I have laid here deliberating for a couple of weeks on this one single question.
Running through various hypothetical case studies & scenarios. And topics which have taken place over the past couple of years on this forum, together with those ones that keep cropping up time after time.
Also what would in my honest opinion, that is...only my personal opinion, would provide the necessary catalyst to move the industry forward most effectively and efficiently.
I
am not looking for any division between merchant, network, agent or affiliate....quite the contrary. However, I have sat on numerous roundtable meetings with networks & merchants, spent many hours on the phone, given too many reminders to mention for over 4 years...all purely from a selfless (not selfish) perspective, and all too often changes are not implemented or at the rate that is required. Until recently I decided, no more to what is effectivley free consultancy, especially if we don't see the necessary changes rectified. All too often I have had false assurances & promises.
These discussions mentioned are basically what I fear would be repeated if an association was a mould / formation of the three parties (affiliates, merchants & networks). These kinds of meetings already take place for at least 3 years.
Some parties "hear, but don't listen" is a phrase which immediately springs to mind & is incredibly frustrating. Basically some of the larger concerns generally don't have the resources, time or more importantly the flexibility to adjust or implement affiliate demands quickly & effectively..if at all..within the industry.
Initially, I immediately thought the all parties...should be members of an affiliate association.
But, if we look deep into the topics we discuss on the forum, how often are our cries ignored, some networks & many merchants don't even comment on the forum. One network has quoted to me on several occasions in person, that because they are a plc company they can't respond on a forum...
What total poppycock !!
So what makes me think they would be anymore committed to an Affiliate Association, absolutely none!
The worry is that an Affiliate Association will be just a way of keeping important / pressing matters tied up in bureaucracy & supressed...going around & around in circles & become a toothless divisory (internally divided) body.
However, I don't think affiliates will ever be truly be taken seriously unless they can actually stand up for themselves...or a organisation that solely represents them. These are the guys & girls who are truly at the forefront of affiliate marketing, those who can help regulate, standardise 7 shape the industry as well as effectively pushing for the much needed changes.
How can a collective decision or mandate be made on behalf of affiliates if merchants & networks are members? Otherwise how can affiliates only as collective privately discuss matters pertaining to an individual merchant or network with all the other parties being privvy or what if affiliates as a collective wanted to make statements to the media etc etc etc....
Of course the door is always open for networks & merchants...which is has to be....Perhaps at some stage the affiliate asociation can issue some kind of kite mark for recommended & trusted merchants & networks.
Now with a few network's employees, merchant affiliate managers & agency representives who also subsidise their income as an affiliate..their input from their experiences in their day vocation would too be beneficial for any Association and hopefully can be encouraged to be members.
Basically I vote for an Affiliate Association just for Affiliates, I want an Affiliate Association to be a professional, responsible & representaive body which isn't a lip service or a numpty that blows hot air, but something with actual teeth & balls by being a recognised body which is the catalyst for moving the industry forward.