I guess that now it is up loud and proud on the IAB’s website, I must be able to discuss it without getting told off by Keano…
My year as Chair of the IAB Affiliate Marketing Council is over and I had a splendid time over the year. I think that we did manage to progress the profile and momentum of the council over the year. Whilst most publicity was received for the Voucher Code Guidelines, there are a couple of things that I am more proud of during my tenure.
Firstly the introduction and attendance of some of the larger brands that play in our space. I think that the desire to get involved and help shape the industry shown by companies such as Sky, eBay, Vodafone and RAC is critical to how the industry is viewed.
Secondly, I feel that the Ethical Merchant Charter is a wholly welcome piece of guidance for merchants who are running or looking to run an affiliate campaign. Whilst something like this can never be regulated, I think it is importnat that we have published a benchmark for how merchants should behave. I believe that a lot of the fallout that we see is down to misunderstanding rather than any one party trying to shaft another, so just compiling a framework showing how merchants are expected to behave is a real positive. I hope that both merchants and networks will continue to embrace this.
Moving into 2010, I am delighted that my legacy is being presided over by Kevin Edwards. Not only was Kevin the man who got me my first job in affiliate marketing, but he is also a respected colleague and a trusted friend. I have no doubt that he will steer the Council in the correct manner. He was up against a raft of worthy candidates and kudos goes to Duncan, Bruce and Lee for making a fight of it and demonstrating that there are a lot of passionate, ethical people in our industry.
Hopefully I will still continue to play a full part in the Council’s activity going forward, and I look forward to helping in whatever way I can with a highly successful 2010.
