MONEY FARM 5 STAR REVIEW

Another Five Star Review! Lovely!

5 of 5 stars A brilliant, well-written, compelling read. 11 Jun. 2016

By LMS#YOM - Published on Amazon.com

This is a fascinating and powerful book that delves into the workings of financial institutions perfectly. After a lot of soul searching and personal debate the main character, Gillian, joins M.O.N.E.Y but then she quickly realises what a cult-like existence it is. Gillian bears witness to the extreme pressure to fit in and become part of the clique, but does she really want to conform? The challenges and demands put upon the ‘chosen’ ones to constantly improve and achieve their optimum is intense. The deceptive tactics used are all a part of M.O.N.E.Y’s control, but then comes the devastating feeling of being owned. Is it all too much for Gillian? Will she survive M.O.N.E.Y? A brilliant, well-written, compelling read.

MONEY FARM PAPERBACK LINK ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Money-Farm-Ms-Ruby-Allure/dp/151230526X#customerReviews

AUDIBLE LINK: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Money-Farm-Audiobook/B010BOM9A8/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1467218674&sr=1-1

MONEY FARM - THE POWERFUL WHY

MONEY FARM – THE POWERFUL WHY 

I had a suspicion that the financial industry concealed an entirely different world within their financial fortresses. That world was purposely inaccessible to the average person. That world seemed exclusive, complex and purposely incomprehensible. I wondered how that hidden world related to the persuasion to overspend and generate credit card debt as ‘normal’ through being bombarded by endless adverts perpetuating dissatisfaction. By penetrating the financial walls Money Farm became a vision of the future. Access to the ‘behind the financial scenes’ provided perfect insights into what could happen if a financial power dominated the markets and took control of governments.

This book was powerfully translated into audio by Helen Lloyd, a remarkable audio producer. She was purposely selected as the voice of Money Farm because of her passion and extraordinary ability to impart the story so it resonated with the core of the readers’ being.

TO HEAR HELEN'S POWERFUL DELIVERY PLEASE CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK:

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Money-Farm-Audiobook/B010BOM9A8/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1467145473&sr=1-1

IN PAPER BACK & KINDLE :https://www.amazon.com/Money-Farm-Ms-Ruby-Allure/dp/151230526X/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1467145699&sr=8-24&keywords=Money+farm

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Screw Being The Yes Person

Screw being the ‘Yes’ person

 

The world’s corporations rely on good yes people to put their heads down and graft for the good of the corporation. These hardworking individuals produce what the corporation needs to maintain itself within its select market place. All the while, the individual exchanges their time and skills for those lovely pieces of coloured paper that represent value and what saves us, as individuals, having to barter. The thing is I have been watching a slow and quiet rebellion taking place within these ‘imagined’ constructs. It seems that the big corporations are introducing more and more controls and more and more rules to the individuals. Strangely those higher up the food chain don’t seem to adhere to those same rules. The yes people abide by these rules through fear of losing their jobs and not being able to pay bills. You know what? It is weird when you think how much the workers essentially tolerate in exchange for money. If you wish to read more about this please have a read of Sapiens, a fantastic book.

 

So today was a fascinating day. I have said before that I work in two capacities. I run a wonderful team of Social Media creators and I also work as a strategist and business analyst. I love both roles because they appeal to both sides of my nature and brain. Yet, with all this in mind, today was a day of rebellion. The most recent tremors began with an article that I wrote on the top five New Year’s resolutions. The article listed the fact that people wanted to lose weight, save money, get in touch with people, stop smoking and drinking. The article was written and then sent for higher management approval. Over the ‘festive season’ it turns out a whole series of new social media rules were introduced. Many corporations are not allowed to mention Christmas because not all people celebrate Christmas.  Smoking or drinking were not allowed to be mentioned and nor was weight loss because it was not fair to penalise people for being fat or even slightly over weight. That was not what the article was about, it was about health and making positive resolutions. So from the original list, the only remaining approved item was getting in touch. In the meantime, the higher management felt that people should not be making resolutions because they did not keep them and that meant they were going to fail which reduced productivity. I was then asked to re-write the article and instead of talking about resolutions I was asked to focus on ways people could increase their productivity at work. Erm… no! It was quite an amusing moment because in addition to this, the social media group were told they could not use photos from their phones, from the internet or any imagery that had not been taken by an official photographer for the company. 

 

Are you sensing why there was rebellion brewing? Now, our Social media site was created with the following mission: create uplifting, inspiring and fun blog content that exceeds expectation and articles that the audience will love to read. That is precisely what we did for a whole year. It seems the blog’s success has caused its own problems because the blog team and I set about creating something special and unique within a very controlled and austere environment. The popularity of this blog went corporation wide because the articles were passionate, written with humour and were a little bit exciting – imagine! What’s more, the group were run on the theory of tribal leadership. This is when the group enter a room for discussion and all hierarchy disappears. We are all equal, we all take turns leading and we all choose our level of engagement. Our level from the outset was the highest level whereby we intended ‘to create something exemplary’ where others would be inspired to aspire to our unique way of communicating.  It worked so well that we had huge viewing figures and other lines of business emulated the way we approached things. The thing is with success often comes parasites. Those who noticed the success wanted their names on it. They then found ways in which to control the free-spirited creativity and that is what happened today. What I will say is that creativity needs space and freedom. Creativity is not forced otherwise it is like constipation: no matter how hard you push nothing comes out. It is only when you relax that you can deliver.

