My Affiliate Place Blog

What Is ACTA?

2012-01-30T09:39:00.000-06:00

What Is ACTA?

What is ACTA? ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) is an international treaty that gives countries the ability to stop copyright infringement and other forms of intellectual property theft. What was the international's purpose? To give them a legal international framework to that different countries can work with one another cooperatively. (full text in pdf form here)

The Europeans are upset because they feel that the countries negotiated this agreement without consulting the citizens of Europe.

And in the US? Surprisingly this piece of information seemed to have gone unnoticed by the media. Did Obama sign it? Yes. In the US, his signing of the agreement is considered an "executive agreement" and not a "treaty". With an executive agreement he can bypass the Congress. However, Senator Ron Wyden (D) has questioned the constitutionality of the agreement. He so stated:

“It may be possible for the U.S. to implement ACTA or any other trade agreement, once validly entered, without legislation if the agreement requires no change in U.S. law,” wrote Wyden in October of last year. “But regardless of whether the agreement requires changes in U.S. law, the executive branch lacks constitutional authority to enter a binding international agreement covering issues delegated by the Constitution to Congress’ authority, absent congressional approval.”

What Powers does ACTA Give Copyright Holders?
ACTA gives copyright holders the power to:

1. Request personal information on infringers from ISPs (Need a warrant)
2. Pursue people suspected of circumventing copyright protection or DRM technologies.
3. Seize goods at their borders if they suspected the offenders has infringing content.

Granted, there is some language in the agreement that protects legitimate online commerce and free speech. But is it enough, or can it impact free speech and innovation on the Internet?

Mobile Apps-Know What You Are Downloading

2012-01-24T09:42:00.000-06:00

Most anyone that frequents the Internet knows that they have to protect their computer, because it protects your personal data that resides on it.

However, with the rise of the Android(TM), iPhone(R) and everything else in between people do not take notice of the apps they download. Sometimes, this app looks "cool" out weighs any precaution that one may normally take on a usual basis. Thus, it's time to take a minute and reflect before putting that finger on the download button. Here is some quick advice to consider before putting your finger on the "Download" button.

1. Make sure the app is from an official market from the platform you are using. Thankfully both Android and the Apple(R) App Store have rules to keep you safe from any malicious or inappropriate content. In most cases any malware that hits the network is eliminated.

2. If the app is well rated and highly downloaded that can indicate not only the popularity of the app but also the intent.

3. Exercise extreme caution downloading an app from a peer-to-peer network. In many cases they have malware and Trojan houses attached to them.

4. When you download an app make sure you read the company's or development permission that YOU are giving them. If you blow off this little chore you may find that you may have given this developer or company:

Permission to keep your phone from sleeping

Permission to see who you are calling and where they are from

Permission to give them access to your Internet connection.

Permission to make calls or send texts FROM your phone (This can be very expensive and this is one method used by scammers).

5. Protect your devices, make sure there is some form of mobile security on your device.

To report a scam or fraud, check out Scam Report on my website.

SOPA Will Not Move Forward-But....

2012-01-17T15:07:00.000-06:00

SOPA Will Not Move Forward But...

SOPA will not move forward in the House. The bill was cancelled and yanked from the floor. Is it dead? Currently it does look like it has been put on a back burner. Could it be resurrected? Maybe, if a consensus is reached.

Why was the legislation pulled? Because of "outstanding concerns". Does that resolve the issue for now. No, PIPA is still a major concern, and that is a bill that is currently in the Senate.

And because of PIPA, many sites are going to participate in a blackout on Wednesday, January 18th to protest the legislation.

Some of the big sites that will go dark on the 18th is:

reddit
Wikipedia
Mozilla
Boing Boing

So if you see something like this:

"This site has been blocked in protest of the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) two bills which will allow the government to censor the internet. Find out more at americancensorship.org or the video below. This website will return at 8pm."

Assume that it is protesting the SOPA and PIPA act on censorship that is before the Senate and Congress.

Writing Articles and Interesting Issues

2012-01-13T08:55:00.000-06:00

Writing Articles and Interesting Issues

Writing articles is one way in which you can advertise your blog or website. However, you should remember several things:

1.So that you will not be hit with a duplicate copy penalty, you will need to write a different article, for each article directory you want to use.
2. It is hard work and time consuming
3. Article spinners is as much work as rewriting the article yourself. I've seen the results in action. And these people believe in not looking at the copy. With more eyes on copy being submitted, this type of article is usually rejected.

