Using mod_rewrite to hide aff URLs

[bobster2]

"use mod_rewrite to hide the true aff URL. "

How do you do that?

[ska_demon]

Ahhh well, this is not something I am familiar with as my site does it for me automatically. You will find some good advice in the Apache forum here: [webmasterworld.com ].

I believe it is quite simple and is just a matter of creating a few entries in your htaccess folder. I think you need to be running Apache Server to do it like this. There are ways of re-writing urls on windows servers as well but again I am not sure of the specifics.

There are some good explanations on how to do it and a load of people with the know how. I would go read up there first and then ask the required questions.

Best of Luck

Ska

[bobster2]

Thanks - I run on Apache so will check it out..

[SeanW]

I would use mod_rewrite to hide the true aff URL.

I was wondering about this yesterday. Should I hide my aff links behind a redirector? ie

http://example.com/rd/1123

You're suggesting yes? Is this to try and get around parasites or something else?

Thanks,

Sean

[ska_demon]

This is why I hide my aff links.

1. The general public are becoming wise. When they hover over a link the url they see does not match where they think they are supposed to be going. Give them the url they were expecting.

2. This is speculation but I am beginning to believe that aff links may spark penalty filters in the SE's. Like I said this is speculation but I have noticed a lot of aff sites getting booted for one reason or another.

3. Some ad blocking software might recognise the link url and block the user from visiting that link.

4. If you are using database driven pages it removes the session id's and the great long strings which are definately frowned upon by the se's. Give the SE's friendly urls that they can follow with ease.

There are probably a few other reasons for re writing urls but this is why I do it sometimes.

Ska