This Article Low Key Drags Me & Anti-MLM... *SHOCKING*

As a final closing chapter on my coverage of anti-MLM (for now), I wanted to talk about an article written in the Atlantic that.. well... low key drags me! The article was weirdly written and also featured my "face" I suppose all over the cover photo (though the photos chosen were.. well.. kind of odd) but the article itself is a great jumping off point into a deeper conversation on the broad variety of voices and faces within the anti-MLM movement.
In part 2 of this 2 part series I'll be interviewing the creators quoted for the article as well as diving into the Atlantic's shady past... stay tuned!
The article: www.theatlantic.com/technolog...
PATREON: www.patreon.com/user?u=41981007
Great voices within the anti-MLM movement:
Haley, @counselorhaley on Instagram:
counselorha...
Coffezilla, discusses anti-MLM as well as many other scams:
/ @coffeezilla
Mack Attack, anti-MLM creator:
/ @mack.attack
Margaret Angel, anti-MLM creator (and great friend):
/ @margaretangel
SAVY Writes Books, anti-MLM creator + many other talents:
/ @savywritesbooks
Ponzinomics, written by Robert Fitzpatrick:
www.amazon.com/Ponzinomics-Un...
Video Clips Shown:
SAVY Writes Books (speaking on balanced viewpoints + whether anti-MLM is anti women):
• the anti-MLM community...
• "Is Anti-MLM Anti-Wome...
Amanda Mc (speaking on her take on the anti-MLM community):
• STOP THE DRAMA! | Some...
The Antibot (speaking on her logical approach to speaking on anti-MLM):
• This antiMLM KZbinr ...
Coffeezilla's interview with Robert Fitzpatrick:
• The History of MLM and...
John M. Taylor's study on Multi-Level Marketing:
www.ftc.gov/sites/default/fil...
www.ftc.gov/sites/default/fil...
Logical Fallacies:
thebestschools.org/magazine/1...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:05 My Take on Anti-MLM and "Drama"
8:17 The Article's Cover Photo (& "my face")
14:55 Diversity of anti-MLM
18:36 Examining the Article
37:13 Logical Fallacies Used
45:09 Reaching Out to the Reporter
54:34 Other Criticisms of anti-MLM
1:08:57 Conclusion
INSTAGRAM: @cruelworldhappymind

[@cruelworldhappymind]

*warning: around 8min 30 sec the images shown exhibit bright flashes and colors that may be triggering to those with epilepsy or sensory sensitivity. Had to take a mental break from posting for a few weeks, but I've been planning out some exciting content and am excited to show you all! Stay tuned for pt.2 coming soon!

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

And to add onto the sentiment of taking breaks and not overworking yourself. As long as you are happy with what you make and put out, thats good as well. If you need to change what you do, do it. Burn out is an utter b i t c h And I will be here! Because I love your personality and the way you make the videos and how deeply researched they are!

[@rain2429]

the intro was really impactful, thanks for taking care of yourself, so excited for future vids!

[@yamilett8798]

Welcome back! Please don't overwork yourself. I'm glad that you are deciding to ignore drama moving forward, your mental health comes first and now even more that you have a baby on the way.

[@LaurenAnne99]

Always look after yourself and the little one, first. That’s always more important than anything else.

[@SM-BSW]

Welcome back! Choices were made in this article. Stupid, stupid choices.

[@R.Bridger]

it’s so funny how they act like anti-mlm youtubers are hypocrites for having merch..... you’re not criticizing selling things, you’re criticizing mlm business models

[@ashleyreed3865]

This. Make money ladies! You don't need to scam and recruit to make money!

[@jenmdawg]

Perfectly summed up. What’s wrong with making money while serving a good cause?

[@cruelworldhappymind]

💖💖

[@roguestowl2280]

Exactly! And that’s a straw man that mlm reps often use- twisting our argument and responding as if making money is the problem.

[@Alyssa_M513]

Right?! Anti-MLM does not mean anti-business.

[@recklessmermaid]

you should definitely invoice The Atlantic publicly for using your digital art for their cover.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

lol!!

[@tugger]

@@cruelworldhappymind not a joke, they used in a commercial manner.

[@vvolfbelorven7084]

@@tugger I’m no lawyer, but I dont think that’s how it works. They could use the public figure argument in that she’s a “public figure” now, willingly and consistently showing her face in a publicly accesible medium to discuss general topics. Also, if she’s allowed to charge, then it’ll be fair for the people who she has shown on her videos (like Rachel Hollis) to charge her for her using their likeness without their permission “in a commercial manner,” since she could be making money off YT ads and attracting an audience for her merchandise. It doesn’t make sense.

[@cutienerdgirl]

@@vvolfbelorven7084 You're 100% correct tbh.

[@colintosh5417]

Yeah threaten to sue their sorry asses

[@stewieismyhomeboy]

"These KZbinrs are using clickbait!" Another article written by this same reporter is titled "This Will Change Your Life"

[@missmatti]

Spoiler alert: The reporter also used clickbait...

