Hubpages not allowing Clickbank affiliate links anymore aaaaaaggggghhhh!

74 replies
Hubpages not allowing Clickbank affiliate links anymore aaaaaaggggghhhh!


I have over 100 hubs I have written over the past couple years. I do not get into it too much anymore I am busy with my blogs, etc...

They sent me an email saying if they are not corrected they will be unpublished. I am not gonna go through 70 plus hubs and take out the reason I made them in the first place my affiliate links.

My question to you guys, and girls is if I let them go unpublished can I publish them again through another site at a later date? Will they get reindexed? Or will they be considered duplicate content? I wouldn't think so if they were unpublished but I am not positive either.

Its pretty ****ty what Hubpages is doing to their customers this is why I stress build your own blogs, and websites and use your content for yourself.

They must be trying to go out of business who in their right mind would consider using them after all the stuff they are pulling lately.

If you have Clickbank links hubpages is coming for you now fair warning.
#aaaaaaggggghhhh #affiliate #allowing #anymore #clickbank #hubpages #links
  • Profile picture of the author Charlotte Jay
    Well that stinks. Sorry Is there any way you can redirect them?
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    • Profile picture of the author A L Moten
      Do you know of any other affiliate links that they are trying to target? I mean like amazon.com affiliate links. This is troubling news. Can you redirect your links to your own blogs or do you have to completely remove them.

      If not, this really blows!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonas B
    well what i would do is (kinda blackhat :p) make a lnik that temporary goes to yoursite.com/myhubpgestitle and after its published again, simply change redirect that page to the cb offer xD
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  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    Not sure Charlotte these hubs have been published forever i definitely will not be using them again
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  • Profile picture of the author Charlotte Jay
    Boy oh boy. I know I would be pissed after putting in all that work into them, then having the site turn around and go sorry, not our problem, fix it or get the ninja chop.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    I keep reading more and more accounts of these social sites deciding to restrict marketers, almost overnight.

    It seems they use anyone and everyone to get traction in the marketplace, and once established start weeding out site features that were used to attract developers/marketers in the first place.

    I guess it points out the need for great diversity in traffic lead funnels, and checking tos updates regularly.
    _____
    Bruce
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by brucerby View Post

      I keep reading more and more accounts of these social sites deciding to restrict marketers, almost overnight.

      It seems they use anyone and everyone to get traction in the marketplace, and once established start weeding out site features that were used to attract developers/marketers in the first place.
      Of course they do. They need to build themselves up by attracting users first (otherwise they have nothing much to play with in the game) and then keep on the right side of Google so they can flourish and expand (and try to win the game).

      We've "been here before" (more or less) with Squidoo, haven't we?

      That's exactly what they do. Why wouldn't they?

      And it's exactly I'd do if I owned a Web 2.0 business like that.

      They run their own businesses to satsify their own needs and to make their own profits, and they make all their management decisions in accordance with their own (sometimes changing, but sometimes very predictably) perceptions of their own self-interest.

      Just I like I do with my business, in other words. (Don't we all?). :confused:

      This is absolutely fundamental. And it's part of the reason why, with absolutely no offense at all intended to anyone, the whole idea of putting your business's affiliate links on websites that belong to other people, which you can't control yourself has always been (to put it very mildly indeed) highly "questionable". In the virtual real estate income-producing game, you need to own your own money-sites, for heaven's sake. Is this a surprise?
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Of course they do. They need to build themselves up by attracting users first (otherwise they have nothing much to play with in the game) and then keep on the right side of Google so they can flourish and expand (and try to win the game).

        We've "been here before" (more or less) with Squidoo, haven't we?

        That's exactly what they do. Why wouldn't they?

        And it's exactly I'd do if I owned a Web 2.0 business like that.

        They run their own businesses to satsify their own needs and to make their own profits, and they make all their management decisions in accordance with their own (sometimes changing, but sometimes very predictably) perceptions of their own self-interest.

        Just I like I do with my business, in other words. (Don't we all?). :confused:

        This is absolutely fundamental. And it's part of the reason why, with absolutely no offense at all intended to anyone, the whole idea of putting your business's affiliate links on websites that belong to other people, which you can't control yourself has always been (to put it very mildly indeed) highly "questionable". In the virtual real estate income-producing game, you need to own your own money-sites, for heaven's sake. Is this a surprise?
        ^^^^^^^^^
        Was going to chime in but it can't be said any better than this
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Skinner
    Decide if the hub is profitable. If so, simply replace the links. If not .... adios amigos!
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  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    I may just redirect the links on the better ones to my blogs I was thinking the same thing Scott. Sure glad I do not use them much anymore .....
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  • Profile picture of the author xxxJamesxxx
    This is why I build my own web property (ie blogs). You are ALWAYS gonna be at the mercy of other people

    James
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Hubs has tightened enforcement of the "no overly promotional" rules since the google update.

