Sneaky new affiliate tactic

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Sneaky new affiliate tactic

By Allan Gardyne | Published 05/8/2008 | 2008 Newsletters |

Time to fight back against deceptive marketing

Associate Programs Newsletter #364

Deceptive affiliate marketing makes our world a worse place.

I reckon it's time to fight back.

CONTENTS:

1. Beware of this sneaky new affiliate tactic
2. Why I didn't just keep quiet about it
3. Have your say
4. New free affiliate training course
5. Are you new to affiliate programs?
6. Thought for today: Fracturing of trust

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1. Beware of this sneaky new affiliate tactic
=============================================

Occasionally we receive some nasty smelling submissions to our affiliate directory.

Here's one I want to warn you about...

It's called Affiliate List Controller.

The salesletter recommends a deliberately deceptive tactic.

Affiliate List Controller is software that creates a pop-up which appears on top of ANY website you care to choose.

Here's how it works...

Let's say you're an affiliate vendor and I'm an affiliate directing potential customers to YourSite.com. I can now make a pop-up appear on top of YourSite.com asking people to sign up to MY newsletter.

Some affiliates place a squeeze page between their links and a vendor's site. That's OK. It's a legitimate way of building a targeted list. There's normally nothing deceptive about it.

This is quite different. Sneaky.

Here's the salesletter...

http://affiliatelistcontroller.com

(That's NOT an affiliate link.)

I hope you're as outraged as I am.

I wanted a second opinion so I asked a friend who's a very experienced marketer. Here's how he sees it...

"This software is designed to give visitors the impression they're signing up for the merchant's list, not the affiliate's. There's no amount of rationalization that can cover that fact. There's a heavy emphasis on making sure the merchant's site is the one visible, and the sales copy emphasizes that the pop-up appears 'on' the merchant's site.

"The funny thing is, no matter how carefully they word the pop-up language, this will still create false impressions. They know it, or they wouldn't describe it as 'almost' black hat."

As he says, it's not "almost" black hat. It IS black hat.

The script does have potential proper uses.

For instance, you could use it when sending someone from an article to your own site, from your blog to your own salesletter, from part 1 or 2 of a 3-part web-based e-course, etc.

As with any tool, it can be used in ethical or unethical ways.

My friend sums it up nicely: "My opinion? Anyone using this sort of pop-up over someone else's site should be banned from the affiliate program/network involved and their commissions forfeited. It is deliberately deceptive."

Just in case you're still puzzling over the ethics involved here, picture this...

You sign up for a newsletter, thinking it's published by XYZ Company. You KNOW it's published by that company because you were on the company's website when you signed up. However, after a few editions, you eventually catch on - it's published not by XYZ, but by a spruiker.

I'm not buying or promoting this product. I try hard to avoid buying stuff from people who advocate deceptive marketing.

========================================
2. Why I didn't just keep quiet about it
========================================

When I see bad affiliate stuff happening, I wrestle with the decision to talk about it or just keep quiet.

GOOD: Writing about Affiliate List Controller warns affiliate merchants that they need to be on the lookout for affiliates who are using it in a deceptive way and are harming the merchant's image.

BAD: On the other hand, it gives the vendor publicity which could lead to sales.

So should I just keep quiet?

Well, here's how I see it...

Deceptive marketing makes our world a worse place. Someone has to fight back.

================
3. Have your say
================

Should I have just shut up about Affiliate List Controller? Am I making a fuss about nothing? Do you think it's none of my business if you use this so-called "almost black hat" stuff? Do you think it's harmless?

Or are you, like me, sick and tired of seeing deceptive marketing tactics used online? Do you agree it's time to fight back?

Do you just shrug off this sort of thing or does it make you angry?

I'd love to know your opinion. Please have your say...

You can always do this when you read one of these newsletters.

It's easy. Go to http://www.AssociatePrograms.com

You'll see the latest newsletter featured on the main page.

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter and add your comment.

(Comments are moderated. I'm in Queensland, Australia, and may be sleeping when your comments are posted. So if you see no comments immediately, that's probably the reason.)

I really would appreciate some feedback on this.