For the last year we have provided excellent communication and there have been numerous attempts at sabotage that caused the blogging team concern. We all did our best to jump the hurdles, united our minds and found new ways to progress. However, today was the last straw – no photos and being asked to write dull shit! So that was it… My lovely young team and I had a heart-felt discussion and came to the conclusion that it was time to say no. In doing so one of the quieter natured creators turned to the group and said ‘Screw being the yes man. There are times when a person has to say no and they are not going to do it anymore.’ I agreed and asked what they wanted to do with our allotted meetings if the blog ceased to exist. The answer was simple: have a meeting, discuss how the group progress their careers and use the time for group motivation and mentorship. So the crap was transformed into flowers.

You might well ask what has happened from the higher management point of view. They are still in the process of figuring out what happened and what to do. Of course the whole group have their main job roles and this Social Media group was what was known, according to corporate carrot dangling, ‘as an above and beyond stretch assignment.’ We went above and beyond but there is only so far you are willing to stretch before the elastic band snaps. That is when the yes person says screw this and shifts to the NO!  That is when the other workers will begin to ask questions.

 

 

You can find my books at the following link: Ruby Allure books on Audible:

http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_hp_tseft?advsearchKeywords=Ruby+allure&filterby=field-keywords&x=0&y=0

 

Money Farm Chapter 4

MONEY FARM CHAPTER 4

 

 

Link to Paperback on Amazon:Link: http://amzn.com/151230526X

CHAPTER 4

COLLAPSE, CRISIS AND CATHARSIS

When something breaks it can be rebuilt, better and stronger.

When one denies something is broken it will remain broken.

I spent hours consumed in thought and observing the financial system during the years leading up to the first and second collapses, demonstrations were rife, but unfortunately no alternative systems were offered. The small fires were put out but the inferno beyond was concealed. The talkers talked at and about the system but there was no evidential action. Figures were modified prior to elections, new currencies were introduced and debt as the debt solution continued. Society remained focused on that which did not work, so much so, a new way remained elusive. People were in debt, banks were in debt and sovereigns were in debt. Mass debt and mass denial. Keep the façade, maintain a smile and never disclose your wealth or lack of it for one could be shamed.

Obviously it dawned on me: the reality was that the world needed to understand what worked and increase that instead of focusing and repeating that which did not work. For change to happen the fragments of society needed to unite and work together. They needed to accept one another’s differences and celebrate a variety of thought. Rather than work against each other, they had to move as one – the swarm mentality. Effective change could take place quickly once the swarm formed and motioned in unison. All the while the swarm was unaware of itself and its potential; instead, bees stung bees and fragments financially combusted.

Another revelation came to me: leadership was not management. The mass were being managed rather than led. Where was the visionary who could see the potential in the mass, their minds and their potential unity? Whoever it was remained hidden, maybe they were mad amongst the mass mania. Maybe the one who sees the truth was labelled as the oddity. Needless to say, the lack of information and leadership stopped positive action taking place and fear stopped people uniting through the fear of difference. Imagine if people stopped fearing each other and united and connected. That would be a disaster for the rulers because they would have lost control generated by fear and the repetitious false message clearly recommended in The Prince written by Machiavelli. Positive change could not take place until people united in their hearts, minds and souls. A united connection between all souls and all people could transform the world into a state of paradise. It was just that people were so consumed in survival that they had not seen the vision of absolute potential. Positive enthusiasm was needed to connect the individuals in a common purpose and cause.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LINK  TO HEAR ON AUDIO - SOUND CLOUD

 

https://soundcloud.com/ruby-allure/01-money-farm-ch01

 

 

"Smartly Written, Thought Provoking Read!"

Narration - Helen Lloyd - Kick A$$!
Really Great Narration - Brits and Aussies and Germans and more. Lovely voice to listen to and she even captured the rather robotic nature of the cult-like members of the Money Farm.

This is a really terrific book - and is it bad that for the majority of the book I was thinking "sign me up!" (or at least sign up one of my grand-kids and let me move into one of the retirement neighborhoods).

The Money's are all 'their best selves' due to the nutrition and fitness requirements along with a few other treatments along the way which are tailored to each individual and allow them to reach their full potential. All their needs are met, they have no debts, no worries, they are appreciated and they all live in really nice digs. (like I said...sign me up!)

It's a smartly written and thought provoking book of a Dystopian/Eutopian society where our heroine Jyllian finds her-self jobless with her savings running out. She ends up being selected to join the M.O.N.E.Y.'s as a "breaker" because of her intelligent & rebellious way of thinking. She is to challenge their systems and find ways to break them, all in the name of making them better.