This is one tedious job, is you are utilizing article marketing, that will help to get your website or blog noticed. Why? One simple word-backlinks.

Watch Out How You Get Your Backlinks

Quality backlinks are important, but the method in which you get your backlinks are also important. Let me give you some examples:

1. By placing backlinks on link pages you have the greatest opportunity to see your website or blog downgraded by Google. Why? In many cases the web page, and the positioning of the link is not appropriate to your niche.

2. The disappearing link or banner. I'll have to explain this. Occasionally you may be approached by a webmaster who will ask you to write some articles, and in exchange, you can place the coveted link on their page, and may a banner for additional exposure. If they have high ranking, it can definitely help your site. However, if the webmaster is offering this opportunity to you, you must be aware of some possible problems.

Being a novice in the beginning, I accepted the link and banner offer for writing an article a month for six months. It was a manner of a month, that strange things began to happen. I'd write an article, that they would place on their site. And then, they would try to get me to write an additional article within the same month. I would have to pull my records out to show them when I submitted the article, and when I saw the article I written placed on their site.

Then the banner kept disappearing, then reappearing on a different obscure web page where there was little traffic. I would have to shoot an email to them, asking them if they removed my banner. I did this for three months. After much shenanigans by the webmaster, I requested that my links and banner be permanently removed, as I would not be submitting any additional articles. Who lost. Of course, it was the writer or the articles. But I learned a valuable lesson.

3. In another case, a webmaster asked that I write articles for the site, and in exchange, if I wrote two articles in one month, they would grant me a link for that month. Hm-m-m. Don't think so.

4. Exchanging links - I get a lot of requests for exchanging links. However, if you look at my website, you will notice that I am content-based. So exchanging links is a no go. And, if I do put a link within my content, it would either be an affiliate link, or a link that refers my reader to something that I find relevant to the topic I am discussing. If it doesn't fit within those categories, the links do not go on my site.

Getting Quality Backlinks:

1. Writing original articles to promote your web pages through online directories like ezinearticles, go article.
2. Get acquainted with a forum. If you are allowed to leave your signature with your website link, that's is one way to get a backlink.
3. If you comment on a blog, you can leave a signature. But please, it cannot, and should not be a promo. I, as most who own blogs, will delete them. Why?

It advertising, its not commenting. What do I and most blogmasters do in such as case, claim it to the spam file.

Any promotions may come under the FTC rules, which no one wants to violate because of the fines involved.

4. Request to guest host on another blog. If your article fits their guidelines, and the webmaster likes what you are writing, you may get an article on a site that may give you quite a few hits.

Bottomline, if you are good at writing articles, that is a plus with an online business. Why? You will not have to outsource for articles, which can cost you some money. The only concern you should have, is how you share your talent, especially if the request for articles is tied to some shenanigans on another webmaster's behalf.

So You Want To Be An Affiliate Marketer

2012-01-07T10:13:00.000-06:00

So You Want To Be An Affiliate Marketer

So you want to be an affiliate marketer. Instead of asking you if you know what affiliate marketing is and how you can get started making money with this venue, I'll assume you know little about it. I'll give you a quick idea what affiliate marketing is, then let you decide if this is method of making money online will fit your temperament and blog/website.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

People mistakenly believe, that as an affiliate marketer, that they are a "middle man". This is not true, because a middle man usually buys the product at wholesale and then resells the product at a markup. Then, once an individual buys the product, all profits stay with this individual.

If you, the "affiliate marketer", are not a middle man, what exactly is your job. Your job as an affiliate marketer is to pre-sell the product or service that a company wants you to promote. You pre-sell the product by creating a land page with pertinent information about the product or service, then supply a link, that an individual can click on to look at the product or service if they are interested. It is then the responsibility of the company you are linking to, to complete the sale. If the company can complete the sale and an individual buys the product or service through your link, you will get a commission. That commission will vary, depending upon the type of product you are selling.

Benefits for the Affiliate Marketer

For an individual who is wanting to get into affiliate marketing, there are some benefits.

1. It is fairly easy to get started selling any product, once you have signed up for an affiliate program.
2. You do not have to carry any form of inventory.
3. In the past, you did not need a blog or website, but that is becoming rarer because of the new laws that affiliate marketers need to abide by.

Drawbacks

1. Commissions are held until you have made payout. If you are new, or the product is not of quality, your hard-earned money may be sitting in limbo for a while.
2. Profits are dependent upon your ability to get people to your site, and to buy.
3. Not all websites or blogs work well with affiliate programs.

