Toolbars Adware Parasites and Policy

[Linda Buquet]

I blogged yesterday about the growing controversy surrounding Brian Littleton's attempt to create a policy for accepted usage of toolbars on the Shareasale Network: <a href="http://affiliate-blogs.5staraffiliateprograms.com/">Shareasale on Toolbars - Roundtable Discussion</a>.

To really understand the full scope of this issue and why it is stirring up so much contention in the industry, you really just need to go over to Revenews to read the very detailed and point-on article from expert, Kellie Stevens.

<strong><a href="http://www.revenews.com/kelliestevens/putting-the-genie-back-into-the-bottle/">Putting the Genie Back Into the Bottle</a></strong>
I have been exceedingly frustrated at times by technology being abused to the point of causing schisms within our industry and stigmatizing the technology itself which, in reality, could have been positive for the affiliates, merchants, networks and consumers it was meant to serve. On more than one occasion I have stated that adware does not have to be an issue within affiliate marketing. For years now I have worked outline a model for adware behavior...

I have longed for a working policy (policy that is actually being used) that would address how software can be legitimately used within the affiliate channel sans all the controversy. Indeed, I strongly believe it is critical that our industry be able to produce such a working policy.

Why? So we can demonstrate our ability to self-regulate and foster the healthy growth of our industry. <strong><a href="http://www.revenews.com/kelliestevens/putting-the-genie-back-into-the-bottle/">More</a></strong>...