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It was brought to my attention by several CAGs that there was confusion about how the CAG affiliate links work and how using them help support the site (and my extravagant lifestyle).
Q: What are Affiliate Links?
A: Affiliate links are specially encoded links that let online retailers track who has sent customers to their websites. These links are found in forum posts, the "Shop" menu in the forum header, and the "Stores" menu on the front page.

Q: How do Affiliate Links Help CAG?
A: Retailers pay a commission to CAG for purchases (not click throughs) made through these links. The commission varies, but it is generally 3%-10% of the purchase price, depending on the retailer. This money is used to pay our server bills and for improvements to the site. It is also how I make a living.
As a side-effect, when retailers see a lot of purchases made through CAG links, this sometimes gets their attention and they are more likely to provide CAG with special promotions (coupon codes, exclusive sales, etc).

Q: How do I post CAG's Affiliate Links?
A: You don't have to worry about that. The forum automatically converts most "normal" links into CAG's affiliate links. When posting deals, just post direct links to products (when possible) and the forum will do the rest.

Q: Can I post my own Affiliate Links or other web site's Affiliate Links? Why not?
A: No. Other sites usually do not allow you to post your own advertisements and this is no different. Just as I don't ask the users to help pay the costs of running this site, it is only fair that I don't host your ads at my expense. While an individual may eventually be able to procure a free game or two by posting their affiliate links here, this is how I keep the site running, pay for site improvements, and make my living. Running this site is my full-time job and I do not have any other source of income.

Additionally, if we allowed users to post their own affiliate links, the deals section would likely be overrun by postings that are not actual deals, but any opportunity for users to generate money from affiliate earnings.

I do not make exceptions to this rule because it would be too confusing to allow it in some situations and not in others. If you receive any enjoyment or benefit from using this free web site, hopefully you can respect and understand this decision.

Q: Can I support CAG by buying non-video game items or products that aren't linked to directly?
A: Yes! If you click through any affiliate link and buy any product from that retailer (not just the item directly linked), CAG will get affiliate credit. Also, you can use the "Shop" menu in the forum header or the "Stores" menu on the front page to make sure CAG gets credit.

If you have any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them here.

Thanks for your support!

I always use the affiliate links for the simple fact that CAG is my start page and that handy pulldown menu is much faster than typin' in a URL when I want to browse for some games.

Quick question though...how often do you update it...? Or, more specifically, are there requirements for a store to be included on the list? I always thought it strange that Best Buy was still there despite dropping you from their affiliate program. Also, now that Lik-Sang's no more and with the frequency of links to Fry's/Outpost is there any chance of adding them to the list?

If you're going to buy something, might as well use the affiliate link. Does Google checkout effect it though? Like if I click through CAG then add something to my cart but use Google checkout instead of the regular checkout process.

Well played.

I always purchase through CAG links. It's a little thing that helps keep CAG in business.

Can you choose your affiliates? If you had DeepDiscountDVD.com, we'd hook you up real good

Originally Posted by 6669 Can you choose your affiliates? If you had DeepDiscountDVD.com, we'd hook you up real good

No doubt.

They need to have an affiliate program...DDD doesnt have one.

J'aimerais aider mais vous savoir sans travail et tous.

Cheapy, can you tell us how much each link gets you (%-wise) so we know how much we are helping you out.

Originally Posted by pop311 Cheapy, can you tell us how much each link gets you (%-wise) so we know how much we are helping you out.

I'm pretty sure this is against the terms of most, if not all affiliate programs...generally speaking it's 3%-10%.

Originally Posted by CheapyD I'm pretty sure this is against the terms of most, if not all affiliate programs...generally speaking it's 3%-10%.

Oh, I didn't know that. Nevermind

Hey Cheapy, i just order a new widescreen monitor from newegg.com, i used the store link. there's my 2 cent's. hope it help's.


CAG Rock's !!!!

Cheapy;

I put Castlevania Portrait of Ruin in my cart from the CAG Amazon best sellers page (linked from CAG). During that same browser session I also searched Amazon and put two pre-order dvds in my cart. I then checked out all three items for a total of about $90. Does this mean you will get credit for all 3 items I pre-ordered?

Originally Posted by wageslave Cheapy; I put Castlevania Portrait of Ruin in my cart from the CAG Amazon best sellers page (linked from CAG). During that same browser session I also searched Amazon and put two pre-order dvds in my cart. I then checked out all three items for a total of about $90. Does this mean you will get credit for all 3 items I pre-ordered?

Yes sir! Thanks for your support!

There have been a few recent complaints about CAG not allowing users to post their own affiliate links. In an effort to address this, I've added something to the OP.

Q: Can I post my own Affiliate Links or other web site's Affiliate Links? Why not?
A: No. Other sites usually do not allow you to post your own advertisements and this is no different. Just as I don't ask the users to help pay for costs of running this site, it is only fair that I don't host your ads at my expense. While an individual may eventually be able to procure a free game or two by posting their affiliate links here, this is how I keep the site running, pay for site improvements, and put food on my table. Running this site is my full-time job and I do not have any other source of income.

I do not make exceptions to this rule because it would be too confusing to allow it in some situations and not in others. If you receive any enjoyment or benefit from using this free web site, hopefully you can respect and understand this decision.

I've bought a shitload of Amazon HD DVDs lately, but I know half of the links I've clicked here, the other half I've typed them in myself. So, if you're not receiving money due to my purchases, it ain't going to anyone else. Either way, I know I've helped out some at the very least.

Are affiliate links in signatures allowed?
I've seen one person (in the "Signature Help" thread) that has what appears to be a PA affiliate banner/link as their signature.

i would pay 10000 ducks to hang out with u b/c ur just so cool.

Damn, if I had read this thread a while ago, I would have bought my college texts through the Amz link. I'll have to get my brother to do it then.