Mercola

January 27, 2004

As you say, Mercola has some good stuff on his site. My biggest complaint is

his blatant commercialism in pushing his own products. Too often I have

clicked on a link that sounded interesting only to be told that if I want

that information I must send him money for a book he has written.

Were he to plug the book at the start, so I knew what I was headed for it

would not be so bad.

Was your quote from Mercola himself or from an article that was posted on

his site? He often posts things he does not necessarily agree with and then

comments at the end.

Like all people he has his own row to hoe. We just have to pick out the

stuff that appeals to us and ignore the rest. For me the advantages of the

good articles outweigh the disadvantages of the bad. And we can always

search the internet for more info if we disagree with him.

Whether I like his style or not, I do believe that we need more people like

him (and Atkins, etc.) who are willing to stand up and be counted as going

against the grain. (Pun intended.)

Judith Alta

-----Original Message-----

From: katja [mailto:katja@...]

i'm wondering what people's opinions of mercola are...

in general i find his website design to be fairly alarmist and kind of over

the top. i've found some interesting information there, and some of it was

pretty useful. but i've also found crocks like this:

Valdemar Valerian, PhD's Leading Edge research group " noticed that DNA

molecules undergo erratic vibrational patterns in the vicinity of cathode

ray tubes (television or computer monitors), and that a certain subsonic

signal emanating from computer monitors connected to the Internet make the

DNA molecules vibrate in unison, in a form of entrained pattern.

" We consulted the eminent Russian researcher Professor D.S. Goldstein. He

said, 'I know that. It is a phenomenon known as electronically induced

sonochemistry. That is how mutations occur, and that is why I stay away

from the Internet.' "

</quote>

so in general i just use his stuff for thought provoking, and get facts

elsewhere.

are there people who really like him? anyone want to share?

January 27, 2004

In a message dated 1/27/04 6:29:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jaltak@... writes:

> As you say, Mercola has some good stuff on his site. My biggest complaint

> is

> his blatant commercialism in pushing his own products. Too often I have

> clicked on a link that sounded interesting only to be told that if I want

> that information I must send him money for a book he has written.

Judith,

This is an unfair criticism, since Mercola doesn't have any of his " own "

products, and does not reap any profits from anything sold on his website-- 100%

of the proceeds go into expanding the site.

Chris

January 27, 2004

In a message dated 1/27/04 1:46:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, katja@...

writes:

> i'm wondering what people's opinions of mercola are...

I have no idea whether what you quoted is a " crock " or not, but Mercola

clearly has about *zero* for scientific skepticism. He's got great info on his

site, but he frequently prints blatant misinformation, and even more frequently

jumps to completely unjustified conclusions.

Chris

January 27, 2004

I would say that that the books he wrote are his. And yes he doesn't " bank

the money. " But I don't like being told to follow a link to great

information and find a hand out at the end. No matter what the money goes

for.

Judith Alta

-----Original Message-----

From: ChrisMasterjohn@... [mailto:ChrisMasterjohn@...]

In a message dated 1/27/04 6:29:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jaltak@... writes:

> As you say, Mercola has some good stuff on his site. My biggest complaint

> is

> his blatant commercialism in pushing his own products. Too often I have

> clicked on a link that sounded interesting only to be told that if I want

> that information I must send him money for a book he has written.

Judith,

This is an unfair criticism, since Mercola doesn't have any of his " own "

products, and does not reap any profits from anything sold on his website--

100%

of the proceeds go into expanding the site.

Chris

January 27, 2004

yeah, i guess that's why i was putting the feeler out. there's been some

stuff that i knew was accurate and some stuff that i knew was inaccurate

and some in the middle. some of the in-the-middle stuff has been

interesting that i'd like to be true but either haven't had the time to

fact-check or haven't found the info to back it up.

anyway, thanks for the opinions! i'll continue to read with salt!

At 07:42 PM 1/27/2004, you wrote:

> > i'm wondering what people's opinions of mercola are...

