You know those "create your own gallery" scripts that are inside affiliate programs? [Archive]

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Greenguy

2006-01-12, 08:49 AM

Everyone has seen them, where you pick the images & banners & colors & fonts & whatnot & the script spits out a gallery that you can download or the sponsor hosts.

Has anyone ever seen one that's actually worth using?

Even if it's offered & does make pages that look decent, do you still just make your own galleries?

I'm helping a friend out with a revamp of their admin & they have this option in there & IMHO, I've never seen one that was worth the money the program paid to have it installed :D

Cleo

2006-01-12, 08:55 AM

I really never use them.

Useless

2006-01-12, 08:57 AM

The ones I've seen in use are crap. Maybe it's the script. Maybe it's the setup. Seems like no matter what niche you choose, they tend to toss together pics from some random niche. The template choices often suck too, but that is probably the fault of the folks at the program. If I can't just copy and paste hosted promo links, I don't even bother.

Surfn

2006-01-12, 08:58 AM

I get better and faster results building them myself. The couple I tried to use were taking me 5 times as long to do half as much...worthless to me :(

swedguy

2006-01-12, 08:58 AM

Never used it.

RawAlex

2006-01-12, 10:17 AM

I never felt the desire to use it. I would rather that the program take the same money and pay someone good to build galleries that convert, and stop worrying about making everything in 101 colors. A tuned up and on message gallery is way better than just a hodge podge of pieces tossed together without rhyme or reason.

Now, if the system randomly generated galleries, and over time presented the ones that sell the best or have the best click rations, now they would be on to something. But just building random shit and tossing it at the wall isn't going to make anywhere near as much money, IMHO.

Alex

HarryM

2006-01-12, 12:58 PM

I have used them to make filler free sites real quick :)

http://www.bootystation.com/porn/latina-sex/
http://www.bootystation.com/porn/gangbang-orgy/
http://www.bootystation.com/porn/handjobs/

Lemmy

2006-01-12, 01:14 PM

I have tried a few, but what they make doesn't look much different from the pre-made galleries so why bother.

cosmiccat

2006-01-12, 01:19 PM

Don't like 'em!

PR_Tom

2006-01-12, 01:27 PM

In general I think they're too limited on what you can edit. Then again I dont want to go through 50 step's, choosing 1 thing at a time, only to find out that I dont like it either..

It's tough to code one that could do it all. Workin on it, lol.

Greenguy

2006-01-12, 01:41 PM

I have used them to make filler free sites real quick :)

http://www.bootystation.com/porn/latina-sex/
http://www.bootystation.com/porn/gangbang-orgy/
http://www.bootystation.com/porn/handjobs/Your examples just reinforce why I don't like them :D

One idea might be for the programs to just offer the blank templates, so that builders can use them for ideas - but that might be a bad idea as well, since people would end up just using them for other projects - but then again, I'd bet that's going on already with the versions that let you download the galleries once you're created them :D

Mr. Blue

2006-01-12, 02:29 PM

I absolutely hate them and they facilitate the hobbyist porn webmaster who'll spam tgps, etc with those ugly prefab galleries.

fetish1

2006-01-12, 03:33 PM

I absolutely hate them and they facilitate the hobbyist porn webmaster who'll spam tgps, etc with those ugly prefab galleries.

Aw Come on Mr Blue, don't hold back..tell us how you really feel :D

pvtspanky

2006-01-12, 05:03 PM

I've never used them, not once.

Far-L

2006-01-12, 05:04 PM

Ok - what would make it more desirable?

The ability to change the layout more easily?

The ability to change text, keywords, etc?

We don't have the problem with niche not matching though, btw...

Chop Smith

2006-01-12, 05:34 PM

Ok - what would make it more desirable?

The ability to change the layout more easily?

The ability to change text, keywords, etc?

We don't have the problem with niche not matching though, btw...

Forget that damn tool. Build unique hfs' and fhg's and hang them out for list lists and tgps. You will get more listing that way. The tool is just too time consuming to grab links.

As far as affilates that build and submit, zip sets of 25 and let them use their own templates. That way your provide content will not become overused as quickly.

Surfn

2006-01-12, 06:09 PM

Ok - what would make it more desirable?

The ability to change the layout more easily?

The ability to change text, keywords, etc?

We don't have the problem with niche not matching though, btw...
There isn't anything you could do to make them desirable to me. Why? Because every webmaster that used it would be submitting the same templates to me. They wouldn't get listed.

I understand that DD likes them :) |couch|

|escape|

Far-L

2006-01-12, 06:21 PM

Forget that damn tool. Build unique hfs' and fhg's and hang them out for list lists and tgps. You will get more listing that way. The tool is just too time consuming to grab links.

As far as affilates that build and submit, zip sets of 25 and let them use their own templates. That way your provide content will not become overused as quickly.

ok... definitely going to take your advice but our gallery builder adds the code automatically, keeps track of the ones built, and is super quick to use - I would be amazed if someone could do one by hand quicker.

Far-L

2006-01-12, 06:27 PM

There isn't anything you could do to make them desirable to me. Why? Because every webmaster that used it would be submitting the same templates to me. They wouldn't get listed.