      What was the actual reason given for the problem - the CB links, or too many links, or "overly promotional?" Were you told "no CB links allowed?" I'd be surprised if that is the case.

      Squidoo always allowed promotion - hubpages ALWAYS has said it is an editorial type site. Unique content, limited promotional links or site links are nothing new at hubs. Enforcement has been spotty at times but recently there is more enforcement due to the google changes. That's not surprising.

      Hubs is good still for routing traffic to your sites - but never has been great for promoting a product directly.

      kay
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  • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
    Another reason why you should NEVER depend on these third party web platforms for making sales. Whether it is EZA or Hubpages or Squidoo or YouTube, they are all good till the point they start making changes to their rules.

    This also holds true when you try to build backlinks on your EZA articles against your own blog. Short term gain?- maybe, but long term loss?- a BIG resounding YES.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
      Originally Posted by yourreviewer View Post

      Another reason why you should NEVER depend on these third party web platforms for making sales. Whether it is EZA or Hubpages or Squidoo or YouTube, they are all good till the point they start making changes to their rules.

      This also holds true when you try to build backlinks on your EZA articles against your own blog. Short term gain?- maybe, but long term loss?- a BIG resounding YES.
      You took the words right out of my keyboard.

      The OP is a prime example on people should focus on building their own traffic networks which consist of websites and blogs that they OWN. It's easy enough to do. There are probably 4 or 5 WSOs that I can think of right now that teaches people how to do this.

      It's okay to use EZA, Hubpages, etc. but In My Humble Opinion, this shouldn't be more than 25% of your traffic efforts (I have a paid advertising bias so it's not more than 5% of my own traffic efforts).

      There are also creative ways to obtain traffic such as creating an app or a game or some software that people can and will use.

      RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author cliveohagan
      Hi,

      Just to say Alexa, thanks, you are dead right and I have seen this been warned about all over the web in the past, never use properties you do not own to build a business model on, you are looking to be robbed.

      Clive.
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
        I have some 3rd party sites that still get traffic. And that is a very nice thing. All it takes is a cruise through their interface and a few of those sites before you see who is getting the real benefit from them. Lots of user generated content designed to bring maximum click through rate to the ads published by the owners.

        I would not expect this to be the last story we hear like this.
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    • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
      Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

      Firstly, you're not their customer - you're a user, unless I missed out on how you paid them for posting your hubs.

      Scroll up to Alexa's post for a more detailed explanation of why they do it...

      We are customers we keep them in business it is supposed to be a win win situation for all of us. If no-one posted a hub they would be out of business.... So we are technically there customers we keep them going get it? We give their site publicity, which in turn makes them money. We pay them with our valuable time which is worth a lot more than money at least it is in my case.

      The hubs I published were over a period of years only a few are within the last 6 months...... As far as the comment goes I have numerous successful blogs and I learned that a long time ago all my content goes on my blogs first. But I still think its kind of ****ty what they are doing.

      This post was a warning for people using Clickbank links so they do not waste their time that is all it is intended for. Read my original post before you make comments please and it is all clickbank links according to my email from hubpages. This is why my postings are limited lately because of the silly remarks.

      To Alexa: how many posts on here do you have? 8,762 as of now I pray for your sake nothing ever happens to the Warriorforum. I like this forum too but aren't you doing the same thing you preach against? Building someone else's business? Need to spend more time on your sites and less time shooting peoples posts down.

      Here is part of the email read it for yourself:

      Links To Prohibited Affiliate or Commerce SitesThe following published Hubs include links to affiliate or commerce sites which are prohibited under the updated HubPages rules. The most common cause of this is the use of the ClickBank affiliate program. Please review these Hubs and remove any violating links; uncorrected Hubs will begin to be unpublished starting in about 2 weeks.
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      • Profile picture of the author Brendan Mace
        Originally Posted by entrepreneurjay View Post

        We are customers we keep them in business it is supposed to be a win win situation for all of us. If no-one posted a hub they would be out of business.... So we are technically there customers we keep them going get it? We give their site publicity, which in turn makes them money. We pay them with our valuable time which is worth a lot more than money at least it is in my case.

        The hubs I published were over a period of years only a few are within the last 6 months...... As far as the comment goes I have numerous successful blogs and I learned that a long time ago all my content goes on my blogs first. But I still think its kind of ****ty what they are doing.

        This post was a warning for people using Clickbank links so they do not waste their time that is all it is intended for. Read my original post before you make comments please and it is all clickbank links according to my email from hubpages. This is why my postings are limited lately because of the silly remarks.

        To Alexa: how many posts on here do you have? 8,762 as of now I pray for your sake nothing ever happens to the Warriorforum. I like this forum too but aren't you doing the same thing you preach against? Building someone else's business? Need to spend more time on your sites and less time shooting peoples posts down.

