October 2009 Archives

TradeDoubler are not some little startup. They don't have any excuse for bad communication, yet they still send out totally meaningless emails to their publishers:

First the subject line:

"Apple ? Important Status Update"

So is it "Apple" or something else?


"Dear XXXXX,

With reference to your participation in the Apple Store Affiliate program through TradeDoubler.We have noticed that your site has not been active on the Apple Affiliate program indicating that you are no longer interested in the program. We will therefore be de-activating your account as of 13th October 2009.  If you are still interested in being part of the Apple Affiliate program, please re-apply to join the program at any time. 

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact your local TradeDoubler Team: xxxxxxxxxxxx at xxxxxxxx@tradedoubler.com

We thank you for your contribution and we wish you the best for your future endeavors.

TradeDoubler team
"

There are several serious issues with this email

• Which site does it refer to?
• How can TD claim to know what I am interested in or not?
  
• Why are they using US spelling?
• Which part of my account are they deactivating?
• Why was the subject line of the email so weird?

They also sent out another email regarding Apple which again is badly worded and totally misleading.

"Dear publisher of the Apple Online Store Affiliation Program,

From today all publishers of the Apple Online Store Affiliation Program are required to respect the Guidelines for Apple Online Store Affiliate Publishers.

These Guidelines can be reviewed at:
http://hst.tradedoubler.com/file/2554/OLS_Affiliate_Banners_Guide_102708.pdf
http://hst.tradedoubler.com/file/2554/OLS_Affiliate_Photo_Guide_102708.pdf

Please note that TradeDoubler will monitor the respect of these Guidelines by the publishers of the Apple Online Store Affiliation Program and failure to respect these Guidelines may result in the termination of your affiliation with the Apple Online Store Affiliation Program.

If you have any questions please contact your local Tradedoubler account manager xxx xxxx at xxxxx@tradedoubler.com

Thank you for your partnership,

TradeDoubler
"

Why isn't it addressed to me? It's not as if they can't manage that ...

The subject line refers to "branding":
Apple IE: Affiliate Brand Guidelines

Branding is not exactly a subject that is going to have me rushing to open my email, yet, again, TradeDoubler are actually talking about something completely different and much more important than mere guidelines.

Look at the body of the email - note the "charming" threats ...

Now look at the PDFs ...

They aren't just about Apple / Tradedoubler expressing some preferences for how publishers place banners. They are, however, very clear rules on how publishers are meant to do things.

Tradedoubler - you really need to work on your communication. Seriously. Get your act together.