because I assumed that I’d explained it enough times already in past discussions that it was unambiguous (i.e., GeorgeLouis canvassed, not you), and made the cause for my concerns quite clear. Why would you feign as though you don’t know what I’m referring to? You commented twice on the Vandersloot page on Sept 25/2012[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AFrank_L._VanderSloot&diff=514450102&oldid=514439478][http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AFrank_L._VanderSloot&diff=514517358&oldid=514514066] – just shy of 2 weeks after joining WP Project Conservatism [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:WikiProject_Conservatism/About_us&diff=prev&oldid=511958772] -- and backed up George’s edit warring over an absurd video that he was trying to railroad into the article.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_2#Link_to_Heritage_Foundation_video] Surely you must remember that video[http://www.livestream.com/heritagefoundation/video?clipId=pla_fc7322b8-754b-44c9-af7e-715269f83c63] – it was Grover Norquist’s tax pledge lecture from the [[Heritage Foundation]] that was being cited and linked to support some inanely trivial tidbit of drivel about Vandersloot eating ice cream and milking chickens on the farm when he was a boy.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=514212931&oldid=514204751] The one chock full of Vandersloot making slurs about other people. Remember now? The absurd video that got summarily executed because it violated every tenet of neutral, reliable sourcing.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Edit_warring&diff=514652197&oldid=514642559] That was so memorable! I can’t attest to the rest of your contributions, but that one (my first real glimpse) was quite a bit shy of exemplary.

::If you’re accusing me of being an [[WP:SPA]], then all I can do is shake my head in dismay at this hamfisted attempt at [[Misdirection_(magic)|misdirection]]. I did suggest that issues like these would be better taken up on your talk page (as per [[WP:TPG]]) if you wanted to discuss them further. If you don’t, then you can simply stop. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 06:20, 3 February 2013 (UTC)

===Consensus===

The consensus seems to be at this point that the term "multi-level marketing" should be removed from the lede. Rhode Island Red, Nomoskedasticity, and Leef5 believe Melaleuca is an MLM, but Leef5 says he "will leave it to the active editors" whether that assertion should be mentioned in the lede. Others who expressed an opinon that either (1) Melaleuca is definitely not an MLM or (2) they are undecided or (3) they just don't want that fact in the lede even if true are GeorgeLouis, Andrew327 ("I see no reason for this in the lead'), Jeremy112233 ("Why is it in the lead?"), Arzel, Collect, ArthurRubin, HtownCat ("I think we have too many sources to proclaim Melaleuca as an MLM in the second sentence of the article") and Katnotario. If I have made a mistake, feel free to line out your name or comment below. Anyway, I am changing the lede accordingly. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 14:34, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:You most certainly made a mistake, as there was no basis or consensus for removing the term MLM. Whether or not any of the editors here "believes" that Melaleuca is an MLM is irrelevant. The fact that it is an MLM is established by the sources that we have already discussed here ad nauseum. Railroading through your preferred version is not the way to proceed. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 16:28, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::For what it's worth, I fully support leaving the MLM mention in the career section where the companies are discussed in more detail; but I have no problem with the mention being dropped from the lead paragraph. In fact, I would say the lead should be trimmed to remove all the descriptions of the companies, only leaving their names. The details are secondary, not about the article subject (ie: the person), and are better suited for the career section that expands on the understanding of what was introduced in the lead. So, I would take the existing wording of the first paragraph:
:::<code>Frank L. VanderSloot (born August 14, 1948) is an American entrepreneur, radio network owner, rancher, and political campaign financier. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Melaleuca, Inc., a multi-level marketing company, headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho, which sells nutritional supplements, cleaning supplies, and personal-care products. His other business interests include Riverbend Ranch, an award winning commercial ranch operation, and Riverbend Communications, a group of broadcast radio stations in Eastern Idaho. VanderSloot also serves on the board of directors and executive board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, the Land Report listed him as the nation’s 92nd largest landowner.</code>
::I would rewrite as:
:::<code>Frank L. VanderSloot (born August 14, 1948) is an American entrepreneur, radio network owner, rancher, and political campaign financier. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Melaleuca, Inc. His other business interests include Riverbend Ranch and Riverbend Communications. VanderSloot also serves on the board of directors and executive board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, the Land Report listed him as the nation’s 92nd largest landowner.</code>
::Although, if others object to purging the descriptions of the companies, then the MLM mention should remain in the lead as well so that the full appropriate description exists.
::--- [[User:Barek|Barek]] <small>([[User talk:Barek|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Barek|contribs]])</small> - 16:55, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:::I would agree with Barek's approach, as this is a BLP article, and not an article about Melaleuca. It appears there is enough material here to create a separate Melaleuca article where a lot of these debates could continue and not [[WP:COATRACK]] it here. <span style="border:1px solid black;">'''&nbsp;[[User:Leef5|Leef5]]&nbsp;'''</span>&nbsp;<small><sup><font color="orange">[[User_talk:Leef5|TALK]]</font>&nbsp;&#124;&nbsp;<font color="black">[[Special:Contributions/Leef5|CONTRIBS]]</font></sup></small> 17:08, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Lead is probably a bit top heavy with details, but a descriptor of Melaleuca is necessary in the lead so that the reader has some idea of the nature of the company. "Cattle rancher", "radio network owner", etc. are self explanatory. "CEO of Melaleuca" is not. [[WP:LEAD]] says: "The lead should be able to stand alone as a concise overview. It should define the topic, establish context, explain why the topic is notable, and summarize the most important points—including any prominent controversies. The emphasis given to material in the lead should roughly reflect its importance to the topic, according to reliable, published sources, and the notability of the article's subject is usually established in the first few sentences." There are more than 20 reliable sources establishing Melaleuca as an MLM, so it would seem improper to not reflect this in the lead, as per the guidelines. The fact that Melaleuca is an MLM is a critical deatil that has been stressed by those sources. In other words, it is not a trivial aspect.
::::I figured that the suggestion to spin off a separate article on Melaleuca would come up eventually, since the details that were added about the company over the last couple of months really have nothing to do with VanderSloot. It seems that much of the material was added as filler to dilute the less than flattering details. However, even if it is spun off as a separate article, that doesn't mean that the critiques will vanish from VanderSloot's article, which I infer would might be the ultimate goal of some of the editors here. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:24, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::Stating that he was "founder and chief executive officer of Melaleuca, Inc" is more than adequate to describe the ''subject'' of the article. He was founder and CEO of a company. As you pointed out, WP:LEAD states "The emphasis given to material in the lead should roughly reflect its importance to the topic" ... that last word is critical: the topic/subject of the article is the person, not the company. Being an MLM is an important aspect about the company, not the person. It's important to recognize the distinction between the two.
:::::As I said, the MLM mention is most certainly appropriate in the career section that expands upon an understanding of the company for which he was CEO. And that mention would most certainly be appropriate if the company were ever spun-off into its own article (in which case, MLM would belong both here in the career section and in the spun-off article.
:::::All that said ... I honestly don't care enough about either the company nor the person enough to debate this. I only have this article on my watchlist due to edit warring complaints in the past. My opinion is out there - if others want to agree, fine - if not, that's fine too. --- [[User:Barek|Barek]] <small>([[User talk:Barek|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Barek|contribs]])</small> - 18:07, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::I appreciate your contributions to the discussion here, but there is a flaw in that argument. Many sources have written detailed articles about VanderSloot that prominently feature the MLM aspect in their coverage; these are not articles on Melaleuca but rather on Vandersloot. If they deem that MLM is worthy of including in the discussion of VanderSloot, then it is not our place to say that it's not relevant. We have to take our lead from the sources themselves. Hope that provides some clarity. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:45, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::Actually -- it is up to the editors here per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] to choose placement of claims and weight given thereto. The lede does ''not'' contain every factoid in the BLP, nor ought it do so. We can make an MLM claim in the text, but that does not mean it should be iterated in the lede. Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 20:05, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::Please note this thread is not about any "factoid" or "claim". [[User:Writegeist|Writegeist]] ([[User talk:Writegeist|talk]]) 21:31, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::::In Wikipedia, the word "claim" refers to anything written in any article. "Factoid" simply means a minor fact - one not of earth-shaking importance to the subject of a BLP. Minor facts do not belong in the lede. The lede is supposed to be a ''summary'' of the BLP contents. In Wikispeak: '' The lead serves as an introduction to the article and a summary of its most important aspects''. Note the words "'''most important'''." It is up [[WP:CONSENSUS]] to value claims as to being important or unimportant. Is this clear? [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 22:10, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::It's highly disingenuous to keep steadfastly insisting that the MLM detail is minor when it has been established that it is not. It is a central defining feature of the company that has been discussed by more than 20 sources and acknowledged by VanderSloot himself. When you keep ignoring the facts in support of the POV you are pushing (i.e. that Melaleuca is not an MLM), it makes achieving a reasonable consensus next to impossible. That's a problem that has plagues this article since mid 2012. A review of the history of the discussion about the company's MLM status (dating back to mid 2012) makes it clear that the POV you and George have been pushing has nothing to do with facts, evidence, reliability of sources, or WP policy. It's just that you believe the term is unflattering and that, for that reason alone, it is OK to whitewash it from the article. That is indicative of a serious misunderstanding of [[WP:NPOV]] at least, and a [[WP:COI]] issue at worst. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 22:35, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::::::How is this MLM claim important to '''a biography of a living person'''. Do you wish us to say he was the one who started the company deliberately and specifically as an MLM? That he somehow makes MLM a key part of his business plans? What, precisely, makes it an '''important fact about the person'''? Note that the claim may well be present in the body of the article, but the lede is specifically supposed to contain '''the most important information about the person.''' So far, you have not demonstrated that it is directly and personally important to the biography. Can you explain exactly why it is important to VanderSloot personally? Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 22:49, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::I wish us to say nothing other than what multiple sources have identified as notable about Vandersloot -- that he is the founder and CEO of an MLM company by the name of Melaleuca. It's not just any old run-of-the-mill company but an MLM company specifically, as emphasized by multiple sources that stressed this point in particular while reporting on Vandersloot, thereby conclusively establishing notability. It's just that simple. I already quoted the significant parts of [[WP:LEAD]] that establish the basis for why it has remained in the lead for the better part of the past year. I hate to bring up the subject of POV pushing but it bears pointing out that you (and George Louis) have argued vociferously to purge the term MLM from the article '''''entirely''''' since mid 2012,[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#bold_edits_changing_the_stable_version_from_27_July] and have continued to do so even as the evidence against your POV mounted, which suggests to me that you have more than a casual interest in the matter.

:::::::::::::::First, you tried to out-argue other editors who opposed your POV, and you didn't even bother to look for any sources then would have supported ther position (I was later able, with very little effort, to find 20+ sources that did so) -- and instead you cited SPAs and sock puppets as evidence of a consensus supporting the purge of "MLM". When that approach failed, you argued that the company isn't an MLM at all, then you quibbled about sources, and finally, now that you have expended all this effort for naught campaigning to purge the term, your new tack is to argue that the detail is too insignificant to warrant being mentioned. It's been a series of steadily eroding nit-picking arguments culminating in this last attempt, which has been aided by SPAs and edit warring. The entire approach belies a non-neutral POV on the matter.

:::::::::::::::Melaleuca is an MLM -- numerous sources establish this as a fact for WP purposes, and at this point no one is even trying to argue that it isn't. The sources demonstrate that this fact is directly relevant in a discussion about Vandersloot himself and not merely in a discussion about Melaleuca. There is absolutely zero potential for violating any WP policy or harming the encyclopedic integrity of WP by referring to Melaleuca as an "MLM company" in the lead or elsewhere. The MLM "issue" may be of greater PR consequence for those who peddle Melaleuca products for a living, but WP doesn't bend to accommodate such interests when they run counter to editorial and policy objectives. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 00:29, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::::::::IOW you do not wish to answer my question - other than to attack me for a POV which I do not have. I have no connection direct or indirect with VanderSloot, Meleleuca, anyone mentioned in this article, or anything remotely connected to this article. '''You give absolutely no reason for the term being in the lede at all''' -- unless, of course, every fact should be in the lede. But [[WP:LEDE]] goes against that odd position. Further note that I am not trying to excise "MLM" only noting that it is not needed in the lede, so histrionics about this are silly. '''Nor have I removed anything related to "MLM" from the article.''' You have 174 edits to this article - I have a total of 15 edits here. The issue boils down to: While MLM is in the body of the article, does it have sufficient importance to be in the lede? That is all that is being discussed - not absurd claims that I support socks, or tagteams or anything at all on that order. Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 01:04, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::::To claim an editor accused you of "supporting" sock puppets when he or she did no such thing is an egregious misrepresentation of the editor's position (RIR merely said, rightly or wrongly, that you ''cited'' SPAs and sockpuppets, so your histrionics about this are silly), and constitutes a clear personal attack, which I trust you will now withdraw. To identify Melaleuca as an MLM is no more a "claim" than it is to identify Obama as President of the United States. To, er, claim otherwise is fatuously, um, errant. That Melaleuca is a multi-level marketing company is neither trivial nor (''factoid'''s other common meaning, as you will know) an invented fact. Claim #1 -- fails. Claim #2 -- fails. Claim #3 -- fails. Hat trick! [[User:Writegeist|Writegeist]] ([[User talk:Writegeist|talk]]) 01:45, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::::::::::He wrote '''and instead you cited SPAs and sock puppets as evidence of a consensus supporting the purge of "MLM".''' which sure looks to me like he thinks I support socks. In point of fact I have not "cited" socks or SPAs, and I find your appearance here to be ... interesting. In Wikipedia, anything at all about someone or something is a "claim" and your apparent belief that Wikipedia uses the wrong word is useless. This is the word generally used on Wikipedia. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 13:15, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::::::::::::I note you now admit that what RIR actually wrote was not at all, in fact, that you supported socks but that you ''cited'' them; and that you now say that when you read what he wrote it looks to you as if he is thinking something else altogether, an imaginary something to which you object. Thus, curiously, you defend your right to attack another editor not for his actual comments but for whatever you care to say he was thinking when he wrote them—a somewhat idiosyncratic interpretation of [[WP:NPA]], as NPA does not, AFAICT, allow you to attack other editors for what you choose to say they are thinking. [[User:Writegeist|Writegeist]] ([[User talk:Writegeist|talk]]) 17:06, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::And what you ''assert'' happens to be a ''palpable'' falsehood. The consensus included some editors who were ''later'' accused of being socks, but as I had no way of '''assuming bad faith''', as you seem to wish, I looked at the overall clear consensus on the issue at the time. Given what appears to be a consensus, that is what [[WP:CONSENSUS]] tells us to do. You apparently feel that one ought to ''automatically assume'' bad faith - such as noting that a nameless person '''who has not done anything other than appear to post attacking me on a talk page''' may not be actually seeking to improve the article. Cheers -- now do you have any suggestions on improving this BLP? [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 21:21, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::If your post ("what you assert happens to be a palpable falsehood . . . ") is, as appears from the indent, a reply to mine about the fact that RIR commented that you ''cited'' socks, which you yourself immediately confirmed as palpably true with "He wrote . . . 'you cited . . . sock puppets' " it's just hilariously absurd. If it is a reply to someone else, perhaps you would like to clarify who that is. Do I have any suggestions on improving this BLP? Yes: I suggest its improvement would best be handled by the various intelligent and objective editors who have demonstrated a real grasp of the subject matter, and also of policies, guidelines and simple logic, and who would not misrepresent scrupulous accuracy as, e.g., "palpable falsehood". Not that I expect this suggestion will be taken up, of course; but you did ask. Another suggestion, for which I though my support was clear and unequivocal, is to retain the fact that the company is an MLM in the lead, for the compelling reasons laid out by RIR ''et al''. Is that clear now? [[User:Writegeist|Writegeist]] ([[User talk:Writegeist|talk]]) 00:17, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::::::::In point of fact Collect, you most certainly did cite SPAs/socks as evidence of a consensus supporting a purge of the term MLM from the article. In reference to my restoration of “MLM” to the article, you claimed the following:
::::::::::::::::::::::“This is to discuss whether consensus has changed - as one editor appears to wish…” Collect (talk) 23:52, 8 September 2012 (UTC)”[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot&offset=20121110172337&limit=500&action=history]
:::::::::::::::::::::That so-called "consensus" Collect referred to was based on shallow inaccurate comments from 3 SPA/sock puppets.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Pyramid_Selling.2C_Multilevel_Marketing.2C_and_Direct_Marketing.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Imaginenow][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Not_LTD][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Roadpeace] and he proceeded to edit war on that basis, attempting to purge MLM from the article.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=511439131&oldid=511438633][http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=511455132&oldid=511439944] I did not draw any conclusions about the underlying actions of that claim of consensus, but logic would dictate that there are only 2 possibilities: (a) Collect knew that they were socks and SPAs and claimed consensus based on input that he knew was tainted, or (b) Collect did not know they were socks/SPAs because he failed to make even a cursory attempt to find out who the comments were coming from, in which case he should have apologized and retreated after the facts were pointed out to him -- but he (and George Louis) doubled down instead.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Deleting_contested_info_with_no_consensus_._._.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#bold_edits_changing_the_stable_version_from_27_July][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Reverting_to_stable_version] This is uncannily similar to what happened in just the past week. After vehemently arguing to purge MLM from the article, George gets nailed for violating 3RR and announces he's taking a week-long wikibreak; SPA suddenly appears out of nowhere to delete the term MLM from the article; George ends his wikibreak prematurely to shower that SPA with wikilove and then adds a claim that I "bit the head off the newcomer" to his ridiculous witch-hunt roster of my alleged misdeeds.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Requests_for_comment/Rhode_Island_Red.2#Rhode_Island_Red_in_response_to_allegation_of_biting_the_head_of_a_newcomer_by_George_Louis] As I've said before, these editors have used every means possible to game the system in favor of the POV they are pushing. It is strongly indicative of a non-NPOV at least and [[WP:COI]] at worst. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 18:13, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
::On what grounds should I have automatically assumed bad faith of these editors? And what were the results of the SPI investigations which clearly showed all of them to be socks? Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 21:21, 24 January 2013 (UTC) By the way - as they do ''not'' appear to be labeled as "socks" by ''anyone but you'', I would suggest you tone down your rhetoric. If '''no one''' labels someone as a sock, it is idiotic to say I must have known them to be socks. Is that clear? See [[WP:AGF]] and [[WP:NPA]] while you are at it -- calling editors whome you do not like "socks" without even filing an SPI report is raher inane. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 21:26, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Since you are choosing to belabor and obfuscate the issue, I am compelled to expound further. When I initially brought this serious issue to your attention, I clearly stated that these SPA accounts were “looking an awful lot like sock puppets”, rather than saying that they were confirmed socks,[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=prev&oldid=511771446] so don’t pretend that you don’t know what the real issue is. You choose to quibble about whether or not any of the users in question were confirmed socks while failing to admit that they were clearly and unequivocally SPAs, and that you should have known better that to cite them as part of a consensus supporting you edit warring and attempt to whitewash “MLM” from the article. [[WP:SPA]] states:

::::''“Experienced editors often scrutinize the editing activities of new editors and single-purpose accounts to determine whether they are here to build an encyclopedia (perhaps needing help and advice), or whether they are editing for promotion, advocacy or other unsuitable agendas. Although the community seeks to attract new and well-informed users knowledgeable in a particular subject, Wikipedia is not a platform for advocacy.”''

:::Aside from that, one or more of the accounts in question fits the M.O. of a sock listed in [[WP:SIGNS]] (see “Possible signs”). Furthermore, [[WP:CAST]] states:

::::''“Whether or not a sock puppet, those who follow the leader and just go along with what someone else says do not help advance the cause of the discussion. Such votes are generally discounted when determining the outcome of the discussion.”''

:::It does not matter whether you and/or George Louis were directly colluding with any of these accounts or whether you just blithely cited them as representing a valid consensus, without doing the expected due diligence, because they conveniently supported the skewed POV you were attempting to push. The heart of the matter is that you have been working aggressively to purge MLM from the article since mid-2012; you have done so in a manner that contravenes the policies, GLs, and spirit of WP to an extent that can easily be characterized as [[WP:GAMING]] and [[WP:DE]]/[[WP:TE]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 23:11, 24 January 2013 (UTC)

:::::If you wish to call someone a "sock", '''be man enough to accuse them in the proper venue'''. I have not "contravened" policies here - and your tirade is of nugatory value to this article talk page. And please stop citing ''essays'' as being ''policies'' - it ill suits polite discourse. And your insinuation that I "collude" with ''anyone'' is asinine, silly, inane, improper, errant, ill-annered, and egregiously objectionable. Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 00:19, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::As so often seems to be the case, you are [[WP:IDIDNTHEARTHAT|refusing to get the point]]. Again, I have made it clear that these were ''obvious'' SPAs and ''suspected'' socks. I quoted the relevant policies/GLs that outline (a) the expectations of WP editors with respect to scrutinizing SPAs and suspected socks (e.g., not citing them as representing a consensus to support your POV) and (b) when suspicion about SPA status is warranted. As I already explained above, on the surface these SPA accounts fit the general WP criteria of suspected socks, but in addition all 3 accounts were opened in May-June 2007 (with a small handful of random edits on pages unrelated to Vandersloot) and then were essentially dormant for years prior to whitewashing content from the article and POV pushing/[[WP:SOAP|soapboxing]] on the MLM discussion on the Vandersloot Talk page in mid-2012.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Roadpeace][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Imaginenow][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Not_LTD]

::::::I reiterate, it was ''plainly evident'' that these were SPAs; it is ''likely'' that they are socks as well. In either case, you were remiss in citing them in support of your attempt to scrub "MLM" from the article. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 01:02, 25 January 2013 (UTC)

:::::::You did ''not'' say "suspected" or "likely" - you outright called them "socks" and that is contrary to [[WP:AGF]]. So for once and for all -- '''either file an SPI or drop your claim.''' And again since I did ''not'' say to "scrub MLM from the article" you are making ad hominem arguments which are '''not intended to improve the article'''. What you ''are'' doing is making personal attacks on each of the people you call "socks" without being man enough to file a complaint. '''That''' is unworthy behaviour. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 12:29, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::First, as I already pointed out, it is clear you already know that my position is that these are suspected socks rather than confirmed socks. I made this clear when I originally brought your attention to the matter last summer (after you cited them as evidence of a consensus that didn’t exist to justify your attempts at purging “MLM” from the article).[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=prev&oldid=511771446] I stated at that time that these accounts were “looking an awful lot like [[WP:SOCK|sock puppets]]”. I have since made my position even more clear by saying explicitly several times that these are suspected socks. The characteristics of those 3 accounts strongly suggest that they are socks. If you would like to comprehensively address your past user conduct issues in railroading through tendentious edits on the basis of SPA accounts that fit the profile of sock puppets, then I’m game. Since you are unrepentant and still trying to railroad through the same changes, admin scrutiny and intervention would probably be a good idea. In which venue would you like me to report you?

::::::::While we’re on the subject of admin intervention for user conduct, can you not recognize your own hypocrisy in complaining about alleged “personal attacks”, which in reality consisted nothing more than expressing concern that 3 SPAs might be sock puppets, and then in the same breath making a clear personal attack against my manhood. You are leaping into an abyss of user conduct issues here. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:34, 25 January 2013 (UTC)

:::::::::You did ''not'' qualify your use of "sock" and further you did not show that '''everyone who disagrees with you is an SPA''' either. And "being man enough" is a '''[[metaphor]]''' and says nothing whatsoever about your ''actual'' "manhood" so you can drop that as an arguemnt here entirely. I rather think most people do not interpret metaphors as literally as you seem to do. And you did far more than "express a concern that ... may be sock puppets'' you specifically said I supported them.
::::::::::''' you cited SPAs and sock puppets as evidence of a consensus supporting the purge of "MLM". '''
::::::::::'''it is ''likely'' that they are socks as well'''
::::::::::''' SPA accounts that fit the profile of sock puppets'''
:::::::::Are your exact words above -- I would point out that I have now been online for three decades, and under contract identified a number of "socks" and you are stretching to think that ''one essay makes you qualified to call any other editor a "sock"'' and not follow through at SPI about it. Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 19:15, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
Refusing to get the point on several fronts I see. I'm disappointed that you think it's OK to make a personal attack as long as it is couched in a metaphor. Just remember that if I ever slip up and inadvertently say that you are behaving ''like'' a [[WP:DICK]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 23:02, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
------------------------------------------------
:Some thoughts on consensus. While WP:CON tips its hat towards users like RIR with 'the quality of an argument is more important than whether it represents a minority or a majority view', it also says 'Consensus is an ongoing process on Wikipedia; it is often better to accept a less-than-perfect compromise – with the understanding that the page is gradually improving – than to try to fight to implement a particular "perfect" version immediately'; and 'In 2012, a group of researchers studying Wikipedia disputes reported: "Debates rarely conclude on the basis of merit; typically they are ended by outside intervention, sheer exhaustion, or the evident numerical dominance ''[as here]'' of one group."
:I've followed the (numerous) arguments here for some time (noting, in passing, the use of the dramaboards against the participant whose comments, for the most part, IMO, exhibit the most incisive understanding of the various issues), and I've checked the sources. I'm persuaded: it's as plain as a pikestaff that Melaleuca is verifiably an MLM and that the mention belongs in the lead, even though its exclusion, given GeorgeLouis's comments on consensus, is unavoidable, at least unless/until outside editors take an interest in the article. (Village pump, anybody?)

:Oh, and "The quality of articles with combative editors is, as a rule, far lower than that of articles where editors take a longer view." Hope this helps. [[User:Writegeist|Writegeist]] ([[User talk:Writegeist|talk]]) 17:47, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::Well, as far as consensus is concerned, George has misrepresented Arthur Rubin, and Arzel has not in fact expressed a view. George's analysis of consensus is rather off target, and I suggest that he is not well placed to make that sort of judgement. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 17:55, 23 January 2013 (UTC)

:::Is there a better way of doing this? I'm of the opinion that it should be removed from the lead because it is not a major part of the article, and a fuller description of the company is more appropriate in the company's section, not the lead. I am certain I will be hounded once again for suggesting things here, but can we have a structured vote on this, allowing all to insert their opinions alongside their votes, at least to try and move towards a consensus? [[User:Jeremy112233|Jeremy112233]] ([[User talk:Jeremy112233|talk]]) 18:36, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::A better way would be to not push a non-neutral POV. A vote, in this situation especially, would not be a valid means of establishing consensus. Compelling arguments are what matters and none have been raised to justify the whitewashing of MLM from the article. Repeatedly using the [[WP:IJUSTDONTLIKEIT]] approach is pointless. [[WP:LEAD]] clearly justifies the mention of MLM; it's a key feature of the company that has been described by roughly 2 dozen sources and officially acknowledged by Vanderslot himself. The MLM aspect in the body text has been diluted and pushed down by the addition of extraneous details about the company, provided by the same editors that have been leading the whitewash campaign. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:38, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::: As always, I understand you have a ''strong opinion'' on this :) , but that's not what I asked. I asked if we can determine an actual consensus on the particular point of including it in the lead, not whether or not you felt it mattered. As this has stirred up some conversation, what are the best steps to finding a consensus--where you can voice as strong an opinion as you wish about keeping it in the lead. If you see it as so obvious, then I'm sure you trust the consensus will go your way, and the issue can be put to bed either way. [[User:Jeremy112233|Jeremy112233]] ([[User talk:Jeremy112233|talk]]) 19:54, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::It is obvious; that VanderSloot is the founder of Melaleuca; that Melaleuca is an MLM, and that it's the most signficant fact about Melaleuca. If Melaleuca is in the lead, so should the fact that it's an MLM. But I'm not good at judging consensus. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 05:46, 24 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::Hammer. Nail. Head. [[User:Writegeist|Writegeist]] ([[User talk:Writegeist|talk]]) 17:06, 24 January 2013 (UTC)

Let's take a step back for a moment. Corporate business models don't belong in leads. It is uncommon for reliable secondary sources about either VanderSloot or Melaleuca to refer to the company as an MLM in the lead, as I established in my 50+ citation post above. As a matter of fact, barely any of the 20 articles cited as supporting the MLM claim actually refer to Melaleuca as an MLM ''in their lead paragraphs''. There is very little precedent on or off Wiki for the lead to be written as it is now. I would like to see more fresh eyes on this article, and as an admin with over 50,000 edits, Barek represents an ideal source. I like the lead that Barek proposed and believe that it should be implemented.

There is another issue that I would like to address. One claim that has been repeatedly made is that VanderSloot has said that the company is an MLM, which is not true. At one point, he signed a voluntary agreement that said that the Idaho Attorney General had that opinion. Recently, VanderSloot asked the same AG's office for an opinion on Melaleuca and they responded with a generally favorable letter. VanderSloot has explicitly denied that Melaleuca is an MLM several times, notably in a published letter to Forbes: "We were surprised at the suggestion that Melaleuca is a "pyramid-selling organization" along the lines of Herbalife and Amway in "If You Believe" (Oct. 11, p. 89). That's as misleading as suggesting that a cow is similar to a cat just be-cause both are four-legged mammals. Whatever the similarities between cats and cows, they do not make cats bovine nor cows feline. It's the many differences in our business model and culture that set Melaleuca apart from any multilevel marketing company. Painting Melaleuca as a pyramid-selling organization suggests that you don't understand the vital differences between these two divergent business models." <small>''Vandersloot, Frank L. 2004. "Uncowed." Forbes 174, no. 10: 28. (accessed January 24, 2013)''</small>.

Editors may be confusing Melaleuca Inc. with Oil of Melaleuca, about which VanderSloot has been quite negative. To wit: "It was a multi-level company selling starter kits for $57 a pop, but if you bought $5,000 worth, you could rise to the top of the pyramid" (<small>''Melaleuca CEO: Dark days proved worthwhile''</small>).

<span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 02:21, 25 January 2013 (UTC)

:No, let's not step back -- move forward instead.

:There was not a single valid point in that post; namely:
# Using a flawed opening premise that “corporate business models don't belong in leads”, when in fact there is absolutely no policy, precedent, or logical reason for claiming that MLM should be excluded from the lead; quite the contrary in fact according to [[WP:LEAD]] (NB: it helps to actually read and absorb WP policies and GLs before arguing about them).
# Failing to acknowledge the 20+ sources that identify Melaleuca as an MLM, while instead fallaciously citing absence of evidence in other sources as evidence of absence.
# Arbitrarily dismissing Vandersloots’s official acknowledgement to the Utah AG that Melaleuca Inc. is an MLM -- an acknowledgement that Vandersloot signed ''voluntarily''.
# The misrepresentation of Vandersloot’s comment about Amway, which in fact was an attempt to distance his company from Amway but did not claim that Melaleuca is not an MLM.
# Making a vague accusation that editors (who you conveniently failed to identify) are confusing Melaleuca with Vandersloot’s previous company, when in fact there is no evidence whatsoever to support such a speculative accusation; rather, we keep pointing to the 20+ sources that refer specifically to Melaleuca Inc. as an MLM – sources which you are conveniently ignoring.

