FlyFasterFlyFarther

Flyertalk is a fantastic place, but make no mistake it is a business owned by Internet Brands.

Have you opened up TalkMail, Flyertalk's newsletter, recently? You don't just find ads on this website, and in their e-newsletter. You find editorial trying to sell you their credit card link. E.g. from Feb 26th:

You'll note that at the time Flyertalk is trying to sell you a credit card there's a better offer of 70k points as a signup bonus discussed here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...er-thread.html

So they're trying to sell you the commission-link, and not sharing that there's a better offer available. That's probably the #1 gripe many here have had about some less scrupulous blogs!

metoo

Flyertalk is a fantastic place, but make no mistake it is a business owned by Internet Brands.

Have you opened up TalkMail, Flyertalk's newsletter, recently? You don't just find ads on this website, and in their e-newsletter. You find editorial trying to sell you their credit card link. E.g. from Feb 26th: is a fantastic place, but make no mistake it is a business owned by Internet Brands.

Have you opened up TalkMail, Flyertalk's newsletter, recently? You don't just find ads on this website, and in their e-newsletter. You find editorial trying to sell you their credit card link. E.g. from Feb 26th:

NO, don't subscribe. I am referring to only this website...flyertalk.com

RTW1

And if you just read the forums and never go to the homepage it's of no consequence.

bazers

I subscribe to several of these blogs newsletters so I get the current information in my email. I don't remember (or have time) to go to the blogs each day/week but can quickly skim their newsletters.

ExpatSomchai

One just got me a nice shiny HH Gold for zero stays :-)

HikerT

Couldn't agree more. In that regard, note the song here:

http://first2board.com/themrpickles/...-code-for-you/

So first2board pays for electricity on top of server cost? LOL, that's a new one.

I’m not sure I understand the point of disallowing credit card affiliate links while allowing the embedding of affiliate links for hotels.com or pandering to readers to click on one's amazon banner?

Commented on this yesterday but still hasn't been "approved" by First2Censor while other comments have. Discussion seems as open as it is on DeltaPoints, MileValue, FTG, etc.

timmy83

This. Especially considering there are several threads within FT describing why you should almost never click on one of these silly ads.

I think (as described above), affiliate links are of little consequence if the content of the blog is good and the blogger is not misleading readers towards low-bonus offerings. I've seen both - the blogger that pushes the reader towards crummy bonuses because that's what is on their site and the blogger who outright tells their reader to find a link elsewhere because their bonus is insulting in comparison.

I very recently started blogging because my fiance told me a needed someone to talk to about flying other than her, and I'll hopefully be able to continue it, as it's something I enjoy. If I were ever to be offered affiliate ads, I don't think I would turn them down but I certainly wouldn't push products and services that I know aren't the best you can get.

gpapadop

>>>>>>If I were ever to be offered affiliate ads, I don't think I would turn them down but I certainly wouldn't push products and services that I know aren't the best you can get.

I think I may have heard this one before

Nothing personal Timmy! And welcome to this giant time sucking blogging hobby!

gloreglabert

I think the point is that credit card affiliate links on travel blogs lead to a fairly obvious conflict of interest -- people are obviously led to assume that CC's are recommended on the basis of merit, and often don't realize that there's a financial incentive to the blogger beyond that. No such issues with an Amazon banner -- nobody is going to start posting about how buying from Amazon is critical to a miles and points strategy.

84fiero

Right, the banner ads are no different from any other website and I don't see any conflict of interest as in the affiliate CC links, which is the main gripe. I'm going to buy on Amazon no matter what, so it's no skin off my nose to click on their banner to access Amazon. Certainly doesn't alter my miles choices or strategy.

timmy83

No offense taken - I completely understand hesitancy to accept statements like these.

I also have a hard time with the rules of disclosure, as some people think it's enough to simply say "I make money off of these things" and then write whatever they'd like.
Frankly, this is seen in the medical world (my profession) too. People think it's acceptable to simply disclose that they receive money from a particular company to give a talk. Following that they may irresponsibly advocate for the use of a product or service, but people are misled into thinking it's unbiased professional opinion instead of the advertising of a drug company.

There's truly an appropriate middle ground, but many people have difficulty finding it. If someone was giving you money to push their product, could you direct people away if there was a better product/offer around?

HikerT

Ah, but it's already influenced content. You see, the post is about a hotels.com coupon, right? A secret coupon. With an affiliate link. But wait, here's my amazon banner you can click on too...

yerffej201

Well they're still with flexoffers... I guess revenue is not as high but then at least they can pay for hosting costs.

kokonutz

Bear in mind that presenters get some or all of their expenses for attending FTUs reimbursed. So if a blogger is a presenter, blogging about the FTU is a way of saying 'thanks for the free trip!' Or, looked at from another perspective, 'please pay to go to this so I can get a free trip!' @:-)

HikerT

These seminars are focused primarily on reeling in as many noobs as possible. It's a way for bloggers to promote their blogs. I'd venture to guess most bloggers who present at these seminars would happily pay their way (if not more) for the promotional benefits.