NEXT Affiliate Event

[renegade]

This just in my mailbox.
What do you think?
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Dear Affiliates,

The Next affiliate team would like to invite affiliates to participate in a series of sessions which aim to address the current issues surrounding the program. We hope that through open discussion we will be able to address any concerns, understand affiliate requirements and move the program forward for all involved.

Conference Calls - w/c 7th April 2008

We will be holding a number of conference calls during w/c 7th April. Dates and times will be subject to interest.

Suggested topics of discussion are as follows:

* The Online Marketing Mix
a. Where affiliates fit in with overall strategy
b. Competitor brand bidding
c. Affiliate brand bidding
* Commission structure
a. Directory program vs Transactional commission, conversions and EPC
b. Transactional - why we pay what we do & what we are working towards
c. Flexibility & Bonuses
* Understanding Affiliate Promotions
a. Why we need to know where the traffic is coming from
b. The application form process
c. Affiliate requests based on type (incentive, PPC etc)
* Consumer Incentives

If you feel that we have missed anything please let us know so we can add it to the agenda.

Affiliate Event - 25th April

Following on from the conference calls we would like to invite affiliates to an evening event on Friday 25th April 2008 at i-level's offices in London. Here we aim to address the following:


* All of the above issues and any resolutions which come out of the conference calls.
* Who's who on the team
* Next's sales channels
* Consumer demographics
* Above and below the line advertising with timelines
* Panel discussion

Affiliates have the opportunity to propose a few questions prior to the event to get the panel discussion moving.

We aim to keep the presentation and discussion to 90 minutes. We also have a room booked in local bar for refreshments and networking afterwards.

What we need from you...

* Do you want to be involved in the conference call?
* Do you have any changes to the conference call agenda?
* Will you be attending the affiliate event on 25th April?
* Do you have any questions for the panel?

[John Jupp]

It's an olive branch to mend fences

[KieronD]

Blogged about this last night. Its a great step in my opinion. I just hope that the people who felt affected by this take part.

[drivetowin]

Agreed that it is definitely a step forward.

[3wdl]

Yup - Fi posted yesterday about it I believe (under the retail verticle). A great step forward and hopefully the event will get good attendence.

[Qui Gon Jinn]

I am going to be a damp squid on this one, there is talking the talk & walking the walk, time will only tell.

Why should there necessarily be a good attendance when there is a plethora of merchants who play fair week in & week out who currently don't & would love to get the attention, attendance, eyeballs & positive coverage / focus on their program?


If some Joe Bloggs merchant posted they wanted to do this via telephone conferences or meeting, would they get the same response & receive the same fuss & blog space about them, pretty unlikely & certainly less.

Crikey lets get some perspective & get a grip.

If I buy you a beer will you listen or opinion change?

[hpops]

Paul, if you (or anyone) buys me a beer, I'll accept it as an attempt to open previously closed channels of communication and accept.

I think its a positive step to be (very cautiously) applauded.

The comment about a Joe Bloggs merchant being treated differently could certainly be applied to the outpouring of negative comment they received as well.

[KieronD]

As I said before, I agree with Duncan, its a positive step.

We all complained about lack of communication and now i-Level and Next are responding and yet some people still aren't happy?! What a shame. Let's give them a chance shall we?

[Elaine]

well I'm all for giving anyone a second chance (well those who have't upset me personally) and I think it will be interesting to see how things pan out - I don't think for one minute that any of the main affiliates who were 'up in arms' at Next's and I-level's shennanigans are going to roll over and play possum!

Hopefully there will be some tough questions asked and some honest answers given - but, at the end of the day (I do like my cliches) it is in everyone's interest to try and get this programme right - if only to show other major high street brands and blue chip companies that the Affiliate Community has professional standards and will listen to well reasoned arguments, and not grubby, pollutants who are simply greedy for the big bucks!

[Qui Gon Jinn]

"free beer tomorrow"

[KieronD]

I don't think for one minute that any of the main affiliates who were 'up in arms' at Next's and I-level's shennanigans are going to roll over and play possum!

I don't think anyone believes that we should roll over and play possum. Those who were most aggrieved by Next's decisions should quite rightly speakly their mind and voice their opinions. No messing.

All I'm saying is it would be a huge wasted opportunity if nobody did. Especially those who were most vocal and who were hurt the most by Next's actions.

[Frostie]

I've spoken about Next a few times since my vocal blog post, with networks and agencies, involved and not with the merchant/programme. I was aware this was being organised and 2 weeks ago was asked, if possible to attend.

Sadly I will not be traveling down to iLevels offices on the 25th April due to travel/accomodation expenses, time off work etc etc, however I do hope to make one of the conference calls. I said at the time to Buy.At that it is a step forward, yet there are still plenty to go, but something is better than nothing IMO.

I think its good, but I don't have rose tinted glasses either. Lets see what comes of all this...

[jess1]

I think this is one very positive step, very very very positive :tup
I sincerely hope it all goes well.

QGJ: I hear ya
But life is full of surprises.