[@blane2472]

Seeing 'serious' journalists write pieces about internet drama is very cringe.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

IKR!! I was hoping she was actually going to talk about the serious problem of how the pandemic has caused mlms to target more and more vulnerable people and why antimlm has grown because of that! I didn’t understand why it took such an odd turn into internet drama.. 😅

[@jfm14]

@@Fatemaforlife It's a shame because they do publish extremely well-researched, well-written, and impactful pieces sometimes. I've always taken issue with some of the more ignorant, unimaginative perspectives they choose to promote, but over the past few years there does seem to be an increasing amount of articles that are just... bad. Even some of their cover pieces, which is especially egregious. I've lost what little respect I once had for the magazine.

[@stewieismyhomeboy]

By this reporter's logic, any of her colleagues who report on things happening in the White House, or reporting on the border crisis, or reporting on the pandemic should not get paid for their work. Because they are making content about an issue that affects the daily lives of people, right?

[@cruelworldhappymind]

EXACTLY!!

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

Me: ooh new video from Madison! *Hits play* OH HEY THAT'S ME

[@cruelworldhappymind]

[@bluz1864]

Hi Savy!

[@theantibot]

I was like yayyyyy Savy!!!!! And then I was like oh it’s me!!!

[@MsDancecommander]

It's you? Neat!

[@passivelydiplomaticalskept9836]

SAVY Cooks Food!

[@AlsaDruid]

This article feels like it was an attempt by pro-mlm to discredit the anti-mlm movement. It’s disgusting and a great example of why the anti-mlm movement exists. Good on you Madison!

[@htewing]

I'm half surprised it didn't end with a "This article sponsored by Monat" disclaimer tbh lmao

[@fowlergirll]

I wonder how much they sponsored her

[@Blue_Jane]

I LOVE the idea of anti-MLM being a movement instead of a community. Thank you for reframing that.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

I'm so glad! I love anti-MLM and want to continue to see it thriving!!

[@rubigee4397]

Agreed!!!

[@htewing]

This is wild to me. This woman's citing no sources, she's just talking opinions, she's taking a few individuals and painting them like the whole movements, she's singling out YOU, who isn't even the biggest name in anti-MLM... as a copywriter, this article is shoddy BS. The author (and/or her editor, depending on how the original draft was) clearly just watched a couple videos, lit a Scentsy warmer and proceeded to dial it in. If The Atlantic sees this and wants someone who isn't going to half-ass an article this badly, HMU. She also apparently wrote the Atlantic's "TikTok banned MLMs" article. No idea how good that one is.

[@Catglittercrafts]

Yea, the author is obviously a hun

[@morgantaylor517]

Well said. And journalists have the nerve to wonder why people have no trust in them. 🙄

[@lumostsumos9049]

I wonder which MLM the author of this article has a soft spot for. The whole article is an eye roll.

[@mintberry3164]

or which MLM commissioned the author to write the article in the first place 🤔

[@elainelouve]

I'm thinking they just don't understand KZbin and probably they grew up with Tupperware containers. Saying stuff like "innocent products" screams to me a middle aged person who never knew the reality of MLMs from their mom going to a neighbor's Tupperware party.

[@Randoplants]

@@elainelouve That was my understanding before learning about MLMs. I remembered playing with toys at a Tupperware party as a kid, and seeing old Avon collectibles in flea markets.

[@elainelouve]

@@Randoplants mine as well.x) I have even been to a Partylite party, and though I didn't buy anything (went there only so that my friend could get enough guests), I never questioned the business model itself the same way anti-MLM are nowadays doing.

[@sareegeevee]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

This article reads like a student who needs to hit that 400 words minimum essay

[@cherryvoid5238]

It does 😭😭😭

[@car0ndelet]

Spell out all the contractions and use prepositions everywherrrrrrre

[@kulaniwarner2424]

Right!?!? I kept thinking, oof, imagine turning that in to a professor haha.

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

Thank you so much for talking about the internalized misogyny

[@elena_1776]

There is absolutely nothing wrong about making money in a legitimate way, i.e. merch, ads, views, etc. There IS something wrong with making money by misleading and manipulating people, the way MLMs do. This seems so obvious to me.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

👏👏👏 ofc I think it’s important to be cognizant of how we make money while spreading the message, but if I wasn’t able to support myself and do this then I couldn’t do it at all- editing takes hours and hours!

[@Acehigh-Jenkins]

I think the reason they’ve chosen you and Kiki is because your so attractive. This draws people to look at the article but also makes it easy to write you off as a couple of pretty attention seeking “mean girls”. Explains why they used a modelling photo. It’s the old trusty way of dismissing women based on how they look not engaging with what they say. If theyre pretty they’re attention seeking. If they’re not so attractive then they’re jealous. You literally can’t win! Ignore them and keep doing what you do so well!

[@F66x]

"You criticize capitalism yet you participate in it. I am very smart."

