Many folks in the Webmaster community are celebrating the recently announced merger of Webmaster-Talk.com and Earners Forum.

Among the many benefits users of both forums will receive because of the combined forces, the merger was announced in conjunction with a $25,000 Contest co-sponsored by Pepperjam Network!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the contest.

By now you’ve likely heard that Google announced that they intend to sell the search division of Performics. In addition to the proposed sale of the SEM division of Performics Google also announced that 300 employees from parent company DoubleClick will be laid off and that the other 1/2 of Performics (the Affiliate Network) will be integrated into Google.

I’m not entirely sure how Google intends to integrate the Performics Affiliate Marketing business into “existing Google operations,” but it’s my guess that there is major disappointment from many Performics clients who were sold on a “full-service,” “integrated” (i.e. search / affiliate) online marketing service that Performics will no longer be able to deliver.

Some of you will remember that I predicted right after the initial announcement of the Google / DoubleClick acquisition, that Google would likely dissolve or sell Performics.

Aside from the disappointment that is likely being registered by existing Performics clients, another potential outcome from Google’s announcement is that ValueClick (VCLK, parent company of affiliate network Commission Junction) becomes the likely suitor (acquirer) of the SEM division of Performics. In fact, according to ClickZ ValueClick has already expressed an interest in acquiring Performics.

To me it would make sense for VCLK to make this acquisition, especially because (no surprise here) I believe a full-service, integrated approach to online marketing is the most efficent approach - the full-service model is what we’ve pioneered and have been providing to clients at Pepperjam for years. In fact, aside from Performics and without the acquistion of Performics by Commission Junction, Pepperjam is the only other major full-service, integrated online marketing agency with an affiliate network option. I like how this sounds, but knowing CJ as well as I do, this is not likely to last long.

Think about it. In light of the recent fallout between Pepperjam and Commission because we launched a competing affiliate network technology, I don’t think CJ is gonna want Pepperjam to be the only real alternative (i.e. full service model with a network) to Performics. I imagine the stage would be set for some fierce competition between Commission Junction and Pepperjam if indeed ValueClick purchases Performics.

Either way, it’s my guess that Pepperjam stands to benefit significantly from the break-up of Performics since currently we remain the last man standing.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Pepperjam Network Announces 175 New Affiliate Program Launches in First Quarter 2008

WILKES-BARRE, Pa., April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Pepperjam, the fastest growing full-service internet marketing agency in the United States, announced today that Pepperjam Network, the company’s much talked about next generation affiliate marketing network launched 175 new affiliate programs during the first quarter of 2008, including New Line Cinema, Sesame Street, LifeLock, BabyPhat, Rocawear, RealtyTrac, Jelly Belly, Teleflora, Video Professor, NetShops, VistaPrint, and Playboy Store, among others.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming support we have received for Pepperjam Network from both the advertiser and publisher community. We are being told by advertisers and publishers alike that our proprietary technology is revolutionary and that it has successfully addressed many of the shortcomings of other affiliate networks, including poor communication tools and lack of affiliate transparency. With Pepperjam Network, we empower advertisers with communication tools such as Pepperjam Chat, along with full and unfettered affiliate transparency,” said Kristopher B. Jones, President & CEO of Pepperjam.

“The launch of Pepperjam Network represents a paradigm shift in affiliate marketing. The Big Three Affiliate Networks are being challenged by more innovative and nimble companies such as Pepperjam Network that are able to provide next generation technology along with an unparalleled level of personal attention and service. Pepperjam Network has officially changed the face of affiliate marketing forever and advertisers are jumping aboard quickly because of our advanced tools and high level of customer service,” said Michael Jones, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Pepperjam.

To learn more about becoming a Pepperjam Network advertiser or publisher please visit www.pepperjamnetwork.com

About Pepperjam Network:

Pepperjam Network is a next generation affiliate marketing network that provides advertisers and publishers with industry leading pay-for-performance tracking, reporting, communication, and payment solutions. Pepperjam Network is a division of Pepperjam, a full-service internet marketing agency recognized by Inc. Magazine for the last two consecutive years as one of the fastest growing businesses in the United States. Learn more at www.pepperjamnetwork.com

About Pepperjam:

Pepperjam offers a full range of professional marketing management services in the areas of pay-per-click, search-engine optimization, affiliate marketing, and online media planning and buying. Since 1999 Pepperjam has developed a reputation for being one of the most innovative, aggressive, and effective internet marketing agencies in the business. Learn more at www.pepperjam.com

We are proud to announce the launch of the foreclosure.com Affiliate Program on Pepperjam Network!

