[ELD]

Hi,

I clearly learned about parasiteware and why the sites are evil a bit too late. In a moment of true frustration with the process of approving affiliates, I approved everyone I didn't know what to do with.

So, now I have done the reading I have done first and realized my mistake. Unfortunately, now I just don't know what to do next. I searched my current publisher list for the list of spyware operators listed in Geno's book. (Found one.) I plan to go through my current approved publishers and question anyone listing "software" as a promotional method and ask for more information.

Anything else I can do? I think it is relevant to say that we are on the CJ network which from what I am reading is not so diligent in keeping the bad guys out. Does anyone maintain any sort of list anywhere? I did some googling and was unsuccessful in finding anything that simple.

Thanks to all of you for your help on all of my questions. This stuff is hard!

~erika

[Donuts]

Join AffiliateFairPlay and learn. Inquire their about screening your affiliates for a fee as well (i don't know if this is a standard service or not).

Make sure your terms don't allow adware or software affiliates.

Notify CJ that you don't want them in your program (and give some very serious thought to transitioning to a clean network - you'll save money and time in several ways and today).

Learn how the top 20 affs you have are driving traffic.

Join the aff managers forum here and learn from, and share with, your peers.

Hire an OPM to run your program.

[Chuck Hamrick]

You can set you application filter to reject any affiliate that is classified as software, incentive, etc. If you find one put them on your auto decline list and send a network non-compliance complaint.

[Kevin]

Is there such a thing as a non-compliance complaint at CJ anymore?

[ELD]

Donuts,

Thanks for the advice. I will follow what I can. Alas, I am under a long term contract with CJ so I will have to do what I can within that constraint. I did sign up for the newsletter at affiliatefairplay and will continue reading up on what I don't know. Long term, I am thinking that we might go with an OPM. To be honest, I want to get my hands a bit dirty before doing so though, lest I have no idea what that person is doing. We all have to learn somehow. Make sense?

Chuck,

Bear with me on what I am certain will come off as a naive question... Do I need to auto decline incentive sites? I had thought that on a case by case basis, if they aren't using evil software or practicing in nefarious ways, there was no reason to decline just for offering incentives. (We are not a lead gen site.)

Noth,

No response to your question except to say that your picture makes me want to go leave my desk and right now to a boat on quiet water.

~erika

[Chuck Hamrick]

Is there such a thing as a non-compliance complaint at CJ anymore?

I have had a good success with exposing fraud applications with CJ. When I catch a porn site that is miss categorized they have removed them as well. You do get a response and can play the game. I look at is as at least bringing it up, having a record but ultimately I kick the affiliate out of my program. Looks like I did about 70 in the last year.

Bear with me on what I am certain will come off as a naive question... Do I need to auto decline incentive sites? I had thought that on a case by case basis, if they aren't using evil software or practicing in nefarious ways, there was no reason to decline just for offering incentives. (We are not a lead gen site.)

I have a personal standard that I do not work with a software site unless I have discussed it and feel they are above board. I do not allow incentive traffic because they are suspect and in my experience do not convert. I as a rule do not allow loyalty sites unless they are transparent and generally talk with them first.

[Kevin]

I was half being facetious, Chuck Referring to their new terms on software. Certainly, a manager can keep programs in compliance. I don't suspect CJ does a heck of a lot anymore in reference to the affiliates I'm thinking of.

Erika: There's never a bad day to push away from your desk and hit the water. Unless it's November through March in my home town

I agree that taking some time to understand affiliate marketing is a good idea ahead of hiring an OPM. At the very least, a basic understanding. I've always been of the opinion that it takes a near perfect relationship between the merchant and the OPM to make the program work, and it's tough to have a great relationship when you don't know what the other half is doing. That's why I've taken so much time with a new merchant we're bringing along to learn supply chain, warehousing, fulfillment and other pertinents to their business.

I've been amazed by what I have learned, and I'm a better affiliate manger (I think) because of it.

[Donuts]

Originally Posted by Noth

I agree that taking some time to understand affiliate marketing is a good idea ahead of hiring an OPM.

Understanding is a very good goal, but I want to be clear that I was just saying you'll get there faster with an experienced guide leading you there - hiring an OPM doesn't mean you stick your head in the sand, it means having someone there to guide you and to explain the reasoning behind the decisions you should be making. They are managers true, but with a heavy dose of consulting as well. The good ones bring both, plus established relationships with affiliates.

Doing it completely in-house is also viable, but it takes more effort and time and few truly commit to that. 4Checks certainly has, so has CSN Stores, but my experience has taught me that the vast majority of merchants starting or running relatively new programs get lost in the fog and make some critical mistakes.

Which ever path you choose, I hope you find success!

[Kevin]

Very true Donuts. Good clarification of my statement. Mutual understanding is the cornerstone, and that can in fact take place from the get go. I failed to mention the difference between "consulting" and "managing".

[Chuck Hamrick]

So how could we create a site that out right lists all known and suspect parasites?? One that is user contributed but secure so we don' t have to fear liability or retribution? It would have to be managed and by invitation only. People have been asking for a list for years. It would be directed at AM's and OPM's but trusted affiliates could access it to contribute. Something I have been thinking of for a long time.

[Donuts]

Kellie / AFP has a list already, your idea of a list might be a tad different focusing on aliases people use versus the apps names, but that info's there too, in her reports (aff ids and all). It's a LOT of work to keep up with everything, I'm not sure a free alternative would be kept updated.

[MichaelColey]

There's also quite a bit of variation in what people consider parasites. Some would include all software. Some would include cookie stuffing. Some would include all loyalty sites. Often, it's not as black and white as we would like.

[Chuck Hamrick]

That's why I suggest a member contributed site, if someone lists an affiliate members could debate, vote, etc.

[Haiko de Poel, Jr.]

Originally Posted by Chuck Hamrick

That's why I suggest a member contributed site, if someone lists an affiliate members could debate, vote, etc.

Sounds like the parasiteware forum on ABestWeb

[Chuck Hamrick]

OK I will play along. The post yesterday about Coupon Mountain partnered with ActiveShopper went into the Merchants opposed to ParasiteWare as it was my opinion that it was suspect. When or how does that become a sub forum in ParasiteWare?

[ELD]

The whole thing gives me a great desire for the Staples easy button. :-)

[Haiko de Poel, Jr.]

Originally Posted by Chuck Hamrick

OK I will play along. The post yesterday about Coupon Mountain partnered with ActiveShopper went into the Merchants opposed to ParasiteWare as it was my opinion that it was suspect. When or how does that become a sub forum in ParasiteWare?

With enough posts or a request such as above.

Edited:

http://forum.abestweb.com/forumdisplay.php?f=456