Best Buy drops CheapAssGamer from its affiliate program = hypocrASSy

CheapyD

CheapyD

Head Cheap Ass
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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
 
I say screw them.

For those who don't know, Best Buy sells playboy movies and other softcore porn videos so there hypocrisy is ridiculous.

Of course a deal is a deal and if we can get a cheap game at BB good for us, but otherwise screw em their stuff is way overpriced anyway - ever tried to buy a small pc cable from there?. I say we boycott them unless it is for a REALLY good deal.
 
We should order a bunch of big tv's...then return them to the store. They'd lose about $40 or so just on the free shipping! :twisted:
 
Sounds like all the more reason to exploit them whenever and wherever possible. Some say an educated consumer is capitalisms worst enemy. I'd argue that a scorned CheapASSGamer is your worst nightmare. BestBuy beware. Make sure you close all your discount loopholes because if you don't, someone here will find it.
 
I find it ironic that this site was the one thing that got me going back to Best Buy after a long time absence and now it's got me questioning whether to go back any more. Is there someone we can email? Even a few might be noticed.[/img]
 
Insanity. Maybe someone higher up will realize how stupid this is. You'd think they would LIKE money...
 
I say just give in and change the name so that BB and Target will allow you into their programs. It's just a name. The deals are what's most important.
 
Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.
 
I wouldn't have known at all had it not been for the front page story. I mean, you said you were notified that you were out weeks ago and I never noticed. If you didn't want to risk our impartiality, it might not have been good to say this as loud.

That being said, what good would it be to post Best Buy deals when they NEVER EVER actually ship said product anyway?
 
Don't let The Man get you down.

Cheapy made a conscious decision when he chose the name "Cheap Ass Gamer". To change it now would be lame. People will find this site regardless.

I know it's none of our business, but I doubt you (Cheapy) make much from an affiliate. Sure, every little bit helps, but I work in conputers and I know the affiliate/banner revenue is nothing like it used to be.

I know the site is relativly new (a year or so?) Stick it out. You're building a branding, don't toss away all your work because of a few dollars from Best Buy.

And the fact that Best Buy sells tons of stuff with "Ass" in the title is just too funny. That's some straight up "Office Space" type stuff.
 
[quote name='sylentwulf']Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.[/quote]

What web browser are you using?
 
Yeah, it's NOT taking up the whole page. It is as you say, just a paragraph already with a link to the full story. You must be using an antiquated web browser.
 
Looks fine now, I'm using internet explorer 6.0.

Must have just been a one time fluke, sorry if I sounded a little harsh, it just looked REALLY BAD :)
 
I hate how sensitive our society has become. Oh no, the site has the word ASS in its name :shock: . I am now scarred for life and will sue Best Buy for affiliating itself with this website :roll:

America just needs to take the stick out its ass and move on.
 
[quote name='Scrubking']I say we boycott them unless it is for a REALLY good deal.[/quote]

i already only shop there for video games, and as you can guess i dont go there to pay $50 for a game ^^

im sure 90% of the time the games that we buy from them make them lose money (in the case that we actully get the games) so i say keep going, and if you need anything else that they sell, try circuit city, in me experiance ive noticed cc has more informed employees and lower prices
 
I'm sure this decision was made by some big-wig who sits in his/her office all day making pointless decisions. Doubt they even visited the site before deciding. Sad really, especially when their excuse is so weak.

Cheapy - Just out of curiousity, what were some of the other benefits to being a BB affiliate other than them giving you a check every month?
 
Well yesterday because of the poor customer service that I have been recieving I wrote them a polite but nasty letter basically telling them that they are greedy, their customer service policy on service plans suck.

I also bought something from the internet for 27 dollars from them. Found the same item a few days later for 22. And will be returning the item, not for the 5 dollars, but to get my money out of their pockets!!!!!!!
 
I think Cheapy is handling this is a very professional manner. He could easily have said boycott BB or flood them with e-mails demanding they take CAG back.
I think it sucks, and the only reason I've ever purchased anything from their website was because of CAG, free shipping good, waiting a month bad.
 
