[Event "Challenge from Alan"]
[Site "SchemingMind.com"]
[Date "2023.05.31"]
[Round "-"]
[White "Alan Whitham"]
[Black "flyingscot"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "B06r"]
[WhiteCountry "ENG"]
[BlackCountry "SCO"]
[WhiteElo "1474"]
[WhiteRD "62"]
[BlackElo "1460"]
[BlackRD "82"]
[GameID "734464"]

1. e4 g6
{
flyingscot: As they say in these parts,  that wis a scunner o' a game.   My Finnish bet lost Jazz scored just before HT,  but was chalked off and subsequently lost 0-2.
}
2. d4
{
Alan Whitham: My racing double came first and second .
}
2... Bg7
{
flyingscot: Pretty awful game but my bet won,  that's what counts. 
}
3. Nf3
{
Alan Whitham: Ok , I'm pleased for you .
}
3... d6
{
flyingscot: Do you cover the MLS?
}
{
Alan Whitham: No .
}
{
Alan Whitham: Information overload !
}
4. Nc3 Nd7
{
flyingscot: Picked up 2 winners overnight,   Atlanta & Sporting Kansas. Got 2 more tonight Vålerenga and Twente and am on Utrecht currently. 


}
5. Bc4 Ngf6
{
flyingscot: Sparta Rotterdam had a no win record v Utrecht,  I LTD,  Sparta went up 0-2 then Utrecht pegged one back and ended 1-2.  2nd leg to follow.

}
6. O-O O-O
{
flyingscot: In profit 🤣
}
7. Be3 a6
{
flyingscot: Can't see past MC but if a determined Red team come out to play it could be interesting.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I've got City to win in 90 .So it'll either be a shock united win or extra time .
}
8. a4 Nb6
{
flyingscot: Am L U 2.5. Correct Score 2-1 or 1-2
}
9. Bd3
{
Alan Whitham: Could be anything . I'm not so confident that City will win anymore .
}
9... c5
{
flyingscot: Feeling confident now?
}
10. d5
{
Alan Whitham: Never . 
}
{
Alan Whitham: There you go .
}
10... c4
{
flyingscot: Told you so,  I took a punt on 3.5 darn it.
}
11. Be2
{
Alan Whitham: It was close , although City are definitely the best .
}
11... Bd7
{
flyingscot: Rashford had his least effective game and Haaland was less than his usual self and was restricted by and large.
I was on edge as I layed Celtic U 3.5 but won while Inter v Torino ended 0-1 to mess up my streak.
}
12. a5
{
Alan Whitham: Hope Haaland is 100% for the big one .
}
12... Nc8
{
flyingscot: Meaningless end of season games tread a dangerous path.
}
13. Bxc4
{
Alan Whitham: True .
}
13... Ng4
{
flyingscot: Compared to the Sevilla v Roma crap,  this was a true celebration of football and lived up to expectations. 
}
14. Bf4 Qc7
{
flyingscot: Gone with Porto Cup Final and Girona,  if results go my way then will decide which evening game I'll go for.
}
15. Be2 Bxc3
{
flyingscot: Still some games of significance in Spain & Italy.
}
16. bxc3 Qxc3
{
flyingscot: 0-2 Porto & 2-0 Osasuna winners.
}
17. Bd2
{
Alan Whitham: Great .
}
17... Qc7
{
flyingscot: Atalanta & Roma did me well tonight so a good day all in all.
}
18. c4
{
Alan Whitham: You can't think I'm going to spend 47 minutes of whatever time is left on my clock watching this . This chap has a vested interest , something to sell ! It's your success story I'm interested in .
}
{
Alan Whitham: I'm not saying no one makes big money with new skin . The trick is to make you believe you can do  the same .
}
18... Re8
{
flyingscot: Self belief is the key.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I don't mind being wrong Ken . Good luck . It wouldn't be for me even if I thought it was a good thing . Nothing to do with self belief , we have to be realistic .
}
19. h3 Nf6
{
flyingscot: As with all business it's built on failure,   and it's a numbers game.  I only need to find sufficient numbers of those seeking success.  I have nothing to prove to anyone other than myself.

On the topic of Ureshii he's had a stress fracture of the tibia so fingers crossed he'll be fine.