>

>I have no idea whether what you quoted is a " crock " or not, but Mercola

>clearly has about *zero* for scientific skepticism. He's got great info

>on his

>site, but he frequently prints blatant misinformation, and even more

>frequently

>jumps to completely unjustified conclusions.

>

>Chris

January 27, 2004

Chris-

It's partly an unfair criticism, but he does have some of his own products

-- his books.

>This is an unfair criticism, since Mercola doesn't have any of his " own "

>products,

-

January 28, 2004

Do you think he is getting paid for advertising for the products others are

selling? Kind of like commercials.

Sheryl

wrote:

Chris-

It's partly an unfair criticism, but he does have some of his own products

-- his books.

>This is an unfair criticism, since Mercola doesn't have any of his " own "

>products,

-

January 28, 2004

In a message dated 1/27/04 11:34:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jaltak@... writes:

> I would say that that the books he wrote are his. And yes he doesn't " bank

> the money. " But I don't like being told to follow a link to great

> information and find a hand out at the end. No matter what the money goes

> for.

A hand out? Mercola is selling his book-- in no way is that bumming,

begging, or seeking a handout. It's amazing that people are so averse to the

idea of

commerce that they will criticize someone who puts an enormous amount of

effort into making an enormous amount of information free as a gift for other

people, and then asks money for 1% of that information.

Chris

January 28, 2004

In a message dated 1/28/04 12:07:10 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jafasum@... writes:

> Does anyone know if we could email him with our complaints? I don't mind

> him advertising his wares, but it is excessive and I think should be decreased

> about 80%. He would still sell his stuff and have less aggravated web

> browsers. Maybe he would be receptive to this.

Jafa,

Aren't you aware that almost every single free website on the net is funded

by large amounts of advertising dollars from thoroughly annoying popup ads and

those damn bouncing, dancing images that follow you around when you scroll?

Mercola instead opts to fully fund the website by fulfilling a *need* that

*benefits* the readers on the website, and makes the ads very avoidable, unlike

pestering popups.

Go ahead and try to mail Mercola, but when enough people convince him to stop

selling stuff or not advertise it, he's just going to lose money and have to

compensate by either reducing the website or getting popup ads. God forbid.

Chris

January 28, 2004

This is an excellent example of what I was saying about Mercola.

" How to Beat Obesity--And Still Enjoy Your Food! - If you're struggling with

cravings and an intense desire to eat unhealthy foods it's likely because

you aren't giving your body the proper nutrients. Find out how to determine

what ratio of nutrients your body needs to reach an ideal weight and

naturally shift your desires for unhealthy food into cravings for nutritious

food. "

When you follow the link you get some interesting stuff about how the US

Government is going against WHO's efforts to reduce sugar in the diet. But

if you really want to " Find out how to determine what ratio of nutrients

your body needs to reach an ideal weight and naturally shift your desires

for unhealthy food into cravings for nutritious food. " You have to buy

Mercola's book.

Judith Alta

January 28, 2004

Sheryl-

No, I seriously doubt that. I believe he's just picking some products he

thinks are good and then selling them, and I assume he's telling the truth

when he says he plows all the profits back into the website (which no doubt

costs a fortune to run, but has no advertising).

>Do you think he is getting paid for advertising for the products others

>are selling? Kind of like commercials.

-

January 28, 2004

I have no problem with Mercola promoting or selling his books and other

items. What I object to is having a coconut dangled in front of my nose and,

when I reach for it, having it turn into a toaster pastry. And too many of

the links in his newsletter do just that.

If he would turn lose with a bit of the real info that he says can be found

in his book I would be far more likely to buy it. As it is he has turned me

off to the point that I might not read it even if he gave it to me.

Judith Alta

-----Original Message-----

From: ChrisMasterjohn@... [mailto:ChrisMasterjohn@...]

In a message dated 1/27/04 11:34:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,

jaltak@... writes:

> I would say that that the books he wrote are his. And yes he doesn't " bank

> the money. " But I don't like being told to follow a link to great

> information and find a hand out at the end. No matter what the money goes

> for.

