PJ vs CJ: The Real Issue

12 Responses to “PJ vs CJ: The Real Issue”

1. Vlad Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

   Nice take on things as usual Sam. I bet it was hard to do this podcast.

   I think PJ will come out ahead after the dust is settled.

   I am sure it is nice to be on first name basis with Ms. Pollard. I wish knew her, or for that matter any one from CJ that well. 90% of my problems, that purely are technical, could be solved in seconds. I dread every single time I need to pick up the phone and call CJ. It’s like calling AT&T to dispute a charge….

   On the other hand just seconds ago I was able to chant with Affiliate Manager over at PepperJam.

   It’s hard to dispute the fact that PepperJam did push the envelope as far as communication is concerned.

2. 45n5 Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

   Should networks blog? of course i think cj.com looks foolish by not blogging and kris and the pepperjam team rack up tons of street cred by 1. blogging and 2. commenting on blogs.

3. Vlad Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

   Mark,

   I agree. For goodness sake they advise “blogging” as a business model in their “resources”. At least it would give them an opportunity to present their “side”.

4. Jonathan (Trust) Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

   As far as communication, I would give more “cred” to those networks that participate in forums*, give and take with affiliates. Not those who close their forums up when the questions got too tough. Great if they blog, but they have more control over the conversation there.

   *Such as SAS, Performics, Linkshare, Avantlink etc. CJ used to participate but stopped.

5. Sam Harrelson Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

   Not sure, @Trust… I think most people lump in blogs with forums these days given how easy it is to comment, etc.

   Besides, we all know how receptive ABW is to any network besides SAS these days

6. Jonathan (Trust) Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

   “Besides, we all know how receptive ABW is to any network besides SAS these days”

   Very receptive. They have these networks that participate there:

   Linkshare
   Performics
   SAS
   Buy.at
   Avantlink
   Affiliate Future
   Zanox
   etc.

   Yeah, sometimes the questions are tough from affiliates but you stick around and participate, not fold.

7. Sam Harrelson Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

   Yep, can’t argue there @Trust. However, I think it’s easier for a network to set up a free blog (and add in something like phpBB or Ning) which is going to get the same traffic/conversations going than to pay big $$ to be a part of ABW.

8. Jonathan (Trust) Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

   Don’t know about that. You might get a little participation but it’s much easier all in one place, most aren’t going to jump around blogs or have the time to. Some of us do actually have affiliate sites to work on And forums are just better for conversation than blogs since anybody can start up a topic. Also what I mentioned about control. Affiliates feel a litte bit more freer to express their opinions on a more neutral ground as opposed to a network blog/forum. It was before my time but I heard the stories of the forums CJ used to have (at CJ) and they shut them down. Couldn’t control those darn affiliates and didn’t like what they were saying.

9. Sam Harrelson Says:
   March 6th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

   Agree on the control thing, but I think most networks realize that ABW or Wickedfire or DigitalPoint, etc cater to certain communities now. Having your own blog or forum seems like a better way to control things these days.

10. Jonathan (Trust) Says:
    March 7th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    I’m all for networks having their own blogs but they still should get out among the affiliates, wherever they are and get into the conversation. I know it’s more controlled but like you always say Sam, get out there and get your hands dirty, get out of your comfort zone. I think affiliates realise most merchants are going to have their programs on networks. So I think most want the networks to run as smoothly as possible and networks should be listening to merchants and affiliates, their customers. If they did, they might possibly avert bad ideas like a CJ LMI.

11. Vlad Says:
    March 7th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    I am not sure I would like to discuss everything on a log or forum…. What if I need to negotiate a better commission?

    From my be good for these “tough” questions and affiliate rants… I am interested in one on one communication. I see it much more constructive for my business.

12. Evan Says:
    March 9th, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    Of course CJ is pissed! Why wouldnt they when Pepperjam manages several CJ programs and can easily steal away affiliates and merchants from CJ. I see more actions coming.

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