Anti-Spyware Is Probably Your Affiliate Link’s Worst Enemy
Apr 25th, 2008 by Charles
We are all doing business on the Internet. Internet is our storefront, and we are doing our best to promote other people’s products for a referral fee, or a commission. On the Internet, we tend to have programs that go against our business such as anti-spyware. Although the true meaning of spyware is to prevent these hidden programs from spying what we are doing on our computer, it has almost nothing to do with our advertisements and affiliate links. In fact, it is because of these things that made some of the programs free to use. If you were to use a free software and you removed their only source of income, these software programmers are probably going to be out of their businesses soon.
Ok, I must admit that I don’t really like those intruding advertisements myself as well. That’s why I have installed an anti-spyware program on my own computer. The main reason is definitely to get rid of those malicious codes in my computer. The secondary reason is to make my computer as “clean” as possible for me to focus on my work.
As I was thinking of those non-internet-based companies doing business, I do realize that the Internet-based businesses are definitely copying the style wholesale into the Internet. Even on the physical business, we also have anti-spam measures by having the option of locking and unlocking the cover of our letterboxes. I was looking at the letterbox on the left, and it reminds me of anti-spam program… These flyers are blocked… I believe those mailing companies have to think of counter-measures so that their business will continue to thrive…
With people trying to promote their products in various means, there are also another group of people trying to prevent them from promotion. It is quite contradicting sometimes. Perhaps, there may have a new company set up as the middleman to work out a win-win-win situation for advertisers, anti-advertisers and consumer.
It reminds me of the recent explanation from Joel Comm about the meaning of forced continuity where he initially adds in $29.95 per month without the choice to stop this continuity. At that time, it is only when you click on “cancel” where you don’t wish to buy his $9.95, then you will be offered to buy just the $9.95 ebook. Ever since the recent argument online, Joel Comm has changed it for us to choose. By the way, I really think that Joel Comm is a nice guy.
When I was fixing my mother’s computer, I actually noticed that the spyware killer installed on her computer would pop up a window whenever she tried to shop. In the window, it would say something like, “We noticed you were trying to reach Macy’s. Please click here to go through our link to ensure that you’re going to the real site.”
Those “clean” links were actually affiliate links - One of the shadiest things I’ve ever seen. Whatever it was, it was installed by the guy who built her computer…and removed by me.
Hi Stefanie, it sounds like that guy has created a new way of revenue from his own PC job! That’s really shady! Thanks for sharing… I hope the Sim Lim guys from Singapore don’t know of such method… Sim Lim Square is a place where electronics and hardware are sold at great prices…