Would you like to see dedicated 'Merchant' Forums?

[Matthew Wood]

Over the past few months (in fact years) we've had a number of requests for dedicated merchant forums for individual programmes.

These could be used as a direct communication channel by affiliate managers for programme news, promotions, product feeds, incentives, tips and how to earn more with the programme.

Is this something that you would like to see on affiliates4u?

[adamski]

I voted no as I think dedicated merchant forums would make it too messy.

However, I do think there is a desperate need to separate out the promotional posts. I believe each network forum should have its own section for promotions so discussion topics don't get buried. You previously mentioned this was something you were looking into, has any progress been made on this?

Adam

[Rynert]

No - unless you provide a way to filter out forums from the 'New Posts' list.

[Matthew Wood]

Originally Posted by adamski I voted no as I think dedicated merchant forums would make it too messy. However, I do think there is a desperate need to separate out the promotional posts. I believe each network forum should have its own section for promotions so discussion topics don't get buried. You previously mentioned this was something you were looking into, has any progress been made on this? Adam

Adam, this is in the pipeline as I agree its getting too difficult to see the wood from the trees.. It's likely we'll trial it with one network first, I think you guys were up for this?

[bazza99]

I also voted no, as I think it would make the forums too cluttered. There's also a danger that some merchants might use the forums as a substitute for email contact with individual affiliates.

I agree that the current promotions and incentives section is a bit messy. I think it could really be separated out a little, as it currently seems to be a mix of Voucher Codes, Affiliate Competitions, Consumer Offers and general promotional text from individual merchants.

[adamski]

Originally Posted by Matthew Wood Adam, this is in the pipeline as I agree its getting too difficult to see the wood from the trees.. It's likely we'll trial it with one network first, I think you guys were up for this?

Yup, definitely up for it.

[Mogga]

Would it mean then an extra post as they promote offers across several forums?

As I generally view by "new posts" I often see duplicate posts in network and then promotions sections.

[Matthew Wood]

Here is my take, we do the following this week:

Split each network forum in two so for example:

- Affiliate Window main forum (only for network news, thoughts, debate)
- Affiliate Window sub forum for general promotions that are network specific

It would look like this:

http://www.affiliates4u.com/forums/affiliate-window/

Change the promotions forum to three distinct forums:

Merchants choose 1 only

- Voucher Codes
- Retail Offers / Promotions (sales, hot sellers etc)
- Affiliate Incentives (competitions etc)

Thoughts?

[bazza99]

Matt,

That looks to me to be a good solution - I think that would be a real improvement.

[purple]

Originally Posted by Matthew Wood Merchants choose 1 only - Voucher Codes - Retail Offers / Promotions (sales, hot sellers etc) - Affiliate Incentives (competitions etc) Thoughts?

I think the idea for new forums is good my concern is duplicate posts, if this can be policed this would improve the quality post to noise ratio.
If extra forums mean extra duplicate posts I would not be in favour.

[John Jupp]

Yes if it was a sub forum of the network to which it belongs.