:The fact that Melaleuca is an MLM has been firmly established. Arguing the contrary is pointless backtracking and a waste of resources. The discussion about this aspect of the company has now devolved into quizzical nitpicking about the lead (i.e., the ludicrous suggestion that including 3 words -- multi-level marketing -- somehow makes the lead too top-heavy and violates policy). The level of effort being expended by a couple of pugnacious editors here to whitewash the term MLM entirely from the article (which has been going on since mid-2012) clearly goes well beyond a mere passion for concisely written leads. It is indicative of POV pushing to serve an [[WP:ADVOCACY|agenda]] that is at cross purposes with that of WP. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]])

===Avoid details in the lede===

This is a new section because I'd like to specifically address the proposed version by [[User:Barek]]. He has suggested removing the descriptions of VanderSloot's various business operations from the lede, specifically suggesting that it read as follows:

<blockquote>Frank L. VanderSloot (born August 14, 1948) is an American entrepreneur, radio network owner, rancher, and political campaign financier. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Melaleuca, Inc. His other business interests include Riverbend Ranch and Riverbend Communications. VanderSloot also serves on the board of directors and executive board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, the Land Report listed him as the nation’s 92nd largest landowner.</blockquote>

His suggestion does not bother with the question as to whether Melaleuca is or is not a multi-level marketing business. Editors of the article are divided on this point, but it would seem that everybody could agree on the statement that Barek proposed just above. That agreement would be the epitome of [[WP:Consensus]]. Barek's suggestion has the advantage of simplicity and thoroughness (all of VDS's business enterprises are mentioned, but exposition is left for the body of the article). What's more, it avoids the contentiousness that has been suffusing this article for quite some time. I note that

<blockquote>Contentious material about living persons (or recently deceased) that is unsourced or poorly sourced – whether the material is negative, positive, neutral, or just questionable – should be removed immediately and without waiting for discussion.[2] Users who persistently or egregiously violate this policy may be blocked from editing.</blockquote>

In short, it seems that consensus is not needed to remove contentious material. I guess anybody could do it, but it might be better if an administrator were to take it upon himself or herself to do so. If Barek does not want to, perhaps another seasoned editor could be recruited. Thus I am listing this discussion at [[Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents]]. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 02:53, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
:If Melaleuca is mentioned in the lead, it should be mentioned that it is an MLM in the lead. If not, then obviously not. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 04:32, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
::I see some lies above, not necessarily due to Wikipedia editors. There is absolutely no dispute that Melaleuca is an MLM.
::The "trimmed down" lead has no encyclopedic information. It would be better to report in the lead that "... founder and chief executive officer of an MLM company" than "... founder and chief executive officer of Melaleuca". — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 08:00, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Again we have a thread devoted to a faulty premise. [[WP:LEAD]] does not say to "avoid detail". Quite the opposite in fact; it says that "the lead should be able to stand alone as a concise overview", and it's not as though anyone has proposed expanding mention of MLM in the lead beyond the inclusion of the mere 3 words (or two and half words depending on how you count hyphens) -- "multi-level marketing". The lead stands at about 2 1/2 paragraphs right now and the GLs say that it should not exceed 4 paragraphs, so it's not top-heavy at all. The idea that whitewashing MLM from the lead would improve the lead by making it more concise is absurd, and mere brevity is clearly not the underlying intent of the editors (George Louis, Collect, and Andrewman 327) who, since mid-2012, have been campaigning relentlessly (and in defiance of evidence) for purging the term from the article entirely. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:11, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Hooha- you seem to make false statements about my position once more. I have ''never'' sought to "whitewash" this BLP, nor to remove material from the body of the BLP. '''Thus your claim is errant and wrong, and, IMO, egregiously false.''' As to my position on article length - in general shorter ''is'' better. Bloated articles serve no one at all. See [[Joseph Widney]] now at about 62K in size vs. [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Widney&oldid=254424973] the same article before I reduced its size (over 140K). [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 18:13, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::That's flat out nonsense! You've deleted MLM from the article on more than one occasion. How can we possibly excuse such a patently false claim? Your personal position on bloated articles is irrelevant because WP has its own policies and GLs that apply. I've already pointed out that the lead is quite a bit under the 4 paragraph limit recommended in [[WP:LEAD]], which also specifies that the lead should be a stand alone summary of the content in the body text of the article. I'll say it again -- your argument is tendentious in the extreme and is not supported by policies or GLs; it is however entirely consistent with your longstanding efforts to censor the article. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 22:56, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
I think Arthur Rubin's edit just now ([http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&curid=34823246&diff=535207008&oldid=535197134]) is a nice one and much to be preferred. Saying that he is the founder of "Melaleuca" does not enlighten anyone who does not already know what Melaleuca is. Likewise with the other two businesses. Much better to use a brief phrase that indicates the nature of the business. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 18:50, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
:I disagree, almost nobody in the literature has ever referred to the company in that way, even in articles that go on to call Melaleuca an MLM. It's a large company that manufactures household goods and dietary supplements. It would be like saying Henry Ford founded a franchise-dealership company .<span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 19:39, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
"Almost nobody" meaning the 20+ sources you are conveniently ignoring. Tsk tsk. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 22:36, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
::Further discussion is ongoing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Biographies_of_living_persons/Noticeboard#Which_lede_should_be_used.3F at the BLP noticeboard]]. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 20:00, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
:::I noticed that, and it's silly because the editors commenting there are the same ones that are commenting here. Forking the discussion serves no useful purpose -- it's counterproductive. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 22:47, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
::::Actually your charge is inapt. BLP concerns are properly listed at the [[WP:BLP/N]] noticeboard. Always have been. Always will be. Cheers - it was a BLP/N discussion which led me here in the first place. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 23:09, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::Q: Who has contributed to the discussion at BLPN? A: You, me, and George Louis. Get the point now? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 01:01, 28 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::You and George kicked up quite a fuss about this article and have forum shopped to no end fishing for support. As a result, you got two new ''very'' experienced editors commenting (Arthur Rubin and Writegeist), and because they are unequivocally disagreeing with George's and your position, it's back to the forum shop. Play the hand you were dealt; don't ask for a mulligan every time. It's a needless waste of resources. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 01:08, 28 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::Your desire to attack editors is clear. I wish you had the same desire to tell the gd truth though. You have had plenty of mulligans in your attacks now - it is time you were person enough to stop them. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 01:14, 28 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::::It's not an attack; it's a simple statement of fact. The article has received the additional scrutiny that you and George sought, as a result of the arrival of 2 veteran editors who had no previous involvement, and now that they disagree with your position, you're in effect dismissing the input and continuing to seek the answer ''you want'' via [[WP:FORUM|forum shopping]]. That epitomizes [[WP:DE]] and [[WP:ICANTHEARYOU|refusal to get the point]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 03:18, 28 January 2013 (UTC)

== primary sources ==

===Not a journalist===

The Chang letter is not a valid source as it is a "primary source" about a non-notable person *Ms. Chang is not a noted "journalist" and absent a source for that claim, it is barred by [[WP:BLP]]. I find ''no'' reliable sources making that claim which do not trace back to her in the first place. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 15:15, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:I suggest reading [http://www.salon.com/2012/02/17/billionaire_romney_donor_uses_threats_to_silence_critics/ this] and reverting yourself -- at least insofar as she is named as one of VS's targets. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 15:31, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:Collect, you're embarrassing yourself by reverting before reading the source I suggested to you. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 15:46, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Chang is mentioned specifically as one of Vaandersloot's defamation targets (and identified as a "journalist") in the secondary sources cited.[http://www.salon.com/2012/02/17/billionaire_romney_donor_uses_threats_to_silence_critics/][http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show#47302840] The primary source (i.e. Melaleuca's letters to Chang) is from a reputable source ([[Salon Magazine]]) and are perfectly acceptable according to WP policy. Collect's deletion of this material,[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=534171606&oldid=534114209] for which there was no basis, has been reverted.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=next&oldid=534171606] [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
::::You have now edit warred five times in under 24 hours on this BLP, RIR. I have now asked you three times to self-revert. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 16:26, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::It's really hard to admit an error/oversight, isn't it. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 16:37, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
::::::And snark !- discussion, Nomo. How many requests to self-revert ought it take? [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 16:40, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:::::::None. There is no reason whatsoever to self-revert. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:52, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
===Apology===

My apology for making this unwarranted change [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=534404263&oldid=534403801 here]. Greenwald did mention Chang. ''Mea culpa.'' Nevertheless, this paragraph could do with a lot more work to indicate who mentioned whom instead of lumping all the sources at the end. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 01:02, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
:Thanks. FTR, she's also in [http://www.localnews8.com/news/VanderSloot-Responds-To-Allegations-Of-Threatening-Media/-/308662/14519370/-/12bx1vn/-/index.html this one]. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 02:48, 23 January 2013 (UTC)

== EFF editorial blog ==

!= reliable source for calling Chang a "journalist." The sources I do find call her a founder of "pridedepot.com" which is not a "reliable source". Cheers. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 16:23, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:Nothing more to say in the previous section, Collect?? Any more reverts coming? [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 16:25, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
::Only if RIR recognizes that 5RR is under 24 hours is unwise. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 16:27, 21 January 2013 (UTC)
:::Is there a relevant point about the EFF lurking somewhere in Collect's incomprehensible post? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 16:43, 21 January 2013 (UTC)

== Wives ==

:VanderSloot lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with his wife of 17 years, Belinda VanderSloot. Together they have fourteen children:[24] six from Frank VanderSloot’s two prior marriages, and eight from Belinda VanderSloot’s first marriage.[8] VanderSloot was previously married to Kathleen VanderSloot (née Zundel), his first wife, and Vivian VanderSloot, his third wife.[160]

While I appreciate we can only go by what the sources say, the above seems fairly unclear to me. Has he had 4 wives or 3? Presuming we aren't talking about polygynous marriages (which aren't recognised in any state in the US hence why I'm presuming), is Belinda both the second and fourth wive (in other words they married two times), or only the fourth; and the second is simply unnamed? The source used doesn't seem to clarify, in fact it doesn't seem to mention Kathleen or Zundel at all. It does imply that he had children from the third and first marriages meaning that presuming the earlier source and the unsourced claim is accurate the children with Frank are Kathleen's and Vivian's not whoever the second wife is. [[User:Nil Einne|Nil Einne]] ([[User talk:Nil Einne|talk]]) 05:59, 22 January 2013 (UTC)
::Frank and Kathleen Zundel had a son -- Brian,[http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postregister/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=154499340#fbLoggedOut] the 3rd child from VanderSloot's first marriage[http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/article_70ebe600-ad4f-11e1-ba47-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=jqm]. By deduction, VS has been married at least 4 times, but that's speculative so the article doesn't draw that conclusion; just the facts reported by the sources. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 07:18, 22 January 2013 (UTC)

== Electronic Frontier Foundation ==

I removed a reference to the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]], added [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=534178180&oldid=534177436 here], because none of the sources that allegedly named it (Greenwald, Maddow, Bodnar, ''LGBT Weekly,'' Salon and ''National Journal'') actually did so, and it itself is not a [[WP:Reliable source]]. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 23:24, 22 January 2013 (UTC)

:What do you mean none of the sources named the EFF? That makes no sense whatsoever and is not a valid reason for deleting the reference. The EFF article[https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/03/billionaires-bogus-legal-threats-against-bloggers-threaten-free-speech] directly backs up the statement for which it was cited.

::"According to [[Rachel Maddow]], the [[National Journal]], the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]], and the [[online magazine]] ''[[Salon (website)|Salon]]'', VanderSloot has threatened [[defamation]] lawsuits, copyright infringement and similar [[lawsuit|legal action]] against critics and outlets that have published critical views, including Maddow, ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine, lawyer [[Glenn Greenwald]], ''[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]'' magazine, and Idaho independent journalist Jody May-Chang.[http://www.salon.com/2012/02/17/billionaire_romney_donor_uses_threats_to_silence_critics/][http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-rachel-maddow-show/47302840#47302840][http://www.localnews8.com/news/30512994/detail.html][http://media.salon.com/media/pdf/February_14_2012_letter.pdf][https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/03/billionaires-bogus-legal-threats-against-bloggers-threaten-free-speech][http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/influencealley/2012/02/will-romney-s-finance-co-chair-become-a-liability--27]

:As for reliability, the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]] would seem to meet [[WP:RS]] in general but especially so in this context. It is an “international non-profit digital rights group”[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hcW9QwIrMZBNA7Yll335Yb4lxg4w?docId=7f879554d8274ead965a769520232a6d] that has been widely cited in the press in the context of internet-related legal issues, like [[SLAPP]], of the type covered in the WP VanderSloot article.[https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&ie=UTF-8#q=%22electronic+frontier+foundation%22&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=nws&sa=X&ei=jiD_UNjkB-qr2AX6yYGYAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoADge&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41248874,d.b2I&fp=8f0fd2ea357d5d13&ion=1&biw=1440&bih=742][ http://news.cnet.com/8300-5_3-0.html?keyword=electronic+frontier+foundation] There is nothing in [[WP:QS]] that precludes it. Furthermore, the statement in question the Vandersloot article is accompanied by multiple citations, so no statements in the WP article rest solely on the EFF. Lastly, [[WP:SOURCE]] says:

::“Use sources that directly support the material presented in an article and are appropriate to the claims made. The appropriateness of any source depends on the context. The best sources have a professional structure in place for checking or analyzing facts, legal issues, evidence, and arguments. The greater the degree of scrutiny given to these issues, the more reliable the source.”

