This is an example of an email I sent to Stephen at Stanford after he tried to get me to sign a document saying I would pursue my membership that I repeatedly told him I did not want.

I understand what you are saying and I appreciate your offer, however, I cannot sign that document. I do not wish to become a member of Stanford Who's Who in any form.

I do not know what to do at this point. It seems as if you are not understanding where I am coming from.

Please let me know if we need to pursue this matter on another venue. I do not wish to dispute this anymore than you do, but I find it pretty amazing that Stanford, as a company, is refusing someone to cancel a membership. Especially considering the matter in which I was sought out and signed up.

I realize it was my decision to sign up, however, I still have not received any documentation regarding your policies. You mentioned non-binding contracts and recorded voice conversations and I have been given no evidence of either of these. We both understand exactly what is happening here I believe.

It is Stanford's sales strategy to aggressively pursue young business proffessionals through mass marketing. Once contact has been made, the consumer is asked a series of questions in something called a "candidate interview." Once the person has done this, they are "accepted" by the sales person and pushed forward into payment for membership. This is a very simple sales tactic and although I was aware of what was happening, I gave your company the benefit of the doubt thinking that if I did not want membership, I would be able to cancel it like any other membership I have ever signed up for.

However, I am now being backed into a corner and asked to sign a piece of paper that guarantees membership for five years. I don't know how to be anymore clear. I do not want anything to do with Stanford as part of any membership, any monthly fees, or any further charges on my account. Please allow me to cancel my membership. Your cooperation will be very much appreciated. I feel as if I am being completely fair, cooperative, and incredibly patient in light of the current situation that has persisted.

Honestly, I am extremely busy and do not wish to discuss this any further. I honestly cannot believe you do not understand how crucial it is that this charge be taken off my account considering it was not approved by the corporation that I work for.

Please give me some good news man.

Thank you,

my name

here was his response: wouldn't either, I'm glad I wasn't yelling. Forgive me if I am frustrated. I apologize if that comes off on the phone. I am working to have a resolution that works for both of us not just yourself, as I mentioned to you, we already processed everything for your package and shipped it out to you. The one year trial program basically just covers the cost associated with that program. So to give a full refund back you can obviously understand how that affects us. We mention all sales are final for this reason alone. We simply cannot resell your items. We incur costs immediately in many ways. So I am doing what I feel is right and waiving your future billings and even offering a complimentary upgrade. I think that is more than generous considering the circumstances. If you want us to waive your future dues I do need that letter signed and faxed back.


There's not much more I can say regarding this matter. I am leaving my office and will look for your letter to update our system in the morning. I'm hoping you'll realize that I believe in a win-win resolution for both of us. If you were a platinum member I could refund an amount to keep it at a one year level however at the one year it is a trial and it basically allows you to utilize our services for one year at a level that basically covers costs. I am waiving future dues and even complimentary upgrading your program. There's not much room to work with at the one year level. So I think that we are being more than generous.

This is after he accused me of reading blogs and copying and pasting to sound "clever." This guy is completely out of line, unprofessional, and needs to be confronted by the authorities. I really need some help on this one.

Joe
Atlanta, Georgia
U.S.A.