[quote name='Theenternal']Well yesterday because of the poor customer service that I have been recieving I wrote them a polite but nasty letter basically telling them that they are greedy, their customer service policy on service plans suck.
[/quote]

Trust me, they'll throw it on the pile. Best Buy has been and will always be a conglomerate of swindlers who have almost nil consideration for joe consumer, especially one who actually knows he's being swindled.

I, for one, will gladly follow the advice and post/utilize any and every deal that comes along from CAG. Best Buy just lost a great thing.
 
I realize that I'm going to be in the minority here, but I really think that a name change would probably benefit more than hurt. True, I've only been coming to CAG.com for a few months now, but I cannot help thinking that this site (and value concious gamers in general) would benefit from a more 'business friendly' site name. I personally come to CAG not because of the catchy name, but because of the great deals I find here.

Companies (and especially web sites) go through name changes all the time. And while I can understand that there are no doubt many personal (and ethical?) reasons for wanting to keep the name CheapAssGamer.com, the reality still remains: the word "ass" is going to be a problem if you want to do business with Corporate America. It's all about the money game. Marketing. The Bottom Dollar. If you want to get paid to play their game, you have to play by their rules.

Until CAG can generate a substantial about of money, it's just not going to have very much say in the business realm. So if CheapyD doesn't care about making Best Buy's (or any other companies who has a problem with the word 'ass') money, then by all means he should go with his heart, keep the name, and fight the good fight. If he wants to make more money, then a name change is in order. He's obviously chosen the former, but I would think no less of this website and it's community if it were to suddenly change names to "ValueBottomGamer.com". :)

So, CheapyD, if you should ever choose to re-name the site in the future, just know that not everyone would think you were selling out. Ass or no ass, this site rocks.
 
It looks like the Janet Superbowl Slip has managed to scare another company from their regular business tactics. Cheapy, you wrote a great article man. It was very eloquent and you brought up strong points. Keep fighting the good fight.
 
I, for one, will gladly follow the advice and post/utilize any and every deal that comes along from CAG. Best Buy just lost a great thing.
Click to expand...

Here is the problem with that statement. What is BB really losing? If we continue to post deals at BB as usual then what are they losing out on? The only thing that has happened is that CheapyD won't get any money from Best Buy as an affiliate.

If users still post and shop at BB then what are they losing? Seems to me like they are gaining if we continue to post and shop there.
 
This is simply an opportunity for the other affiliate sites to step up to the plate. There are plenty of other sites associated to CAG that have offered WAY better deals than Best Buy. Best Buy's deals were mediocre at best. (The GGC doesn't count because In-Store deals do not benefit this site.) Good riddance I say. You weren't much of a savings to us after all. Don't let the door hit you in the ASS on the way out! :twisted:
 
As for having to take the name Ass out of the title...

I am pretty sure that Jack Ass the Movie is in each of these stores.

If he wants to change the name thats fine but I dont think he has to be successful.
 
Best Buy sucks. In the past few months I have had only negative experiences with Best Buy. Their customer service sucks and I think they seek out and hire the most ignorant people. I usually only shop there as to pricematch and use their $5 off coupon. I have about decided the $5 off is not worth the hassle. Do not even get me started on Best Buy.com. :evil:
 
its sad bestbuy decided to drop CAG from their affiliates list but i dont think Cheapy should remove the ass from the url. i remember when i first came to this site, the phrase 'cheapassgamer' made me laugh, and was basically the only reason i joined the site. also if u look deep enuf that phrase defines us pretty well.
 
Is this the announcment Cheapy said he was going to make in that other thread? Although I had the impression it had to do with a name change.
 
There's no problem whatsoever -

You've already got a 'wholesome' domain name, right? All you need is a redirection script on that domain, so all redirection seems to best buy to originate from that domain. And just link to the script instead of directly to their site.
 
[quote name='little_krampy']
Cheapy - Just out of curiousity, what were some of the other benefits to being a BB affiliate other than them giving you a check every month?[/quote]

None.

