Reputable companies spamming forums

What on earth is up with them spamming, we have seen spam from Sainsburys, Boots, Hostgator and probably even more then those too. I cant believe they would use such methods to promote their products when they can promote on TV etc, it really is stupid.

 

How are they spamming? email and forum posts?

 

Forum posts usually, I dont think theyre bots either. For example we had a swine flu info thread from Boots a few weeks ago.

 

Are they the actual companies or affiliates?

Spamming is a well known black hat affiliate marketing technique.

 

I doubt its the actual companies spamming. Its probably affiliates of the companies who earn some sort of payout in regards to sales.

If they contain a link with an affiliate ID, simply take it, and report to the company its from. Most will terminate their affiliate accounts from it.

 

Hmmm I see what youre saying, theyre most likely the affiliates, it is still making their companies look foolish.

 

That is why those companies will gladly sever their ties with affiliates that do this and cancel their accounts.

 

Thats the problem, they dont contain affiliate links or such, it tends to just be plain text with the mentioning of the company name or whatnot.

An example of what it could be like:

To help conquer swine flu it is best to wash your hands - information provided by Boots

 

Report the IP address to the company.

 

Good idea, thanks Wayne.