Will the formation of the Affiliate Forum Alliance make a difference?

[MichaelCorfman]

Last week I announced the formation of the Affiliate Forum Alliance to create an infrastructure where affiliate forums could declare their support for the concepts fair treatment and transparency in the treatment of affiliates.

I'm curious about whether folks feel the creation of the alliance fills a real need and whether folks feel it will make a difference.

Be sure to post your thoughts in this thread, and let us know if you have ideas for how the alliance can make a difference.

For more information about the alliance visit the website AffiliateForumAlliance.com.

Michael

[Chips]

Hey Michael... where is the not sure button? (j/k)

I have aready signed up and was a touch disturbed that posts are being moderated... I think we as affiliates need to be able to speak open without a moderator approving our posts.

I have high hopes for the forum and hope that it will be a productive resource for us all. My concern is that we may find it hard to visit another forum and be active with the full plate we already have and all; the other places we frequent.

Here's to the grand opening and much success to all involved, especially the affiliates!

[MichaelCorfman]

Hey Michael... where is the not sure button? (j/k)

You'r right. That option has now been added to the poll.

I have aready signed up and was a touch disturbed that posts are being moderated... I think we as affiliates need to be able to speak open without a moderator approving our posts.

Sounds like a glitch getting things configured properly. The forums were just integrated into the site this afternoon, and we certainly didn't intend for posts to be moderated. Thanks for being a good beta-tester.

Michael

[Chips]

He he... any time bossman! Always happy to help (or be the devils advocate)

[mojo]

Did I just get beamed to a parallel affilate world?

It's a new day! I am encouraged that disrespect and ill treatment of affiliates will no longer be tolerated by our friends, peers, partners and leaders.

I want to thank all of you who have agreed to become part of this Alliance on behalf of the Affiliate. You are all some of the most respected and ethical industry folks that have united in this cause. Together! Unity! How could that possibly be a bad thing.

I'm sure there is still a lot of developement in the works. I'm wondering the purpose of the forum. I assume it is for arbitration only?

[arkyt]

I'm curious about whether folks feel the creation of the alliance fills a real need and whether folks feel it will make a difference.

As it stands now, no it won't make much of any difference as it relates to "affiliates" - as it is now it can only affect those who are forum members and/or utilize the aligned forum(s) as lurkers.

Additionally, maybe it’s just coincidence and/or timing, but it seems the primary reason behind this agreement arises due to the banning frenzy over at CAP – well for what its worth that’s something that’s been literally going on for years, not just a few months. So does it fill a real "over due" need - as it is outlined now, IMO, its incomplete/unorganized at best.

Highest ethical standards? Exactly what are these standards?

Transparency? How will that affect the private areas of this site and others who are part of the alliance? Further, will that mean that each site/forum will be reporting their profits? OR does this language strictly relate to the transparency of the treatment (punishment/rewarding) of forum members?

Without knowing how this alliance will benefit affiliates as a whole - its tough to say that it will make a much needed / worthwhile difference. However, I would be willing to concede that it could make a difference as it relates to affiliate forums assuming that all affiliate forums abide by the regulations of the alliance - those which didn’t would necessarily have to be disregarded by members of the alliance.

On a related note, IMO, a very worthwhile organization, one by the way that was totally not for profit, recently existed, it had worked out detailed codes of conduct - outlining ethical standards for all affiliates and affiliate programs; not just those who operated affiliate oriented forums.

It didn't get much support; instead oppressors worked their magic to see that it never received even a mention - threatening posters with banning if the sites name was mentioned - and editing post to remove the already stated site. Others claiming they believed in the same things, instead of lending their support to the existing organization, ventured out to create their own sites. While a few others offered their immediate support, but never showed up to lend it - very likely because they feared the oppressors hand would reach their backside if they came onboard.

Does this industry need to come together - YES - is this alliance going to fulfill that need? As it stands now, not to the extent that I feel is required for advancement of the industry as a whole.

[matted]

Let's face it - the affiliate managers and their programs are the ones with the money - and until they push for change, it will be hard to have much affect. Can a group of forums under one affiliates have enough clout for change... the jury is out - and likely will be for quite some time.

We still have affiliate programs which condone and encourage spam, unethical rakeback, and other anti-affiliate activities. And they are going to throw money where the affiliates are, no matter the philosophy of the group. It's too much about short term money and not enough about the long term growth and ethics.

[Jinnia]

I'm a small time affiliate, but I am also a player. I personally don't see a
need for another affiliate gathering place. The 'players' are the people that
make your money, unless of course the casino/affiliate managers are
charged to have a forum or place an ad.

Players need a place where they feel welcome, and be a part of the
industry besides just being someone making the affiliate a commission!!

JMO!!

[Nandakishore]

The Alliance fills the need of demonstrating and proving that various gambling-related forums can and are working together in the interest of affiliates. I expect from this alliance some concrete proposals to improve the position of the affiliates against the affiliate programs.

[Fergie]

Yes, I think it'll make a difference.

[Skinski]

I don't know as it will or not , hopefully it will. The one thing I can say is that since I've joined here just recently, I've already learned a lot about what is acceptable behavior on running a site . (something I had always attempted to do) And it's opened me up to some better ways of doing things. If nothing else it should lead those that want to be fair and honest in the right direction.

[mojo]

I agree there is still a lot to work out. There are some kinks as with any new venture.

Apparently, affiliates are big business. I've been hearing a lot about 'it's just business'. If that is the case than it's business 101 to treat your target with respect. If I am treated unfairly and disrespectfully, I am going to report it with the Forum Alliance. It was just last week I had to suck it up and take it with no recourse available. Not anymore. Even if I am found to be at fault I will accept responsiblity. It should always work both ways.

Affiliate forums need members, Affiliates need Affiliate forums. We are all trying to do business first and foremost. It is my full time job. We are expected to show respect to the forum, the forum needs to show respect the members. I don't want to be bullied and degraded. I'm selfish that way.

It's not an overnight fix so I am patient while this is continuing to be developed.

[penny-slot-machines]

It's a step in the right direction, because the good intentions are there. It's not guaranteed to make a big difference, though as it stands

Perhaps getting the support and resources of as many of the super-affiliates as possible will be crucial? Many of the members here are small time (myself included) and do not have the resources to make a big difference.

I'll be supporting it, though

[Ziggy]

I voted not sure. I am honestly no sure - I belong to the others for various reasons.

An Alliance? I guess . . . maybe . . . I dunno.