I understand that DD likes them :) |couch|

|escape|

Interesting - but if there were enough template variety that would overcome that issue wouldn't it? Also we could limit each templates use perhaps... or allow webmasters to add their own tmp? What do you think?

Surfn

2006-01-12, 06:31 PM

Interesting - but if there were enough template variety that would overcome that issue wouldn't it? Also we could limit each templates use perhaps... or allow webmasters to add their own tmp? What do you think?
I would have to see a couple to answer that. |huh

Far-L

2006-01-12, 06:47 PM

I would have to see a couple to answer that. |huh

We are just about to add the feature but I will be happy to let you know when it is ready.

We just hugely revised our webmaster area and it is a long and strong ways better than our old one. (Just ask |greenguy| )

MrMaryLou

2006-01-12, 06:53 PM

Far-L, the real problem lies with the abuse factor of pre-made galleries. There are so many who will take a couple of pre-made galleries and just make dead looking front ends and try to slip them by LL. There are lots of great tools but the abuse factor as turned so many LL and TGPs off to them :( Keeping them to a limited amount may be the answer to this problem.

Chop Smith

2006-01-12, 07:05 PM

ok... definitely going to take your advice but our gallery builder adds the code automatically, keeps track of the ones built, and is super quick to use - I would be amazed if someone could do one by hand quicker.
I might have misunderstood. This gallery builder that GG described, as below, is what I would find to be useless. Of course you are going to want a link export tool. Should you want or need to look at example let me know and I will pm you a login to look at what I am doing.

Everyone has seen them, where you pick the images & banners & colors & fonts & whatnot & the script spits out a gallery that you can download or the sponsor hosts.

nekrom

2006-01-12, 07:22 PM

Greenguy

2006-01-12, 11:13 PM

My point on all this is basically that I have never seen one that works that good or make decent pages. I may feel this way because I have a shitload of templates already that I can swap colors & things around in in the same amount of time that it takes one of these scripts to make me a piece of crap where I have to guess if the banner would look ok without looking at the template ahead of time :D

BTW, incase you haven't figutred it out yet, Far-L is the friend I'm helping out :D

MadMax

2006-01-12, 11:38 PM

The big problem I see with those gallery builder deals is that there couldn't possibly be enough options and variety in there to have any of the product be unique enough to bother with. Sometimes I'll play with them a bit if a sponsor has them available, but all in all I'd prefer their programmers churn out some HFS instead of creating a slick tool I have no use for.

Far-L

2006-01-13, 02:02 AM

Thanks! Completely fantastic feedback - I am utterly thankful to everyone for weighing in on this.

I think our gallery maker is capable of overcoming much of your opposition - but only when we add a few features, some previously planned and some from your suggestions, and the rest of the content...

On the other hand - we are definitely going to add plenty of hfs, |greenguy| is helping out on that end... |waves| We are also adding tons of gallery zips listed by model/niche, description, and publish date.

Greenguy

2006-01-13, 07:51 AM

Far-L

2006-01-13, 04:54 PM

I will say that Far-L & the Home Grown crew have a very good start to their revamping of the affiliate program & aside form the script thing (which I personally dislike) and a couple of other very minor things, they are on the right track |thumb

Thanks! We are working on it but it sure is a huge leap forward from where we were in what I call our "hobbled and on crutches" period.

Surfn

2006-01-13, 05:03 PM

I would like to take a look at your new builder before I start getting submits :D

Allfetish

2006-01-14, 10:02 AM

Has anyone ever seen one that's actually worth using?

I would like to see much more control with these:

1. Allow us to choose which banner is used in which position as well as how many.

2. Provide a large number of layouts so that these galleries are not oversaturated.

3. If you do recips as well, ideally have a device where webmasters can upload a few custom recips and have this saved in the lounge as well. Also make sure just as with the banners/text link placement that there are many different options to choose from regarding where to place the recip.

4. Allow us to save a configuration for next time that can be used for general use.

5. Make the number of pictures configurable as well as the ability to select certain pictures over others.

Hope my wishlist is helpful! :)

Greenguy

2006-01-14, 10:21 AM

Allfetish - wouldn't it just be easier (and take about the same amount of time) to do that by hand on your local machine?

MadMax

2006-01-14, 10:28 AM

Allfetish - wouldn't it just be easier (and take about the same amount of time) to do that by hand on your local machine?

Pretty much where I end up every time :D

Far-L

2006-01-15, 06:50 AM

I would like to see much more control with these:

Awesome suggestions and my responses follow.

1. Allow us to choose which banner is used in which position as well as how many.

--------already functional for choice but adding position feature

2. Provide a large number of layouts so that these galleries are not oversaturated.

---------definitely will do as this seems to be the strongest criticism

3. If you do recips as well, ideally have a device where webmasters can upload a few custom recips and have this saved in the lounge as well. Also make sure just as with the banners/text link placement that there are many different options to choose from regarding where to place the recip.

----------we have this in the version we developed for house accounts and will be adding it shortly, with saved recip "concoctions", and placement options

4. Allow us to save a configuration for next time that can be used for general use.

---------this is already possible but will only become truly significant when the other features are added along with their complexities.

5. Make the number of pictures configurable as well as the ability to select certain pictures over others.

---------Great idea and very much within easy reach.

