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Hi again folks. Sorry but I fear this one will run long.
I wanted to add a few comments on one of the subjects that's been discussed here the last few days. I've held off so far for reasons that should be clear by the the time you read all of this. But, I weighed the pro's and cons of adding my 2¢ and decided not saying something would be an error. Sometimes, by not speaking out we allow half-truths and misleading information to be accepted as fact. When new folks don't see a counter opinion, they blindly accept what's being said without question.
What I'd like to add my thoughts to is, the discussion of sponsor-watch programs in general. I don't know 'Word' or his site, but have seen lots of similar sites come and go over the years I've been with the adult web. So please note my comments are about that type of site in general, and not specifically about Word's site.
Ok, the hazard of pointing out the potential flaws of this type of site is that anything said against them is almost always twisted to look as if you're trying to squash any attempt to have a third party watch/report sponsor activity. This generally gives the site more credibility than it deserves. Twisted arguments like this play right into the newer folks existing 'they're trying to keep me down' fears and again, I fear if I don't offer some of the potential drawbacks of such sites, I've done those newbies a disservice.
So, what I'm about to say is my opinion. It's based on my experience of the adult web and what I've seen. As always, use it as just one other source of data for YOU to arrive at YOUR OWN opinion on the subject.
In theory, a sponsor watch site isn't a bad idea. An honest one, run by someone who's knowledge of the business is extensive and who's integrity is unquestionable could be of service. Personally, I don't know of such a person. So far, while I've seen a number of such sites come and go, I've not seen a single one that I felt gave both webmasters AND sponsor programs a fair shake. Most are run by folks I've never heard of, who's experience in the business is limited. Generally it's someone who's had a problem with a sponsor and is on a crusade of sorts to right the (perceived) wrongs done to the 'lil guys'
A couple of problems come immediatly to mind. First, from watching the back-end of a rather aggressive complaint process for several years, I've seen that despite rumor to the contrary, most folks who are not paid did in fact break a programs rules in one way or another. Remember, I'm not speaking from theory here, but from having seen case after case of program owners sharing the evidence. The reasons why the rules were broke range from the out-and-out attempt to defraud to innocent mistakes by bungling newbies. Regardless the reason, if the rules were broken, you usually don't get paid. Most times you agree to this 'clause' when you sign up for a program. The sponsor may or may-not give you a second chance. But that's really a whole 'nuther issue.
Now, another reason that I've seen 'sponsor-watch' sites fall short, and probably the reason I'm posting here today, is their potential for abuse. Abuse by the person(s) running the watch site and abuse by competing programs. Yes folks, it happens. One program will try to gain an advantage over another by alluding to poor service or poor payment record. Often, the clue-less 'watch' site owner is an unwitting pawn in the play. That's why I said earlier that for such a site to work, the person running it would need to be VERY experienced with not only the business but the folks in it. You need that 'history' to help make sound judgements.
Now, am I saying all sponsor programs are 100% honest, no. I keep tellin y'all, I just look stupid. What I'm saying is that almost all sponsor programs have their good points and bad. It's been said before but warrants saying again, find sponsors that work well FOR YOU and work with them. Don't be misled by self proclaimed experts or industry watch-dogs. Gather what data you can from sources you can trust then make your OWN decision about what's best for you.
Again, sorry for the length (and I really could say a lot more on this) but I felt I needed to get that off my chest.
be well
- Khan
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