LinkShare vs. PetCareRX.com

[IAmAllanShore]

In a letter from Linkshare today, it seems like petcareRX is gone from Linkshare for good (Almost certainly). An unfortunate hit for those of us with pet/petcare domains/sites. It's been a long time coming, and I've got some funds in limbo methinks, but sometimes closure is better than a limitless state of limbo.

Dear LinkShare Affiliate:

As we had previously advised you, LinkShare has been in a dispute with PetCareRx, Inc. (petcarerx.com). Among other things, LinkShare filed suit against PetCareRx in December 2004, based on our belief that it has conducted its business in a manner that is inconsistent with its contractual obligations. The lawsuit followed several weeks of unsuccessful attempts by LinkShare to resolve the matter amicably.

In connection with these developments, as permitted by the agreement, LinkShare also suspended PetCareRx's access to the account interface. We did, however, allow PetCareRx's affiliate program to continue to function, in the hope that an amicable resolution would enable PetCareRx to continue to work within the Network. Despite repeated attempts, involving weekly and often daily communications over the last three months, PetCareRx has refused to pay Affiliate commissions or LinkShare fees, including commissions that pre-date the dispute. Regretfully, at this time, and based on that failure to pay, we are compelled to terminate PetCareRx's program, which we will do at the end of the day Tuesday, March 15, 2005. Accordingly, all PetCareRx links you may still be using will be broken at that time. LinkShare has hundreds of other merchants to choose from, including others in the pet care space.

It is generally LinkShare's policy not to comment on pending litigation. We feel we owe you this further explanation because we know that you have received emails from PetCareRx regarding this matter, and we believe those emails contained false statements. We have repeatedly extended very reasonable opportunities for PetCareRx to resolve their payment obligations. They have chosen not to act on those opportunities despite verbal assurances of wanting to do so. Payment of Affiliate commissions will continue to be a matter that we will insist needs to be addressed by PetCareRx to full satisfaction.

We will keep you apprised of any developments. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact affiliate support.

Sincerely,
LinkShare Corporation

-Allan

 

[IAmAllanShore]

And just to be "fair and balanced", here's the most recent e-mail from PetCareRX regarding the same situation:

Dear Valued Affiliate:

You may have received a second e-mail this week from LinkShare concerning
its lawsuit against PetCareRx and its termination of PetCareRx’s program.
Because we value our Affiliate relationships and look forward to working
with each of you in the future, we want you to understand the facts behind
our imminent termination. LinkShare has resisted our every attempt to
resolve this dispute in a businesslike fashion. LinkShare refused to meet
with us unless we first paid what they claimed to be due. Then they agreed
only to a meeting solely for the purpose of allowing us to verify from
LinkShare’s programs what they claimed we owed. They absolutely refused
and continue to refuse the meetings we requested to explore a resolution
of our dispute. Please be assured that all moneys rightfully due to our
Affiliates will be paid in full. Thank you for your patience and
continued support.

Sincerely,

PetCareRxCom, Inc.

Ari Kantrowitz
Affiliate Manager
www.PetCareRx.com
[email protected]

-Allan