:That’s an apt description of the EFF, whose primary expertise and responsibility is “checking or analyzing facts, legal issues, evidence, and arguments”. No basis for deletion of this source. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 00:18, 23 January 2013 (UTC)

I posted a notice at [[Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard#Electronic_Frontier_Foundation]]. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 01:20, 23 January 2013 (UTC)
::::As you wish but I don't see why it was necessary to do so at this early juncture. I provided a detailed explanation justifying the inclusion of the source and addressing your assertions, and you chose to completely ignore it. Jumping to the noticeboards without addressing comments on the talk page is a circumvention of process ([[WP:BRD]]). In the absence of a reasonable explanation, this appears to be a case of [[WP:IJUSTDONTLIKEIT]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 03:47, 23 January 2013 (UTC)

== Date glitch re: dates for Oil of Melaleuca, Inc, and Melaleuca, Inc. ==

Just noticed that there was conflicting chronological information in the article regarding Vandersloot's tenure at Oil of Melaleua, Inc. and the date of inception of Meleleuca, Inc. The article stated that Vandersloot took the helm of Oil of Melaleuca in September 1985, and then it went on to state that Melaleuca was started in 1985 "''5 months after''" the closure of Oil of Melaleuca. Those dates don't jibe obviously, as 5 months after September 1985 (which is when VS ''joined'' Oil of Meleleuca) would be 1986. The article has been revised and the part about "5 months after" has been removed,[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=535256660&oldid=535256065] as the detail is wonky and it's not necessary to contextualize the start date of Melaleuca Inc. (1985) relative to Oil of Melaleuca. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 00:47, 28 January 2013 (UTC)

== RFC ==

I think having an RfC on this disputed content question regarding the lede would be worthwhile. Until then (or until you all reach consensus on the talk page), you all need to redirect discussions here rather than through your edit summaries. --'''[[User:Lord Roem|Lord Roem]]''' ~ ([[User talk:Lord Roem|talk]]) 16:50, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
:Creating a new section for one now. Bear with me, I haven't posted an RFC before.[[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 21:54, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
::Thank you for creating the RFC. I request that involved editors (myself included) refrain from responding to RFC posts until there have been a number of responses. We can all post our thoughts elsewhere on the Talk page but leave the RFC for much needed new voices. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 22:05, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
:::Agreed. Otherwise we'll just have more of the same. [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 22:11, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
::::I think it'd be okay if one person in favor and one person against the inclusion wrote a short (200 words or less) summary of their argument below in the RFC. -- '''[[User:Lord Roem|Lord Roem]]''' ~ ([[User talk:Lord Roem|talk]]) 23:25, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

=== RFC: Should the term "multi-level marketing" (MLM) be used in the lead section? ===

{{rfc|bio|rfcid=0C7ED02}}
Should the term "multi-level marketing" be used in the lead section of this BLP? [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 21:59, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

Background can be found on Talk page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot#The_lead [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 22:10, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Biographies_of_living_persons/Noticeboard#Which_lede_should_be_used.3F [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 22:10, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

:More here too (the tendentious argument to whitewash MLM from the article has been taking place since mid 2012 -- note the contributions of [[WP:SPA|single purpose accounts]] in the early phases of the discussion that were being cited as evidence of consensus). [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Pyramid_Selling.2C_Multilevel_Marketing.2C_and_Direct_Marketing][[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_2#Another_plea_for_consensus_._._.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Reverting_to_stable_version][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_2#Need_for_consensus_._._.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_2#MLM_vs._Direct_Marketing][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_4#Consumer_Direct_Marketing] [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]])

More background at [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=519460937&oldid=519457636] where the MLM as "pyramid scheme" was stated specifically by an editor in the body of the article. An earlier edit summary read '''Forbes refers to company directly as a pyramid selling company, which is a synonym for MLM (c.f. multi-level marketing), and (almost directly) as a multilevel marketing company''' making further clear that editor's intent in having what he now claims is an innocuous term in the lede. The BLP issues are ongoing - earlier edits linked VanderSloot to "Mormon pedophiles" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Mormon_pedophiles] etc. thus there is a very real implication that the "pyramid" implication is not one of neutral value in this BLP. (Unsigned comment by Collect 13:50, 3 February 2013‎)
:Neither of the links you posted pertain to this discussion about MLM. Could you please either justify their inclusion with a further explanation or move them to your comment section. Inundating the lead-in to this discussion with noise impedes the process. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:07, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
::They directly refer to the background of the edits on this BLP, and the fact that one editor wished to emphasize the "pyramid scheme" in his edits. That you fail to see the word is not my fault here - I rather think your "input" on this RfC dwarfs the input of '''all other editors combined''' <g>. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 17:20, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
The 2 edits have nothing whatsoever to do with the MLM issue at hand. Like I said, it’s just noise. It’s troubling to see that you can’t simply admit it and instead are doubling down on the misdirection. It's pretty clear that you've exhausted your ammo if you're resorting to commenting on edit volume instead of the MLM issue. Seems pretty goofy to me, but so be it.[[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 00:52, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:::"Inundating . . . with noise" is hardly a friendly way to put things. Anyway, to comment on this lead-in: The editor two comments above has quite often used the phrase "whitewashing" (as he did in this lead-in), which implies that there is something "black," or nefarious, about the term ''multilevel marketing.'' I am glad that he agrees that the term is so black that only a [[whitewash]] can cover it. Nothing of the sort is proposed: Only that the contentious term be excised from the lede and that both sides of the debate be examined in the body of the article. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 20:16, 3 February 2013 (UTC)

::::Get over it. I’m expected to be civil, but neither of you are my friends, so don’t confuse the issue. Again, the links Collect posted have ''nothing'' to do with the matter at hand. However, if the two of you want to double down on such nonsense, be my guest. After all the grief you’ve caused beating this non-issue into the ground, I would have thought that you’d try to make a better effort to support your case with relevant comments now that you have a forum and other editors paying attention, but apparently that’s not the case. Oh well. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 00:58, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:::::Collect, I ask you again -- why are you posting a link to a dead discussion about Mormon pedophiles from mid-2012 that has nothing to do with the MLM issue. Was it an error or purposeful misdirection? Since you cannot justify the inclusion, I'll kindly request again that you remove or redact it. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 21:42, 4 February 2013 (UTC)


Hello fellow Wikipedians,
====Responses====
=====Previously involved editors=====
1. Writing that a businessman engages in [[multilevel marketing]] may be considered vituperative, even if there are citations leading to the sources of the accusation. See the WP article on the subject for [[Multi-level_marketing#Criticism|some of the negative connotations]] associated with this business practice. It is better to leave the description out of the lede and mention it briefly in the text below. The controversy really does not exist in the "outside world"—only, it appears, on this Talk Page. VanderSloot's company, Melaleuca, denies it is engaged in the practice.[[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 23:43, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
:Better for whom exactly? You? Vandersloot? How are you gauging "betterness" in this case? What is the basis for saying that MLM may be considered "vituperative", and again, who would consider it so -- you? We wouldn't modify an article merely on the basis that "GeorgeLouis may consider it vituperative". Put some facts on the table. The only point you got right is that the fact that Melaleuca's designation as an MLM is not controversial, and hence, there's no reason for this endless tendentious discussion. Vandersloot has not denied that his company is an MLM; quite the contrary -- he acknowledged it directly to the Idaho Attorney General's office,[http://www.motherjones.com/files/melaleuca1991avc-1.pdf] and even if he did deny it, it still would not change the fact that multiple independent reliable sources have deemed that it is.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Business#Request_for_comment_.2F_Melaleuca_.2F_Hoover.27s] And even if there were a controversy about it (which there isn't), [[WP:LEAD]] still would dictate that it be included. You are batting zero with these tenuous arguments. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:39, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
::Nevertheless, VanderSloot denies he is a multilevel marketer. See [http://www.cnbc.com/id/100366770 'Don't Call Me a Multilevel Marketer.'] What can one make of that in the light of [[WP:BLP]] policy other than be wary when WP is calling him a multilevel marketer? [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 04:50, 3 February 2013 (UTC)


I have just modified 14 external links on [[Frank L. VanderSloot]]. Please take a moment to review [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?diff=prev&oldid=804025404 my edit]. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit [[User:Cyberpower678/FaQs#InternetArchiveBot|this simple FaQ]] for additional information. I made the following changes:
:::We’ve been through these types of non-denials before. Nowhere in the article does Vandersloot say that Melaleuca is not an MLM. He implies that he doesn’t ''like'' his company being called an MLM because some MLMs have less than stellar reputations; and he tried to create some vague distinction between his company and others like Amway. The article claims that “Melaleuca goes out of its way to say it is not a multi-level marketer because its business model doesn't meet any state or federal criteria.” However, what is this claim based on? There is no evidence anywhere that “Melaleuca” goes out of its way to deny being an MLM, and a "company" per se cannot confirm or deny this fact; it would have to be based on a quote from someone at the company, and the only person quoted was Vandersloot, who never actually denies that his company is an MLM. The article concludes “the company sells its products through what appears to be a multi-level structure”, more or less negating the pseudo-denial.
*Added {{tlx|dead link}} tag to http://www.melaleucanews.com/newmelaleucanews/2006/06/05/melaleuca-leader-enjoys-rural-roots/
*Added archive https://archive.is/20130216081406/http://www.kpvi.com/content/news/local/story/Melaleuca-Surpasses-1-Billion-in-Sales-For-Year/JKkvtcCS8EW0BM4HqyCL2A.cspx to http://www.kpvi.com/content/news/local/story/Melaleuca-Surpasses-1-Billion-in-Sales-For-Year/JKkvtcCS8EW0BM4HqyCL2A.cspx
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*Added {{tlx|dead link}} tag to http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/influencealley/2012/02/will-romney-s-finance-co-chair-become-a-liability--27


When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.
:::As far as state and federal criteria for MLMs go, Melaleuca meets all of them, and in fact, Vandersloot already acknowledged that his company is an MLM when he signed the consent agreement with the Idaho AG.[[http://www.motherjones.com/files/melaleuca1991avc-1.pdf] So in other words, there is nothing to be “wary” about. Vandersloot already knows that his company is an MLM. He tacitly admitted this when he signed the consent agreement with the Idaho AG. You’re trying to steer WP into perpetuating some kind of dishonest marketing contrivance about Melaleuca not being an MLM when in fact it clearly is.


{{sourcecheck|checked=false|needhelp=}}
:::I must say though that I’m impressed that this article appeared right in the midst of the WP argument about Melaleuca’s MLM status. Did Vandersloot pick up the phone and request this interview so he could issue this non-rebuttal to WP? I’m surprised that the title wasn’t “Don’t Call Me a Multilevel Marketer on Wikipedia”. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 16:50, 3 February 2013 (UTC)


Cheers.—[[User:InternetArchiveBot|'''<span style="color:darkgrey;font-family:monospace">InternetArchiveBot</span>''']] <span style="color:green;font-family:Rockwell">([[User talk:InternetArchiveBot|Report bug]])</span> 06:24, 6 October 2017 (UTC)
2. In general, what should appear in the lead is the ''most important'' information in the body. In this case, the name of the company is not as important as its nature, although I would not object to having both in the lead. There is absolutely no doubt in the real world that Melaleuca is an MLM company. That VanderSloot publically denies it is clear; that anyone else, including the company itself, denies it, is not. Even if the company denied it, that information probably should not be in the article as fact, as it would clearly be "unduly self-serving". (See [[WP:SPS]].) As you said, the controversy really does not exist in the "outside world"; Melaleuca is an MLM company, and the nature of the company is what should appear in the lead. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 10:21, 2 February 2013 (UTC)


== lead ==
3. Yes, per the sources [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Business#Request_for_comment_.2F_Melaleuca_.2F_Hoover.27s listed here]. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 11:20, 2 February 2013 (UTC)


@Pistongrinder: "Wikipedia Administrator ruled in RfC to not include this in lede", please offer a link of some sort to establish this. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 06:27, 21 June 2020 (UTC)
4. [[WP:BLP]] requires that all biographies be written conservatively. This applies even more strongly to the lede of any such biography, for obvious reasons. ''If a term is likely to be construed as reflecting negatively on the person, there must be very strong arguments for placing such a term in the lede.'' In the case at hand, that argument, required by [[WP:BLP]] as a policy has not been met. [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 13:08, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:Sure, no problem. Here is the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_6#RFC:_Should_the_term_%22multi-level_marketing%22_(MLM)_be_used_in_the_lead_section? Wikipedia administrator Lord Roem ruled that the term “multi-level marketing” should not be used as a descriptor in the lead section. It's found in the Talk page’s Archive 6 section.[[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 19:34, 23 June 2020 (UTC)
:Regarding the conservative angle, WP:BLP states that "criticism and praise should be included if they can be sourced to reliable secondary sources, so long as the material is presented responsibly, conservatively, and in a disinterested tone". The article in its present form clearly meets that standard and the burden of evidence with respect to reliable sources. MLM is not even a criticism; it's just a simple dispassionate statement of fact. The "write conservatively" argument has no merit in this case. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:45, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
::Seven-year old thread with some pretty tendentious/whitewashy/partisan arguments. Also, new sources added since then. The company is clearly an MLM and the detail is significant. No reason not to add it and good reason to include it. It's a fact and it's notable. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 20:21, 23 June 2020 (UTC)
5. '''Yes.''' We’ve already established that a plethora of [[WP:RS|reliable sourcs]] identify Melaleuca as an MLM; these sources include journalists, MLM experts, the FTC, the BBB, legal documents, Melaleuca marketing executives, etc.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=next&oldid=511773616] The MLM designation has been supported by editorial consensus. I am yet to see even a single source where Vandersloot directly denies that his company is an MLM (instead he tends to use equivocal statements attempting to differentiate his company from Amway and other unnamed companies that Vandersloot characterizes more or less as “bad MLMs”). Quite the contrary in fact – Vandersloot acknowledged in a consent agreement with the Utah Attorney General that Melaleuca is an MLM.[http://www.motherjones.com/files/melaleuca1991avc-1.pdf] There is no basis for claiming that the term MLM itself is defamatory, as GeorgeLouis has steadfastly maintained, and the term is in fact used in hundreds of articles throughout WP to describe various companies.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&search=multi-level+marketing&fulltext=Search] Given that it has been well established that Melaleuca is an MLM and that this is supported by consensus, there is no reason why the term should not be used in the lead. A solid argument would have to be presented to support removal of the term, and so far, no one has presented such an argument. [[WP:LEAD]] states:
:::You and Nomoskedasticity were heavily involved in this RFC, which was on this exact topic. You didn’t like the result then or now but that’s not a justification for change on this issue. Without consensus, the result of the prior RFC should stand. [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 22:53, 23 June 2020 (UTC)
::<blockquote>The lead should be able to stand alone as a concise overview. It should define the topic, establish context, explain why the topic is notable, and summarize the most important points—including any prominent controversies. The emphasis given to material in the lead should roughly reflect its importance to the topic, according to reliable, published sources, and the notability of the article's subject is usually established in the first few sentences... Consideration should be given to creating interest in reading more of the article, but the lead should not "tease" the reader by hinting at content that follows.
::::That is not an argument as to why it shouldn't be included. Do you have some actual reason? Objection seems to defy logic and WP policy. If it's an MLM, which it is, and that's a notable fact, which it is, then why wouldn't it be included? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 23:06, 23 June 2020 (UTC)
</blockquote>
:::::For the same reasons as the WP Admin stated before to conclude a lengthy, contentious RFC process. Lord Roem summarized his decision in this way: “No consensus for inclusion.” The Admin’s decision is just as pertinent today as it once was. In addition to WP:NOCONSENSUS, he also cited WP:UNDUE and WP:LEAD. Lord Roem's explanation is quite clear. [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 01:00, 24 June 2020 (UTC)
::::::You do understand that "Lord" is just a user name right, and the opinion expressed 7 years ago is not an inviolable commandment? You reverted the edit, so you should have a clear reason that you can articulate other than (paraphrasing) "because Lord said so 7 years ago" and "no consensus". The inclusion of MLM certainly does not violate [[WP:LEAD]] nor [[WP:UNDUE]] so if that was presented as justification for omitting it 7 years ago, it was a poor reason. If you are standing in the way of a consensus, you cannot use "no consensus" as the reason as its circular logic. A content-based argument is required. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:25, 24 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::::The WP Administrator reviewed arguments on this exact topic from 18 different editors (previously involved and uninvolved editors) during that RFC, including 39 comments that you personally made. The Talk page history (Archive 6) shows you dominated the conversation, responding to virtually everyone who disagreed with you. Although you made the exact arguments then that you’re making today, the Admin still ruled it didn’t belong in the lead for a variety of reasons. I don’t need to repeat his reasons since they’re clear in the ruling. Furthermore, it’s a gross characterization to claim that I’m “standing in the way of a consensus,” since several editors agreed and argued that it didn’t belong there. A consensus was reached after vigorous, contentious debate – that’s what Wikipedia’s RFC process is all about. What’s more, even though you clearly knew about the RFC and the Admin’s decision, you still put the term back in the lead a few days ago without even asking editors for consensus. That should not have happened. [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 18:30, 24 June 2020 (UTC)
::::::::I am not asking you to refer back to a 7-year old discussion. It is you who is now the lone voice standing in the way of reaching a new consensus, so it incumbent on you to provide a specific rationale. If you have no personal objections, then we have a new consensus. If you do have objections, then you need to delineate what they are. Merely saying [[WP:LEAD]] or [[WP:UNDUE]] is not a valid justification. The company is an MLM; Vandersloot is referred to in the media as the "king" and "baron" of multi-level marketing. What possible reason can there be for not including the term that accurately describes his business? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 20:16, 24 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::::::No, you do not get to unilaterally set terms for this discussion. Why did you put the MLM term back in the lead before asking other editors for consensus even though a RFC decision had been made? Not cool. It doesn’t matter that it’s 7 years old if the topic is EXACTLY the same. If the argument is still the same, then the result should still be the same. Why do you claim the Admin’s rationale is not a valid justification even though he studied all sides of the issue? Like I said before, you didn’t like the result then or now but that’s not a justification for change on this issue.


