BevReview's editor Steve Tanner has been contacted twice now by Continental Enterprises, a firm working for Hansen Beverage Company to "help control the use of its mark." Based on the language they used in their communications with BevReview, we think they didn't even bother to read the page they're complaining about.

Continental Enterprises ("Continental") has been engaged by Hansen to help control the use of its mark. You are receiving this letter because Continental has received information that you advertised and/or sold products bearing one or more of the Hansen marks, or confusingly similar derivations thereof. We understand that the inclusion of the Hansen marks on your product may have been an oversight. However, on behalf of Hansen, Continental must demand that you discontinue your advertisement and sale of these products.

Upon your receipt and review of this letter, please contact our offices so that we may work toward a resolution of the issue that is satisfactory to all parties involved.

[...]

Hansen Beverage Company considers this a serious matter and, if you do not take immediate steps to resolve this issue, they will be forced to take more aggressive action to protect their intellectual property rights.

At first we were amused by how stupid Continental Enterprises was being by mistaking a review for an advertisement. Then we though Hansen was being duped by a firm that was just trying to look busy so it could earn its keep. But after reading the review in question, we wonder whether they're confusing the two formats on purpose.

You see, BevReview's review of Monster Energy was not that favorable:

The color of the drink was dark yellowish... I guess you could call it amber, but who really knows. Think apple juice with a somewhat red tint. As for the taste, well... it was odd. Think citrus + medicine. Yum! There wasn't a lot of carbonation (which reminded me somewhat of how Vault is being positioned as a hybrid soda/energy drink). The aftertaste was somewhat bitter, rather acidic. Not really pleasant, to tell you the truth. I actually couldn't quite place what the heck the flavor actually was. It starts out smooth, and then the aftertaste kicks in and ruins it. (Of course, this might also have to do with the fact that sucralose is listed as an ingredient.)

Overall, the taste was weird and I don't think I'd want to drink this again.

So maybe Hansen and Continental aren't being as dense as they appear; maybe they know that if they intentionally misread the content of a site, they may be able to informally pressure the blog's owner to remove the negative review. Either way, before you drink a can of Monster Energy, we hope you take BevReview's fair and honest review of the drink under consideration.

"Monster Energy vs. BevReview.com" [BevReview]

RELATED
"Brewer Sued By Monster Energy Drink Asks America For Help"

"We're lowering prices, due to the recession, but we're also increasing performance," says founder and "Head Monster" Noel Lee.

An 8' HDMI cable that used to cost $125 will now retail for $99. (For comparison's sake, an 8' HDMI cable at Monoprice.com goes for about $4.)

Monster would certainly like you to believe that their cables are worth the extra money, but it seemed like most experts interviewed by USAToday weren't buying it.

"Cables are enjoying percentages consumers would scream about if they knew the markup on them," says Richard Doherty, an independent analyst at Envisioneering Group.
...
"Monster used higher-quality products in the analog era to give you better sound, but as things went digital, it either works or it doesn't," he says. "Now there's an awful lot of $15 cables out there which would give you the exact same performance as Monster Cable."

Monster Cable lowers prices during recession [USAToday] (Thanks, Everyone!)

Letter Written by Noel Lee to us:

Christina and Patrick,

On behalf of everyone who has been involved in the trademark disagreement between our two companies, let me say that we are glad to have come to an amicable meeting of the minds. I personally want to apologize to all for not having been directly involved in this dispute, and not have taken the opportunity to meet and talk to the both of you to understand the entire situation.

It’s amazing what happens when people talk without the filter of attorneys speaking for us. In our talks, I found the both of you to be very reasonable people that are easy to talk to, understand, and resolve our differences of opinion with.

Through the many emails and communications on line, clearly we have been made out to be the bad guy. It’s unfortunate some people feel this way, because we really feel the opposite. But as they say words are cheap and so with that in mind...

We will drop any opposition to the trademark of Monster Min Golf, as well as the lawsuit that we filed against you. In addition, we will cover your attorney’s fees so you are not burdened with them as you go forward in pursuing your business.

I will say that this is a landmark kind of situation, as public opinion wins over what is the right thing to do for trademark protection of a famous mark. We have made the decision that public opinion, and that of our valued customers is more important than the letter of the law that requires us to prevent the dilution of our mark risk losing it.

