Well.. not a great surprise (going back to the original post)..
I’ve posted a bunch of thanks (prolly more than ever over all on this post) based on those I strongly agree with .. sorry for those that I didn’t…
As I said before – in another topic I think – I’m happy to ‘link-up’ with others on this .. just not sure where to get all the links from and how best to ensure mutual exchanges.. (a new topic or is that overkill) ? (or see later in this post for a suggestion)
As for ‘google’ .. well I think worst case if every affiliate (and even the smaller ones that only earn $2.50 from some programs .. once they see 0 0 0 0 0 0 going on for months will know to remove Grand Prive links lol) .. As for it only happening if they mention it .. I think for top 3-5 maybe.. but most ‘a bit savvy’ internet users.. I think they look over the first page and I think if they see plenty of bad stuff.. it will distract them enough.. of course that is – if they google the right terms..
As for ‘other programs’ supporting the cause etc.. I think many (players) might see that as ‘competitive’ stuff (and mostly in a negative way) .. how many times have we seen certain programs show badness towards another only coming up with their own links as ‘better places’?
I do think ‘linking up’ between whichever sites (those that don’t ‘link-up’ fine – and respected) .. but I do think if you really feel for this subject then one link won’t hurt .. and I’m more than happy to link up with any page(s) from my page so long as it’s at least reciprocal.. If someone can do a ‘web-ring’ type thing that shows all joined up and reciprocally linking .. I guess that would work most fairly .. (I can code it if it’s the wish) .. but I only do PHP lol.. (and more than happy to provide the code for CAP if they’re happy to do it) and have it hosted all CAP so that I have nothing else to do with it once done etc etc (I know how suspicious I am on links so if it’s all independent should all be good?) (gimme a week on that if you want it – for coding, testing etc etc)..
As far as the consideration of ‘others’ following suit.. well I agree it’s a possibility.. but they will end up spending (and competing a LOT) for ad-buys on google and I used to see $100+ clicks in Overture years ago – which is kinda expensive.. and well if they do that.. just hit ’em .. google/overture will charge them for paid links that will end up nowhere lol… They will also lose alot of linkage from all the affiliate sites (why would they list them at all if not for any revenue?).. so I’m pretty sure most know it’s in their interests..
I really hope that this doesn’t mess up a good ‘business model’ for all concerned.. operators, players and affiliates alike.. it would be bad for industry as a whole – for all concerned – it would cast extra doubt for operators, less linkage and publicity from affiliates and less trust from players (i.e. cos they have nowhere to go to if things don’t work out)..
The facts they ‘reckon’ they are earning less I believe is total CR*P – I earned something along the lines of $700-$900 for them last month (bearing in mind I haven’t actively promoted them in about 6-8 months) .. (do the math on % rev share). they ARE earning plenty.. and an automated affiliate system costs pretty much ‘hosting’ only costs.. with maybe an accountant or 3 to pay people.. this is total BS!
Lastly and most sadly, from MGS’s (non-) action on this.. I’m feeling that maybe like any ‘good thing’ perhaps MGS are starting the beginning of their own end but on the positive side there’s a LOT of good other alternatives around.. and I strongly believe that those that reward advertisers / affiliates – in the long run .. will reign highest..
That said.. I hope that us affiliates will continue to ‘do the right thing’ .. and I think ‘karma’ will take care of the rest 
Happy Promoting and Gaming Always!
Geno/CC