}
20. Bf4
{
Alan Whitham: You have to find people who want success ? Exactly . Yes it's about numbers . The people who you recruit work for you , if they ever sell anything that is . And those higher up than you make money from whatever you sell . But the money is recruiting and most recruits haven't got a clue what they're getting into .You work your bollocks off for a year and end up worse off than when you started . That's the story I hear from many sources . It's a pyramid scheme with a posh title , multi-level marketing , same old scam . Of course the guy presenting the video isn't going to tell you that most people who join nuskin lose money , because the money they lose goes in his pocket .
}
20... Nxe4
{
flyingscot: The people who fail did so because they didn't do what was required to build their business and is not through any falsification of the facts and the business model which has enabled a lot more to create incomes from the sale of products.   This was a final piece of info to set the record straight and illustrate the quality of people who use the company as a vehicle to create their future wealth by helping others.  If the people join my business and do nothing I get paid nothing,  they must buy products to receive commissions  and/or bonuses for which I receive a share.  The % that the top people receive is miniscule in terms of the compensation scheme.  
}
21. Qd4
{
Alan Whitham: Let's see if you still believe the company's sales pitch in a year .
}
21... Nf6
{
flyingscot: Scams do not operate on a Stock Exchange where scrutiny is the basis for their listing and if they were in breach of the rules would have seen them shutdown a long time ago.  They are governed by strict standards of operation as demanded by the legal judiciary.
}
{
Alan Whitham: Nu skin has had loads of run- ins with regulatory authorities in the U.S and China , and paid out a fortune in fines . Usually for mis-selling their products and their business model . These are simple facts . Legitimacy in the business world is meaningless . There are hundreds of unethical businesses listed on the NYSE , some much worse than nuskin I might add .
}
{
Alan Whitham: I mean come on , you tried to recruit me , to persuade me to attempt to run a business that I have absolutely no aptitude for or interest in . You had no interest in my experience or my skill set . What more would I need to know ? Desperation is the word that springs to mind ! You could let this go , I thought you had !
}
{
Alan Whitham: Take a look at the Talented Ladies Club article , How much can you earn with MLM Nu Skin ? And tell me if they're lying and if so why ?
}
22. Rfc1
{
Alan Whitham: In Feb 2016 Nu Skin forked $47 million to a law suit that alleged that the company operated a pyramid scheme in China , and made false and misleading statements about its operations . Source , Reuters . The case was settled and Nu Skin denied any wrong doing . Rich corporations generally don't wait to be convicted they just pay up . You can still save yourself .
}
22... Kg7
{
flyingscot: I provided you with information regarding the company based on what I know from my sponsor and if you thought I was trying to persuade you then so be it.  You have made it clear that it's not for you and will move on without any further references to the business.  The business will be here longer than both of us put together.
}
{
Alan Whitham: Unfortunately it will . It's your mind that's closed Ken and you can't see it . All the hallmarks of a cult .
}
23. c5
{
Alan Whitham: You have to be prepared to consider the negatives with any business opportunity . It's supposed to be a business not a religion . Your info comes from the company , I check out independent sources , including lawsuits ! You might say people fail because they don't work hard enough . In that case over 90% of Nu Skin distributors don't work hard enough . Will you work hard enough to make a grand a month ? Is that even possible ? I don't believe it is , and it can cost you much more than time and money ! 
}
23... Qd8
{
flyingscot: When I joined Amway in 1994 I heard all the same assertions about being a Pyramid,  a cult,  it's illegal and so it continues.  Nu Skin complies with the demands of legislation which mean I must similarly comply and act in accordance with those requirements.  Nobody is forced to become a distributor/customer,   and I tried to provide you with credible information about the company,  its ethos and in no way asked you to buy products which you do not require.  It would be  entirely unethical for me to do so.  My relationship with the company is completely symbiotic and is a mutually beneficial one unlike an employee/boss one.  This is my business through which I purchase products that I use for my benefit and show people how to do the same.  The company has evolved for almost 40 years successfully using this model and  yes they have dealt with issues that they were accused of.  They operate globally and can show you categorically that their products work as intended in the area of internal health,  Skin health and personal care.  Should you find after using them for 90 days and do not benefit in any way you're refunded in full,  no questions asked.  OK,  am off the soapbox.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I never said you tried to sell me anything . I know anyone can join without charge but that's pretty meaningless . But anyway , I'll lose no sleep about it . Enjoy your millions .
}
24. Be3 h6
{
flyingscot: To clarify my "job" is to find people who can help me build a business online/offline.  At no time did I ask you to buy,  register or become involved.  You then searched for information which gave a very negative view of the company,  to which I countered with factually correct points about the company.  You then re-affirmed your information sources as credible points of interest that I also checked and found that their assertions were incorrect and out of date since compliance with how the business is run is legally required.  This covers the maximum amount purchased by a new member,  there is no necessity to buy a $400 starter pack,  you purchase products to use personally and due  to a regulatory criteria you must have a retail member within your group to ensure thus is not a recruiting based business. 