If you want to become an affiliate marketer you must realized that there are a lot of factors that play into making money with affiliate marketing. Some of these elements include traffic, product quality, writing good sales copy, and building trust so people will feel comfortable to buy from your site. All this takes time, and an element of learning before you will find success. However, know this, some succeed and some fail. If I haven't discouraged you, then give affiliate marketing a go. You may be the next success story.

Getting Email Subscribers from Google Search Results?

2012-01-03T11:13:00.001-06:00

Getting Email Subscribers from Google Search Results?

Is Google really testing an Adwords format that will allow Google searchers to subscribe to email marketers newsletters directly from the search results pages?

Supposedly it's a possible opportunity for a few advertisers. The Ads will basically look like a typical Google Ad with one difference. It will also include a place where the individual can add their email address with "Subscribe to newsletter", followed by a "Privacy" link. What does the "privacy" link provide? It just a statement saying, "When you submit this form, your email address will be sent to the advertiser."

Are any of the email marketing firms taking advantage of these ads? Of course. The most recognizable are: VerticalResponse, Constant Contact and AWeber.

Well, obviously email is not dead? And it, emails and searches are still the most popular activity on the Internet, coming in at 92%. Granted social network sites are seeing a continual rise from it's low of 11% to it now, 65% showing, emails and searches are still going strong.

However, it looks like Google believes that all three forms of activities (social, email and search) can co-exist, as well as, offer another way to drive people to advertisers, and advertisers to Google Adwords.

Will this new ad format by Google survive? Some think Google will expand this service. It definitely would bring more people into Adwords. We shall see.

Was 2011 A Sweet Year?

2011-12-29T14:39:00.000-06:00

Was 2011 A Sweet Year?

Was 2011 a sweet year? For many that saw their profits drop, maybe not. This has been a hard year, brought on by the slow recovery of the recession.

1. Panda. Ah yes, Panda. This little gem caused and is still causing tremendous havoc in the Internet community. Why? Many found their incomes drop by as much as 75 percent. And, many webmasters had to fight their way back to profits. Which meant, figuring out how to fix the problem, or more specifically, figuring out why Google hit their site. Some succeeded, some somewhat succeeded, and some failed. Did it help the quality of the Internet? In my opinion, that answer is based upon whether the searcher found what they needed.

2. Some state governments decided to institute an Internet tax. Again, affiliate marketers in those states found that their income dropped. Why? Some companies refused to pay the Internet tax, and decided to close their affiliate program in that state that instituted the "state Internet tax". For those companies that reside in that state, they had or have no recourse in paying the tax.

For affiliate marketers, who saw their affiliate program shut down, some may have lost a big chunk of revenue. And the state that instituted this change, it affected their bottom line as well. Who won. No one.

For affiliate marketers who could move to another state, they either contemplated the move or did move. Again, the state lost more revenue.

3. Then there is SOPA. SOPA, which is the government's attempt to fight privacy. Granted many companies agree that limiting privacy is important, it the method in which the government wants to institute the changes that they are supporting. Why?

The whole purpose of SOPA is to remove the pirates' ability to profit from their theft. However, there seems to be more questions about the proposed bill than there are answers. The bill intent is to get the worst of the worst offenders. However, definitions as to who is subject to legal actions, as well as, the remedies that are to be imposed must be clarified and narrowed in scope. If it is left with a more broad based interpretation, free speech, due process and possibly privacy could be compromised.

What will 2012 bring? Hopefully, a better year for all concerned.

Getting Around Adsense

2011-12-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

Getting Around Adsense GUI

AdSense is improving their default font settings. For each ad unit that's set to show the default font face and font size, the Google system will automatically select and show the best-performing option.

What will be the best performing option? They state it will depend on a variety of factors:

1. Users operating system and browser
2. The ad itself-which includes language, size, number of ads.

Their purpose is to help improve ad performance on your site by automatically applying the optimal font settings to your ads.

If you want to utilize this change you will have to have chosen:

1. AdSense default font family
2. AdSense default font size

However, if this is not your selection, your ads will not be affected. To change the font setting of any existing ad unit, simply edit it under the "My Ads" tab.

If you would like to change the preferences for future ad units you plan on creating, you can go to:
1. Home
2. Account Settings
3. Edit "default ad display preferences"

As you all know, this has been one of many changes last year with AdSense. I've updated my AdSense Basic Tutorial with some of the different changes that is now in the new AdSense GUI. I hope it helps you to get around the GUI a little faster.

