Sponsor Consoles = Stolen Sales?

[Useless]

Ref: http://www.greenguysboard.com/board/...d.php?p=444277

Perhaps I'm just an ignorant cunt, but I've always been under the impression that when sponsors offer console/no console link codes, that the consoles they were referring to were their own. In other words, I assumed that any console popped on a tour or during an exit, was a further effort to make the sale for the affiliate who had sent the traffic -- because that makes sense.

Whenever I've hit the occasional Adult Friend Finder console, I've assumed that that sponsor was a bad apple and I'd yank their links. Yet after reading TopBucks' post, I'm beginning to wonder if that is standard operating procedure. Since '02, I've almost always chosen no-console links because I hate pop-ups and know that my surfers do to, so I've never really investigated the issue.

So, I guess I'm asking if all big sponsors are stealing from their affiliates in the same manner as TopBucks? And what does it mean when a sponsor owning such a wide variety of sites decides to promote the sites of another company over their own? Doesn't that imply that they believe that their own sites simply cannot convert as well as another sponsor's sites, even via console?

Why would you send traffic to a sponsor who can't sell their own network?

Discuss.

[Kristin]

Originally Posted by Useless Warrior

Ref: http://www.greenguysboard.com/board/...d.php?p=444277

Perhaps I'm just an ignorant cunt, but I've always been under the impression that when sponsors offer console/no console link codes, that the consoles they were referring to were their own. In other words, I assumed that any console popped on a tour or during an exit, was a further effort to make the sale for the affiliate who had sent the traffic -- because that makes sense.

Whenever I've hit the occasional Adult Friend Finder console, I've assumed that that sponsor was a bad apple and I'd yank their links. Yet after reading TopBucks' post, I'm beginning to wonder if that is standard operating procedure. Since '02, I've almost always chosen no-console links because I hate pop-ups and know that my surfers do to, so I've never really investigated the issue.

So, I guess I'm asking if all big sponsors are stealing from their affiliates in the same manner as TopBucks? And what does it mean when a sponsor owning such a wide variety of sites decides to promote the sites of another company over their own? Doesn't that imply that they believe that their own sites simply cannot convert as well as another sponsor's sites, even via console?

Why would you send traffic to a sponsor who can't sell their own network?

Discuss.

It would be on revshare where that would happen where we could recycle it back to our sites and give the credit. But that's kinda hard to do without our content being extremely niched. Seriously, the more niched and unique of the content the more you can get away with that.

We have VERY few WMs who utilize our revshare, they like their money upfront. We have pushed revshare promos of 100% payout and nothing, we just don't have the revshare WMs. Now with that said, our WMs are fully aware it doesn't recycle back and some still choose the console option -- to be paid more.

We can't please every WM, but if we took down the consoles and paid people less then we'd have people complaining as well.

I understand your beliefs and do know many people who believe the same as you in regards to exits. And there are others that disagree.

I have strong feelings about certain things that happen in this industry that some don't agree with and I just remember that people have their opinions and they are completely entitled to them. Our opinions just differ on this topic.

[Useless]

Originally Posted by Kristin

It would be on revshare where that would happen where we could recycle it back to our sites and give the credit. But that's kinda hard to do without our content being extremely niched. Seriously, the more niched and unique of the content the more you can get away with that.

So instead of even having sites of your own, why not just close shop and create a webmaster resource and tell affiliates which sponsors have sites that actually convert? By the way, revshare works really well IF your tours can make the sale and IF your content isn't shit.

Now with that said, our WMs are fully aware it doesn't recycle back and some still choose the console option -- to be paid more.

Nonsense. Until I started pulling links a few minutes ago, I was one of your webmasters who was not aware of your practices. All of the links to TopBucks' tours that I've found thus far were no-pop, but I'm not going to continue promoting a sponsor who I know has policies in place which are designed to send affiliate traffic to other sites.

[Kristin]

Then I guess we are just gonna have to agree to disagree.

I really do understand your position ... Nothing I haven't heard before. I'm not the owner of TopBucks (wish I was!) and I can only help WMs work with what we have and offer solutions for things you don't like about our program.

[Greenguy]

I always use No Console links, but I will say that there are legit consoles & there are crappy ones.

A pop-up for a guy leaving the site after a click or 2 asking them to stay is 100% legit. Asking them to check out another site in the network is legit.

This seems to be one of the crappy ones - and I know it's PPS and the money has to be recouped someplace, but there are 120 site in Top Bucks. If you're going to pop a console, I think you can find one of the 119 other sites that fits.

And any Revshare sponsor popping a console that goes to another program should be avoided at all costs.

No one wants to send traffic that they don't get credit for (which goes back to that other thread & my issue, oddly enough)

[Ramster]

Many programs do it, likely more than you care to know about.

I do not like it but that is why I take console free links when I can. Either way, if there is a higher payout for console links you can bet you are NOT getting credit for the sale (hence the higher payout) regardless of where the links go.

If you are taking console links then check the console link for yourself before you add links.

What Greenguy says here is extremely true:
"And any Revshare sponsor popping a console that goes to another program should be avoided at all costs."

Consoles? It's life. It sucks. I'd prefer the entire internet to be console free!!!!!!

You think these programs paying $100 PPS are doing out of the kindness of their hearts? LMAO They are cross selling, member's area upselling and popping consoles to save their life.

