Opinions sought - affiliate links

[system11]

Hi all, I'd like your feedback on something.

Currently, we do not permit affiliate links.

I don't think it's reasonable for people to make a profit off a freely provided resource, and allowing it encourages people to post more links than they might otherwise do. I think quite a few people agree with the stance that we've been taking. However, it recently occurred to me that it might be a good way to help with the funding of the site. The donations we got recently were great, helped a lot and most appreciated, but I'm starting to think that if we're responsible for play-asia (for example) making money, then perhaps they should end up footing a small part of the bill, which is currently just short of 1000 GBP a year, ignoring hardware costs.

How would people feel about play-asia links (and other URLs where affiliation causes no changed price for the buyer) being automatically converted into affiliate ones with a code for the forum itself? This means that every time someone clicks through and buys an item from P-A which appeared as a link on the forum, some money would go towards the running costs. I'm not 100% sure this is possible by the way, but I'm told other forums have managed it.

How would people feel about not actual banners, but a small set of buttons along the top of the site which contain an affiliate link going to the companies main page? Anything bought navigating to the site in that way would contribute towards the server costs, but links wouldn't. Would people even use them?

So, discuss! Nothing has been decided, I just want to bounce the idea off people.

[charlie chong]

do what you need to mang! better you get the affiliate links than these spods who put them in the sig.
buttons would be preferable

[Elixir]

Considering I can't use Play-Asia any more (something never arrived and they replaced it, and now want me to pay for both orders, which I won't do), I wouldn't use it. How would this go towards funding the site, when all it does is give you a discount off items on Play-Asia? Honestly, all of their stuff is horribly overpriced (ie. Ketsui LE for $130, which can be bought for less than half) and they're not anywhere near the site they used to be in '06. The funds would end up in Play-Asia's pocket, when everything is said and done.

This is why I don't like affiliation links, because the majority of sites don't actually lose anything by "thanking you" for giving them publicity. Play-Asia's publicity has lead them to outpricing themselves. Kind of like used car salesmen who mark up cars only to advertise them on sale for 10%.

[system11]

Ah - I actually didn't realise that it's just p-a credit. I'm just using them as an example here, but they were the main thing I was thinking of. I suppose it might offset some money but they're not a company I use regularly.

[brentsg]

I think NCSX has an affiliate program for like 3.8%.

[Kubrick]

The play-asia affiliate earnings don't need to be spent on the site. They can be withdrawn into a paypal account, free of charge.

[sven666]

its a great idea, do it.

[brokenhalo]

sounds like a great idea. set up a sticky thread with affiliate links and ncsx links as stuff becomes available and i'll be sure to use them.

[Ganelon]

It's a waste to not have them there. I know other boards like Cheap Ass Gamer have for a long time automatically turned all store links to affiliate links when applicable and everybody is happy with that.

[Khan]

Affilliate links to fund the site? do it! anything that decreases the monetary toll on yourselves I for one wouldnt be fussed even if there were huge advertising banners across the screen at the end of the day if it helps you guys out id be all for it.

[iatneH]

I'm fine with it, and would also be happy to make another donation in the future, although money is currently shorter than it has ever been for me.

I know nobody likes banners, but they can be blocked very easily. Many other fora I visit have banners but the only time I ever see them is the first time I visit after reinstalling my OS and haven't re-added my blocked content filters yet. So, as long as people know of a way to get rid of them, it might not be as bad as you think.
Although I'm not sure if you get paid if nobody clicks...

[system11]

Affilliate links to fund the site? do it! anything that decreases the monetary toll on yourselves I for one wouldnt be fussed even if there were huge advertising banners across the screen at the end of the day if it helps you guys out id be all for it.

I absolutely refuse to allow actual advertising and giant banners. I'll sell children into slavery as chimney sweeps before that happens.

[Specineff]

Not to forget that malicious code can be hidden in banners, without any knowledge or control on the site owner's behalf.

[emphatic]

Thumbs up for this idea.

Cool!

[CIT]

Definitely a good thing!

[Ex-Cyber]

Not to forget that malicious code can be hidden in banners, without any knowledge or control on the site owner's behalf.

Not only can it be done, it has been done, more than once, particularly with malicious Flash ads, and even on fairly high-profile sites (AnandTech users got hit a few months ago IIRC). This is one of the main reasons that I run NoScript. I'm not against site owners running ads; I know someone has to pay for the servers. That doesn't mean that my browser should be expected to run whatever god-awful JavaScript or Flash the ad networks want to shove down its throat.

Good old-fashioned affiliate links, on the other hand, I have no problem with.

[apple arcade]

I'm a broke ass college student, without affiliate links i probably would never be able to play any of the awesome shmups i've been privileged to do so.

I wouldn't use it. How would this go towards funding the site, when all it does is give you a discount off items on Play-Asia?

Elixer doesn't know what he's talking it about.You can withdraw via check or paypal.

I'm all for it and think it would be foolish for you not to do so.

[EOJ]

Good idea. I order most of my stuff from P-A due to their great prices and cheap yet fast international shipping (just $15 for 2 day Fedex now). Play-asia is probably the most popular import site for people here, so it's a no-brainer.

[Warp_Rattler]

One more "go for it!" vote.

[Never_Scurred]

The Stallions of Shmups.system11.org 2011 Calendar....just think about it.....