Affiliate program owners. Do you pre-qualify webmasters before you approve them?

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  • ArikaAmes
    Confirmed User
    • Dec 2003
    • 3081

    #1

    Affiliate program owners. Do you pre-qualify webmasters before you approve them?

    If so, can you give me some tips on how to best qaulify them to make sure they will properly represent your program and sites?

    Or, do you have auto-approve on and check into them later after you see if they are sending traffic?
  • Chris
    Too lazy to set a custom title
    • May 2003
    • 27880

    #2
    Originally posted by ArikaAmes
    If so, can you give me some tips on how to best qaulify them to make sure they will properly represent your program and sites?

    Or, do you have auto-approve on and check into them later after you see if they are sending traffic?
    I always check my admin area to check on affilate's and see if there are any new ones. Sometimes it becomes pain the ass as I have a pretty large webmaster base tryin to find the new one. THinking about getting a script written to emauil me when a new affilate joins but anywho back on your quesiton


    I just check them out after they join. Normaly before they even send any traffic. I cross check the affilate if i have any doubt they are legit with some other people and go from there
    [email protected]

    Comment

    • UKtimes
      Registered User
      • Dec 2003
      • 54

      #3
      Originally posted by JupZChris
      I always check my admin area to check on affilate's and see if there are any new ones. Sometimes it becomes pain the ass as I have a pretty large webmaster base tryin to find the new one. THinking about getting a script written to emauil me when a new affilate joins but anywho back on your quesiton


      I just check them out after they join. Normaly before they even send any traffic. I cross check the affilate if i have any doubt they are legit with some other people and go from there
      Lol, you dont have a list of all affiliates by join date? Thats pretty simple

      Comment

      • ArikaAmes
        Confirmed User
        • Dec 2003
        • 3081

        #4
        Originally posted by JupZChris
        I always check my admin area to check on affilate's and see if there are any new ones. Sometimes it becomes pain the ass as I have a pretty large webmaster base tryin to find the new one. THinking about getting a script written to emauil me when a new affilate joins but anywho back on your quesiton


        I just check them out after they join. Normaly before they even send any traffic. I cross check the affilate if i have any doubt they are legit with some other people and go from there
        Cool. Mine is through CCBill, I thought they sent me an e-mail when someone new signs up. I'll have to look into that again.

        Thanks for your reply.

        Comment

        • Chris
          Too lazy to set a custom title
          • May 2003
          • 27880

          #5
          Originally posted by UKtimes
          Lol, you dont have a list of all affiliates by join date? Thats pretty simple
          Nope , I think it goes by who sends the most sales I belive. Our whole affilate system is getting an makeover and the new system is going to kick so much fucking ass
          [email protected]

          Comment

          • the Shemp
            congrats to the winners
            • Nov 2001
            • 10891

            #6
            Originally posted by ArikaAmes
            If so, can you give me some tips on how to best qaulify them to make sure they will properly represent your program and sites?

            Or, do you have auto-approve on and check into them later after you see if they are sending traffic?
            you should start with a retina scan and then you will need a small skin sample from the back of their neck, for the DNA analysis...if you cant get the skin, saliva swab should be okay..
            i use Vacares...so should you
            Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

            Comment

            • ArikaAmes
              Confirmed User
              • Dec 2003
              • 3081

              #7
              Originally posted by the Shemp
              you should start with a retina scan and then you will need a small skin sample from the back of their neck, for the DNA analysis...if you cant get the skin, saliva swab should be okay..
              I had considered most of these options, but then I realized an implanted radio device in there tooth would be less noticable and also give me location data in real-time.

              edit... My first Shemp reply. This is a milestone.

              Comment

              • freeadultcontent
                Confirmed User
                • Oct 2002
                • 9976

                #8
                Most webmasters are to damn impatient to wait for approval. If you doubt this make a thread asking if they will sign up to view content at a providers store.

                Exclusive Ethnic & Microniche Sites

                Comment

                • ArikaAmes
                  Confirmed User
                  • Dec 2003
                  • 3081

                  #9
                  Originally posted by freeadultcontent
                  Most webmasters are to damn impatient to wait for approval. If you doubt this make a thread asking if they will sign up to view content at a providers store.
                  I think they don't want to sign up at a content provider's site because they don't want the daily e-mail update announcing new sets and/or it's just one more login to remember.

