Are GPWA, AWPC, IGB, CM and AGD etc. etc. becoming obsolete?!

Regardless of changes in T&C being detected, presenting funny videos about rogue programs. organizing conferences, roquepits and forums for affiliates it seems that aff-programs choose not to give a f*ck any longer. It doesn't matter whether those aff-programs are/were established, new or "rogue from day one", affiliates are being ripped off more than ever before.

Many rogue/shady operators are (can become) sponsors for the aforementioned, are free to have booths on conferences or are accredited even when it is obvious that they would even steal from their own mother...

So a serious question: do GPWA, AWPC. IGB, CM, AGD and the likes have any effect, are they able to make a fist and do they honestly "stand for what they preach" or not?!

What if they join forces get their own legal team and force programs to stick by their T&C's, follow business ethics and respect partners? (would you as an affiliate want to pay for that kind of service?!)

I do remember ThePogg looked at doing something like that here and on AGD. Not sure what stage it got to though.

Here is the thread over at AGD, thought there was one here too but this one was primarily for affiliates to join up and take action.

https://www.affiliateguarddog.com/community/threads/affiliate-union.11459/

Legal prosecutions costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight.

99% of affiliates do not make more than $5k per month.

The 1% don't give an eff; as long as they are being fed the dough. And, if they're effed, a few will have the money to fight them in the court.

The top tier of affiliates aren't really interested in doling out thousands of dollars so that their competitor (albeit a small one) can get his commissions.

In the game of interests; every man for himself. Human psyche will lead the course in the end of the day.

Other than meaningless and absolutely worthless moral support, there is little anyone is willing to do in real terms.

So in other words, sites like GPWA, AGD etc., are the bare minimum and also the best available option for the weak. It's either this or just nothing.

All this "unions" finally are nothing else than a public relations machine by a bunch of self-proclaimed "better people" which they are not. It's a different appearance, but at the end it's all about money and nothing else. So one can directly read at GPWA and AGD.

Affy, IGB, which is on your list, has nothing to do with any serious ratings. People paying for the booths and get something back. IGB orders censorship on the internet, and their awards are made by so called judges, handpicked by IGB, who gives their buddies, friends and so the votes from a list, which is also handpicked and pre-selected by IGB.

Who seriously can claim, that this complete biased procedure has something to do with a real "vote"?

Hello?!

And because almost everything is rigged in this industry and there is absolutely no transparency in the voting system, there is nothing wrong with it to have doubts at the result. If everybody claims to vote for the superstar, but the result does not reflect that and at the same time probably no booth was ordered, what a nice coincidence it is.

Yes Affy, this industry need GPWA or AGD, because smart people can use this as a counterweight to all the evil and lunacy.

Also you have the chance here to speak, and your voice will be heard on a big stage.

Don't focus on sponsors only.
Focus on yourselves, on your message, you can provide.
If you can only convince one single person with your opinion, that it was worth it, regardless if you are right or not.
Better any opinion than no opinion.

Leopold

All of them are commercial businesses with commercial interests. They make money with sponsorships fees, selling ad space or renting out booths at conferences.

I read here on this topic also about a union. I think that won't happen either. Super affiliates have their own contracts with programs (I suppose, otherwise it would be pretty naïve).

To get some volume 100's of affiliates would have to unite. They all operate in different markets, with different interests, different opinions and there's always the financial aspect of one. A joint venture of 3-4 people, working in regulated markets has completely different interests than a somebody alone promoting non-licensed brands in the UK or US. Forming a union or a cooperation works if people are on the same ship and heading for the same direction.

Then, there's the factor money. Money talks. Most affiliates won't drop a program that is 50% of their income. Kindred was a good one to start with after they forced new terms with quota and applied them. It didn't happen.