I cant beleive that after 4 years of the affiliate community debateing and dicussing this topic were still getting posts like this from Lee.

This is getting really boring now - lets move on and start talking about something new please before i kill myself.

I’ve added a network perspective to Lee’s blog on this topic - one that seemingly never goes away despite little supporting evidence to back it up.

I think there are a few things to take into account. Firstly, Brand name bidding can infact be corrupt. When I managed a campaign on a network that is well known for suggesting brand name bidding in the past it was suggested that I change my policy (from no brand name bidding) and allow about 5 affiliates to do so.

It was a good idea (as we didn’t have it trademarked with google) but the part that WAS corrupt about it was that the network (who knew I did my own affiliate activities) suggested that I be one of the brand name bidders myself.

To me, that is corrupt.

All that being said there are reasons to allow closed brand name bidding groups and often it is perfectly legit.

I think that transparancy is required and most of the networks (which pissed me off) refuse to do it.

As you know, I went to some of the IAB meetings & sat in a room with the senior staff at pretty much all of the networks. I suggested that to make things more transparent all they need to do is let affiliates know what programs allow BNB and what do not (and ideally when it’s up for renewal).

EVERY NETWORK IN ATTENDANCE (BAR ONE) REFUSED TO DO SO.

That says a lot for me - the industry is not a corrupt one but seeing as one of the glorious things about it is the fact that everything is so transparent it’s a shame that this is one area that isn’t - it’s something that needs to be addressed.

As I commented on Lee’s blog make the results of RFP’s public - everyone then knows who has been chosen and who’s doing what. Why not go as far as to indicate who’s in each closed group?

It won’t happen as they’ll be excuses abound… but should multi million pound businesses be concerned by that if it dispels rumours of corruption or removes the shroud of secrecy which covers the industry?

I’d love the industry to have a whiter than white image but to get that image the lid needs to be lifted by the networks to demonstrate all is well and above board in the way they deal with RFP’s, closed groups etc.

Unfortunately until that happens OR an affiliate has the courage and conviction to prove and publish that there are issues regarding impartiality (rather than just anonly) then there will always be rumours and comment from those “in the know” or just simply disgruntled by the lack of clarity.

Jason

I wasn’t saying that the process was corrupt, I was asking whether it is.

I think it’s a valid conversation or debate to have.

I’m disapointed that you feel I lowered the tone. If you don’t like the tone of my blog - don’t read it!

Lee
Lee