[@cruelworldhappymind]

😂😂🤦‍♀️

[@cruelworldhappymind]

I. Just. Can’t. The reporter definitely got me there...

[@thisisthewaterandthisisthe3254]

Lol. The article in a nutshell

[@10feralratsinacoat76]

I’m literally halfway through the video and thus far the article has yet to mention the pandemic. How exactly does this have to do with title that they’ve chosen? It feels as if they’ve intentionally written it in a ambiguous way to make the most people click on it. Yikes to not citing sources well and poorly cherry picking the rest of them.

[@markramos1216]

Alternate titles to each of Madison’s installments from her epic three-part video series: •Kimbyrleigha faked everything about... well, everything. •The exact moment Emily Leah’s career ended: 08:39 PM, 02/28/21. •The Atlantic aimed for the Anti-MLM community. It hit them instead.

[@direcircumstances]

I'm loving that D'Angelo reference.

[@Camelia_Cazan]

Dying here, thanks for the giggles Mark

[@cortney3798]

😆

[@mcsmaria28]

Lol, love the D’Angelo references. 😂👍

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

Mark, master of the Memes.

[@katrinaa980]

The fact that they just took your photos and didn’t even link you shows how shotty their work is. You can link people’s content, but you can’t just screen grab something off the internet and use it without permission. I would invoice them or cease and desist if you’re feeling petty 🙃

[@pr0ntab]

I would caution that it probably wasn't the author of the piece that made this decision, but a designer or editor. Now, it doesn't mean it's not shitty or possibly illegal, just that the issue is more uhh, systemic.

[@markramos1216]

Imagine seeking advice from a known snake oil salesman on how to manage an ethically run business. Well, that’s exactly what _The Atlantic_ did in choosing one of their specific interviewees.

[@emilietrepanier1673]

This article is a great example of why people don’t take journalists seriously. YOUR content is a prime example of how journalism should be done!

[@spooniejusticewarrior]

Traditional media has been anti-youtuber for a while.

[@Herstory1585]

Ewww that’s so creepy that they were trolling and found a modeling pic of you being 16 😬

[@akahey]

The journalist shot herself in the foot by having her main source be Kimber. With such a shady and biased source, it lowers the journalist’s credibility and shows how unprofessional she is as a writer. She’s able to do research thorough enough to find your modeling picture but not thorough enough to actually provide a well-written and detailed article with sources to back up her claims and explain her obvious bias.

[@aj9530]

Kimber-lame-ah talking about how mean _other people are?_ Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

[@agoraphobicsquirrel8607]

She just big time tried to gaslight Madison . Wow.

[@lexalopez1483]

But Madison sent her an email calling her a cunt among many other really disgusting words isn’t mean? Let’s be real here

[@tatianaliane1624]

So when a heart surgeon is famous from developing a new technique to save lives, and his personal branding becomes very successful because of this accomplishment, should we then cancel him because he gained fame and fortune? I personally work in aviation safety - stop planes from crashing and literally prevent people from dying. My work is also steadily building my personal brand and reputation. Am I a shit person? Should we all be putting robes over ourselves and moving anonymously through life, never specializing in anything because of the off chance we might accidentally gain personally through work we are passionate about?

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you! It makes no sense... I want to understand where the reporter was coming from but the argument has no reason to it imo

[@spanglelime]

There's a doctor who's very pro-vax and works to correct misinformation. He's also got a patent on a hantavirus vaccine (I am not sure if it's been passed through the FDA red tape yet. This was some time back when I heard this argument). Apparently his knowledge and work is invalid bc he will make money from this vaccine. Yeah... that's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. Congrats on your work, by the way. My father worked on building air traffic control software, and my sibling is a commercial airline pilot. I highly appreciate people such as yourself. Aviation safety is really important to me. Thank you! ❤

[@tianaliss6566]

I’ve already speculated about the odd timing of this article - and I think Monat paid that lady lol.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

ITS SO WEIRD RIGHT?! It confuses me so much!!

[@markramos1216]

You’ve heard of Russell Hartley, now get ready for Nick Zangl. Equally vanilla, equally misogynistic.

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

_Wheeze_

[@rubigee4397]

💀

[@roisinaurora5151]

I see u in pretty much all the anti-mlm content I watch but it is always a DELIGHT

[@SparkleReads]

💀💀💀

[@pqwork6475]

This article feels like such a PR piece that some company paid to have written

[@katherinemahlum178]

Couldn't the reporter have gotten an extension from her boss? Something does not seem quite right here.?? 🤔 Also mean people and mean girl behavior exist in all professions so thats a weak argument. And yes, I agree its important to reach out to people if they are doing something wrong within the community.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

THANK YOU. THANK YOU... the whole deadline thing, how weirdly it’s written... something feels so off!!

[@unethicaltea6079]

Madison, thank you for including parts about our community, including linking LGBT creators and just showing that you're a great ally. I really enjoyed Hayley's insight.

[@zorgnax]

Thank you so much!!! 💙

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Haley is incredible and I’m so glad to have her voice as apart of the movement!

