Ocean Finance - do they really mean this?

drivetowin · 04-04-07

Just looking at the Ocean Finance programme on TD and spotted this in their terms and conditions:

ZERO TOLERANCE for any web pages appearing in natural listings via the Ocean brand or derivates thereof

So are we supposed to just put "great loans from some company we can't name"

uklejon · 05-04-07

LOL. A case of not having a clue how search engines work.

How dare you promote the company.

Here's some text for you.

"I was sitting by the Ocean thinking about a homeowner loan and wondering which finance company to go with.....I chose this one."

Get enough links to the page and you'll be no.1 for Ocean Finance Homeowner Loans

TD Nick · 05-04-07

Hi Guys,

Just sorting this out now!

Thanks,

Elena

Michael_Anthony · 07-04-07

We work with Ocean and they are obsessive about protecting their brand.

One of our memebers even had an email from Ocean's PPC company asking him to stop bidding on any terms including the word "Finance"!

TD Nick · 15-04-07

Hi Guys,

They have changed the wording somewhat -

NO Lead Generation or Hot Key Affiliates - DISPLAY ONLY
NO masking of the Ocean Finance site using other domains and / or iframes
ZERO TOLERANCE for any PPC bidding on the Ocean Finance brand or derivates thereof
ZERO TOLERANCE for any web pages appearing in natural listings via the Ocean brand or derivates thereof (logo images are available and must be used)

I believe what they are trying to avoid is having affiliates listed above themselves in the natural search results.

Thanks,

Elena

drivetowin · 15-04-07

Where have they changed?

Original was:

ZERO TOLERANCE for any web pages appearing in natural listings via the Ocean brand or derivates thereof

It now says:

ZERO TOLERANCE for any web pages appearing in natural listings via the Ocean brand or derivates thereof

I know it's the weekend but I can't spot any difference at all

TD Nick · 15-04-07

They have added "(logo images are available and must be used)" so I guess that's how they expect affiliates to convey the brand info. The thread has been forwarded on to the merchant.

Cheers,

Elena

drivetowin · 15-04-07

So it makes no difference then does it, affiliates still can't mention their name in any text on a web page.

Someone should explain to them how search engines work - and if they are that worried about SEO then they should employ a decent SEO consultant - if they are the brand and they know what they are doing they should have no problem holding number 1 position.

Brendon · 15-04-07

>> I believe what they are trying to avoid is having affiliates listed above themselves in the natural search results.

I'm afraid the current market value for that assurance is in excess of $100bn (roughly what a 51% stake of all publically traded major SEs would cost). PPC they can possibly control, at least for the "Ocean Finance" term through tm registration and enforcement - but organic results? Seriously, are you taking the piss?

The only possible effect of that policy, if enforced, would be to force affiliate to direct the Ocean Finance traffic they get to competitiors, surely?

hpops · 15-04-07

Insane policy - absolutely insane - one of the craziest things I've ever heard. Come on TD, this isn't a merchant, its a paronoid delusionist.
Personally I'd like to see the merchant suspended until this is resolved, its unenforceable, short-sighted and shows a complete lack of understanding as to how the internet works.

Qui Gon Jinn · 15-04-07

Are there any other merchants on any networks with similar terms like these?

There just seems to be a whiff of the old Interflora program all over again. Well with enough blog entries, its bound to rank highly just like asos has.

Over 3 years on & we are still talking about the same things

http://www.a4uforum.co.uk/showthread...ght=interflora

hpops · 16-04-07

[QUOTE=Qui Gon Jinn;312333]

Over 3 years on & we are still talking about the same things

QUOTE]

So true mate, its like shouting at a cliff

getvisible · 16-04-07

They so need some help on their SEO front though.

If we're talking about not html'ising their brand in a site three years on, I'm still struggling to find out why we're seeing merchants with doorway pages - oh sorry they're "information pages" aren't they!

Mogga · 16-04-07

Will someone wake up and smell the flowers?
(I don't know what made me think of floral things on the internet at all)

uklejon · 16-04-07

I can't see many wanting to promote them with T&C's like they are so I suppose Its their money to waste on TD fees!

"A salesman is being asked to sell more products without mentioning the products name."