Questions for Voucher Code Affiliates

Here’s a question to ask the panel…..

Why do you think voucher sites are imune form the rules regarding cookie stuffing. i.e. “click here to reveal the voucher code and open the site”

Half the time, the merchant does not offer vouchers or the vouchers are out of date, but you still get your cookie dropped. If you want to show people vouchers, surely they should be listed in the open, and if they want to visit the merchant they will click a link.

This method does nothing to enhance the reputation of voucher sites in general, and highlights them as very thin affiliate sites more interested in dropping those cookies. Discuss….

Should be an interesting podcast Fraser.. without knowing who’s involved it’s difficult to tailor specifics but..

1. How do the ethical affiliates feel about the bad reputation some voucher code sites have given the sector (e.g. using iframes, cookie stuffing, forced clicks, misleading consumers etc) - has it made working with networks/merchants easier or harder - how do they perceive voucher code sites now? What steps do they think can be undertaken to repair the damage (if any).

2. Do you think merchants/networks have been pro-active enough to act against affiliates who perhaps aren’t working within the ts&cs? What more could they do to make sure everyone is playing within the rules? Why do you think some affiliates seemingly can “get away” breaking the rules (ref Ian’s question)?

3. How do the panel see the future of voucher codes - especially as more and more affiliates jump on the bandwagon. Is the future bright? Or will it be a fad for 2008?

4. Figleaves offer a discount based on a click via an affiliate link - no code required - why can’t other merchants take this lead and wipe out “copying exclusive codes” once and for all? Are merchants really technically capable to implement codes?

5. Paid on Results are bringing in a new voucher code system - is this a good thing? Will it cause problems? Will affiliates who once complained about being copied now encourage sites to copy them?

Should keep you busy for a while

Jason

How about inviting the networks to take part and answer some of the trickier questions raised about breaking of rules and turning a blind eye. I doubt you’ll get any takers though.

I think the voucher market is incredibly crowded and unfortunately some of these are rogues.
Merchants needs to be more proactive in solving voucher issues. Those affiliates who abuse voucher codes with cookie stuffing, non-permitted iframes and other more dodgy techniques should be removed from the affiliate pool completely.
Networks need to take a stand. Unless merchants and networks respect the sites that don’t copy codes there’s no point in playing in this game.

I would like to see networks taking immediate action - and stop worrying about money - the sales will come still but through more varied sites rather than one being top heavy.

Those sites that copy codes should be treated as strictly as those who steal other forms of content.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. We’ll deal with what we can in half an hour. That probably means we’ll get half way through Ian’s first question

Jason - I’ve invited those that Joe suggested here So it will be whoever is willing to take part from those names.

I can hear it now:
“Hi, my name is Joe Connor and I run…”
Fraser:
Sorry that’s all we’ve got time for!
I can see we’re only going to scratch the surface of this topic, a lot of the issues have been discussed on a4u ad nauseam but anything can happen!

I’ve just been putting together some responses to the questions raised in the comments and seriously think we could easily waffle on for over an hour. I guess it could be that this is a 2 parter.

It’d be good to arrange a pod-cast in the future from with networks views as I am sure we will raise more doubts and questions. I’d expect the uptake from networks to take part in a podcast would be positive and may surprise a few people.

As someone who runs a voucher code site I would find such a podcast interesting. I am looking forward to it.

Looks like the podcast is live, pretty intesting listening

As a relative newcomer to the Voucher Code scene, i’ll be taking a listen to your podcast right now…

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