Christmas Message

2011-12-21T10:11:00.000-06:00

Christmas Message

Christmas is just around the corner. For many, the material element of Christmas is not going to be a part of their festivities.

But is that a bad thing? I'm sure people can forgo the material things, in lure of family, love and hope. I know I can. But hope...this is word that has deep meaning for me. For me it means, never giving up and always moving forward no matter how hard things may get. I know it's not easy. In fact, it okay to have a moment of tears, but you need to get back up and keep moving forward.

Here are my hopes

Hope, for the world. I hope for a better tomorrow and peace in the world.

Hope, in the United States. I hope for better members of Congress, that forget about their politics and think about the people of the United States. I know, I haven't seen it, nor has anyone else in the United States, but remember let's look forward and not back.

As you know, the good times take care of themselves, it is the bad times in which we need each other more than ever.

So, let the Hope of Christmas, keep our hearts strong and our determination resilient for a better tomorrow. And for those that are hurting, let those who are strong, help to hold them up and keep them moving forward. For we are all longing for the same thing, hope, peace, peace of mind and a better tomorrow.

God Bless. And have a wonder Christmas with family and friends.

Have You Ever Joined A Safelist?

2011-12-17T09:10:00.000-06:00

Have You Ever Joined A Safelist?

Have you ever joined a safelist? When I was lurking on a forum the other day, I happened to read someone commenting on the joys of being in a safelist. In that instant, I felt the hair stand on the back of my neck, as a painful past memory came to the forefront. Yeah, it was one of my newbie stupidity memories. Anyway, after all these years, I couldn't believe it, I thought this form of advertising was obsolete. Guess not.

To make a long story, short. This was a new thread that was created by this person. So, I had to assume one of two things. 1) It was an owner of the safelist trying to get individuals to join, if they asked; or, 2) It was an individual who has joined a credit-based safelist and needed other people to join to get credits to advertise.

Anyway, my own experience with safelists were short-lived. I learned quickly that I did not enjoy deleting 1000 of emails that I never would have time to read, or wanted to read. And, in many cases, the emails were spammy in nature. For those new to the Internet, or for those who do not know what a safelist is, check out my article, - "So, You Want To Join A Safelist".

The article will give you details of a what a safelist is, how it works, and most importantly, whether it's worth the traffic you may get.

Understanding Contextual Targeting

2011-12-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

Understanding Contextual Targeting

You may have heard about contextual targeting, but do you know what it means? Is it important?
Let's first define what contextual targeting is and is not. Contextual targeting is the matching of ads (Either through Adwords or Adsense) through the use of keywords or selected topics to sites.

Since most every webmaster has dabbled in Adsense, I will use it, Adsense, to explain. The spider will analyze your site or blog to determine your theme, as well as, the content that you have on your site. Once the theme is identified Google will target Adwords ads to the page, accordance to the advertiser's keyword, topic, language and location.

Okay, that's fine and dandy, but what's in it for you. Contextual targeting purpose is:

1. For the reader, useful information.
2. For the reader, not only useful information, but possibly information that people find an interest in, and which they may want to follow for a long time.
3. For the webmaster, increased readership and/or the potential for income.

Thus, if you have a website about "digital cameras", Google would determine, if you indicated through your keywords, that the web page is about digital camera. If that is the case, the bot will place ads about digital cameras on your web page.

If you are using AdWords, than your ads will show based upon the keywords that are targeted toward the website about digital cameras. Okay the above explains how you can get matching ads by keywords, but Google also may place ads according to topic.

What is Contextual Ads by Topic
Contextual ads are matched according to the concepts on a page, rather than matching the single terms or phrases on a page. Instead of using Camera as your target, you may decide to use Photo & Video. This expands your target and camera because only one subject within the "Photo and Video" topic.

As you can expect, search engine advertising is a form of contextual advertising, since the ads that appear is based upon keywords and or topics. And thus, all the search engines, Yahoo, Google, Microsoft, etc. utilizes contextual advertising.

Can Contextual Targeting Benefit a Webmaster
Yes, it can have a positive impact on your earnings if your content, topic and keywords are more targeted to your niche or subject matter.

Bottomline, it's wise to have some idea about search engine optimization. For an intro to SEO, check out my website on it. SEO Basics. And yes, context targeting is important and should not be ignored if you want the target that will buy or enjoy your content.

Is Spamming Just A Nuisance Only?

2011-12-04T10:22:00.000-06:00

Is Spamming Just A Nuisance Only?

