Quote:
|
Originally Posted by scoreman
The larger programs will all likely have spent the time and money to get their records in order, but I think you will see nearly all the programs take a wait and see approach to releasing the docs to the affiliates. Giving out all the model ids and releases to our affiliates is something we will do IF its clear to us that its needed and we have no choices left. Here is the main problem: if we release this information prematurely we give away very important info (specifically model names and addresses) and in the meantime, the regs get tied up in litigation and eventually die in court, we cannot recover the info we released and prevent its distribution and disclosure to the wrong people (both competitors and stalkers). We can't unring the bell once its been rung.
These regs will be good for some (mostly lawyers) and significantly worse for others. For example, while paysites and freesites have alot of problems, places like premium newgroup providers like Easynews.com or Yahoo Groups will have to dramatically change their policies. Much of their business model relies on non documented postings. We could see these companies just phase out adult content altogether. This could result in a higher demand for adult product if the US Govt passes regs that restrict the proliferation of adult content in free areas. I think no matter what happens here you will see the better sites survive and grow stronger from all this.
|
Scoreman, thank you for giving us the point of view of a large sponsor.
A wait and see attitude is logical given the importance of the data sponsors may need to release but the question is,
1) will your big affiliates have the necessary time to accomodate their sites to fit the new regulations? You mention free sites, what about those affiliates with extensive networks?
2) Will sponsors provide the necessary tools or are affiliates on their own? Having the documentation is a small part of the problem. Affiliates may have to face another hurdle: creating scripts that will handle their own crossed-reference material... and where is that technology going to come from? Most affiliates will not have the manpower to comply within 30 days.
Finally, according to your analysis, blogs may also become casualties of war. The only way around this will be getting doumented content and keeping records straight as much as paysites will have to do.