We Need to Hammer These Merchants Sponsoring "Shop to Drop Bush"...

Shop to Drop Bush ^

[SirFishalot]

You can use this site as a gateway to purchase items on-line, items you would have purchased anyway.The merchants that we link to will each pay their standard affiliate commission to Shop to drop Bush (between .8% and 30%, depending on the merchant.) These merchants are not endorsing our efforts. Just as merchants pay for ads in magazines without endorsing the policies of the magazines, so they are paying (.8% to 30%) us for the ads we have placed here.

All of the money raised will go towards electing a Democratic in 2004

The first $2,000 will go to the Candidate, the next $2,000 to the Democratic National Commitee, and the remainder to moveon.org.

My goal is to raise at least $4,000 from this site. That is $4,000 we otherwise wouldn’t have.

[SirFishalot]

This is outrageous! I would be willing to bet that many of these merchants don't even realize they are being used in this way. It's our duty to let them know about it and let them know that they are going to get some backlash if they don't put an end to it.

[Rick.Donaldson]

Been there, done that. Last week. You missed that thread?

[Xthe17th]

It's a fake. They don't authorize it and I hear lawsuits are pending.

[JesseHousman]

This was posted several days ago and all FReepers (myself included) wrote volumes to the merchants displayed.

Take a look at the website today.

[Hodar]

I would be willing to bet that many of these merchants don't even realize they are being used in this way.

And you would be 100% correct; at least in the case of REI. REI was (past tense) listed as a 'sponsor'. Companies have open 'sponsor' contracts where almost any web site may have a 'click-through' to them, in exchange the site gets a percentage of sales from the 'click-through'. Some sites are banned due to the nature of their business (porn, for example); so software filters are used to block those sponsors. I received a letter from the VP of Customer Relations thanking me for pointing the link out, and assurnaces that they would be removed immediately. However, whatever REI does; has to also be done by every other company who's 'filters' are not set up to ban these 'sponsor sites'.

As I pointed out to REI, it is no one's best interest to align a store to any political agenda. Either way, you alienate customers; regardless of which side of the issue you chose. For the sake of sales, it is best for them to remain neutral. And, at least REI agreed with me.

[mhking]

The nimrod who runs this site is continually putting new links up from the banner placement companies, Commission Junction and LinkShare whenever we get any retailers to pull their links.

LinkShare and Commission Junction need to be hammered as well as the retailers in order to stem the source; otherwise, this moron will continue to put new merchants up with each and every one that we get removed.

Commission Junction
US Headquarters
Commission Junction
1501 Chapala
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
United States
Phone: 800-761-1072
International: 805-560-0777
Fax: 805-560-0776

LinkShare
1 888 SHARE 89
(1 888 742 7389)
New York Office
215 Park Avenue South
8th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone : 646 654 6000
Fax : 646 602 0160
email : contact@linkshare.com

[Rick.Donaldson]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1004357/posts

[Tacis]

Probably just another dem scam to circumvent the law on contributions. Identify the owners of whatever large outfits are on the list. You'll probably find some connection between the individual or the individual's spouse already exists that clearly links the business to the filth and corruption of the dem party. Take Corzine and whatever company he made his millions with or Heinz and Terry Kerry, for example.

By building some imaginary contribution trick to allegedly tap in to a revenue flow that already exists, the business is able to make payoffs to the dems that are not otherwise legal. NEVER, NEVER forget the sleazy minds of the dems or the filth and corruption that they are capable of.

[monkeyshine]

You don't talk religion at the dinner, and you don't talk politics in the store.

[N. Theknow]

The site is worthless.

There is no link to discount penis enlargement pills.

(For a...um...friend of mine you understand.)

[Steve_Seattle]

"As I pointed out to REI, it is no one's best interest to align a store to any political agenda. Either way, you alienate customers; regardless of which side of the issue you chose. For the sake of sales, it is best for them to remain neutral. And, at least REI agreed with me."

Good for them. I do not like the idea of businesses forcing their customers to make an implied political statement when they shop at a store. There was a medical clinic in my area that was festooned with posters for Democratic candidates, and I found that offensive. And I would have also found it offensive if the signs had been for Republicans. Sure, busineses can contribute to political candidates, but they shouldn't turn the business itself into a virtual campaign headquarters.