Hope my wishlist is helpful! :)

I think we can incorporate these features and more innovations that will be make the webmasters efforts less burdonsome and more efficient. We will succeed or may lightning strike me down while i am being eaten by a shark after being tortured by the haitian voodoo mafia and thrown in the sea.|bow|

Toby

2006-01-15, 07:04 AM

...We will succeed or may lightning strike me down while i am being eaten by a shark after being tortured by the haitian voodoo mafia and thrown in the sea.|bow|I hope it doesn't come to that, but if so be sure to get it on video. |headbang|

Geez Far-L, up early or up late? I dunno if I should be saying g'mornin or g'nite. :D

gobgook2

2006-01-15, 11:29 AM

Imo those 5step make your own gallery are utter crap. I'd either use a FHG which have some sort of structure to them (also crap) or 9 outa 10 occasions I make my own gallery.

What I'd like to see more programs offering is ziped content sets of 25-30pics of decent quality that are 500 on the long side as standard. And a ton of header image/s that I can incorporate into my galleries. Only a handfull of programs currently offer this.

-N

Exactly, even when I did run two TGPs, they were so low traffic and impossible to grow without piss-off-the-surfer trade script crap that FHG-anything is a total waste of programmer/designer time. I'd love to see some real FHG stats. I'm betting that <= 5% of program affiliates (the top 5%, including all the high traffic TGP owners) are the only ones really using FGH to any real gain. They're just in my way, personally. I'm with nekrom, content to build galleries by hand is the most useful thing any program could give me (although I'm not so sure about 500 on the longest side being a standard...) -- but 80% of programs out there are dumping 10-15 shitty ass video captures into zips and calling it "picture content". As if any reputable TGP (or LL for that matter) is going to approve a picture gallery built solely of vidcaps. Come on! Anywho, yeah, I've played with the 5step tools too, and found them to be just as useless as standard FHGs. I'd rather see a program spend all that time, energy and money putting together sites that update frequently, actually convert, etc. (it's my belief based on my experiences that most of the programs that claim frequent site updates and bank-busting conversions typically don't.) |thumb
Most FHG / script-generated-5-step-galleries are typically 100% photoshop and/or way too high ad:content ratio to actually submit anywhere with any respect anyway.

sue-fl

2006-01-15, 01:10 PM

I agree that it's faster to build them by hand, then go threw all the steps.

IFRvideo

2006-01-15, 01:40 PM

GG - aren't all these forums prefab, with the same features and smiles and options. Like every one?

Also GG - in the letter you said:

"But, when you deal with both webmasters and surfers, there is nothing wrong with sending two separate Newsletters. Just, never mix the two."

"Never?" Why - is it a sin? Are you saying webmasters never buy adult content to review? Or that consumer might not want to try out doing affiliate programs? On actual sites aren't there webmaster and consumer links on main and secondary pages together? Will people leave if they see that?

Also, I just checked 15 links from your newsletter, and they used pre-made galleries. All your sponsors recommend them.

As far as copy goes here's a selection from two random clicks on your homepage. I'm not saying anything about these producer's content...

"But, as the electricity rises and the ropes tighten this little whore quickly realizes that she can't escape, can't stop the orgasms, and can't control the electricity."

"Dana takes punishment while hanging from her wrist and balancing on a block of wood. She is then led around like a dog and put in a cage where she must suck cock and get fucked. Finally. she is tied on top of the cage and fucked in the pussy and ass by Chris. Charming."

Again, I'm sure their content is good. But what's the point, these weekly newsletters seem to send conflicting information.

Lastly, do you feel the design of the our green guy list-o-rama is effective? Is it for surfers or webmasters?

Allfetish - wouldn't it just be easier (and take about the same amount of time) to do that by hand on your local machine?

Chop Smith

2006-01-15, 02:04 PM

Does anyone know WTF this IFRvideo is talking about? I think he is trying to get in GG's shit but I can not see where he said anything that relates to this thread (other than the quote).

Toby

2006-01-15, 02:10 PM

Does anyone know WTF this IFRvideo is talking about?I have no clue. I was hoping someone could translate. |crazy|

Surfn

2006-01-15, 02:23 PM

Does anyone know WTF this IFRvideo is talking about? I think he is trying to get in GG's shit but I can not see where he said anything that relates to this thread (other than the quote).
I have no clue either Chop |confused|

Trev

2006-01-15, 02:25 PM

Well, one thing... he seems to be confused about who writes and sends the newsletter. (pssst IFRvideo, Jim does the newsletters not GG) As for the rest... ummm I have no idea.

IFRvideo

2006-01-15, 02:47 PM

Trev, I didn't know Jim wrote it, thanks on that.

Listen guys, I like the radio show, I've listened and there is a lot of information here that is valuable here as well, we have your banner on our site...

I just didn't get the "never" and the dogma-style approach this morning. Seemed the opposite of what this site is and the radio show is, the tone is some of some of the mailed newletters I mean.

That's it. Don't go nutz on this.

Toby

2006-01-15, 03:05 PM

Chop Smith

2006-01-15, 03:07 PM

Well, one thing... he seems to be confused about who writes and sends the newsletter. (pssst IFRvideo, Jim does the newsletters not GG) As for the rest... ummm I have no idea.

I am awake now and think I have it.

