tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.comments2023-03-25T03:49:20.472-04:00The Flip Side of Fortyzilekulmod productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394159441867516278noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-37784351906135332822020-03-02T14:09:48.721-05:002020-03-02T14:09:48.721-05:00Wow! This boiled up fond memories for me. I am J...<b>Wow!</b> This boiled up fond memories for me. <b>I am Joe!</b> Not really, because I am now 79 and could not have come close to passing for a youngster in 2008. Move backward six decades, however and I was Joe -- or his twin. I was on a National Circulating Company crew from 1962 to 1966. During that four years I traveled through all of the contiguous 48 states doing exactly what Joe did. I was, however, going to be a <b>teacher</b> with my points. I credit that experience with bringing me out of a deep shell. I was an extremely shy and terrible high school student (graduated number 192 of 212 classmates), but I think the lie (working to be a teacher), and the experience interacting with so many people spurred me to return to school. I did very well at the university (3.85 GPA) and I actually <b>did</b> fulfill my promise to my customers. I retired last year after 45 years as a public school teacher. <br /><b>Thank you all so very much</b>. <br /><br />I am now finishing an online interactive card game, you can test it here:<a href="http://warrgames.net" rel="nofollow">warrgames.net</a>Steven Warrhttp://warrgames.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-28026765816903228652019-12-22T10:53:12.499-05:002019-12-22T10:53:12.499-05:00I was with National Circulating from 81-85. We tra...I was with National Circulating from 81-85. We traveled the country selling magazines for points. We always said we were trying to earn money for school. I never went to college until 1992!<br /><br />It was an excellent experience. I learned people skills that can't be taught in any classroom. I met countless nice people. Everyone got their magazines. We were trained to be polite and respectful. Being a dog lover helped.<br /><br />My manager, Dave Cotherman, was fair and played mind games as most sales managers do. They want sales. So did we, but sometimes you ended with nothing for the day. We always ate. Were like a family. I was promoted to crew driver and handyman as our 4 station wagons and trailers had to be maintained.<br /><br />There were some bad companies out there. Ripping people off, abusing their salespeople. We prided ourselves on being honest. Consequently we back to many towns and were welcomed because of our integrity.<br /><br />I was very close to Dave Cotherman. We were confidants to each other. Loved playing computer games until wee hours of the morning (ahhh the old Commodore C-64).<br /><br />Sadly I learned Dave was killed in a car accident some years ago. He always loved his fast cars. He was married to Sandy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-3160368932644808572016-03-07T09:27:07.092-05:002016-03-07T09:27:07.092-05:00So thankful so many people have been leaving feedb...So thankful so many people have been leaving feedback, I also was visited by this Joe fella, I just pulled in my driveway from work and there he was .. At my front door, There he was with the biggest smile on his face, looked harmless enough, so I listened to his routine, EXACTLY the same one, you look 20 .....now I know I don't look 20, I have a son that is 20... But he still wants to be a welder( not thinking this is true) after reading all these comments I am sure it's not.. So why does he say he earns points to be a welder... No need to be dishonest.. Just say why you are here , to sell magazines, well I talked with Joe for a while, and also bought a 2 year subscription and then he left, just like everyone else I ran in the house and googled it, fearing my bank account would be drained, I felt a little at ease after reading all these comments....In a world full of fear and hatred in one another I guess we have to trust there is some good in people and not everyone want to harm us.. Safe travels Joe!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01275633988048703470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-33625234467663742312016-01-15T23:20:36.315-05:002016-01-15T23:20:36.315-05:00Oh my gosh! I am so grateful to see this post and ...Oh my gosh! I am so grateful to see this post and all the comments! A perfect description of my experience and the character. 2016 and Joe is still doing well as he made his way to my NC doorstep today. I gave him cash and didn't order anything. (Though he said he would donate a subscription to a hospital.) I don't know why I gave him 20.00- maybe because it was pouring rain, my 2 yr old was napping and I just wanted him to leave. Maybe because I couldnt get out of the house to inspect him as he left,and just hoped that 20.00 would keep him from coming back to rob and murder us. Of course, I started Googling tonight as my anxieties are evrn further heightened thanks to the Friday night murder mysteries. I had just turned on the tv for a few minutes of mindless staring only to become more fearful and neurotic. I'm a bit more at ease now.Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-17485219691165286822015-11-03T01:43:55.216-05:002015-11-03T01:43:55.216-05:00I can confirm the story of the "anonymous&quo...I can confirm the story of the "anonymous" who posted July 23, 2015. I worked for National Circulating Company for over a year around 1982-83. For one thing, the "Mr. Brown" who owned/operated quite a few NCC crews of salesmen and who I gather had been in the business a long time had been successful enough to buy the outrageously valuable "farm" that you can locate on google earth at 180 Redding Ln, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The various crews from different areas of the country rendezvous there once or twice a year.<br /><br><br><br />Years later, I dated a girl who had worked for Sun Circulation Company and who told horror stories involving drugs and abuse. National Circulating had a comparatively clean reputation. Drinking/drug use was taboo; males and females always roomed separately. The men were trained to never respond to "woman at home alone" come-ons, and I only saw one salesman get slapped around in a sales meeting one night. The slapper was a "manager" I did not care for named Victor George - a fat guy who always traveled with his own Airstream travel trailer. <br /><br><br><br />Low performers were subject to what could be considered psychological abuse, but it was all about selling magazines. No one was ever forced to keep working after last pickup of the day due to low sales. Everyone ate, even if you were borrowing money from the company to do so.<br /><br><br><br />My "manager" was Dave Cotherman. Some of the "old-school long-timers" I worked with were Paul Moreno and Walter Podlejski. My trainer was a nice guy named Tom Forget-his-last-name-but-looked-like-John_Denver. Another memorable character was a "running-back-built" white guy named Matt [Maloney?] who had John Travolta charm when selling sober, but who couldn't stay away from the bars and had to be let go. <br /><br><br><br />I got hired by responding to a classified ad in my local paper for "TRAVEL JOBS!" I think that with a good outfit like NCC young people who haven't figured out what they want to do with their life can learn a lot about themselves and a lot about the world and other people. Yes, you will get your magazines ... no, your account number on your check will not be hijacked and misused. The Better Business lists them as A+ with three closed complaints in the last three years. Of course the "I only need ___ number of points to win so I can pursue my dream of being a ____" is just sales-pitch BS, but make them work for the sale and you'll find they have an interesting story to tell. <br /><br><br><br />"Hi! My name is Peter and I'm one of the young people that got selected for the National Achievement Award Contest! Have you heard about it?" I have no regrets. You won't either.<br />Peter C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-58722381097498403662015-10-07T11:41:28.166-04:002015-10-07T11:41:28.166-04:00Wow! I live in Ohio, and the same Joe came to our ...Wow! I live in Ohio, and the same Joe came to our house today. I too bought a subscription that I could have gotten elsewhere just to get rid of him. He used the same compliments to me that are quoted here: Beautiful dogs, beautiful place, you look about 20 or 25 (Im 52) you look too young to be married, and all kinds of remarks to show what a good person he is and lots of talk about his mom and dad and grandparents. This is 7 years after this blog post, and his approach is still so much the same! It must serve him well. I also ran into the house and looked up the company online as soon as he left. I also got worried after I gave him a check. He is still hoping to be a welder and signed my receipt with a smiley face and has such shaky writing that is is really hard to read it. Truthfully, he creeped me out. I don't like it when people walk into our property and try to sell us something, but I guess I just encouraged that by purchasing a subscription. Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03533801927603667876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-73360258095661063542015-07-23T23:23:03.072-04:002015-07-23T23:23:03.072-04:00I used to work for National Circulating Company fo...I used to work for National Circulating Company for a couple years back around 1989 1990. It was a great learning experience. I can say that the crew I was on was very professional. I also worked on a different crew called Sun Circulation Company before this one. It was like night and day. I seen some horrible things with this crew. I remember a couple of young adult that were beat up for lack of sales. I also know that anyone who paid cash most likely never got their magazines. This was because the "kids" usually in their late teens to early 20's had very little money to eat. They were crammed into motel rooms sometimes with 4 to 6 per room.. Males and females together. I seen lots of drinking and drug use with this company. I was fortunate enough that I sold just enough magazines to avoid any brutality and was able to eat. These guys would