I'm glad my posting caused some responses. As I said in my original posting ".. it's your choice." I've just skimmed through the massive article in webmaestro's posting above. Strikes me somebody has got an axe to grind. Yes there will be unethical people in MLM, as there are in every other walk of life. Yes the MLM system adds commissions etc. to the price of the product - strangely enough that wealthy business man who owns the warehouse adds an amount for profit before selling his goods to the distributor. The distributor adds the same before selling to the chain store. The chain store etc. before the individual buys the product which originally cost a fraction of the price.
Nobody will deny that in MLM you are trying to make money. That's what all business is about is it not ? I know a number of people who have made substantial incomes from MLM. They achieved it through hard work. I also know people who have made very little or no income. Like many others in the World they blame the MLM system, not the fact that they didn't put any effort into their business.
Once again though I will say if it's not for you, fine - don't get involved. But don't continue to knock people who are successful.
If you are going to get involved make sure you 'check' the business out as being genuine and legal - the same as you would if you were going to take on a franchise or open a shop. The difference is that usually the MLM opportunity comes your way through somebody that you know. So to all MLM'ers Good luck !