Concerns about Commission Junction

How many of you use a program like Commission Junction on your blog or website?

I have been using it for awhile. I can't say that I have ever hit their minimum payment amount though. I check it periodically, but it doesn't seem like there is much action going on.

When I decided to try a program like this, I really wasn't to concerned about inaccurate tracking. I figured they must have their system down pat to even offer a program like this. Now I am not so sure.

A few weeks ago, someone I knew decided to make a purchase through one of my affiliate links. This never showed up in my CJ panel. Looking on their website, I see the following posted in the FAQ in regards to this problem;

"The main thing to remember here is don’t spin your wheels worrying about one lost transaction. New publishers make the fatal mistake of becoming so obsessed with pursuing one missed sale, that they don’t focus on what really matters: finding ways to drive an ever-increasing, large volume of traffic through their web site or paid search links.

When a fisherman pulls his net out of the water, a few fish drop off the side and back to freedom in the ocean. The fisherman doesn’t fret about the one fish lost, but how he can cast a wider net to catch more fish.

Don’t lose sight of the big picture! The people who succeed in affiliate marketing are the ones who are able to attract and keep the attention of thousands—if not millions—of site visitors. And they don’t go to bed at night fretting about the one user out there that was blocking cookies."

I'm sorry, but I am very concerned about the one lost sale. Because one lost sale after another adds up. Most of us are not "big fish" and we simply can't afford to lose even one sale. Why would we even try to drive more sales to something that we can't even be sure we are going to earn our commission off of?

There was nothing wrong with the cookies or security settings on this person's computer. They weren't "set" to high. There was no reason for this sale not to show up. Yet it didn't.

So I sent an email to customer service. I was told to contact the vendor directly and provide them with a transaction number, date of order, and all this other information.

That's fine and dandy. What about the sales and people we don't know about? There isn't any possible way to know how many sales are slipping through our fingers.

At this point, I am seriously reevaluating whether or not I will continue with this company. Granted, I haven't even seen one payment. The big question is whether I simply haven't had enough sales through my links or whether they are reporting it accurately.

So what's your thoughts and experiences on this type of situation?

Low Milk Supply.... When you need to increase it.

When breastfeeding, have you ever noticed that you just aren't making enough breastmilk for baby? Or do you just need to increase milk supply just every now and then?

I'm horrified to hear that so many doctors are telling breastfeeding mothers that they need to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula, when they bring low milk supply concerns up to them. Why don't they just advice them to try herbs?

Certain herbs really do work at increasing breastmilk supply. Who would think something so simple would really work so good? The use of herbs to increase breastmilk supply is something that has been passed down from generation to generation of breastfeeding moms. Many, many moms (that have low milk supply) are able to produce enough breastmilk by using herbs. Thus, there is no need to quit breastfeeding because of low milk supply.

When you are experiencing low milk supply and need to increase production, the first thing you need to check is how often you are breastfeeding or pumping. Without feeding or pumping enough, you are not going to have a good, solid milk supply. It's preferable that you simply just breastfeed whenever baby wants. You can do one or the other, although for the best possible milk supply, you would want to breastfeed on demand. Some moms have to strictly pump for various reasons. If you are pumping simply due to latching on problems, make sure to talk to your local lactation consultant with help getting baby back on the breast.

So no matter whether you are breastfeeding or pumping or both, you have to make sure you are doing it often. If pumping, make sure to pump for fifteen minutes at a time, every 2 to 3 hours. Overnight, you can pump every 4 hours. And remember it takes time to increase your milk supply. Results won't happen overnight.

If you find that you need to increase milk production, drinking just one cup a day of herbal tea is not going to do it. You are going to want to drink 4 to 5 cups daily. Some moms need more. It takes a good amount of herbs on a regular basis to work. So you are not going to want to use tea bags that make just one cup of tea. Unless you can afford to buy several boxes of the product.

Breastea is a really great tea to increase low milk supply. Each tea bag makes one gallon of tea. For $14 you get enough Breastea to last at least 10 days. It's very affordable.

So how is Breastea going to help you increase milk supply?

Breastea contains several herbs known to increase breastmilk supply and production. It is also the only tea of its kind to contain Rooibos, which have several great benefits to mom and baby. Most moms see an increase in low milk supply within the first day. Increases in milk supply can happen by the ounces.

For Breastea to work, you need to be a breastfeeding mom that breastfeeds or pumps on a regular basis. This is especially important once you start using herbs to increase production. As your body starts making more breastmilk, it needs to be used. This shows that your body that the increase in milk supply is needed.