We encourage you to log-in to your affiliate account at www.pepperjamnetwork.com and create banners, text links, and pepperjamADS right away for the foreclosure.com program and the other 200+ programs available on PJN.

HIGHLIGHT: foreclosure.com pays $7 per lead for a FREE TRIAL sign-up. You also get an additional $31 per lead once a free trial turns into a paid subscription.

About the foreclosure.com Affiliate Program:

Foreclosure.com is America’s largest provider of distressed properties, with more than 1.2 million foreclosure, preforeclosure, bankruptcy, FSBO and tax lien listings across the United States located conveniently in one place.

Commissions (Per Lead): $7.00 for Free Trial Sign-up; Additional $31 when a Free Trial turns into a Subscription!
Cookie Duration: 45 days

One of the things I like to do periodically throughout the day and on weekends is communicate with friends and followers through social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and MyBlogLog.

Currently, I’m really enjoying Twitter because it is a lot less contrived than the other social networks - Twitter is a form of “Micro-Blogging,” which creates a sort of impromptu way of communicating that is not only fun, but also very useful in that by following others in your particular industry or profession you stay updated in real-time to what those individuals are thinking, hearing, and doing. For instance, I was able to find out about 15 minutes before an official press release went out that Steve Denton resigned from Linkshare - I knew this because one of the people I follow (shout out to Steph Agresta) twittered it.

Anyway, if you are a follower of Pepperjam, Pepperjam Network, or think I’m an OK guy, I’d encourage you to reach out via one or all of the following networks:

Twitter - CLICK HERE
Facebook (Personal Page) - CLICK HERE
Facebook (Pepperjam Page) - CLICK HERE
Facebook (Pepperjam Network Page) - CLICK HERE
MyBlogLog - CLICK HERE
StumbleUpon - CLICK HERE
LinkedIn - CLICK HERE (send invite to kris @ pepperjamsearch .com)
YouTube - CLICK HERE
Digg - CLICK HERE

These aren’t all the networks I’m involved with but the ones I use most.

If you think I should be using something that isn’t listed above tell me why and maybe I’ll join.

I was surprised to find out today that Steve Denton, long-time President of Affiliate Marketing Network Linkshare has officially resigned.

Here is the official press release.

There has been no mention of why Steve decided to leave or exactly what Steve’s next career move will be.

Ironically, I was involved in a conference call with Steve just yesterday morning and at that time he was still acting President and it didn’t appear that that would change anytime soon.

I have known Steve for about five or six years and have always thought that he was one of the most likeable and accessible people in the affiliate marketing industry.

I wish Steve nothing but the best in his personal life and with his next career move.

We are proud to announce the launch of the Realty Trac Affiliate Program on Pepperjam Network - www.pepperjamnetwork.com

HIGHLIGHTS: Earn $7.00 for a FREE 7-day trial, plus $31.00 if the user purchases our monthly subscription.

About the Realty Trac Affiliate Program:

“RealtyTrac is a subscription-based, one-stop shop for people looking to find a property. With over 650,000 foreclosure properties and over 1,000,000 total properties updated daily, RealtyTrac is the #1 source for up-to-date pre-foreclosure, bank foreclosures, for sale by owner (FSBO), foreclosed homes via auction, new homes and MLS property listings.

Commissions: Earn $7.00 for a free 7-day trial, plus $31.00 if the user purchases our monthly subscription — a total payout of $38.00; or earn $40.00 when a user signs up for the monthly subscription right away.”

Commissions (Per Lead): $7.00 - $40.00 (see above)
Cookie Duration: 45 days
Acceptance Method: Automatic

Sorry to post this in “press release” form.

My weekend is packed after a pretty wild week at the Pepperplex…not to mention that I’m leaving in the morning for New York.

If any of you happen to be going to SES New York please stop by our exhibit booth, Hilton bar, or anywhere else you see me or a fellow Pepperjammer and say hello.

PRESS RELEASE:

Pepperjam, the fastest growing full-service internet marketing agency in the United States, announced today that the company will attend, exhibit, speak, moderate, blog and celebrate the recent launch of Pepperjam Network during Search-Engine Strategies (SES) New York.

SES New York will take place March 17-20, 2008 at the New York Hilton.

