I like the idea of a forum for this site, but we’re really trying to focus our efforts right now on getting the organization up and running.

What issues the PMA should tackle and the associated discussion and debate over those issues, those will all be determined, discussed and debated by the members, once there actually ARE members. And that is where a forum will be an excellent vehicle.

As it stands there is no industry. Industry is the organized action of making of goods and services for sale. PM is NOT organized at all. It is like a weird omelette. Edible, but really scrambled.

-wayne

back to blogging

Post your comments, suggestions, etc where you feel comfortable. You are welcome to link to them here or elsewhere. The conversation node is not as important as having a real conversation.

Affiliates are all about independance and risk.

NOTE- I have talked to Rebecca and I am preparing a blog on it now…taking awhile. I am old, etc…should be interesting though.

Haiko-if you want to have a debate on the issues I sent you tweet. Happy to have a debate one on one…preferably live, real-time- voice. (Lost some feeling in my hands)…

So you know the invite is open and you know I love debates. Honestly I just want a chance to blast away at your flawed logic… I’ll get you an honorary I Hate Wayne shirt too!

Wayne

Right off the bat I have some disagreements with this

“Performance marketing is a comprehensive term that can include affiliate marketing, CPA marketing, search marketing and lead generation, amongst others. The common thread through these various terms is that the marketing partners are paid on the performance of their marketing campaigns, not on clicks or views as with display advertising.”

I disagree with the failure to include CPC and display advertising. e.g. blends, hybrids or slots. Affiliate marketing has always been relegated to the minor leagues because of the risk born by the publisher/affiliate/partner/Xfactor.

I have seen CPA + Slots, CPC on sliding scales…I think I wrote an article a few years ago on how to use / calibrate EPC within a homogenous(sorry only way to describe it) mix of merchants. In short how to systematically use statistics to bargain for slots, or offers or coupons or better CPS…

What I love about affiliate marketing is that it was the catalyst that allowed me, a college-dropout, to build a business that grew from nothing to something substantial. It enabled me to travel the world. It allowed me to put money in my kids college funds. It also took its toll…

Overtime my roles changed (I have worked in about every position possible), and extended into security and later digital media and digital independance (indy film, Alternate Reality Games, etc)…this is why I (and people like Sam- love him or hate him- he is on target much of the time (and he and I fight enough over mythology and finer issues).

Insiders are trying to help, educate, teach, point, steer, inspire people to revisit their businesses and really maximize the potential! There is more than just CPA and more than just building sites…there is a whole new horizon out there and it can be a GREAT thing for indy businesses.

I always look to Tim Storm and I can recall about 10 years ago being on the deck of a cruise ship at 2 AM talking to Tim…he and I were both single person operations…it goes without saying that TIm made a lot more money than I did, and I admire his stance against pushy companies and how he is going green and how he treats his employees. Kudos…no complaints…

Affiliate marketing or Performance marketing is and will be a whole lot more… performance- imagine if it is was how you “perform”…not how many sales, clicks, or impressions, but how you performed in front of your fans, your loyal followers, your customers- people.

To me it is all about digital independance (Yep I would rather co-exist with adware than have laws outlawing what I can download on MY machine….freedom is more important that commissions and I DETEST adware and I have the C/Ds, suits and scars to prove it.)

So if there are concerns- be patient. We all are a community (anyone can e-mail me at wporter@gmail.com- I am very approachable) even if we are in different realms, or sites, or communities. I am tired of going to security guns and explaining that not all advertisers or affiliates are bad.

To be frank- they would as soon wipe the lot with EVERYONE…I am different in that respect. I am a realist. I think middle-ground can be found. It won’t be easy- never is…might not get there, but contribute your verse. It is awesome that we are in an industry where we can still “shape” things…

-wayne

I do not read ABW. I do read Twitter…what channel or whom?

Too many in the dark giving opinions on what they have no information about? Probably…I am not wasting my time nor can I give an opinion right now- I am in the dark (more or less).

It will come out when it is ready. People will go with it or they won’t. SO FAR, based on what I know about the org and what I know about security, marketing, etc (my experiences)…I would say it is high time.

best,
Wayne

Rebecca launched http://www.performancemarketingalliance.com/ thought it doesn’t seem to have comments. Right now there is no “official” forum. Which, as Wayne indicated, is sort of useful in some ways. I’d suggest commenting at ReveNews, as it will continue to be an unofficial center of action.

My official suggestion is more frequesnt updates on the PMA site. If you read ABW and Twitter, there are still too many people in the dark – giving opinions on things they are just guessing about.

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080616006087&newsLang=en

I think there should be an organization.

best,
Wayne

There is a “thing” about insiders…yes they do exist…totally true. Insiders have solid connections, networked extensively, have strong relationships, credentials, speak at conferences, etc. I mean that is simply reality- you earn it. Insiders are also frequently “attacked”.

I know as a performance marketing “insider”, and a security “insider” and a virtual worlds “insider”. (I also know how insider is all relative- someone will always know more than I will.)

This is an alliance. Make allies…or choose not to, but I hope you contribute. I hope lots of people do. I hope people come out with reams of ideas.

regards,
Wayne