        Here is part of the email read it for yourself:

        Links To Prohibited Affiliate or Commerce SitesThe following published Hubs include links to affiliate or commerce sites which are prohibited under the updated HubPages rules. The most common cause of this is the use of the ClickBank affiliate program. Please review these Hubs and remove any violating links; uncorrected Hubs will begin to be unpublished starting in about 2 weeks.
        I agreed with this response completely until you got to the Alexa part.

        Alexa's comment was that it is important in marketing to focus on building your own business rather than someone elses. Using web 2.0's in your business model is a dangerous process, and can lead to results you have no control over. <------ Really good advice btw.

        This comment does not, however, translate to being a contributor to a forum community. Being involved in a forum does not have to be about making money or building a business. It can simply be about providing value and discussing with people of similar interests. I really do not think that Alexa expects the Warrior forum to contribute to her business. I could be wrong, but it seems like Alexa pitches in to help out people that are struggling. And I have a lot of respect for that.

        Your mixing apples with oranges.

        -----------------------------------------------

        I'm glad to hear that you put the 'unique content' on your blog first. And I hope you manage to salvage some value from those hubs.
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        • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
          Everyone has to determine what level of risk they deem appropriate to accept for their business. I could go outside for a run right now, and be hit by a bus.....is it possible? Is it probable? There are very few things you can do in life that you don't assume some sort of risk. Entrepreneurship is inherently risky.

          Now, how you significantly cut down your risk is by thoroughly reviewing and understanding site's TOS (how many here did that prior to writing for HubPages, or any other site?). To say that you will assume absolutely no risk by having your own online property isn't entirely correct. For as much as I love WF, there was a time last year when the site went down 2 or 3 times over the course of a week. People who relied on WSO's for income were hurting. Yes, it isn't a site you own either, however, it is owned by someone, and the risk is something they assume, although they do everything in their power to prepare and predict so as to evade that risk.

          I use these sites in conjunction with my own sites because I've chosen to accept the "risk". The search engine authority that I achieve is outstanding and it justifies their use.
          Originally Posted by co2 View Post

          I agreed with this response completely until you got to the Alexa part.

          Alexa's comment was that it is important in marketing to focus on building your own business rather than someone elses. Using web 2.0's in your business model is a dangerous process, and can lead to results you have no control over. <------ Really good advice btw.

          This comment does not, however, translate to being a contributor to a forum community. Being involved in a forum does not have to be about making money or building a business. It can simply be about providing value and discussing with people of similar interests. I really do not think that Alexa expects the Warrior forum to contribute to her business. I could be wrong, but it seems like Alexa pitches in to help out people that are struggling. And I have a lot of respect for that.

          Your mixing apples with oranges.

          -----------------------------------------------

          I'm glad to hear that you put the 'unique content' on your blog first. And I hope you manage to salvage some value from those hubs.
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by entrepreneurjay View Post

        To Alexa: how many posts on here do you have? 8,762 as of now I pray for your sake nothing ever happens to the Warriorforum.
        Why did you have to turn it into something personal, Jay? Wasn't it a better discussion when it was just about the very important issue involved, rather than about the personalities?

        Originally Posted by entrepreneurjay View Post

        Need to spend more time on your sites and less time shooting peoples posts down.
        It has nothing to do with how many posts I've made.

        Nobody "shot anything down".

        I made an inescapable and fundamental point about owning your own money-sites.

        A bunch of people "thanked" it.

        And then another bunch of people posted in quick succession right after me, all accentuating and expanding on exactly the same point ...

        And for some reason you've taken this as a reason to make personal comments about my post-count and how I run my business?
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        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Folks, I'm gonna put this in as plain an English as I can.

          Google has essentially said, "We hate marketing (unless we're doing it) and
          we hate marketers (unless it's us) so if you've got a site up for the strict
          purpose of marketing under the guise of "information" expect to get screwed.

          So, as any sane business person would do, these sites are banishing any
          outright marketing from them especially if it's from "questionable" sources.

          This is the reality.

          Deal with it...or die.
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        • Profile picture of the author sturmbro629
          I was going to check this hubpages out, but i guess there's no point anymore!
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Jay, you keep saying you are a Hubpages "customer", yet I don't see what you are buying from them.

            The closest I can come is that you are sort of a supplier. You supply content, and in return, you get exposure. In the past, you've been able to slip direct ads (affiliate links) into what you supplied.

            Now your 'buyer' has changed their QC standards, and what you are supplying no longer measures up. You have the choice - either measure up or drop your role as supplier.

            When it makes a personal hit on your bottom line, it hurts. I get that. But ranting here about how you're being mistreated isn't going to change anything.

            Seems like you have a choice. Either comply, or pull your content and publish it somewhere that will still allow you to use your affiliate links. Of course, you could just let Hubpages 'unpublish' your hubs and continue whining about how the world is treating you...
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          • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
            Originally Posted by sturmbro629 View Post

            I was going to check this hubpages out, but i guess there's no point anymore!
            "No point"?