[@JessieCaitlyn]

what in the hack journalism--

[@annamurphy1096]

As a journalist, this makes me so mad. Not only was it biased writing, it wasn't even decent writing.

[@TheeMademoiselle]

Anti-MLM doesn’t have to be this dramatic tbh. This is so extra. At the end of the day these people are taking advantage of people we all know that and so do the people in it. You can agree or disagree but people be doing tooooo much at this point 🤦🏽‍♀️. &yassss 100K creeping up really soon ✨🤞🏽

[@cruelworldhappymind]

IKR!! Like rly we are just over here talking about stuff that we think is important 😅

[@cruelworldhappymind]

And THANK YOU SO MUCH you’re amazing 😢💖

[@TheeMademoiselle]

@@cruelworldhappymind np sis ❤️. They have nothing to do at this point. The Ani Ti MLM community is a MOVEMENT. Not a damn malicious campaign. All the proof is in the numbers and evidence like come on 🥱. There’s nothing to discuss. If you want To join knowing you are wasting time and money fine but this community exists to warn the ignorant.

[@TheeMademoiselle]

@@cruelworldhappymind also I’m rewatching lols, gotta get that watchtime poppin’ this is why ion respond to NO REQUESTS to interviews they love to make you sound a different way fuck that. I said what I said quote my video leave me alone. You have the rigghhhht idea. They wanted to flip your words.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

@@TheeMademoiselle ikr!! I don't think I'll ever do an over the phone interview at this point bc it's so scary to think people can twist your words...

[@FillaneAmmisto]

2 things that make me wonder: 1. Is the person involved in an MLM or close to someone who is? She seems overly defensive. 2. How can the site charge almost 50$ for such sloppy researched stuff It also rubbs me the wrong way everytime I see Kymber being presented as a poor victim of a mean community.

[@htewing]

@MsYogaGrrrl I've been trying to break into copywriting for about 2 years now, especially during the pandemic, and I'm so pissed that I can't get an article, blog, or any other writing job because I don't have an english or journalism degree... but stuff like this is good enough to make it into The Atlantic. JFC.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

I’ve been wondering the same thing... it’s hard to tell if the journalist has a connection to mlms but there are some shady things surrounding this that I’m talking about in pt 2!

[@htewing]

@@cruelworldhappymind I honestly wouldn't be surprised at all. In academic research you're supposed to list your biases on a topic (i.e. if you're receiving money from an organization to do the research), and I'd hope that journalists would do the same, but I know they often don't.

[@punchdrunkassassin]

@@htewing the biggest issue with journalism these days is that basically anyone can call themselves a journalist. I've worked in newsrooms before as a radio reporter/anchor and we have a governing body and code of ethics that we are accountable to. Multiple governing bodies, actually (in my country, anyways). We have to be careful and thorough and follow strict guidelines, for very good reason, and of course disclose any potential conflicts of interest. While out in the wild there are also the people who write blogs that get presented as fact-based articles, opinion pieces that are published on established media sites, and people who are good at writing and can get something in by deadline. I've seen people who post cellphone videos of car accidents and rip off other local news sites' stories about it and then call themselves independent journalists on Facebook. The title is rapidly losing its meaning and its credibility, unfortunately. And that definitely makes for a sketchy landscape when trying to do research on a topic, because now you have to first do a deep dive on the author of that article you found. It also ends up painting all of us in media with the same brush of questionable accountability, and it's an issue.

[@htewing]

@@punchdrunkassassin It's *definitely* an issue. Believe me. I've got a masters in a research field and the sort of crap that gets peddled as "research" these days is stomach-turning, so I'd imagine it's much the same for *actual* journalists looking at stuff like... *motions* this

[@ashleyreed3865]

You have an incredible ability to critically think, examine research, and express your thoughts. Just because someone writes an article on something does not make it true or well thought out. I see so many people use articles like this that are incredibly shallow with no evidence to prove that their opinion is correct. Keep it up.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you!! 💖

[@passivelydiplomaticalskept9836]

"Madison just made a video about you" "Oh wow, how was it?!?! =D " "Ur career has been Harnished" "Oh no =S"

[@ItMeSinamenRoll]

Clever

[@jolenecarney6613]

That’s awesome!!!

[@cruelworldhappymind]

😂😂 u get me every dang time

[@theantibot]

Omg! I just got to your shout out! Thank you so much! That means so much to me 💕

[@MrsScorpionette]

To bbe honest, the journalist sounds like they tried YT and failed 🤦‍♀️

[@pocketkerrie]

I'm so excited for longer deep dives!

[@cruelworldhappymind]

yayyy!!

[@Rachel-nb6he]

That article seemed lazy and biased. Very wierd that they used those images of creators too.

[@DunlopPride]

Its pretty embarrassing that a "legitimate" publication like the Atlantic would publish an article that is like, OBJECTIVELY flawed in its construction. The person who wrote that most likely went to college for journalism, and is putting out biased/poorly researched articles while complaining about youtubers trying to make money? Like c'mon....

