Google - New Affiliate Network?

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

I've been blogging about this and discussing the news on lots of forums today.
Have not made it over here for awhile so thought I would start a thread.

Google just announced they are testing CPA ads through the Adsense network. David Jackson shorts ValueClick stock and proclaims this move will be the end of Commission Junction. Jackson was previously a technology research analyst for Morgan Stanley and now is the editor for Seeking Alpha an Internet Stock Blog Network. Click below to see the info Google sent to Adsense publishers with the CPA ad test invite.

Internet Stocks » Google Launches ValueClick Killer
http://internet.seekingalpha.com/article/12363

Google offers a little piece of enticement to Adsense publishers by saying: "Since this is a test and these CPA ads are not regular ad units, we are giving you more flexibility in saying things like “I recommend this product” or “Try JetBlue today” next to the CPA ad unit." However Google states reports will be sent weekly by email and pro affiliates will not go for this.

So it's only a test - I repeat THIS IS ONLY A TEST. But we all know Google plans to take over the world. So it will be interesting to see if they really do jump into the affiliate network game with both feet.

IMHO it's a little EXTREME for David Jackson to short ValueClick stock and proclaim that this move by Google is the end of Commission Junction. However, this really could shake things up - we'll see.

I remember way back when some people said Froogle would be the end of affiliate marketing as we know it and nothing ever came of it.

Linda Buquet

[Marcia]

IMHO it's a little EXTREME for David Jackson to short ValueClick stock and proclaim that this move by Google is the end of Commission Junction.I think we have to keep in mind that this announcement comes in the wake of CJ's catastrophic LMI rollout.

[klb]

Linda Buquet
Well Linda, since I bump into you everywhere else on the web, its only appropriate that my first post here at SearchEngineWatch be to one of your threads. :D

IMHO it's a little EXTREME for David Jackson to short ValueClick stock and proclaim that this move by Google is the end of Commission Junction. However, this really could shake things up - we'll see.

I agree that his actions were a little extreme, but this is a very interesting direction Google is going in. I'm very excited about the prospects of choosing some CPA campaigns to run along side my normal PPC/CPM AdSense ads. These could also make a nice replacement option for normal AdSense banners that would otherwise be empty.

As Google has stated, the CPA ads will be designed to appeal to a different type of user than the PPC ads. I personally have found the right "off topic" CPA ad can do very well on some webpages.

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

Hi Marcia - agreed. I just think his article was a little extreme, possibly designed for link bait. AND it worked. Look how many oif us blogged about it and linked to him. :)

Hey Ken! We do meet all over. I used to mod this forum, but have not had time to be very active over here lately. Good to see you here and everywhere. :p