[bazza99]

Originally Posted by enginez Any merchant should disallow direct linking. Otherwise they are implying a two line add can add value to their brand....

Couldn't disagree more. Many of us are able to produce far more effective paid search campaigns than merchants are ever able to produce themselves, or by using some so-called "experts".

I've got plenty of experience of taking on paid search that merchants had previously tried and found was not profitable.

Banning direct linking is often an excellent way to reduce the value that they receive from affiliate marketing.