[@punchdrunkassassin]

Right? I hate it. Traditional media and new media can exist in the same sphere. And often, like in the case with this article, these new media creators clearly put in more effort to create solid, well-researched, well-produced, informative content.

[@danecranberry6025]

I'm disappointed in the Atlantic. I gave them more credit than this.

[@morgantaylor517]

@@danecranberry6025 It makes me wonder are ALL their articles this shoddy? We don't know what we don't know.

[@danecranberry6025]

@@morgantaylor517 The overwhelming majority of their articles have quality. One of their best was exposing the race problem in pro wrestling.

[@wilmagregg3131]

@@danecranberry6025 after they admitted to taking money for "news articles" aka adds without saying there adds for people like scientology they arnt even a news source to me anymore there like IGN "pay to praise"

[@alexvictoria84]

Wow. Savy's right that there is always more that 2 sides to every story. We're dealing with an imperfect world and imperfect people in an imperfect movement, and that means that there will always be flaws for critics to strawman/redherring. But imperfection doesn't mean that it's not worth trying. The last few days I have been really pleasantly surprised and reassured that most viewers seem to be seeing "drama" for what it is rather than being drawn into it.

[@Basicchicfemme80]

Madison I’m so proud of you on how you kept a mature manner, and able see beyond other immature behaviors. You and your baby are in my thoughts. ❤️

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you 🥺💖💖

[@KaylaMarie_]

I'm noticing a trend that anti mlmers shouldn't make money or talk about the number of subscribers they have. But I don't understand why that's a problem. Edit: if any anti mlm KZbinr cares about the community, they WANT the subscriber count to go up. And if there's any money to be made to allow creator to improve their content or spend more time making it, then that's better for the movement as well.

[@mcsmaria28]

I know, these creators are putting in a lot of work and effort into their channels. For some, it’s a full time job, why shouldn’t they get compensated some how?

[@saipandevo]

There's also the fact that, if they want to reach the most people, you need to be monetized. KZbin will lowkey suppress videos that are demonetized and not push them out. Plus, with the new guidelines stating that they will run ads on videos regardless of whether or not the channel has been monetized, there doesn't seem to be much of a point in not monetizing a channel.

[@juliannaistyping]

@@saipandevo I left a similar comment but you said it way better than me! In order to reach a wide audience, you've got to be monetized-- it's just how it is. Complaining that Anti-MLMers make money from their content just makes no sense lol.

[@ju-shi-san]

It's like saying people who work for nonprofits or charities shouldn't be paid. Work is work.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Agreed! I think it’s important to be cognizant of how we spread the message of course, but I also spent hours on this video & others and if I wasn’t able to make a living that way I wouldn’t be able to do this at all!!

[@elena_1776]

That article is bizarre. I kind of think the writer has to be involved in an MLM somehow.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

I KNOW RIGHT?? It’s just so bizarre and confusing!!

[@notthegoodgirl]

Just started - *GIRL* this editing! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

Okay yeah Ponzinomics-- I've done 2 reviews on this book and they have like no views because the drama videos keep usurping me 🤦

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Omg I should have linked your videos too! Remember you talking about reading the book I have to read it at some point I just procrastinate reading 😂

[@rd9728]

Ok but those videos on Ponzinomics were some of your best. Might not get millions of views but those of us who viewed them really appreciate it xoxo

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

@@cruelworldhappymind I highly recommend the book!

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

@@rd9728 thank you so much!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the videos!

[@rd9728]

@@SAVYWRITESBOOKS I also literally JUST viewed your popular video about Rachel’s book (how did I miss that because I thought I’d seen all your Rachel Hollis videos) and seriously, what a gem. Your deep research and commentary are fantastic. Keep it up! 👏🏽✨

[@schnupsyjen2552]

Sounds like the article is trying to make AntiMLM just like the beauty community, dramatic and stabby. So far from the truth.

[@jenmdawg]

You’ve nailed it.

[@heathercameron1485]

Your introduction was incredibly gracious. I'm one of the Instagramers and my experience with the community as a whole has been nothing but positive. The overwhelming majority of creators are supportive and caring. I know what my experiences are. I know that this is a positive movement and I wouldn't be a part of it if it wasn't.

[@1917yee]

I really hate how you've been characterized as some kind of drama blogger... you're such a level headed and calm person. I find myself binge watching you whenever I'm relaxing before bed cuz your voice is so soothing lol. And you're so balanced. Clearly that person was biased.

[@argentinaencanada]

Journalist are afraid of KZbin. It’s scary to them that “amateurs” can be just as good, or better journalist that they are. They’ve become a joke and the good ones are silenced. They’ve all become click bait.

[@pris1378]

1. Anti MLM is as old as MLM. IT IS WAY OLDER THAN YT 2. Well. I sense this author forgot they had to do an article and threw this together a few hours before the deadline.

