Class Action Lawsuit against CJ for Adware

[Linda Buquet]

Adware has been a hot topic in the affiliate community for years. For far too long some networks have skated a thin line and many times they've knowingly crossed it. Some networks like Shareasale and ShareResults have taken a firm stand against allowing any type of adware at all. Other networks still have work to do in this area. The question for a long time has been, who's policing this if the networks aren't and who's standing up for the little guy - the affiliate?

WELL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! Just found out about 2 class action lawsuits - one by affiliates and one by merchants - both against CJ/BeFree/ValueClick. So if you believe you have been affected adversely by adware affiliates that have been allowed on those networks read up.
From the official class action lawsuit site: CJclassaction.com

"The following are a few examples identified in the complaints of how adware may result in harm to ValueClick’s affiliates and merchants:

1. by unlawfully diverting earned commissions from legitimate affiliates;
2. by fraudulently causing merchants to pay commissions and fees for traffic that was not generated by legitimate affiliate activity;
3. by threatening the integrity of merchant affiliate programs; and
4. by exposing merchants to liability for breach of their contracts with affiliates"

Kellie Stevens at AffiliateFairPlay has the in-depth story and will be following this case as things develop. She writes:

"The lawsuits allege breach of contract, negligence and unfair business practices on CJ/BF’s part by allowing adware affiliates to operate within their Network. The gist of it seems to be that CJ/BF has knowingly allowed adware affiliates within their Network which commit commission theft and fraudulent transactions through adware applications. The suit is seeking monetary damages to both affiliates and merchants. More importantly, in my opinion, they are seeking a change in ValueClick’s corporate policy related to adware and compliance. " More...

[bfree74]

To me, this company never does anything right. I don't feel I am begin too harsh either. They can't answer emails, their site goes down too often, and their reporting is often times delayed, as well as their payments.

They treat everyone like crap and I truly hope this lawsuit straightens them out. Until then I am boycotting CJ.

[bobang]

I'm glad people are taking action against it. That's the exact reason why I stopped using CJ mainly. My commissions disappeared (sometimes more than a half of what I earned for the month) and heard nothing about it. The only answer I get from CJ was that they have no control over it.

Good luck CJ.

[Linda Buquet]

Hey Bo,

SO glad you finally joined and posted. I read your blog alot so almost feel as if I know you. Welcome to 5 Star. Don't be a stranger!

Ya it's too bad CJ didn't clean things up the way they could have. For awhile there when they started kicking out companies like 180 I thought maybe there was some hope.

[bobang]

Hey Linda,
I just had to register to comment lol.
I've been reading your forum for a while

I just want to drop my niche marketing forum and make this forum my home. It's that good.

I will be around, and thanks for the big welcome

[Linda Buquet]

Wow! That's quite the compliment!

I really like your niche forum too, just don't have time to get there very often.

Hope you jump in and start posting in our niche forum.
I'll make it feel nice and homey for ya!

[AffiliateGuild]

Hey Bo welcome to the 5 Star lifestyle ... nice to have a class act like you walk in the room.

I know I have CJ ads running that have never yeilded a penny, but have logged over thousands of hits and an even great number of impressions. I finally dropped the merchant's program even though I really liked the affiliate program because it was a perfect fit for one of my niches.

It sucks when this happens, but dropping them is all I could do.

And, what's worse is I've identified a couple more that I need to do the same thing with ... just trying to find the time to do it.

You know what we need Linda is a 5 Star Network ... I know that's why you rep SR and AMWSO ... so,my recommendation is to go where you know the network is honest and solid.

[Linda Buquet]

"5 Star Network"

Haha. I would not run a network for all the tea in china.
Seriously if someone gave me a million bucks free & clear
to start a network I would not do it.

I tried to help PC build one and it's really tough to get going.
You can't get enough affiliates until you have lots of merchants in all the
different categories. And you can't get more merchants until you have lots of
affiliates. It's a really tough catch 22 to get past.

When it comes to great high integrity networks though, my money is on
ShareResults and ShareaSale. Too bad all the big merchants don't join those 2.