Is "Initiative Q" A Scam?

"As quickly as you start spending federal money in large amounts, it looks like free money."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower -

TL;DR Version (Too Long; Didn't Read)

It's hard to label some thing a "scam" or "Ponzi scheme" when all they ask for is a name and email address.

If you haven't yet, use your Initiative Q Invite Link code:

(Hint: it looks like this: https://initiativeq.com/invite/HDNlxknom)

Invite everyone you know, and encourage them to do the same. This could vastly increase your possible rewards if Initiative Q eventually "goes big."

Of course, you'll want to use your own judgement when it comes to the possibility of annoying your friends and family.

Image courtesy of Thomas Breher

If you're still reading, here are a few more thoughts:

One very obvious benefit to the Initiative Q people is the development of a massive email list, essentially "for free." Well, not entirely for free, because they've obviously invested heavily in kicking off this campaign in a way that has clearly attracted a lot of people.

Clever marketing?

If the Initiative Q goals are as they have stated, then absolutely yes. They have tapped the powers of word-of-mouth and of exponential growth.

Exponential growth can be surprising.

For example, if each person registering for Initiative Q were able to enlist only two other individuals, everyone on planet Earth would be a member by the 34th invitation level.

This assumes, of course, that:

Everyone knows two people unknown to anyone else
Those two people respond by joining and reaching others
Everyone on Earth has and uses email and the internet

Even without those stipulations, given the potentially huge payoff, Initiative Q is likely to reach a very large number of people. Many participants will invite far more than two.

Possible danger signs?

What should you watch out for, going forward?

I would begin to be nervous, and consider withdrawing, should either of the following two situations arise:

I start receiving unrelated emails from Initiative Q
The organizers begin asking for personal information

In either of those circumstances—both huge red flags—I would very likely withdraw from participating.

However, thus far, neither of those has occurred. Can you think of any other possible risks?

Others have analyzed and commented on Q:

Here are a couple of authors that I think you may find worth reading as you consider your Q participation:

Interestingly, the founder of Initiative Q has responded to Mr. Gerard's thoughtful article with these interesting comments and clarifications.

What's the upshot?

I don't see much to lose here. Pass your Invite link on to friends and family. Who knows? Perhaps this is one of those "ground floor" opportunities, too good to pass up.

Bonne chance!

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_FIN

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