Blogging Disclosure - Disclose or Not Disclose that is the Question

1 Person Speaking Their Mind - Put In Your Two Cents!

Posted on June 5, 2007 in Working Online

I came across the Post on Shoemoney’s Blog Debating Blogging Disclosure With Rand Fishkin On Net Income and figured i would throw in my 2 cents. In general I feel that everyone has motive or reason for making posts or reviews on products or just writing in general.

I mean everyone writes for some reason, maybe to gain attention, to earn money, to get links back, to make a name for themselves you name it. Even the people that say they write just to write are hoping to one day land a book deal or something. I look at it as everyone has something to gain and that in one way or another they are probably on the take in some shape or fashion.

People gain credibility because they are credible. Example (neither person discloses), If someone is directly on the take and all they review is all positive stuff about 80% crap items, or whatever. People stop reading. If someone is on the take and still post their own honest opinions then people will come back to read more. I look at it this way, if you disclose or not it is really up to you, but ultimately the readers of your content at some point will realize either your posts are gold or crap, and it really won’t matter if you disclose or not.

Thats my 2 cents, whats yours.

Testing a New CPA Network and Neverblue Ads

3 People Speaking Their Mind - Put In Your Two Cents!

Posted on June 4, 2007 in Affiliate Networks, CPA Networks, Neverblue ads

As i have time I try out new CPA networks to see if they are worth while or if they are full of false promises. Before i get on to talking about Neverblue Ads, I figured i would discuss how i test a new network out.

Testing a New CPA Network:
1. Search forums and Google to see what other people have to say about the network. (don’t let one bad comment keep you from trying but several negatives you may want to proceed with caution)
2. Contact the Network and ask for a list of offers and base payout. (you never know they may have an offer you are currently running but with higher payout)
3. Talk to the CPA network about payments. (are the payment periods flexible, can they do net 15 or bimonthly or even weekly.) (Note* prove yourself first then ask for quicker payments, off the bat asking for bimonth or weekly payments usually throws up a red flag)
4. Signup and check out the offers make sure the payouts match what they sent or are higher.
5. Start off slow. Usually in the first month i will only send enough traffic to atleast get paid out. (this ensures they do pay)
6. After first month and i receive payment and offers are performing well I will start sending more traffic. (Ask Your AM for reports or whats performing good etc.) (don’t go over board, I usually keep the 2nd month to a few K unless I am just overly confident i will get paid as for every dime i make i am usually spending money)
7. Now in your second month you should by now be working with your account manager asking for higher payouts, even setting goals for payouts etc. (this will not only help them out, it helps them to help you)
8. Into your third month and you received your payment for a few K from the second month. I would say you can rest assured they will pay you moving forward so you don’t have to hold back.
9. If at any point it is unprofittable or offers just arent converting, don’t be afraid to stop using the network. If they keep bugging you (via emails phone calls etc.) tell them to buzz off and/or delete your account and stop contacting you.

This is the method i use for testing. As a side note if a newtowk has offers i am already running and it is at the same payout I am currently at I will ask the new network off the bat if they can give me higher payout. Usually they will give something, then i will split test the offer. Each network tracks a little bit differently and sometimes the same offer on one network may convert poorly on another due to system or slow page loads etc..

So now on to Neverblue Ads. I have been testing them for the past few months and so far i am pleased. My account manager is Victoria Hansen. I will say this she may not know all the ins and outs of affiliate marketing (she is somewhat new as an AM), but she is up front and provides what information you need. I used the methods above to test out Neverblue Ads, and I can say they do payout and on time. They do have higher thresholds to be able to get bimonthly payouts than other networks, but they do offer it. They have exclusive offers, but do rerun some other networks offers. They are willing to work with you on payouts and even landing pages. I have made requests for some offers, some they had created or changed, some I am still waiting. The most important thing with the Neverblue Ads network, they were quick to respond, quick to get me information, and willing to work with me on payouts. Plus to my surprise I got a package in the mail from my account manager. It was a Neverblue Ads Dress Shirt, Coffee Mug, and a gift certificate to Salt Grass steakhouse (one of my favorite places to eat.) See the picture below.
Neverblue Ads CPA Network

So try out new networks you never know which ones will work for you and which ones won’t. BUT if you never try you may be leaving money on the table. *NOTE… Just because a network hasn’t worked for me or other people doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. Only times i stay away from network is if there are tons of posts and articles about non payment.

CPA Affiliates T shirts are in!

10 People Speaking Their Mind - Put In Your Two Cents!

Posted on June 1, 2007 in CPA Affiliate Announcements, Working Online

With the new design and layout, I finnally descided to get some T-shirts made. They came in late yesterday afternoon. Of course the best part for my readers is you will have a chance to get one! I haven’t decided how or what will have to be done to get one but there will be plenty of opportunities. I might just choose from time to time an awesome comment and send them a T shirt.

Front of CPA Affiliates T shirt
CPA Affiliates T Shirt Front