Disqus - Latest Comments for Kris Jones

Re: Show Me the Money!

Kris Jones — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:34:45 -0000

Scott / Sam / Shawn,

Let's all agree. CJ is a great network, arguably the best out there!

In my opinion, the most interesting part of Shawn's testimonial of Pepperjam Network is not his comment that "the CJ interface is terribly clunky to find what he wants." That's true in most instances, and not in others, as Shawn expressed (and I agree) in his follow-up post.

Instead, what I found most interesting is the part of Shawn's testimonial that "Pepperjam Network is what an affiliate network would look like if it were built from a wish list from both the affiliate and merchant perspective."

That's what we tried to do. In the process, we realized that the two most requested features of a next generation network were, (1) better communication tools, and (2) more affiliate transparency.

Yes, I admit my bias, but on those two issues (communication / transparency) Pepperjam Network has successfully advanced a conversation that has been taking place for years.

Anyway - this conversation is very worthwhile and I'm hoping that when it's all said and done (it has really only begun) that the real winner are affiliates and advertisers.

However, I'm hoping affiliates and advertisers alike take Pepperjam Network for a spin and express their opinion one way or the other.

Affiliates have spoken. Pepperjam Listened.

Kris Jones
Pepperjam Network
www.pepperjamnetwork.com

Re: Show Me the Money!

Kris Jones — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:41:06 -0000

Scott,

It's valuable to have a different opinion here, especially from a Commission Junction Publisher Advisory Board member.

When I used the words Web 2.0 in my post I was really referring to technologies like AJAX and PYTHON, programming languages that are used throughout Pepperjam Network to improve the user experience. Some of the benefits of AJAX include the ability to move from one page to another seemlessly and to pull important information quickly without having to load excessive data. CJ seems to still be using less ideal technologies (not AJAX) even though the depth of the reporting is very impressive.

I also agree with you that Web services (i.e. API access) is critical and Pepperjam Network is working to release a Web services platform that can be used by anyone, not just high-level tech / programming experts like yourself, which is what most of the other networks offer.

My post was really about the idea of next generation affiliate marketing.

By next generation I mean (1) better communication tools and (2) unfettered affiliate transparency.

The other networks have talked about these things but really haven't provided a solution.

Pepperjam Network has taken a step in the right direction by putting power back in the hands of affiliates and advertisers to control the relationship and make more money through better communication tools and unfettered affiliate and advertiser transparency.

The last thing I'll say that needs to be disclosed here is that you are a member of Commission Junction's Publisher Advisory Board. I'm surprised that you didn't mention your leadership role at CJ in your post because it seems to me to be worth disclosing or reminding your readers.

I'm not suggesting that your role on CJ's board influences your decision to comment here. Most of us that follow the industry closely know that you are quite outspoken and extremely well-respected. That's why network's like CJ ask you to be on their board and that's why Pepperjam Network will ask you to serve on our board once we create it.

Once again, thanks for your comments.

My hope is that if this discussion continues we all talk about next generation tools that are accessible to everyone, not just the select few affiliates / advertisers chosen by the network or to those with the programming and development skills to build their own.

Re: PepperJam Network Is All About Relationships And Communication

Kris Jones — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:39:47 -0000

Wow!

Thanks for the excellent review!

Pepperjam Network provides communication tools not found on the other networks and it is great when affiliates like you help us promote it!

Kris Jones
CEO,
Pepperjam Network

Re: PepperJam Network vs CJ

Kris Jones — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:38:32 -0000

Vlad,

Thanks for your comments.

There's no question here - Pepperjam is David and CJ is Goliath.

We started just like you and dreamed big. Yes, we are growing quick, but we are innovating even more quickly.

We are small compared to CJ and we could never win a fight against them.

CJ waged a war against Pepperjam and anyone else who one day hopes to grow and innovate, while remaining a partner of CJ.

If this situation frustrates you as much as it does me I strongly urge you to take a closer look and see what CJ's behavior means for the broader affiliate industry.

Re: Make Money Online With PepperJamAds

Kris Jones — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:24:55 -0000

Gary,

Thanks for the plug!

We hope your readers take Pepperjam Network and pepperjamADS for a spin and then tell us what they think.

Kris Jones
CEO,
Pepperjam Network

Re: Make Money Online With PepperJamAds

Kris Jones — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:24:55 -0000

Gary,

Thanks for the plug!

We hope your readers take Pepperjam Network and pepperjamADS for a spin and then tell us what they think.

Kris Jones
CEO,
Pepperjam Network