Credit Card "Reviews" on front page of FT
#1
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 1,653
Credit Card "Reviews" on front page of FT
The new FT front page has links to "Today's Top Rewards Card Reviews" which are links to a blog that includes referrel links that earn the blogger money for each sign up.
Is FT receiving revenue for prominently displaying these links on the front page? Should they be more clearly marked not as unbiased user content, but as the paid advertising that they are?
Is FT receiving revenue for prominently displaying these links on the front page? Should they be more clearly marked not as unbiased user content, but as the paid advertising that they are?
#2
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Are you referring to the Frugal Travel Guy links? Internet Brands owns that site. Not sure the Talk Board can exert much control over Internet Brands advertising policies.
Internet Brands Acquires The Frugal Travel Guy
Internet Brands Acquires The Frugal Travel Guy
#3
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,648
I would assume yes. Credit card referrals are one of the most lucrative types of sponsored links. I don't see a problem with it, whether a referral fee is disclosed or not, as long as the user is getting the best currently available deal. If the user is getting an inferior deal, I do have a problem with it whether a referral fee is disclosed or not. Either way, disclosure of the referral is very much secondary to whether or not the deal is fairly presented as best in class.
#4
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,884
I have no issue with an IB sponsored link tho I wouldn't mind seeing something like "and Internet Brands sponsored site" next to or below the link for those that are in fact sponsored by IB simply from a disclosure standpoint-but then again, that's just me
#5
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,281
To those without adblockers (or the elusive premium membership) FT has always been a big billboard with ads plastered all over the page and in posts, that's how the owner makes money...? Don't see the difference if they make fractions of pennies from page impressions, a few cents from clicks or $$$ from CC ads?