There are many different types of spam. Many turn their thoughts to email spam, which many if all usually encounter. However, spamming on a website, blog and even within your Facebook account can be labeled a nuisance, and at times, an expensive lesson, if you decide to ignore it.

Referral spam, for instance, is not only a nuisance, but it can cost a webmaster or blogger money, if you have a hosting plan that gives you only limited bandwidth. Though I was hit with referral spam, I caught it in my stats before it got to out of hand. However, the clicks did accumulate quickly. At the beginning of the day, it was four figures deep, within five hours, it was five figures deep. Obviously, you have to stop these spammers before they steal all your bandwidth.

Check out my article, Spamming-Your Stats, Website, Blog and Social Media to learn more about the different search engine spamming that can hit your site, and what you can do about it.

Are You Shopping Online-How About The Rules?

2011-11-29T12:42:00.000-06:00

Are You Shopping Online-How About The Rules?

What rules, you may say? If you have shopped online you quickly realized the convenience, the saved gas, and the elimination of long lines that you do not have to contend with. However, with the convenience comes the responsibility you must give yourself and your pocketbook. What responsibility? Staying safe online. Nothing can ruin an online shopping experience faster than getting scammed. We're already seeing it, with the Feds bringing down 150 websites that were selling fraudulent items, stealing from legitimate companies and you.

Before clicking on the unfamiliar email link, or clicking on the send for a buy on a website that you are not familiar with, it might be wise to go over some safety rules, to keep that shopping experience convenient and enjoyable, instead of an adventure into financial hell.

I've included 10 simple rules, along with some information about your credit liability in the eyes of the law. It's a simple read, but one that should be looked at, Shopping Online and Staying Safe.

SOPA's Internet Censorship-What Is It?

2011-11-21T13:49:00.000-06:00

SOPA's Internet Censorship-What Is It?

SOPA is "Stop Online Piracy Act". The bills' stated purpose are to provide additional enforcement tools to combat "rogue" websites who are dedicated to copyright infringement or counterfeiting.

As too be expected, the internet community has rallied against the bill in the form of online petitions. In addition, the tech giants like Google, Facebook, Twitter, AOL and others have sent a joint-letter speaking in opposition to the measure.

To summarize Google's position, it feels that the way in which the bill has been drafted would expose law-abiding US Internet and Technology companies with uncertain liabilities, private rights to action and technology mandates that would cripple possible innovation and job-creation, as well as, endanger cybersecurity.

Here is an article SOPA Meets Massive Backlash (http://www.webpronews.com/sopa-meets-massive-resistance-2011-11) to learn more.

Bipartisan Opposition?

It was stated that this bill had bipartisan support. But does it really? If you have worked on the Internet, or have any kind of presence online, you should be aware of the SOPA Internet Censorship bill that is currently being debated in Congress. Because it can possibly affect you. Is there hope around the corner? Maybe. We are starting to see bipartisan opposition from Congress .

Google Testing-And Content To Ad Ratio

2011-11-14T13:31:00.000-06:00

Google Testing-And Content To Ad Ratio

It looks like another Google algorithm is being tested. And at the core of the test is, the number and size of the ads that appear "above the fold" on a content page.

Since it is in the test mode, those sites that may be infringing on this new "testing algorithm" will not see the effects, yet. But the fallout could be great if they should put it into effect. And, in my opinion, it's very possible if they are looking to give the viewer a good experience.

The new algorithm will be related to the concept of "ad-to-content ratio". Though this concept is not new, the the Panda update and it emphasizing quality content/user experience, this is just another piece to the quality issue.

Cutts was quoted as saying at PubCon, “If you have ads obscuring your content, you might want to think about it,” asking publishers to consider, “Do they see content or something else that’s distracting or annoying?”

Another point I would like to add, and that is the list that was put out by Amit Singal from Google, after the Panda update. If you are not familiar, or have not seen the list that was put out by Google's Fellow Amit Singhal on quality content, there is one question on the list that you need to take notice of, because,more than likely this is what the new algorithm is going be looking at: "Does this article have an excessive amount of ads that distract from or interfere with the main content?"

Okay, in my mind there are more questions than answers. But as you know, Google is not really in the habit of giving you answers, leaving it up to you to figure it out yourself. Which, I might add, you should be doing. That means, taking an objective view of your content to ad ratio. If you have two lines of content and a huge ad, you might have a problem.