            It's not quite that simple...

            It IS rebounding nicely in search, and that's as a direct result of being more strict....

            IF they allowed everything on their site, IM'ers would exploit it into oblivion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    Push those links to your blogs... and for future reference remember not to link any ClickBank products to any site outside of your money sites.

    Cheers,

    PS. I'm sure you know this but it's beneficial for the newer people here.
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  • Profile picture of the author goodmast3r
    So what's the reason people still post at hubpages? Just for fun? Can I say that hubpages is going down soon?
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    • Profile picture of the author nuttakorn
      This is new publishing policy HubPages Blog » Blog Archive » An Overview of New Publishing Standards. no longer allow Hubs to link (directly or through redirects) to affiliate or commerce sites which are prohibited under the HubPages rules (e.g. Clickbank and sites that sell eBooks, promote dubious offers, contain a lead capture form, redirect users to unwanted websites, or contain pop-ups, pop-unders, or other features that interfere with sight navigation)
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by goodmast3r View Post

      So what's the reason people still post at hubpages? Just for fun? Can I say that hubpages is going down soon?
      It's because of the inherent search engine authority that top tier Web 2.0 sites provide. Pre-Panda, they had developed quite a bit of this authority--which means that people could publish, and have content near instantaneously indexed and found high in Google.

      No, you can't say that HubPages is "going down" soon.

      While many perceive restrictions as an attack on IM'ers, they DO run a business, and when the Panda update chips away a huge portion of their business (traffic being down/etc), they do have an obligation to themselves, and to writers, to determine what the problem was. EVERYONE's content/businesses suffer if they can't get to the bottom of it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Julie McElroy
      Originally Posted by goodmast3r View Post

      So what's the reason people still post at hubpages? Just for fun? Can I say that hubpages is going down soon?
      It seems to be because they certainly don't value quality! You can have a mediocre post with spelling and grammar mistakes about puppies and flowers on there, but not a quality article if it has a link to any of their "link prohibitive sites."

      You can't even link to your own blog if it has an opt-in form on it - REGARDLESS of the quality of the blog. I don't see the value with them anymore - I make like pennies on there and I have 72 articles there!! What's the point?

      I am not sure why you would write there when you can write whatever you want on your own site or publish a guest post on sites that value content - even if your blog has an opt-in.

      Building up your own site seems to be the best option these days with all the paranoid rules brought on by the Panda monster.
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      • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
        Originally Posted by Julie McElroy View Post

        It seems to be because they certainly don't value quality! You can have a mediocre post with spelling and grammar mistakes about puppies and flowers on there, but not a quality article if it has a link to any of their "link prohibitive sites."

        You can't even link to your own blog if it has an opt-in form on it - REGARDLESS of the quality of the blog. I don't see the value with them anymore - I make like pennies on there and I have 72 articles there!! What's the point?

        I am not sure why you would write there when you can write whatever you want on your own site or publish a guest post on sites that value content - even if your blog has an opt-in.

        Building up your own site seems to be the best option these days with all the paranoid rules brought on by the Panda monster.
        I have several hubs that point DIRECTLY to vendor sales pages and haven't been penalized or asked to remove anything.
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        • Profile picture of the author Julie McElroy
          Originally Posted by JamesGw View Post

          I have several hubs that point DIRECTLY to vendor sales pages and haven't been penalized or asked to remove anything.
          Yep, I have seen that from others as well. I am sure it is just a matter of time. Its funny though a SALES letter which gives you pretty much no other option but to buy is not prohibited, but a blog that offers a FREE ebook to subscribers in the sidebar is prohibited. That is my point.

          They are more focused on opt-ins and affiliate links and less on the content of the hub. My opinion is if I am going to buy a product anyhow, why does it matter if there is an affiliate link. I don't think they can determine between spammers and real marketers who just want to provide helpful info to people. Yet, ironically, they give US a percentage (very insignificant) of commission of the ad clicks!! Bottom line - they don't want people making money if they don't get a cut from ad clicks.
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          • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
            Originally Posted by Julie McElroy View Post

            Yep, I have seen that from others as well. I am sure it is just a matter of time. Its funny though a SALES letter which gives you pretty much no other option but to buy is not prohibited, but a blog that offers a FREE ebook to subscribers in the sidebar is prohibited. That is my point.

