I explained to some friends & they think such things are considered pyramids. How can I explain to them that it is NOT pyramid?

I think the key point of a pyramid scheme is something that you not only have to keep recruiting people for the program to continue, but you have to pay some money to join the program, usually a monthly fee. PTR not only are free to join, but it is possible to get paid (eventually) without ever recruiting anyone.

To be honest, I've seen several "pyramid" type schemes, including one that I'm VERY suspicious of right now that has nothing to do with paid to read emails. kglaser is right in the fact that they almost ALWAYS involve some sort of monthly/yearly fee, or that they require some sort of "start-up" fee. Also nine times out of ten pyramid are commission-based and theres selling involved, and youre promised ridiculous amounts of income for doing very little, such as RECRUITING. Theres VERY strong emphasis on RECRUITING and if you DONT recruit, recruit, recruit, you'll never earn big money money money. Its ridiculous and a waste of time, not to mention the fact that you shouldnt have to PAY for ANY job and/or so-called "training". Also in a lot of regions such pyramid schemes are illegal. And if you DO get involved, to see any profit, you absolutely HAVE to be in at the top and literally be the FIRST to tell everyone about it. A perfect example of this type of "business" is AmWay, now located on the web at http://www.quixtar.com (I believe) and the one I'm highly suspicious of which for now will remain nameless.

I apologize if I have offended anyone, but this is merely my opinion and the way I see the differences between pyramid schemes and the get paid to programs I've been doing for like 4 years now. And yes, it may take awhile but you CAN get paid without referrals and downlines in these GPT programs. With pyramid programs, the WHOLE EMPHASIS is on RECRUITING.

Okay getting of soapbox now...