Will Frostie Reach 100?

[christh]

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Back #96 from me. Absolutely fed up with big brand merchants putting affiliates through the mill and networks kowtowing to them.

[Maxafi]

Whilst I accept my opinion is obviously in the minority here, I'll explain why I 'slapped'.

As I explained in the first thread, when Next were on Awin, I don't believe this kind of attention does the industry any good whatsoever. It almost comes across as playground tactics in my opinion.

Personally, I do feel switching agencies and networks was un-necessary - both were previously doing a superb job. The commission rate drop was disappointing, however if it makes it unviable to you, stop promoting them - simple as.

The point I raised previously was that if people disagreed with what Next were doing, then they should vote with their links. It seems amazing to me how many people have commented on the questionnaire received, yet previously stated they will never work with them again. So, why are you all applying? Chris defended this by saying he wanted to make something from existing links - that's all well and good, however does seem a little hypocritical in my view. You can't publically slate a merchant, then expect them to give you 'easy money'.

Finally, I believe this thread has put the new networks in a difficult position - regardless of what they post, they'll lose one way or another.

The only way to get your message across without hurting the industry as a whole, is to vote with your links - as I've said before, make merchants want to work with you.

[Jason]

Well, my back takes Mr Frostie to 100...

Best New Merchant 2007 - Hmmm...

[Frostie]

lets see how many of those 100 people have removed next from their websites though.

The number isnt important, its the quality of those affiliates that have. We already know that enough affiliates have pulled away that would have generated £m's this year.

[Frostie]

Whilst I accept my opinion is obviously in the minority here, I'll explain why I 'slapped'.

Good on ya for explaining! Very brave man

Seriously though, do you not think this has the ability to set a bad precendent in the future unless we speak up about it?

Hypocritical or not thats entirely up to me, however I have always said, my primary concern isn't that I can no longer promote MerchantA or MerchantB (seriously I dont give a toss one way or another), my primary concern is how other merchants will see this and think its the norm or acceptable!

I mean, not honouring a 7 day cookie when they left Awin? You think its right or acceptable of any merchant to do this except those going into administration/receivership?

Do you not think this will damage the industry? How about the fact that if someone speaks out? Is it right that an affiliate is not free to speak out about a bad programme, identifying where its wrong and where it needs to be improved?

As for hurting the industry, its not down to affiliates 100%, big brands and little ones also have the possibility to damage the industry. I think that the back from all corners of the AM industry show that this is a general concern and not necessarily specific to a single merchant. Lets just hope it stops before it gets worse.

[loquax]

As I explained in the first thread, when Next were on Awin, I don't believe this kind of attention does the industry any good whatsoever. It almost comes across as playground tactics in my opinion

But ask yourself why this has happened... this isn't (imo) just 'Next' this is an accumulation of issues which have found normal everyday hard working affiliates being backed and backed and backed further into the corner.

We are "supposed" to be partners within the network-merchant-affiliate relationship - and if all three parties do their part of the bargain right - no one will have the need to complain.

Unfortunately, in some cases - often those that are highlighted above the good stuff - the relationship is faltering - and it's not the affiliates who are causing the issues. Yes we can switch links, yes we can get on and be quiet... but there are times when things need to be discussed and resolved.

This perhaps isn't the "right place" but currently it's the "only place" - especially if an affiliate feels they've been isolated or left high & dry by the action of a network or merchant.

It's sad that you feel that you "believe this thread has put the new networks in a difficult position - regardless of what they post, they'll lose one way or another".... well it's sad that some of those involved in the industry have caused the issues that that resulted in the need for this thread occuring.

Jason

[drivetowin]

Couldn't resist this quote from the affiliate marketing page on i-level's website:

"We believe that by establishing the best rapport with affiliates and maintaining a constant and productive dialogue, we achieve the best results for clients and affiliates alike."

You couldn't make it up....

[gadget]

In the interest of balance, does anyone actually still make money from Next?
Or at least has a "friend" that does?

[purple]

In the interest of balance, does anyone actually still make money from Next?
Or at least has a "friend" that does?

I am sure lots of people can make money from next, it was and still is a programme which converts, but by reducing commission levels to just 2% affiliate make look for better rewards elsewhere for their hard eaned traffic.
Also the act of not honouring cookies for just 7 days seems a precedent we do not want to enocourage.

[tonyr]

Back #104 from me. I agree with you discussing this on a public forum.

Affiliate marketing has already been shown to be the most cost effective type of marketing for a merchant, so there should be no need to treat affiliates like this.

[morleymouse]

Affiliate marketing has already been shown to be the most cost effective type of marketing for a merchant, so there should be no need to treat affiliates like this.

only if you dont pay your affiliates a fair commission.