I’ve also learned that attorneys sometimes miss the human element of a situation, and that the law is the law, and frankly that are paid to interpret it for us as business people who are not as knowledgeable in these areas. It was a pleasure to be able to speak to both of you personally, and to understand each other as people, entrepreneurs, all in the same boat, working hard to grow and develop our businesses and provide value for our customers.

Although we can’t unwind the clock and we agree to disagree on some of the actions taken by both parties, there’s a lot of water under the bridge. Like everyone today, we have continued challenging economic times ahead of us. It’s time to focus on our businesses, our employees and their families and prepare for the times ahead.

I wish the best of luck to Monster Mini Golf in the future .

Noel
Founder, Monster Cable

Monster Cable / Monster Mini Golf Update!!! [monsterminigolf]

From News 10:

Monster Cable Products of Brisbane filed suit in Sacramento federal court this week against the owners of Monster Mini Golf in Rancho Cordova along with the Rhode Island woman who sells Monster Mini Golf franchises.

In its trademark infringement suit, Monster Cable claims the miniature golf courses "are likely to cause confusion."

Cindy Stoeckle, who with her husband Chris opened the Rancho Cordova location in March, was shocked when News10 told her about the lawsuit.

"What, are they not making money and they have to make some money off the little guys?" she asked.

The company's founder, Christina Vitagliano of Providence, Rhode Island, said she's been fighting with Monster Cable since she applied for her trademark in 2006. She said her attorney will defend the Stoeckles.

Monster Cable just loves to sue people! According to News 10 they sued Disney for Monsters, INC, the Boston Red Sox for "Monster Seats" on the big green monster, and is currently trying to keep them from calling the concession stand "Monster Concessions."

Rancho Cordova Mini Golf Course Hit with "Monster" Lawsuit [News 10]

From the Boston Herald:

"What we're talking about here is not a hack of Monster," Manzo said. "These criminals have gotten access to customer login user names and passwords. They've probably gotten this directly from our customers."

Symantec Corp. security analyst Amada Hidalgo uncovered the infiltration of Monster's site and posted his findings on the California network security company's Security Response blog on Friday.

What's known as a Trojan horse in computing terms - a program that installs malicious software - accessed Monster.com and uploaded information from it to a remote computer server.

"Such a large database of highly personal information is a spammer's dream," Hidalgo said.

Phishing e-mail sent to the addresses taken from Monster.com bore the company's logo and personal information about the recipients. The e-mails asked recipients to download a fake "Monster Job Seeker Tool," which is actually a copy of a Trojan horse.

"This Trojan will encrypt files in the affected computer and leaves a text file requesting money to be paid to the attackers in order to decrypt the files," Hidalgo said.

Monster marauders: Attackers grab customer info, e-mail addresses [Boston Herald]

In order to make sure I was on the right track, I compared their contents examples from ex-employees, also on Aftermath and Ripoffreport, and to the Midtown Promotions ad that started this whole investigation...

Creative Mind Insights, Inc specializes in promotional advertising and event marketing for clients in the non-profit industries(D.A.R.E AMERICA AND TOYS FOR TOTS). We are seeking motivated and career minded individuals to develop into an Executive Manager; through all areas of advertising, marketing, sales, and executive client management. A large part of our success is due to our hands-on program, which focuses on developing management and customer service skills in a professional environment. We are looking to cross-train all qualified candidates from the ground up.

2. Stafford Business Solutions (HotJobs, Career Builder)

Growing Firm Looking for Hard Working CAREER MINDED Individuals: Stafford Business Solutions
View more jobs like this
Job ID 1
Company Name Stafford Business Solutions
Job Category Sales; Marketing
Location Philadelphia, PA Allentown, PA
Position Type Full-Time, Employee
Salary Unspecified
Experience 1-2 Years Experience
Date Posted March 1, 2007 (Reposted Jun 18)

Stafford Business Solutions
View Stafford Business Solutions profile and job listings
Apply Now: A Better Job Search Experience. Learn Why

entry level marketing, sales/marketing, entry level, full time, sales

Stafford Business Solutions, Inc. is currently offering positions at the entry level for sales and marketing.

We are expanding this year to four new locations. As we provide paid training and promote only from within, all individuals must begin by getting the sales experience needed to grow in the marketing industry. This position involves face to face sales to new customers. Therefore, all individuals must possess excellent communication skills, professionalism and integrity to be trusted with our client's business accounts. Once proving they have the basic communication and sales skills needed to move forward in the marketing industry, individuals will be trained in various other areas of management from meetings to human resources, finances, leadership and more.