                  My

                  Comment

                  • Pornkings
                    Confirmed User
                    • Oct 2002
                    • 5334

                    #10
                    We keep a close eye on our affiliates but everyone is welcome until they try to Screw us.

                    then we shut them off and they don't get paid. but you never hear fraudulant webmasters complain.

                    8 years of experience to get things right and i'm sure a few still get thru. but our Chargebacks are way under 1%
                    Pornkings.com

                    Comment

                    • ArikaAmes
                      Confirmed User
                      • Dec 2003
                      • 3081

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Pornkings
                      We keep a close eye on our affiliates but everyone is welcome until they try to Screw us.

                      then we shut them off and they don't get paid. but you never hear fraudulant webmasters complain.

                      8 years of experience to get things right and i'm sure a few still get thru. but our Chargebacks are way under 1%
                      Good thoughts, thank you.

                      Comment

                      • PrivateIvy
                        Confirmed User
                        • Oct 2003
                        • 4257

                        #12
                        Originally posted by ArikaAmes
                        Cool. Mine is through CCBill, I thought they sent me an e-mail when someone new signs up. I'll have to look into that again.

                        Thanks for your reply.
                        Hey Arika
                        Yes, CCBill does send out notification emails every time a new webmaster signs up , just as they do for members. You just have to turn that option on in your admin under setup/advanced options, I think



                        Ivy

                        Comment

                        • Reak
                          So Fucking Banned
                          • Mar 2003
                          • 17920

                          #13
                          We auto accept them and check later which site they own, if they have send any traffic yet.

                          And if needed we send a email to help them out.

                          Comment

                          • taboo_dude
                            Confirmed User
                            • Oct 2003
                            • 707

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Pornkings
                            We keep a close eye on our affiliates but everyone is welcome until they try to Screw us.

                            then we shut them off and they don't get paid. but you never hear fraudulant webmasters complain.

                            8 years of experience to get things right and i'm sure a few still get thru. but our Chargebacks are way under 1%
                            We screen everyone, not only for fraud but the sneaky bastards that put in keywords like CP, and others.

                            We ask for 2257's, whois info needs to match up and illegal keywords they use on their site.
                            If you've got them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow. The Duke.

                            Comment

                            • Dax
                              Confirmed User
                              • Apr 2002
                              • 3161

                              #15
                              I do.. I have to manually approve every one.

                              Comment

                              • Forkbeard
                                Confirmed User
                                • Feb 2002
                                • 2236

                                #16
                                I signed up with this one outfit even though it was clear they were eastern european, because they had some niche galleries I could use and I figured "hey, I'll send some traffic, and if they actually convert and pay me something, that's more than nothing, right?"

                                So I got all the way through the signup process, hit the send button -- and then got a bloody automated email saying "due to increased levels of affiliate fraud, your account will not be active until you fax a copy of two forms of picture ID to such-and-such phone number".

                                Yeah, right. I don't know these guys, I'm taking a huge chance on them being scamming assholes, and they want paper documentation from me? I don't think so.

                                I sent 'em a "yeah right" email, but I never heard back.

                                Moral: Yes you can go too far in pre-qualifying your affiliates. Although if you have a face and a name and a good rep, you could get away with quite a bit more.
                                Offering sponsored blog posts and custom writing services.

                                Comment

                                • Pornkings
                                  Confirmed User
                                  • Oct 2002
                                  • 5334

                                  #17
                                  Originally posted by Forkbeard
                                  I signed up with this one outfit even though it was clear they were eastern european, because they had some niche galleries I could use and I figured "hey, I'll send some traffic, and if they actually convert and pay me something, that's more than nothing, right?"

                                  So I got all the way through the signup process, hit the send button -- and then got a bloody automated email saying "due to increased levels of affiliate fraud, your account will not be active until you fax a copy of two forms of picture ID to such-and-such phone number".

                                  Yeah, right. I don't know these guys, I'm taking a huge chance on them being scamming assholes, and they want paper documentation from me? I don't think so.

                                  I sent 'em a "yeah right" email, but I never heard back.