1. I write about puking - http://greenguysboard.com/board/showthread.php?t=27910

2. Jim comments about it in the newsletter

3. IFRvideo picks the wrong thread to make comments about the newletter

Far-L

2006-01-15, 03:08 PM

Exactly, even when I did run two TGPs, they were so low traffic and impossible to grow without piss-off-the-surfer trade script crap that FHG-anything is a total waste of programmer/designer time. I'd love to see some real FHG stats. I'm betting that <= 5% of program affiliates (the top 5%, including all the high traffic TGP owners) are the only ones really using FGH to any real gain. They're just in my way, personally. I'm with nekrom, content to build galleries by hand is the most useful thing any program could give me (although I'm not so sure about 500 on the longest side being a standard...) -- but 80% of programs out there are dumping 10-15 shitty ass video captures into zips and calling it "picture content". As if any reputable TGP (or LL for that matter) is going to approve a picture gallery built solely of vidcaps. Come on! Anywho, yeah, I've played with the 5step tools too, and found them to be just as useless as standard FHGs. I'd rather see a program spend all that time, energy and money putting together sites that update frequently, actually convert, etc. (it's my belief based on my experiences that most of the programs that claim frequent site updates and bank-busting conversions typically don't.) |thumb
Most FHG / script-generated-5-step-galleries are typically 100% photoshop and/or way too high ad:content ratio to actually submit anywhere with any respect anyway.

Well we have no shortage of content - we update a few times a day with our own stuff (have been consistently for years) and we sit on a collection of over 23 years of completely exclusive amateur content - with deep deep pockets of niches like cream pie, hairy bush, mature/milf, etc. Adding tons of content for people to make galleries is not a problem.

We let the webmaster choose how many ads to add so that is not an issue for us.

Far-L

2006-01-15, 03:12 PM

Well we have no shortage of content - we update a few times a day with our own stuff (have been consistently for years) and we sit on a collection of over 23 years of completely exclusive amateur content - with deep deep pockets of niches like cream pie, hairy bush, mature/milf, etc. Adding tons of content for people to make galleries is not a problem.

We let the webmaster choose how many ads to add so that is not an issue for us.

(trying like a bad prom date to bring the topic back around to me, me, me...)

IFRvideo

2006-01-15, 03:23 PM

I am awake now and think I have it.

1. I write about puking - http://greenguysboard.com/board/showthread.php?t=27910

2. Jim comments about it in the newsletter

3. IFRvideo picks the wrong thread to make comments about the newletter

Yes yes yes. |thumb
Nobody's perfect. yet.

Far-L

2006-01-15, 03:23 PM

Toby

2006-01-15, 03:30 PM

How do you all feel about only having soft content available? We are very sketchy about hard core that is outside a pass protected area but thinking of relaxing a bit because of the recent 2257 injunction.I get better conversions using limited harcore content in my galleries, hint at it, maybe one or two pics, let the surfer know that it's there, but not a whole gallery of pics with nothing but dicks filling wholes.

Trev

2006-01-15, 03:39 PM

Surfn

2006-01-15, 03:54 PM

SexycityBrian

2006-01-15, 03:56 PM

I wrote one a while back, pick from templates and images it would make the pages add recipts for posting to tgps and even had a tgp post assistant script to help submit the galleries. Or you could just download it and do what you wanted with it. I didnt like it so we dont even offer it to webmasters to use.

SexyCityBrian

Greenguy

2006-01-15, 05:06 PM

I'm lost too, but let me take a stab at it :D

GG - aren't all these forums prefab, with the same features and smiles and options. Like every one?Yes, and we (and most other forums) tweak & customize things. Not quite sure how that fits into this thread, which is about TGP Gallery generating scripts & their usefulness.

Also GG - in the letter you said:

"But, when you deal with both webmasters and surfers, there is nothing wrong with sending two separate Newsletters. Just, never mix the two."

"Never?" Why - is it a sin? Are you saying webmasters never buy adult content to review? Or that consumer might not want to try out doing affiliate programs? On actual sites aren't there webmaster and consumer links on main and secondary pages together? Will people leave if they see that?
That was Jim's comments (as pointed out already) but I will say that I agree 100% with him. You're an idiot if you send newsletters that surfers would be interested in to webmasters & vice versa. If a webmaster wanted surfer themed newsletters, I think they'd probably sign up for them. We ruin a webmaster board & thus, our newsletters cover areas of interest to our webmasters as it pertains to the board & the business.

Also, I just checked 15 links from your newsletter, and they used pre-made galleries. All your sponsors recommend them.

As far as copy goes here's a selection from two random clicks on your homepage. I'm not saying anything about these producer's content...

"But, as the electricity rises and the ropes tighten this little whore quickly realizes that she can't escape, can't stop the orgasms, and can't control the electricity."

"Dana takes punishment while hanging from her wrist and balancing on a block of wood. She is then led around like a dog and put in a cage where she must suck cock and get fucked. Finally. she is tied on top of the cage and fucked in the pussy and ass by Chris. Charming."

