Originally Posted by Taboo

How important is it for affiliates to have access to the site they are promoting?

I'm thinking of providing VIP access but with limitations. As an affiliate, it's important to ME to be able to "see" what I'm selling, but I don't necessarily need to "feel" it. I like to know I'm pushing a good product, and if it's revshare, I want to see how often they update. But as a Sponsor, I wouldn't want to give "All Access" passes to countless webmasters for obvious reasons (surfers in disguise, bandwidth concerns, content theft, etc.) Maybe provide affiliates with a "Behind the Scenes" membership that allows them to surf the site, see what's going on, but under a more watchful eye.

Kind of like going to a nightclub where you get to go into the DJ booth, but you don't get to dance. Or you get to go behind the bar and see what we're pouring, but you don't get to sample everything. (maybe those aren't the best illustrations, but you see where I'm coming from)

(obviously webmasters who are Whales or "Trusted" are exceptions to the rule)

Anyone know of any Sponsors that give full or limited access to affiliates? Most importantly, any sponsors reading this that used to offer it but discontinued? if so, what were the reasons?

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