| http://www.refer-it.com |

August 23, 2001

                                    internet.com's
                           REFER-IT.COM INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER
                       "Affiliate Resources, Revenue and Tips"

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Sponsored by ~ Ambassador Casino  ~   FreeMoneyMakingMagazine.com ~ 

             ~ CommissionSoup.com ~  SAM Magazine ~ 

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[merchant of the month]
  Match.com

[featured article]
  Affiliate Fraud
  Cynthia Arko, Refer-it.com

[industry/program news]
  BeFree Acclaim Rating, Amazon/Circuit City form partnership
  Linkshare adopts AU Rating, Beenz and Cybergold fold 

[august webmaster tips]

[3 star programs]

[contact us]

[refer-it sponsors]


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[merchant of the month]                    		Match.com
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Program Name: Match.com Affiliate Program
	
Company Background: Match.com is the most recognized Internet Dating 
Brand. A wholly owned subsidiary of Ticketmaster, Match.com is here 
to stay. With more than 1.2 million profiles; singles from around the 
world meet, match and connect everyday! Match.com has a reach that 
outreaches all competitors, including Match.com’s sister property, 
One and Only Internet Personals.
	
Homepage URL:  http://www.match.com
Affiliate URL: http://affiliates.match.com
	
Description of Affiliate Program: The Match.com Affiliate Program applies 
the knowledge and experience of running the One and Only Associate Network 
since 1997. One and Only Associate Network has paid affiliates more than 
$6.7 million since it launch. Match.com pays at least $10 for every single 
sale from referring affiliate sites. An individual sale can earn an affiliate 
as much as $40 in commissions! The Match.com Affiliate Program features easy 
to use tools including a convenient banner rotator option that delivers five 
different sized banner options, an affiliate marketing Resource Center powered 
by AffiliateFORCE, and real time reporting. Our advanced linking options allow
affiliates to deliver more targeted matches to their audiences by presetting 
database criteria by sexual preference, age, geography, religion or ethnicity. 

Competition: One and Only Associate Network, our sister property, continues 
to be a formidable competitor. We have given affiliates the unique opportunity 
to benefit from earning commissions from both programs! 
	
Commission rates and coordinating subscription prices: 
$10 - $24.95 - 1 month subscription
$20 - $49.95 - 3 month subscription
$30 - $74.95 - 6 month subscription
$40 - $99.95 - 12 month subscription

Commission (1st tier): Affiliates earn up to $40 on every subscription sold 
through their referring affiliate site. Every affiliate earns at least 
$10 on each sale.

Commission (2nd tier): When an affiliate joins the Match.com affiliate program 
through an affiliate site, the affiliate earns 20 percent of the commissions earned 
by your referred affiliate.
	
Keys to the affiliate program success: Top performing affiliates have 
related content, i.e. dating/romance content, or are targeted to a specific 
niche demographic. Affiliates also benefit greatly from our 2-Tier referral 
commissions (special promotions, give-a-ways).	
	
Tracking System Used: The Match.com Affiliate Program tracks affiliate 
performance with cookie-less session tracking. Affiliates need not worry that 
the cookie will expire before their site traffic subscribes. As long as that 
visitor registers when they click through to Match.com from a referring 
affiliate site, the affiliate tracking information will be attached to that 
user, no matter how the visitor accesses the Match.com site.
	
Number of active affiliates: More than 500 since launching August 1, 2001
Payment Frequency: Monthly
Free to join.
 	
Where do you see your affiliate program in 12 months?	We expect to continue 
to enhance the tools and resources we provide to affiliates, based on the 
feedback we receive from our affiliates and innovation we make in our product. 
Internet dating continues to grow in appeal to singles who work, shop, play 
and now DATE online. We want affiliates to know and appreciate that Match.com 
is here to stay, that we are a profitable Internet company and have the 
commitment and backing of our parent company, TicketMaster. 


********************** s * p * o * n * s * o * r ******************** +



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Earn 25 percent of net gaming revenue from traffic you send to Ambassador Casino.

Players will be delighted with the high-end casino experience that will 
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Join the Ambassador Casino Referral Partner Programme today at: 
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[featured article]      		Cynthia Arko, Refer-it.com
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Affiliate Fraud
Most merchants, especially those using Commission Junction technology, 
have taken a proactive approach to the practice of fraud; and most, 
if not all, of these "cheaters" will eventually be caught.  

[full story]
http://www.referit.com/main.cfm?screen=articles&id=164

[submit an article]
mailto: carko@internet.com

Refer-it.com is now delivered to more than 14,000 subscribers.
Submit an article on an affiliate marketing topic and we'd be
happy to promote your site or service.