All applicants must possess the following:
- Experience in a team or people related field.

- Great communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to excel in unsupervised solo assignments as well as team projects.
- The personality to thrive in a merit-based environment.

We are in search of candidates looking for a challenging career, not just a temporary job making a temporary paycheck. We will not hire someone if we do not see them growing within our company.

Entry-level account executives are responsible for the following:

- Meeting business clients to discuss current and new Business Accounts
- Assisting in the daily operation of a start-up company.
- Developing and implementing original training techniques to achieve

internal goals.
- Developing strong leadership skills to build a high performance, cross-

functional team environment.
- Managing external customers needs.
- Developing excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

If you possess these skills, please do not hesitate, we are looking to fill our openings as soon as possible.

Please email your responses to : hr@sbssolutionsinc.com (please cut and paste your resume) NO ATTACHMENTS!!

To expedite the process, you may also contact our human resource manager, Jessica, to schedule a preliminary interview with one of our hiring managers @ (610)-825-0210.

Proud Member of the Better Business Bureau

www.sbssolutionsinc.com

*Stafford Business Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, or age. Compensation on pay for performance basis.

Keywords: Entry level sales, sales and marketing, entry level sales and marketing, team player, new grad, sales, entry level, sales rep, sales and marketing, sales, entry level sales, entry level, sales and marketing, entry level sales rep, entry level sales and marketing, sales and marketing, team player, sports-oriented, help wanted, new grad, Full-time, New grad, sales, sales, entry level sales, entry level, sales and marketing, entry level sales rep, entry level sales and marketing, sales and marketing, team player, sports-oriented, help wanted, new grad, Full-time, New grad, sales.

[Hotjobs]
[Career Builder]

3. Child Safety Enterprises Inc. (Career Builder)

Contact Information
Contact: vicky
Phone: 631-860-0232
Email: Send Email Now >>
Fax: Not Available
Ref ID: Not Available

* Posted: 5/27/2007
* Location: US-NY-Long Island
* Base Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 /Year
* Other Pay: bonuses and incentives
* Employee Type: Full-Time Employee
* Industry: Advertising Retail Public Relations
* Manages Others: Yes
* Job Type: Marketing Entry Level Training
* Req'd Education: High School
* Req'd Experience: At least 1 year(s)
* Req'd Travel: Up to 25%
* Relocation Covered: No
* Division: training

ENTRY LEVEL PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE!

***STUDENT HOT LINE 631-860-0232 CALL NOW***

COLLEGE STUDENT?
COLLEGE GRADUATE?
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE—-—INTERVIEW NOW, WHILE THEY LAST!

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE: MARKETING, PROMOTIONS, ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, TRAINING

CHILD SAFETY ENTERPRISES, INC.is New York's fastest growing promotional event marketing firm. With offices that recently expanded to Boston, Florida, and Texas, we are working with more national clients than ever. Due to our expanding client base, we are looking for ambitious and driven individuals with high-energy attitudes to join our team.

Our advertising and marketing firm is the leader in direct advertising and event marketing industry. We represent clients at sporting events, fairs, festivals, malls and major retail locations and department stores. Our portfolio includes national charities and non-profit organizations as well as the sporting and racing industries.

We currently have entry-level openings in:

# Promotions

# Event Marketing

# Sales and Public Relations

# Management

www.childsafetyent.com

To apply: Cut and paste your resume and email it to [Click here for email] NO ATTACHMENTS WILL BE OPENED!