Will Google be looking at the size of the ads above the fold and the number of ads above the fold. Probably both. Some sites have a lot of ads above the fold, and I would venture to say that Google would be looking a little closer at those ads. EzineArticles found that to be a problem and had taken steps to improve their ad to content ratio.

Bottom line, webmasters and blogmasters will have to take a step back, be objective, and begin cleaning up their pages. It's a major hassle if you have a lot of pages, but I would venture to say worth the effort if you want your website to be around for awhile.

Context Linking - Is It Important?

2011-11-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

Context Linking-Is It Important?

You may have on occasion heard the world "context linking", however, you may not know what it is, or how it can benefit you, or the mechanics of developing a link. Many people think that they can put links of other companies on a web page and consider it context linking. In fact, I would call it a directory, not context linking. The important factor with context linking is "content" that is relevant to your link. With that being said....

Check out the article on my website - Why Context Linking is Important to learn what context linking is, how it can benefit you, and the mechanics of the contextual link. You may not think it is important, but sometimes simply overlooked items on a web page can make a big difference in your ranking or whether your web page will be indexed.

SEO Relevance and Google

2011-11-03T15:47:00.000-06:00

SEO Relevance and Google

While surfing the Internet, I'm always coming across articles about the relevance of SEO, especially after Google Panda updates. So is SEO still relevant?

Though SEO has changed, it still has relevance in two important areas, keywords and keyword density.
If you write content, you need to use keywords, an element of SEO for the search engines to determine your topic and for readers to find you online.

With the new algorithm of Google (aka: Panda) more sites are chasing or I should say, appeasing the Google search engine to try to again, be in Google good graces.

The question you have to ask yourself is: Are you making changes to your site to appease the search engines only and forgetting totally about the users experience on your site? If you are only attempting to appease only the search engines, you may want pause for a moment, and rethink your strategy.

In my opinion, you have to build a website that will appease both the spiders and the user, because they are both important. Obviously, spiders are needed for the traffic to find you, and the human reader is needed for your site to prosper. So what do you do?

If you make changes, you'll have to do it systematically, monitoring the changes and the effects it has on the human readers. If the readers leave, you need to do some tweaking.

Several thoughts on keywords, do not stuff your keywords in your articles. It's noticeable to readers and search engines. Though a reader may not know the terminology for "keyword stuffing" they do recognize how the copy reads. Usually it makes for poor reading, and other times, it's unreadable.

As for search engines, the spiders determine the density of the keywords, and if it goes over a given percentage, you could be penalized. Not good, for you, or your website if the content is either loss in the abyss of the Internet search, or not indexed at all.

So is SEO still relevant? Yes. More so today, than it was yesterday.

Affiliate Marketing and the Internet Tax

2011-10-24T09:52:00.000-06:00

Affiliate Marketing and the Internet Tax

Is the Internet sales tax a way to get revenue? Of course it is, but...the issues seem to be a little more complex then people would like. Be it known, the Internet tax has been debated for years, but since the "great recession" and than the search for additional revenue by states, the issue is once again in the forefront. This, as you all know, came to a head when California signed into a law that required all online retailing sites to
pay taxes on their affiliate sales, and it brought Amazon into the picture. Whom, as it has done in other states, cut their affiliate programs in the state of California.

Many affiliates in the state lost from 40 to 70% of their revenue. And, because of this lost, some moved their business to friendlier states. If you step back and look at the situation in California, you realized that is was really a lose-lose situation for both Amazon and for California.

Don't think so. In my estimation California would gain Internet sales tax revenue, but instantly lost revenue from the affiliates that did or are doing business in the state. And, if the individuals or small businesses move elsewhere, that is more lost revenue.

Amazon, is losing affiliates from every state that decides to collect revenue from the Internet. Surely they can't be happy about this either. This, I suppose, is why Amazon reached an agreement with California to approach Congress about addressing Internet sales taxes. If not tax solution is found, than California would once again but the tax into place. But in California's and the Amazon affiliate issue, the case is rather mote, since Amazon is planning on putting physical call centers into the state.

When you think about it, this issue is really interesting. Why? States normally impose taxes that are usually local or state wide. In the case of Internet taxes, it's going across state borders and is truly "interstate" in nature. Not, that they can't legally do it, but they can.

Bills in Congress and Senate

There is currently several bills before Congress.

Before the Senate-Main Street Fairness Act- This bill calls for a set of federal guidelines that would dictate how states could collect sales taxes from online retailers.

