Comments on: Acknowledging Affiliate Links

By: SnabblÃ¤nkar 14/9 - 2006

SnabblÃ¤nkar 14/9 - 2006 — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 18:41:18 +0000

[...] Acknowledging Affiliate Links “ I just got done reading Credibility and Affiliate Links over at Performancing and have to admit I have no idea where this guy is coming from… ” [WorkBoxers] [...]

By: City SEO/M

City SEO/M — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:52:46 +0000

I’m leaving space to get attention…

The simple reason you should disclose that something is a part of an affiliate program (be it a text link, banner, button, etc.) is to make clear that there could be a conflict of interest, so that your readers can take what you say and assess it critically.

It’s kind of a “buyer beware, there may be a conflict of interest” sign.

By: Matt Brett

Matt Brett — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 03:41:24 +0000

I agree that there's no harm in affiliate or sponsorship links within content - hidden or not, as long as they are practicable. I recently started adding Amazon products (boxes and all) on my game reviews. Mainly because I want to bulk up my reviews with as many useful extras I can. Since I tend to review brand new games, there's a good chance people might buy them. So why not give them a direct avenue to do so - and hey, if I make a couple bucks on the side from it, all the better. However, I would never slant my review in order to try and sell the product.

By: melody

melody — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 22:25:26 +0000

God. I must be Satan in that guy’s book. I have an amazon link to almost every movie I review on Hollyshow. I don’t expect to make any money from it, just wanted to like to the option to purchase each movie. If I do get some commision from it, then oh well, right?

By: Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:40:47 +0000

At this point I just automatically assume the link will be an affiliate link and if the site from which I came is the reason I buy, why should I care?

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:43:39 +0000

I think that by now, most savvy readers understand that you are probably attempting to monetize your site. I don’t have ANY problems with that whatsoever, and frankly, what’s the harm in friends clicking on your ads/affiliate links to help you out. I look at it like an e-tip jar.

And I think readers ought to want to help you fill it up.

By: Nick Wilson

Nick Wilson — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:48:05 +0000

Hi,

FWIW, i believe Philipp qualified his statements by saying it depends on the type of site. I *think* his point was more geared toward news sites.

I countered some of that argument (ie. i agree with you in general) here: http://performancing.com/node/170

Thanks for noticing the article!

By: blogging.wurk.net » Blog Archive » Once upon a time, blogging was about writing.

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:40:12 +0000

[...] Just caught this post on Performancing.com about credibility and affiliate links, via Scrivs. [...]

By: Jonathan Snook

Jonathan Snook — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:13:50 +0000

Think back to the whole Marqui fiasco where bloggers were paid to talk about a product. (http://www.molly.com/2005/01/28/marqui-challenging-the-model/) There were all sorts of ethical issues that were raised and I see them as no different than affiliate links. In either case, the author receives a financial reward for talking about a product or service. How do I know that your discussion of a topic isn’t JUST to create affiliate links and to drive up your revenue? There’s a trust issue at play here.

It’s the same thing in the print business. Magazines and newspapers walk that line and have to be very careful about what advertising they take on and any reviews of that product.

People had issue with the pre-release buzz of Mint because you had a group of people all praising a product. Their financial reward being a free copy of the software. It raises doubt. In this case, the reviewers really did seem to enjoy the product and were initially unaware they would receive a free copy but the reviews were all praise and one-sided and no disclosure was provided.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:58:59 +0000

Those that think this way are a very vocal minority, much like Al Sharpton is.

Here’s a very simple thought on them, ” Who cares what they think ?”

Just because Paris Hilton opens her mouth doesn’t mean what comes out is worth hearing.

Opinions are like a**holes…we all got one. I just proved it.

Really…are you gonna not have links because a reader said they don’t like ‘em ?

Well, I don’t like photos on blogs. Take it off. It ruins credibility when I see you’re a pencil necked geek.

What if a reader tells you to go jump off a bridge..are you gonna do that, too.

When the inmates start running the asylum, I’m leaving.