Am I an asshole?

[germ]

Am I the only person in this industry that does work on weekends? I'm of the opinion that, due to the nature of our jobs, those of us that make our livings via the internet should toss out this idea that we don't need to work weekends.

It's damn near impossible to get ahold of an affiliate rep after 6pm on weekdays or anytime from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Am I just being an asshole, or is this a legitimate complaint?

[who]

I think most of us work on the weekends. It's not possible to ignore stats for even one day... and that counts as work because you always end up doing more than just checking stats..

[cranki]

I work on weekends as well...

[F-U-Jimmy]

Thats why i promote companies like busty-bucks.com. I wanted some images for a new TGP site late on Sunday night. I got a reply within a few hours and a link to the images. That said, i do send them a ton of traffic / Joins, so i sort of expect VIP treatment

[peterk]

I also usually work on weekends too

[Beaver Bob]

We are available for affiliates on evenings and weekends. we have a support form for affilites that sends the whole staff an email so someone usually gets back to them right away.

[Bruce_Miller]

I think a lot of us work 24/7 only taking eating and bathroom breaks LOL

[GITZINGER]

[D]

I work on Saturdays regularly and am available to any affiliate who needs me, but if you go straight through life without unplugging from the grind regularly, you're doing yourself, and those in your life, a disservice.



And, with rare exceptions (for which companies such as the one I work for have protocols in place to handle), what's so important that it can't hold a few hours or couple of days anyways? With all due respect, maybe it's your ability to manage time effectively that needs an overhaul.

In anology: there's always a market open somewhere in the world - yet banks still close.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by D

In anology: there's always a market open somewhere in the world - yet banks still close.

Not a very good analogy since there are credit card machines in most of them.

[D]

Originally Posted by baddog

Not a very good analogy since there are credit card machines in most of them.

You could also say there's online banking interfaces... but I still think the analogy's apt, because programs have affiliate software interfaces. Every program has a website - with Ad tools, account management cgi's, and various other items of interest... 24/7/365.

I think this is a question of speaking to a human for a specific, ouT-of-the-norm, need.

But as germ hasn't yet replied to my asking "what's so important?" I can't say for certain.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by D

You could also say there's online banking interfaces... but I still think the analogy's apt, because programs have affiliate software interfaces. Every program has a website - with Ad tools, account management cgi's, and various other items of interest... 24/7/365.

I think this is a question of speaking to a human for a specific, ouT-of-the-norm, need.

But as germ hasn't yet replied to my asking "what's so important?" I can't say for certain.

Your bank doesn't offer 24/7 support?

[D]

Originally Posted by baddog

Your bank doesn't offer 24/7 support?

Live support? No, it does not.

Bank of America/California... has specified live customer support hours... as do most of the other banks (and credit unions) I've just spent the time looking up to verify that I'm not totally off base here...

And those that have 24/7 customer support lines (such as WaMu), still have specific hours that you need to call for specific matters such as loans, deaf support, and communication with the corporate offices.

[sniperwolf]

I think not! well, you might just miss some important business offers but you can still run for it! i mean there are people who are still working until weekend.

[germ]

I agree that 99% of the time, my issue isnt so important that it absolutely can't wait a few hours/a day. However, that's not really the point. I would think that, as competitive as this business is, programs would want their affiliates to be taken care of 24/7.

D...I don't really get your assumption that I'm not managing my time properly just because I happen to also work on the weekends.

As far as unplugging, I'm very good about balancing work and recreation. That being said, I still put in a ton of hours and don't mind doing so. I enjoy my work.

I just don't understand the logic behind closing your affiliate support after 5pm during the weekdays and all weekend. If your affiliates are working, you should be too. At the very least, have your email tied to your cellphone so you can answer any legitimate issues that do sometimes arise after "normal" business hours.

[smack]

you're an asshole germ, but for other reasons. ;)

[uno]

I'm around if anyone needs anything.

[2012]

I think you should take a chill pill

[D]

Originally Posted by germ

I agree that 99% of the time, my issue isnt so important that it absolutely can't wait a few hours/a day. However, that's not really the point. I would think that, as competitive as this business is, programs would want their affiliates to be taken care of 24/7.

D...I don't really get your assumption that I'm not managing my time properly just because I happen to also work on the weekends.

So that it's understood: I wasn't assuming, I was speculating. They're very different actions, imho. Assumptions can be insulting, and I'm sorry if you took it that way... it wasn't my intent, and I hope you can see that.

That's why I asked you "what's so important?" If it's that you promised your partner you'd get that new gallery up tonight, but you forgot to ask the affiliate rep for that custom header that'll help you get the job done, it would seem - to me - that a lack of planning on your part (e.g. time management) is ultimately to blame for your predicament, and not the unavailability of an affiliate rep during the evening hours.

If it's that the FHG's you've set up are 404'ing, then yes - that constitutes a matter that requires immediate attention. Any company worth their salt has protocols to address such matters already set in place.

Originally Posted by germ

As far as unplugging, I'm very good about balancing work and recreation. That being said, I still put in a ton of hours and don't mind doing so. I enjoy my work.

