you guys ever feel guilty?

Discussion in 'Affiliate Programs' started by amoeba22, Jan 8, 2007.

  1. #1
    do any of you guys ever feel guilty promoting an offer that tricks the user into a subscription without knowing it? I was wondering how these companies make money giving away "samples" or "free" products when in actuality, the buyer will eventually pay like $90 later.
     
    amoeba22, Jan 8, 2007 IP
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  2. Confident

    Confident Banned

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    #2
    No way! I'm heartless when it comes to the cash lol
     
    Confident, Jan 8, 2007 IP
  3. Shoemoney

    Shoemoney $

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    #3
    thats why there is chargebacks if the user feels there is fraud. Most companies that "trick" users do not last long.

    Look at all the changes with how ringtones can be promoted. I would be lying if I said I never thought about it but that is complicated. Something I cant really explain in a forum post.
     
    Shoemoney, Jan 9, 2007 IP
  4. H20

    H20 Peon

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    #4
    I convince myself that all my users are republicans. It makes me feel better :)
     
    H20, Jan 11, 2007 IP
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  5. progress

    progress Guest

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    #5
    lol, seems reasonable ;)
     
    progress, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  6. bluesync

    bluesync Peon

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    #6
    I don't feel guilty because I think of user experience first. If I would be pissed, then any other person would be pissed. So I make sure they know what they're doing. :)
     
    bluesync, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  7. User_Online

    User_Online Active Member

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    #7
    One would how common sense would some how come into play for the user. I never understood why those offers did so well. A lot of gullible people in the world I guess. If it is too good to be true, then it usually is.
     
    User_Online, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  8. pamon

    pamon Well-Known Member

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    #8
    can't really feel guilty... if the people read the offers, they are pretty straight forward on the costs and liabilities of the offer... if they want it, get it.. if not, they'll click on...
     
    pamon, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  9. Futures_Equity

    Futures_Equity Well-Known Member

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    #9
    No, I never trick users and have exercise strong moral and ethical standards while practicing affiliate marketing. I believe I have a responsibility to the customers as well as the affiliate company to be honest and transparent with no ulterior motives.
     
    Futures_Equity, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  10. ablaye

    ablaye Well-Known Member

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    #10
    I don't sign up with affiliates that are involved in tricky businesses.
     
    ablaye, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  11. sebastya

    sebastya Well-Known Member

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    #11
    Yep. 100%!
     
    sebastya, Jan 11, 2007 IP
  12. Optimus Crime

    Optimus Crime Well-Known Member

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    #12
    I feel bad for affiliates who promote products without believing in them. I am not an affiliate myself, but if I know of affiliates trying to promote my product by spamming, I would try my best to find out the person, and tell him not to.

    Stan.
     
    Optimus Crime, Jan 14, 2007 IP
  13. eepruls

    eepruls Peon

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    #13
    I agree that we should not lie about the offer we're promoting. I'm totally against that. We're not lying if we tell the customer that if they click the offer they will get something free out of it. They will. Most people understand that "nothings for free" and that at some point they'll have to pay. It's like that with everything, even offline in flyers. "Buy one get one free!", "Get a $50 gift card if you spend $250 at Home Depot this weekend only!", etc.

    Many people want the free item or the trial period and then voluntarily continue to subscribe because the company proved themselves with the bonus. You can't assume that everyone clicking the offer is being 'tricked'. And honestly, there has to be some responsibility for the person who is clicking the offer. If you don't read the small print, or you're entering your credit card information for a free item, then obviously you're going to be paying for something.

    Of course if something is illegal then action should be taken and that is a different story. If I found out the advertiser's offer wasn't what they claimed or that they were cheating people, then it is my responsibility to drop that offer because it could have negative consequences to my website!
     
    eepruls, Jan 15, 2007 IP