I’ve been working on this article for a few weeks. Inspite of my numerous connections with Networks it’s been very challenging because Networks don’t want to go “on the record”. I’m tired of waiting, so this article contains some stories which I believe to be fact and more importantly, specific techniques which Publishers/Webmasters can use to protect their hard work and help me bring this issue to light.

THE Two Issue:
(1) The perception of a conflict of interest when any current employee of any Network is running a Web Site which either derives income from the Affiliate Space or attempts to do so.
This deplorable issue was first brought to light by David Lewis via the following Blog and thread on ReveNews. You will also see posts from ME (Steve Shubitz). Please carefully read the entry and all the comments.
(2) The perception of a conflict of interest with respect to current employees inside the Corporate structure of a given Network who are engaged in “SEO/SEM/arbitrage”.
This deplorable issue was first brought to light by David Lewis via the following Blog and thread on ReveNews. Don’t miss the comments from actuall Super Affiliates and those third parties engaged in “SEO/SEM/arbitrage”.
Want a little bit more fuel for the fire? Carefully read Adam Vieners Blog on this very issue in addition to Vinny Lingham’s Blog. Please let me summarize these issues: in fact, it’s true (as per the accounts of others) that current employees of Networks have not only “stolen” the hard work of Publishers/Webmasters but used other confidential data to engage in “SEO/SEM/arbitrage”.
Procedures for Webmasters/Publishers
(1) Pick up the phone and call your AM or send them an email or ask them in a Forum the following questions which are “on the record”:
a. Do any of your current employees run Web Sites which derive income from the affiliate space and or attempt to derive income from the affiliate space?
b. Do YOU have an internal document which many would call a “code of conduct” which prohibits ANY Network employee from running a Web Site which in fact generates revenue or attempts to generate revenue from the Affiliate Space?
Ideally That’s a Yes or No answer but that may not happen. Wait for a definitive answer. Continue to move up the chain of command until you have an answer. If you can’t get an on the record answer, then it might be time to move on and find another Network who will answer your questions BEFORE you send them sales/traffic.
(2) This sliver of advice is very difficult for me to tell you, since I spent over 6 years trying to help both Networks and Affiliates trust each other, help each other, and truly embrace the “partnership” credo. I’ve really got no choice in the matter since Networks in the CPA space are so reluctant to go on the record and more importantly, stories from others indicate this issue has occured in the past.
If the answer to question “a.” above is YES and or the answer to question “b.” above is NO do this:
Webmasters/Publishers should assume that every single Network engaged in the CPA/CPL does in fact have current employees who are “stealing” their data and using it to make money. Wash/obviscate your htttp referral code. Use an intermediary site and or a script to do this. Never disclose the keyword terms and or other Media you use and the site which generated the click to sale. Use your own “codes” to track conversion which do not include any data that a Network employee could use to steal your procedures and income.
Never disclose any details about your: marketing procedures, Media buys, other sites you own, and your sites demographics to your Network. Immediately complain to Senior Management in writing if you suspect that your procedures have been compromised and in fact are being used by current Network employees to make money. Continue to be a friendly “partner” but a tight lipped partner.
On the record statements from CPA/CPL Networks
In the interest of fair play and providing ALL CPA/CPL Networks an opportunity to rehabilitate your tarnished image, please send me your “on the record statements” which specifically address the following 2 issues. I will publish same in this section. Please sign the email with your full name, your position with the Network, and provide a phone number so I can verify the authenticity of your statement. Please send them to: ss AT StopScum DOT com and in the subject field please include: On the record statements from (Networks Name) Your “on the record” statement must answer these 2 questions:
a. Do any of your current employees run Web Sites which derive income from the affiliate space and or attempt to derive income from the affiliate space?
b. Do YOU have an internal document which many would call a “code of conduct” which prohibits ANY Network employee from running a Web Site which in fact generates revenue or attempts to generate revenue from the Affiliate Space?

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