In developing OIO, I have stayed away from any php5 specific features, to make sure the script remained compatible with as many servers as possible. However, with an overhaul on the horizon, it seems like a good time to re-think that stance.
The main argument for maintaining php4 compatibility (as WordPress does) is that is keeps things open for more users, but as web hosts start to switch users over to php5 in increasing numbers, the benefits of switching development over to php5 start to out-weigh the issue of compatibility.
Which version of php does your site use?
The big question is, how many OIO users have installed the script on a site that still uses php4? I’d appreciate it if you could take a moment to help find the answer by completing the poll below.
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How do I know if my site uses php4 or php5?
If you unzip and upload this file to your site (via FTP) and then go to the url in your browser (for example yoursite.com/phpcheck.php), it will tell you which version you are using. Alternatively, your web host should be able to tell you the version.
If you are using php4, you can also ask your web host whether it’s possible for them to switch your account over to php5.
What’s so good about php5 anyway?
There are a few good reasons for looking at developing for php5 only. It’s now the case (and has been so for a while) that php4 is no longer under active development, and has been dis-continued. There are also a few nice extra features in php5 that will make development quicker and easier.
UPDATE: the changes have now been implemented. Please see the Affiliate FAQs for further information.
Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who contributed their feedback via email for the initial draft of the OIO affiliate proposal. Please bear in mind that whilst all feedback was considered, not all of it could be used.
Proposal, Draft Two:
1.) Instead of rewarding active affiliates with increased coupon discounts (the original plan), the focus will instead be on commission. The more sales an affiliate brings in during one month, the higher their commission rate will be the next month.
- fewer than 5 sales per month – 50% commission
- between 5 and 10 sales per month – 60% commission
- more than 11 sales per month – 70% commission
2.) An affiliate will be able to create a unique affiliate code every month. The code will last for one month, then expire. Discount rates will be the same for all affiliates (but vary between $5 and $10 off per month). The other purpose of the code will be to ensure that the right affiliate gets the sale – if your unique coupon is used, you get the commission.
3.) If the affiliate has purchased the product themselves, then any coupon discount will be matched by OIO. For example, if the coupon value is $10 in total, $5 would be taken from the affiliate commission and $5 from OIOpublisher.com.
Further Discussion:
Another good idea raised by a couple of users was the issue of split commission. Imagine a scenario where a user signs up via affiliate A, then several days later the sale is closed by affiliate B (using their affiliate code). Should the commission be split 50 / 50, or just awarded to one of them?
As ever, all thoughts are welcome and appreciated.
Please note that this entry refers to the affiliate program used to sell the OIOpublisher ad manager, as opposed to the affiliate module offered with the script.
As mentioned in the previous entry, we’ve been looking at different ways to improve the affiliate program for users. We’ve now come up with an initial proposal, which we will be sending out to affiliates to get their feedback.
Proposal, Draft 1:
(a) Aims
- to provide better incentives to affiliates
- to reward affiliates on the basis of their work
(b) Description
- each affiliate can create unique coupon codes within their account
- max discount level dependent on the sales volume for the previous 30 day period
- discount amount selected by affiliate will be matched by OIO (1:1 ratio)
- eg. affiliate puts $2.50 of their commission towards discount, OIO will do the same
(c) Discount Levels
- under 5 sales per month = coupon worth max of $5 off
- 5 to 10 sales per month = coupon worth max of $10 off
- more than 10 sales per month = coupon worth max of $15 off
- these levels are inclusive of the OIO discount matching
(d) Limitations
- only those who have purchased the product themselves can create coupon codes
- a code will expire after 30 days, to enforce any changing discount levels
- a code’s value cannot be changed once set, even if the max discount level changes
So, now it’s over to you. As an affiliate, what do you think about this proposal? If you suggest changes, please include a reason for them.