            They are more focused on opt-ins and affiliate links and less on the content of the hub. My opinion is if I am going to buy a product anyhow, why does it matter if there is an affiliate link. I don't think they can determine between spammers and real marketers who just want to provide helpful info to people. Yet, ironically, they give US a percentage (very insignificant) of commission of the ad clicks!! Bottom line - they don't want people making money if they don't get a cut from ad clicks.
            I think that's a very big part of it. It's likely that they're just using Panda to push that initiative. I'll wait and see if they go after my sites eventually. I dunno. I have far over 100k total views, so I assumed they'd look at my stuff by now, but maybe not.
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            • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
              FWIW...there is a direct correlation between strictness of a site and ownership, and the growth and authority gained by the site itself. While some would love ANYTHING to be allowed for personal gain, it's important to realize that they have a business to run to--namely, they have to work in the collective best interest of the site and it's members, and implement strict enough TOS and editorial guidelines to keep the site from being exploited, and subsequently, hammered in search. The amount of money a site like HubPages makes is directly related to their ability to safeguard their platform...

              So...honestly, it stinks for the 'individual', however, it's in the best interest of HubPages to tighten up and become more strict. If I were running that site, I'd do the same.
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  • Profile picture of the author goodmast3r
    Hi x3xsolxdierx3x, Does infobarrel got hit too? What do you think about them? I know you are a top player there.
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  • Profile picture of the author goodmast3r
    Yesterday I just create a blogspot. I plan to write every two days. My primary goal is to get backlink to my main site by putting the link in the sidebar. Maybe I will just put Amazon link in the post since blogspot allows that. Do you think this won't work too?
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by goodmast3r View Post

      Yesterday I just create a blogspot. I plan to write every two days. My primary goal is to get backlink to my main site by putting the link in the sidebar. Maybe I will just put Amazon link in the post since blogspot allows that. Do you think this won't work too?
      You'd be better off reading Bloggers TOS.

      Blogger have a special Amazon plugin so I can't see this being a problem, Hubpages have changed the way they do things, not Blogger.

      They'll probably change everything they do tomorrow though.

      Originally Posted by Rayaprolu View Post

      These are surely tough times for any affiliate marketers who depend on sites like hubpages, squidoo and so on for their income. It is truly sad to see hubpages do this to their regular users, and it is definitely infuriating for new marketers who read endlessly about the wondrous Web 2.0 properties, only to realise that they've all started coming down strictly on Clickbank and similar links
      Well, maybe it'll encourage people to build their own assets as opposed to someone else's.

      I would have thought that'd make pretty good business sense anyway.
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      • Profile picture of the author The Simpleton
        Originally Posted by Richard Van View Post


        Well, maybe it'll encourage people to build their own assets as opposed to someone else's.

        I would have thought that'd make pretty good business sense anyway.
        Yes, the beginners will understand that it's better to build their own websites to keep their content safe in the long term, but for the absolute beginners; those who do not/cannot buy their own domain+hosting yet, will feel the pinch with sites like hubpages making it hard for them to start!
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  • Profile picture of the author The Simpleton
    These are surely tough times for any affiliate marketers who depend on sites like hubpages, squidoo and so on for their income. It is truly sad to see hubpages do this to their regular users, and it is definitely infuriating for new marketers who read endlessly about the wondrous Web 2.0 properties, only to realise that they've all started coming down strictly on Clickbank and similar links
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  • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
    Why is it sh|tty that Hubpages is trying to stay competitive and keep your content in the search engine rankings? Would you not do the same thing if your site was in jeopardy of losing what you had built over a decade of hard work? They didn't just wake up and decide to ban affiliate links.

    I don't get it when people use the heck out of a service for years to make a profit - pushing TOS to the absolute limit - and then trash them if they tighten up their submission policy.

    Nobody ever says thanks.

    I think it would have been more appropriate to name this thread, "Google Unfortunately Forces Hubpages To Remove All Affiliate Links."

    Go figure,
    Allen
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Thank you, thank you, thank you, Allen.

      The users that would push the limits of TOS, and exploit them, are the very one's that caused them to get hammered by Google in the first place. I believe the issue is two sided....we can't expect (unfortunately, as evidenced by this post) or even require IM'ers to understand the BIG picture, especially when everyone is so concerned with maximizing their own revenue (the me, me, me mentality). On the other hand, I do believe that the site's themselves have an obligation to themselves, and to their broader user base, to safeguard their own businesses through tightening up TOS and quality control processes.

      Unfortunately, their approach to search engines has been largely "reactionary". Google makes a change = it impacts them = they scramble to find a solution to get into their good graces.

      People will argue to no end whether you should use a Web 2.0 property or not. Some absolutely shun it. I use them in conjunction with other properties....the search engine authority I gain from publishing on these sites is absolutely tremendous, and I have hundreds of thousands of article views to prove it (not to be boastful).

      One reason why I've never published a piece of content on HubPages (even though I feel it is one of the better sites out there), is because it HAD very loose TOS. When a site has very loose TOS, I see my content as being directly impacted by the collective mentality to just exploit and use a platform--which actually devalues my content in the long run and short run. There are some people who did absolutely nothing wrong, however, their traffic was also hammered hard simply because of the actions of a few.