And so do others. That doesn't mean that their work is their life or that I should require someone I work with to be available during their dinner hours, or when they're out on a Friday Night date, I don't think. It also shouldn't necessarily mean that programs should need to budget in second and third shift individuals to handle matters that could generally just as easily (and probably more effeciently) be handled in the morning, imho.

Originally Posted by germ

I just don't understand the logic behind closing your affiliate support after 5pm during the weekdays and all weekend. If your affiliates are working, you should be too. At the very least, have your email tied to your cellphone so you can answer any legitimate issues that do sometimes arise after "normal" business hours.

We don't close support at 5pm and during the weekends. I'm in the office right now (at 6PM on a weekend) to, among other duties, field any problem our affiliates might have... We do have cellphones, and pay attention to our emails, and the boards over the weekend.

This wasn't about Hushmoney. The company I work for is dialed in pretty tight... we handle affiliate support matters at all hours all the time... you were asking a generic industry question, right?

I realize I may be the only one really addressing your question as the devil's advocate right now... but all I'm doing is offering answer to your question with my own thoughts of why you might not be able to find someone during all hours. I think that this business - any business - is about building relationships with people you come to respect...

Demanding that a business partner be around all the time to serve at your beck and call may show a general lack of respect. At the very least, you should be able to wait until he's done putting the kids to bed.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by germ

Am I the only person in this industry that does work on weekends? I'm of the opinion that, due to the nature of our jobs, those of us that make our livings via the internet should toss out this idea that we don't need to work weekends.

It's damn near impossible to get ahold of an affiliate rep after 6pm on weekdays or anytime from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Am I just being an asshole, or is this a legitimate complaint?

The answer to the thread topic, Yes, but I am always still available for you ...I'm online checking email and ICQ pretty much every day btw hit me up, its been a while.

[Barefootsies]

I feel your pain, and know what you mean about internet companies not available on the weekend. It's very fucking annoying.

That said, I do not work as much on the weekends, but I am tied to my companies needs. I check e-mail through out the day both office and cell. So I can answer most things in an hour (unless sleeping).

But I have also provided a FAQ for some things that are popular questions so people can help themselves. The Q&A from that is based on years of answering shitheads, like say, AOL users who always have the same complaints, etc.

[germ]

Originally Posted by D

Edited for space.....

Just to clarify, this thread wasnt about any one particular company. It was completely generic and this is something that's always bothered me a little. Overall though, you're right. The majority of the issues I "need" addressed are things that could wait until normal hours. It's just kind of frustrating at times, that's all.

Believe me, I try to not be the annoying affiliate that asks 100 questions and harasses their reps. Ask anyone I've done business with. I'm pretty easy to get along with.

Also, I took no offense to anything you've said in this thread. On the contrary, I think you've done an excellent job of voicing your side of the argument, even if you're only playing devils advocate. That's something that is sorely lacking on GFY and most other forums.

Originally Posted by Jay

The answer to the thread topic, Yes, but I am always still available for you ...I'm online checking email and ICQ pretty much every day btw hit me up, its been a while.

LOL. It has been awhile. I'll be in contact very soon.

Honestly, you're one of the few that I know is almost always available.
Let it be known: Jay works more hours than most of you here.

[DaddyHalbucks]

One of the issues is that the internet itself is 24/ 7/ 365.

After hours staffing might make sense for some adult companies.

[_mC_]

MOST programs have reasonable and realistic support... Stop staying up late complaining support isn't available at 3am and get up early and get the support you need.

But yeah, there's always something you're gonna need when you can't get it...

Even Taco Bell closes DAMNIT!

[pr0]

I've got no problem getting in touch with my affiliate reps or program owners on weekends.....for any program out there.

[Grapesoda]

Originally Posted by germ

Am I the only person in this industry that does work on weekends? I'm of the opinion that, due to the nature of our jobs, those of us that make our livings via the internet should toss out this idea that we don't need to work weekends.

It's damn near impossible to get ahold of an affiliate rep after 6pm on weekdays or anytime from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Am I just being an asshole, or is this a legitimate complaint?

why would you think someone with an $6 per hour job would care about a weekend?

[germ]

Originally Posted by bm bradley

why would you think someone with an $6 per hour job would care about a weekend?

Affiliate reps only get paid 6 dollars an hour? Ouch.

[tony286]

If you want around the clock support then $10 a sign up would be ok with you?

[Cash]

Everyone is an asshole, so the answer is yes.

[uno]

Shit I'm around @ 4 am on a sunday night/monday morning. I usually only get support requests from the Phillipines or Eastern Europe at this time tho.

Case in point: Ninja Steve just msged me from japan.

[NinjaSteve]

Originally Posted by germ

Am I the only person in this industry that does work on weekends? I'm of the opinion that, due to the nature of our jobs, those of us that make our livings via the internet should toss out this idea that we don't need to work weekends.

It's damn near impossible to get ahold of an affiliate rep after 6pm on weekdays or anytime from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Am I just being an asshole, or is this a legitimate complaint?

I can usually get a hold of UNO! That kicks ass.

[germ]

Originally Posted by tony404

If you want around the clock support then $10 a sign up would be ok with you?

No...I'd just do revshare :P