Again, I'm sure their content is good. But what's the point, these weekly newsletters seem to send conflicting information.Again, I agree with you, but that has nothing to do with the topic of this thread (which I don't think was even in the newsletter today)

Lastly, do you feel the design of the our green guy list-o-rama is effective? Is it for surfers or webmasters?If you take the word "our" out of there & correct the title of my site, that questions almost makes sense :D

I'll assume that's what you meant & say that the design of my personal site that is for surfers to surfer & webmasters to submit to has pretty much been the same since I went to categorized links back in 97 )with the exception of 1 overhaul of the main page) so yes, I think it is effective for surfers to surf & webmasters to submit to, since it's still my main source of income :)

IFRvideo

2006-01-15, 05:26 PM

Hi GreenGuy.

Thanks for the reply, detailed - appreciate it.

And I like your photo as well, you remind me of this guitarist from this band Aiwass that used be around NYC... you look just like him.

I knew you weren't a one eyed monster! |headbang|

Far-L

2006-01-15, 05:33 PM

I get better conversions using limited harcore content in my galleries, hint at it, maybe one or two pics, let the surfer know that it's there, but not a whole gallery of pics with nothing but dicks filling wholes.

I agree with this approach - and making the text hardcore and accurate for what is to follow.

Far-L

2006-01-15, 05:36 PM

Soft content doesn't work for me :(

I am cool with a limited supply of hard - but I don't like the idea of giving away the money shots - wdyt?

Allfetish

2006-01-15, 05:41 PM

Allfetish - wouldn't it just be easier (and take about the same amount of time) to do that by hand on your local machine?

Pretty much, Greenguy. :) The only thing would be is that it makes it easier for people starting out. Those who do not have templates, recip blocks, a database of where to submit, etc.

Also I could forsee something nifty whereby it could take your preferences and when new free content is available, just go ahead and generate the gallery for you.

Er, okay, that would be a little ridiculous! Nevermind. |badidea|

Allfetish

2006-01-15, 05:58 PM

I think we can incorporate these features and more innovations that will be make the webmasters efforts less burdonsome and more efficient. We will succeed or may lightning strike me down while i am being eaten by a shark after being tortured by the haitian voodoo mafia and thrown in the sea.|bow|

I will say this. That you come here, ask us, and actually listen to what we say and consider it goes in your favor. I can really appreciate that concept as I'm sure others can as well.

Far-L

2006-01-15, 06:14 PM

I will say this. That you come here, ask us, and actually listen to what we say and consider it goes in your favor. I can really appreciate that concept as I'm sure others can as well.

Thanks! That is a huge compliment. This board really gives great, as in professional and informative, feedback and I would be a complete fool not to heed the advice of both the old-timers and the noobs here.

Surfn

2006-01-15, 06:15 PM

I am cool with a limited supply of hard - but I don't like the idea of giving away the money shots - wdyt?
No need for all hardcore. Take a facial set for example 2-3 of the girl getting naked 2-3 of the guy fondling her 5 of her sucking him 5 of her getting her face slightly splattered and looking like she needs more. :D

tickler

2006-01-15, 07:39 PM

No need for all hardcore. Take a facial set for example 2-3 of the girl getting naked 2-3 of the guy fondling her 5 of her sucking him 5 of her getting her face slightly splattered and looking like she needs more. :D
Yeah, some hardcore should be in the set. It is awful difficult to connect the dots for the surfer of her full clothed, and she is supposed to be doing a double anal.

A lot of sponsors chopped their content back to the first bit only, and that seems to be what is in most. And I'm still under the impression that if you use a picture from a set, you have to do the 2257 for the full set(s).

I'd love to see some real FHG stats. I'm betting that <= 5% of program affiliates (the top 5%, including all the high traffic TGP owners) are the only ones really using FGH to any real gain.
Funny, some people are trying to tell a major sponsor that right now.

Far-L

2006-01-16, 01:47 PM

Do you want to see the stats from the sponsors own traffic or see what the top affiliates are doing? Or both? And should what stats in particular? Only fhg traffic or any type of traffic? And which stats particularly?

I like the idea of surfers rating the content though so webmasters can see what performs well.

We were thinking of posting the top ten performers but keeping the account names confidential would seem less believable and posting the names might piss off webmasters. What do you all think?

Greenguy

2006-01-16, 03:28 PM

As an affiliate, I'd be pissed if any actual numbers or dollar amounts were posted, but I'd be fine with you letting other affiliates know what my conversion ratios are (since I do that anyway - lol)

Chop Smith

2006-01-16, 03:34 PM

I can say tha Far-L is bending over backwards to have a good affiliate program. IMO, posting dollar amounts would be like my bank telling the public how far in overdraft I am.

frankthetank

2006-01-16, 03:38 PM

I am cool with a limited supply of hard - but I don't like the idea of giving away the money shots - wdyt?

I agree. But that were the good old times, I´m afraid. I often get galleries rejected when it - the moneyshot - is missing. So it´s a difficulty to keep the moneyshots secret.

If all of us would be less generous with giving out that content, signups would rise, I think. After all, we sell porn not give it away.|thumb

frankthetank

2006-01-16, 03:45 PM

As an affiliate, I'd be pissed if any actual numbers or dollar amounts were posted, but I'd be fine with you letting other affiliates know what my conversion ratios are (since I do that anyway - lol)

That´s right. earned amounts and traffic stats are not public matter. If you want me to know it, you´ll tell me. But conversion ratios are interesting, at least if they aren´t second or whatnot page clicks. To compare it´s most important for me to get information about how many clicks I sent to a program and where I sent it from.

