affiliate site

[scorpion]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody knows if Yahoo editors would list a site that is a front for an affiliate member based service, that is, the URL's would show an affiliate ID in the URL string but the site would have content selling the service, etc.., has anyone tried doing this?

[Mike_Mackin]

Let's say I'm an editor:
I get a submission for a site that has lots of content & sells a service.
The "order here" is a good clean link.
I've been told that my submission QUOTA must improve.
I would take your $299 and never look back.

[jamesyap]

Never try! It violates the rules of Yahoo submission. Read carefully the terms of service here

[docs.yahoo.com...]

[Nick_W]

There are hundreds of affiliate sites in Y! -- They want money, provided you have sufficient content it's a no brainer...

Nick

[Hawkgirl]

You should have absolutely _no_ problem with that.

You should even be able to get away with mostly duplicate content. But don't ask me how I know that! :o

[Mike_Mackin]

>But don't ask me how I know that!

Did someone tell you at PubCon2?

[Dante_Maure]

Never try! It violates the rules of Yahoo submission. Read carefully the terms of service here

There is nothing in the Terms of Service you linked to that states affiliate sites are not acceptable.

The closest relevant statement is this...

· The site must contain substantively unique content, as determined by Yahoo!'s editorial staff (for example, a user who submits multiple URLs to the same content is not submitting substantively unique content);

As for whether an affiliate site can pass muster, Nick was 100% on point with the fact that...

There are hundreds of affiliate sites in Y!

Keep in mind though, many of them made it in by using bait and switch tactics. The very cautious ones add their affiliate links after acceptance.

[Tor]

That was supposed to be a secret Hawkgirl! ;)

[scorpion]

yes, I know it is acceptable, for example, I've often gotten into Yahoo by masking the affiliate link by hardcoding my code in the order form, my question is, does it really matter, I mean, can I get sloppy and just leave my ID in the URL?

[oilman]

sure - the whole system took a turn in affiliates favor when Y went to the recurring fee program. Before that they could deny your site and keep you money - now if they deny they are turning down $299 a year. They'll let just about anything in these days.

[2_much]

Yes. I always like to play it safe however. Putting in a few extra min's of work could help ensure you don't waste your money. Once your site is listed, they never look back so you can do whatever you want at that point.