<We are doing extremely well, and it will likely be more of a slog than NJ thinks.
However, RE
"The exponential 'hockey stick' curve of rising sales won't occur until Star can officially state what the benefits of Abloc are, and that won't occur until the publication of the Flint study in spring/summer 2013. Only then can they go on TV and really make the case for the product. Only then can they get on Dr. Oz, or Oprah, or some other celebrity's show and start a stampede to the product."
That is, unfortunately, likely overly optimistic too, sorry to say. You are leaving out the part where, only after sufficient scientific studies are on hand, then Star must go to the FDA and hammer out what THEY WILL ALLOW Star to say when making claims.
So there won't be just an explosion of Star PR as soon as ANY study results come out. They will have to be hidden away in scientific journals until FDA approves of some statement, and even at that the statement will be very limited and no embellishment is allowed.
I presume someone like Oz could cite a study, and comment on it (he IS a DOCTOR), but apparently Star cannot direct the public's attention to such study, because of the possibility of public misinterpretation of such esoteric fare.
If folks (all) would become ever-conscious of this fact ... the strict FDA protocol for claims about supplements ... then everyone could keep from constantly building unreasonable expectations and making demands for PR from the co that they CANNOT MEET. The endless banter about "more PR" is just useless wasted 1s and 0s. STAR KNOWS WHAT IT IS DOING, and if everyone will keep this matter in mind, SO WILL YOU. (I'm addressing all, not necessarily posters in this thread.)
This supplement marketing situation is, in that respect, a good news/bad news thing. Good news: it's on the market and a spectacular success under the circumstances, and word of mouth and celebrity endorsements (based on personal experience) are big helps. Otherwise we would all be in the dark about some new drug we hope the company will get approved in another 4 or 5 years, and no one would pay much attention.
The bad news is that once the data comes in about efficacy, FDA still holds the reins TIGHTLY, in light of the past experience with supplements and the risk that the public can be misled.
This process will be ongoing for the foreseeable future, as studies show more and more efficacy for more and more things. Each approval of claim will add another layer of customers, on top of the legions who will by then be enjoying all the benefits, claims or no : )
It should then come as no surprise if Star aggressively pursues, in terms of time and money, the celebrity endorsement path. Again, a LOT about what Star does is transparent IF YOU KNOW THE RULES UNDER WHICH THEY ARE FORCED TO OPERATE.
This from what I think I know about FDA/supplement rules/law. Corrections due to stated/referenced fact are invited.
Now ... on the other hand, witness that there is a HALL of a lot to be said about "word of mouth"! IT'S WORKING! And THAT is because of, and a measure of, how very very good the product is.
If anyone finds this to be accurate and helpful, feel free to post it on IV if you are a member.
I believe the more who know the real supplement situation, the fewer there will be of disappointed expectations and misunderstanding of company conduct.>