                                  Moral: Yes you can go too far in pre-qualifying your affiliates. Although if you have a face and a name and a good rep, you could get away with quite a bit more.
                                  Give us a try
                                  Pornkings.com

                                  Comment

                                  • the Shemp
                                    congrats to the winners
                                    • Nov 2001
                                    • 10891

                                    #18
                                    Originally posted by ArikaAmes

                                    edit... My first Shemp reply. This is a milestone.
                                    i use Vacares...so should you
                                    Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

                                    Comment

                                    • Peaches
                                      Old broad
                                      • Oct 2002
                                      • 13933

                                      #19
                                      Ditto what Roger said re: At WEG, everyone is welcome, but don't piss us off.

                                      Comment

                                      • Forkbeard
                                        Confirmed User
                                        • Feb 2002
                                        • 2236

                                        #20
                                        Originally posted by taboo_dude
                                        We screen everyone, not only for fraud but the sneaky bastards that put in keywords like CP, and others.

                                        We ask for 2257's, whois info needs to match up and illegal keywords they use on their site.
                                        That's pretty funny. I clicked away from your site the other night after it became clear that you were the nit-pickiest barstids I'd ever seen.
                                        "We'll check the 'whois' information for the domain you've submitted when signing up. If there's a total conflict (absolutely nothing in common) with your affiliate information and the domain you've submitted, you'll be asked about it before your signup information can be approved."
                                        As if there aren't a million legitimate business structures that could cause that result, none of which are any of your business.

                                        But what's funny is the 2257 stuff you demand of webmasters, and your emphasis on entry pages and disclaimers. Especially since (a) your own 2257 statement is statutorily inadequate, lacking the required physical address, and (b) many of your webmasters have no legal need of 2257 statements at all. In fact, including a 2257 statement when one is NOT a producer of adult content arguably creates more legal risk than it avoids. Reasonable lawyers may differ, but this potential affiliate was pretty entertained when he discovered that you were presuming to tell your affiliates how to manage their legal risks.

                                        Obviously everybody's free to do business how they want. But my laughter as I clicked away from your site without signing up echoed from the walls.
                                        Last edited by Forkbeard; 05-21-2004, 11:30 AM.
                                        Offering sponsored blog posts and custom writing services.

                                        Comment

                                        • ArikaAmes
                                          Confirmed User
                                          • Dec 2003
                                          • 3081

                                          #21
                                          Originally posted by Forkbeard
                                          I signed up with this one outfit even though it was clear they were eastern european, because they had some niche galleries I could use and I figured "hey, I'll send some traffic, and if they actually convert and pay me something, that's more than nothing, right?"

                                          So I got all the way through the signup process, hit the send button -- and then got a bloody automated email saying "due to increased levels of affiliate fraud, your account will not be active until you fax a copy of two forms of picture ID to such-and-such phone number".

                                          Yeah, right. I don't know these guys, I'm taking a huge chance on them being scamming assholes, and they want paper documentation from me? I don't think so.

                                          I sent 'em a "yeah right" email, but I never heard back.

                                          Moral: Yes you can go too far in pre-qualifying your affiliates. Although if you have a face and a name and a good rep, you could get away with quite a bit more.
                                          Yeah, this is a little too far I agree, but definitely I would want to match names with faces or nicks, etc.

                                          Comment

                                          • Shannon G
                                            Confirmed User
                                            • Aug 2003
                                            • 735

                                            #22
                                            Because the point of our program is to offer affiliates a total selection of sites and products to promote from one source (not just ours, but those of other sponsors, as well), we aren't picky about the type of website a potential affiliate has. I do, however, check to see that their site is valid and not BS.

                                            I'm automatically emailed when someone signs up so I can get them approved asap, plus our newest affiliates are at the bottom of the stats page since it's automatically initially sorted by their affiliate id.

                                            Makes it pretty easy to keep an eye on things ... even though I still wish their were more hours in a day!


                                            Cheers!

                                            Shannon G
                                            SendingPros.com - Affordable Email Marketing Platform. Automation at Your Fingertips!