The story follows her and a few other select characters through their introduction to Money, their training, their indoctrination and ultimately through their discovery of what Money's goals really are.

I can't really say much more without giving away too much, but I thought it was a really terrific book. It was hard for me to 'get into it' in the beginning, but I plan to listen to the start again.

It's smartly written and filled with intricate details about these two "worlds". Really an interesting book about the state of the worlds finances! Loved it! I'm actually stunned that I'm only the second review of this book on Goodreads. READ or LISTEN to it! It's a keeper!

I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from Audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.

 

Perfectionism and Self-imposed Standards

Perfectionism and self-imposed standards

 

Isn't it ironic that so many of us strive for perfection but in doing so give ourselves a sense of dissatisfaction? Today I wandered through crowds of people at Bournemouth Airshow. I had a rather profound thought that all these people had thoughts going around their heads and I wondered how many of them aspired to perfection.

The reason I was thinking about this is because I have noticed how much people now juggle in their lives. There are the jobs and the career ladders, there are families, fitness and wealth - just to list a few. The thing is there is such limited time and we all desire to achieve and experience so much. So how do we do it all? Well you can attempt to structure your life to fit everything in but that stops being fun. Even those things you have passion for lose their sparkle when they are forced. So what do you do? The answer is prioritise. You list the few things that are really important. What IS really important to you? Is it the perfect body, the wellbeing of your children, the relationship, the career or owning something ridiculous? Once you know the three priorities consider focusing on those and allowing yourself time for you.

The thing is there is we only have so much time and energy. I look at energy levels like water. Where is the water flowing to and where are the leaks? Where do you gain your water from? I know it is simple the thing is there is so much pressure to be perfect, to make things that are perfect yet we live in an imperfect world. In the end we end up burnt-out from doing so much all of the time. Sometimes your priority may well to sit eating a nice cake with a coffee staring into space. Having time to do nothing or as some call it - 'me' time... Now that might be perfection.

Ruby Allure Books:

AUDIBLE LINK FOR A SHORT COURSE IN CREATIVE WRITING: http://amzn.com/B01390THLK

21/08/15

 

"An Unexpected Gem"

***I was provided a copy of this audio book for the purpose of a review ***

With the required disclaimer out of the way, let me be brutally honest, I had not expected this little gem. In fact, I had expected my listening would be a bit rough and was fortified by it being less than 2 hours.

The synopsis says the author wrote the book as a takeaway from her evening classes on creative writing. My mental context was ... Community Ed evening classes ...and expected a well intended but kind of amateur product. However, I am interested in adult education, and batter my own nerd head against a giant personal creativity brick wall.

So you have an idea of my mind set... low expectations along with high interest.

Amateur hour it was NOT.

I don't know where the author teaches her class, but Sign Me Up! And bring the narrator. Wow. Two hours of unadulterated, straight up, right on, good learning material delivered by a close friend just sharing the material. The narrator's voice was warm, sincere without any artifact or pompous patronising, and well modulated throughout. The material was mind opening for me, with the right mix of the mechanics of writing exercises, sufficient context that using prompts now makes sense to me, and a sprinkling of the inner heart work of creativity through written material.

This was just what I didn't dare hope for in a how to creative writing listen.

Truly an unexpected gem and a learning and growing experience for me.

A keeper and one I will return to many times as I deconstruct my own wall, one block at a time.

Thank You, Ruby and Thank You, Erin.

 

TO BUY MONEY FARM ON AMAZON.com http://amzn.com/B010F04W9O

· Frode

06/08/15

5 STAR

"M.O.N.E.Y. is bad? This book is not!"

So Money Farm by Ruby Allure was a surprise! When I REALLY did not read things about this book I review for Audiobook Blast, I sometimes get books I don't know something about. BTW: I read 99% about the books I want to review, but this book I can't remember I did that for. Anyways: This was a nice surprise, and I think it is one of those books that is better the second time you read it. No joke! I listen to this twice before I made this! Money Farm makes you thin, and who does not like to hear a book that makes you think? It is an awesome book, that I will recommend to all that likes audiobooks, and really to people that does not!

Helen Lloyd English accent its the topic like a glow and a hand! Her "lady like" voice is so cold, and clear I feel that the author made this book thinking that Helen Lloyd would read it out loud! That is how I feel those two fits together! The 2 times 14 hrs and 6 mins I spend with her never feels boring or uninteresting! I would love to spend it again, and I will because this book I will hear again, and again, even when it is 14 hrs and 6 mins long! That is saying something!

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com

MONEY FARM

· "Incredibly thought provoking..."

What did you like most about Money Farm?

It was an eye opener.

 

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way it made you think about the way normal everyday life is here and now, and the future...

 

Have you listened to any of Helen Lloyd’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Helen Lloyd narrated this fairly long audiobook brilliantly. Although the story content was very intense and thought provoking, her lovely smooth voice was very easy to listen to and I thought it was just perfect, a fascinating book wonderfully narrated.

 

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was, although it is too long to do so.