A hand out? Mercola is selling his book-- in no way is that bumming,

begging, or seeking a handout. It's amazing that people are so averse to

the idea of

commerce that they will criticize someone who puts an enormous amount of

effort into making an enormous amount of information free as a gift for

other

people, and then asks money for 1% of that information.

Chris

January 28, 2004

i think its the idea that he has led some people on instead of

ChrisMasterjohn@... wrote:

> In a message dated 1/27/04 11:34:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> jaltak@... writes:

>

> > I would say that that the books he wrote are his. And yes he doesn't

> " bank

> > the money. " But I don't like being told to follow a link to great

> > information and find a hand out at the end. No matter what the money

> goes

> > for.

>

> A hand out? Mercola is selling his book-- in no way is that bumming,

> begging, or seeking a handout.

i think the person was saying that being led some place with the idea of

acquiring more info only to run into a door saying 'but first you must

pay'.(note: hand out - hand extended, not hand out - something for

nothing) is frustrating and a bit less then completely honest. why

isn't it stated openly up front - before the link perhaps 'click here to

purchase my book where you will find more info' simply and straight forward

> It's amazing that people are so averse to the idea of

> commerce that they will criticize someone who puts an enormous amount of

> effort into making an enormous amount of information free as a gift

> for other

> people, and then asks money for 1% of that information.

>

> Chris

i think you missed the point and are passing judgement based on a

misunderstanding/preconception. it has to do with just how up front the

site is designed. if getting more info would require the purchase of a

book say that, don't lead people don't a path with false promises. this

has nothing to do with how generous and informative the site alreaqdy is

its simply a valid frustration and critizism.

susan

January 28, 2004

In a message dated 1/28/04 9:19:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, fxfireob@...

writes:

> i think you missed the point and are passing judgement based on a

> misunderstanding/preconception. it has to do with just how up front the

> site is designed. if getting more info would require the purchase of a

> book say that, don't lead people don't a path with false promises. this

> has nothing to do with how generous and informative the site alreaqdy is

> its simply a valid frustration and critizism.

This seems kind of exaggerated to me. You click on the link; it pops up; you

close the window. It isn't like you get tricked into buying it. One click

of a mouse is only one click of a mouse.

That said, it seems to me the book advertisments are generally up front in

the newsletter.

For example:

_____

Hurry, The No Shipping Cost Special Offer on My New Book Expires Very Soon! -

" Dr. Mercola's TOTAL HEALTH Cookbook & Program " provides you my entire

program to prevent disease, avoid premature aging, optimize weight, and

dramatically

increase your energy in part one, and over 150 brand-new healthy and

delicious recipes in part two. All profits from the book go to a new non-profit

dedicated to improving the healthcare paradigm in the U.S. and beyond. But for a

limited time only, you will pay no shipping or handling charges for the book, so

find out more now!

_____

The link about finding out your metabolic type linked to several helpful

articles as well as the book. Mercola *does* have some pretty detailed stuff in

his archives on the site about finding your metabolic type. But, if you want

to take full advantage of all the info, get his book.

What's the problem?

Chris

January 28, 2004

I have sent a note to mercola.com complaining that the site is becoming too

commercial, but I should point out that the menu to the left on all his screens

has a link to the Complete Nutrition Plan. They are neglecting to include these

useful links.

Peace,

Kris , gardening in harmony with nature in northwest Ohio

http://home.woh.rr.com/billkrisjohnson/

I would say that that the books he wrote are his. And yes he doesn't " bank

the money. " But I don't like being told to follow a link to great

information and find a hand out at the end. No matter what the money goes

for.

Judith Alta

January 28, 2004

ChrisMasterjohn@... wrote:

> What's the problem?

>

> Chris

apparently for you there is no problem, but for others they would like

to be told the info was available only if they buy the book before they

click not after.

susan

>

January 28, 2004

It's great that you have the time to do that. Not everyone has that luxury.

And I feel cheated when he uses his " bait and switch " tactics.

