Drama Down at Pepperjam Junction
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I came across a post on the pepperjamBlog where Pepperjam CEO Kris Jones posted a nearly 2,000 word rant about Commission Junction.
The post discusses some recent friction between Commission Junction and Pepperjam…
“There is no question that the launch of Pepperjam Network has created a lot of positive buzz within the affiliate marketing community. Thousands of affiliates and advertisers have contacted us and congratulated us on advancing the industry by offering an alternative affiliate network that addresses many or most of the shortcomings that have existed for years on the other major affiliate networks.
In fact, most networks have reached out to Pepperjam and want to work more closely and strategically with us, while others, such as Commission Junction, has decided to conclude that we are now competitors that pose serious potential harm to the Commission Junction business and decisive action must be taken against us.
Before I get into the facts of the recent vicious attacks calculated by Commission Junction against Pepperjam…
… Our clients told us that they were being aggressively contacted by Commission Junction employees and delivered an ultimatum – either stay with Commission Junction or terminate all agency business with Pepperjam.”
I touched base with Kerri Pollard, General Manager of Commission Junction, to hear her side of the story, and she commented…
“We’re really disappointed. We thought we had a great partnership with Pepperjam so for them to go down this path and force us to make a decision is extremely unfortunate. I really wish it didn’t have to happen this way.”
So, it seems we’ve got some dueling perspectives here. I’ll keep an eye out for any further developments.
In the meantime, there is an active discussion over at ReveNews about this issue.
- Posted in Affiliate News
11 Comments
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On March 7 @ 5:40 pm posted[...] For more opinions and responses this article, you can also read Search Engine Journal, AffiliateTip and Revenews. I’m sure this will be a heated topic over the next couple of weeks, as more [...]
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On March 10 @ 11:47 pm posted
[...] Sam Harrelson got together with Kris Jones, CEO of Pepperjam, for a chat about the recent controversy between Pepperjam and Commission Junction. [...]
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On August 4 @ 4:55 am posted
[...] marketers. The move comes just months after eBay left Commission Junction, which won’t do the acrimonious relationship between the two networks any [...]
“We’re really disappointed. We thought we had a great partnership with Pepperjam so for them to go down this path and force us to make a decision is extremely unfortunate. I really wish it didn’t have to happen this way.”
“FORCE US TO MAKE A DECISION.”
“I REALLY WISH IT DIDN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN THIS WAY.”
Kerri – I’m not sure what your statement is meant to imply because it lacks any truth based on the facts and CJ’s actions against Pepperjam and our clients. If your open-ended legalese given to you by your legal and PR team is meant to imply that Pepperjam forced Commission Junction to ambush Pepperjam clients, interfere with existing Pepperjam client contractual relations, and potentially break Antitrust Law, I’d like you to explain.
The general sentiment so far is that your leadership failed here and as a result Commission Junction (not you) will have to face the consequences.
I even read one highly-regarded OPM call for your resignation.
It is very unfortunate that after washing the egg off your face once the news broke earlier today that you decided to enter the conversation and spread misinformation.
I’m concerned and I hope that Shawn and other thought leaders don’t buy-in to your attempt to make it seem like Pepperjam did anything wrong.
You said to me point blank that the reason CJ made it’s decision is because “CJ wants that business.”
The only thing Pepperjam did was innovate, while CJ was too busy trying to find ways to further monopolize affiliate marketing.
As I said to you in Vegas, reaching out to our clients and interfering with existing relationships was a clear violation of the law.
Our lawyers and other lawyers we talked to over the last few days agree. In fact, the lawyers claim that the interference with contracts might be secondary to legitimate Antitrust claims.
My guess is that this story has only begun to gain traction and you just fueled it.
reply to this commentmakes me wonder what CJ is afraid of, I’m going to look into Pepperjam for my program.
reply to this commentJohn,
Our affiliates would love to have you as an advertiser on Pepperjam Network!
Kris
reply to this commentShawn,
Did Kerri deny the allegations? Did she say she didn’t give an ultimatum?
reply to this commentJason -
I asked Kerri for her comment and posted what she sent me.
reply to this commentLittle guy or The Major Corporation… who would YOU believe?
Sounds very dirty to me. That’s a shame… PepperJam is looking great these days, anyway.
To me – it sounds like another dirty management scheme to take out the little guy… I hope Kris and PJN get up from the low blows and crack some jaws! =)
reply to this commentHas anyone ever told Peperjam the meaning of Conflict of Interest?
I think they should google it and learn what it is.
reply to this commentWow, why take that public, even if it’s how they really feel ? It can’t be good for their ultimate goal of more business. It’s kind of shooting yourself in the foot.
reply to this comment