I think a lot of us are.
It is a quagmire out there though, lots of programs and affiliate care and payments don’t seem to quite measure up to what I am used to.
Gambling affiliates are used to fierce competition, but also to supporting each other in their endeavors, as you see happening here at CAP. We like to see affiliate relationships as serious contracts just like the brick and mortar world, and personal contact and responsiveness is a must.
Then there is the issue that a lot of the better programs I see in the non-gambling sector pay CPA – I hate CPA. I believe in building customer bases, in customer relationships, not in the “in and out” system. Of course other gambling affiliates don’t neccesarily feel the same way, the competition results in a lot of different business models and approaches, each with it”s own merits.
So, personally, while willing and able, I am lost. When reading posts at affcommunity, I find a lot of aff managers post links without even giving an idea of what they sell and to find out I would actually have to sign up. Very counterproductive, I turn and leave. I like to see info on clients and whatnot without having to sign up and getting spammed.
We are used to extensive statistics and constantly fresh creatives and new promotional ideas. I guess we’re spoiled, but rightfully so because it makes us most effective.
In short, the programs play a huge part in our success, it takes both parties to generate what is necessary to create efficient advertising vehicles.
The foundation of the whole thing is mutual trust and I have literally worked for years to establish that with the programs, fellow affiliates and customers. That’s what makes me tick. Again, that’s my approach, but the trust in the aff program is absolutely necessary for all of us.
Should you be afraid? Dishonest or shoddy programs should be afraid, we tend to out them. If you like a clean industry, you should be delighted. We are a powerful salesforce, on all levels.