Correct tracking procedure for TD

[Stellar]

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Morning all,

I have noticed that there is 3 ways to create a text link in TradeDoubler:

1) Use the basic text link provided by email from Tradedoubler when you are accepted into a programme

2) Use the "Link Matrix" on Tradedoubler's website

3) Use the interface under "Your Programmes" and search for text links.

All well and good, but all 3 will give you a different code.
The codes look something like this:
Option 1) http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=26939&a=1236021

Option 2)
http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?...021&g=11703645

Option 3)
<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=26939&a=1236021&g=16186494" target="_blank">Type your text here</a><img src="http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp/inv/16186494/1236021" border=0>

or if you select "cache prevention"
<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=26939&a=1236021&g=16186494" target="_blank">Type your text here</a>
<script language="javascript">
var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp/inv/16186494/1236021?' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11);
document.write('<img src="'+uri +'" border=0>');
</script>

Option 2 has one more tracking number than option 1. What is that for?

Option 3 (without cache prevention) has an image tag attached. What is that for?

Should we be using cache prevention?

Which option should we be using?! I prefer option 1 or 2 as I can store the code in my database more easily. Does this effect the cookies in anyway?

So many questions, but I would be really grateful if someone could shed some light on this..

[Stellar]

Option 3 is not showing up on the post.. it is the same as option 2 but with a img src tag on the end of it.
With cache prevention, it has some java script

[goforbroke]

They all track as far as I am aware, so it is really down to personal preference. The link supplied in the original email is supposed to be for PPC advertising, but this, as well as the link matrix links, are, as you say, ideal for storing in a database - which is what I do.

One thing I would like to see on TD is for basic text links to be shown on each program page. When I'm posting updates, it is a bit long winded to write article about promotion, collect banners from program page, then have to navigate to the link matrix to be able to add in text links.