MyVoucherCodes - Please Stop!

[loquax]

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As you say, sites get monitered by networks all the time and we are happy to convert our iframes to using non-tracking affiliate links when requested - this has been done for all TradeDoubler, AffiliateWindow, Affiliate Future and WebGains merchants to name just a few

But looking at Dixons Discount Codes, Discount Vouchers, Dixons Promotional Codes, Hot Deals and Bargains that is on AWin and the page opening in the iframe is your affiliate link?

** edit ** my mistake it opens up dixons.co.uk without an affiliate link!

As far as I was aware no network allows iframe cookie dropping?

It seems others are being ignored, because of this one site

That's because it's not always known - sad fact of life is no one actively monitors these things (even though it's claimed otherwise by networks) - however MVC has been causing issues for a number of affiliates personally so that's perhaps why they're always in the spotlight.

Jason

[Affility]

But you're sat there on a forum pointing out why you think people shouldn't be pointing out problems... which makes you no better

Anyway - yes Pricedash - lets hope the networks move fast on that one too.

Jason

Hi Jason
Pls read my post above - the majority of my iframes are not using affiliate links and therefore do not 'stuff cookies' - I'm happy to do the same for the few remaining iframes if requested.

Thanks for the tip on contacting the ASA over the AdWords abuse BTW - seems to have done the trick

[Shane]

networks say they monitor this stuff and have tools to pick up iframe drops etc etc .... Jason

they may have them but I'd guess most networks need to get them out from the drawer labelled "ethics and who gives a crap" blow the dust off them and change the batteries then read the manual.

stopping this kind of abuse is a no brainer.. well you'd think it would be but Some of networks CLEARLY don't give a crap who's driving comissions and how as long as it's to them rather than someone else, they'll take 30% of something instead of 100% of nothing everyday of the week.

That's despite being all smiles and being happy to discuss in detail the morals and ethics of a particular point like code theft and affiliate site abuse .. it's clear form the day to day running of things it's a case of spank and bank worry about the whingers later, deal with them off board, pull them to one side.. ignore, then deflect just do whatever it takes to keep banking cash.

or maybe I'm wrong and there's a viable excuse for doing exactly nothing !?

Is it just the way I see it or is the industry is going backwards at the moment ?

[befuddle]

No, im saying, people can pick points at any site. It seems others are being ignored, because of this one site.

MVC is "The UK's #1 Discount Code Website" contributing to £30m worth of sales in 2007. They've wrote a press release, so they are now in the public eye. Their every move will be highlighed.

New affiliates are going to look at MVC as a benchmark and copy the best and worst bits. If we as a group eradicate the worst bits at the top of the chain, at the root cause, then it will make it easier before we have a spawn of MVC copycat sites.

Referring to the 'ignored' point. Whilst more established sites have/are cookie dropping and may not have been finger pointed on here, MVC have done other actions, so cumulatively it gets to the point where we ask on forums ...

1. Don't take our codes.
2. Don't copy our text.
3. Don't refer to our sites on yours.
4. Don't PPC on our brands or domains.
5. Don't drop cookies.

... then hopefully others won't.

[Frostie]

I can understand where your coming from frosty, but surley if the contact with mark isnt working, and the only reason for using the forum is to bring it to the attetion of the networks, then surley contacting the networks and not posting about it here makes alot more sense?

I didnt start the post

To me, this forum helps highlight issues in the industry that need to be addressed. Its also good to bring it to the attention of all networks rather than them receiving 20+ emails from everyone. Its good for discussion.

Also, I will more than happily name the networks that are being proactive, and those that remain with their head in the sand. I really dont want to go down the name and shame route tbh, I just hope that before we get to this point, all networks will make a stance.

One thing I have noticed regularly, whenever a problem is highlighted with MVC, a new user seems to pop up to defend him... coincidence?

[tpacker]

1. Don't take our codes. - i can agree with this
2. Don't copy our text. - i can agree with this
3. Don't refer to our sites on yours. - Why would this be an issue?...banks etc do it, weve got better rates than competitors etc
4. Don't PPC on our brands or domains. - again i see no real issue with this, unless its trademarked then the person isnt doing anything wrong.
5. Don't drop cookies. - i can agree with this

[Frostie]

Some of networks CLEARLY don't give a crap who's driving comissions and how as long as it's to them rather than someone else, they'll take 30% of something instead of 100% of nothing everyday of the week.

So networks make £9m out of MVC according to recent press releases. Yeah I can see why no network wants to be ethical at all.

[purple]

One thing I have noticed regularly, whenever a problem is highlighted with MVC, a new user seems to pop up to defend him... coincidence?

hehehe i cant think what you are implying frostie mate

[Frostie]

1. Don't PPC on our brands or domains. - again i see no real issue with this, unless its trademarked then the person isnt doing anything wrong.

Becuase its ethical! If networks/merchants as us not to promote Bunches on mispells of Interflora (mispells are not trademarks) then networks should ask the same of affiliates not to bid on each others domain names.

[Kandevil]

The whole iframe cookie dropping when they don't even have a code really winds me up! It is just all about being the last referrer & they are taking direct sales from the merchant and sales from other affiliates.

Merchants should be refusing to work with anyone doing this as it is costing them & their affiliates money. Networks should be bringing it to their attention, but it is all about the override.

[tpacker]

Becuase its ethical! If networks/merchants as us not to promote Bunches on mispells of Interflora (mispells are not trademarks) then networks should ask the same of affiliates not to bid on each others domain names.

ethics dont realy come into it though do they, as there down to each individual company. Theres nothing legaly stating its not allowed, so why wouldnt people do it?

[Frostie]

ethics dont realy come into it though do they, as there down to each individual company. Theres nothing legaly stating its not allowed, so why wouldnt people do it?

Sadly some of us are ethical.

As for #5 and iFrames..... voucherboy . co . uk
Nice iFrame at the bottom of the page for every merchant ranging from Asda to Bingo sites... Must be a nice little earner for the "owner" and the networks....

[befuddle]

1. Don't refer to our sites on yours. - Why would this be an issue?...banks etc do it, weve got better rates than competitors etc

But we know that is not the reason it's there. It's purely there for the benefit of the search engines. So if someone searches for X domain, the MVC site appears in the organic listings.

So it's an issue for me, as I don't want my site associated with MVC.

[tpacker]

But we know that is not the reason it's there. It's purely there for the benefit of the search engines. So if someone searches for X domain, the MVC site appears in the organic listings.

So it's an issue for me, as I don't want my site associated with MVC.

But regardless of why its there and what you think its there for, legaly, theres nothing wrong with it, so your wasting your time trying to change it?.

[loquax]

legaly, theres nothing wrong with it, so your wasting your time trying to change it?

I wonder if a lawyer could get a case of "passing off" though - given that the full domain of an individual site is unique, and if that site can then prove reputation - imo that would give grounds for a legal question to be asked.

Harder work if the name is not trademarked (money saving expert is i believe now), but using a competitors name to gain an advantage can be challenged (imo, ask a lawyer for confirmation). You might need deep pockets though

Jason