[@randomstuff-qu7sh]

When you want to see how many logical fallacies you can pack into a comment: Its hard to tell if she's biased against the Anti-MLM community or if the short deadline pushed her to just throw some crap together without doing proper due diligence. It shouldn't really be surprising that a traditional news source would be critical of KZbin when you consider they do compete with each other. I enjoy the irony of calling out KZbinrs for profiting off of criticizing an industry when this reporter is pretty much doing the same thing. Perhaps this kind of reporting is a symptom of a much larger problem. News as a service (aka, they don't expect to make a profit) is pretty much dead and has been replaced with the more profitable infotainment. Is it any wonder that traditional news sources, strapped for cash, are being more and more strongly influenced by the advertisers they rely on?

[@cruelworldhappymind]

I agree it’s hard to tell, I want to give the benefit of the doubt to the reporter and think maybe she was just on a tight deadline but the article is definitely weirdly worded!

[@kristinaperunicic2054]

Zg

[@Sleipnirseight]

Side note, I'm very excited about your conspiracy theory videos! I teach hs science and my students love talking about and debunking conspiracies. It could be fun to watch one of your videos for homework :p

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Omg that’s so cool!! 😍🥰

[@Rainbowthewindsage]

That's honestly sounds like a really fun way to teach students critical thinking.

[@nonyab5640]

I’m at 24:00. You don’t have to defend selling merch, bubbly, boring or otherwise, one has nothing to do with the other, everyone has merch and you’d be doing it regardless of what you’re focused on. They’re really just reaching there to villainise this.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you 🥺💖💖

[@kbbbb7]

Sounds like Kimbyrleigha got to a journo who then wrote an article based off her perspective. Media doesn't operate in a vacuum and you're aware how manipulative she is, it wouldn't surprise me if this was the next step. Or this reporter has friends /family in mlm and has sympathised with Kimbyrleigha. Because she's used you as a posterchild and you made a video on her....

[@gommy0415]

I honestly can’t wait for your series on conspiracy theories! Your videos are always so well researched and conspiracy theories all interest me but not enough to do the hardcore research. Good for you for changing your content to whatever you feel like doing 😁

[@theantibot]

Excited to see this video! I hope you’re doing well, and you’re definitely in my thoughts with your pregnancy 💕

[@bluz1864]

Hi Taylor! I saw Savy in the comments and was happy and now you. Yey!

[@theantibot]

@@bluz1864 hey!!! ❤️❤️

[@Alex-tb9ku]

That part of the article where it’s like: “is it a movement or a collection of individuals” had me laughing. All I could think of was the balcony preaching scene in Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Brian, to crowd: “You’re all individuals!” Crowd, in unison: “Yes! We are all individuals!” Also: yes, it’s a movie recommendation if you haven’t seen any Monty Python!😊

[@markramos1216]

BREAKING NEWS: Madison Harnish has since issued a statement in response to rumors regarding a follow-up video on the recent “drama.” “If there’s any updates after this, bro, I don’t care. YOU make the update video, okay? I think we’re up to, like, what, 5 hours worth of content about this?”

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Love and appreciate you Mark!

[@hope-cat4894]

Also if they wanted to know more about anti-mlm, why didn't they interview anyone in the community? They only quoted someone who dislikes the community, but got no one to defend it.

[@juliafoy5739]

I read that article real quick, and I thought that was your face! But I didn't think much of what it said. Glad to hear your perspective...there are definitely some subtle digs in there. Like, is it possible that the KZbin algorithm rewards antiMLM content because so many people want to watch it? Maybe, just maybe, so many people know someone who got screwed over in an MLM that their cathartic enjoyment of the content drives up view counts? Blergh.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

EXACTLY!!

[@Sleipnirseight]

'scuze??! This is a big yikes moment for the atlantic....

[@cruelworldhappymind]

IKR!! The whole thing confuses me so much!! I was like is this normal reporting? So in pt. 2 I interview two people with backgrounds in journalism, because none of it makes sense to me!

[@Sleipnirseight]

@@cruelworldhappymind Looking forward to seeing it!!! I appreciate that you do your due diligence. I have to wonder if there's some odd bias with the author or maybe they're just after click bait...???

[@Camelia_Cazan]

@@Sleipnirseight Buna buna, nu-mi vine sa cred ca am dat peste o romanca aici x

[@Sleipnirseight]

@@Camelia_Cazan haha I'm not Romanian but I love saying that word 😅I wish I spoke the language!

[@Camelia_Cazan]

@@Sleipnirseight ohhh haha, sorry! ❤️

[@lauuura]

Damn, I learned so much from this video. Defining terms such as “movement”, “Formal Fallacy”, “Informal Fallacy”, etc was so helpful in backing up your argument. Very nicely put together. 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@Mmmaaarrriiieeee]

Sooo no matter what people do, if they are making a job out of something they are passionate about, they are hypocritical or what does this lady want to tell us?

