****Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer or attorney. The following post is only my own personal interpretation and opinion of public legal documents. You should consult qualified legal professionals regarding this case. In fact, I strongly suggest that some advertisers and publishers may want to seek legal advice regarding these cases. *****

While there has not seemed to be much discussion in the affiliate marketing community regarding the two class action lawsuits filed against VC/CJ/BF on behalf of merchants and affiliates, the legal process has been progressing. Of course, there wasn’t a whole lot to discuss as the only information available has been the two actual claims filed. (more…)

In a press release dated yesterday (July 11), WhenU announced several major changes to their business model.

Here are the highlights:

• New CEO and President, Chirag Patel
• New Name, MeMedia
• New Web Site, MeMedia.com
• New Advertising Network (MeMedia) Expanding into a MultiModal Behavioral Ad Network
• New Desktop Application, AdVantage (ok, I’m not sure if it’s really a new application or the same WhenU software with a new name…I haven’t found an actual copy of it yet)
• Expansion of Their Global User Base
• Expansion into Mobile Product Offering (SMS) <---WhenU, I mean MeMedia, coming to a cell phone near your --->
• Advertising widget to allow software publishers to embed behavioral advertising in their applications
• Web-based and Mobile Advertisng Widgets
• Viral Video Distribution Supported by Advertisng for Desktop and Mobile

I wonder if the AdVantage software is TRUSTe certified? Regardless, it looks like the behavioral/contextual adware company formerly known as WhenU has a lot of new plans in the works. The MeMedia site doesn’t seem completely finished yet (there’s some links which aren’t linked and coming soon pages) but some very basic information can be found there. I also see several new domains registered to WhenU which aren’t live yet as well. Several of them seem related to the new AdVantage “consumer desktop application.” I’ll have to wait and see.

They certainly seem ready to try and ride the wave of mobile technology and Web 2.0.

On June 28, 2007 the FTC issued their final consent order with regards to DirectRevenue. Since it is a twelve page government document, I realize many will probably not read through it. Since there are some important points in the decree, I’ll highlight them here.

The Consent Order applies to DirectRevenue LLC, DirectHoldings LLC, the officers (Joshua Abram, Daniel Kaufman, Alan Murray, and Rodney Hook), their agents, representatives, employees or anyone directly or indirectly under the control of any of these. With regards to the officers of DirectRevenue, it applies to them as individuals and as officers of the company. This is significant in light of the historical past of parties involved with DirectRevenue being involved with other adware ventures. I take this to mean that the above entities can not go out and start up shop again, either collectively or individually, under a new company and engage in violate the following orders. (more…)

He’s part of our industry although I don’t think he’s on the attendee list for Affiliate Summit Miami. But who exactly is the mysterious and swimmingly handsome (at least that’s what I hear although I’ve yet to actually see him) Senor Pescado Frito Bandito Frappucino? But I hear rumors he can be seen hanging out at one of affiliate marketing’s coolest businesses. And with a name like Senor Pescado Frito Bandito Frappucino you have to figure he’s on the A List and in the company of “the cool” folks.

Be the first to comment here exactly who Senor Pescado Frito Bandito Frappucino is and AFP will make a donation in your name to Pussycat Dogs Run for PAWS, a charity marathon run in October for the Chicago PAWS. Carolyn Tang from ShareASale will be running the race to save pets and the link is to her donation page.

Anyone else who is just interested in seeing Carolyn work up a good sweat, feel free to make a donation as well. It’s for a good cause. Plus Carolyn is due for a little bit of “community service work” for blowing up peeps in the microwave over the Easter holidays.

And I expect pictures of Ms. Tang crossing the finish line for posting.

ZDNet is reporting “legal” spyware which targets Blackberry. The software is FlexiSPY and is marketed as software to catch cheating spouses, etc.

According to ZDNet the software:

Once physically installed on a mobile device, a remote user is given complete monitoring and access control.

This includes bugging voice calls, logging mobile e-mail messages and SMS, tracking the location of the user, or even remotely switching on the phone’s microphone to bug a user regardless of whether they are on a call.

I don’t see how there should be any “legal” to something which does the above…but what do I know?