:::::::::Here’s a portion of the Admin's ruling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_6#Editing_comments: As WP:BLP requires that we take a conservative approach in the tone of article content, and with a fair concern being raised about both the importance and necessity of this descriptor (i.e. discussion about whether it's necessary or is an attack), I believe using the term in the lead would violate WP:UNDUE and WP:LEAD. The significant criticism of the corporation that is in reliable secondary sources may be in the article proper, but its inclusion in the lede would give undue focus to something that the sources only discuss tangentially.
Not only does this indicate that the MLM designation, as a defining and oft mentioned (i.e., heavily [[WP:WEIGHT|weighted]]) feature of Vandersloot’s company, for which he is notable, belongs in the lead, but it dictates that even if the MLM designation were controversial (and it’s not), there would still be no basis for removing it from the lead. The argument that MLM might be construed negatively is speculative and has no merit whatsoever. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:04, 2 February 2013 (UTC)


:::::::::I agree with the Wikipedia Administrator over you. I am not alone. The record shows that many other editors took positions to not insert the term into the lead. [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 04:17, 25 June 2020 (UTC)
:With all due respect, I don't see [[WP:consensus|consensus]] here. I see [[Wikipedia:Contentious|contention]]. There has been dispute over this matter as far back as [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=495879045&oldid=495878320 here (June 2012)], and maybe even farther. We are now talking about a [[WP:Biography of a living person]]. There is no doubt that the term can be viewed as derogatory, per this quotation from the Wikipedia article on [[Multilevel marketing]]:
::::::::::Like I said, I'm interested in your editorial rationale for removing the term recently; not what was said in a discussion from 7 years ago, although upon reviewing it, there was a solid consensus recognizing that the company is an MLM and it was apparent that 80% of uninvolved editors favored inclusion of the term. The admin in that context merely serves as a vote counter who summarizes the consensus, and in this case the admin's summary seemed off base, especially given that there were some highly partisan editors involved in the discussion. That happens, and consensus can change over time, especially as new sources are published; and 7-year old admin opinions are not immutable by any stretch. Now 7 years later you are the lone opponent. Nonetheless, you have now elaborated that you think the term should not be included because [[WP:UNDUE]]. Could you kindly elaborate in what way you think it is undue because I see no basis for that argument? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:39, 25 June 2020 (UTC)
::<blockquote>MLM companies have been a frequent subject of criticism as well as the target of lawsuits. Criticism has focused on their similarity to illegal pyramid schemes, price fixing of products, high initial start-up costs, emphasis on recruitment of lower-tiered salespeople over actual sales, encouraging if not requiring salespeople to purchase and use the company's products, potential exploitation of personal relationships which are used as new sales and recruiting targets, complex and sometimes exaggerated compensation schemes, and cult-like techniques which some groups use to enhance their members' enthusiasm and devotion.[10][12]
{{od}}Pistongrinder might want to have a look at [[WP:CCC]]. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 21:57, 25 June 2020 (UTC)
</blockquote>
: A few thoughts on recent comments and following the right process in making this kind of potentially contentious change. First, I believe the Administrator’s role was significantly more than a “vote counter who summarizes the consensus.” It appears there had been strong arguments on both sides for years over the MLM issue, and because the editors on the page could not gain consensus, it was brought to a dispute resolution RFC for fresh eyes and uninvolved editors. The Admin had a role larger than “vote counter,” which any idiot could do. Admins have built up a trust factor and their level of experience and insight is helpful. You led the charge on one side, being the most vocal proponent for including it in the lead. You made 39 comments – far more than anybody else – ensuring that your voice was amply heard. Once the ruling was issued, it appears that numerous editors followed that direction and the page achieved consensus for 7 years.
:::{{unsigned|GeorgeLouis}}
:Second, I understand [[WP:CCC]] - consensus can change. It was good to review it again. The Admin pointed out that ruling could change if new facts emerge and a new consensus was later obtained by editors to determine if MLM belongs in the lead. But I have not seen any new facts convincing me that adding the term MLM, which the Administrator thought was being used as an attack & most likely had a negative connotation, now meets the standard of being sufficiently “important and necessary” for this particular BLP.
::There was and still is consensus that the company is an MLM; and there is clear [[WP:RS]] evidence that the company is an MLM (which you seem to be refusing to acknowledge). Let me state this once again with absolute clarity -- the term MLM is not derogatory. If you choose to view it as such, that's your problem, not WPs. The quote you cited refers to the fact that MLM companies have been criticized and the subject of lawsuits in the past. That is not equivalent to the term MLM being derogatory any more than the term "financial institution" or "oil company" would be derogatory merely because some people view financial institutions and oil companies with disdain. Please up your game or better still just drop this tendentious MLM argument altogether. The discussion has only continued this long because you choose to keep beating the dead horse; arguing over the lead while still insisting that the company isn't an MLM and that to say otherwise constitutes defamation. Tendentious in the extreme. There was no ''legitimate'' dispute about the company's MLM designation in June 2012 -- unless you're referring to the string of protests from 3 SPAs (and probable [[WP:SOCKS]]);[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Pyramid_Selling.2C_Multilevel_Marketing.2C_and_Direct_Marketing.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#bold_edits_changing_the_stable_version_from_27_July] your edit warring over the term;[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=500319380&oldid=498496234][http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=511772821&oldid=511715854]; and the baseless objections that you raised at that time. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_2#Need_for_consensus_._._.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_2#Another_plea_for_consensus_._._.] In fact, MLM has been in the article the entire time. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 02:37, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:Third, the Admin argued that it created [[WP: UNDUE]] because “its inclusion in the lede would give undue focus to something that the sources only discuss tangentially.” Even more important, he reasoned: “However, there is no consensus on whether the use of the term, in and of itself, carries a negative connotation. That uncertainty, intersecting with the nature of this article as a BLP, requires that the term be excluded. Per [[WP:NOCONSENSUS]], ‘[f]or contentious matters related to living people, a lack of consensus often results in the removal of the contentious matter, regardless of whether the proposal was to add, modify or remove it.’ As there is no necessity in including this term, I believe there is no reason to depart from that practice in removing the disputed wording.”
6. '''No'''. For those of you summoned by RFCbot, multilevel marketing is a business model that traditionally involves having sales people buy supplies then re-sell them to others, who in turn do the same, which leads to [[The_Pursuit_of_Happyness#Plot|bad things]]. This company's business model is different in several important ways, and it is better to describe the business model in the body of the article. Looking at reliable sources via Google and news/business databases, almost no sources refer to it as an MLM in their leads. Even the articles cited by Nomoskedasticity and Rhode Island Red do not usually refer to it as such in the lead. In fact, the overwhelming majority of reliable sources don't appear to call it an MLM at all. The sources that connect it with multilevel marketing are often either political outlets or mention it in passing without any analysis. The current version of the lead states that a controversial alledged business model is the single most important thing about the company, which is untrue. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 17:59, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:In summary, the Administrator’s several points of Wikipedia policy seems reasonable and appropriate to me. In your last post, you said “in this case the admin's summary seemed off base,” but I don’t agree. I thought his summary was thoughtful and conservative. That direction still makes sense to me today on the subject of a BLP. For those reasons, I recommend that we keep it out of the BLP’s lead. [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 00:01, 26 June 2020 (UTC)
:Implicit in Andrew's post is an acknowledgement that the sources indicated by RIR and me do in fact refer to Melaleuca's business model as MLM. [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 18:42, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
::Again, I didn't ask for a recap of the conversation from 7 years ago, in which all but one uninvolved editor thought MLM belonged in the lead. I wanted you to clarify what your reason was for reverting, and it appears that you are saying, in a roundabout way, that you think it's [[WP:UNDUE]]. Is that in fact the case? If so, it's probably time for to take this up again in some form of dispute resolution. Just want to know exactly where you stand before the process is initiated. Anything else to add? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:20, 26 June 2020 (UTC)
::Implicit in Andrew's post is [[WP:OR]]. It's all just personal opinion and has neither basis in policy or fact. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:09, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:::::::::::There isn’t any federal law that defines “MLM”. Without a clear definition, the term doesn’t help to explain the “most important content” as required by [[WP:LEDE]]. [[User:Jurisdicta|Jurisdicta]] ([[User talk:Jurisdicta|talk]]) • 02:30, 26 June 2020 (UTC)</small> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->
::I'll also add that the OPs question should have been phrased as "should MLM be removed from the lead", since it is already in the lead and the basis for its inclusion has been more than sufficiently justified. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:12, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
::The thrust of Andrew's latest argument is not merely that the term MLM should be expunged form the lead but rather that the company is not an MLM at all. That's a tendentious backsliding argument, since a consensus has already been established (and supported by multiple sources) that the company is in fact an MLM. Since it is an MLM, and the body text of the article states that this is so, there is no reason why it should be removed from the lead, as indicated by the core text of [[WP:LEAD]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:17, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
::::::::::::Completely irrelevant. We simply go by the fact that multiple [[WP:RS]] refer to it as an MLM; we don't second guess by inventing an arbitrary standard about what may or may not constitute a "legal" definition of MLM. More importantly, the previous consensus was that it is in an MLM -- that is no longer in dispute and MLM has long been included in the body text describing Melaleuca. The resistance to including MLM in the lead now is from one editor who seems to think that it's an issue of [[WP:UNDUE]], which I vehemently disagree with. The company is an MLM; MLM is an important defining characteristic; and that MLM company is what VS is arguably most famous for -- he's even referred to in the press as the king of MLM and the baron of MLM. It strikes me as profoundly illogical, and whitewashing, to not include it in the lead. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:28, 26 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::::::::::Why is this term so important when it doesn’t even have a legally agreed-upon definition? It doesn’t belong in the lede of the BLP. Indeed, to include that legally disputed term in the lede violates the instruction that a lede section should be written “with a neutral point of view.” And because there is no agreed-upon legal definition of the term, including it in the lede necessarily brings in “[c]ontentious material . . . that is . . . poorly sourced—whether the material is negative, positive, neutral, or just questionable” and it “should be removed immediately.” Thus, contrary to your statement, the fact that there is no legally agreed-upon definition is in no way “completely irrelevant”—just the opposite: it directly supports the position that the term should be excluded from the lede. [[User:Jurisdicta|Jurisdicta]] ([[User talk:Jurisdicta|talk]]) 22:26, 26 June 2020 (UTC)
::One more point that needs to be corrected (yet again). At the core of Andrew's argument is that the lead of a WP article is dictated by the content in the the lead of a source article(s) (i.e., if MLM is not mentioned in the lead of a source article, then it should not be mentioned in the lead of the WP article). That's just a patently absurd argument, and I've already pointed out this absurdity once already.[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AFrank_L._VanderSloot&diff=535983814&oldid=535929343] It's unclear why Andrew continues to cling to this tendentious argument, since it has been explained already that it has no basis in WP policy. Apparently he [[:WP:IDIDNTHEARTHAT|didn't hear that]]. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 19:56, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
::: Interesting that you used the term whitewashing because I find that your summary of the situation does just that. I reviewed the RFC and nine editors (previously involved and uninvolved) supported keeping it out of the lead. You’re now trying to make it appear that virtually nobody was in support of keeping it out of the lead, which is simply not true. You also inaccurately wrote the Administrator “merely serves as a vote counter who summarizes the consensus.” C’mon. Nobody believes that ridiculous statement. And lastly, it’s little wonder that you’re not interested in a “recap of the conversation 7 years ago,” since the Admin's gave reasons for the decision, ruled against your opinions, and interpreted WP policy completely different than you.
:::Sources ''do'' matter. The article as you would have it would state that a distribution model is a company's single defining characteristic. It's not, which is why most sources refer to it along the lines of a supplement maker or household products company. It is uncommon for Wikipedia articles to get into business models in the lead of a biography, especially a BLP. For example, let's look at a biography that extensively describes business practices in the lead. [[Henry Ford]] discusses the revolutionary business practices that the subject invented, but stops short of defining Ford Motor Company as "a franchise business" (so is McDonalds, after all). Instead the company's lead says it is "an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit." There is a good reason that almost no unbiased reliable sources ever refer to Melaleuca as an MLM in the lead: distribution models do not define companies. In fact, [[Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot#Sources|check out the list that I made with only casual searching]]. Plenty of things are sold through any given business model, and those models don't mean anything by themselves. And, as I have previously said, I believe that the question of if Melaleuca is an MLM is different from the question of MLM being placed in the lead, and the latter query is the purpose of this thread. Another factor is that the company has global retail locations and an active sales website in addition to other marketing types. If MLM is mentioned, then so too should the company's retail and Internet sales. You edit warred over [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=532227199&oldid=532226089 acknowledging that fact], which involved no changes to the MLM text. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 23:40, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:::Another key point: After the RFC closed and discord followed, Lord Roem wrote on page 6 of the Talk Page Archive (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_6) , “So there is no confusion, I closed the RfC as "No Consensus for Inclusion". '''Without consensus to use the term, policy mandates that it be excluded'''. Please stop edit warring this change. Anything else (besides the term MLM) should be discussed here if a change is contested.”
::::How many times are you going to swing and miss? You stated specific opinions (backed by [[WP:OR]] only) to justify your no 'vote' and none of them were even remotely valid. Maybe you [[WP:IDIDNTHEARTHAT|didn't hear me the last couple of times]], so I'll say it again -- the content attributed to a source in the lead of a WP article is in no way determined by whether or not the content is located in the lead of the source article. Are you going to double-down on this tenuous assertion or concede that it is in fact without any basis whatsoever in WP policy. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 01:59, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:::In another statement, he wrote: “The RfC asked whether the term "multi-level marketing" should be used. '''Because there was no consensus, that term must be excluded'''. My explanation for that was in the close above. Additionally, my closure of the RfC is an administrative action and does not make me involved. Nor does a suggestion that any disputed changes besides the use of the MLM term should be discussed here on the talk page. Now, you are free to continue discussing the addition of the term to generate a new consensus, nothing about that RfC bars that. '''But until that time, you may not add in the contested term.'''”
:::::You're missing the point. You keep saying that Melaleuca should be referred to basically by the name, "a multilevel marketing company", which is not justified in the bulk of the literature. Even many of the (dubious) sources you cite that refer to the company as using MLM still initially use names like "Melaleuca, a household-products company based in Idaho", "...Melaleuca, his privately held firm in Idaho Falls, Idaho," etc. If this RFC finds that there's a place for it in the lead, you have yet to show that it is the most important part of the company and is the proper apposition. And citing dozens of sources is the exact opposite of original research. I would be happy to visit the OR Noticeboard. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 02:28, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:::When pushed yet again, the Admin wrote, “I'm not getting drawn in to any discussion of the merits of the issue because I have no opinion about the full merits of the issue. '''I will consider it disruptive to continue to add in a term which may violate our BLP policy after I have already warned you against doing just that.'''
::::::No, you are missing the point. The original rationale for your objection to including MLM in the lead was some nonsense about whether or not the term appeared in the lead of other published source articles. I’m pointing this out for the fourth time now and you are still refusing to acknowledge it. Just for clarification, those blue numbers in brackets are called citations, so in the future when you make claims about what the “bulk of the literature” does or does not say, kindly take the time to support your assertions with sources and evidence. We’ve been laboring over this MLM non-issue for far too long, and now that you have a soapbox and a chance (at least in theory) to convince other editors of your POV, you are completely shirking the burden of evidence. Similarly, if you are going to impugn the veracity of “many of the sources”, as you did above when you parenthetically referred to them as dubious, you should present some convincing evidence instead of just blurting a novel allegation out of the blue as though it were a fact. You seem to be running from one spurious argument to another without even taking a breath in between. Relax. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 03:11, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:::For the record, who were the two editors arguing the hardest in the RFC and then who vehemently disagreed with the Admin? It just happens to be the two editors who are here doing it again, falsely claiming a consensus. No wonder you want to disregard the previous RFC, despite the Admin’s ruling that the “may violate our BLP policy.” This Wikipedia Administrator took strong positions on this exact topic, and he literally warned you against it and wrote "you may not add in the contested term." [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 04:55, 27 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::::Hey guys, just popping my head in to remind everyone to stay cool. So far, the level of dialogue here has been commendable. I hope it continues. :) -- '''[[User:Lord Roem|Lord Roem]]''' ~ ([[User talk:Lord Roem|talk]]) 18:11, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
::::Again, not interested in the recap (which ignored that a super-majority of uninvolved editors supported inclusion) of the discussion from 7 years ago. Only interested in the current discussion about your precise policy position on the issue of MLM in the lead, which seems to be [[WP:UNDUE]]. I don't agree but just want clarity before we open this up to a broader audience to see if we can reach a consensus. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:26, 27 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::Based on RfC verdict, there probably shouldn't be a descriptor for the company in the lede at all. That obviously is taken care of in a later section. But if there were to be descriptor for the company in the lede, it would be appropriate to describe it in the way that the Associated Press does. The AP is a neutral source of factual, accurate reporting. 1. "VanderSloot is the founder of the wellness shopping club Melaleuca":https://apnews.com/61b493a32a79bcce29afdfd6fd33c4ad 2. “Billionaire Frank VanderSloot, founder of Idaho Falls-based wellness shopping club Melaleuca, https://apnews.com/1be9cfee5e26ff7c4f301ecb5551e0a7 3. VanderSloot, founder and chief executive of the health care products company Melaleuca, https://apnews.com/740cad4f38334593b502bc9927af8a8f/Idaho-billionaire-VanderSloot-staying-out-of-governor's-race. None of these AP reporters use "multilevel marketing" to describe Melaleuca. Although some editors here claim that MLM is the most distinguishing element of vandersloot and his company, that's not how the Associated Press writes it. Since we're trying to create an unbiased POV on a BLP, we should look at these examples.[[User:Writethisway|Writethisway]] ([[User talk:Writethisway|talk]]) 20:22, 27 June 2020 (UTC)
::::::The RfC saw no significant opposition regarding the company being an MLM. That point is well established and was widely agreed upon -- the only issue was whether or not in belonged in the lead. APs wording is an isolated non-representative example. It is not widely referred to as a "wellness shopping club" nor does that term have any tangible encyclopedic meaning, so that would not be a step in the right direction IMO. It certainly has nothing to do with "health care" -- that's quite absurd. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 14:59, 28 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::::My point wasn’t to push an alternate term for the lede, but rather show that journalists at top news sites like the Associated Press refer to it in ways that usually don't include the term MLM. In addition to examples from the Associated Press, here’s a recent USA Today reference - “billionaire Frank Vandersloot, founder of wellness shopping club Melaleuca” (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/50-states/2020/04/26/businesses-reopen-parked-planes-coughing-criminals-hasbro-masks-news-around-states/111626130/) Another example is in today’s Idaho Statesman. It says “Frank VanderSloot, CEO of Melaleuca Inc., an Idaho Falls wellness-products maker”. Contrary to your previous statement, singling-out the "MLM" term as the most defining characteristic is not accurate as the Associated Press, USA Today and Idaho Statesman stories show. Since it’s not how these top news sites call it, it’s unneeded for the lede section.[[User:Writethisway|Writethisway]] ([[User talk:Writethisway|talk]]) 05:16, 30 June 2020 (UTC)
::::::::In the last RfC, the fact that the company is an MLM was recognized by broad consensus. The issue ultimately boiled down to whether or not including the term in the lead was [[WP:UNDUE]], not whether or not the company is an MLM, and while 4 out of uninvolved editors supported inclusion in the lead, the admin, for reasons that are still murky, claimed that there was insufficient consensus for inclusion in the lead. It’s also clear that while the company is an MLM, Vandersloot apparently prefers that it not be referred to as such because of (well-deserved) negative public perceptions about MLM, and the press sometimes obliges by using other nebulous terms, or even ridiculous non-encyclopedic promotional language (like “wellness shopping club” in your example), but that doesn’t change the facts/reality nor the conclusions of the last RfC. I think the only way we’ll get consensus on this matter is through another RfC and input from uninvolved editors. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 14:31, 30 June 2020 (UTC)
:::::::::Wow! A far-fetched claim to say Vandersloot has the power to “oblige” journalists from top news sites like the Associated Press and USA Today to write a certain way about Melaleuca. Where’s the proof for that conspiracy theory?[[User:Writethisway|Writethisway]] ([[User talk:Writethisway|talk]]) 03:04, 2 July 2020 (UTC)
:::::::::@Rhode Island Red – Your last post concedes my point that because “MLM” lacks a legally agreed-upon meaning, it should not be in the lead. Specifically, your post criticizes some reporters (including reporters from the Associated Press(!)) for using the term “wellness shopping club” because, to use your phrase, that term is “non-encyclopedic.” If a “non-encyclopedic” term should not be used to describe Melaleuca, a term with no legally agreed-upon meaning should likewise not be used to describe the company—especially in the lead of a Wikipedia article about a living person. Your post also editorializes about MLMs (“(well-deserved) negative public perceptions”), confirming that the term, which, again lacks any kind of legally agreed-upon meaning (or any non-legal agreed-upon meaning, for that matter), is not a neutral one and is thus, inappropriate for the lead. But you are right on one point: nothing in the current debate changes the facts/reality or conclusions of the last RfC. That reasoned decision came out against your position, and you’ve offered no basis—apart from calling the admin’s explanation “murky”—why another RfC is warranted at this point. [[User:Jurisdicta|Jurisdicta]] ([[User talk:Jurisdicta|talk]]) 03:40, 1 July 2020 (UTC)
::::::::::I conceded nothing of the kind and I find this argument about legal definitions perplexing to the extreme. It is an arbitrary construct and has no basis in WP policy (or logic, I would argue). Aside from that, the fact that Melaleuca was overwhelmingly recognized as an MLM in the RfC bypasses the legal argument completely – i.e., definition of MLM notwithstanding, the WP editorial community by consensus agreed that it is an MLM.
::::::::::The admins reasoning was murky because it went against the conclusions of the 4 out of 5 uninvolved editors (a super-majority) who supported inclusion in the lead, and getting the input of uninvolved editors is arguably the most important goal of an RfC. The fact that specious arguments, expressed vociferously, are being used here now indicates precisely why another RfC may be needed, and no permission is needed to launch one. RfC should be warmly embraced, as the more editors involved, the better the article, typically at least. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:18, 1 July 2020 (UTC)