For immediate consideration please call Colleen @ 631-860-0232

People from all backgrounds seeking full time opportunities or internships in the following areas are encouraged to inquire about our program: sales, customer service, part time, managers, accounting, marketing, clerical, management, public relations, human resources, driver, security, administrative assistant, purchasing, medical, administrative, receptionist, retail, maintenance, warehouse, sports teams, entry level, education, finance, director, telecommunications, real estate, training, engineering, insurance, data entry, project manager, information technology, part time, printing, technician, legal, automotive, teacher, winter, banking, analyst, nursing, restaurant, controller, network, public relations, environmental, nurse, design, quality, safety, secretary, office, assistant, hotel, accountant, account executive, vice president, medical assistant, transportation, supervisor, general, public relations, advertising, writer, fraternity, social services, finance, java, all, graphic, public relations, mba, holiday, office manager, sales manager, field representative, mortgage, social work, training, cms, attorney, research, payroll, oracle, executive assistant, paralegal, courier post, drivers, pharmaceutical, operations, president, web, help wanted, rn, advertising, law enforcement, auto cad, health care, executive, food, production, chef, sports oriented, cad, project management, tax, auto, editor, hospitality, hvac, training, team player, pharmaceutical sales, tourism, it, collections, spanish, unix, art, buyer, facilities, professional, mechanical, bartender, help desk, hospitality, travel, logistics, call center, truck driver, inventory, financial ,computers, communications, pharmacist, police, teaching, counselor, chemist, plant manager, ncaa, photography, promotional advertising, book keeper, medical sales, electrical engineer, health, trader, bilingual, business analyst, recruiter, junior executive, cfo, accounts payable, account manager, sports, sorority, cashier, financial, music, social worker, publishing, project, support, business development, lpn, welder, clerk, technical, quality assurance, promotional sales, government, distribution, secretarial, sales management, mental health, nanny, child care, registered nurse, cna, Japanese, technical support, administration, property manager, cook, shipping, pharmacy, coordinator, entertainment, management training, new grads.

***STUDENT HOT LINE 631-860-0232 CALL NOW***

[Career Builder]

4. Matrix Distribution, Inc. (Career Builder, Monster)

Must be an offshoot of Matrix Marketing on Michigan; while looking up Matrix Marketing, I came across this ad, which is almost, word for word, a copy of DS-Max ads by other companies.

Contact Information
Contact: Human Resources
Phone: 614-844-5976
Email: Send Email Now >>
Fax: 614-540-7445
instantly fax your resume >>
Ref ID: spt,mkt-178

* Posted: 6/15/2007
* Location: US-OH-Columbus
* Base Pay: N/A
* Employee Type: Full-Time Employee
* Industry: Advertising Public Relations Sales - Marketing
* Manages Others: Yes
* Job Type: Management Marketing
* Req'd Education: Not Specified
* Req'd Experience: None
* Req'd Travel: Up to 25%
* Relocation Covered: No

Marketing. Advertising. Public Relations. WORK WITH SPORTS MERCH
Company: Matrix Distribution, Inc.

Description: Marketing. Advertising. Public Relations.

Based in the Worthington area, Matrix Distribution is a promotional advertising/ marketing company that specializes in marketing for the consumer products industry. Setting up and expediting promotions for our clients is our main focus. This year, our success with our blue chip client base has lead us to increase our marketing and management team. We value innovation, leadership, growth potential and a positive attitude; we offer career opportunities and fun work environment.

MATRIX DISTRIBUTION is a marketing firm that strongly believes when people are excited about what they do, they are more productive. For that reason, we strive to create a fun atmosphere that is still conductive to learning. We represent top-notch clients and focus on bringing in new quality accounts for them. Over the last 2 years we have accumulated over 500 national clients. We are now evaluating candidates for an account management position to help oversee our client's expansion. Growth and compensation based on personal performance.

www.matrixdistinc.com

Account Managers are responsible for demographic research, client meetings, campaign meetings and ensuring the overall satisfaction of the client in regards to their campaign. No experience is necessary. The successful candidate is extremely articulated, competitive by nature, motivated to succeed and excels in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. All openings start out at the entry-level and are ideal for the recent college graduates, experienced marketing professionals and persons seeking a career change.

If you feel you fit the criteria email your r sum to ([Click here for email])
No Attachments - Copy and Paste resume

Qualified candidates will be contacted regarding an interview. For immediate consideration contact Human Resources at 614-844-5976.

Requirements
People from all backgrounds seeking part time or full time opportunities in the following areas are encouraged to inquire about our program: sales, customer service, part time, manager, accounting, marketing, clerical, management, sports marketing, advertising, computer, human resources, sports advertising, marketing manager, driver, security, product advertising, administrative assistant, marketing assistant, marketing sports promotions, manager, purchasing, sports merchandise, sports merchandising, marketing assistant, administrative, receptionist, retail, maintenance, warehouse, entry level, sports and recreation, education, product marketing, promotions, finance, director, public relations, telecommunications, real estate, advertising specialist, public relations specialist, sports, insurance, sports marketing, project manager, advertising assistant, information technology, promotional marketing, printing, technician, automotive, teacher, public relations, sports merchandise, sports merchandising, banking, analysis, nursing, controller, advertising manager, network, public relations, environmental, nurse, design, safety, Secretary, office, assistant, hotel, accountant, medical assistant, transportation, supervisor, General, advertising, social services, office manager, communications, sales, manager, mortgage, social work, training, executive assistant, hospitality, pharmaceutical sales, collections,