You give half of the example. What did the paragraph in his newsletter say

that got you there?

Judith Alta

-----Original Message-----

From: ChrisMasterjohn@... [mailto:ChrisMasterjohn@...]

In a message dated 1/28/04 9:19:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,

fxfireob@...

writes:

> i think you missed the point and are passing judgement based on a

> misunderstanding/preconception. it has to do with just how up front the

> site is designed. if getting more info would require the purchase of a

> book say that, don't lead people don't a path with false promises. this

> has nothing to do with how generous and informative the site alreaqdy is

> its simply a valid frustration and critizism.

This seems kind of exaggerated to me. You click on the link; it pops up;

you

close the window. It isn't like you get tricked into buying it. One click

of a mouse is only one click of a mouse.

That said, it seems to me the book advertisments are generally up front in

the newsletter.

For example:

_____

Hurry, The No Shipping Cost Special Offer on My New Book Expires Very

Soon! -

" Dr. Mercola's TOTAL HEALTH Cookbook & Program " provides you my entire

program to prevent disease, avoid premature aging, optimize weight, and

dramatically

increase your energy in part one, and over 150 brand-new healthy and

delicious recipes in part two. All profits from the book go to a new

non-profit

dedicated to improving the healthcare paradigm in the U.S. and beyond. But

for a

limited time only, you will pay no shipping or handling charges for the

book, so

find out more now!

_____

The link about finding out your metabolic type linked to several helpful

articles as well as the book. Mercola *does* have some pretty detailed

stuff in

his archives on the site about finding your metabolic type. But, if you

want

to take full advantage of all the info, get his book.

What's the problem?

Chris

January 28, 2004

I'm finding this type of sentiment runs rampant on the Internet. How

can you feel cheated about something that you haven't paid anything

for? What did you give to Mercola that you think he owes you anything?

As a co-owner of a website and forum that has a decent amount of

traffic I'm amazed at the number of people who demand that things work

a certain way for them, or that we respond in a certain amount of

time, etc., when we truly owe them absolutely nothing. A website is

actually private property that the owner has invited others to visit.

Somehow people have gotten the idea that they are entitled to

information from every website on the Internet because they pay their

ISP for access to it. But that's just the connection they're paying

for, and the website owners get nothing for all their effort. In fact,

if they put up ads to pay for their site, people complain. If they try

to sell something, people are " turned off. " If they ask for donations,

people are offended.

The truth is an informational website costs money, takes an inordinate

amount of time, and brings in very little revenue if any. It's amazing

that the Internet has survived this long without website owners

charging every visitor for the privilege of visiting.

Anyway, I think is right on the money with this one.

~ Fern

RE: mercola

> It's great that you have the time to do that. Not everyone has that

luxury.

>

> And I feel cheated when he uses his " bait and switch " tactics.

>

> You give half of the example. What did the paragraph in his

newsletter say

> that got you there?

>

> Judith Alta

January 28, 2004

Chris-

>That said, it seems to me the book advertisments are generally up front in

>the newsletter.

>

>For example:

>_____

>Hurry, The No Shipping Cost Special Offer on My New Book Expires Very Soon! -

> " Dr. Mercola's TOTAL HEALTH Cookbook & Program " provides you my entire

>program to prevent disease, avoid premature aging, optimize weight, and

>dramatically

>increase your energy in part one, and over 150 brand-new healthy and

>delicious recipes in part two. All profits from the book go to a new

>non-profit

>dedicated to improving the healthcare paradigm in the U.S. and beyond. But

>for a

>limited time only, you will pay no shipping or handling charges for the

>book, so

>find out more now!

>_____

That's hardly a fair example of what Judith is, I believe, talking

about. I think this is more representative.

>><http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/28/beat_obesity.htm>How to Beat

>>Obesity--And Still Enjoy Your Food! - If you're struggling with cravings

>>and an intense desire to eat unhealthy foods it's likely because you

>>aren't giving your body the proper nutrients. Find out how to determine

>>what ratio of nutrients your body needs to reach an ideal weight and

>>naturally shift your desires for unhealthy food into cravings for

>>nutritious food.