      Originally Posted by Allen Graves View Post

      Why is it sh|tty that Hubpages is trying to stay competitive and keep your content in the search engine rankings? Would you not do the same thing if your site was in jeopardy of losing what you had built over a decade of hard work? They didn't just wake up and decide to ban affiliate links.

      I don't get it when people use the heck out of a service for years to make a profit - pushing TOS to the absolute limit - and then trash them if they tighten up their submission policy.

      Nobody ever says thanks.

      I think it would have been more appropriate to name this thread, "Google Unfortunately Forces Hubpages To Remove All Affiliate Links."

      Go figure,
      Allen
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  • Profile picture of the author Lyanna
    Meh, to all those saying that Hubpages or web 2.0 sites are overrated and people should focus on their own sites:

    I still use Squidoo to drive traffic to my blogs and website and it works. No direct linking to affiliate offers but it is still very useful.

    When I type in some of my top keywords in Google, there are 3 of my sites on the first page - my Squidoo lens, my blog and my article on an article directory, in that order. Yes, Sqidoo will often outrank my own blog but it's all good, having that many first page results means that it's really quite likely that people will find my content and therefore the affiliate offers I am promoting.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      The good thing about Squidoo is that you only share commissions if you use Squidoo's own modules. In many ways, it's just like having your site, especially if people click on your own affiliate links/banners, and purchase...you would ultimately gain the SAME as you would. The only thing that would be missing would be somekind of brand recognition, if that is something you are looking to achieve, when someone lands on your Squidoo lens, as compared to a branded website.

      Originally Posted by Lyanna View Post

      Meh, to all those saying that Hubpages or web 2.0 sites are overrated and people should focus on their own sites:

      I still use Squidoo to drive traffic to my blogs and website and it works. No direct linking to affiliate offers but it is still very useful.

      When I type in some of my top keywords in Google, there are 3 of my sites on the first page - my Squidoo lens, my blog and my article on an article directory, in that order. Yes, Sqidoo will often outrank my own blog but it's all good, having that many first page results means that it's really quite likely that people will find my content and therefore the affiliate offers I am promoting.
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      • Profile picture of the author Lyanna
        I've not had any success with direct sales on Squidoo lenses but I know some people have been able to make money on theirs.

        Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post

        The good thing about Squidoo is that you only share commissions if you use Squidoo's own modules. In many ways, it's just like having your site, especially if people click on your own affiliate links/banners, and purchase...you would ultimately gain the SAME as you would. The only thing that would be missing would be somekind of brand recognition, if that is something you are looking to achieve, when someone lands on your Squidoo lens, as compared to a branded website.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brendan Mace
    I definitely agree that you can make money off web 2.0's. And also that IM is inherently risky. The problem I have with web 2.0's is that they take risk to a whole 'nother level. Not only are you at the mercy of google and other traffic sources, you are now at the mercy of the web 2.0 owners.

    To each their own. Web 2.0's can make a positive difference on your business. I don't think anyone is debating that. But they do come with a higher degree of risk.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      I totally understand, co2.

      The general thought, when it comes to ownership of Web 2.0 sites, is that there "should be" a mutual benefit principle at play. Whenever an owner does anything....adjusts ad placement, changes site layout and functionality, etc...the "idea" is that they are ultimately working in their own best interest by working in a users best interest. This is why I do particularly like the revenue sharing concept.

      To reinforce your point, there HAVE been occasions, that I'm well aware, that I site ownership has done some very shifty things to users. eHow is just one example (I could rant about that to no end). In a perfect world, owners would ALWAYS work in the best interest of users.

      Personally, and this is just for me, I won't even contribute to a site unless I exchange frequent emails with the ownership directly. I know, I can't expect everyone to do this....it would be unrealistic and unexpected. In my own business, I can justify this risk, though, and I go to great lengths to ensure that I am confident that my content is safe.

      This isn't just about web 2.0 rev share sites, though. The same could be said of a site like Ezine articles. If we learn anything, if we are to use these sites, I do think it's important to have your own property, as well. Right now, I have close to 400 highly SEO'd articles, many with thousands of views being sucked in by the authority of the site itself, diverting traffic to my own properties.

      I just believe the benefit is still very great, even in a post-Panda world.
      Originally Posted by co2 View Post

      I definitely agree that you can make money off web 2.0's. And also that IM is inherently risky. The problem I have with web 2.0's is that they take risk to a whole 'nother level. Not only are you at the mercy of google and other traffic sources, you are now at the mercy of the web 2.0 owners.

      To each their own. Web 2.0's can make a positive difference on your business. I don't think anyone is debating that. But they do come with a higher degree of risk.
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
    Yeah, I heard about that. I think it's a solid move on their part if they use it, in addition to other methods, to increase the authority of their website. It bothers me that I have several very well-written pages on HP that are suffering because of other people's shortcomings.
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  • Profile picture of the author Success With Dany
    Banned
    As long as Hubpages don't forbid Amazon links... If they do... Gulp.
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Success With Dany View Post

      As long as Hubpages don't forbid Amazon links... If they do... Gulp.
      This was bound to happen sooner or later. But i guess for money people they were not ready for this.