=====================================
4. New free affiliate training course
=====================================

Super affiliate Jeremy Palmer is putting on a new free course called the Black Ink Project...

http://www.theblackinkproject.com .

It's an affiliate marketing training course, aimed at affiliates who are struggling to reach profitability.

The course has just started and has been receiving a lot of positive buzz. Nearly 2,000 people have signed up so far.

This is 100% free, with no hidden upsell. As you can see from the outline, he's put together a solid curriculum that covers a lot of ground...

http://www.theblackinkproject.com/outline.php

He's also recruited some experts to help...

http://www.theblackinkproject.com/blog/?p=10

Jeremy is a very smart affiliate - he has an award from Commission Junction to prove it - and a good teacher.

Jeremy is a smart cookie. He's putting a lot of work into this, offering a lot of genuinely useful training for affiliates.

I've signed up to keep an eye on it. I recommend you do, too.

=====================================
5. Are you new to affiliate programs?
=====================================

If you're new to affiliate programs and affiliate marketing, here's the place to start...

http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/categories/Beginners-Articles

=========================================
6. Thought for today: Fracturing of trust
=========================================

"In the 1960s, if you introduced a new product to America, 90% of the people who viewed it for the first time believed in the corporate promise. Then 40 years later if you performed the same exercise less than 10% of the public believed it was true. The fracturing of trust is based on the fact that the consumer has been let down." - Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman.

All the best

Allan Gardyne

Comments

Comment #1 (Posted by Phil Tanny) |

Allan, Thanks for your leadership position on the issue of professional standards for the affiliate marketing industry. The trust of buyers and readers is crucial to all of our incomes. Those who play clever games with that pool of trust we all depend on deserve to be called to account by industry leaders like yourself.

Well done sir, this is why I've been reading your newsletter since the first issue.

Comment #2 (Posted by Roy Carter) |

Allan, I have to agree with you. If I found that someone had done this to one of my sites, i'd be furious. It's deceptive marketing of the worst kind and surely wouldn't do anthing but create a bad reputation for any affiliate marketer that does this. And in this business your reputation is everything. I'll be letting my own subscribers know about this. Thanks for the heads-up Allan.
regards
Roy

Comment #3 (Posted by Gene Stagg) |

Allan, Thank you for your review of Affiliate List Controller. I believe, like you, that these affiliates should be banned. Personally, I don't like pop-ups at all, even though they do raise sales. The most obnoxious of these is the exit pop-up that offers a "live" agent, causing you to have to click 3 times instead of once to get away from the sales page. I refuse to buy anything from a page that uses that pop-up. Oops, guess I went off on my pet peeve. Anyway, keep up the great work.
Gene

Comment #4 (Posted by David) |

Allan, Please do not EVER keep quiet about black hat marketing people/products. It's bad enough wading through all the hype that legitimate marketers dish out, but this kind of thing casts a really bad negative shadow over the entire Internet marketing world. Thanks for letting us know about this!

Comment #5 (Posted by Larry Chamberlain) |

Yes Allan, I do think it sneaky and deceptive. If I sign up for a newsletter, which I'm increasingly reluctant to do these days, I expect it to be from who I think it is from. Also I think that you are right to 'expose' this.

Comment #6 (Posted by jl scott) |

Hi Allan, Regarding your comments on Affiliate List Controller and whether it's "time to fight back" ...

This kind of unethical marketing has been going on since the WWW came into being. I've been fighting back for over eight years. This is the reason the International Council of Online Professionals (iCop) was born.

At the time, I was told by well-known marketers that these things were none of my business - that I was a "self-appointed watch dog." Said with the intention of being insulting.

These issues are an uphill battle that will never be "won." I realized that early on. The best we can do is help more marketers take PRIDE in good, ethical behavior. An organization like iCop removes members found participating in this type of behavior.

At the very least, online consumers can have higher expectations of members, and be assured they will have back-up from the organization, if they run into problems with a marketer who IS a member. And, with a history of 8+ years of a great reputation, we're here to stay and will continue to do the very best we can to keep standards high.

