Poll for merchants - would you use a network that supported scumware?

[getvisible]

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Scumware is still on a handfull of networks (some say they haven't got them but we still need to test.)

But as a merchant would you use a network that allowed scumware?

[getvisible]

please - this should be only used by merchants - that means no affiliates and certainly no networks.

[Malcolm Cowley]

Hi

Hope its ok but I have voted - just incase logs were checked and anyone thought it was strange - but I am a merchant too - as well as an Aff and of course a network employee - I can also juggle and drink a pint at the same time j/k

[Helen]

just posted my vote, in terms of existing programs we have booted them out. For potential new clients to affiliate marketing we are moving towards spyware free networks. This discussion has been going on a while, the basic fact is i want to work with a network who understands the issues in the industry and can make quick and accurate decisions.

the networks who are still dithering should at least make their merchant partners aware of affiliates concerns and issues. all they have to say is these partners are under investigation for x and y reasons if you have them in your program please review your position.

H x

[PitBoss]

The message here is to put pressure on merchants to switch networks, right?

The end result being that the merchent goes to their network and asks them to stop working with adware companies. And then threaten to move network if they don't like the reply they get.

The reality for organisations such as ourselves is that it can take 30 or more days to integrate and test with a new network due to the complex nature of gambling tracking and reporting. We also have to take into consideration the cost associated with developement time and recources whilst being pulled off other key projects. Such as game development, multi-currency integration, bonus sign up, site enhancement etc.

The sooner TD take the step to drop these adware companies, the better.

We have spoken to TD at length about this subject and we have been assured that it is being taken very seriously and a European wide review is currently in process.

You have to remember that TD is a large organisation and the cogs tend to move slower with more layers of red tape to get through.

I predict that within a couple of months they will be adware free, and if they aren't then we will be planning to launch with a second UK network.

You should give TD UK a call about this, because they sound to me like they really want to make this change.

Cheers

Chris

[Julie H]

Chris, this subject was brought up at the limo club last summer.

We have been in constant telephone communication with TD regarding malicious software, sometimes on a several times a day basis. This is why it has now reached this stage where we really have lost patience.

I agree with you they will probably come to a decision in the next few weeks, but, are we prepared to wait any longer?

Jules

[PitBoss]

You are right, this is very frustrating for us because by being associated with the TD network at this time makes us look ignorant and affiliate un-friendly.

Which goes against the philosophy of pay for perfomance affiliate marketing (being a win-win situation for both affiliates and mercents).

We have taken a leap of faith in TradeDoubler and hope that they are as good as their word. But time will tell and as I said, if in a couple of months time, they have not budged. We will start the painful integration process with a 2nd UK network.

Cheers

Chris

[Julie H]

We have taken a leap of faith in TradeDoubler

I hope you land safely Chris

Jules

[Qui Gon Jinn]

Referring to these software companies as affiliates is very insulting, hence "affiliates in disguise"

A merchant denouncing or rejecting "an affiliate in disguise" aka a malicious software company is only part of the solution.

These merchants will probably still be targeted, albeit not to the same degree, but their chosen network is still aiding and abetting in this practice.

Isn't it strange that a merchant willingly pays running costs and unnecessary commissions just to be stolen from. I Can't see the logic there?

Instead you hear a network communicating with merchants to still try and work with the malicious software companies in different ways pulling the wool right over their eyes with half truths and untruths.

Q. Why do you think some networks are dragging their heels more than others in making a decision?

A. Quite possibly because they pillage obscene amounts of money, more than any of us will see in a lifetime. The financial consequences they feel could destabilise their company by getting away with something for much to long.

The ultimatum, is simple:

A merchant under their own discretion without duress should simply say to the network, it's either us or them. If the answer is them then make immediate plans to move the program to an ethical network.

It's as Black and White as that..that is the gauntlet a merchant should lay down to the network.

[drivetowin]

Wouldn't we all just love to know who was the merchant who voted Yes to using scumware?

Clink, clink, clink - the sound of hundreds of links being pulled overnight.

[PitBoss]

Wouldn't we all just love to know who was the merchant who voted Yes to using scumware?

Matt could probably tell you (ahem). But my guess is that it's someone yanking your chain (and finding it amusing to read the response).

But as a merchant would you use a network that allowed scumware?

If I could go back in time to August last year (before I was aware that TD had scumware affiliate relationships) I would have ensured that we went with a scumware free network.

As it is we are in discussions with a UK network who may be able to provide us with a quicker fix alternative solution for our affiliates. It would mean that we wouldn't be able to provide profit share but CPA only at this new network.

How many affiliates would be keen to move their Jackpotjoy links from TD to an alternative network if we offered CPA only?

Chris

[Malcolm Cowley]

Hi

Just having another look at this poll and there are 3 very forgiving or maybe still naive merchants who have voted

[Qui Gon Jinn]

If they were bonified merchants in the first place?

[getvisible]

who would want to bone a scummy merchant?

[PitBoss]

ust having another look at this poll and there are 3 very forgiving or maybe still naive merchants who have voted

Aww come on Malcolm. You are not being very fair here.

TD are telling us that they will have made a decision within 2 months on this subject. And two months is roughly when there is a window of opportunity in our developrs schedule to take on a project like this.

But as this experience has demonstrated the huge value to be had by being on 2 networks in the UK. We will be integrating with a second network on a CPA basis asap.

Cheers

Chris