Breastea can be ordered online and sent right to your door. Shipping is affordable.

Whether you need Breastea on a daily basis, or just certain times of the month when milk supply drops, it's a great tea to have on hand. Once you try it, you will see the difference in your milk supply. It's very helpful if you are a working mom and you need to make more breastmilk to have for a caregiver to give baby while you are at work. Just remember, as with any product, give it time to work. Make sure you are pumping and/or breastfeeding often.

If you have been advised that you will not make enough breastmilk to continue breastfeeding, don't despair. Try Breastea out and increase your milk supply. It's very possible to keep breastfeeding, even when you have low milk supply.

Game Fly - Renting Video Games That Are Mailed To You

Has anyone else tried GameFly?

It's actually pretty neat. You sign up for a membership, and then go online and pick out the video games that you want. Depending on your plan, you can have 1 to 3 games at a time. They are mailed to you pretty fast!

We actually just have a PlayStation 2. I've noticed that you can rent games for WII, XBox 360, and pretty much all the others ones that are on the market today. We've been a member of GameFly for about 3 weeks now, and I am pleased with the service. The games are mailed fast. I haven't had a problem with the quality of the games. When you are mailing a game back, they actually know this due to the post office scanning it. So they mail your next game out before they have even received the one you are returning.

I found out about GameFly after renting a XBox 360 game from Blockbuster. I couldn't believe that it was $7.99 plus tax. So my brother told me to try out GameFly (we had rented the game to play on his XBox), and I am very pleased with it.

Even though PS2 isn't that popular anymore, GameFly has thousands of games that will work with our video game system. Our plan is the one out at a time plan, but you can get up to 3 out at a time. Very affordable. I think it's really neat that services like these are offered. It definitely saves a trip to the video store!

So if you have some type of video game system, try it out by clicking here.

Garth Brooks and The Songs That Never Get Old

I was driving down the road last night, and it seemed like most of the country music stations were playing a Garth Brooks song. I started wondering if maybe it was his birthday (it's not though he was born Feb 7, 1962), but I wasn't complaining. Although I wouldn't say that Country Music is my fav type of music, I LOVE Garth Brooks.

His songs were just great. I don't know how he did it, but the man just had a gift. His songs somehow manage to combine good tunes with everyday situations. Garth was able to word the songs so well that you could feel like he was walking in your shoes. I bet all of us could listen to one of his songs and have a person or place in our minds from our own lives. He just had a way with music. It's a shame he retired, but I've heard that he has plans on returning to the music scene.

So Garth's music has been on my mind and I thought I'd share my favorite songs here. I'd love to know what yours are too. I couldn't find a video for #7, but it's Somewhere Other Than The Night.

My favorite Garth Brooks songs are;

1. What She's Doing Now


What She's Doing now: Garth Brooks

Free Bird | MySpace Video

2. Learning To Live Again


Garth Brooks - Learning To Live Again - WITH LYRICS!

Lol | MySpace Video

3. To Make You Feel My Love (This video has clips from the movie Hope Floats. Great Movie!)



4. That Summer




5. Beaches of Cheyenne



6. Wild Horses

A fast and simple way to lower credit card debt

Have you ever gotten a credit card that started out with this really low apr (finance fee), then a few months later it doubled? Of course, this always happens after you have a balance on it.

I feel that credit cards are a good thing to have. A lot of people knock them, but I think it's great to have a credit card on standby for emergencies, etc. Yet in these times, many people are carrying a balance on their cards. There have been so many lay offs and increasing prices that many Americans that were middle class before this started, find themselves hitting poverty level.

One of the most important things about credit cards and credit card debt is to make sure you never miss a payment. Even if you can only afford the minimum payment, make it. If you skip a payment, it really hurts.

There really is a simple way to make a dent in your credit card debt. You can do this by transfering your balance over to a new credit card that offers a low apr. Many credit cards do this at least for six months. Before applying make sure to read the fine print.

You don't want to get a credit card that charges an annual fee. Most credit cards these days offer cards with no annual fee, so make sure to check that information first before applying.

After you are approved, check and see what your credit limit is. Transfer the balance from the prior credit card over to the new credit card. Make sure you close out the previous account. You don't want to charge it back up, especially at the higher rate and finance fees.

Now you have your balance on a new credit card that hopefully offers the low rate for at least six months. Make sure to pay as much as possible on it every month. This way you know that you are making a dent in the balance because of the low rates.

A lot of times people don't realize how much of their minimum payment is going towards fees. By transferring your balance over to a low fee card, most of the minimum payment is going to make a difference.

