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Link Cloaking/Redirecting without modifying .htaccess file

by jezzip
6 replies
Hello Warriors,

Quick newbie question here, I am trying to "cloak" my affiliate links so that they don't look so ugly and hopefully protect my commissions too...only problem is that I can't seem to rewrite my .htaccess file so any plugins that I try to use or php code just doesn't work..

I just wanted to check and see if anyone knew any other methods to achieve what I am trying to do without rewriting the htaccess file. I tried contacting my web host and they say that the problem is because of the way that Wordpress is installed ie. through their system instead of my own FTP, limiting admin functionality...I think it's a load of crap but probably my own fault!

Any advice would be appreciated!
#cloaking or redirecting #file #htaccess #link #modifying
  • Profile picture of the author lonnylot
    Are you using WordPress to do the affiliate tracking? If so, WordPress does its own rewrite and redirects and you can install a plugin ( such as Permalink Redirect ) and add your redirects in the WP Admin.
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    Lonny Kapelushnik
    http://lonnylot.com

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  • Profile picture of the author jezzip
    Hi Lonnylot,

    Thanks for the reply, I am not using it for affiliate tracking as yet, should I be?

    I am just checking out the permalink redirect pluggin now and will give some feedback...
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    • Profile picture of the author lonnylot
      Originally Posted by jezzip View Post

      Hi Lonnylot,

      Thanks for the reply, I am not using it for affiliate tracking as yet, should I be?

      I am just checking out the permalink redirect pluggin now and will give some feedback...
      Not necessarily. I was just suggesting it because you mentioned you were using WordPress.

      If you are not able to modify your .htaccess at all on your host then you will not be able to do any rewriting (cloaking) of your URLs that go to that server.

      You can setup a subdomain on a separate host where you would be able to modify the .htaccess. Essentially this would mean that your affiliate tracking would move over to this new server.

      Alternatively, you may want to see if your host can reconfigure your WordPress in a way that will allow you to make the modifications.
      Signature

      Lonny Kapelushnik
      http://lonnylot.com

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  • Profile picture of the author jezzip
    nope, didn't work. I am thinking about creating a subdomain which will redirect to my hoplink...but that still doesn't cloak the link...
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    Originally Posted by jezzip View Post

    Hello Warriors,

    Quick newbie question here, I am trying to "cloak" my affiliate links so that they don't look so ugly and hopefully protect my commissions too...only problem is that I can't seem to rewrite my .htaccess file so any plugins that I try to use or php code just doesn't work..

    I just wanted to check and see if anyone knew any other methods to achieve what I am trying to do without rewriting the htaccess file. I tried contacting my web host and they say that the problem is because of the way that Wordpress is installed ie. through their system instead of my own FTP, limiting admin functionality...I think it's a load of crap but probably my own fault!

    Any advice would be appreciated!
    So re-install WordPress, by hand this time. You would use the same database that you have now, so nothing would be lost, you'd just be replacing WP core files. I find their explanation a little suspect also, btw.

    The ability to write the .htaccess file is central to using WordPress's permalinks feature.
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    The 2nd Amendment, 1789 - The Original Homeland Security.

    Gun control means never having to say, "I missed you."

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  • Profile picture of the author atwellpub
    Originally Posted by jezzip View Post

    Hello Warriors,

    Quick newbie question here, I am trying to "cloak" my affiliate links so that they don't look so ugly and hopefully protect my commissions too...only problem is that I can't seem to rewrite my .htaccess file so any plugins that I try to use or php code just doesn't work..

    I just wanted to check and see if anyone knew any other methods to achieve what I am trying to do without rewriting the htaccess file. I tried contacting my web host and they say that the problem is because of the way that Wordpress is installed ie. through their system instead of my own FTP, limiting admin functionality...I think it's a load of crap but probably my own fault!

    Any advice would be appreciated!
    Heya,

    In this case you mean 'masking' instead of cloaking. Cloaking has been coined as the practice of preventing the spider from knowing the target destination.

    I've a free version of my plugin WP Traffic Tools that does the bare minimum for what you are looking to do.

    Here's an example of how I use it for my own links:

    Also I've a dimesale going right now where you can get the advanced version with all the professional pay modules at half price:
    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ml#post5967469

    But you can download the free version from WPTrafficTools™ - Link Management, Ad Management, Redirection Management, Cookie Management & More WPTrafficTools™
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