keep you on the streets knocking on doors after dark if you had not sold enough to come back yet. I worked with them for about a month and I bailed out in the middle of the night and hitchhiked a couple states back home. <br /> National Circulating was a breath of fresh air compared to Sun. It was very professional and everyone turned their orders in. They registered with the local police everywhere they went. They were focused on a clean living environment and had strict rules against drug or alcohol. It was a wonderful time with these guys and I stayed a couple years and managed to save several thousand dollars. I still wonder where some of the old guys are that I sold with back in the DLC71 crew. I enjoyed reading this blog it brough back memories :) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-9885259982141801532015-04-17T11:05:31.052-04:002015-04-17T11:05:31.052-04:00Hi there, I'm Lindsey! I have a question about...Hi there, I'm Lindsey! I have a question about being a breast cancer survivor, could you please email me when you have a chance? Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing from you!<br /><br />lindseyDOTcaldwellATrecallcenterDOTcomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-25827693486141399312015-03-31T18:59:58.778-04:002015-03-31T18:59:58.778-04:00Hello,
I know your blog post is from 7 years ago....Hello,<br /><br />I know your blog post is from 7 years ago... But after having a moderate panic attack from being woken by this Joe character I had to search the internet for some answers. I can't believe how exactly alike your visit was to mine. I live in such a rural area, and it is completely out of the ordinary for someone to come to my door. If you were wondering, he still wants to be a welder... and yes, he did leave a smiley face at the bottom of my receipt... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-39847391970713930562014-12-09T10:39:04.771-05:002014-12-09T10:39:04.771-05:00Hmmm.....we were just visited by a fred.....really...Hmmm.....we were just visited by a fred.....really nice , didn't feel any fear but my husband was also home...otherwise I wouldn't have left him in.<br />called national circulating co. The person on the phone verified fred was good. He sends in his subscription info every other day to them.<br />will c what happens?? <br />Any body know where these guys come from..what organization? <br />Guess we'll c what happens...<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-1298362836659072382014-11-17T16:35:38.504-05:002014-11-17T16:35:38.504-05:00Love this, and the John Muir quote at the end is o...Love this, and the John Muir quote at the end is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing.Mike Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-33275846346028849962014-11-15T19:47:15.900-05:002014-11-15T19:47:15.900-05:00We were visited this afternoon by Joe. An odd fel...We were visited this afternoon by Joe. An odd fellow. Odd in a sense that he was just so polite and cheerful. I do not usually "buy the lines" but this guy was just seemed so genuine. Long story short, we invited him in (it was 40ish degrees outside) and my daughter made him a hot chocolate. We visited a little, we gave him a check for a two year subscription and now I have a sick feeling in my stomach. I don't sense any harm from Joe, I just surely hope his company doesn't misuse our account info. So, STUPID of us to hand a check over! I am debating whether to call the bank Monday and close our acct to get a new one. :/ I hope his company treats him right. He said he walks 20 miles and is working to be a welder. He said he is improving himself. I wonder if his employer is taking advantage of this fellow and/or others like him. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-78973432150322649122014-06-20T20:14:17.387-04:002014-06-20T20:14:17.387-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18389725236417754887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-77788047855990266942013-12-19T13:58:39.191-05:002013-12-19T13:58:39.191-05:00I am so thankful you posted about this! I was just...I am so thankful you posted about this! I was just visited by one of their reps (lovely fellow, not the least bit threatening, wants to be a vet when he grows up) and felt like the whole things seemed a little fishy. Because the guy was so nice I did order a subscription through him, but regretted buying from a mysterious company (that no longer has a website, apparently) the second I handed over the check. I am happy to hear you didn't get axed or have your identity stolen. Thank you!Katiehttp://myhalfassedkitchen.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-54630024159559823362013-03-24T21:01:43.554-04:002013-03-24T21:01:43.554-04:00Thanks, Chape and Mel.
Chapin, I so appreciate y...Thanks, Chape and Mel. <br /><br />Chapin, I so appreciate your perspective, and support. Miss you, love you. Thinking tonight of Molly. <3zilekulmod productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03394159441867516278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-53808342167672382472013-03-24T17:36:28.553-04:002013-03-24T17:36:28.553-04:00Nice piece Liz!