Once you're accustomed to Mercola-speak, of course, you can generally

recognize the vagueness and generality that indicates a pitch, but just

looking at that description makes it seem like the link will lead you to

some hard information instead of a short page leading up to this.

>>This system is metabolic typing, and regular newsletter readers have

>>likely heard of it before. The premise is that when you eat the foods

>>that are right for your metabolic type, you will feel satisfied and your

>>cravings for sugar and other unhealthy foods will disappear. With this,

>>you will have overcome one of the most difficult aspects of losing

>>weight--the desire to keep eating unhealthy foods. If this sounds too

>>good to be true, I encourage you to read my past article on 10 Profound

>>Ways Metabolic Typing Will Help Your Health.

>>

>>To get full details on this essential principle and to assess your

>>metabolic type, I highly encourage you to read my new book, My TOTAL

>>HEALTH Cookbook & Program: 150 Delicious Grain-Free Recipes & Proven

>>Metabolic Type Plan to Prevent Disease, Optimize Weight and Live Longer.

>>Along with 150 brand-new delicious and very nutritious low-carb recipes

>>geared toward your metabolic type, the book includes a test and the means

>>to learn and understand your own metabolic type and gear your diet

>>precisely toward the foods that are right for you.

>

>-

January 28, 2004

Hi, I have been following Dr. Mercola for a long time and I think the problem

may be that there are 2 newsletters. One seems to be newer and it doesn't seem

to be Dr Mercola's but related to his site and the older one takes you directly

to information stated in the newsletter. I have been bothered by the new one

also.

SheilaN

RE: mercola

It's great that you have the time to do that. Not everyone has that luxury.

And I feel cheated when he uses his " bait and switch " tactics.

You give half of the example. What did the paragraph in his newsletter say

that got you there?

Judith Alta

-----Original Message-----

From: ChrisMasterjohn@... [mailto:ChrisMasterjohn@...]

In a message dated 1/28/04 9:19:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,

fxfireob@...

writes:

> i think you missed the point and are passing judgement based on a

> misunderstanding/preconception. it has to do with just how up front the

> site is designed. if getting more info would require the purchase of a

> book say that, don't lead people don't a path with false promises. this

> has nothing to do with how generous and informative the site alreaqdy is

> its simply a valid frustration and critizism.

This seems kind of exaggerated to me. You click on the link; it pops up;

you

close the window. It isn't like you get tricked into buying it. One click

of a mouse is only one click of a mouse.

That said, it seems to me the book advertisments are generally up front in

the newsletter.

For example:

_____

Hurry, The No Shipping Cost Special Offer on My New Book Expires Very

Soon! -

" Dr. Mercola's TOTAL HEALTH Cookbook & Program " provides you my entire

program to prevent disease, avoid premature aging, optimize weight, and

dramatically

increase your energy in part one, and over 150 brand-new healthy and

delicious recipes in part two. All profits from the book go to a new

non-profit

dedicated to improving the healthcare paradigm in the U.S. and beyond. But

for a

limited time only, you will pay no shipping or handling charges for the

book, so

find out more now!

_____

The link about finding out your metabolic type linked to several helpful

articles as well as the book. Mercola *does* have some pretty detailed

stuff in

his archives on the site about finding your metabolic type. But, if you

want

to take full advantage of all the info, get his book.

What's the problem?

Chris

January 29, 2004

I do not put out good money for a book unless I have at least some idea as

to whether or not the contents will be useful to me. Mercola's vague hints

as to what his eating plan is all about and his " bait and switch " tactics in

his newsletter do absolutely nothing to make me want to buy his book.

He is entitled to run his site as he sees fit. And I am entitled to my

opinion of it. As is every one else on his list.

You and and I'm sure many others on this list have lots of time to

hunt through the Mercola site. And you are also entitled to do that.

Judith Alta

Re: mercola