When you start an independent business, generally the worst thing that can happen is that you are not successful and have to shut the doors and close down.  You will lose every penny that you have invested, but generally, that is it.
THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH MANY FRANCHISES.  THINGS CAN ACTUALLY BE MUCH WORSE!
I [...]

The truth is that I have a very strange Love/Hate relationship with the concept of franchising.
I have enjoyed and still enjoy very strong franchise relationships. 
I have also been misled and abused by members of the franchise community.
Reflecting on the many franchise agreements that I’ve entered into, I begin to see that this Love/Hate yoyo puts [...]