How Do You Know If a Plugin's Stealing Your Commissions??

[Disciple67]

Hi, all my sites are run on WordPress and for all of them I cloak my links using the free Affiliate Link Cloaking plugin by Clionpid.

I like how simple and straightforward this plugin is. However, it just recently occurred to me that there's not even a request for a donation -- not entirely unheard of but quite unusual for a free plugin. Moreover, there's no paid-for premium version to upgrade to, so how does the plugin author make any money?

Fine, many people write plugins just for the fun of it, I know...but they don't usually go on to host a site specifically devoted to the plugin, either...the site seems to just repeat the information on WordPress.org, where the plugin's hosted...I've contacted the author but no answer, no response at all....

So I'm just wondering if anyone knows of affiliate plugins that take your commission...I actually came across a free one for Amazon Associates that would all the commission on the first sale, and then only ten percent on every twentieth sale or something like that...this plugin was honest and totally upfront but I wonder if there are plugins which do the same or worse but aren't honest at all about things!

 

[djbaxter]

You should be able to find evidence of someone else's affiliate code in the plugin files.

 

[Disciple67]

That makes sense: any clues what I should be looking for? Like maybe instances of ".com" or something?? Sorry, I'm really not a coder (barely know CSS)....

 

[djbaxter]

I'm a bit pressed for time but I actually downloaded that plugin and had a quick look. Saw nothing suspicious at first glance for what that's worth.

I did note that someone else had asked the same question on the WordPress download page and got no answer.

There are a LOT of other plugins for WordPress that offer link cloaking, though. Why not have a look at some of the others which may be more forthcoming in terms of either being up front about whether or not they do skim something from your referrals or may be more responsive to questions being asked by users of the plugin?

Go to WordPress › WordPress Plugins and search for affiliate link cloak.

 

[Disciple67]

Wow, thanks for making so much effort!! I also had a look-see at the code but like I said, can't really imagine what to look for besides some kinda URL or server call (in the form of an IP address)...is it possible to encrypt code within PHP?? If not, then this plugin may be kosher like I was hoping....

I'd actually tried out one other affiliate cloaking plugin before but this one's really straightforward and intuitive so a n00b like me naturally likes it.

Many, many thanks for all your time with me on this and other threads. I'll go through your sites and see if there's an affiliate product that interests me this holiday season!