                                            Comment

                                            • taboo_dude
                                              Confirmed User
                                              • Oct 2003
                                              • 707

                                              #23
                                              Originally posted by Forkbeard
                                              That's pretty funny. I clicked away from your site the other night after it became clear that you were the nit-pickiest barstids I'd ever seen. As if there aren't a million legitimate business structures that could cause that result, none of which are any of your business.
                                              If your doing business with us, then all you do is have to explain. Many webmasters have reasons why the whois info does not match. But if your legit you will contact us. If your trying to hide something then you will probably bitch and cry about it.
                                              We are not building a network of fraudulent webmasters or sponsors. We are in this for the long haul. If you don't want the added benefits of joining a network like

                                              a. one check for multiple programs,
                                              b. sponsor screening,
                                              c. webmaster screening,
                                              d. taboostats, a windows based software for having your stats on your desktop at all times,
                                              e. mediation between you and your sponsors and vice versa,
                                              f. reliable stats and server uptime. ( I believe we were down an hour yesterday because of a hd crash. for the first time in 3 years)
                                              g. The promotion of your program (for the sponsors)
                                              and I can go on and on, but will stop for the threads sake

                                              then don't join. Obviously there is some benefits to joining a network like this otherwise we wouldn't be signing people up everyday. Some of clients have been with us for 6 years, and others are joining daily.

                                              We piss off maybe 1 out of a hundred webmasters and I hate that one happened to be you that day. But we do what we do for our sponsors and our affiliates alike. If you don't like it, don't let the doors hit your ass on the way out.

                                              We have also seen that type of mentality of I will do whatever the hell I please. Well, that is why paypal has pulled out and visa has went down to a 1% chargeback ratio. If we do not regulate ourselves in the industry you can bet someone is.

                                              If anyone every has a problem getting accepted, please email. As long as we can confirm who you are and you have meet the requirements we can get you in. We are not going to allow just anyone into the network without asking questions first. If your smart you wouldn't either. I thought I had seen a lot of fraud in the mainstream but when we created taboorevenue for the adult industry it blew my mind as to how much shaving was going on. As well as the cheating being done by the affiliates.

                                              We are not going to allow it to happen.

                                              To our sponsors, if you have had anyone declined, let us know. We will take a look at it and see if we can get them approved.
                                              Last edited by taboo_dude; 05-21-2004, 12:45 PM.
                                              If you've got them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow. The Duke.

                                              Comment

                                              • Reak
                                                So Fucking Banned
                                                • Mar 2003
                                                • 17920

                                                #24
                                                Originally posted by Forkbeard
                                                I signed up with this one outfit even though it was clear they were eastern european, because they had some niche galleries I could use and I figured "hey, I'll send some traffic, and if they actually convert and pay me something, that's more than nothing, right?"

                                                So I got all the way through the signup process, hit the send button -- and then got a bloody automated email saying "due to increased levels of affiliate fraud, your account will not be active until you fax a copy of two forms of picture ID to such-and-such phone number".

                                                Yeah, right. I don't know these guys, I'm taking a huge chance on them being scamming assholes, and they want paper documentation from me? I don't think so.

                                                I sent 'em a "yeah right" email, but I never heard back.

                                                Moral: Yes you can go too far in pre-qualifying your affiliates. Although if you have a face and a name and a good rep, you could get away with quite a bit more.
                                                tryout maxpays.com

                                                Comment

                                                • mindoza
                                                  Confirmed User
                                                  • Jan 2004
                                                  • 1625

                                                  #25
                                                  Being new this is still an open ended issue for us. I make everybody active for thetime being after they fill out the sign up form . All I am looking for is one contact with the webmaster- i askthem to pick a user nameand pasword and get a birthdate. i t then takes me seconds to activate your acount. it is also good to verify all info, I

                                                  already talked to a few webmasters that made mistakes and did not catch them. i also want that webmaster to know that there is a real company attached to the program! it should be just as much for their comfort.
                                                  SIG TOO BIG! Maximum 120x60 button and no more than 3 text lines of DEFAULT SIZE and COLOR. Unless your sig is for a GFY top banner sponsor, then you may use a 624x80 instead of a 120x60.