[@cruelworldhappymind]

I know right? I was so confused like.. we’re talking about issues we feel are important and building a career and that’s... bad? What should we be doing then? 🤔

[@Mmmaaarrriiieeee]

So true ❤️ loved your video keep it going

[@natrodrz]

I'm halfway into the video, but I totally agree with your point of view about this article. I was so happy when I saw the title because woo, we're on front pages! But as I read it, it became extremely off-putting, faulty, and painting a good cause as something that is not. Very contradictory to read and frankly a click bait. So, if we have a movement against illegal bussinesses practices and scams growing, that is labeled as opportunism? I know it's a huge strawman arguement, but why should that be a bad thing? That's called spreading awareness. This article reeks of pro-MLM vibes. I am so glad you are addressing this. Edit: Finished watching the whole video (had to run errands) and wheew, what a fantastic coverage- as always. I agree the amount of internalized misogyny is surmountable. It's part of society that will take MANY years into solving, unfortunately. The journalist should have taken a bit of consideration over your situation and be careful on who she cited. She shouldn't have used your face if you haven't been able to give your POV- and using your modeling picture when you were a teen without consent is a big yikes. Also, I totally believe if all the toxic, ad hominem crap happened in Facebook. It's second-rate Twitter in all honesty. I can't wait for part 2!

[@soulmata]

I'm so glad you're going to be branching out into series and deep dives on other types of sort of mentally abusive practices. There are far more voices misleading people than helping them and having people like you around makes things better.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

YES! Exactly! And I’m so glad you’re excited!! I’m so excited about it too!

[@jameseversley8340]

Not me standing in front of my tv, cheering you on, after I had a bit too much wine (and pizza) But really, you are really clear on calling out the inconsistencies in this article, and I’m here for it

[@cruelworldhappymind]

🥺💜 omg I love that 😂 also missing wine so much rn (I’m 4 months pregnant 😅)

[@tessam7068]

"Criticizes capitalism on commercial platforms" has the same energy as "You critique society, yet you participate in it... hmm."

[@Alex-tb9ku]

I can’t wait for part two!! While reading I wondered if *someone* had ‘pitched’ an article topic, to an overworked reporter with a deadline looming. It’s still odd, whatever way I look at it. But especially with the graphics/photos used, the internalised misogyny, poor editing/proofreading… Also, your prior communication with the reporter on the breakaway movement, add another layer of weirdness to it all.

[@JHjh88]

I love how you mention books, articles, blogs, vlogs, a whole array of ways ppl are speaking out against MLM's. 💜 From Australia ✌️

[@skategirl701]

This video is what introduced me to this channel, and I've been slowly working my way from the first vid al the way to the newer ones (which I watched whenever they came out lol) and it's thanks to these videos that I realized I was almost recruited twice by two different mlms, the first gave up on me after my first "party" had ZERO people show up. Not a soul. She probably realized I was a lost cause lol. The second one was Amway and I made it all the way to a zoom meeting with a ton of people, but I had just gotten a new job that took all my time so I didn't follow through (and my past experience made me realize I would be horrible at it lol). Thank you for making these videos, and although you don't make mlm specific content anymore, I still love everything you make and always look forward to the next topic. Keep doing what you're doing cause it's great!

[@zelzelzelzel]

Brilliant video as usual! As someone who went to university to study journalism, the points you made in the 'reaching out to the journalist' section of your video are especially important. Media literacy is (I believe) one of the most important, and least taught skills we have as a society, so I'm so pleased to hear you talk on the importance of vetting your sources, and thinking critically about articles that you read! So many of us think that because it's an article, or because something is in the news, that it's fact. That it's impartial. But /nothing/ can ever be fully impartial, as people don't work that way. Opinions and biases leak into everything we do and say, and that absolutely applies to articles too, so thank you so much for speaking up on it, and for standing up to a journalist who clearly does not care all that much about her work. Keep doing what you're doing, I've been a big fan since the start of last year (and the blue kitchen) and it's been amazing watching you grow as a creator

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you so much!! 💜💜💜

[@rd9728]

Wow! I actually read this article because it came up in my recommendations on Google news. And I felt that something was off about it but I couldn’t put it in to words. Interesting video! Thanks for mentioning Savy and the Antibot, I love their method of reporting and education to back it up. They’re some of my favorites. And Josie as well.

[@multilevelmess]

Finished the video and I applaud you for making so many excellent points! I'll have to make sure to tune in for Part 2. I really want to see what Not the Good Girl said in retrospect since she originally posted the article recommending it. Also makes me happy whenever I see your cat in the background. I'm easily pleased. XD

[@Miranda-wu2eu]

Your videos are always so well researched and it's clear how much work and passion goes behind every vid. Hope your channel continues to grow!

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you 🥺💜💜

[@briannawright6460]

Your sass in this video is on point!! Hope you’re taking good card of yourself and feeling well. I always get so excited to see your videos.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

💖💖 I’m doing great rn! Thank you!!

[@bluz1864]

Yes! My best friend is pansexual and got sucked into Nuskin :( I'll always be there for them but because it got too personal for me, I'll always be antimlm and one day, I hope they'll join me because my best friend has always been an activist and I know with this too!