Quite frankly, I salute you for your stand on this subject! If more people weren't afraid to voice their opinions of this type of behavior, it would definitely help.

:-) jl

jl scott, ph.d., Director of iCop
International Council of Online Professionals
The Seal of Integrity in Online Business
http://www.i-Cop.org

[Hi jl, Thanks. If anyone doesn't already know about iCop, I recommend you check it out. Allan.]

Comment #7 (Posted by David) |

Hi Allan, Yes you should pass comment in my opinion because:

1. Most of us are students in marketing. We need to learn what to avoid doing as much as what to do.

Alerting us to stuff like this arms us to be able to avoid systems that will ultimately be exposed for what they are (fraud) and bring about a thoroughly negative impact on what we are attempting to achieve - namely ligitimate, successful marketing that builds a relationship with prospects and customers.

2. Unscrupulous people are going to behave unscrupulously regardless. The best way to make it difficult for them to do so is by doing exactly what you have - exposing bad practice.

So keep up the education!
Thank you.

Comment #8 (Posted by Judi) |

Allan, Thank you for exposing affiliate list controller. I don't think there's any question that it's the right thing to do. There's a great deal of misinformation and confusion about what is ethical/moral/legal in the online world - some appear to think there are different rules for the internet. It seems to me that when we know something is wrong (or right) we have a moral obligation to let others know.

Beyond that, keeping the sleaze quotient as low as possible helps all internet marketers. I already had one career that was considered by some to be kind of slimy (I used to be a lawyer), so I'd rather my IM work be held in higher esteem!

Comment #9 (Posted by Jim DeSantis) |

Hey, Allan... These types of popups are everywhere these days. Commenting on this particular use is a double edged sword. Whether to comment on it is a tough call because commenting points out black hat and white hat uses for this script. Some people might get some less than honorable ideas. I see why you did it - to warn marketers about black hat affiliates and that makes commenting on it a positive thing to do.

Comment #10 (Posted by Lita) |

As a newbie to affiliate marketing it sure scares the heck out of me that there could be so many deceptive tactics connected with this line of work online. Nonetheless, I am most appreciative when honest experts such as yourself bring out the red flags and help keep we newbie aspiring affiliate marketers out of trouble! It certainly helps keep me grounded!

Thank you for all your time and effort in keeping us well informed. Just to say you're one of my online guardian angels!

Comment #11 (Posted by Hamant Keval) |

Hello Allan, I was reading your newsletter and thought to myself - Hang on - I've seen this before. And actually I have - I bought a script quite some time ago and it was called Flurry Pop - Do you remember it. It works on the same basis. But I'll be honest - I only used it once - because I also had the same ethical issues of building a lits that way.

I actually used it for an affiliate promotion but instead of building a list - I actually put a message inside the pop up that if you buy the product from my link - you will get these addiitional bonuses. which worked very well. But I never used it since.

I dont think that was an unethical use I dont think. But Yes you are right - Its very border line - and easy for miss use. Great content Alan as usual
Thanks
Hamant

Comment #12 (Posted by Kurt Schmitt) |

On keeping quiet:

I think if you want to speak out about products or practices that you feel are harming the industry, then that's what you should do.

Anything can be spun. If you speak out about it, and that causes others to speak out as well, then that can be spun by the creators of the product into "everyone is talking about this controversial product."

Will that lead to more sales? Maybe. On the other hand, it may persuade those who are on the fence to back off from it. And, it's really those on the fence who need to be informed.

Comment #13 (Posted by Tamer Elzein) |

Hi Allan, You *definitely* did the right thing, and I'd like to take the chance to URGE you to do it again and again, every time you see something like that happening. I never bought into the idea of "Mention them, They get free publicity." Sure, it IS true. But here are my thoughts on this...

- The publicity they get is free, but it's also *harmful.* Their tactics are exposed, their credibility plummets, and their professional image vanishes into oblivion.

- More and more people know about the offending company(ies). Word spreads among folks who, just like you, try hard to avoid such deceiving tactics.

- The reputation of the affiliate business as a whole is enhanced when people realize that we're mostly "decent folk."

