In trying to organize the NY Affiliate Meeting on July 28th, I’ve ended up speaking quite a bit to Mellie from ABW. She is co-chair of the event, and a valuable friend and co-planner to have.
She raises an interesting question here in regards to the Performance Marketing Alliance, and how it has been some degree leveraged during the initial debates on the direction of that group, it’s validity not withstanding.
First, I would wonder if it is too late for affiliates to do anything about the tax. We plan on having an attorney at the July 28th meeting, if just to answer questions and shed some light on what we NY affiliates might be able to do as far as incorporating elsewhere, etc.
Second, as is the case with all political things, it’s an excellent way for the PMA to start some “patriotism” and chest thumping. It’s a very emotional issue, with difficult decisions being made (STILL!!!) by merchants, scrambling being done by NY affiliates, and most networks quietly sitting in the background watching it all happen.
So it makes great fodder for speeches and what have you.
But is it just a talking point?
It’s likely that other states (though not guaranteed) will wait for the fall out of the Amazon and Overstock Lawsuits before committing to passing similar legislation. At the same time, you can bet that pens are flying in several state capitals, perhaps with even broader strokes, preparing to pass their own presumptive nexus ruling based on the SPECIFIC outcome of the New York State lawsuits.
So is there time? Or do moves in other states need to be made now? And is the PMA serious about addressing this issue.. Only time will tell as the FAB etc fleshes out.
Tags:
organizing affiliate marketing,
Performance Marketing Alliance 