Is it morally-OK for affiliate magazines to accept advertisements from evil outfits?

I think it comes down to “what is evil” – As a publisher I won’t take ads from certain companies and have said no to some but I also take advertising from companies that some affiliates believe to be “evil” and some to believe they are “angels” well…..close to angels…..

Its the same debate I have had a few times and that is what is rogue and what isn’t….which is often very subjective as people either haven’t analysed the full picture or actually don’t have access to enough information to be able to make a proper judgement.

Saying all this I personally believe that the media should be independent as much as possible, i.e we shouldn’t have the power to choose who advertises or indeed what sides of stories we present.

Our job is to reflect the sector and educate our reader so they make more money. Of course if a program is 100% bad then we won’t carry their ads but if there is a question mark around that program, then I think you need to put the advert in as after-all the readers are adults running a business and if they aren’t doing due diligence on who they are promoting and make their own informed decisions then they are on an uphill struggle already.

I think they do have a responsibility to be honest.. in this industry its in everyones benefit for programs, affiliates, and media companies to keep their noses clean.

We’re striving for legitimacy in so many emerging markets, that rogue outfits only make it harder for us when it comes to regulation.

I know of some programs who have been denied certifications on CAP because they don’t make the grade, or in the past haven’t acted in the best interests of advertisers – but it doesn’t stop CAP from keeping the communication lines open with them to ensure advertiser concerns are answered.