[@sonohrina2012]

You are so right on stepping away from drama because it never end well for anyone. I love this channel because is not just one topic thank you for your variety! 😄

[@amandamc.6200]

I love your analysis of this atrocious article, and I 💜 you. I'm looking forward to part 2! I can really see such great quality in your research, critical thinking, and editing skills; completely worth the wait. Thank you for featuring me (and the shoutout) 💜 and to the deserving others! P.s. that article cover art left something to be desired... it's not you or kiki, but it's just not really great looking🙈

[@LaurenAnne99]

Madison, love this, and another, IMO well thought and well spoken video. Keep your head held high and your standards even higher. ❤️ Can’t wait to see what you produce next! ❤️

[@starophie]

i'm too mad and have too many thoughts about this, lmao, but my main takeaway from this video is that i respect you so much, madison. for only being 21 (almost 22? but still) you have so much maturity and grace that many people your age have yet to develop (sometimes very publicly, as we have seen). it is unfair that you have felt painted into a corner where the only way out is to distance yourself from a topic you care about. it is wrong that anti-mlm is singled out as a bad seed when in reality it is a few players, not the game, that are malicious. however, i look forward to supporting you along this journey, wherever you want to go and whatever scams you shake up along the way. i hope you're feeling better and that baby h is doing okay 💜

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you love! I know you’ve been watching my content practically from the start and I appreciate you so much!!

[@katyr2382]

Yay, an hour long Madison video. Perfect for my Friday night pre sleep viewing (I'm in the UK where it's 11pm!). The editing for this looks awesome. And the news that there is a conspiracy theory deep dive video coming is *chef's kiss*

[@Alex-tb9ku]

This is so weird, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Hope it’s not too stressful for you rn! IDK, The Atlantic was a really great place for long reads, until that paywall put me off reading. So it’s been a while, but wow, their standards really lowered!

[@neurotic.nitwit]

just hearing you reread the article grinds my gears

[@ZZ-qy5mv]

That guy also said Anti-MLMers are exploiting the topic by making KZbin videos while he himself is literally doing the exact same thing and made KZbin videos....

[@lucys439]

The energy you bring to your videos is the energy I have when I rant to my cats in my apartment alone at 2 am. I appreciate the articulate, educated passion on these topics. Thank you for creating!

[@katelinj7393]

This video was so truly fantastic, well put together and informative. I'm keen for part 2!

[@guessxwhoxitxis]

a new video AND it's over an hour!!💜💜 Loving the new editing style and the more long-form videos. Excited to see what comes next!

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Aw yay! 🥰

[@gnomie2.0]

Excited for all your new content! OMG!! 🎉 Keep taking care of yourself and focusing on what you want to do/how you want to engage. 💕

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you SO much! And I'm so excited you're excited because I am too :)

[@gnomie2.0]

@@cruelworldhappymindXOXO

[@leahburns3278]

I’m excited to have a new video to binge watch over the weekend!! 🍿🍿🍿 thanks for the hard work Madison!

[@alexintheabstract]

I would watch/listen to you reading the phone book. Can’t wait for part two and the rest of your new content!

[@soulmata]

Also going after you for selling merch is amazingly dumb. Like that is such a basic thing that just about any big creator or media outlet or successful IP of any kind does. It's such a generic way that your fanbase can show support that anyone can do it. It has virtually nothing to do with what the merch actually is and everything to do with people showing their support for a person / brand / whatever.

[@cruelworldhappymind]

IKR! Thank you 🙏💜

[@Rosanna-]

So happy to have you back Madison, sending love and support 💜

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you so much love!!

[@erikarodriguez3748]

Your editing with Kenneth Copeland saying “and don’t you ever say I did”… 🤣 Chef’s kiss babe! 💜 I’m so glad I found your channel. You’re so informative and entertaining. Thank you for diving into these topics. 💜

[@erikaannette7397]

I know this is old, but I just have to tell you how genuinely impressed I am with your composed yet passionate response. You are so educated and well researched and I just appreciate your content so much.

[@littleloner1159]

Ive seen alot of Kenneth Copeland over the years, but every single time i see a video of him I'm shocked how creepy and scary he looks Never disappoints

[@okiedokieartichokie772]

I came to antimlm for the Info and stayed for the entertainment. Ive been hooked for a year. The drama doesn't make it bad. It makes it human. Real. And interesting enough to keep listening and keep learning. Now everyone I talk to knows about it and have all been able to easily refuse pyramid schemes and I've even helped a family friend realize she'd been scammed. So don't let the "bad" make anyone forget the immense good this content does! I love your videos!

[@cruelworldhappymind]

Thank you for this 🥺💖

[@jessikarabbid4720]

I really hope you're feeling better! Missed your content, but totally understand needing a break. Keep doing you, can't wait to see what's next!

[@westonrumba1344]

Woah so I found out about Illuminaughti's channel throwing this one under the bus a while back and was like: holy shit. So I officially subscribed last night (saw some other vids here and there prior due to the algorithm) and popped this on first thing today. Good on you for being so thorough, including others, and persevering through shit to get this stuff out. I'm gonna be spreading the word about this channel every chance I get