[CareerBuilder]
[Monster]

If you spot a multi-level-marketing scam ad online, report it to the job posting site and request a takedown. Check out this post on identifying these types of ads.It's really pathetic that these sites don't do more to police their postings. As if finding a job wasn't hard enough. It's a great disservice to job-seekers to have to wade through scam crap. And of course, DS-MAX affiliates are but the tip of the iceberg. There's many other scams floating through these sides readily apparent to anyone with basic reading comprehension abilities. — BRIAN FAIRBANKS

PREVIOUSLY: How To Spot A DS-MAX Style MLM Scam Job Ad
Our DS-MAX Thread
Our Undercover Investigation Into A DS-MAX Affiliated Company

Note: No definitive ties have been established between Midtown Promotions and DS-MAX/Innovage.

Undeterred by the sketchy looking site, Linda made a video and sent it in. She got friends to pay for downloads of the instructional video. The day came for Linda to get paid... and passed, without her receiving a dime.

After multiple calls and emails with no positive response, Linda finally got some money. A check for one dollar...

This is low, on so many levels. We suspect True Personal Trainer gave Linda a dollar because that's the minimum amount for them to be able to say "some payment" was given for services rendered.

When we asked Linda if she had noticed the site's underwhelming appearance, she wrote, "I know I could do a better job of it personally without them with the aid of some of my former colleagues."

That may be a great route to go, and you've already done the hardest part, making your first video.

We see three options:

1. Harass them into paying her what is due
2. Sue them
3. Take the video she made and market it elsewhere

Judging from the looks of their site, they may not be working with a whole lot in the brains or money department. Option 3 might be the best use of Linda's time and talents.

For the future, if it sounds to good to be true, it often is, especially if it's also got a bunk-looking website. Also, despite what the commercials say, we've never gotten anything but sketchy job offers through Monster.com.

Here's the original letter TruePersonalTrainer sent Linda:

From: "True personal trainer" Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:19 PM To: [redacted] Subject: RE: Monster Job #50201391 Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor professionals needed. Recruiting through January 30, 2007. Monster Resume #XXXXXXXXX

Linda,

Thank you for submitting your resume. After reviewing it, we wish to continue forward with your recruitment. The first stage of the recruitment procedure is for you to submit one of your fitness programs for us to evaluate. We would like to see what your teaching capabilities are. Once we have reviewed your program and decide we would like to bring you on board, the next step will be to have you complete our mandatory competency form. This form will give us a better idea of when and how we'll be able to use your services. Once we have reviewed your competency form, we will be able to move to the next stage of recruitment which will involve discussing your exercise program(s), dates of implementation and going over the particulars of your freelance contract which will specifically describe the compensation breakdown as well as other legal interests.

To reiterate, we'll need one fitness program no longer than one hour and no shorter than 30 minutes to move forward. Your exercise program, which by the way should be recorded in digital format, needs to be ready within two weeks. Once you have it ready, write and let me know so that I may provide you with a username and password that will enable you to upload it directly from your computer or camera onto our website server. I will wait to hear back from you as to when to provide this information.

Aerobic, pilates and yoga instructors may consider utilizing current, popular music during any of your programs. Any and all uploaded programs containing copyrighted music will be protected through our ASCAP and BMI licenses which pay all royalties due from usage of copyrighted music.

Personal trainers should note our most popular exercise programs tend to be:

#1) Abdominal programs (Successful instructors sell in the range of 1000 to 2500 programs a month, grossing $800- $2000 a month per program

#2) Glute/Hip programs (Successful instructors sell in the range of 1000 to 2000 programs a month, grossing $800- $1600 a month per program.

#3) Biceps/Triceps programs (Successful instructors sell in the range of 800 to 1500 programs a month, grossing $600- $1200 a month per program.

Initially we'll only need one exercise program but once brought on board, you'll have exclusive rights to submit as many programs as you'd like which will increase your exposure and earning potential.

Contact Melissa from hr (melissa@truepersonaltrainer.com) if you have any questions as we look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Chris Thomas
Vice President of Business Development
TruePersonalTrainer.com
chris@truepersonaltrainer.com
1-800-537-9058

— BEN POPKEN