You make the point that this is pyramid scheme in all but name but have not defined exactly what that means.  These are inherently illegal and would if it was found to be the case mean the end of Nu Skin.  The issue in China was a result of how products were sold and their definition  of the business structure.  They changed to accommodate this requirement and continue to conduct business there still.
End of story.
Come on the Hammers.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I stand by what I've said . I didn't check out the company to discredit it , I did it simply to protect myself , who doesn't want an extra grand a month ? Most of what I said comes from credible sources who as far as I can tell would have little to gain from lying . The information about the earnings or rather lack of earnings of Nu Skin distributors comes from Nu Skin's own published data , maybe they're lying too ! I am a qualified historian , I know how to analyse information . All I can say is there's one born every minute , fortunately for MLM companies !! Why don't you do a risk and reward analysis  on Nu Skin ? If you're going to blindly believe in something that's your business not mine .
}
25. c6
{
Alan Whitham: Here's another one you should take a look at , The Finance Guy , Nu Skin review . It's his job to put people on to sound business opportunities , so why would he tell his readers to avoid Nu Skin ?
}
25... bxc6
{
flyingscot: Well after all is said and done,  my sponsor was doing very well in Portugal before he moved to China 🇨🇳 then the Philippines 🇵🇭 and is rebuilding there now.  His sponsor has been with the company for 20 years so is good enough for me to work towards my goal with the company.  I'd it didn't work out for those whom you've based your observation on so be it. 
}
{
Alan Whitham: As long as you're going in with your eyes wide shut !  It's the oldest trick in the book . As they say , the love of money is the root of all evil .
}
26. dxc6
{
Alan Whitham: You're misinterpreting what I've said . None of it is anecdotal . It's based on court actions and magazine articles and of course expert opinion , people who understand business .
}
{
Alan Whitham: I have about as much chance of convincing you that you're making a big mistake as you have of convincing me that this is an ethical business that you can make a living from .
}
{
Alan Whitham: We can't go on like this . I suggest we forget about MLM and play chess .
}
26... Be6
{
flyingscot: You're right am as stubborn as you and one of us is right.  Perception is the key and only that informs us in our decision making. 
Here endeth the lesson.
}
{
Alan Whitham: No lesson required .
}
27. c7 Qd7
{
flyingscot: Yes,  Rodney.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I think you and Del boy have much in common .  And I have a lot in common with Rodders , and no I don't mean I'm a 42 carat plonker . Rodney has a moral compass . Should I elaborate further ?
}
28. Bd1 Bd5
{
flyingscot: In the final analysis the company has built its market and sustained itself using the MLM model for close to 40 years.  If its practices were questionable and all distributors must adhere to a strict code of operational terms concerning marketing,  what we can or cannot say to prospects about the products,  the earning potential and your relationship with the company.  I am NOT an employee and am entirely dependent on my ability to develop a team of builders who share that desire.  I am not a salesperson but someone who shows how you can create an income WITH the company.  There are distributors or retail customers and what a prospect chooses is their perogative.  I have no interest in spending hours convincing anyone to buy/try the products or become a customer.  Whatever you've read may have portrayed things about Nu Skin who are NOT involved in the Marketing but is the remit of us in the network of distributors.  Nu Skin is a developer of products,  a manufacturer and is not responsible for how successful those who join the business as distributors.  Say no more.  
}
{
Alan Whitham: " All the good and none of the bad " , what a load of bollocks you've bought into !
}
{
Alan Whitham: I am sorry that I've failed to convince you that MLM is a rip off . Also the cosmetics industry tests its products on animals which to me is disgusting , unethical , immoral ,and totally unacceptable . Ok Nu Skin will claim it doesn't but it sells its products in China so therefore it must do .  When you recruit people , your down line , as you must ., you have to use some level of persuasion , you have to sell them the idea . Or just let some flash bastard in a video do it for you . The bottom line is your success depends on how many people you can convince to join . Here the possibility of bullying comes into play , for obvious reasons , it's a dog eat dog way of conducting business . The most successful will obviously be the most persuasive . How ambitious , how ruthless are you ? The trouble will come when people in your down line fail and blame you for convincing them that this was a good thing . Maybe you won't have what it takes , I suspect you won't , I know very well I wouldn't . You've already got the company mantra of blaming people for their own failure because they haven't worked hard enough or followed the prescribed steps , and after you told them how easy it was going to be to make a grand a month ! According to Nu Skins own stats a very small percentage of distributors even manage to make a living wage and most lose money . And finally many people are of the opinion that Nu Skin products are over-priced crap , good luck selling them to your cash strapped friends and neighbours in Aberdeen . First you have to dream , well dream on !
