Comments:
Jeff - yeah, it is definitely interesting that CJ, ala ValueClick is starting to talk more about SEM agency stuff. CJ Search is here at SES - San Jose (that’s where I am) representing. When I stopped by their booth they weren’t actually able to answer any technical questions (saying their search staff was on break [or being created?]) but I found it interesting. Let’s be honest, ValueClick is attempting to integrate with CJ. The javascript transition that went sour was an attempt to integrate, while the push toward SEM agency status is an attempt to become more of a full service agency - VC has robust media services (publisher / advertiser), affiliate marketing, and comparison shopping, among other things, while SEM is something that’s missing. My guess is that they will struggle like Linkshare Search unless they purchase an SEM firm. The folks running the show at CJ & LS don’t seem like experienced SEM’s - at least I haven’t seen them involved within the search community like they should be.
On a side note - the affiliate community needs more representation in the search-engine marketing space. While SES - San Jose is packed with entreprenuers, there aren’t enough traditional affiliate marketers - as a result, our voice is not as loud as it should be. I’m hoping that the next SEM conference I participate in includes more affiliates bec/ if they don’t start showing up Google is going to shut them down.
By the way - the Google Dance was quite an experience earlier tonight - it’s always a pleasure visiting Google - that place is inspiring!
My best,
Kris Jones - Pepperjam