********************** s * p * o * n * s * o * r ******************** + 



Increase traffic to your web site and get paid. Earn $1 for every FREE
magazine you give away for us. Use the free magazine offer to tease
people to your site - people love the "something for nothing". This is
a solid affiliate program, run by Cutting Edge Media, an established,
11-year-old company. Get paid, every month, accurately and on time. We
provide all of the marketing tools you’ll need to start making money!
Don’t miss out on this lucrative opportunity!

https://www.freemoneymakingmagazine.com/Affiliate/SignUp.asp?ac=1




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[industry news]
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- Be Free Continues Cost-Cutting Efforts to Shore Up Business
http://www.internetnews.com/IAR/article/0,,12_870561,00.html

- Affiliate Solution Provider Be Free announced it would unveil the 
Be Free Acclaim Program  - the first ever "blue ribbon" program in the 
affiliate marketing space. Be Free Acclamation Points will be awarded to 
Be Free Merchant Programs meeting specific criteria. Amidst an environment 
of program closings and bankruptcies filings, the program strives to define 
industry best practices that encourage affiliate-friendly partnerships.  
http://www.referit.com/main.cfm?screen=articles&id=163

- Amazon Adds More Bricks to its Clicks 
The e-commerce giant signs a pickup and return deal with the nationwide 
Circuit City chain of electronics stores.
http://ecommerce.internet.com/news/news/article/0,,10375_868931,00.html

- Microsoft's bCentral announced that they are closing down Revenue Avenue
(formerly known as ClickTrade), one of the earliest affiliate solution providers. 
The service is due to close September 6th and affiliates participating in 
programs are being encouraged to join the Commission Junction Network. 

- Affiliate solutions provider LinkShare announced endorsement of
the Affiliate Program Certification Criteria developed by the Affiliate Union 
coalition. Linkshare will provide copies of the AU Criteria to all 
participating merchants and urge them to implement affiliate agreement changes 
necessary to gain certification. 
http://www.linkshare.com/press/affiliate_union.html

- Cybergold will shut down operations on August 31, 2001. Users will be 
directed to its parent company MyPoints and are encouraged to spend cash 
with a reduced set of offers through August 31, 2001. 
http://www.cybergold.com/notice/index.html

- One week after chief competitor Flooz went into snooze mode, 
alternative Web currency firm Beenz announced its online operations 
would shut down on August 26, 2001. All unused Beenz will invalidated.
http://www.atnewyork.com/news/article/0,,8471_867901,00.html



********************** s * p * o * n * s * o * r ******************** +



TIRED OF KEEPING TRACK OF TOO MANY AFFILIATE PROGRAMS?  
CommissionSoup.com gives you the ability to join multiple financial 
affiliate programs all at one site!  Start marketing hot items such 
as credit cards, debt consolidation, auto loans and many other 
financial programs with ONE login.  One easy reporting page and one 
nice commission check every month!  Visit now:

http://creditsoup.com/CSAN/ProductApp.asp?AffiliateID=A1K0&BID=0





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[program news]
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Proflowers.com Affiliates: Enter for your chance to win $500.00.  
Simply fill out the short survey by clicking on the link below, 
and you'll be entered to win $500.00 in a random drawing. 
Winner will be announced the week of September 17, 2001. 

http://www.proflowers.com/cfm/affiliatesurvey.cfm 

* Only one entry per person will be eligible. Name and email address are 
required to notify the winner. 

Join the Proflowers.com Affiliate Program and earn 20 percent 
commissions through summer! 

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=579


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Site59 is offering Refer-it visitors $25 off the purchase of a travel 
package. Enter the promo code R25 in the order form and the price 
will update.  

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=7073


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Summer is winding down, but travel sales are still strong at the 
Priceline.com! 

In appreciation for strong sales, Priceline announced a NEW and IMPROVED 
base commission structure for Affiliates. Priceline is still offering 
the same, competitive commission on travel products and the same $20 
flat fee for all priceline New Car bound orders.  

But -- starting August 17th, a NEW priceline Long Distance commission 
structure will go into effect!  Here are the details:

You will receive $1 per Unique Bound Telecom Order for priceline Long 
Distance minutes.  Unique Bound Telecom Orders are defined as a new 
customer who registers with priceline long distance and whose offer 
is accepted (registration is required to make an offer for priceline long distance).  

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=752


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$10.00 off any purchase of $30 or more at PetFoodDirect.com.

This offer is good on all items in the PetFoodDirect store, 
including FOOD. Visitors can also enter to the "Win Free Pet Food" 
contest when visiting PetFoodDirect.com. This offer will end at 
midnight on August 31, 2001. 

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=4700

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Half.com offers $5 coupon to incentivize affiliates:

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=3417


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Bass Pro Shops has changed their payment structure and will now be 
paying affiliates on a monthly basis rather than quarterly. The payment 
threshold has also been reduced from $50.00 to $25.00. Affiliates not 
reaching the $25.00 level will carry forward a balance. 

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=6448


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NEW PRODUCTS at Buycostumes.com! 

The warehouse at Buycostumes.com is bulking up with some of the coolest 
new costumes for Halloween 2001. 


[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=6952


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Overstock.com has recently added 84 new category links. Now when a 
customer visits your site in search of a printer, advertisements for  
Overstock.com's Printers and Peripherals category are displayed. 

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=6093



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BabySongs is offering a FREE BabySongs Car Songs Audio with ANY purchase. 

This offer expires October 10, 2001.


[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=7106


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Come Celebrate 25 Years with 1-800-FLOWERS.COM!

1-800-FLOWERS.COM is celebrating 25 years of helping people make special 
connections by extending the ROSE MONTH PROMOTION until August 31st!