      Just another reason to make sure you do not have one streamlined way to make money online. Alot of people are going to get whacked with this...

      WHY?

      this is the online income they have...now they are in trouble.

      You have to have your eggs in more than one basket. that is how you will win this game in the end.
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  • Profile picture of the author omk
    spend an hour thinking up a solution - If not, take a deep breath and take the hit. If anything, it's another lesson learned.
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  • Profile picture of the author dhanediesil
    Originally Posted by entrepreneurjay View Post

    Hubpages not allowing Clickbank affiliate links anymore aaaaaaggggghhhh!


    I have over 100 hubs I have written over the past couple years. I do not get into it too much anymore I am busy with my blogs, etc...

    They sent me an email saying if they are not corrected they will be unpublished. I am not gonna go through 70 plus hubs and take out the reason I made them in the first place my affiliate links.

    My question to you guys, and girls is if I let them go unpublished can I publish them again through another site at a later date? Will they get reindexed? Or will they be considered duplicate content? I wouldn't think so if they were unpublished but I am not positive either.

    Its pretty ****ty what Hubpages is doing to their customers this is why I stress build your own blogs, and websites and use your content for yourself.

    They must be trying to go out of business who in their right mind would consider using them after all the stuff they are pulling lately.

    If you have Clickbank links hubpages is coming for you now fair warning.
    That's EASY to get around.. I've got a simple little trick I use to "disguise" my links. PM me if you want to know it (if you haven't found a solution yet).
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Brauer
    Yea, you could probably try registering a domain with Godaddy, and then mask it and forward it to your affiliate link.

    I'm guessing this will work, but you may run the risk of getting caught and banned...

    Worth the risk? That's up to you
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  • Profile picture of the author dlawhh
    Is there something specific in the TOS from Hubs that states that either you are fully protected or they are unable to change their TOS to benefit only themselves? I understand the hard work you may have put into this but really, its their TOS so more than likely it protects them just a tad more than it does you as an end user - supporter of the website or not.

    Tons of places are cracking down on policies that have been abused in the past, they are doing this to protect themselves. If Google had not made all the changes that it did recently this would not be an issue and many sites/people would still be exploiting places just to earn a buck but its not really earning when its an exploit.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      The thing is...when they protect themselves, they are also trying to protect the collective userbase. Exploiting a platform, for short term gain, may earn you (whoever) a few quick bucks, but, is it really worth it to see the platform itself annihilated? So, then, you just move onto something else to destroy?

      The tighter a site's TOS, the better. Live with it, or go elsewhere.

      Originally Posted by dlawhh View Post

      Is there something specific in the TOS from Hubs that states that either you are fully protected or they are unable to change their TOS to benefit only themselves? I understand the hard work you may have put into this but really, its their TOS so more than likely it protects them just a tad more than it does you as an end user - supporter of the website or not.

      Tons of places are cracking down on policies that have been abused in the past, they are doing this to protect themselves. If Google had not made all the changes that it did recently this would not be an issue and many sites/people would still be exploiting places just to earn a buck but its not really earning when its an exploit.
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Are any of them making you any money? If they are, then do a PHP redirect. Just set that up on a domain you own and make a PHP redirect page for each one that is generating traffic and income for you. Those that aren't, just let them go.

    When you put your faith and business in the hands of a third party Web 2.0 site such as Hub Pages, this is the kind of problem you run into. Better to have your money pages under your own control. They can pull the rug out from under you at any time. And it looks like Hub Pages are doing that in about two weeks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
    When you guys "disguise" your affiliate links (in an outright attempt to violate the rules), you will be found out when their editors click on the link and find that they've been underhandedly served an affiliate link.

    You can disguise all day long, but when a human clicks on it and ends up on some crappy ClickBank product, you're going to be banned.

    You can then say goodbye to not only THAT article/hub, but any other page that is associated with your account or IP address and all the momentum you've built up to this point will be stopped dead in its tracks.

    Why would you even think about wasting your time like that?

    Don't you think your time would be more well-spent pursuing a different technique? Maybe a technique that doesn't involve harming another person's business?
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  • Profile picture of the author Zach Crawley
    This is why you should use sites like these for linking to squeeze pages and building a list.
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    • Profile picture of the author Oneal Degrassi
      Originally Posted by zachcrawley View Post

      This is why you should use sites like these for linking to squeeze pages and building a list.
      True...but I wouldn't be surprised, nor would I mind, if they soon disallow squeeze pages or form pages as well.

      I believe they are looking at things from a Google-type perspective, meaning that they want to send their users to a quality website so that the user will come back in the future instead of blocking them and spreading a bad rep.

