Ebay has shocked many in the affiliate community by dumping Commission Junction and ValueClick - opting instead to promote their affiliate program independently through the eBay Partner Network. For many this signifies that CJ and other affiliate networks may over time be much less relevant, although small merchants may still opt for these solutions as it is often cost prohibitive to recruit affiliates directly.

The new in-house program will allow eBay to more closely align the program with the needs of its publishers and the eBay Community, and will eventually engage all of eBay’s assets to create one of the most robust affiliate networks in existence. The eBay Affiliate Program has more than 100,000 members globally and continues to be one of the most successful tools for driving buyers to eBay. Coupling access to the unparalleled scope of eBay’s global marketplace with industry-leading tools and a dedicated support staff, eBay ensures all types of Web site publishers, from the casual blogger to the experienced Internet entrepreneur, are able find success through profitable affiliate marketing.

Affected eBay and Half.com affiliates will be required to move their affiliate links over to the eBay Partner Network by May 1st, 2008. eBay will continue its valued partnership with ValueClick’s technology division, Mediaplex, for ad serving, tracking and other custom projects. More information on the transition process for eBay affiliates, as well as the eBay programs affected, can be found at http://affiliates.ebay.com.