Have your customers take advantage of specially priced roses as you 
earn extra commissions! Be sure to tell all your customers about the 
handpicked assortment of rose-theme gifts in the Rose Collection.

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=1981


********************** s * p * o * n * s * o * r ******************** + 




Free Subscription to SAM Magazine!  Sign up now and stay informed
on the key trends and strategies surrounding Affiliate Programs, 
Advertising & Promotion, Web Marketing, Sales Management, Tradeshow 
Marketing and more! See why SAM (Sales-Advertising-Marketing) has 
been named the Best New Trade Publication of 2001--subscribe FREE 
today at: http://www.sammag.com/subs	




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Ongoing Promotions:
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Win $1,000 with SmarterKids.com
For each $100 in affiliate sales generated in August, affiliates will be
entered in a random drawing for $1,000.  This means if your site generates
$500 in SmarterKids.com sales, your name will be entered 5 times in the
contest. Winner will be notified by September 15th.

To help boost affiliate sales all new customers at SmarterKids.com will
receive $10 off every order of $30 or more!  (July 31 - Dec. 25)

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=4406


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Birthday Express is pleased to announce two new and exciting Web site
features!

1) Grand opening of the Bargain Bin area. Here you will find a large
selection of party supplies at drastically reduced prices (up to 50
percent off).

2) Mylar balloon links for your site.  Choose from a large selection of 
over 80 of the hottest selling mylar balloons.

These new offers will be a fun addition to your site and are sure
to entice anyone interested in throwing a party. You will find popular
children's party themes like Blue's Clues, Elmo, Barney, Thomas the Tank
Engine, Scooby-Doo and much more!

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=3277


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Promote Hallmark.com and generate at least $2,000 in sales between
August 15th and September 30th and receive a $75 gift certificate
from GiftCertificates.com. Redeemable at over 300 merchants.

Offer good from August 15, 2001 - September 30, 2001.

[join program]
http://www.refer-it.com/Main.cfm?screen=displayProfile&id=2942



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[webmaster tips]
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- Messages Worth Saving
Merchant-centric newsletters can often produce some immediate gratification 
a surge in traffic, which may or may not generate into sales - 
whereas a customer-centric newsletter possesses "saving" quality. 
And e-newsletters that are saved have the potential for being referenced 
over and over again.  

http://ecommerce.internet.com/news/insights/ectips/article/0,,10380_868461,00.html

- Building your first e-commerce site? Looking to improve an existing site? 
The ECommerce Guide's 10 Step Site Builder provides all the tools you'll 
need to get your e-commerce site up and running. 

http://ecommerce.internet.com/how/build/article/0,,10362_867521,00.html

- CorelDraw101: Objects
If you want to master graphics production in CorelDraw, then you must 
understand how to work with objects. Follow along as we show you how 
to select, align, distribute, and copy properties among objects in this 
step-by-step CorelDraw tutorial. 

http://www.webreference.com/graphics/corel101/8/

Talk to Us - Have a comment? Got a great tip? 
Email us! mailto:refer-it@internet.com


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[3 star programs]
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New three star programs include The New York Times, Candy Depot, 
ColdWater Creek, People2People, Autoresponder - Gold and more!

Check out the latest 3 star rated programs at:
http://www.refer-it.com/countads.cfm?id=315


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[cancelled programs]
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 - OurHouse.com has ceased its affiliate program. Please remove all links 
to OurHouse.com from your site.  All links are currently being redirected 
to http://www.linkshare.com. All affiliates will be paid outstanding 
commissions due over the next 4- 8 weeks.  

- Citing poor market conditions, FamilyTime is suspending its affiliate program
effective immediately. Senior management is optimistic that the 
program may be reinitiated in the future. 

- Effective immediately, AffiliateDepot.com is winding down operations and 
terminating its affiliate program. After August 10th all affiliate  
banners will show up as 404 error messages.


For a complete list of cancelled programs, visit:
http://www.refer-it.com/main.cfm?screen=articles&id=112

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* ATTENTION MERCHANTS:
Running an affiliate promotion? Increasing commissions?
Creating new coupons or discounts? Let us know about it!
Contact refer-it@internet.com



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[contact us]
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As always, contact the Refer-it team with any questions or comments.

Advertising or Affiliate Solutions Questions?
Contact: Cynthia A. Arko, Product Director
mailto:  carko@internet.com

Advertising Questions?
Contact: Brian Farrell, Sales Manager
mailto:  bfarrell@internet.com

Webmaster Inquiries and Merchant News?
mailto:  refer-it@internet.com


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[refer-it sponsors]
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eHealthInsurance.com (Insurance)
http://www.ehealthinsurance.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
OneShare.com (Gifts)
http://www.oneshare.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Qwest Dex (Search Engine)
http://www.qwestdex.com
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Match.com (MatchMaking)
http://affiliates.match.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
NewCenturyMortgage.com (Finance)
http://www.newcenturymortgage.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
DreamMates.com (Matchmaking)
http://www.dreammates.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Merchant Partner Plus (B-to-B)
http://www.merchantpartnerplus.com
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