So most sponsor stats suck in my opinion, because it´s a problem to get a comparable base to other sponsors.

Far-L

2006-01-16, 04:00 PM

I can say tha Far-L is bending over backwards to have a good affiliate program. IMO, posting dollar amounts would be like my bank telling the public how far in overdraft I am.

Good point - won't be posting that info!

Greenguy

2006-01-16, 04:14 PM

I agree. But that were the good old times, I´m afraid. I often get galleries rejected when it - the moneyshot - is missing. So it´s a difficulty to keep the moneyshots secret...If it's for a cumshot specific site/page/category then yes, but WTF? Some reviewers need to lighten up a bit :D

frankthetank

2006-01-16, 04:26 PM

If it's for a cumshot specific site/page/category then yes, but WTF? Some reviewers need to lighten up a bit :D

Hehe, cumshots for a cumshot gallery are pretty OK, aren´t they? But some reviewers shouldn´t be reviewers. I ignore silly rejections as long as the ratio of listed galleries is OK. Sometimes I have to complain, especially if a reviewer obviously didn´t review anything|bananna|

Papa

2006-01-16, 04:36 PM

Ain't using them
Either i make some or use their FHG's
That's when i'm playing around with the tgp traffic thingo

Far-L

2006-01-16, 04:45 PM

That´s right. earned amounts and traffic stats are not public matter. If you want me to know it, you´ll tell me. But conversion ratios are interesting, at least if they aren´t second or whatnot page clicks. To compare it´s most important for me to get information about how many clicks I sent to a program and where I sent it from.

So most sponsor stats suck in my opinion, because it´s a problem to get a comparable base to other sponsors.

I agree - for example, comparing review sites with tgps is definitely apples and oranges - the conversion ratios only hint at what is going on... but maybe there is another way to go about it.

I like the idea of having monthly prizes to top converting, top earning, most traffic, etc. but to me a contest is only good if it is very clear that it is fair and auditable. I have seen so many years of rigged contests in this biz and i am sure many others hold the same skepticism. In everything we do, our actions need to be fully accountable and our methods open to review.

frankthetank

2006-01-16, 04:56 PM

I agree - for example, comparing review sites with tgps is definitely apples and oranges - the conversion ratios only hint at what is going on... but maybe there is another way to go about it.

I like the idea of having monthly prizes to top converting, top earning, most traffic, etc. but to me a contest is only good if it is very clear that it is fair and auditable. I have seen so many years of rigged contests in this biz and i am sure many others hold the same skepticism. In everything we do, our actions need to be fully accountable and our methods open to review.

Contests are a nice idea. But first of all I prefer sponsors with clear stats (earned and already paid amount), mebers area access for building galleries and freesites and quick support. I hate it if there are no or bullshit replies from sponsor reps. Of course I don´t want to discuss the weather forecast with the support, but real problems should get an answer.

Far-L

2006-01-16, 05:23 PM

Contests are a nice idea. But first of all I prefer sponsors with clear stats (earned and already paid amount), mebers area access for building galleries and freesites and quick support. I hate it if there are no or bullshit replies from sponsor reps. Of course I don´t want to discuss the weather forecast with the support, but real problems should get an answer.

So far we are getting good feedback on the stats but there is always room for improvement... We will be adding a bunch of content this week though. We don't have 24/7 support but we do have good people and have not had any complaints on that level so far. We have always been very proactive about customer experience - be it end users or webmasters - so that is one area where I am confident we are on point.

frankthetank

2006-01-16, 05:28 PM

So far we are getting good feedback on the stats but there is always room for improvement... We will be adding a bunch of content this week though. We don't have 24/7 support but we do have good people and have not had any complaints on that level so far. We have always been very proactive about customer experience - be it end users or webmasters - so that is one area where I am confident we are on point.

I´m sorry if I offended your support, didn´t want to do that. I was only speaking generally about my experience with some major affiliate programs. 24/7 support isn´t necessary, of course. It´s OK if a question is answered during common business hours.

I´ll have a look at your program and maybe I can be more specific then.

tickler

2006-01-16, 07:17 PM

Contests are a nice idea.
For the top 5% of affiliates.|zzzzzzzzz

The rest just quietly send the traffic elsewhere for the day, week, period, or month.

MadMax

2006-01-16, 08:02 PM

Since this thread was primarily about what the title says it's about and I don't really have use for those scripts I haven't had much to add up to this point, but since the discussion is hitting lots of other areas now I'll throw in my 20 cents or so :)

I am cool with a limited supply of hard - but I don't like the idea of giving away the money shots - wdyt?

I agree entirely with not giving away all the money shots. This is the line you walk with free site content (since it must be at least 20 pics): You want some sort of nudity in the first gallery (i.e. 10 pics), then maybe some stripping or teasing or stroking, then have maybe the last 7 or 8 pics of the good stuff (varies up and down greatly by niche). Sales text that supports much more hardcore in the member's area goes a long way. For a gallery I'd agree with what's already been said, maybe 3-4 pics of the really good stuff.

Do you want to see the stats from the sponsors own traffic or see what the top affiliates are doing? Or both? And should what stats in particular? Only fhg traffic or any type of traffic? And which stats particularly?

