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Post by thegreyelf on Dec 9, 2021 16:53:14 GMT -6
I've noticed a few folks around here, when they post links to DTRPG, always say, "NOT AN AFFILIATE LINK!"
I'm curious as to what the issue is with affiliate links. I almost always use my affiliate ID when I link to my stuff on DTRPG, and if that's somehow offensive I'd like to know in what way, and if I need to stop doing so.
Thanks!
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Post by tdenmark on Dec 9, 2021 17:06:16 GMT -6
I've noticed a few folks around here, when they post links to DTRPG, always say, "NOT AN AFFILIATE LINK!" I'm curious as to what the issue is with affiliate links. I almost always use my affiliate ID when I link to my stuff on DTRPG, and if that's somehow offensive I'd like to know in what way, and if I need to stop doing so. Thanks! In our society there has been a general association among some groups that making a little money is somehow dirty. These groups tend to be particularly outspoken. Also some may see it as an ulterior motive, other than the honest endorsement of a product. I see nothing wrong with including Affiliate Links. |
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Post by Finarvyn on Dec 9, 2021 17:07:15 GMT -6
No idea. I hope posting links to DriveThru doesn't become a problem, since several of our posters use that format to share their creations. Does "affiliate link" imply something where clicking on the sale gives a portion to the poster?
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Post by hamurai on Dec 9, 2021 17:24:21 GMT -6
Honestly, I'd expect the reverse: People using affiliate links should make a note, the others just post a link. But that's just my two cents.
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Post by thegreyelf on Dec 10, 2021 5:27:28 GMT -6
No idea. I hope posting links to DriveThru doesn't become a problem, since several of our posters use that format to share their creations. Does "affiliate link" imply something where clicking on the sale gives a portion to the poster? No, you build up "publisher points" when people click your affiliate links, which you can use to get things like featured products, banners across the site, things like that. |
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Post by jeffb on Dec 10, 2021 21:39:27 GMT -6
I'm one of those people.
I've seen some complaints around various parts of the intarwebz when people post affiliate links to the products they are talking about. I'm not talking about the publisher. As mentioned, people get some kind of kick back/perk with affiliate links, and some folks feel that's not cool- i.e. they are just mentioning things to get perks, or using their own affiliate links when maybe it would be more "kosher" using the affiliate link for the website where the discussion/review is taking place. (i.e. If ODD74 had an affiliate link with DTRPG, and I posted a review on XYZ here, it would not be cool to post my own affiliate link vs using ODD74s.)
This was real big issue over at ENWORLD at one time, not only with DTRPG, but also AMAZON (where I believe affiliate links have way more perks than DTRPG)
When I do it, I'm saying "I really like this...I'm not just linking to DTRPG to up my perks...or I'm not getting some kind of kickback from recommending this" *
I also used to do technical reviews in the Archery industry for compound bows a couple of decades ago. So I'm very clear about when/if I've been given a product to review or if it's just something I purchased/came across and really like- Because inevitably people scream "BIAS" if you don't come clean up front about it.
I don't even have an affiliate link or whatever for DTRPG.