“Pepperjam is excited to be an active participant in the Search-Engine Strategies (SES) conference. SES New York represents the largest gathering of search engine marketing professionals and vendors in the world and Pepperjam is honored to be attending, exhibiting, speaking, moderating, and blogging the event. Moreover, we are thrilled to use this event as yet another celebration of the recent successful launch of Pepperjam Network, a next generation affiliate marketing network,” said Kristopher B. Jones, President & CEO of Pepperjam.

Eight (8) members of the Pepperjam Team will be present at SES New York, including (1) company president & CEO, Kristopher Jones, (2) VP of Search-Engine Marketing, Ken Mohn, Jr., (3) VP of Sales and Marketing, Aaron Baker, (4) Director of Pay-Per-Click, Brian Watkins, (5) Director of Sales & Marketing, (5) Quinn Kavanaugh, Director of Search-Engine Optimization, (6) Ian Howells, (7) Lauren Barge and (8) Audrey Yedlock, both Senior Sales Executives.

Please visit the Pepperjam Exhibit Booth on Tuesday, March 18 between 10:00am - 7:00pm or Wednesday, March 19 from 9:45am - 4:00pm to learn more about Pepperjam’s full line of professional marketing services, as well as Pepperjam Network, the next generation affiliate marketing network.

Kristopher Jones will moderate two panels on Tuesday, March 18th, including (1) Domaining & Address Bar-Driven Traffic from 11:00am-12:15pm and (2) Ad Copy & Landing Page Clinic from 4:45pm-6:00pm. In addition, Jones will speak on the “Dealing with Affiliates” panel on Wednesday from 4:00pm-5:15pm.

Pepperjam will be posting exclusive real-time summaries and reviews of numerous SES panels and speeches on the Pepperjam Blog.

Learn more about attending SES New York at www.searchenginestrategies.com/newyork/

We are thrilled to announce the launch of several popular entertainment brands on Pepperjam Network - www.pepperjamnetwork.com.

In addition to our announcement yesterday that Cartoon Network launched an affiliate program on Pepperjam Network, today we announce the launch of New Line Cinema Shop, MGM Store, WB Shop, and WB TV Shop!

Here’s a brief summary of each program:

New Line Cinema Shop - Semi-Pro starring Will Farrell is in theatres now - it’s hilarious - I saw it last Saturday. Why not promote Semi-Pro and dozens of other box office hits such as Lord of the Rings, The Golden Compass, House of Horror, Hairspray, Austin Powers, ELF, and many more, while making up to 10% commission?

MGM Store - With millions upon millions of fans around the world and blockbuster movie titles such as Rocky, Pink Panther, and Stargate, promote MGMstore.com and make up to 10% for every sale you refer!

WB TV Shop - With hit shows like Gilmore Girls, Smallville, Supernatural, the OC, and many more, the WB TV Shop offers your visitors great products from top WB shows. Get up to 10% commission on allyour referrals.

Here are more details for each program:

About New Line Cinema Shop:

“The NewLineShop.com affiliate program gives you the tools to sell jewelry, toys, DVDs, clothing, posters and more from New Line movies like Lord of the Rings, Hairspray, & The Golden Compass! It’s free and easy – sign up for the program, place banners, product images and/or text links on your site and we do everything else.
Here are a few other reasons to join our affiliate program:
• Earn money! We will pay you up to a 10% commission on all sales generated at NewLineShop.com! Generating sales is easy with our great assortment of Collectibles and Gifts for the whole family.
• NewLineShop.com has earned a solid reputation for bringing fun to the whole family. Your site visitors know and trust us which results in increased conversions.
• It’s simple! Apply today and you can be up and running with the latest creative in no time. We update our creative on a regular basis and do our best to give you the support you need to sell our products.
• Monthly Newsletter - access the best offers and promos
• Weekly updated Data Feed

By joining our program, you will work with a 45 day cookie and a commission structure that makes it easy for you to earn large amounts:
7% Less than $250 in monthly sales revenue
8% $251 - $499 in monthly sales revenue
9% $500 - $999 in monthly sales revenue
10% More than $1,000 in monthly sales revenue

Commissions (Percentage of Sales): Up to 10.00%!
Cookie Duration: 45 days

About MGM Store:

“The MGM Shop affiliate program gives you the tools to sell clothing, Toys & Games, Jewelry and more from MGM titles Rocky, Stargate and Pink Panther. It’s free and easy – you sign up for the program then place banners, product images and/or text links on your site and we do everything else.

