Comments on: A New Industry Association?

By: Stupid New York Tax Law Gets Affiliates Axed

Stupid New York Tax Law Gets Affiliates Axed — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:44:23 +0000

[...] Brook Schaaf of MediaTrust has put out a call to all affiliates proposing a new industry association. [...]

By: Chris Wilde

Chris Wilde — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:59:30 +0000

GOOD IDEA!

By: Carsten Cumbrowski

Carsten Cumbrowski — Sun, 18 May 2008 07:52:10 +0000

p.s. Here are links to the related posts from 2006: Initial Post Update Conclusion Some of the stuff talked about back then might be worthwhile thinking about today once more.

By: Carsten Cumbrowski

Carsten Cumbrowski — Sun, 18 May 2008 07:43:19 +0000

I was talking about this over one year ago and it blew right into my face, people talking about “My Organization” and crap like this. However, since then did a lot of things happened. More people talk more serious about it. Several differences were also resolved. I think that we are in a better position today than we were back in October 2006 and before that, when others like Brad, Wayne and Shawn (to name a few) attempted to get something going.

You have my support and regarding the issue that “everybody is too busy”. It is a matter of priorities. If it is important to you, time will be available, always. I think that I am not alone when I am saying that it became for me a priority where I am willing to take the time and energy for to get it going and keep running.

Jonathan, I disagree with you as I did in October 2006 and I am sure that you disagree with me as well, so there is no need to go over it again. It seems that the majority of people in this industry do not share your opinion. However, you have valid points that will have to be addressed in one way or another. I am also sure that Haiko from ABW is willing to support another initiative and he can also bring in a lot of concerns and ideas coming from the ABestWeb community.

By: Heather Paulson

Heather Paulson — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:56:55 +0000

Sam – I agree the organization should be independent and capable of self representation. Ideally the organization would be the communal voice for our industry. As well, it could assert ethics and channel ideals to a certain extent, allowing us all to be well informed concerning our industry standards.

Excellent post Brook, we need a voice…

Cheers,

Heather

By: Sam Harrelson

Sam Harrelson — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:28:02 +0000

If this does move forward, I’d just like to throw out there that we might want to (strongly) consider doing this independent of the IAB.

They have not been very supportive or forthcoming with affiliate or performance marketers in the past and I’m not sure that we should necessarily have history amnesia when it comes to them.

I’m confident that we can quickly create and fund an organization representative of the particular needs of affiliate marketers, merchants and networks without having to go down that path again.

Sam

By: peter bordes

peter bordes — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:37:22 +0000

Michael i will try to have more info from the IAB for everyone on Monday. We have a conference call with them regarding next steps and DC representation. I am also going to connect to Amazon with the IAB so we have a focused effort. I don’t understand why Overstock pulled the plug so fast on 3,400 loyal affiliates who helped build their brand. Why did they not join in with Amazon. No one in the affiliate industry is going to trust them.

This need to be an all hands on deck effort. I am surprised that there has not been a bigger rise in concern across the industry. The entire community needs to be paying close attention. Linda at 5 Star Affiliate has been very vocal http://affiliate-blogs.5staraffiliateprograms.com/1493/affiliates-new-york-tax-law-overstock-ostk.html
we all need to be vocal and have a collaborative effort across the board. I will be back with more info ASAP. i applauded everyones input in this string. Lets use social media to get this spread.

By: Michael Vorel

Michael Vorel — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:31:32 +0000

Peter, excellent points. Support for Amazon is essential as they are already heavily invested in the legal battle. In addition, IAB support is really the only choice we have at the moment as they have the organization, funding and representation to voice our concerns. It could be 6 months to a year before a formal industry association gets organized so the sooner we accept that the better.

By: peter bordes

peter bordes — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:53:08 +0000

as a first step why not get as many networks, affiliates, bloggers etc to connect and support Amazon who is all ready taking action. There is not enough time to create an association to fight this. This could move to fast and have to much momentum by the time anyone agrees on anything. Otherwise we should work with the IAB who also already has representation in Washington. The industry does not need another association. Nor do we have time to form one.

By: Jonathan (Trust)

Jonathan (Trust) — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:23:20 +0000

“Just because you were not asked does not mean that input did not come from many people. I know I spoke with dozens in depth, including some you know.”

And that’s exactly the type of attitude why it’s failed in the past and your own attempts have failed and why it doesn’t look real good right now. It’s like you didn’t read any of the posts. About getting input from as many people as possible. Putting the idea out in public, not this behind closed doors type of deal, with friends and people you know. You need to get everybody involved from the start, a concept that doesn’t seem to be getting grasped.

You’ve talked to dozens? I’m not sure if you realize how ridiculous that statement is. It’s kind of like this old school attitude, reminds me a little of Herbies failed iamfa. Maybe we need some new people behind this because the old ways have never worked.