On June 23, 2006, JavaScript links will become Commission Junction’s default link type in the CJ Marketplace. However, we will continue to offer Legacy links through the beginning of 2007. The Legacy links will be available for all your advertiser relationships, including those joined to before and after June 23, 2006. At this time we have not scheduled a date for which the Legacy links will no longer be available or supported. We will notify you at
least six months in advance of making this change and will not require the change during the 2006 holiday season.

Of course, CJ is encouraging their affiliate marketers to start using the new JavaScript links as soon as possible to take advantage of the new features they are planning, and to ensure compliancy early on.  For more information on Commission Junction’s change to JavaScript links, please see their FAQ page regarding the change (CJ login, required).

This presents a couple of major problems.  1) Every person will have to modify each and every single CJ link they have.  2) Affiliate links/ads will not be visible to people who do not have Javascript.

First and foremost, it will be a time consuming, and annoying task to have to change over every single link code you use.  I am set with several affiliates, and use multiple link types across fifty or more HTML and PHP pages.  I will have to update each and every one by hand.

Secondly, viewers who do not use Javascript will not be able to see the ads.

There are some benefits, however.  First and foremost, the Javscript links will auto-update if the image changes.  Additionally, it will be a single link format across the system, and the new Javascript links will automatically be able to change with the times - i.e. they will be able to handle rich media, etc…

Secondly, they keep your search engine rank from being degraded by affiliate links (little known fact, affiliate links can degrade your search engine performance, somewhat.  We’ll all notice a bit of a jump when it comes to SERPs, once these links are implemented).

Get ready, because they roll out Javascript links on June 23rd.  Those of you who have partnered with advertisers prior to June 23rd, will still be able to use “legacy” links (the current style), for a limited time.  Get ready to make some changes, folks.

More information, direct form the CJ FAQ, after the jump…

What does it mean to me?
The LMI introduces some changes to our technology that will impact your Commission Junction account.

• Once you begin using the new JavaScript links, your links will be future-proof and you will be able to take advantage of any future enhancements without having to change out these links.
  • Future enhancements planned under the LMI include improved communications with advertisers and Commission Junction, additional ways to find and select links, better visibility into offers and dynamic link capabilities, such as offer rotation.
• You will now see the new JavaScript link type as the default link type.
• For the advertisers to which you were joined prior to June 23, 2006 (the launch date of the LMI), you will still be able to access Legacy link code for a limited time.
• If you are doing search marketing, you will now only be able to get keyword links from the Keyword Link area in the CJ Account Manager™ (Get Links >> View Links >> Keyword Link), and only if you have designated your promotional method as doing search engine marketing (SEM).
  • If you have been creating your own keyword links from other links, you will no longer be able to.
  • If you are joined to an advertiser who has not provided a Keyword link, you won’t be able to do search marketing for them. However, Commission Junction is embarking on a campaign to make sure advertisers are up to date on their search and keyword preferences.
• If you would like to embed links into e-mails, you can convert any link into an E-mail link in the “Get HTML” page of your selected link.

What are the benefits of introducing these changes?

• Once you begin using the new JavaScript links, your links will be future-proof and you will be able to take advantage of any future enhancements without having to change out these links. Key benefits of these links include:
  • They can still be modified in all the ways important to you, including modifying destination URL, appending with SID, encrypting, changing destination URL and designating hyperlink location in text links.
  • They are very common and can easily be incorporated into any Web site.
  • They eliminate the limitations of affiliate links in the legacy format – specifically search engine ranking degradation.
  • Support of multimedia – they will call any future link type, such as video.
• We have improved the Keyword link area in the CJ Account Manager – it is now more user friendly and suitable to your needs.

What are JavaScript links?

Simply put, JavaScript links use JavaScript technology. JavaScript links are structured in a unique way, putting the publisher site ID (PID) and advertisement ID (AID) in the HTTP header, (using the POST method). JavaScript links will deliver the same user experience as Legacy links. JavaScript links are future-proof, so as we provide future link enhancements, you won’t have to replace JavaScript links to take advantage of improvements.

What are benefits of JavaScript links?

JavaScript links:

• Support multimedia and future dynamic capabilities such as automatic rotation, etc.
  
• Are dynamic, so for example, if an advertiser makes a change to a text link, it will be dynamically updated on your site without any effort on your part.
  
• Offer new defense against ad blocking software, so links won’t get blocked.
  
• Can still be modified in all the ways important to you, including modifying destination URL, appending with SID, encrypting, changing destination URL and designating hyperlink location in text links.
  
• Will call any future link type, such as video.
  
• Are very common and can easily be incorporated into any Web site.

What are limitations with JavaScript?

• Excessive use of JavaScript on a Web page may cause page loading to slow. We will be offering some benchmarking information on this at launch.
  
• JavaScript links are not supported by some programs that aren’t multimedia-ready, such as e-mail clients and RSS feeds.
  
  • Please rest assured that we are fully aware of this and are in the process of coming up with alternative to circumvent the RSS limitation. More details will be made available as they develop.
    
  • We have an alternative solution available for links used in e-mail.

Why are we defaulting to JavaScript links?

Since JavaScript links build the foundation for the many enhancements we are planning with the LMI we have decided to default to this single link type going forward.

How are JavaScript links different than the current (Legacy) link format?

• The content of the link is not visible in the link structure. For example, the AID, PID, and text in a text link are contained in the HTTP header and are not visible via the code. However, once the JavaScript is placed in a Web page, the ad itself will look the same.
  
• The links themselves cannot be changed or tampered with.

How are they the same as the Legacy link format?

• JavaScript technology is a variation of HTML, so JavaScript links will initially behave in nearly the same ways Legacy links behave.
  
• Link tracking will remain the same.
  
• You will continue to get links from the “Get Links” area and “Get HTML” pages. Placing
• JavaScript links in Web pages will continue to be via copy and paste. You will still be able to modify JavaScript links by adding the SID, modifying the destination URL and moving the hyperlink in a text link.

Why is Commission Junction doing this?

In discussions with internal and external clients, it was discovered that there were many opportunities for improvements to our existing feature set when it comes to link management. We learned that efficiency, quality and opportunity were being compromised and that action needed to be taken in response. We therefore devised a list of features in answer to these needs and will be releasing them on an ongoing basis. As needed, additional features and enhancements will be considered as part of this initiative.

Why is Commission Junction doing this now?

There are several reasons for this timing:

• Recent changes and innovation in Internet and search technology have brought to light the opportunities available with providing JavaScript links. By releasing now, we are allowing you to take advantage of the recent changes and prepare for the future.
• Due to the nature of our business, we have to consider seasonality when releasing new products or features. Rather than introduce this in the middle of our busiest quarter, we decided to release this now and provide sufficient preparation time for you to take advantage of our new features for the upcoming holiday season with minimal business impact.

Are other affiliate marketing platforms using JavaScript links?

Yes, the industry standard is moving towards JavaScript links.

How will Commission Junction support me through this change?

We will provide you with continuous communication regarding the upcoming changes and our technical documentation such as Online Help and the Advertiser link Guide will be updated with details. If you require assistance, please contact client services by using the “Ask a Question” feature in your CJ Account Manager.