What's Up with the Buttons?

The buttons I refer to are those over in the right column that direct you to a number of vendors on the web. Over the last week or so I have been trying them out to see if they work. They are affiliate links. Unlike many other link sites, I will be as honest as possible with you, the patrons that come to this site, or any of my other sites and uses them. Yes, those buttons get you to the specified vendor's site without a problem. However, the link will also place a cookie onto your computer. This cookie has 1 purpose; to allow the vendor to track sales that were referred to them by a particular partner... which is me from where ever I place particular links. They are not solely on this site but in my e-mails, other blogs, and eventually on my websites that I deem them appropriate. If, for some reason you do not want the cookie placed on to your computer, than by all means deny the cookie or do not click on the link. But I have to state that having the cookie does nothing to really harm the computer or inconvenience the user. The cookies placed onto your computer lasts anywhere from a few hours up to 120 days. Most last about 30 days and then go inactive. You can also purge cookies from your browser which will immediately remove all of the cookies your browser has collected. I, myself do this quite often but be forewarned that doing so will also remove other functions your cookies perform for you; i.e., password saves, auto fill, etc.

So why track where a buyer comes from? Well, if a sale occurs and the buyer has used an affiliate link to get to the site and the cookie is in place and they decide to buy something... then the site is credited with either a fixed referral fee or a percentage of the overall sale, less shipping charges. What I intend to do with any funds generated is to return much of it back to maintaining and progressing the site(s). One particular thing I would like to do is sponsor a rider(s) if monies allow it. I know of a few riders that have great racing potential but cannot afford to race. To be even considered moving onto a serious squad, a race resume has to be developed. And if these riders can't even afford to race, all they can hope for is a good day to ride and no race resume.

Also special "coupons" for patrons of the site occasionally are available. In this event, banner links will be posted at the bottom of the blog. Using these links or codes will enable the buyer to benefit from free shipping, additional discounts or other site promotions. Keep an eye out for those.

Also, I have access to a lot of vendors and am diligent to represent only vendors that are pertinent to any particular site. I also visit the sites and make sure they are done well and complete. Last thing I want to do is send someone to a site that attacks them with rampant window attacks. No thanks. I've been on the receiving end of those. I have also been a patron for many of the vendors in some way in the past. If there are any vendors you may like to see or have a specific need for, let me know and I can look into adding a link for them. I feel better about adding vendors that have a reputation for high integrity.

What else, what else?