A few weeks ago, I received the following email:
“Dear Affiliate,
It is my unfortunate duty to inform that we have terminated our affiliate relationship. Please note that you will be paid in full for your affiliate earnings to date. I would like to thank you for your participation.
Best Regards,
*edited*
Best Buy Affiliate Program”
Wow, no explanation. Could you spare 2 minutes and tell me what the problem is? I wrote back trying to find out some details, but I received vague responses such as; CheapAssGamer "no longer meets our long term business goals" and it doesn't "align with BestBuy corporate branding goals". I decided that only a phone call to the Affiliate Program Manager would get me a straight answer.
Upon speaking to the Manager, I learned it was the “ass” in CheapAssGamer.com that led Best Buy to terminate CAG’s affiliate status. I'll admit that I was not completely surprised to hear this. In fact, I figured the "ass" must have been the problem as retailers generally enjoy free advertising and the business that CAG drives to their websites.
So, before I made the call to the Program Manager, I prepared myself and did a little homework. Guess what happens when you search for the word “ass” on Best Buy's product search box?
Here is a small sample:
Buckit Naked: Ass Unlimited
Ass Illustrated
Face Down, Ass Up
Up Your Ass
Dynamite Up Your Ass
Blow It Out Your Ass
There are many more, some that I am too embarassed to post.
When I spoke to the Manager, I pointed out Best Buy's huge double standard and explained how they were forcing me to write this story as my users must be informed of something this significant. I also promised that our forums are moderated for content and that we even have a Baptist Pastor as an active user (it's true!). The Manager agreed that I made some very good points. She also promised to talk to the Best Buy corporate office about this situation and to get back to me in a few days. It has been weeks and my emails and phone calls are now ignored.
As I said to the Program Manager, this site can survive without a monthly check from Best Buy, but it cannot survive if I allow this to compromise the impartiality of CheapAssGamer. I encourage you all to continue to post Best Buy deals, as a deal is a deal, regardless of whether this website is supported by it's purchase. At this point, I am not sure what can be done, or even if its worth doing, but I had no choice but to fill you in on this CAG newsworthy event. I'm not really sure what Best Buy's thinking is with regards to this situation, but I assure you it's No Skin Off My Ass.
UPDATE: Just got this email today (3/10/04) from the Program Manager:
"Sorry for the delay in my response.
BestBuy has decided not to re-activate your account.
Wish I had better news.
Thanks,
*edit* "
I don't know why it took so long to get back to me, but I do believe that she feels bad about the whole thing. She seemed like a nice person when we previously spoke, but, since Best Buy is her client, she's got to abide by their decision.
By the way, have you tried search for other "4-letter words" into Bestbuy.com?
Good stuff.
Link to article: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000696.html
“Dear Affiliate,
It is my unfortunate duty to inform that we have terminated our affiliate relationship. Please note that you will be paid in full for your affiliate earnings to date. I would like to thank you for your participation.
Best Regards,
*edited*
Best Buy Affiliate Program”
Wow, no explanation. Could you spare 2 minutes and tell me what the problem is? I wrote back trying to find out some details, but I received vague responses such as; CheapAssGamer "no longer meets our long term business goals" and it doesn't "align with BestBuy corporate branding goals". I decided that only a phone call to the Affiliate Program Manager would get me a straight answer.
Upon speaking to the Manager, I learned it was the “ass” in CheapAssGamer.com that led Best Buy to terminate CAG’s affiliate status. I'll admit that I was not completely surprised to hear this. In fact, I figured the "ass" must have been the problem as retailers generally enjoy free advertising and the business that CAG drives to their websites.
So, before I made the call to the Program Manager, I prepared myself and did a little homework. Guess what happens when you search for the word “ass” on Best Buy's product search box?
Here is a small sample:
Buckit Naked: Ass Unlimited
Ass Illustrated
Face Down, Ass Up
Up Your Ass
Dynamite Up Your Ass
Blow It Out Your Ass
There are many more, some that I am too embarassed to post.
When I spoke to the Manager, I pointed out Best Buy's huge double standard and explained how they were forcing me to write this story as my users must be informed of something this significant. I also promised that our forums are moderated for content and that we even have a Baptist Pastor as an active user (it's true!). The Manager agreed that I made some very good points. She also promised to talk to the Best Buy corporate office about this situation and to get back to me in a few days. It has been weeks and my emails and phone calls are now ignored.
As I said to the Program Manager, this site can survive without a monthly check from Best Buy, but it cannot survive if I allow this to compromise the impartiality of CheapAssGamer. I encourage you all to continue to post Best Buy deals, as a deal is a deal, regardless of whether this website is supported by it's purchase. At this point, I am not sure what can be done, or even if its worth doing, but I had no choice but to fill you in on this CAG newsworthy event. I'm not really sure what Best Buy's thinking is with regards to this situation, but I assure you it's No Skin Off My Ass.
UPDATE: Just got this email today (3/10/04) from the Program Manager:
"Sorry for the delay in my response.
BestBuy has decided not to re-activate your account.
Wish I had better news.
Thanks,
*edit* "
I don't know why it took so long to get back to me, but I do believe that she feels bad about the whole thing. She seemed like a nice person when we previously spoke, but, since Best Buy is her client, she's got to abide by their decision.
By the way, have you tried search for other "4-letter words" into Bestbuy.com?
Good stuff.
Link to article: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000696.html