It seems that there are potential user conduct issues here that are impeding the editorial process on this article. We now have 3 user different accounts fighting vehemently against inclusion of MLM in the lead, but it appears that all are novice editors and all are [[WP:SLEEPER]] accounts reactivated in the past couple of weeks.
7. '''Yes''' I kinda feel like [[Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Pyramid_Selling.2C_Multilevel_Marketing.2C_and_Direct_Marketing.|I've already gone over this]]. I was initially on the fence regarding the use of the term MLM, but the more I looked into it, the more clear it become. MLM is about distribution of profit, (not where the physical product is stored). Melaleuca rewards people who sell, and it rewards people who recruit sellers. There are ''multiple levels of marketing''. I understand why VanderSloot and Melaleuca might balk at the term, but they don't get to redefine concepts just because other business have made them unpopular. [[Melaleuca, Inc]], multilevel marketing, and Frank VanderSloot are all intrinsically linked. [[User:Grayfell|Grayfell]] ([[User talk:Grayfell|talk]]) 08:02, 4 February 2013 (UTC)


*[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Contributions/Writethisway&offset=&limit=500&target=Writethisway Writethisway]: Sleeper account reactivated in mid-June/2020 after being dormant for more than 2 years (144 total edits since registering 11/4/2015)
8. '''No''' We have sources claiming that Melaleuca is an MLM; we also have sources claiming that it is not am MLM, including several sources quoting Frank VanderSloot on the matter. Based on that alone, we should not include the term in the lead as if it is an uncontested fact. This is a BLP and the article subject repeatedly states that Melaleuca is not an MLM, yet his statements were removed when I added them to the Melaleuca section from [http://www.cnbc.com/id/100366770 this source]. Right now this article is unbalanced--it considers only the sources that describe Melaleuca as an MLM and ignores information to the contrary. [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 16:10, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Jurisdicta Jurisdicta]: Sleeper account reactivated in mid-June/2020 after being dormant for more than 1 year (474 total edits since registering 8/28/2014)
:Vandersloot acknowledged that his company is an MLM when he signed the consent agreement with the Idaho AG[http://www.motherjones.com/files/melaleuca1991avc-1.pdf] -- why are you ignoring this fact? Aside from that, there are multiple sources that describe Melaleuca as an MLM and these range from the FTC, journalists, MLM experts, and former Melaleuca executives. Not that it would matter either way, but where are the sources that quote Vandersloot claiming that Melaleuca is not an MLM? The examples that have been presented do not support that claim. For that matter, where are the other sources claiming that Melaleuca is not an MLM (and if you're trying to pit one source against more than 20, then your argument fails on the basis of [[WP:FRINGE]] and [[WP:UNDUE]]). The discussion at this point must be focused on specifics, so if you aren't going to back it up, don't say it. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:47, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Pistongrinder Pistongrinder]: Sleeper account reactivated in mid-June/2020 after being dormant for 6 months (1,206 total edits since registering 8/8/2014)
::You are right that we should be more specific. More sources:
::*[http://www.localnews8.com/news/VanderSloot-Responds-To-Allegations-Of-Threatening-Media/-/308662/14519370/-/item/1/-/k85mcnz/-/index.html VanderSloot Responds to Allegations of Threatening Media]
::*[http://www.inc.com/magazine/20041015/hidi-vandersloot.html Inc. Magazine Hall of Fame profile]
::*[http://www.cnbc.com/id/100364484 CNBC article about pyramid schemes]
::As for the legal document you've linked above, it says "The Attorney General is informed and believes that Melaleuca sells various nutrition, personal care and homecare products, persuant to a multi-level marketing plan, in Idaho." I will leave it to the attorney general to have any "belief" that he or she wants, but VanderSloot isn't admitting to an MLM in this "assurance of voluntary compliance." <small><span class="autosigned">— Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/HtownCat|contribs]]) 22:55, 4 February 2013 (UTC)</span></small><!-- Template:Unsigned --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->


Oddly, all of these users seems to have an acquaintance with WP policies and this article’s history that goes well beyond what one would expect from greenhorn editors. Just sounding the warning that if there is any obstruction from these users going forward, the next step will be a user conduct RfC. I don’t know if the issues we’re having here are due to the inexperience of these editors with WP P&Ps or if it goes beyond that, but it’s clear that there’s no point going through the motions of consensus building until this issue is resolved. Since this is a user conduct issue rather than a editorial issue, there is no point in engaging in further discussion about it on this talk page, but it is important that other editors be made aware of the background details and the implications. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 21:46, 2 July 2020 (UTC)
=====Uninvolved editors=====
1. Yes. For a much simpler reason. Remove all negative and positive connotations, and the term is simply a label describing a business practice or strategy. In this light, it emanates neither negative nor positive connotations. So why not start neutral in this way and use it. Let it describe the business practice/strategy. Let the reader bring up whatever pictures that means for them, we couldn't stop that anyway. The label actually has both negative and positive connotations, so go neutral. Neutral and positive.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the points above; some were very compelling; thoroughly enjoyed reading them all. I believe we may also need to add the company name as well. Therefore, I suggest "In 1985, VanderSloot founded Melaleuca, Inc.; a multi-level marketing company." (like it says [[Frank_L._VanderSloot#Melaleuca.2C_Inc.|here]].) Cheers. [[User:Prhartcom|<span style="color:blue;">—Prhartcom</span>]] [[User talk:Prhartcom|<span style="color:black;">(talk)</span>]] 22:58, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:I Agree strongly with your proposed restoration of the company names. I was going to suggest the same. I think the names might have been deleted as a compromise to appease the MLM denialists, so I don't think there would be any objections to restoring them. Arthur? [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 03:21, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
::Agreed. One of the complaints from the removalists was that the lead was too long. I merely pointed out that the nature of the company is more important than the name, so I ''replaced'' the names with the natures. I have no objection to restoring the names, as long as the nature is kept. — [[User:Arthur Rubin|Arthur Rubin]] [[User talk:Arthur Rubin|(talk)]] 06:31, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:Thanks for weighing in. Unfortunately the term is more than just a neutral descriptor of a company--MLM has a negative reputation. If you google the term you get a bunch of this type of thing:
*[http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mlm.html Quackwatch]
*[http://www.financialindustryscam.com/mlm.htm Financial Industry Scam website]
*[http://mlmtheamericandreammadenightmare.blogspot.com/2012/05/racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt.html 'MLM' The American Dream Made Nightmare]


