Has AFF just become Point Hacks 2.0?

[freqflyer77]

Now I've always enjoyed AFF (and especially the Forums) as the 'best' source of information for Australians but I must admit after reading the most recent article, which contained TWO seperate prominent credit card advertisements inserted smack bang into the article, alongside noticing that the Main Page now has a Frequent Flyer Credit Cards section. It is a little overbearing which leads me to ask the question....am I just basically visiting Point Hacks and not AFF now?

I know you have the same Multi-Millionaire former iSelect owner and they are basically in the industry of pushing credit cards to make referral money....but it's still rather sad to see as I hoped AFF would remain more independent.

Are the two websites eventually going to merge into one?

 

[Doctore1003]

I don’t see how a few credit card ads negatively impact the user experience here. Unless you’re implying it leads to bias? Where’s the evidence for that?

 

[lovestotravel]

Now I've always enjoyed AFF (and especially the Forums) as the 'best' source of information for Australians but I must admit after reading the most recent article, which contained TWO seperate prominent credit card advertisements inserted smack bang into the article, alongside noticing that the Main Page now has a Frequent Flyer Credit Cards section. It is a little overbearing which leads me to ask the question....am I just basically visiting Point Hacks and not AFF now?

I know you have the same Multi-Millionaire former iSelect owner and they are basically in the industry of pushing credit cards to make referral money....but it's still rather sad to see as I hoped AFF would remain more independent.

Are the two websites eventually going to merge into one?

Enjoyed the forum so much since 23 August 2023................

 

[Daver6]

Enjoyed the forum so much since 23 August 2023................

To be fair, you don't have to be a member to read AFF.

 

[BAM1748]

Notice also the ‘editor’ starts a lot more threads likely in an effort to generate more clicks and posts.

I generally don’t look or post to these click bait threads.

 

[freqflyer77]

Enjoyed the forum so much since 23 August 2023....

I had a previous active account for many many years - but may have lost the ability to login!

Was just expressing my opinion and disappointment with the direction AFF seems to be going down and the two websites becoming increasingly similar....but I guess it's out of their control (newish owners and all) - to me I personally don't need credit cards shoved in my face.

 

[Danger]

Sadly, I think the writing was on the wall when AFF was sold. I hope I'm wrong but I fear we'll all be worse off for it.

 

[kpc]

I had a previous active account for many many years - but may have lost the ability to login!

Was just expressing my opinion and disappointment with the direction AFF seems to be going down and the two websites becoming increasingly similar....but I guess it's out of their control (newish owners and all) - to me I personally don't need credit cards shoved in my face.

You do know that the owner(s) of Point Hacks brought AFF last year?! My understanding from the previous owner is that Point Hacks wants to keep the 2 websites distinct from each other....they esp. want to keep the AFF forums as is as it generates a lot of tips, discussion, tavel hacks etc and that's why they bought AFF.

 

[RooFlyer]

I generally don’t look or post to these click bait threads.

AFF is a commercial website. EVERY thread and post is designed to attract traffic for advertisers unless ( like me) you subscribe. So in your terms, it’s all ‘clickbait’; it’s just that most of the bait is supplied by the likes of you and me .

 

[BAM1748]

AFF is a commercial website. EVERY thread and post is designed to attract traffic for advertisers unless ( like me) you subscribe. So in your terms, it’s all ‘clickbait’; it’s just that most of the bait is supplied by the likes of you and me .

When a member/subscriber starts a thread the individual doesn't 'design' their thread to attract traffic in the way the owner wants to generate revenue, they usually want to ask a question, answer one or tell a story. (I am also a subscriber so don't see the ads)

When AFF start a thread they do want to attract 'clicks' and revenue.

 

[freqflyer77]

You do know that the owner(s) of Point Hacks brought AFF last year?! My understanding from the previous owner is that Point Hacks wants to keep the 2 websites distinct from each other....they esp. want to keep the AFF forums as is as it generates a lot of tips, discussion, tavel hacks etc and that's why they bought AFF.

Yes I did mention that I was aware of the new ownership group and their background in advertising/sales/finance products.

I also listened to the podcast which mentioned part of the reason for selling AFF to these particular buyers was the fact they were going to keep things 'as-is' but I just feel its definitely becoming more Points-Hack in style by the day hence starting a discussion as to the two eventually becoming one. I guess I'm also just looking at things through my old man rose coloured glasses.

As you mentioned it is a perfect set-up though so I can understand the value in them buying AFF - trawl the forums for free knowledge, ideas & user-generated content. Convert to articles (often of the click-bait variety on PH) and make the $$$ on advertising and referrals!

 

[RooFlyer]

When a member/subscriber starts a thread the individual doesn't 'design' their thread to attract traffic in the way the owner wants to generate revenue, they usually want to ask a question, answer one or tell a story. (I am also a subscriber so don't see the ads)

Yep, its a pretty good commercial model. People come here to freely share information and many more come to see that information and contribute their own thoughts. Its a very nice environment for it; click, click, click. And the provider of the environment benefits by selling advertising, which I guess is promoted and priced on the number of clicks throughout the forum. Further, the provider of the environment does extra work by providing articles of additional insight and experience and this is shared with us and discussion encouraged; click, click, click.

The original post complained of CC promos in the special articles, like the site owner's other business. I guess I don't see them because I subscribe. Another common on-line model.

You then said that you notice that the ‘editor’ starts a lot more threads likely in an effort to generate more clicks and posts. I don't know why editor was in scare quotes - that's his title. And yes, of course it's to generate more traffic. As I said, its a commercial site; but along the way we learn a hellavalot about flying better.

to me I personally don't need credit cards shoved in my face.

Neither do I. From what I've heard, the obtrusiveness of the adverts - not just CCs - would drive me crazy. Hopefully you learn a lot from all the contributions - maybe subscribe? (I have NO relationship with the site owners or management!! )

 

[drron]

AFF is certainly not what it was when I joined in July 2004. But I never thought it would be.
Although I use the term Member in some welcomes to new AFFers I have always thought of as as consumers or subscribers rather than members. It is after all privately owned.
In general I enjoy being a part of AFF but there are times I have seriously considered leaving it all behind.
And the reason might sound ridiculous in that despite the rules on no political comment I find it much more political than it used to be when it was politics allowed. Heck I miss arguing with medhead. We actually had more in common than most people thought.

So yes the change in ownership will see more changes. That is the way of the world.

 

[Guvner]

Now I've always enjoyed AFF (and especially the Forums) as the 'best' source of information for Australians but I must admit after reading the most recent article, which contained TWO seperate prominent credit card advertisements inserted smack bang into the article, alongside noticing that the Main Page now has a Frequent Flyer Credit Cards section. It is a little overbearing which leads me to ask the question....am I just basically visiting Point Hacks and not AFF now?

I know you have the same Multi-Millionaire former iSelect owner and they are basically in the industry of pushing credit cards to make referral money....but it's still rather sad to see as I hoped AFF would remain more independent.

Are the two websites eventually going to merge into one?

I don't see any ads. Maybe it's because, as an AFF Supporter, I make a contribution which, in $ terms, is far less than the value of the information I garner from this site.