...We were thinking of posting the top ten performers but keeping the account names confidential would seem less believable and posting the names might piss off webmasters. What do you all think?

Stats mean nothing unless you have a full understanding of where the traffic's coming from, IMO. When sponsors advertise "1:40 Conversions" or something I usually just chuckle, because a) you can make stats say anything you want and b) is that 1:40 from the join page? Could be :D

Lightspeed Cash shows the top 100 affiliates and what they've made for the month. I find this interesting, and it shows you what webmaster #100 is making every month. Gives the affiliate a real idea of the scope and size of the program, which might or might not reflect well. If you want to be seen as a big program webmaster #100 better be making some decent cash every month, but that's not necessarily true for smaller/niche/amateur programs.

I'd find it cool to see the top ten affiliates' revenue and conversions for the month if their names were not revealed. I wouldn't want my cashflow publicized, but if I could look at my earnings and see that I was in the top 10 or 20 or whatever that would be quite cool.

I like the idea of surfers rating the content though so webmasters can see what performs well.

I agree. The pitfall there would be having every affiliate trying to promote you with the most popular sets and they would get stale and unlistable pretty quickly. Would be a great behind the scenes way to sort out which sets you should release into the free content pool though ;)

I like the idea of having monthly prizes to top converting, top earning, most traffic, etc. but to me a contest is only good if it is very clear that it is fair and auditable. I have seen so many years of rigged contests in this biz and i am sure many others hold the same skepticism. In everything we do, our actions need to be fully accountable and our methods open to review.

I'll agree with tickler on this...the vast majority of affiliates will probably never see anything out of a "most sales" type contest, since they just can't compete with the top of the heap. From the average affiliate's point of view a "most sales" contest is just a chance for people who can afford to buy cool stuff to get it for free. From a program's point of view, though, I can see contests as being a great way to stroke some more traffic out of your big affiliates.

The ideal situation would be to have at least some perks/benefits that smaller webmasters can still get something out of. I'll use WEG cash as an example here. If I make more money with them this month than last month, I get a bonus. Here's the relevant section of their TOS:

LOYALTY BONUSES

We will pay you a "Loyalty Bonus" of up to 8% of your monthly income. In order to receive the maximum 8% Loyalty Bonus, sign-up revenues you generate in any given month must be equal to or greater than the sign-up revenues you generated in each of the previous 4 or more consecutive months. In order to receive a Loyalty Bonus of 6%, sign-up revenues you generate in any given month must be equal to or greater than the sign-up revenues you generated in each of the previous 3 consecutive months. In order to receive a Loyalty Bonus of 4%, sign-up revenues you generate in any given month must be equal to or greater than the sign-up revenues you generated in each of the previous 2 consecutive months. Webmasters who generate sign-up revenues equal to or greater than the sign-up revenues paid by us to the Webmaster in the previous month will receive a 2% Loyalty Bonus added to their monthly sign-up revenue for the particular month. If your sign-up revenues in any given month are lower than the sign-up revenues we paid you in the prior month you will not be eligible for any Loyalty Bonus in that month; however all you will need to do to receive a Loyalty Bonus in the next month is to equal or exceed the prior month's sign-up revenues.

What it boils down to is that no matter how big or small you are, they regularly kick you a bonus if you're selling more for them. This type of structure definitely wouldn't be for everyone, but it's a good example of a bonus structure that can appeal to any affiliate.

So, hopefully I didn't bore you to sleep :D

Far-L

2006-01-17, 04:46 PM

I´m sorry if I offended your support, didn´t want to do that. I was only speaking generally about my experience with some major affiliate programs. 24/7 support isn´t necessary, of course. It´s OK if a question is answered during common business hours.

I´ll have a look at your program and maybe I can be more specific then.

Absolutely no offense taken! All your feedback/criticism is truly appreciated.

frankthetank

2006-01-17, 04:54 PM

Absolutely no offense taken! All your feedback/criticism is truly appreciated.

Hi FarL,

just sent you a PM.

Far-L

2006-01-17, 05:10 PM

Since this thread was primarily about what the title says it's about and I don't really have use for those scripts I haven't had much to add up to this point, but since the discussion is hitting lots of other areas now I'll throw in my 20 cents or so :)

I agree entirely with not giving away all the money shots. This is the line you walk with free site content (since it must be at least 20 pics): You want some sort of nudity in the first gallery (i.e. 10 pics), then maybe some stripping or teasing or stroking, then have maybe the last 7 or 8 pics of the good stuff (varies up and down greatly by niche). Sales text that supports much more hardcore in the member's area goes a long way. For a gallery I'd agree with what's already been said, maybe 3-4 pics of the really good stuff.

------------------cool, this is what I was thinking too pic-wise; we have the scene accurate text to go with the sets too.

Stats mean nothing unless you have a full understanding of where the traffic's coming from, IMO. When sponsors advertise "1:40 Conversions" or something I usually just chuckle, because a) you can make stats say anything you want and b) is that 1:40 from the join page? Could be :D

------------------agreed, disclosure is helpful in this case, maybe we should just list averages based on types of traffic, i.e., review sites = x/y, freesites = y/z and list the percentage of traffic derived from each. The point would be to give affiliates some sort of median to compare to in order to judge general performance.