:If I didn't know any better, it would be possible to read your statement as some sort of compliment because apparently it's unusual for a "greenhorn editor" like me to have an understanding of WP policies. Here's my secret to figuring it out so well: I know how to read and google. And given the global crisis, I have a little time on my hands. Maybe you do too?![[User:Writethisway|Writethisway]] ([[User talk:Writethisway|talk]]) 03:25, 3 July 2020 (UTC)
On your other point, I like your idea to include the company name but think it should read "In 1985, VanderSloot founded Melaleuca, Inc.; a wellness product company." (or another descriptor of their products) [[User:HtownCat|HtownCat]] ([[User talk:HtownCat|talk]]) 17:24, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:Epic fail! The term "oil company" has negative connotations for some people too but that doesn't mean that it's not reasonable to call an oil company an "oil company". Your argument is tendetnious to the extreme. The term MLM has no inherent positive or negative meaning. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 17:52, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:: I disagree. Oil company describes what the company produces, MLM is a term that describes an alleged business model. The two terms are not equivalent. [[User:Jeremy112233|Jeremy112233]] ([[User talk:Jeremy112233|talk]]) 18:07, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:::If you are unable to wrap your mind around that simple oil company metaphor, try "telemarketing". It's really very simple and very very obvious. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 21:36, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
::::This is like talking to brick wall. There are dozens of analogies that one could use to illustrate this rather obvious point -- i.e., the term MLM is not inherently positive or negative, and how some might people perceive a particular industry is irrelevant to the name of that industry. Some people might love MLMs and some people might hate them, but that has no bearing on how an encyclopedia is written about the subject. You really must abandon this tendentious argument once and for all. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 21:37, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:::::RIR, please do your best to address the logic of other's arguments, rather than labeling them "tendentious". Both sides have strong points and it serves the RfC better to have a more focused and calm dialogue. -- '''[[User:Lord Roem|Lord Roem]]''' ~ ([[User talk:Lord Roem|talk]]) 21:40, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
::::::I see no evidence of "logic" on the other side. Saying that a neutral term (and oft used term both on WP in general and in published sources describing Melaleuca specifically) shouldn't be used in a WP article because the term ''might'' evoke a reaction is not logical. People have negative perceptions about credit default swaps, oil companies, lawyers, politicians, and even Nazi's, but that doesn't preclude their usage in an encyclopedia. It's a non-starter. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 22:04, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
::::{{edit conflict|2}} It's actually a very important distinction. It's like referring to Ford or McDonalds as franchise companies instead of automotive and fast food, respectively. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 21:44, 4 February 2013 (UTC)


::@RhodeIslandRed - Your conspiracy theories hardly deserve my time or response. And I know how argumentative you can be: we’ve tangled on this page over the years. But to correct the record, I want to make it clear that you’re the one that recently jumpstarted this page after years of minor activity to re-start the same debate you lost before.
2. '''Yes''' MLM is a long established marketing approach. I see nothing to concern BLP issues and it is clearly the foundation of the subject's wealth and hence notability. [[User:Capitalismojo|Capitalismojo]] ([[User talk:Capitalismojo|talk]]) 23:07, 2 February 2013 (UTC)
:Agreed; well-said. [[User:Prhartcom|<span style="color:blue;">—Prhartcom</span>]] [[User talk:Prhartcom|<span style="color:black;">(talk)</span>]] 15:29, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
3. '''Yes''' - I discovered this topic recently via central discussion, and had never heard of this article's subject previously. I support the inclusion of the term 'MLM' as a descriptor of his company's business activity, which seems simple enough, and the addition of company names, which would seem to be a matter of public record. Those pushing with vehemence against it strain my observance of [[WP:AGF]], and invite speculation as to their motives. I would additionally suggest that all parties attempt to observe the constraints of [[WP:CIVIL]]. [[User:Jusdafax|<font color="green">Jus</font>]][[User talk:Jusdafax|<font color="C1118C">da</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Jusdafax|<font color="#0000FF">fax</font>]] 06:31, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
:I agree that the vehemence of these paper-thin counterarguments strongly call motives into question. I pointed this out back in mid-2012 when George and Collect repeatedly campaigned for removal of the term MLM based on what they referred to as a prior consensus[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Deleting_contested_info_with_no_consensus_._._.][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Reverting_to_stable_version][http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_L._VanderSloot&diff=511439131&oldid=511438633][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#bold_edits_changing_the_stable_version_from_27_July] but was in reality just a bunch of nonsense[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_1#Pyramid_Selling.2C_Multilevel_Marketing.2C_and_Direct_Marketing.] from 3 SPA/sockpuppets.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Roadpeace][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Not_LTD][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Imaginenow] The assumption of good faith has been strained past the breaking point. I suspect that we're either dealing with some Melaleuca distributors/employees or paid advocates. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 21:58, 4 February 2013 (UTC)
::Um -- has it occurred to you that someone ''might'' notice your iterated aspersions on other editors including tons of accusations of "tagteam", "collusion" and "COI" and that your '''assumptions of bad faith''' on the part of ''every'' editor who disagrees with your position that VanderSloot is remotely comparable to "Nazis" ''might'' actually backfire on you? [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 22:34, 4 February 2013 (UTC) Note: '''I have zero connection of any sort to Meleleuca, VanderSloot, Mormons, pedophiles, Nazis, or the like,''' and I have no COI, collusion or tagteam on this or ''any'' article on Wikipedia. Period. '''Now drop the damn aspersions!''' [[User:Collect|Collect]] ([[User talk:Collect|talk]]) 22:36, 4 February 2013 (UTC)


::It is beyond curious to me that you're the most dominant editor of this page (39% authorship), yet you’re trying to call me out for making a couple of recent edits—edits that were only intended to preserve the status quo and follow the prior RfC process. You've made 543 edits to the page, while I've made 4.
== Renumbering error ==


::It seems that your M.O. is to attempt to intimidate, criticize, and dismiss anybody who has a difference of opinion with you. You did that to me years ago when I originally founded this page, and you’re trying to do it again. Anybody who looks at this situation will see your actions appear very close to page ownership [[WP:OWNERSHIP]]. [[User:Pistongrinder|Pistongrinder]] ([[User talk:Pistongrinder|talk]]) 17:49, 3 July 2020 (UTC)
My apologies to Rhode Island Red for not giving his comment a number when I made [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3AFrank_L._VanderSloot&diff=536238245&oldid=536237520 this layout change], with the edit summary "‪Replacing hashtags with the actual numbers. Fixing some spacing for clarity‬". RIR had typed a bullet (•) instead of a hashtag (#), and I did not realize that his offering was the 100-word statement requested by Administrator Lord Roem; I thought it was a reply to the section just above it. Thanks to Nomoskedasticity for catching the error, although I felt Nomo's remark "fix attempt to disguise the nature of another editor's comment" was off the mark and personally hurtful. Sincerely, [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 13:03, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:Um. Everyone (including RIR) had used asterisks (not hashtags). RIR's contribution there was no different from the others... [[User:Nomoskedasticity|Nomoskedasticity]] ([[User talk:Nomoskedasticity|talk]]) 18:08, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
::As it turns out, Arthur Rubin and I were making the same or similar changes within four seconds of each other. Some of the editors had used hashtags not "Everyone (including RIR)." Thus the mixup. It would be nice if one would not jump to conclusions but instead were to [[WP:Assume good faith]]. [[User:GeorgeLouis|GeorgeLouis]] ([[User talk:GeorgeLouis|talk]]) 18:39, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
::::::As it turns out, Arthur managed to make his edit without removing the hash tag next to my comment[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot&action=history], so that has nothing to do with your goof up. It would be refreshing if you simply accepted responsibility instead of trying to deflect this onto Arthur. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 21:46, 4 February 2013 (UTC)


:::No one advanced a conspiracy theory and your response (accusation of [[WP:OWN]]) is bizarre to say the least, given that it was I who suggested getting more experienced editors involved to resolve the dispute in an RfC. However, the consensus building process is only effective when the people involved have enough experience to understand WP policies and keep their biases in check. That doesn’t seem to be the case here. The counterarguments advanced so far (e.g., MLM doesn’t have a legal definition, etc.) are tendentious to say the least. No need to get up in arms about the suggestion to invite a broader group of experienced editors to weigh in; that’s how WP is supposed to function.
== Editing comments ==
:::The current dispute boils down to 2 very simple points: (1) it is established that the company is an MLM according to multiple [[WP:RS]] and as recognized by a broad consensus of editors, and this detail has been included in the body text of the article for roughly 7 years; (2) as such, why would it be undue to include that simple and notable descriptor in the lead, the same way that is in articles on every other MLM? All the complaining and gnashing of teeth over this is completely unnecessary and a distraction since it’s a very simple editorial question at hand. No need for histrionics, just well thought out feedback from unbiased editors who understand WP P&Ps. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]]) 15:34, 4 July 2020 (UTC)


::::It is fascinating to watch how quickly you change tactics. After you get shutdown on the substance of the debate, you resort to ad hominem attacks, calling people “sleeper accounts.” Just as quickly, when those you call “sleeper accounts” point out how transparently biased you are on this subject (543 edits to 4!), you turn again to your tired arguments on the merits of this issue. It gives one whiplash. How can you seriously accuse others of “gnashing of teeth” and “histrionics” when your editing and talk history reveals a near obsession on the person and company? You don’t get to own this page and accuse others of improprieties when they push back on you.[[User:Jurisdicta|Jurisdicta]] ([[User talk:Jurisdicta|talk]]) 03:36, 7 July 2020 (UTC)
I have seen several edits being made of talk page comments to which other editors have already responded. Even small edits can change the meaning of a statement. [[WP:REDACT]] suggests using <del>strikethrough</del> for removals and <u>underlining</u> for additions combined with a quick acknowledgement that the comment was edited. <span style="color:orange">[[User:Andrewman327|Andrew]]<sup>[[User talk:Andrewman327|327]]</sup></span> 16:22, 3 February 2013 (UTC)
:::::Yet another comment that avoids confronting the simple fundamental editorial question posed above. Yes histrionics indeed; and not constructive. The accounts were referred to as sleepers because that is what they are by WP definition, and feigned indignation doesn't change that fact. Again, just focus on the editorial issue please. Want to get all the sleepers positions on record before this moves to RfC. [[User:Rhode Island Red|Rhode Island Red]] ([[User talk:Rhode Island Red|talk]])

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@Pistongrinder: "Wikipedia Administrator ruled in RfC to not include this in lede", please offer a link of some sort to establish this. Nomoskedasticity (talk) 06:27, 21 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Sure, no problem. Here is the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_6#RFC:_Should_the_term_%22multi-level_marketing%22_(MLM)_be_used_in_the_lead_section? Wikipedia administrator Lord Roem ruled that the term “multi-level marketing” should not be used as a descriptor in the lead section. It's found in the Talk page’s Archive 6 section.Pistongrinder (talk) 19:34, 23 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Seven-year old thread with some pretty tendentious/whitewashy/partisan arguments. Also, new sources added since then. The company is clearly an MLM and the detail is significant. No reason not to add it and good reason to include it. It's a fact and it's notable. Rhode Island Red (talk) 20:21, 23 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
You and Nomoskedasticity were heavily involved in this RFC, which was on this exact topic. You didn’t like the result then or now but that’s not a justification for change on this issue. Without consensus, the result of the prior RFC should stand. Pistongrinder (talk) 22:53, 23 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
That is not an argument as to why it shouldn't be included. Do you have some actual reason? Objection seems to defy logic and WP policy. If it's an MLM, which it is, and that's a notable fact, which it is, then why wouldn't it be included? Rhode Island Red (talk) 23:06, 23 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
For the same reasons as the WP Admin stated before to conclude a lengthy, contentious RFC process. Lord Roem summarized his decision in this way: “No consensus for inclusion.” The Admin’s decision is just as pertinent today as it once was. In addition to WP:NOCONSENSUS, he also cited WP:UNDUE and WP:LEAD. Lord Roem's explanation is quite clear. Pistongrinder (talk) 01:00, 24 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
You do understand that "Lord" is just a user name right, and the opinion expressed 7 years ago is not an inviolable commandment? You reverted the edit, so you should have a clear reason that you can articulate other than (paraphrasing) "because Lord said so 7 years ago" and "no consensus". The inclusion of MLM certainly does not violate WP:LEAD nor WP:UNDUE so if that was presented as justification for omitting it 7 years ago, it was a poor reason. If you are standing in the way of a consensus, you cannot use "no consensus" as the reason as its circular logic. A content-based argument is required. Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:25, 24 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
The WP Administrator reviewed arguments on this exact topic from 18 different editors (previously involved and uninvolved editors) during that RFC, including 39 comments that you personally made. The Talk page history (Archive 6) shows you dominated the conversation, responding to virtually everyone who disagreed with you. Although you made the exact arguments then that you’re making today, the Admin still ruled it didn’t belong in the lead for a variety of reasons. I don’t need to repeat his reasons since they’re clear in the ruling. Furthermore, it’s a gross characterization to claim that I’m “standing in the way of a consensus,” since several editors agreed and argued that it didn’t belong there. A consensus was reached after vigorous, contentious debate – that’s what Wikipedia’s RFC process is all about. What’s more, even though you clearly knew about the RFC and the Admin’s decision, you still put the term back in the lead a few days ago without even asking editors for consensus. That should not have happened. Pistongrinder (talk) 18:30, 24 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
I am not asking you to refer back to a 7-year old discussion. It is you who is now the lone voice standing in the way of reaching a new consensus, so it incumbent on you to provide a specific rationale. If you have no personal objections, then we have a new consensus. If you do have objections, then you need to delineate what they are. Merely saying WP:LEAD or WP:UNDUE is not a valid justification. The company is an MLM; Vandersloot is referred to in the media as the "king" and "baron" of multi-level marketing. What possible reason can there be for not including the term that accurately describes his business? Rhode Island Red (talk) 20:16, 24 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
No, you do not get to unilaterally set terms for this discussion. Why did you put the MLM term back in the lead before asking other editors for consensus even though a RFC decision had been made? Not cool. It doesn’t matter that it’s 7 years old if the topic is EXACTLY the same. If the argument is still the same, then the result should still be the same. Why do you claim the Admin’s rationale is not a valid justification even though he studied all sides of the issue? Like I said before, you didn’t like the result then or now but that’s not a justification for change on this issue.
Here’s a portion of the Admin's ruling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_6#Editing_comments: As WP:BLP requires that we take a conservative approach in the tone of article content, and with a fair concern being raised about both the importance and necessity of this descriptor (i.e. discussion about whether it's necessary or is an attack), I believe using the term in the lead would violate WP:UNDUE and WP:LEAD. The significant criticism of the corporation that is in reliable secondary sources may be in the article proper, but its inclusion in the lede would give undue focus to something that the sources only discuss tangentially.
I agree with the Wikipedia Administrator over you. I am not alone. The record shows that many other editors took positions to not insert the term into the lead. Pistongrinder (talk) 04:17, 25 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Like I said, I'm interested in your editorial rationale for removing the term recently; not what was said in a discussion from 7 years ago, although upon reviewing it, there was a solid consensus recognizing that the company is an MLM and it was apparent that 80% of uninvolved editors favored inclusion of the term. The admin in that context merely serves as a vote counter who summarizes the consensus, and in this case the admin's summary seemed off base, especially given that there were some highly partisan editors involved in the discussion. That happens, and consensus can change over time, especially as new sources are published; and 7-year old admin opinions are not immutable by any stretch. Now 7 years later you are the lone opponent. Nonetheless, you have now elaborated that you think the term should not be included because WP:UNDUE. Could you kindly elaborate in what way you think it is undue because I see no basis for that argument? Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:39, 25 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Pistongrinder might want to have a look at WP:CCC. Nomoskedasticity (talk) 21:57, 25 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]

