Please stop begging!

[Julia_Stent]

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I think there's a fair amount of cynicism here that overlooks the original point of the awards - to raise the profile of the industry and give credit where credit is due. I would be very surprised if anyone felt that Matt and Existem haven't done a fantastic job on those counts.

I do understand Julie's point about how tiresome receiving the 'begging letters' can be - although as a merchant I now manage to avoid most of the public categories by being exempt from voting so I've been spared that this year But overall I have to agree with Kieron that all of those voting buttons, banners and network emails serve the ultimate purpose of highlighting to people that they should vote - and that there are actually awards in the first place! If a network sends an email to all of its affiliates saying that they're up for an award then the affiliate can get the benefit of realising that network is up for an award, realising the awards are taking place or possibly even realising the A4U forum exists... imagine life without that!

Our industry has come a long way over the last couple of years and that's something we should all stand up and be proud of. The awards is a professionally run event that brings affiliate marketing a lot of PR and moves us closer to the leagues of the big media and display agencies who run creative awards every month, therefore being seen as the 'traditional' ways of online advertising. Seeing things from the inside of a big multinational company there's still a lot of work to be done to get affiliates the recognition they deserve from people outside of our immediate industry so anything that supports this is a plus.

I'm not naive enough to think there isn't a fairly hefty dollop of self promotion going on in all of these pleas for votes but if that has a knock-on effect for the better than so be it. Remember... they won't just be going to us A4U regulars.

[DanielAustin]

And that in its own way is the problem Frostie.

You yourself have just outlined your criteria for voting - that you might get freebies etc off the back of it.

Let me tell you about my day as an Affiliate Manager.

I get up at 5.30. I get into my office at 8.15 and then proceed to work with a vigour to sort out all 5000 of my affiliates problems. Some are valid and some are prurient, but they all need to be looked after. Some of my affiliates will deliver lots of players, and some none - but who am I to decide who is worthy or not. Each of my 5000 affiliates deserve the same amount of time as they have built a site that they have decided needs my companies banners. Todays newbie is tomorrows Keiron or Duncan blah blah.

Now I try to get back to all my affs queries asap. However, not only is it not always possible, but sometimes I have to escalate that problem and rely on a timely answer.

If that doesnt happen, or if I dont get back to people in time, or if there is anything else that they arent happy with then a post goes up, or a blogpost goes out expressing their 'disgust' or 'dismay' or amatuerism' or 'some such other shizzle' about how ****e *I* am.

Not the company, not my colleagues, but me.

Now I try and do my best.As I said, up at 5.15, work, then home for 20:00. Grab some food and then sleep and then try and placate the wife. I have the most beautiful 7 month old daughter and I only see her at weekends. Not because I am divorced, but because I work a million hours a week trying to look after you ungrateful f*uckers.

Now, when it comes to awards, I am not nominated this year. I would like to think that its not because I am not worthy, but that its because I spend 12 hours a day *every* *single* *day* making sure you have what you need, and I dont have time to canvas for votes. Whatever.

If I was nominated then I would at least expect the courtesy that I can send an email to you stating the fact. I dont get a bonus on being nominated or awarded - I get personal satisfaction and a feeling that I am doing the right thing and doing my best when people take the time to nominate me.

If you dont like it, well then f*ck you. You get many more emails every day telling you about THE LATEST AMAZING OFFER yet you cant take the time to filter through the emails that give one person in the world a bit of validation about their sh*tty job and the affs they have to deal with on a daily basis who make their life hell.

So I say bring it on. Aff Managers of the world unite. Sing your praises and ask people to vote for you. You might p*ss people off. They might be so secure in their roles that they can take time during the day to complain. But they dont know, like we do, that a nomination (let alone a win) on your cv is worth more than any other reward you can get.And thats the only validation that you will ever receive. Tragic isnt it

In conclusion - we dont blog or hassle affiliates about what you do, so give Account Managers their 5 minutes of glory to build their cv's up and get recognised for the work they do. Even if you dont dont agree. Humour it.

And I am still not nominated

(And I will probaly be forced to edit this in the morning...meh)

What he said...

p.s VOTE FOR ME I AM BEGGING YOU

[Matthew Wood]

Really interesting post for us to read - I'm not going to comment on the vote for me process other than the fact it does help raise awareness and increase general nominations and votes for the awards for everyone. For which, this year we have had well in excess of 1,500 votes with a few more days to go until we close the process.

For your information we let everyone know in advance of their shortlist status and embargoed it until Monday morning - that way it was a very fair process for everyone involved.

This year as Julia and Kieron pointed out we actually had 8 awards which affiliates could enter (which we added based on your feedback) and proactive affiliates, who value the PR and Exposure have done so with excellent quality entries. I commend them for doing so and encourage other affiliates next year to enter.

As Julia points out our mission and core purpose of the A4uAwards is to raise the profile of Affiliate Marketing within the Media Space with people who can and do place budget with it, to show the world that Affiliate Marketing can and does have it's own professional Awards night and to put on an evening where we can get together, build relationships and friendships and do business.

I strongly believe we should reward and showcase the hard work and innovations that particular individuals and companies have made over the last year to make your life easier and earn more money! and to encourage future innovation that will help everyone get more from their activity.

If anyone has any feedback on the awards please call me on my mobile 07799 693899 - I'd love to hear from you - Otherwise see you on the 2nd of June!

[gingersilverfox]

Affiliate Marketing should have no place for shameless self promotion.

[hpops]

Affiliate Marketing should have no place for shameless self promotion.

Is that said with a touch of irony?
Surely affiliate marketing IS self promotion?

[stevek]

Woo! then we can sit in a corner and i can bang on about exams for AM's and a rating system for affs (again!)

Look forward to seeing you dude - its been too long

I also remember the conversation as an A4U Expo first timer (courtesy of Chris and Lammo ). Brilliant night and can't wait for the next one.

Affiliates, Networks, Agencies, Merchants ... whatever your game is, just enjoy the night and have fun!

[TheBoyMitchell]

Mr Jason Dale - you sir are a funny man.

Wouldn’t It Be Good To Be In Your Shoes? | One Little Duck - Affiliate Blog

The Nik Kershaw lookie likey made me lol

Cheers dude!

[JasperB]

I want to wish everyone a good time at the awards this year and good luck to those who are nominated! Well done with that!

I was nominated last year and must agree with Neil that, for an affiliate manager, it's great to get some recognition for your work that way.

I sadly can't be there this year as my brother in Netherlands has planned his wedding the next day so I will be there.

Cheers
Jasper
Head of Affiliates Mecca and Blue Square