Here are a few other reasons to join our affiliate program:

• Earn money! We will pay you up to a 10% commission on all sales generated at MGMStore.com! Generating sales is easy with our great assortment of Collectibles and Gifts for the whole family.
• Partner with the best! MGMStore.com has earned a solid reputation for bringing fun to the whole family. Your site visitors know and trust us which results in increased conversions.
• It’s simple! Apply today and you can be up and running with the latest creative in no time. We update our creative on a regular basis and do our best to give you the support you need to sell our products.
• Monthly Newsletter - access the best offers and promos
• Weekly updated Data Feed

By joining our program, you will work with a 45 day cookie and a great commission structure that makes it easy for you to earn large amounts:

7% Less than $250 in monthly sales revenue
8% $251 - $499 in monthly sales revenue
9% $500 - $999 in monthly sales revenue
10% More than $1,000 in monthly sales revenue

Commissions (Percentage of Sale): up to 10.00%!
Cookie Duration: 45 days

About WB Shop Affiliate Program:

“The WBShop.com affiliate program gives you the tools to sell toys, games, clothing, posters and more from your favorite Warner Bros. characters like Tweety & Superman and from your favorite WB movies like Harry Potter. It’s free and easy – you sign up for the program, place banners, product images and/or text links on your site and we do everything else.
A few other reasons to join our affiliate program:
• We will pay you up to a 10% commission on all sales generated at WBShop.com! Generating sales is easy with our great assortment of Collectibles and Gifts for the whole family.
• WBShop.com has earned a solid reputation for bringing fun to the whole family. Your visitors know and trust us which results in increased conversions.
• Apply today and you can be up and running with the latest creative in no time. We update our creative on a regular basis and do our best to give you the support you need to sell our products.
• Monthly Newsletter - access the best offers and promos
• Weekly updated Data Feed

By joining our program, you will work with a 45 day cookie and a great commission structure that makes it easy for you to earn large amounts:
7% Less than $250 in monthly sales revenue
8% $251 - $499 in monthly sales revenue
9% $500 - $999 in monthly sales revenue
10% More than $1,000 in monthly sales revenue”

Commissions (Percentage of Sales): Up to 10.00%!
Cookie Duration: 45 days

About the WB TV Shop:

“The WBTVShop.com affiliate program gives you the tools to sell clothing, DVDs and more from the hit shows Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, The O.C., Veronica Mars, Supernatural and Nip/Tuck. It’s free and easy – you sign up for the program then place banners, product images and/or text links on your site and we do everything else.

A few other reasons to join our affiliate program:

• Earn money! We will pay you up to a 10% commission on all sales generated at WBTVShop.com! Generating sales is easy with our great assortment of Collectibles and Gifts for the whole family.
• WBTVShop.com has earned a solid reputation for bringing fun to the whole family. Your site visitors know and trust us which results in increased conversions.
• It’s simple! Apply today and you can be up and running with the latest creative in no time. We update our creative on a regular basis and do our best to give you the support you need to sell our products.
• Monthly Newsletter - access the best offers and promos
• Weekly updated Data Feed

By joining our program, you will work with a 45 day cookie and a great commission structure that makes it easy for you to earn large amounts:
7% Less than $250 in monthly sales revenue
8% $251 - $499 in monthly sales revenue
9% $500 - $999 in monthly sales revenue
10% More than $1,000 in monthly sales revenue”

Commissions (Percentage of Sales): Up to 10.00%!
Cookie Duration: 45 days

If you are not already a member, Join Pepperjam Network Today!

We are proud to announce the launch of Cartoon Network on Pepperjam Network - www.pepperjamnetwork.com.

About Cartoon Network:

“The Cartoon Network Shop affiliate program gives you the tools to sell gifts and merchandise from programs that air on Cartoon Network. It’s free and easy – you sign up for the program, place banners, product images, text links, and / or pepperjamADS on your site, and we do the rest.”

Commissions (Percentage of Sales): 7.00% and up!
Cookie Duration: 45 days

My Two Cents: The Cartoon Network represents the most popular television station dedicated exclusively to cartoons, including hits such as George of the Jungle, Ben 10, The Mr. Men Show, Chop Socky Chooks, Out of Jimmy’s Head, and many more! As an affiliate you have so may options here to make money promoting popular gifts, apparel, toys, games, and more from Cartoon Network television programming.