[Julia Stent]

Hi Bud / Lee

I completely understand both of your points and applaud the approach of respecting other affiliates' brands. However I feel that as this practise does currently exist, it is worth trying to address.

I actually started trying to get this in place at the end of last year and was working with a few affiliates on a trial basis, so I wouldn't want affiliates to think this has been a reactionary move. I'm happy to say there was a great response back then and I would hope the affiliates who worked with me at that stage would put themselves forward for this now. I was looking to launch it publicly at the time but very quickly Christmas was upon us and this got put to one side.

I've seen the introduction of the Google policy change as an opportunity to revisit this idea while the issue is front of mind for affiliates. I understand your point that not every affiliate does bid on other brands or would do so after May 5th - from my point of view, this could be an opportunity for those affiliates to publicly state that fact and go some way to encouraging others to do the same.

As I stated originally, this was an attempt to initiate a discussion from affiliates rather than to introduce any kind of network policy. Participation is entirely optional, and I leave it at each affiliate's discretion to decide whether this is suitable for them.

Thanks

Julia