» February 15, 2008 in
I'm not sure what's gotten into me lately. First thoughts of rebranding away from "make money online", then denouncing spam, now thinking of dropping any activity with cpa networks as they have a rather shady side to them.
If it feels wrong it probably is
Here is an offer from neverblueads (picked randomly, they all have similar offers) about selling some ebay package.
They say "Order today, and you only pay for shipping!" which comes to $1.95.
What are you getting for only paying the shipping? The secrets to ebay success kit! Of course if you only pay shipping that would imply the kit is "free".
However in the fine print, on page two, almost after you hit the pay now button there is this very light, small text, and buried in the middle of the paragraph it says you get enrolled in some program that will charge you $59.00 per month from now on. SHADY
"After the 14 day trial you will be billed $59.90 monthly for the continued service of the website"
Hold up, what's the problem?
Besides a moral problem, offers similar to this one are on the edge of what is legal and what isn't in my opinion. Let's look at the a recent quote from a settlement with the florida attorney general and Azoogle Ads:
"Consumers in Florida and throughout the nation have long been victimized by internet marketing that promises one thing and delivers another,"
Promising one thing and delivering another is called deception or fraud.
Even if it is 100% legal (I'm no lawyer), it's still scummy, trickery, and not doing yourself or the "industry" any favors by promoting this type of nonsense.
And it is nonsense, and it is Everywhere
CPA networks are something newer to me. I haven't been a member of a CPA network for more than a few months.
A couple years ago when I started things like cj.com, amazon.com, shareasale, chitika, adsense, or linkshare were what affiliate marketing meant to me.
Now CPA networks are promoted pretty heavily in the blogs and forums.
The types of offers that are confusing to the customer or potentially deceptive are extremely popular and prevalent in the CPA networks.
I assume the competition is getting rough that they are trying to gain the spotlight pretty aggressively lately and I assume they used to play low key because they have a bunch of "questionable" offers. Just two assumptions.
Not all the offers on CPA networks are scummy and deceptive, but they do have quite a few.
Do You Promote Things You Would Recommend Your Friends And Family Run Away From?
So would you? And why are so many people promoting these networks in the industry at the moment, knowing good and well there are plenty of respectable affiliate companies around to promote without all the garbaqe and potential liability to yourself and the "industry"?
I'm not saying jump ship from every CPA network that exists. Just opening the conversation up.
Why is it respected to be a non spammer but at the same time it's ok to be in bed with CPA companies who make a good chunk of their money with deceptive offers?
I would tell my friends and family to run as far away from most of the "offers" on these networks as they can get.
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Vlad () says on February 15, 2008:
I usually try to stick to I guess you can call it PPS (pay per sale)- depending on network PPA and pay per sale are the same.My concise is at peace knowing some one bought an iPod or GPS system from the store that they can easy return for a refund....
But that just me.
PS. Check your e-mail
Lee says on February 15, 2008
I only promote things I actually use or like. I guess I am probably the most honest marketer out there. But that way I can honestly say whether the service or product actual does what they say it does.
Richard Callaby says on February 15, 2008
Mark,
A good rule of thumb is if you would sell or even give a product to your family and not feel ashamed afterwards. if this service, product or company does not meet that standard then do not promote it yourself. I do not care a bit about how much money I can make in a year if i lose all my friends. It is just not worth it. I need my friends and not oodles of money.
Money certainly cannot buy you everything.
Thanks,
Richard
Zac Johnson says on February 16, 2008
Haha, these horrible offers are everywhere... and they actually convert and make the people running them a lot of money. I haven't promoted them, as they are usually crappy for the person buying them. The concept of these offers are pretty much the same as any infomercial product late at night... except with these, you are usually gigged for a monthly subscription. How nasty!
Lori says on February 16, 2008
I NEVER promote anything that I have not succeeded with myself. Being a SAHM, I can't afford to waste money on junk so I wouldn't dare do that to others. In fact, I get pretty Pee-Ode when I see it happening elsewhere. I find so sad to see people screw other people for a buck!
Thailand Musings says on February 16, 2008
Some people have no morals or ethics at all and they don't view these types of promotions as a problem. I know that the consumer bears some responsibility to know what they are buying, but what about the ethical responsibility of the business person selling said product? It's a shame that many CPA promoters have zero business ethics and no consideration of right and wrong.
Emma says on February 16, 2008
I noticed these too. There's some pretty scary stuff out there.
TheDavinator-Viral Marketing Expert says on February 16, 2008
Unfortunately, there is so much garbage out there it's really sad in a way. Hmm, as I have to go check out our forum so I can go delete yet more spam. Never ending...garbage
Cheers
Davin
45n5 says on February 16, 2008
thanks all for the comments
remember though, even though there is this junk out there that none of us are pushing, it still falls under the umbrella of "internet marketing" which most of us identify ourselves with.
thatedeguy says on February 17, 2008
I couldn't agree more Mark. I often find myself arguing with myself over whether a program is inline with what I want to promote. There are many, many programs that can be very profitable if you're willing to go beyond what you feel is ethical. I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing that I'm doing the right thing than the money. That's just me though. There are plenty of people out there that don't feel that way.
Royal Radande says on February 18, 2008
Call me crazy, but I sometimes promote offers I would not sign up for myself nor recommend to any of my friends or family.
As long as the price is clearly displayed throughout the purchasing process, I have no problems promoting it. Because in the end, it's up to the consumer to decide whether they'll buy/sign up or not.
If you decide to sign up for daily horoscope tips for $5.99 a week, that's your fault.
Tom Beaton says on February 19, 2008
It is shocking the networks push them but business is business I guess and its not their reputation on the line it is the affiliate marketers.
shane H says on April 24, 2008
I have the same thoughts about these types of networks as I do with social proof on websites, sales pages and blogs. And advertising in general.
Look at this pretty income picture and how much money I make. You can to just do what I say or sell (put affiliate product offer here) and you'll make a killing. I'm a blue collar guy and like things that work and are reliable. Do I buy dewalt because mike holmes uses dewalt on his home reno shows NO. I totally understand that hes being paid by dewalt to show those pretty yellow tools (horrible and over priced drills btw)and wouldnt recommend them to anyone. Ive owned 3 and all failed within 18 months. Sick thing is this when I tried to refund and return the second one I was shown the owners manual. Who reads that right? NOT ME LOL. I'm a guy shut up I dont read directions:-P So in the manual it says largest hole to be drilled one: 1 5/8's WHAT!! Im drilling 3 inch holes with a hole saw. Yeah the dumb ass fine print is there. But its just freeking stupid. So I argued and got my money back. Point is what is advertised and what really is arent the same, in most cases.
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