Before the House-Marketplace Equity Act of 2011-This bill is a little different from the Senate. This bill gives states the authority to require retailers, online and offline, the authority to collect sales taxes even if the customers are located in states where the companies have no physical presence.

Bottomline, both bills are trying to find ways to give the states the authority to have a state-based system of taxation on the Internet.

Internet State Options Suggested

There has been suggestions to possible options that can make the Internet tax a little more uniform.

Some have suggested 1) nationwide sales tax in which a certain portion of the income would be given to all the states, or 2) the current idea of taxing consumers at the origin of sale and not at the destination.

The problem I see, is uniformity because overall, local taxes within the states are not uniform. A national tax would bring uniformity. Question is, but would the federal government distribute the revenue to the states?

And as to the current idea of taxing consumers at the origin, if can be a major headache for online retailers if they have to comply with a different tax from each state.

To conclude, states are definitely looking to the Internet to help solve their budget shortfalls, however, I see a little chaos before the calm before it's all said and done.

Adsense-In With the New, Out With the Old

2011-10-17T12:58:00.000-06:00

Adsense-In With The New, Out With the Old

Okay, I have to admit, I've been a little slow about embracing the new Google Adsense platform. However, I have begun in earnest to get a handle on it. After working with it for a solid month, I'm actually finding some benefit with the new Interface.

They have just added a new feature, that was a feature within the old interface- ad styles. I have to admit that was one area that I missed the most, and prevented me from using the new interface all the time. However, after looking at the ad styles I created, visually, I'm feeling a little more comfortable. This is how it works:

When you edit an ad style in the new interface, any ad units that are using this style will automatically be updated.
As in the past, if you decide to test new colors on your site, you can apply it to a couple of your ads, to see if people respond. If not you can change back to the old, or try another color combination.
To create a new ad style, visit My Ads, Click "Ad Styles" and then "+New" button.

Pretty simple, right?

Google Adsense Link Ad Changes

Google Adsense is making a few updates on their link units. They reevaluated the layout and the landing page, and found that both was in need of a modern look. They are hoping this modern look will help to give it better performance.

The link unit, and the choices between the four and five topics on the horizontal orientation link ad will now have only four. In addition, you will see additional space around the ads. With the vertical orientation ads, you had a choice of 3 or 4 links, that is being cut to 3 links. In addition, both link ad units will see a larger font size.

Personally, I like the looks.

As to the makeover of the Google landing page, you can take a quick look of the sample on the Google Adsense blog, I have to say it is far more pleasing to the eye, than the old.

Internet Tidbits

2011-10-09T08:43:00.000-06:00

Internet Tidbits

On September 28, Panda 2.5 hit the Internet. However, with this run, it looked like some of the first Panda losers are beginning to see some positive results. As to the losers, it looks like that this round of losers with the News and Press Release sites. Whoa. How do you change that?

However, there are still many trying to recover from the first Panda, and the tweaks they have made, seem to have not seen any improvement to their traffic. I learned simple tweaks and Panda do not mix. In fact, some of the original losers, were able to improve their site's situation by massive cleanups.

Former losers were HubPages, EHow and EzineArticles, are no longer on the loser list. In fact, HubPages, has hit the winner list this time around.

HubPages started making big changes after the first Panda update. They made massive changes to their policies, as well as, putting writers on notice to update their hubs to comply or risk having their content unpublished.

In addition, they have made each writer responsible for their own success or failure on Hubpages. How did they do that? HubPages, put each author under their own subdomain. Which makes them more responsible for it's success or failure. If you don't know anything about subdomains you can check my website about domains and subdomains. By creating subdomains they theorized, each writer would rise or fall according to their own merits. Currently, that seems to be the case. Since HubPages are now on the winner list, you can assume that it is working. But will their success continue? Only time will tell.

Just as a side note for everyone, Panda usually runs every 4 to 6 weeks, so for those that did not fair well with Panda this time around, you have some time to make some improvements.

Amazon Affiliates

Amazon affiliates, Amazon is inviting all Californian Associates whose accounts were closed by Amazon to re-enroll if they are eligible. Once re-enrolled, the associates account will immediately become active. I don't think you can fear them closing you down,again. Why? If you read my last post you would know that they will be opening facilities and distribution centers in California.

Google +1 A New Addition

2011-10-01T10:15:00.000-06:00

Google +1 A New Addition

Beginning in October Google will begin displaying the +1 button on display ads on sites. Supposedly, people will be able to endorse a specific ad and make them more likely to appear to their social connections.

There hope is that these recommendations could lead readers to notice ads on your site more, and with it, more clicks and higher returns.

