aleksl - 7:02 pm on Aug 14, 2009 (gmt 0)

Sounds like Google, who supposedly "sold" COnnectCommerce/Performics to some french outfit in 2008 (many press releases online), is enjoying the affiliate revenue stream. A blatant conflict of interest for a Search Engine which everyone seem to accept now.

How would a Search Engine increase revenue of its affiliate network? Hmm..let's see, gee...I guess they could:
1) not penalize thin affiliate sites that use Performics links vs. every other thin affiliate
2) use other ways to influence their algo based on participation in Google affiliate network
3) ban/demote etc. affiliates in SERPs who use other network's thin content
4) collect tons of conversion data, and based on that expand their own services
5) based on conversion data bump up cost of Adwords advertising
do I need to go on?

Maybe Google needs to go back and rethink their position on Performics.