Lightspeed Cash shows the top 100 affiliates and what they've made for the month. I find this interesting, and it shows you what webmaster #100 is making every month. Gives the affiliate a real idea of the scope and size of the program, which might or might not reflect well. If you want to be seen as a big program webmaster #100 better be making some decent cash every month, but that's not necessarily true for smaller/niche/amateur programs.

--------------If you don't mind my asking, do they name the affiliate or keep it discrete by using a code or something?

I'd find it cool to see the top ten affiliates' revenue and conversions for the month if their names were not revealed. I wouldn't want my cashflow publicized, but if I could look at my earnings and see that I was in the top 10 or 20 or whatever that would be quite cool.

---------------cool, this would be a good idea for creating some sort of benchmark or goal for performance I think.

I agree. The pitfall there would be having every affiliate trying to promote you with the most popular sets and they would get stale and unlistable pretty quickly. Would be a great behind the scenes way to sort out which sets you should release into the free content pool though ;)

----------------I think the way to overcome this is to only put sets out for a limited period so there is never overexposure. Or, we could limit the number of affiliates that have access to certain sets. We are at an extreme advantage in this regard because we have waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy more exclusive content than 99% of the programs out there.

I'll agree with tickler on this...the vast majority of affiliates will probably never see anything out of a "most sales" type contest, since they just can't compete with the top of the heap. From the average affiliate's point of view a "most sales" contest is just a chance for people who can afford to buy cool stuff to get it for free. From a program's point of view, though, I can see contests as being a great way to stroke some more traffic out of your big affiliates.

------------------- Great point and I really like the idea of making incentives for even the smaller affiliates that can't match the whales but work every bit as hard and deserve a shot at some sort of bonus all the same.

The ideal situation would be to have at least some perks/benefits that smaller webmasters can still get something out of. I'll use WEG cash as an example here. If I make more money with them this month than last month, I get a bonus. Here's the relevant section of their TOS:

_------------------Thanks and more thanks for pointing this out. No wonder WEG has been around so long and enjoys such loyalty from their webmasters.

What it boils down to is that no matter how big or small you are, they regularly kick you a bonus if you're selling more for them. This type of structure definitely wouldn't be for everyone, but it's a good example of a bonus structure that can appeal to any affiliate.

So, hopefully I didn't bore you to sleep :D

(responses are inserted to your quote)

Thanks, not bored at all - completely thrilled and honored that you would take the time to give me such great and generous feedback.

Far-L

2006-01-17, 05:32 PM

Hi FarL,

just sent you a PM.

Thanks - got it and replied but with more details forthcoming.

MadMax

2006-01-17, 06:35 PM

If you don't mind my asking, do they name the affiliate or keep it discrete by using a code or something?

They publish the rank, geographical location (i.e. Detroit, Michigan) and $ :)

Far-L

2006-01-17, 07:42 PM

They publish the rank, geographical location (i.e. Detroit, Michigan) and $ :)

That seems like a great way to go - I think we should add conversion ratio to that as was mentioned by Greenguy earlier. Hope Steve Lightspeed doesn't mind me tapping his genius a little bit...

xxxjay

2006-01-17, 09:49 PM

Far-L

2006-01-18, 04:19 AM

I could see using one to build a free site and then going back in and customizing the site so it won't be a total cookie cutter.

What would you want to do to customize it accordingly?

banners? keywords? recips? thumb layout? templates? text?

xxxjay

2006-01-18, 05:08 AM

What would you want to do to customize it accordingly?

banners? keywords? recips? thumb layout? templates? text?

All the above.

Far-L

2006-01-18, 06:00 AM

All the above.

Am i missing anything critical and besides the obvious like color, niche, and number of banners/recips/etc?

tickler

2006-01-18, 03:44 PM

I would suggest that you start with basic defaults that match the site/tour for fonts, colors, etc. I never know what the fonts are 90% of the time, even though I probably got 10,000 fonts on CD.The design gurus say to makes for a seamless transition from the gallery to the tour.

Another helpful item would be a nicely masked pic to include from the set.

Far-L

2006-01-18, 04:00 PM

Far-L

2006-01-19, 05:32 PM

All the above.

Ok... just as I suspected....

What do y'all think about rotating content zips out monthly or quarterly?

MadMax

2006-01-19, 10:41 PM

Ok... just as I suspected....

What do y'all think about rotating content zips out monthly or quarterly?

Since you've got the archives to do it I'd say bi-weekly if they're getting downloaded a lot. Maybe run a script to track how many times a set gets download it and rotate it out after X number of downloads.

Far-L

2006-01-19, 11:13 PM

Since you've got the archives to do it I'd say bi-weekly if they're getting downloaded a lot. Maybe run a script to track how many times a set gets download it and rotate it out after X number of downloads.

Interesting... we don't have that many affiliates right now so I would not have figured that many but the point is still well taken... How many downloads per set do you suggest?

Greenguy

2006-01-20, 07:16 AM

Far-L

2006-01-20, 01:29 PM

I'd just leave the past zip sets up there (unless there's a problem down the road where they're getting downloaded too much)

You guys are sorta starting over, so it's gonna take a bit to get all the past webmasters back into the program & I'd want to have as much promo material as possible available.

Thanks - very true. Did you get my last email about the other stuff we were talking about? We were looking forward to hearing back and getting started asap.