CJ and 180solutions

[chrisnrae]

CJ released a revised code of conduct [cju.cj.com] at the end of July, but I just now noticed it and didn't see any mention of it. Wonder if this has anything to do with the recent 180solutions [theregister.co.uk] hoopla or their claim of innocence [theregister.co.uk]. Now the question is if CJ will actually enforce this "new" code of conduct. Linkshare hasn't as of yet. Anyway, some interesting reads for those who may have missed it.

[Labyrinth]

-Who is watching the networks to report on failures to keep their word?

Affiliates. Of course, there is no one to report TO except other affiliates, merchants, and the networks.

-What are people prepared to do if the networks don't act?

Most people? Not much. The positive changes that have taken place over the past several years are, IMO, the work of a relatively small group of people.

[Catalyst]

Just talk to some of the parasite-free merchants and they'll tell you about having to hunt down and deactivate the same parasites time and time again (because the parasites sign up for their programs under different names every time they get deactivated).

For those of us who are parasite-free it's actually much worse than that. You just could not even imagine how hard it is to find and catch some of the new parasites and variations that pop up as well as actual affiliates who are using 180 or other contextual software. Then there are the cookie stuffers... We almost have to play full-time detectives which takes valuable energy away from supporting our honest affiliates.

I do have one positive thing to say though. Although most of the many merchants we currently work with or have consulted for, were clueless about the parasite issue, once educated they were totally willing to boot them. We tend to attract a higher integrity level of merchants due to who we are and really don't even talk to the scummy ones. But still I think it's a very positive thing that once educated, we have never had one refuse to go along with being parasite-free.

Many merchants just don't "get" the parasite issue. Many merchants don't even have a real AM. They have a Marketing director wearing 20 hats, that does not have time to focus on the affiliate program, much less learn about parasites or play detective all day.

Since we can't count on the networks to help keep things clean, it will continue to be an uphill battle. But if there is a program that you really like working with, that does have parasites, at least try to educate them and you may be pleasantly surprised.

If they don't see the light, be sure when you drop them you you make a BIG noise, let them know why and CC the CEO on the issue.

Linda

[danieljean]

I just ran adaware and housecall on a friend's computer and found 180solutions there.

Perhaps some PSAs for solutions like Adaware might be a good idea? :)