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Post by tdenmark on Dec 11, 2021 5:40:59 GMT -6
No idea. I hope posting links to DriveThru doesn't become a problem, since several of our posters use that format to share their creations. Does "affiliate link" imply something where clicking on the sale gives a portion to the poster? No, you build up "publisher points" when people click your affiliate links, which you can use to get things like featured products, banners across the site, things like that. That's a good point. You don't get a monetary reward from Affiliate Links. Update: it appears you do get a small amount. Whatever, I don't begrudge anyone making a few pennies. |
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Post by tdenmark on Dec 11, 2021 5:41:46 GMT -6
I don't even have an affiliate link or whatever for DTRPG. They are for publishers. |
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Post by talysman on Dec 12, 2021 17:24:06 GMT -6
I just figured people announce "Not an affiliate link" because some countries have laws requiring people to disclose if they are being paid or otherwise compensated for promoting a product. Edit to Add:What I mean is that I didn't see this behavior as being driven by fear about reaction from other users, just a precaution. Plus, I suppose I should add some links about some of the laws? US -- FTC pamphlet on social media disclosuresI swear I saw something similar about the EU, but I'm having trouble making heads or tails out of the links I found. I don't think EASA is actually an EU regulatory agency, but that seems to be the place to start? |
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Post by jeffb on Dec 12, 2021 18:58:01 GMT -6
I don't even have an affiliate link or whatever for DTRPG. They are for publishers. I'm pretty sure one of the issues elsewhere was with a very prolific reviewer, who used his affiliate links for everything- and he basically didn't publish much of anything but put out a half dozen reviews a week all over the net. This was a few years ago. As I said, I've been a reviewer before in a much larger industry with way more expensive product- it's something I do out of habit to make clear when I'm recommending something that may seem like a "promotion", otherwise. If it's really an issue for some folks, then I'll just have to say "sorry in advance" |
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Post by delta on Dec 12, 2021 20:10:33 GMT -6
Since Amazon's been mentioned, it may be clarifying to note that Amazon affiliate links do earn actual money ("Earn up to 10% in associate commissions from qualifying purchases and programs.") I was surprised to hear that DriveThruRPG is any different. Actually, this blog post from 2020 says they do earn about 5% from any purchase by that user in the next two weeks. Has that been retracted in the last year? I've had affiliates to both, but used them very sporadically. More correctly: my channel has had them and my partner has to keep reminding me or I never use them. Amazon cancelled ours because it never amounted to anything. I try to include a notice when I do, but I'll confess I probably forgot a few times. It's news to me that it would be offensive to some, but then I'm not in a position where I'd even talk about something I wasn't genuinely interested in to begin with, and it seems like a small value-add if you genuinely connect people to something they'd like. Ironically, I guess I now have to say that the links I included above are not affiliate links. |
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Post by tombowings on Dec 13, 2021 1:32:45 GMT -6
Personally, I have no problem will affiliate links, in principle. But I'm very skeptical of marketing, in general.
Capitalism is a wonderful system that keeps prices low and quality high by forcing companies to compete with each other for customer. When I go to the supermarket to buy a pack of printing paper, I am thankful have multiple companies competing for my patronage.
However, I feel like it is easy for individuals to slip into a habit of manipulating customers into buying products they do no need or would not normally buy. Think about the candy bars placed at near supermarket cash registers. Nobody needs those candy bars. They do not (normally) improve one's quality of life.
Companies, likewise, need a way to inform the market about new products they have released and inform interested buyer about the virtues of their products over the competition's. But too often, I see marketers using emotional appeals (competing with potential customers as opposed to other companies) to increase their total sales.
Understandably, though, my definition of ethical marketing is a tough nail to thread, and it isn't the same definition others use. (The more variety of opinions, the better.)
Personally, I lack the ethical and moral wisdom to engage in marketing and commerce in a noble and honorable way. I have serious character flaws and, therefore, do not trust myself to engage in sales.
Unfortunately, my own character flaws also cause me to be skeptical of others. When I see someone using an affiliate link, I automatically and unconsciously begin to question of motivation of the poster, not because the post is doing anything unethical, but because I myself am depraved.
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aramis
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 199 
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Post by aramis on Dec 13, 2021 23:38:39 GMT -6
Amazon affiliate links can get you amazon store credit. Not a lot, mils on the dollar, but it adds up. Or one can, as I've done in the past, used it to funnel a few ha'penny into my favorite charity.
It's just a hassle to include from my point of view. I do miss the swag from when my blog mattered... but not the efforts needed to keep it up. (back when MySpace was a social network....)
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Post by thegreyelf on Dec 14, 2021 11:18:33 GMT -6
I was surprised to hear that DriveThruRPG is any different. Actually, this blog post from 2020 says they do earn about 5% from any purchase by that user in the next two weeks. Has that been retracted in the last year? I'll be darned. I just double checked based on that link, and apparently I DO earn a small amount from affiliate link clicks. Huh. I never knew. I STAND CORRECTED.[/quote] If it's really an issue for some folks, then I'll just have to say "sorry in advance" I don't think it's an issue for anyone; my agenda here was just to make sure I wasn't doing something uncool by using my own affiliate links! |
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