Bye bye Del Boy!

[Azam.net]

I've been meaning to retire my Del Boy avatar for many many years, but could never bring myself round to it because Del Boy truly is my favourite TV character of all time and I grew to love (and be associated with) the avatar so much.

But today is a special day for me because it is my tenth anniversary in affiliate marketing and I have decided to bite the bullet. I am finally changing my avatar so the younger generation and those from abroad will not be constantly hunting for a fella with a flatcap at affiliate marketing events! Also I'm not sure if good ol' Del Boy was the best of characters to be associated with - he was a bit lacking in the ethical department

I have not only been using the avatar on a4u, but many other online marketing forums for several years, and it is with great regret that I say goodbye to this fella forever:



He must have enjoyed a few million impressions on at least 50 different forums since 1997, so he's had a good run

On another note, thank you to the many people who have emailed, PMed and contacted me on Messenger to thank me for my tenth anniversary in affiliate marketing today. Many of you asked me about a party and I would loved to have thrown one to thank you all, but unfortunately today is sandwiched between 2 and 4 August, the two days on which I lost the two dearest people in my life, so I am not in a celebratory mood. Still, the many congratulations have been received with heartfelt gratitude.

When I sit back and reflect, I just can't believe how far the industry has developed in just 10 years. On 3 August, 1997 when I started my business I was struggling to find any affiliate programs in the UK. There were perhaps 30 in the country in total. Now AF launch 30 each week!

I am so proud of how far this industry has come and sometimes smile to myself when I hear talented young Account Managers talking about EPCs, CPAs and CPMs. The future of the industry is in good hands.

The camaraderie is not what it once was, but still it's one helluva industry to be in. I am truly privileged to have made so many wonderful friends.

There's too many people to thank, so I'll just say thank you everyone!

[drivetowin]

10 years Nadeem - well done - quite an achievment

Still got a few years to do to catch you up - I've only been doing this for 6 years (even if it seems like a lifetime!! (in the nicest possible way!!))

[Ambski]

Congratulations for the anniversary Nadeem. Also my sympathy for your losses.

As a 10 week noob you are an inspiration.

"...this time next year Nadeem...!"

[max99]

Congrats Nadeem Remember when i started out in AM nearly 2 years ago you helped a great deal and without you i dont know if i would be where i am today

Next to look forward to is the 20th anniversary

[ian-d]

Well done Nadeem, but will be sorry to see the avatar go. Long may this journey continue...for all of us!

[Elaine]

so the younger generation ... wont' be hunting for a fella with a flatcap

aww, thanks Nadeem, obviously the cream's working

but old habits die hard and I'll probably still be searching for him - anyways congrats on 10 years hope we're both still around in another 10 years time.

[zinc]

Nadeem I still remember & value your support when I started out almost two years ago now - jeesh time flys!

I would also like to thank you for your recent comments (and the magazines) which have really helped me to carry on. If it wasn't for you I would have quit already.

It's been a pleasure mate, here's to the 20th anniversary

All the best
-Ben

[Shane]

congratulations mate, 10 years is some acheivement !

10 years and still being enthusiastic and remaining positive is an award winning acheivement..

I'm a full blown cynic already

[jrisby]

Congrats Nadeem, sorry to see the avatar going though I'm afraid I've let myself get attached to mine - it's not a wise thing to do! Best to change them regularly I think...

[John Jupp]

Mange tout Nadeem, mange tout.

It is amazing how much the industry has changed. I've only been in the business for four years so I'm still a relative newbie.

Yet during that time, technology has leapt forwards and websites have certainly reflected that new technology. Social media and the power of video marketing is also now finally coming into its own.

Congratulations on a major milestone.

[KirstyM]

Hey hey Nadeem!

Congratulations on your anniversary, doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself?!?

You're definately a venerable old man of the industry - and yet your new avatar looks so young and handsome. It'll be a squad of women looking for you at the next G2G I am sure!

[Adeel]

good stuff.. i like the new nadeem

[Flightmapping]

This time next year, Nadeem

Sorry you were'nt able to join us over the last few days, but i'm sure we'll catch up really soon - loverlly jubberly.

And you make me feel like a right baby at only five now

[renegade]

Congratulations Nadeem!
I think 1999 saw my first dabblings with affiliate marketing and that feels like such a l-o-n-g time ago.
Most of all I'm impressed you've kept your motivation and enthusiasm going, long may the ride continue for all of us.

[Hero]

well, I am definitely not sorry to see the avatar go... it was a very embarrasing moment when I first met you and commented on how you don't look like your avatar... (I don't own a tv, ok?)

Many congratulations on your anniversary (does that make Marilyn 10 years old too?), you are now officially a member of the Rolling Stones of affiliate marketing (Clarke is another member!)

Here's to another ten!