Some people choose to call one of those places that consolidate your debt and contact the credit card companies on your behalf for a lower finance fee, etc. I would not do this unless it was a last resort. This shows up on your credit report and will make it harder for financing in the future. If you really need it do it, but not unless you are at that point.

I really recommend Discover. I've heard good things about the company. They are offering a promotion where you can get $50 Cash Back Bonus with the Discover® More Card! If you have a credit card that has shot up the fees, I would recommend applying and getting approved. After this, you can transfer your balance over.

Top Droppers For September 2009

Sorry for the delay everyone, but here is the list of the top ten droppers I had for this month, September 2009. The first five will get a 100 Entrecard credits a piece. If you are in the top five, make sure to check your Entrecard account.

Top 10 Droppers;
1. Sands of Thyme

2. Imagination Madness

3. One 2 Day

4. Tiddly Winks

5. The Chickenista

6. I Like It Frantic

7. C'est La Vie

8. The Art and Science of Parenting

9. And There Ya Go

10. MB's Tips, Thoughts, and Reviews

I apologize that I don't have as much time as I used to to get on here and blog or drop. I appreciate the visits though!

Top Droppers Entrecard September

Hi all,

I just wanted to make a quick note and let everyone know I am running behind on my posting. I will be updating this in the next few days with my top ten droppers and sending out the Entrecard credits then. Check back!

Top Ten Droppers and Entrecard Credit Winners

Amazing, but it's that time again. I can't believe that time goes by so fast.

Last month I promised that I was going to be rewarding some of my top droppers through Entrecard today.

So here are my top ten droppers for the month. I'm also going to be sending out the Entrecard credits today as well. I appreciate the visits. As a single working mom, I haven't been able to drop cards as often as I might like. Hopefully in the next month or so, I will be able to start posting and dropping more.

So my top ten droppers in the last month are;

1. I like it Frantic

2. Sands of Thyme

3. Imagination Madness

4. One 2 Day

5. Whatever Comes To Mind

6. Tiddly Winks

7. Fledgling Blogger

8. Blogger Corner

9. Jean sQuared

10. IndoContest

Next month on the 20th, I am going to try something new. For the top five droppers, I will be sending an Entrecard credit of 100 to each one. So watch for an update on September 20, 2009.

The Audacity of Unawareness

I received the following email today, and I thought I would share and post it on here.

For Heavens sake, wake up America.


When does "Unawareness" become "Lying"???

Barack Obama, through his spokesman, claimed that he was unaware of the tax day tea parties. Granted, the Main Stream Media has done a good job in suppressing any sort of coverage ahead of time (and the little coverage they did provide was derisive at best). But, how out of touch is the Community Organizer in Chief, really?

This much:

- He was unaware that he was attending a church (for 20 years) with a racist pastor who hates America .

- He was unaware that he was family friends with, and started his political career in the living room of, a domestic terrorist.

- He was unaware that he had invested in two speculative companies backed by some of his top donors right after taking office in 2005..

- He was unaware that his own aunt was living in the US illegally.

- He was unaware that his own brother lives on pennies a day in a hut in Kenya .

- He was unaware of the AIG bonuses that he and his administration approved and signed into a bill..

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Commerce was under investigation in a bribery scandal.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of the Treasury was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the U.S. Trade Representative was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the woman he nominated to be his Chief Performance Officer was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be #2 at the Environmental Protection Agency was under investigation for mismanaging $25 million in EPA grants.



Goodness, there are people in comas that are more aware of world affairs than this guy!!!!!!!!!!

Top Droppers and Something New

I think I'm going to try something new for my Entrecard.

To start off, here is the list of the top ten droppers for this blog over the last 30 days. Thanks for visiting. These are loyal droppers with great blogs, so if you are visiting you might want to drop by each one.

1. Sands of Thyme

2. I Like It Frantic

3. East Coast Life

4. EZ Great Life

5. The Fledgling Blogger

6. My Heart Voice

7. Whatever Comes to my Mind

8. Melissas Homeschool

9. Khryedotcom

10. Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife

Now, on to what I have planned for next month.

On August 30, 2009, I will post the next entry for my top ten droppers over the past 30 days. My top dropper will receive 200 Entrecard credits. My second top dropper will receive 100 credits. And my third top dropper will get 50 credits. I really appreciate the website traffic. So make sure to keep dropping your card over the next month. Like the saying goes, "Somebody is going to win, it might as well be you!"

Thanks for stopping by.