What Top Bucks is doing sucks. But it is "legit" and done by many many others.

[Bill]

Oddly enough, I don't mind it, and usually pick the console code. It may be an illusion, but I think for some reason the console codes sell better. I sure don't see any INCREASE in sales using the nonconsole code. So, why not get the extra 5$?

Like Ramster says, its how the biz goes.

Do I feel greater loyalty to the companies that only pop consoles with my codes in them? Fuckin A! But those companies are few and far between now.

Do I feel less loyalty to companies that parasite a bit off my surfers? Yes. The sponsor exploits me, and I exploit the sponsor, and I am more likely to switch to another sponsor if a better seller presents itself.

Bottom line is, it's not something to worry about. If you want your money up front, don't sweat the sponsor trying to squeeze the surfer you send.

[Beaver Bob]

Its a traffic leak. I suppose if they are paying an extra 5 bucks per signup, they are paying for the traffic leak.

It would still be nice to see a definite yes our consoles contain your codes/no these consoles go to other programs on the linkcodes page.

[Toby]

Consider me paranoid, but I always check the tours out before adding links. Far too often I find surprises.

[LD]

Originally Posted by Toby

Consider me paranoid, but I always check the tours out before adding links. Far too often I find surprises.

Yes...I am learning slowly and surely, but that one simple step has opened my eyes more than anything else. One sponsor even have me a 24 hour pass to members area before signing up...now that's the kind of sponsor i want to promote.

[tickler]

Originally Posted by Toby

Consider me paranoid, but I always check the tours out before adding links. Far too often I find surprises.

Even after adding links I have found a few suprises.

Sponsors adding that "last chance dialogue" on Rev/NC links without your code. Whoops, that was a programming beta test error.

Also sponsors that add the X-Sells, and then want the extra $5 to remove them.

[Jel]

Originally Posted by Bill

Oddly enough, I don't mind it, and usually pick the console code. It may be an illusion, but I think for some reason the console codes sell better. I sure don't see any INCREASE in sales using the nonconsole code. So, why not get the extra 5$?

Like Ramster says, its how the biz goes.

Do I feel greater loyalty to the companies that only pop consoles with my codes in them? Fuckin A! But those companies are few and far between now.

Do I feel less loyalty to companies that parasite a bit off my surfers? Yes. The sponsor exploits me, and I exploit the sponsor, and I am more likely to switch to another sponsor if a better seller presents itself.

Bottom line is, it's not something to worry about. If you want your money up front, don't sweat the sponsor trying to squeeze the surfer you send.

Pretty much my outlook on it too.

[faxxaff]

I always avoid sponsors that have advertisement to other sites, including pop-ups, X-Sales and upsales inside their membership area. Another funny thing a lot of sponsors are doing is to remove the most explicit high-res image from FHGs and replace it with a AFF pop-up or 404 link. I guess they learned it from Dee who started this BS in the first place. Most TGP scripts will check the FHG source code for changes and suspend them, but they won't check for broken high-res images.

[xxxjay]

Originally Posted by Useless Warrior

Ref: http://www.greenguysboard.com/board/...d.php?p=444277

Perhaps I'm just an ignorant cunt, but I've always been under the impression that when sponsors offer console/no console link codes, that the consoles they were referring to were their own. In other words, I assumed that any console popped on a tour or during an exit, was a further effort to make the sale for the affiliate who had sent the traffic -- because that makes sense.

Whenever I've hit the occasional Adult Friend Finder console, I've assumed that that sponsor was a bad apple and I'd yank their links. Yet after reading TopBucks' post, I'm beginning to wonder if that is standard operating procedure. Since '02, I've almost always chosen no-console links because I hate pop-ups and know that my surfers do to, so I've never really investigated the issue.

So, I guess I'm asking if all big sponsors are stealing from their affiliates in the same manner as TopBucks? And what does it mean when a sponsor owning such a wide variety of sites decides to promote the sites of another company over their own? Doesn't that imply that they believe that their own sites simply cannot convert as well as another sponsor's sites, even via console?

Why would you send traffic to a sponsor who can't sell their own network?

Discuss.

As it concerns the popups, if you are taking a 35$ payout with Topbucks rather than taking the 30$ for the no-console, you are taking a 5$ gamble knowing they will have some control over your traffic later.

Most seasoned webmasters, inculding myself, take a pay cut rather than let someone have control of our traffic later.

[Greenguy]

Originally Posted by xxxjay

...Most seasoned webmasters, inculding myself, take a pay cut rather than let someone have control of our traffic later.

We start these type of discussions for the non-seasoned webmasters

[NY Jester]

Just to add what Greenie said just above...Its always good for these threads to be here in case, as Im sure many, dont check links daily and may not know that these tactics or policies have been put into place or are even occurring.

[Useless]

I prefer my webmasters to be seasoned. Mmmm...tasty!

[Jel]

Originally Posted by xxxjay

As it concerns the popups, if you are taking a 35$ payout with Topbucks rather than taking the 30$ for the no-console, you are taking a 5$ gamble knowing they will have some control over your traffic later.

Most seasoned webmasters, inculding myself, take a pay cut rather than let someone have control of our traffic later.

You've lost me here. Unless you are talking about *what* the console leads to at some stage in the future? In which case, at that point you'd swap links to non-console, if you aren't comfortable with what they do with the console.