For example: Jill sees an ad that looks like a good deal on flights over the Christmas holiday. Jill +1's the ad, so that her friends might find value with this deal. When contacts and friends sign in to their Google account, they'll be able to see the referring friend, Jill's picture at the bottom of the ad, stating that she had +1'd it.

However, don't get to excited yet. +1 button clicks are not counted as clicks on ads. There hope is that the +1 will deliver more useful ads to your users, which will result in higher returns over time.

On mobile, the +1 will replace the "g' logo and recommendations will appear for several seconds, then fade out.

However, if you feel that this +1 feature is more of a nuisance for your users you can opt out, beginning in October, when the ads will start displaying for all.

For those waiting for an invite, it's no longer necessary. Google +1 is now open to the public.

Gov. Brown Approves Amazon Sales Tax Deal

2011-09-26T11:23:00.000-06:00

Gov. Brown Approves Amazon Sales Tax Deal

According to the Bloomberg, California Governor Jerry Born signed a bill in a compromise with Amazon.com Inc.

Currently Amazon has a one-year reprieve from California collecting sales taxes on the Internet. Both California and Amazon have agreed to work together for a national standard on taxing online sales. Thus, Amazon has until September 2012 before it begins to start turning over taxes to California if no national standard is in place.

What does it mean for affiliates? The 25,000 web-based entrepreneurs will have their Amazon affiliate status reinstated after the legislation is sign.

However, California is getting more good news from Amazon. It appears that Amazon is planning on hiring 10,000 workers in California, as well as, spend $500 million on facilities in the state. A definite lift to California and individuals looking for work.

For details check out Bloomberg's article, Bloomberg California Sales Tax Reprieve.

Is Your Article Aging Gracefully

2011-09-19T11:27:00.000-06:00

Is Your Article Aging Gracefully?

What do I mean when I ask the question, "Is Your Article Aging Gracefully?" It really means, is your article gaining viewers on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. If it is gaining viewers, then yes, your article is aging gracefully. And that my friend, is the essence of true article marketing.

If you are looking to articles to help you in your marketing process, you must write articles that give individuals specific information. If you make your article overly promotional, you risk having your target market click away and the search engines ignore you.

However, if you write in-depth articles, specific to your niche, you will find people willing to link to you. Which means, you are collecting quality backlinks that will give you more readers.

This is just a small tidbit of information about article marketing. Check out Article Writing and Your Marketing Edge for additional information about writing online.

Update To California "Amazon Sales Tax"

2011-09-10T11:00:00.000-06:00

Update To California "Amazon Sales Tax"

As you may recall from my post about Amazon Sales Tax in California, not many people were happy.
For affiliate who reside in California and dropped by Amazon, this may be of interest to you. According to "The Sacramento Bee" Amazon has persuaded California lawmakers to delay tax collection.

Tentatively, Amazon has reached an agreement with California state lawmakers and brick-and-mortar stores to stop fighting a requirement that Internet retailers collect sales tax on any California purchases. Under a handshake deal, Amazon has accomplished delaying the sales tax in California until September 2012.

What does lay the groundwork for? Could it be a national online sales tax law. It's seems that Amazon and retails like Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble has agreed to lobby Washington over the next 11 months for an Internet sales tax law that would go across 50 states.

However, if no federal deal emerges by July 31,2012, Amazon would have to begin collecting California sales taxes starting on Sept. 15, 2012.

Currently state lawmakers are going to introduce a bill that will delay implementation of the online sales tax law until that date according to Assemblyman Charles Calderon D-Whittier. However, Gov. Jerry Born has not weighed in on the issue as yet.

For complete details you can read the Sacramento Bee.

Okay, this could help all affiliates if Amazon and other retailers can get a federal sales tax law implemented. Can our Congress stop arguing enough to do it? Hm-m-m, that's an interesting question isn't it.

Adsense's New Publisher Application

2011-09-06T10:10:00.001-06:00

Adsense's New Publisher Application

Just a quick note. It looks like Adsense is updating their new publisher application process. It will include more visual reviews by Google before any new site is accepted into the Adsense program. They are wanting a better experience for publisher and advertiser a lot. And, I would have to assume to verify the quality content on the site.

In any event, you'll need to be sure to follow their instructions in their email as each step is completed. For complete details on the New Publisher Application Process look at Adsense Basic Tutorial on my site, under the subheading of Adsense Application Process.

Again, this process is directed toward those individuals who are new to the Adsense program.