photo credit: pixel0908Some times you can’t help but to be a spectator. Just as Affiliate blogs began to calm down over Mr. Mahalo, a new controversy is brewing on the horizon. In fact according to Kris Jones the controversy was taking place during Affiliate Summit and maybe even during Jason’s keynote address. I find this to be very ironic. I was quiet strong critic of Calacanis’ keynote speech. However, listening to podcast I now can say that I took a lot of what Jason said out of the content.
In his speech Jason mentioned how the Internet was looked at as a “plain leveled field”; a great opportunity for anyone to succeed. Every one was equal, opportunities were wide open and the sky was the limit.
So how does it look for a perspective of a “nobody”. And by nobody I mean myself. Because when I look at both CJ and PepperJam, I feel like I am less than nobody.
I wonder how soon will the “Goliaths” begin to demand “exclusivity” of affiliates? Seriously. Imagine if one network would ask you to either work with them exclusively or get out. Would you feel like you are on a “plain leveled field”?
Paul, cool it down bro. No name calling on my blog.
Evan. I am glad your programs are doing well. I am am not affiliated with any of the merchants so I can't offer my perspective 😉 , so I take you word for it.
But I can't help but wonder what if you grow big and down the road would create your own network. Don't you think you can find yourself in the same predicament as PepperJam?
Vlad, I was actually going to launch a network 6 months ago but decided against it for this very reason. I don't think competition is bad but don't expect to manage another companies merchants while “growing” your own network has been my point on this topic.
CJ and Linkshare have the best name-brand merchants and thats what tends to convert well for affiliates. I have seen the Pepperjam ads for their network and endorsements they have gotten from industry “heavy-weights” and I’m not suprised at all CJ has an issue, Linkshare probably will too if they manage any of their programs..
Evan,
With all due respect… It is not CJ's intention to protect their business share that is at issue here.
I think leaders in the industry are expected to act as such. Is that to hight of a standard to hold CJ to???
Evan,
I am not sure if you had a chance to listen to Sam Harrelson interview with Kris Jones. In that interview Kris touched upon their relationship with LinkShare and other networks.
I think CJ is not benefiting at all by being silent. They may have their reasons not to comment, but the longer they withhold to comment the more convincing Kris’ arguments become.
No other company had been in this predicament in the past. So this issu will certainly will be referenced in the future.
I also think it is healthy to have competition. To stay in the competition size and money often may stand on the way to innovation.
Forgot to give you the link to Sam’s interview:
http://www.revenews.com/samharrelson/revenews-cafe-podcast-with-kris-jones-of-pepperjam/
Yes I listened to the podcast and it was pretty weak argument-wise I thought, not to mention a painful to listen to. He has nothing to fall back on here, they launched a future competitor and then boasted about it ad nauseum…and they are the victim here? Cj is more the victim in my opinion of a company that picked apart their system and then designs their own while still intending to manage CJ merchants…the nerve! Anyways, thats my 2 cents and I’m happy to give it!
Evan,
As long as CJ is silent I tend to be on Kris’ side on this one.
I am not sure Kris’ was that naive to expect manage these OMP forever. From the podcast it is clear they will be terminating such relationships.
CJ could have accomplish their goal in more civilized and professional manner.
There was no precedent like this in the past. Hopefully we all will learn from this.
Evan,
You honestly sound like a douche bag.
Making it sound like CJ is the victim is pretty funny.
I’ve seen you on other boards, including Digital Pointe and you seem like a car salesman.
Always pushing your stuff and talking poorly of others.
What bone can you possibly have with this pepperjam company – are they more innovative than you?
Just a guess, but most people find you to be a loser.
Paul
Evan,
I just visited your website. It appears that you are managing some affiliate programs for CJ clients. Is that right?
Paul, I guess you dont have a website..I am well-liked in the internet industy buddy, many people consider me an expert in online marketing, what losers are you talking to about me? lol. Vlad I am managing several CJ programs and all of them are performing very well.
Paul, cool it down bro. No name calling on my blog.
Evan. I am glad your programs are doing well. I am am not affiliated with any of the merchants so I can’t offer my perspective 😉 , so I take you word for it.
But I can’t help but wonder what if you grow big and down the road would create your own network. Don’t you think you can find yourself in the same predicament as PepperJam?
Vlad, I was actually going to launch a network 6 months ago but decided against it for this very reason. I don’t think competition is bad but don’t expect to manage another companies merchants while “growing” your own network has been my point on this topic.
Evan,
With all due respect… It is not CJ’s intention to protect their business share that is at issue here.
I think leaders in the industry are expected to act as such. Is that to hight of a standard to hold CJ to???