My Dispute With Hydra Network - Resolved
- Thread starter BTP32
- Start date
Why is everyone assuming it was Hydra who fucked up and not the OP? I'm not siding one way or the other and really could care less but it's obvious there's more to the story - and it kind of sounds like the OP knows he did something wrong...
Because no matter what, Hydra handled the situation in the worst way possible. Whether they were right or wrong in the actual disagreement, they were so far off in ignoring the problem/not responding, that they deserve all the flack they get.
Knowing that's the kind of treatment you get when you have an issue, why would you risk running any traffic through them?
Not only that but, if I remember correctly, he didn't out a single employee for the fuck up and didn't threaten job security. Everything was handled internally except the apology, which was made public by the CEO.
networks ... are you taking notes?
Hydra is a joke. Instead of being proactive and transparent, even the OPs roll over post makes them look bad. Why anyone would work with a firm that didn't qualify this guy's traffic, and then plays all of these shadow games is beyond me.
They act in a manner that seems disreputable and untrustworthy.
They act in a manner that seems disreputable and untrustworthy.
from Hydra
Hello Forum,
Head of Marketing for Hydra here.
OK, I understand the tendency to see any big company as "the man" and the popularity of conspiracy theories. But please allow me to set the record straight.
1. The affiliate who started this whole thread didn't issue his "the issue was resolved" posting because we sued him. (We never sued him.) He did it because we were finally able to settle the matter - thanks to Mr. Wickedfire AKA Jon's stepping in and helping. In the interest of full disclosure, we did send a letter at the time of the initial posting way back when. You can see how well that worked.
2. We initially did try to come to a fair compromise settlement on the issue with the affiliate. He threatened to post. It was our understanding we were still working on a fair arrangement when he did post.
3. We did call Jon, to ask him to take a look at the situation and help mediate because we felt we were being unfairly maligned and wanted the truth to be known - without publicly divulging confidential communications between us, our advertiser and one of our affiliates. We turned over ALL of our email and AIM correspondence relating to this advertiser and the affiliate to him. After reviewing, he did express his verdict that Hydra was not the evil empire everyone claimed. Phew. Here is a quote:
"Now as for the affiliate and the whole story, I'm only like halfway through these enormous email logs, but from what it looks like, the affiliate DID in fact violate Hydra's Terms of Service with this campaign and wasn't very honest afterall, shocker."
You can see that post here.
4. Had we been clearer and faster in our communications, this whole issue might have been avoided. We apologize for that and will work harder to prevent it from ever happening again. That said, there will always be disputes and issues that arise. It's the nature of the beast. I can promise you this: We will always try to settle issues in a way that is fair and doesn't make you hate us.
5. We did not ignore this thread. In fact our Affiliate Director posted a lengthy response all the way back on 4/29/09. Here's the link.
6. Yes, we resisted/debated/agonized over posting a response here. For 2 reasons - 1) Business issues between Hydra and each of our affiliates are confidential. We don't go blabbing disputes, problems or whatever out in public, and 2) because of the anonymous nature of this forum and the prejudiced view held by some that networks and advertisers are unequivocally evil, it often happens that any posting is just an invitation to more controversy. Not being more vocal I can see was a mistake. Even though the affiliate offered no proof, everyone assumed we were the bad guy. Live and learn. (This is an attempt to start correcting it)
7. It's not in Hydra's interest to screw over our affiliates. For real! Our business depends on you! But we also can't screw over our advertisers. Our business depends on them too. We do try very hard to help our affiliates make money and grow their business over the long term. That's how we grow. And yeah, we know there are zillions of ad networks. We try to serve you better than the others so you stay with us.
What else? I don't know. If I missed something someone please tell me and I promise to respond. Hey and if you want you can call or email me directly. We have nothing to hide, I swear!
Mason Wiley
SVP Marketing, Hydra Network
Direct line (310) 432-1139
Email
P.S. That picture of the kid with the gun to his head is hysterical - though completely untrue and inappropriate. As a father myself I find it highly offensive
Hello Forum,
Head of Marketing for Hydra here.
OK, I understand the tendency to see any big company as "the man" and the popularity of conspiracy theories. But please allow me to set the record straight.
1. The affiliate who started this whole thread didn't issue his "the issue was resolved" posting because we sued him. (We never sued him.) He did it because we were finally able to settle the matter - thanks to Mr. Wickedfire AKA Jon's stepping in and helping. In the interest of full disclosure, we did send a letter at the time of the initial posting way back when. You can see how well that worked.
2. We initially did try to come to a fair compromise settlement on the issue with the affiliate. He threatened to post. It was our understanding we were still working on a fair arrangement when he did post.
3. We did call Jon, to ask him to take a look at the situation and help mediate because we felt we were being unfairly maligned and wanted the truth to be known - without publicly divulging confidential communications between us, our advertiser and one of our affiliates. We turned over ALL of our email and AIM correspondence relating to this advertiser and the affiliate to him. After reviewing, he did express his verdict that Hydra was not the evil empire everyone claimed. Phew. Here is a quote:
"Now as for the affiliate and the whole story, I'm only like halfway through these enormous email logs, but from what it looks like, the affiliate DID in fact violate Hydra's Terms of Service with this campaign and wasn't very honest afterall, shocker."
You can see that post here.
4. Had we been clearer and faster in our communications, this whole issue might have been avoided. We apologize for that and will work harder to prevent it from ever happening again. That said, there will always be disputes and issues that arise. It's the nature of the beast. I can promise you this: We will always try to settle issues in a way that is fair and doesn't make you hate us.
5. We did not ignore this thread. In fact our Affiliate Director posted a lengthy response all the way back on 4/29/09. Here's the link.
6. Yes, we resisted/debated/agonized over posting a response here. For 2 reasons - 1) Business issues between Hydra and each of our affiliates are confidential. We don't go blabbing disputes, problems or whatever out in public, and 2) because of the anonymous nature of this forum and the prejudiced view held by some that networks and advertisers are unequivocally evil, it often happens that any posting is just an invitation to more controversy. Not being more vocal I can see was a mistake. Even though the affiliate offered no proof, everyone assumed we were the bad guy. Live and learn. (This is an attempt to start correcting it)
7. It's not in Hydra's interest to screw over our affiliates. For real! Our business depends on you! But we also can't screw over our advertisers. Our business depends on them too. We do try very hard to help our affiliates make money and grow their business over the long term. That's how we grow. And yeah, we know there are zillions of ad networks. We try to serve you better than the others so you stay with us.
What else? I don't know. If I missed something someone please tell me and I promise to respond. Hey and if you want you can call or email me directly. We have nothing to hide, I swear!
Mason Wiley
SVP Marketing, Hydra Network
Direct line (310) 432-1139
P.S. That picture of the kid with the gun to his head is hysterical - though completely untrue and inappropriate. As a father myself I find it highly offensive
So if you felt you promoted it adequately, and Hydra didn't screw you.. Did you get paid? Sure hope so, or else this thread is just plain fucked up.
Guys you've got to understand, in hydra's eyes we are not the greatest asset, the advertiser is. And because of that, they won't make any statements on here because we're just the affiliates. They couldn't care less what we think.
