Will Frostie Reach 100?

[Qui Gon Jinn]

If you haven't read the blog yet, have a look.

http://www.affiliates4u.com/feeds/11...this_industry/

If you feel strongly enough about not accepting affiliate being treated like this or the poor ethics of it all.

Then, take the time out, and show a little passsion in your support with some industry solidarity.

Lets see if this can reach the milestone of 100 backs

[gadget]

It just shows the arrogance of Next - to receive such overwhelming negative publicity but for them still to be quiet on this.

I know the networks are in a difficult position here ( and I do feel for them ) but isn't it time to try and re-balance this a little?

[Shane]

It just shows the arrogance of Next - to receive such overwhelming negative publicity but for them still to be quiet on this.

I know the networks are in a difficult position here ( and I do feel for them ) but isn't it time to try and re-balance this a little?

shouldn't the network be in the middle acting as mediator here ? they are after all the middle man in this menage a trois being the point of communication between merchant/agency and affiliates and taking their 30% for faciliating the relationship so shouldn't they be trying to manage that relationship a little more audiably ?

yet digital tumbleweed is still blowing ...which is not good enough from an affiliate point of view on an issue like this one.

[getvisible]

I wonder what they put in their monthly reports?

Traffic - nah
Sales - nah
EPC - nah
Affiliates Pished Off - Probably!

[Shane]

I reckon he'll do it.. last time I looked it was 60 and now it's 76..

100 ahoy.. !!

[purple]

some interesting people backing this story from all corners of the industry

[morleymouse]

some interesting people backing this story from all corners of the industry

agree, affiliates are obviously going to be behind this its just one bad thing after another but its got to be a good sign that merchants are also behind this, agencies and some network staff. No buy.at staff backing it though? So would that mean they agree with Next's decisions?

[Frostie]

Although 100 backs would be nice, its not actually that important (sorry to P on anyones bonfire) unless I get an award or break the A4U system What is important is that this industry allows anyone with balls to stand up and say what they think, back what they agree with, without the fear of retribution of whatever kind.

The thing that's pleased me is the mix! No longer are some networks, agencies or merchants afraid - they are starting to show they care about the industry and shout about what is right and wrong, expressing their feelings by backing posts.

Its a small step to being able to completely express your opinions, but we are getting there.

One final note - my post is a gripe at Next and iLevel only. A few people have mentioned Buy.At, but lets not forget that Affilinet haven't been vocal either and both Next programmes are available on their network too. I don't know whether I expected Buy.At or Affilinet to comment on the post, and not sure if its right to expect them to TBH - "dont shoot the messenger" as they say. I would however hope (not expect) iLevel/Next to say something.... anything...

[Shane]

86 !.. 14 to go lol

frostie have you no shame.. now you want a "first to 100" cup to hang on the wall next to the marathon medal and nipple blood stained T-shirt ! lol

I think the 100 is symbolic... although yes it's not that significant when you consider how many "members" this forum has.. i use the term loosely as so many are just spectators, taking information without giving anything of value back

it's about time people voiced their opinions and thoughts a little more, good or bad.. nothing changes for the better if everyone keeps quiet, all discussion should lead to something positive if only to establish that a merchant, agency or network (or affiliate(s)) is totally apathetic about a very pertinent issue.

we can all choose to work with each other..or not.. this is mutual but when one is punished for voicing negative thoughts on a progam then that's a dark day indeed.

[ian-d]

You have my vote and support on this one chris

[morleymouse]

the sad thing is, despite all this, some affiliates will continue to promote them.

And this is where it falls appart, if next/ilevel are analysing the programme and see an X% drop in sales from the affiliates that have done what they said, valued their traffic and pulled links, due to the massive cuts in commission they are probably looking at their most profitable marketing channel and the dip in sales wont really bother them

[loquax]

I don't know whether I expected Buy.At or Affilinet to comment on the post, and not sure if its right to expect them to TBH - "dont shoot the messenger" as they say.

I think they should at least comment - even along the lines of "we understand why this has upset some people in the industry blah blah blah, it's not a precedent we want for our merchants blah, working with Next iLevel to educate them as to why this issue has arisen blah".

By not saying anything, to me at least, it suggests some level of culpability. Ultimately the network have the power to turn round to either merchant or affiliate and say "sorry we're not doing that"... in the case of the questionnaire why didn't they?

I'd go as far to say I'd be impressed if one or both networks terminated the Next contract. I doubt it will happen though - and perhaps in their (the networks) view there's nothing to be concerned about.

Jason

[Elaine]

This has to be a concern to both Buyat and Affilinet - I'm sure neither thought they would be landed with such a contraversial merchant.

I am assuming that anyone wanting to join the Next programme through Affilinet is also given this form to complete - could someone confirrm that?

But by keeping quiet over this they aren't doing themselves any favours - or should I-level be the ones to issue a statement - surely they are the ones advising Next how to handle their Affiliate programme.

[Keith]

The thing that's pleased me is the mix! No longer are some networks, agencies or merchants afraid - they are starting to show they care about the industry and shout about what is right and wrong, expressing their feelings by backing posts.

Couldn't agree more, it great to see a united industry.

(90 now btw)

[Cheapdvds]

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