Hub Pages Now Banning Clickbank Affiliate Links

8 replies
I don't use Hub Pages much, but I have a few hubs that have Clickbank affiliate links on them. I have seen this message on them today:

"WARNING: This Hub is at risk of being unpublished for linking to prohibited sites
This hub contains links to a prohibited site or affiliate program, such as:
  • Sites that contain pop-ups that interfere with site navigation, for example, when clicking the back or close buttons, or that redirect users to unwanted websites
  • Links to eBook sales pages and lead capture forms
  • Affiliate or promotional links in subject areas containing a high proportion of low quality, dubious, or promotional content (for example, forex, **** berry, MLM, and weight loss)
Commonly used affiliate programs are evaluated based on the totality of how they are used on HubPages. While some of the offers or sites promoted may be ok, if a preponderance are not then they may be prohibited. Unfortunately, we are not able to make exceptions to this on a case by case basis. However, if you feel that your links have been incorrectly categorized, please contact us.
NOTE: Enforcement of this rule on published hubs will begin on May 14th"

It seems that the offending link is to a Clickbank product - it is not relating to weight loss, get your ex back or any of those other saturated niches.

I suggest all check your hubs before May 14th. I am changing my links to link to my own sites if I have one related, or to a Squidoo lens.
#affiliate #banning #clickbank #hub #links #pages
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Franklin
    Too many third party sites are tightening the screws when it comes to affiliate program promotion....It's never been easier to set up a very attractive WordPress or template site on your own host and it is so dirt cheap!
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    • Profile picture of the author Wealthyclark
      Too much abuse, most people are writing sales letters instead of informative articles, hubs, and lens. Unfortanatly it effects everyone that would like to depend on those sites but not me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    Gee... doesn't anybody like ClickBank anymore?

    First the Big "G" cracked down on them... and now Hub Pages? Who will be next to disavow CB?!

    John
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      HubPages did a very poor job at controlling for quality over its growth and development. It is working very hard to fix itself right now. Many hubber's hubs have dropped significantly since the Panda algo update.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Johnny12345 View Post

      Gee... doesn't anybody like ClickBank anymore?
      I like them.

      But I promote their products on my own sites, which I own and control.

      I try to use sites which other people own to draw traffic to my own sites, and my own opt-ins, so that I can promote Clickbank products, but I've certainly never put my Clickbank affiliate links on sites owned by other people, nor advocated doing so, nor do I intend to.

      It's not safe: "other people's" terms and conditions can always change, as we've seen more than once with Squidoo. Running your own business entails owning and being in control of your own virtual real estate - for me, anyway.
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        Alexa,

        Having your own online real estate is a MUST. I did begin my online endeavors by using Web 2.0 sites/article directories simply because of a comfort factor...and, I don't blame others for doing that. Sure, it's not a site you actually own, but there can be benefits to using them as apart of a much larger online strategy. Within each site's respective TOS (I encourage everyone to read those TOS...most don't...), I'd use the sites for the inherent search engine authority that they can achieve for me. Having your own site is great, but oftentimes it can be difficult to develop any kind of authority...so, I personally like to link out from author's profile/sig boxes, and if the respective platform will allow...I'll link out to my site from the actual content of the article.

        I've found that sites seem to prefer more contextual linking nowadays....linking that generally 'flows' with the content, instead of clear calls to action like "Click here NOW!"...

        So, I believe there is a place for everything in a much larger online strategy. Definitely have your own site though, and, possibly, develop your own brand and reputation and authority around it.


        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        I like them.

        But I promote their products on my own sites, which I own and control.

        I try to use sites which other people own to draw traffic to my own sites, and my own opt-ins, so that I can promote Clickbank products, but I've certainly never put my Clickbank affiliate links on sites owned by other people, nor advocated doing so, nor do I intend to.

        It's not safe: "other people's" terms and conditions can always change, as we've seen more than once with Squidoo. Running your own business entails owning and being in control of your own virtual real estate - for me, anyway.
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        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post

          So, I believe there is a place for everything in a much larger online strategy.
          I agree ...

          I've used both Squidoo and HubPages myself - sites like this can be a valuable part of a backlinking strategy. I just wouldn't dream of putting Clickbank affiliate links on either.
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          • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
            Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

            I agree ...

            I've used both Squidoo and HubPages myself - sites like this can be a valuable part of a backlinking strategy. I just wouldn't dream of putting Clickbank affiliate links on either.
            In terms of quality, this is a tricky balance for both content providers and the site ownership themselves. Many site's TOS DO make allowance for integration of Clickbank....it's not really 'against' the rules...but, if overdone, it can really hurt the authority of the site, and how it is perceived by Google = decreased rank/traffic.

            Of course, when it comes to IM'ers, some have a natural tendency to exploit loopholes in systems until they are 1) fixed or TOS are changed or 2) the site is dealt a premature death blow.

            I HAVE used clickbank like on Web 2.0 sites, but I think it's very difficult to pull of in good taste, while maintaining a good image for the site itself (i know, most could care less just so long as it makes them money)

            I do think that, for those who own Web 2.0 user submission sites, that a good compromise is probably around 2 links allowed...but, they'd have to be done contextually. Just my thoughts...
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