Tag Archives: Steve Grossberg

Internet Merchants Association Members – You Decide

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We have given the IMA story a bit of a breather for the last several days.  This respite is not due to a lack of information but has been more of a calculated break from the coverage, to allow tempers a chance to cool.

IMA

At this time, I would like to ask the readers...

Are you "over" the IMA story?

Or, on the other hand, (especially former members) would you appreciate reading more information about the IMA?

I ask these questions because we have been presented with multiple streams of data since our last article about the IMA (and  am also convinced even more information is available) concerning the internal problems at the Internet Merchants Association. Some people are certainly interested "behind the scenes" or we would not be getting this constant stream of data.

Yet, I have asked myself and my colleagues... "is there a valid point in continuing to publicize this open wound at the IMA"? Continue reading “Internet Merchants Association Members – You Decide” »

Breaking News – Internet Merchants Association President Backs Out of Confirmed Interview

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As reported here on the Trading Assistant Journal, Steve Grossberg - President of the IMA, had agreed and confirmed with Dave White of the eBay and Beyond Internet Radio Program to an interview.  This interview was to occur next Saturday July 12, 2008.

Mr. Steve Grossberg, Internet Merchants Association President and Treasurer, has just informed the eBay and Beyond radio program of his decision to back out of this live radio talk show interview.  Dave White was notified of this decision via email and Dave has given the Trading Assistant Journal permission to reprint this short notice.

David

I am going to have to back out of this interview. Right now my time and energies are geared toward #1 my family, #2 my business, and #3 getting IMA moving forward. We already have an open dialouge and interactive dialouge in place for IMA members to voice their opinions and be heard.

Regards,

Steve

1Busyman's Inc.

As will be commented here and elsewhere, this is not an unexpected development.  I will say I think it is a mistake to back away from an opportunity to offer a different side of the story.  This is a move which would not have been deemed advisable by any top notch PR firm or advisor.

Mr. Grossberg's comment in the letter above, stating there is already a place for members to voice opinions seems very empty, especially if Mr. Grossberg himself will remove any members from the Association who dare to voice a differing or dissenting opinion from his own, as has been reported by numerous sources.

Dave White would like to extend an offer for any of the remaining members of the Board of Directors at the IMA to fill in for Mr. Steve Grossberg.  Former members of the Board or Ethics Committee are also welcome.  The show will still be scheduled and the topics will certainly center around the recent implosion of the IMA governing body.

ANYONE may call in to ask a question or share their story during the show: 866-357-7746

eBay & Beyond

Press Release – For Immediate Release – Internet Merchants Association President Threatens 1st Amendment Rights of Bloggers & Journalists

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Press Release - National - For Immediate Release

Internet Merchants Association President Threatens Freedom of Speech and Action against Independent Journalists

The president of an eCommerce Trade Group, the Internet Merchants Association, has stated he will "go after" any bloggers or websites covering IMA business.  The IMA is a non-profit organization which recently experienced mass resignations from a majority of the board due to ethics concerns. Continue reading “Press Release – For Immediate Release – Internet Merchants Association President Threatens 1st Amendment Rights of Bloggers & Journalists” »

IMA Membership Revoked – As WAS CEO Debbie Levitt Say's in blog post

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While reportedly awaiting an apology from the BOD at the Internet Marketing Association to which she belonged, Debbie Levitt posted on her blog today that she has been summarily expelled from the IMA.

Without a warning first. Without any correspondence. Without any suggestions. Without a note from moderators.

Payment Details
Amount: $300.00 USD
Subject: ima dues
Note: membership dues refund cancellation of membership

from: As Was marketing hall of fame blog

Apparently Debbie received a partial refund via PayPal of her $599.00 Gold business membership package from the IMA. 

Readers will recall that Debbie Levitt of AS WAS became involved in a war of words between herself and IMA President Steve Grossberg on the IMA discussion forums.  Both sides report issues such as slander and IMA rules violations and it is our understanding that both parties were suspended from posting on the discussion forum for a period of days.  We know from Debbie Levitt's blog that she apologized for her infraction but we have no reports of Mr. Grossberg following suit.

Debbie Levitt is claiming several instances of slander and damage to her professional stature, she is indicating she will pursue legal remedy for same. 

On another note, a former board member at IMA recently posted a comment on the Trading Assistant Journal which indicated she advised the board to secure insurance against such actions but she was ignored.  Exposure to action is one of the main detraction's from becoming a board member in any organization. If the organization does not protect itself, or its officers from litigation it has been reported by other sources the legal exposure could reach personal and business assets.

We certainly hope the situation will not reach this level of litigious action, but if the Florida Attorney General is called to investigate, one could only imagine the numerous civil suits which could follow.