      Oneal
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  • Profile picture of the author dlawhh
    x3xsolxdierx3x no its not worth it, IMHO (and why I thanked your reply).

    I am all for challenging the system when the system is doing wrong, but when the end user flat out ignores the TOS and scams to get their few pennies. You get out what you put in. If you plan to work hard and do the work needed to get the ball rolling that's fine, but when you cheat the system the system will always come back to get you.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by dlawhh View Post

      x3xsolxdierx3x no its not worth it, IMHO (and why I thanked your reply).

      I am all for challenging the system when the system is doing wrong, but when the end user flat out ignores the TOS and scams to get their few pennies. You get out what you put in. If you plan to work hard and do the work needed to get the ball rolling that's fine, but when you cheat the system the system will always come back to get you.
      dlawhh,

      Unfortunately, I think it may not be all too inaccurate to guesstimate that 'probably' 75-90% of users don't even read the TOS. Those sites have attracted tens of thousands of registered users. Maybe it's the users fault? Maybe the site should do a better job at ensuring that there is a clickable link to those TOS right where they would sign-up to register? I don't know...some people, I would hope, may avoid certain sites like they plague if they read their TOS (and, fully understood them...cough...like eHow's TOS).... (that may be why they AREN'T typically nudge along by site's ownership to read them...many people probably wouldn't even join)...

      "...you cheat the system the system will always come back to get you."

      Unfortunately, I don't most IM'ers realize (or care, for that matter), that what they do directly impacts the livlihood of others. When Squidoo was abused, it was slapped to the point where the collective userbase--even those that consistently try to do the right thing and work diligently--were affected by overall loss in authority and favor.
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  • Profile picture of the author dlawhh
    I am in fully agreement with that and I would almost want to say its the 80/20 rule for who reads what but honestly, we are outnumbered. Spammers grow each day and slowly start to trash all types of sites so it could be more like 90% them vs. us.

    Any TOS takes time but some people are very impatient and jump the gun. Some are legit if they break a rule, accept it, apologize and move on. We have had people break our TOS before, others who said they read it and then still broke it. There are just some people who do not care and if more people actually took responsibility for their actions I would guess than most sites that have a heavy TOS would not have the need for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanHend
    Why bother with HubPages when there are tons of better 2.0 sites ready to take its place? HubPages is getting more strict with "adverts" disguised as hubpages.
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  • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
    My last posts on this thread were about 3-4 months ago...

    After HubPages took some reasonable actions following Panda, they are beginning to rebound nicely in Alexa.

    Remember, THEY are a site and business that is attempting to maximize profit. Low quality content works counter to that--truth is, they can tighten up and become as strict as they want--it's their call--it's up to US, as IM'ers to figure out the best ways to use sites like that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Intrepreneur
    So we're saying Google has taken a dislike to Clickbank links? I highly doubt this as possible, not unless they're personally finding each link that's not worthy and discounting it.

    Anyone wanna 'splain?
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  • Profile picture of the author Intrepreneur
    I sincerely don't see why hubpages ARE blaming CLICKBANK when all my sites have Clickbank links on them and they haven't been affected......
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      The only people doing the blaming are in threads like this one (from last spring). Hubpages took action after the google update - and they did it to preserve THEIR platform.

      Hubs has never intended their pages to be used for selling stuff. It was launched as an "editorial content" platform and they have routinely removed overly promotional hubs. I don't care how good your writing is - if you are only writing to get people to click and buy your CB affiliate product....it's a sale page.

      You can call it "review" or "look what I found" or whatever you want - the minute you add an affiliate link you have a sales page.

      Hubs is a free platform and my hubs (no sales links) have done well in bring traffic to my sites. IMers seem to think every free platform online owes them space for their "promotions". Not so.

      Hubpages has perhaps gone farther than any similar site in responding to the update in a way that will preserve the integrity and value of the hubs now allowed.

      kay
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Who else here has had a Hub deleted AND was given the rationale for its deletion as being related to the occurrence of Clickbank affiliate links? Is this actually now in HubPages' TOS?...

      If it's in their TOS, I wouldn't play with fire, even if some have hubs, with clickbank links, that haven't been affected yet...at least make sure the text of those hubs are saved to an external word document.

      btw...love or hate these changes, the 'strictness' is a GOOD thing, and HubPages is bouncing back quite nicely....that will correlate to increased earnings for everyone who plays by the rules.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        You have a point - I haven't seen that in the TOS but I think people are drawing that conclusion because those hubs are, by nature, promotional.

        It's easier to slam hubpages as being "against CB" than to admit you were using hubpages only to promote affiliate products....which hubs has always frowned on.
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  • Profile picture of the author trishseo
    If you can't afford your own domain, use blogger.com. They're much better for SERPs anyways and 1000x easier on what you post. Your #1 best bet though is build and rank your own domain - no exceptions.
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