- As for the black-hat guys who would jump on such deceitful opportunities... well, they would find out about them one way or another. So it's best to keep the first 3 points into consideration.

Again, Thank you Allan for the great service you run here :-). Two thumbs up!

Comment #14 (Posted by Michael) |

Right on Allan! This is the kind of stuff that gives marketers who try to be completely ethical and above ground high blood pressure. If your product/site/service provides something of value to the customer, you don't need to resort to this sort of junk to get people to sign up for your list. But if you have no problem with cheating and lying your way to "riches", this is the only type of "marketing" you know. Too bad, because it is just as easy/difficult to be above board as it is to go underground.

Comment #15 (Posted by Sydney Johnston) |

Allan, you are 100% right to protest this kind of underhanded and deceitful advertising. I am delighted that you are using your well-known newsletter and site to hold Net marketers to a higher standard. Yes, some people will ignore your comments because they don't care who they hurt, just as long as they make money. But there will be others who will not use such shoddy methods because you have raised their awareness. Thanks for taking a stand!

Comment #16 (Posted by Dennis Manz) |

Hi Allan, I don't think there is even a question here about whether or not black hat marketing practices should or should not be allowed. There is a record amount of deception going on right now as we speak. It is way past due for these tactics to be revealed and eliminated. If we allow people to continue using such intentional deceptive marketing tactics the situation will only worsen. This is a fact of life.

I for one applaud you for informing your subscribers about Affiliate List Controller. The thing I don't understand is why more people do not speak out against these tactics? Why would anyone want to keep quiet about being deceived or lied to?

Why do people resort to these tactics? Because they can get away with it and they know that. That needs to change. If there were serious consequences to pay for using these black hat tactics maybe people would not be so anxious to use them?

Let's get rid of this crap now before it consumes and ruins everything business was truly meant to be, serving others in an honest, helpful and valuable way.
Dennis Manz

Comment #17 (Posted by Chris Molnar) |

A quick check at this site lead me to a few observations:
- A generic banner I see used on other cheap sites
- A face that looks like Charles Manson (would you trust this?)
- An overused sales page template

Now I feel dirty and have to scrub my browser history! Allan, I don't think you need to worry about publicizing it. People who are serious about this business won't be tempted to try it out. They'll know better. I haven't checked any forums to see how this is being taken (if at all), but I don't think it'll last long. Black-hat methods never do.

Being in this business for about 3 years, I'm confounded as to why certain people wish to make short-term shortcuts which only destroys their business in the long run - not to mention giving the rest of us a bad name.

Why not be ethical and build a long-term, trusting and sustainable online business? Be patient, work hard, and soon your sites will self-generate income, and your newsletter lists will have members who want to hear from you.

Before you know it, you'll be taking extended vacations and living your life, while those black-hatters will still be hacking at their computers because Google and other industries wiped out their business for the upteenth time. Doesn't sound like a "short cut" to success to me.

Comment #18 (Posted by Beverly Dawkins) |

Allan, I love getting your newsletters! They are always full of great information. Today I read about that pop-up scam. I am so glad some how some way I ran across your site and signed up for your newletters. I wouldn't have known about this tactic and I think all honest webmasters should be aware of this. I am outraged that this person who is doing this can actually sleep at night! He should be more than just shut down. He should be banned from owning a computer and from having access to the internet! This kind of deceptive marketing needs to be found and punished! It gives us all a bad name.

Comment #19 (Posted by Jorge) |

Hmmm. That is sneaky. Of course it's unethical, it's simply stealing. "The money is in the list," more than it is in the immediate sale. This person is simply stealing the merchant's bread and butter. It amounts to being a kind of tape-worm or parasite. If the affiliate wants to build a list as well, he/she should build landing pages or offer something of value prior to acquiring the sale of the merchant's product, exactly as Allan advises.

Comment #20 (Posted by Bob Marconi) |

I for one, appreciate when someone who is exerienced in IM takes the time to inform others of 'sneaky' tacticts. Some of us, who are new to IM, might not be able to see through all the hype and tactics designed to separate us from our meager resources.
Thanks!