}
29. Ba4
{
Alan Whitham: Google , The Moral and Ethical Argument Against Multi-Level Marketing . Read the article by Christoper Lindsay and tell me what it is he's saying that is false . It's a very short article .
}
29... e5 30. Qd2
{
flyingscot: I have over 20 years experience in this form of marketing so am familiar with the lie of the land.  I know how new members of whatever business are paying a premium to cover the commissions paid to those in the levels below.   If you aren't happy about the structure of the comp plan and find that at odds there's no obligation to participate.
}
{
Alan Whitham: That's nonsense !
}
{
Alan Whitham: Commission is paid to the levels above , surely .
}
{
Alan Whitham: So you've 20 years experience in MLM ? But you're not allowed to discuss your income or how you earn it .LOL . Recruit , recruit , recruit , relax !  It does sound good I admit , too good to be true , and it isn't ? 
}
30... Qf5
{
flyingscot: I read the article and it's an opinion formulated on his belief of how MLM works. You accept the basis of what you are being offered and are not obligated to follow through ignorance.  
It's not for you and so time to end this topic.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I tried to end it before but you insist on having the last word . Let that be an end to it then .
}
31. Bxe8 Bxf3
{
flyingscot: Life goes on.
}
32. Bxh6+ Kg8 33. Bc6 Bxc6 34. Rxc6
{
Alan Whitham: Can City make history ?
}
34... Ne7
{
flyingscot: On form it's a yes,  but will assess when I see the lineups,  Dzeko or Lukaku up front,  or Martinez?  Haaland - say no more.
}
35. Rb6
{
Alan Whitham: 2 down 1 to go , there will be pressure . Down to the manager to get them fired up . It'll be a great achievement even by City's standards .
}
{
Alan Whitham: It's only BT Sports !!  I don't have it .
}
{
Alan Whitham: You Tube saves the day .
}
{
flyingscot: As expected a closed game,  1 goal may do it as long as Inter don't go 2-0 up.
}
35... Re8 36. Rxd6
{
Alan Whitham: 1-0 City , great finish .
}
36... Ne4
{
flyingscot: Dutching 1-0,  0-1 or 1-1 would have netted £324.
}
37. Rd8
{
Alan Whitham:  Inter deserved to be level at 90 minutes .
}
37... Nxd2
{
flyingscot: Man City were probably the last team they wanted to meet in the Final,  or Real Madrid & PSG.  Rodri's strike was a strike to savour and fit to win the game.  While luck seemed to favour City in the latter stages.
}
38. Rxe8+ Kh7 39. Bxd2 Nc8 40. Be3 Qd7
{
flyingscot: Have you watched Farley/Postecoglu?
}
41. Rxe5
{
Alan Whitham: Not yet .
}
41... Qxc7
{
flyingscot: It's a mixture of Dychecoglu.
}
{
Alan Whitham: They all seem to merge into one .
}
42. Rc5 Qd7 43. Rac1 Nd6 44. Rc6 Nb5
{
flyingscot: Scotland meets Haaland.
}
45. Rxa6
{
Alan Whitham: You're not going to tell me he's signed for Aberdeen ?
}
45... Qd3
{
flyingscot: Norway in the Euros.
}
46. Rac6
{
Alan Whitham: You should have a good chance .
}
46... Qe4
{
flyingscot: The expectations are high.
}
{
Alan Whitham: Norway are always  tough opponents . I'd go for 1-1 but Scotland are on the up so maybe your lads will edge it .
}
47. a6 Qe7
{
flyingscot: The game's in Oslo so not a walkover.
}
{
Alan Whitham: I'd predict 1-1 .
}
48. Rb6 Nd6 49. Bc5 Qc7
{
flyingscot: 2-4 Croatia .
}
50. Rxd6 f5
{
flyingscot: That was the cruncher

}
51. a7
{
Alan Whitham: Fingers crossed .
}
51... Qa5 52. Be3
{
flyingscot: Spain looking better in an open game with Italy.
}
{
flyingscot: Spain looking better in an open game with Italy.
}
1-0