Mel Nice piece Liz! <br />Mel Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-54877578982302213602013-03-24T17:11:40.098-04:002013-03-24T17:11:40.098-04:00Thanks for the update, Liz. You go girl! (In ever...Thanks for the update, Liz. You go girl! (In every sense of the word.)<br />You set an example for all of us to take what comes and not be overly optimistic or pessimistic, but to look reality in the face and make our life decisions with as much knowledge as is available. And... to not be afraid to share. Experiences are universal even though our individual journeys are unique. Thanks!Chapin Kaynorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08028590055078248250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-77963573477121463282012-12-18T14:31:21.550-05:002012-12-18T14:31:21.550-05:00It's unfortunate that people feel so threatene...It's unfortunate that people feel so threatened by a guy coming up totheir dorr and asking them to buy something from them that they would probably buy anyway. I used to work for the National Circulating Co. in the late 80s and early 90s. I experienced many different sorts of people, and I must say that the majority of the people that bought magazines from me had a smileon their face when I left. In many cases, I had the good fortune of returning to their home the next year. Sometimes they would be a buyer again, sometimes not. Either way, the years that I spent talking to people in their own homes in many parts of the country, was a positive experience. Just because a person knocks on your door, doesnt necessarily mean that he is there to do harm to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-29086213679295147132012-02-10T09:38:14.205-05:002012-02-10T09:38:14.205-05:00I actually found this blog after searching the int...I actually found this blog after searching the internet for the National Circulating Company, because "Jessie" stopped by our house yesterday peddling subscriptions. I literally had the EXACT same reaction. After writing the check for my new 2 year subscription to <br />Parent and Child, I began to think...maybe I should just have given him cash. Now he has our bank account information!! Last night as I lay in bed, sweating from the fear that my 17month old daughter was being abducted from her room despite the SIDS monitor that could pick up a gnat fart and the sleeping dachsund that barks (as you say) at a rustling leaf, I kept going over and over in my mind what I had said to this Jessie character. Did I give him any clues, did I entice him in such a way that would make him want to kill me and and my family instead of one of my neighbors. It's sad. I kept thinking that too...it's just so sad that we live in a world where a simple door to door salesman can cause people to react this way. Thanks for posting this. Even though it was forever ago, trust me I felt the same way, and reading this has encouraged me to go down stairs and unlocked the (usaully unlocked) door!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-82986479128232856812012-02-04T22:10:26.160-05:002012-02-04T22:10:26.160-05:00I,ll bet no bluefooted booby has traveled as your ...I,ll bet no bluefooted booby has traveled as your little freind thereSpurwing Plovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-37496970198963710332011-11-21T17:37:27.296-05:002011-11-21T17:37:27.296-05:00Holy Moly!! I know this is from forever ago but Jo...Holy Moly!! I know this is from forever ago but Joe made an appearance at my house tonight. Oh my.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-4068863589561916012011-10-15T11:13:11.318-04:002011-10-15T11:13:11.318-04:00I hope you don't find this strange, but I just...I hope you don't find this strange, but I just did a google search for National Circulating Company, and a blog you posted back in 2008 showed up. It was eerie to read about your experience with "Joe", because I think the same Joe came to my door about an hour ago.<br /><br />I decided to look up the company just like you did to make sure it was legitimate. The BBB still rates them very high. I'm kinda curious if you actually ever received your magazines and if there was ever any future problems.<br /><br />I certainly felt a little bad for the guy. It's 45 degrees out, raining hard and very windy out. I didn't welcome him into my home, but I did pull out a couple of chairs in the garage to talk to him while my four kids and wife stayed in the house. We have a country place, where we don't normally get strangers knocking on the door. It was very funny to see how you and I think a lot alike. He wasn't JW, he wasn't UPS or FedEx... and he said many of the same things that he said to you.... guessing that we were 10 years younger than our actual age...and complimenting our home. He also wanted to make sure I wasn't working too hard.<br /><br />Three years later and he's doing the same thing..... except now he's working towards an education to be a welder. Sure feels like he's being exploited... or some other monkey business is going on. <br /><br />Joe mentioned that there is a crew of them combing the countryside, and that his ride comes to get him later in the afternoon.<br /><br />I renewed my golf magazine and sent him on his way with some hot chocolate in a travel mug. I told him he could keep the mug. He was very appreciative and said that he doesn't get many offers like that.<br /><br />I hope you take the time to respond to my comment... enjoyed the read, yet I'm very weirded out at the same time.<br /><br />MikeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-86861420879186190492011-09-25T19:37:20.209-04:002011-09-25T19:37:20.209-04:00Hi! I came across your page searching for somethi...Hi! I came across your page searching for something else and stopped and read a little. I'm so happy things have worked out for you. My own sons are grown, but I remember those days, and yep, you have to stop sometimes to do the things that take some time you don't think you have, but that mean a whole lot to you. Best wishes from another woman and mother. --AnneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-45281422096223972882011-04-06T14:38:14.724-04:002011-04-06T14:38:14.724-04:00thanks, Jamie. :) ~ Lizthanks, Jamie. :) ~ LizAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112436417432910909.post-85951931048556201122011-02-19T09:32:45.617-05:002011-02-19T09:32:45.617-05:00Love it! (no pun intended)
I also love your "...Love it! (no pun intended) <br />I also love your "love" list -- you're right, pie rocks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com