A few thoughts on recent comments and following the right process in making this kind of potentially contentious change. First, I believe the Administrator’s role was significantly more than a “vote counter who summarizes the consensus.” It appears there had been strong arguments on both sides for years over the MLM issue, and because the editors on the page could not gain consensus, it was brought to a dispute resolution RFC for fresh eyes and uninvolved editors. The Admin had a role larger than “vote counter,” which any idiot could do. Admins have built up a trust factor and their level of experience and insight is helpful. You led the charge on one side, being the most vocal proponent for including it in the lead. You made 39 comments – far more than anybody else – ensuring that your voice was amply heard. Once the ruling was issued, it appears that numerous editors followed that direction and the page achieved consensus for 7 years.
Second, I understand WP:CCC - consensus can change. It was good to review it again. The Admin pointed out that ruling could change if new facts emerge and a new consensus was later obtained by editors to determine if MLM belongs in the lead. But I have not seen any new facts convincing me that adding the term MLM, which the Administrator thought was being used as an attack & most likely had a negative connotation, now meets the standard of being sufficiently “important and necessary” for this particular BLP.
Third, the Admin argued that it created WP: UNDUE because “its inclusion in the lede would give undue focus to something that the sources only discuss tangentially.” Even more important, he reasoned: “However, there is no consensus on whether the use of the term, in and of itself, carries a negative connotation. That uncertainty, intersecting with the nature of this article as a BLP, requires that the term be excluded. Per WP:NOCONSENSUS, ‘[f]or contentious matters related to living people, a lack of consensus often results in the removal of the contentious matter, regardless of whether the proposal was to add, modify or remove it.’ As there is no necessity in including this term, I believe there is no reason to depart from that practice in removing the disputed wording.”
In summary, the Administrator’s several points of Wikipedia policy seems reasonable and appropriate to me. In your last post, you said “in this case the admin's summary seemed off base,” but I don’t agree. I thought his summary was thoughtful and conservative. That direction still makes sense to me today on the subject of a BLP. For those reasons, I recommend that we keep it out of the BLP’s lead. Pistongrinder (talk) 00:01, 26 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Again, I didn't ask for a recap of the conversation from 7 years ago, in which all but one uninvolved editor thought MLM belonged in the lead. I wanted you to clarify what your reason was for reverting, and it appears that you are saying, in a roundabout way, that you think it's WP:UNDUE. Is that in fact the case? If so, it's probably time for to take this up again in some form of dispute resolution. Just want to know exactly where you stand before the process is initiated. Anything else to add? Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:20, 26 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
There isn’t any federal law that defines “MLM”. Without a clear definition, the term doesn’t help to explain the “most important content” as required by WP:LEDE. Jurisdicta (talk) • 02:30, 26 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Completely irrelevant. We simply go by the fact that multiple WP:RS refer to it as an MLM; we don't second guess by inventing an arbitrary standard about what may or may not constitute a "legal" definition of MLM. More importantly, the previous consensus was that it is in an MLM -- that is no longer in dispute and MLM has long been included in the body text describing Melaleuca. The resistance to including MLM in the lead now is from one editor who seems to think that it's an issue of WP:UNDUE, which I vehemently disagree with. The company is an MLM; MLM is an important defining characteristic; and that MLM company is what VS is arguably most famous for -- he's even referred to in the press as the king of MLM and the baron of MLM. It strikes me as profoundly illogical, and whitewashing, to not include it in the lead. Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:28, 26 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Why is this term so important when it doesn’t even have a legally agreed-upon definition? It doesn’t belong in the lede of the BLP. Indeed, to include that legally disputed term in the lede violates the instruction that a lede section should be written “with a neutral point of view.” And because there is no agreed-upon legal definition of the term, including it in the lede necessarily brings in “[c]ontentious material . . . that is . . . poorly sourced—whether the material is negative, positive, neutral, or just questionable” and it “should be removed immediately.” Thus, contrary to your statement, the fact that there is no legally agreed-upon definition is in no way “completely irrelevant”—just the opposite: it directly supports the position that the term should be excluded from the lede. Jurisdicta (talk) 22:26, 26 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Interesting that you used the term whitewashing because I find that your summary of the situation does just that. I reviewed the RFC and nine editors (previously involved and uninvolved) supported keeping it out of the lead. You’re now trying to make it appear that virtually nobody was in support of keeping it out of the lead, which is simply not true. You also inaccurately wrote the Administrator “merely serves as a vote counter who summarizes the consensus.” C’mon. Nobody believes that ridiculous statement. And lastly, it’s little wonder that you’re not interested in a “recap of the conversation 7 years ago,” since the Admin's gave reasons for the decision, ruled against your opinions, and interpreted WP policy completely different than you.
Another key point: After the RFC closed and discord followed, Lord Roem wrote on page 6 of the Talk Page Archive (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frank_L._VanderSloot/Archive_6) , “So there is no confusion, I closed the RfC as "No Consensus for Inclusion". Without consensus to use the term, policy mandates that it be excluded. Please stop edit warring this change. Anything else (besides the term MLM) should be discussed here if a change is contested.”
In another statement, he wrote: “The RfC asked whether the term "multi-level marketing" should be used. Because there was no consensus, that term must be excluded. My explanation for that was in the close above. Additionally, my closure of the RfC is an administrative action and does not make me involved. Nor does a suggestion that any disputed changes besides the use of the MLM term should be discussed here on the talk page. Now, you are free to continue discussing the addition of the term to generate a new consensus, nothing about that RfC bars that. But until that time, you may not add in the contested term.
When pushed yet again, the Admin wrote, “I'm not getting drawn in to any discussion of the merits of the issue because I have no opinion about the full merits of the issue. I will consider it disruptive to continue to add in a term which may violate our BLP policy after I have already warned you against doing just that.
For the record, who were the two editors arguing the hardest in the RFC and then who vehemently disagreed with the Admin? It just happens to be the two editors who are here doing it again, falsely claiming a consensus. No wonder you want to disregard the previous RFC, despite the Admin’s ruling that the “may violate our BLP policy.” This Wikipedia Administrator took strong positions on this exact topic, and he literally warned you against it and wrote "you may not add in the contested term." Pistongrinder (talk) 04:55, 27 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Again, not interested in the recap (which ignored that a super-majority of uninvolved editors supported inclusion) of the discussion from 7 years ago. Only interested in the current discussion about your precise policy position on the issue of MLM in the lead, which seems to be WP:UNDUE. I don't agree but just want clarity before we open this up to a broader audience to see if we can reach a consensus. Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:26, 27 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Based on RfC verdict, there probably shouldn't be a descriptor for the company in the lede at all. That obviously is taken care of in a later section. But if there were to be descriptor for the company in the lede, it would be appropriate to describe it in the way that the Associated Press does. The AP is a neutral source of factual, accurate reporting. 1. "VanderSloot is the founder of the wellness shopping club Melaleuca":https://apnews.com/61b493a32a79bcce29afdfd6fd33c4ad 2. “Billionaire Frank VanderSloot, founder of Idaho Falls-based wellness shopping club Melaleuca, https://apnews.com/1be9cfee5e26ff7c4f301ecb5551e0a7 3. VanderSloot, founder and chief executive of the health care products company Melaleuca, https://apnews.com/740cad4f38334593b502bc9927af8a8f/Idaho-billionaire-VanderSloot-staying-out-of-governor's-race. None of these AP reporters use "multilevel marketing" to describe Melaleuca. Although some editors here claim that MLM is the most distinguishing element of vandersloot and his company, that's not how the Associated Press writes it. Since we're trying to create an unbiased POV on a BLP, we should look at these examples.Writethisway (talk) 20:22, 27 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
The RfC saw no significant opposition regarding the company being an MLM. That point is well established and was widely agreed upon -- the only issue was whether or not in belonged in the lead. APs wording is an isolated non-representative example. It is not widely referred to as a "wellness shopping club" nor does that term have any tangible encyclopedic meaning, so that would not be a step in the right direction IMO. It certainly has nothing to do with "health care" -- that's quite absurd. Rhode Island Red (talk) 14:59, 28 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
My point wasn’t to push an alternate term for the lede, but rather show that journalists at top news sites like the Associated Press refer to it in ways that usually don't include the term MLM. In addition to examples from the Associated Press, here’s a recent USA Today reference - “billionaire Frank Vandersloot, founder of wellness shopping club Melaleuca” (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/50-states/2020/04/26/businesses-reopen-parked-planes-coughing-criminals-hasbro-masks-news-around-states/111626130/) Another example is in today’s Idaho Statesman. It says “Frank VanderSloot, CEO of Melaleuca Inc., an Idaho Falls wellness-products maker”. Contrary to your previous statement, singling-out the "MLM" term as the most defining characteristic is not accurate as the Associated Press, USA Today and Idaho Statesman stories show. Since it’s not how these top news sites call it, it’s unneeded for the lede section.Writethisway (talk) 05:16, 30 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
In the last RfC, the fact that the company is an MLM was recognized by broad consensus. The issue ultimately boiled down to whether or not including the term in the lead was WP:UNDUE, not whether or not the company is an MLM, and while 4 out of uninvolved editors supported inclusion in the lead, the admin, for reasons that are still murky, claimed that there was insufficient consensus for inclusion in the lead. It’s also clear that while the company is an MLM, Vandersloot apparently prefers that it not be referred to as such because of (well-deserved) negative public perceptions about MLM, and the press sometimes obliges by using other nebulous terms, or even ridiculous non-encyclopedic promotional language (like “wellness shopping club” in your example), but that doesn’t change the facts/reality nor the conclusions of the last RfC. I think the only way we’ll get consensus on this matter is through another RfC and input from uninvolved editors. Rhode Island Red (talk) 14:31, 30 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Wow! A far-fetched claim to say Vandersloot has the power to “oblige” journalists from top news sites like the Associated Press and USA Today to write a certain way about Melaleuca. Where’s the proof for that conspiracy theory?Writethisway (talk) 03:04, 2 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]
@Rhode Island Red – Your last post concedes my point that because “MLM” lacks a legally agreed-upon meaning, it should not be in the lead. Specifically, your post criticizes some reporters (including reporters from the Associated Press(!)) for using the term “wellness shopping club” because, to use your phrase, that term is “non-encyclopedic.” If a “non-encyclopedic” term should not be used to describe Melaleuca, a term with no legally agreed-upon meaning should likewise not be used to describe the company—especially in the lead of a Wikipedia article about a living person. Your post also editorializes about MLMs (“(well-deserved) negative public perceptions”), confirming that the term, which, again lacks any kind of legally agreed-upon meaning (or any non-legal agreed-upon meaning, for that matter), is not a neutral one and is thus, inappropriate for the lead. But you are right on one point: nothing in the current debate changes the facts/reality or conclusions of the last RfC. That reasoned decision came out against your position, and you’ve offered no basis—apart from calling the admin’s explanation “murky”—why another RfC is warranted at this point. Jurisdicta (talk) 03:40, 1 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]
I conceded nothing of the kind and I find this argument about legal definitions perplexing to the extreme. It is an arbitrary construct and has no basis in WP policy (or logic, I would argue). Aside from that, the fact that Melaleuca was overwhelmingly recognized as an MLM in the RfC bypasses the legal argument completely – i.e., definition of MLM notwithstanding, the WP editorial community by consensus agreed that it is an MLM.
The admins reasoning was murky because it went against the conclusions of the 4 out of 5 uninvolved editors (a super-majority) who supported inclusion in the lead, and getting the input of uninvolved editors is arguably the most important goal of an RfC. The fact that specious arguments, expressed vociferously, are being used here now indicates precisely why another RfC may be needed, and no permission is needed to launch one. RfC should be warmly embraced, as the more editors involved, the better the article, typically at least. Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:18, 1 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]

It seems that there are potential user conduct issues here that are impeding the editorial process on this article. We now have 3 user different accounts fighting vehemently against inclusion of MLM in the lead, but it appears that all are novice editors and all are WP:SLEEPER accounts reactivated in the past couple of weeks.

  • Writethisway: Sleeper account reactivated in mid-June/2020 after being dormant for more than 2 years (144 total edits since registering 11/4/2015)
  • Jurisdicta: Sleeper account reactivated in mid-June/2020 after being dormant for more than 1 year (474 total edits since registering 8/28/2014)
  • Pistongrinder: Sleeper account reactivated in mid-June/2020 after being dormant for 6 months (1,206 total edits since registering 8/8/2014)

Oddly, all of these users seems to have an acquaintance with WP policies and this article’s history that goes well beyond what one would expect from greenhorn editors. Just sounding the warning that if there is any obstruction from these users going forward, the next step will be a user conduct RfC. I don’t know if the issues we’re having here are due to the inexperience of these editors with WP P&Ps or if it goes beyond that, but it’s clear that there’s no point going through the motions of consensus building until this issue is resolved. Since this is a user conduct issue rather than a editorial issue, there is no point in engaging in further discussion about it on this talk page, but it is important that other editors be made aware of the background details and the implications. Rhode Island Red (talk) 21:46, 2 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]

If I didn't know any better, it would be possible to read your statement as some sort of compliment because apparently it's unusual for a "greenhorn editor" like me to have an understanding of WP policies. Here's my secret to figuring it out so well: I know how to read and google. And given the global crisis, I have a little time on my hands. Maybe you do too?!Writethisway (talk) 03:25, 3 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]
@RhodeIslandRed - Your conspiracy theories hardly deserve my time or response. And I know how argumentative you can be: we’ve tangled on this page over the years. But to correct the record, I want to make it clear that you’re the one that recently jumpstarted this page after years of minor activity to re-start the same debate you lost before.
It is beyond curious to me that you're the most dominant editor of this page (39% authorship), yet you’re trying to call me out for making a couple of recent edits—edits that were only intended to preserve the status quo and follow the prior RfC process. You've made 543 edits to the page, while I've made 4.
It seems that your M.O. is to attempt to intimidate, criticize, and dismiss anybody who has a difference of opinion with you. You did that to me years ago when I originally founded this page, and you’re trying to do it again. Anybody who looks at this situation will see your actions appear very close to page ownership WP:OWNERSHIP. Pistongrinder (talk) 17:49, 3 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]
No one advanced a conspiracy theory and your response (accusation of WP:OWN) is bizarre to say the least, given that it was I who suggested getting more experienced editors involved to resolve the dispute in an RfC. However, the consensus building process is only effective when the people involved have enough experience to understand WP policies and keep their biases in check. That doesn’t seem to be the case here. The counterarguments advanced so far (e.g., MLM doesn’t have a legal definition, etc.) are tendentious to say the least. No need to get up in arms about the suggestion to invite a broader group of experienced editors to weigh in; that’s how WP is supposed to function.
The current dispute boils down to 2 very simple points: (1) it is established that the company is an MLM according to multiple WP:RS and as recognized by a broad consensus of editors, and this detail has been included in the body text of the article for roughly 7 years; (2) as such, why would it be undue to include that simple and notable descriptor in the lead, the same way that is in articles on every other MLM? All the complaining and gnashing of teeth over this is completely unnecessary and a distraction since it’s a very simple editorial question at hand. No need for histrionics, just well thought out feedback from unbiased editors who understand WP P&Ps. Rhode Island Red (talk) 15:34, 4 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]
It is fascinating to watch how quickly you change tactics. After you get shutdown on the substance of the debate, you resort to ad hominem attacks, calling people “sleeper accounts.” Just as quickly, when those you call “sleeper accounts” point out how transparently biased you are on this subject (543 edits to 4!), you turn again to your tired arguments on the merits of this issue. It gives one whiplash. How can you seriously accuse others of “gnashing of teeth” and “histrionics” when your editing and talk history reveals a near obsession on the person and company? You don’t get to own this page and accuse others of improprieties when they push back on you.Jurisdicta (talk) 03:36, 7 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Yet another comment that avoids confronting the simple fundamental editorial question posed above. Yes histrionics indeed; and not constructive. The accounts were referred to as sleepers because that is what they are by WP definition, and feigned indignation doesn't change that fact. Again, just focus on the editorial issue please. Want to get all the sleepers positions on record before this moves to RfC. Rhode Island Red (talk)