                                                  Comment

                                                  • taboo_gal
                                                    Confirmed User
                                                    • Jul 2003
                                                    • 151

                                                    #26
                                                    Originally posted by Forkbeard
                                                    But what's funny is the 2257 stuff you demand of webmasters, and your emphasis on entry pages and disclaimers. Especially since (a) your own 2257 statement is statutorily inadequate, lacking the required physical address, and (b) many of your webmasters have no legal need of 2257 statements at all. In fact, including a 2257 statement when one is NOT a producer of adult content arguably creates more legal risk than it avoids. Reasonable lawyers may differ, but this potential affiliate was pretty entertained when he discovered that you were presuming to tell your affiliates how to manage their legal risks.
                                                    We have those guidelines in place as outlined buy the asacp's best practice's for adult sites as well as what is necessary to comply with US Law. Our goal is to do what we can to protect our sponsors and webmasters; not act as legal council...ever...while maintaining a legit business, getting webmasters accepted and making everyone cash. If we didn't have guidelines in place, those law enforcement officials that so love to crack down on this industry would be on your ass, our ass and our sponsors asses in a heartbeat. And, I don't know about you, but I like my freedom and would like to keep it.

                                                    It is much better to have a generic cover your ass statement, than to have nothing, legal requirement or not.

                                                    Honestly, the issue with those who do not like our approval process (or any other for that matter) is that it requires effort. If you are serious about this business, you'll get compliant and you'll treat this business as any other job. You'll get yourself out of bed, clean up, and work.

                                                    And, as taboo_dude stated, we are very easy to work with. We've had more webmasters contact us back to dicuss their disproval than those who complain about the process. Those that do contact almost always get approved and start making shave free cash.

                                                    Think about it........

                                                    Comment

                                                    • Merrioc
                                                      Confirmed User
                                                      • Jul 2003
                                                      • 249

                                                      #27
                                                      on the CCbill topic...
                                                      set up seperate email boxes for each sub account/ affiliate sign up. or one main account... doens't really matter...

                                                      write a simple perl script, that get/reads/logs the email, automaticly generate a custom login to your webmasters content area an have it shoot you a daily report.

                                                      it helps a bit.

                                                      Comment

                                                      • Forkbeard
                                                        Confirmed User
                                                        • Feb 2002
                                                        • 2236

                                                        #28
                                                        Originally posted by taboo_gal
                                                        It is much better to have a generic cover your ass statement, than to have nothing, legal requirement or not.
                                                        My considered opinion, reached in consult with qualified counsel: No, it's not. A "generic cover your ass statement" can be used as evidence against you -- proof that you admitted you had an ass to cover. Get it right, or keep your yap shut.

                                                        In any case, it's not your place to make that judgment call for your affiliates.
                                                        Originally posted by taboo_gal
                                                        Honestly, the issue with those who do not like our approval process (or any other for that matter) is that it requires effort. If you are serious about this business, you'll get compliant and you'll treat this business as any other job.
                                                        Patronizing bullshit. I can't speak for your other affiliates, but the issues I raised had to do with privacy (it's laughable to expect webmasters with no personal basis for trusting you to give you too much information, especially information you don't need to run a program) and legal risk (each webmaster has to manage his or her own, and it's both patronizing and stupid to advise your webmasters on doing that or to require that they do it "your way" when their own lawyers may be giving them better advice.)

                                                        I don't doubt "your way" helps you weed out many lamers and scammers. But what you apparently don't realize is that some webmasters with their shit together can't stop laughing at you long enough to do business with you.
                                                        Offering sponsored blog posts and custom writing services.

                                                        Comment

                                                        • macker
                                                          Confirmed User
                                                          • Jul 2003
                                                          • 2161

                                                          #29
                                                          Originally posted by the Shemp
                                                          you should start with a retina scan and then you will need a small skin sample from the back of their neck, for the DNA analysis...if you cant get the skin, saliva swab should be okay..

                                                          ForcedMen | AsianViolation | WorkMyCock | TickleAsian | MasturbationInstructors | AssCleaners | TickleTorment | Fetish4Download (VOD) | PantyhosePlaza | FemaleDomination
                                                          mick[at]fetishassets.com | ICQ: 395-117

                                                          Comment

                                                          • webgurl
                                                            Confirmed User
                                                            • Aug 2002
                                                            • 7954

                                                            #30
                                                            ours is auto approved but if you fill out some bunk info on your personal info page like a non - existing URL we will temporary disable your account , so fill out all the correct information

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