It seems that in the AM world there are multiple movements to organize and form an entity to take on industry issues. So far, from what I can see, this appears to be similar to herding cats. On one side we have a section of those within our industry who want to include all facets of the industry equally and on the other side we have a movement to make such an organization completely affiliate-centric.
From what I see and based on the history of the Affiliate Marketing industry, there will likely be very little progress on this front for a long, long time. In an industry made up of completely independent entities, many of whom completely conceal their identity, the transparency necessary for any such organization to take hold and grow some “teeth” is just not there. A trade organization must have a board and the members of such board must be visible to the members of the organization.
Even then, the organization must have a broad base of membership across the various facets of the industry in order to serve its members. I just don’t see a board made up of the needed variables within the industry being able to form and stick together for long enough to gain the momentum needed to effect changes in the industry.
Over the past weeks I have received several calls and emails regarding this and I am simply sitting back watching the events unfold. So far the infighting and name calling has been humorous to say the very least. I sincerely hope that the differences between the two sides can be ironed out and some sort of industry association can emerge, but with the vast differences in principal concepts I see, I am not holding my breath on such an occurrence.