Comment #21 (Posted by Rodger Cresswell) |

sneaky new affiliate tactic and should you say something? Yes please. For me this whole market is getting so silly it is difficult to know who to trust. So called Gurus promoting other so called Guru's products so that the favour will be returned. We are all in business to make money and there are genuine teachers and products out there. We need a forum such as this to start black marking the fakes and rip offs. Thank you Allan.

Comment #22 (Posted by Ilse) |

Allan, I for one am glad you spoke up. I'm real new to affiliate marketing. One thing I noticed right from the get go, affiliate marketers have a worse reputation than horse traders. Customers really don't trust them, and if the truth be told, some affiliates don't even treat other affiliates very well, so I guess customers don't expect better treatment. The thing is there are good products out there and good affiliates promoting them. You can make a legitimate living online, the problem is it's not easy, and is seldom quick. That's why you get those folks who try this kind of crap. They want to get in, make a grab, and get back out before they get caught. Wrecks it for the rest of us. Every scam that finds it's mark ruins 10 chances (probably more) for an affiliate who is honest. It'll take the big guys to clean up affiliate marketing, sure ain't nobody going to listen to me. Any other big names want to jump on board?
Kudos Allan
Ilse

Comment #23 (Posted by Kristine) |

First off, thank you Allan! I personally just posted a rant on my blog about what I feel is unethical behavior even among some of the "top gurus". I had not yet come across this product but most certainly would have felt the same way you did. For what it's worth, I think you did the absolute right thing. It's ethical marketers like yourself that deserve kudos.
- Kristine

Comment #24 (Posted by Karl) |

'Or are you, like me, sick and tired of seeing deceptive marketing tactics used online? Do you agree it's time to fight back?'

You are damn well correct in your way of thinking.....
The net has become a regular " free for all"
compared to years ago..... SOMETHING has to be done.........
Cheers ! Karl

Comment #25 (Posted by Tina Golden) |

I, for one, am very glad that you have the integrity to stand up and expose the unethical practices of certain marketers. Deceptive practices such as this are why internet marketers and the industry in general have a bad reputation with many people.

Those who tell you it's not your business or place to point these unscrupulous methods out to the rest of us are the same type of people that in the "real world" don't want to get involved in helping others or stopping criminal behavior. What's that expression... nothing will change if good men do nothing? Keep fighting the good fight!

Comment #26 (Posted by Unknown) |

I dont see a problem with this at all since its my traffic. Its only a popup with someones sites in the background.

It may be a little misleading but I really see nothing wrong with doing what it takes to add to my list.

[I suggest you re-read what I wrote. I explained carefully why it's deliberately deceptive. Allan.]

Comment #27 (Posted by Unknown) |

Another thing... by you bringing the site to other peoples attention will only allow other webmasters to use the software.

I would not doubt that some people who have posted here have already gone to the site and made a purchase and using it to add to their list. Maybe this is a very slick way to get more people to purchase the software. :)

[Sunlight is a powerful disinfectant. Allan.]

Comment #28 (Posted by Ilse) |

You'll notice Unknown didn't sign his/her name. Gee wonder why?? If it's so ethical, stand up for it then.

Comment #29 (Posted by Louis Bourne) |

Allan,
Thanks for the information on Affiliate List Controller. I totally agree with your assessment, and these tactics only hurt those who are truly trying to make a legitimate living on line. Being new and trying to learn, I appreciate someone like yourself speaking up and making us aware of such tactics. Keep up the good work, and its refreshing to see someone take a stand on such a deceptive practice.

Comment #30 (Posted by Glenn) |

Hi Allan, I am very glad you brought this up. The internet seems to have become a free for all for all kinds of shady scams. There is a criminal element in this world that will always find ways to bring distrust to everything they get involved in.

The internet has become one of their favorite playgrounds, because they can hide behind their computer screens.

Just look at the ones that create virus's to damage the computers of people that they do not even know. A normal person would not get enjoyment from that, but they seem to.

Eventually they will put heavy restrictions on the internet, making it hard on legitimate marketers, because of the antics of the criminal element that just can't seem to behave.

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Time to fight back against deceptive marketing

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