DISQUS

CostPerNews: Affiliates Aren’t Just B2B Pimps

  • tonyhung · 1 year ago
    Actually I wasn't commenting on all affiliate marketers, or even some -- i.e. those that practice the art and science thereof.

    I was merely referring to the general practice of affiliate marketing.

    It doesn't matter if you're promoting Wedding BonBons, Garden Shears, or Internet Marketing eBooks, Autoresponders, Membership Sites or what have you.

    If you get a cut of the sale, its really no different than commissioned sales. Its one thing to develop a sense of trust over time, but for many of these individuals, there is absolutely no sense of integrity as to when the shameless promotion begins.
  • Shawn Collins · 1 year ago
    Its one thing to develop a sense of trust over time, but for many of these individuals, there is absolutely no sense of integrity as to when the shameless promotion begins.


    What is your basis for this generalization?

    I've been an affiliate for over a decade and find your animus to be unfounded.

    There are some bad eggs in any space, but I think it's silly to brand "many" in an industry as lacking integrity.
  • AndyBeard · 1 year ago
    The biggest difference is that those in B2B very typically have full disclosure these days and aren't subject to consumer protection laws which makes disclosure mandatory.

    Your comments seem to be an attempt to avoid being tarred by the same brush as John, that somehow you are different... better.

    At the same time I felt insulted by the post on Mashable because it was directed at people I have a huge amount of respect for, and who I know are 100% legitimate and ethical marketers, as were many of the marketers who spoke in support of John.

    John gets involved in lots of things, and his list is very responsive and influential.

    I am not going to reel off a list of the things I know or believe John is involved with, but give just one example.

    I am fairly sure the "tipping point" for AuctionAds was when John Reese mailed his list, not just because of quantity of signups, but the influence.

    Does your network ban affiliates using effective copy & legal email marketing techniques?
    I am sure you tell your advertisers that they are not allowed to split test their copy, and to make it as ineffective as possible.

    You are just adding to the division within the industry.

    I found the character assassination of John on Mashable entirely without merit, but in many ways what you are saying here is worse for the industry.
  • Sam Harrelson · 1 year ago
    I didn't say that at all nor say I was "better" than John.

    I'm just saying that not all affiliates can be lumped together into one
    basket as defined in Tony's post.

    Sam