[quote name='The-Bavis']Any chance that this action by Best Buy is connected to your warranty problems you had with them?

http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4966&highlight=[/quote]

Not likely.

By the way, it would be great if you CAGs could try and spread the word as much as possible.
Use this link: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000696.html
 
And to think....I just applied there.

I figured it would be easy, as no one there knows jack about anything. I mean, how hard is it to be knowledgeable about your section of the store?

Maybe I'll go apply to Sam's Club instead...
 
I know I am a new member, and as such not bound to thinking that the ass is a tradition for this website, or anything like that. But I know I like this site, and if it helps this site monetarily, then I tink the ass should be dropped. I am sure Best Buy is not the only corporate sponsor, that is bothered by the ass. I am not saying that we have to sell our souls for corporations, but if all you have to do is drop the ass, to increase your revenue, you should consider it.
 
I have been boycotting Best Buy for a good 9 months now, and ask everyone I know to do the same, this just gives me more reason. To me, even a good deal is not worth shopping at Best Buy. and their website is horribly constructed also. I encourage everyone if they'd like to visit www.bestbuysux.org There you will find customer complaints and pro-bb comments.

Thanks for informing us Cheapy, I think you handled it extremely well, and I think its important to support a website such as this.
 
You know, I just realized that this probably had more to do with many CAGs exposing the backorder scandel than the terminology of a site's name.

The products they sell on their site that contain "ass" prove it's a double standard.
 
In a way, this seems like sour grapes on Cheapy's part. Business is business. Let the market decide. There are many cliches that could be placed here but the long and the short of it is, it's a free country. They can choose to do what they wish. Is it fair? No. But since when have big businesses been fair? Pizza Hut pays their delivery drivers $.50 to deliver a pizza, and HAS for more than ten years. What's inflation? How could wages have doubled in the market place, and this one element remain the same?

A billion dollar company that treats it's associates like rubbish will continue long after this site has been disbandoned.
 
I have been taking my business elsewhere for a long time. If I can get a game at Circuit City instead of Best Buy, I'd do it in a heartbeat. CC pricematches, and takes the $5 BBGC coupon.

You don't need them, CheapyD. I don't think anyone liked them anyway. If Best Buy deals surface I suggest we find a way to take that deal to another retailer (through pricematching, etc.). That way we won't miss out, but we won't be putting money in Best Buy's pocket.
 
I say Cheapy goes on the offensive. Instead of watering the name down, let's change it to fuckingReallyCheapAssGamer.Com. Then, I'll spearhead a "hide a ziploc bag filled with your doodie" campaign in their stores. Think how much fun that'd be? Like a treasure hunt and we're the pirates. DOWN WITH THE MAN!
 
[quote name='sylentwulf']Hate to say it, but this is more of an internal affairs type of thing, I'm sorry you're having a problem with your affiliate program, but it doesn't belong on the front page taking up the ENTIRE PAGE, defeated the WHOLE PURPOSE of this website.

Make it ONE small paragraph with a "link to the full story" and let the rest of us enjoy this site, like any other professional webmaster would do when having issues with a company.[/quote]

WTF is this? If you were sitting in the next cube over I would bust you in the grill with a sock full of quarters.
 
[quote name='daphatty']
Osh Kosh B'iotch]You know said:
I had the same thought. There's alot of that going around. It's not just limited to BB. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prove that is the cause.
Click to expand...

What scandal? Do you mean things like the 5 dollar GH,Platniums, that once out in the open get hit up by a bunch of people some ordering like 50 copies? Or is this about something dirty they did?, besides sucking?
 
[quote name='Theenternal'][quote name='daphatty']
Osh Kosh B'iotch]You know said:
I had the same thought. There's alot of that going around. It's not just limited to BB. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prove that is the cause.
Click to expand...

What scandal? Do you mean things like the 5 dollar GH,Platniums, that once out in the open get hit up by a bunch of people some ordering like 50 copies? Or is this about something dirty they did?, besides sucking?[/quote]

I think they mean the fact that BB just cancels your order whenever they feel like it.
 
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