Written by Chris Pace on July 14, 2009 – 11:01 pm
I just wanted to give you guys a heads up. In case you weren’t aware, we have been banned permanently from FreeLunchRoom. This was my decision to not comply with the terms of the site owner rules. The offers I was not allowed to run made it difficult to provide a site to you that had a wide variety of products and services to choose from. I had to weigh the benefits FLR brought this site, with the opportunity cost of not displaying offers from the banned affiliates. To me, it was not a good business decision to allow FLR to dictate how I ran my sites.
I encourage you to use some of the other great forums out there when completing trades for Freebies4me Network sites. Please do not feel bad if you maintain your relationship with FLR. I do not expect you to abandon them just so you can use my sites. Conversely, I hope you would consider the same and not abandon my sites due to our ban. I encourage you to use the following forums:
www.calistyle101.com
www.freebierevolution.com
www.thefreebieexchange.com
www.anything4free.com
can blame you one bit.
Thanks Anthony…It appears as though the entire “Unlisted” category is now gone so I think a LOT of sites are going to be affected.
I wouldn’t worry too much about not being on FLR, as they are all but dead anyways. Any decent freebie site out there is no longer on FLR, as Admin there has made demands of the networks that are totally unrealistic in my opinion. I was banned as a member, for no reason, so I figure if that’s the way they want to run their forum, I will do much better without them. Someone told me that Leo is letting banned members come back if they just ask, and I will tell you, I am not going begging to anyone to let me on their forum. From what I have seen, Leo is making all these big changes, and I doubt that he will ever get enough traffic to support his new forum. He has alienated too many members and networks in his supposed effort to “clean house”. I truly hope that people remember how rude and crude Leo has been when he supposedly green lights his traffic sources (I have doubts that he has any traffic to green light). I would hate to see a bunch pf people kissing his &%(* to get back on his forum after all he has done and all that has brought to light about Leo and the kind of person he is. His trading practices leave a lot to be desired, and I for one will not be seen on FLR anytime soon.
FLR want to hold the neck most of the site owners. He doesn’t realize that the advertisers/offers are the one that is making the freebie trading alive. Without the advertisers who offer products and make the cash flow turn around, this freebie trading won’t be a big industry. He(flr) doesn’t care on the big bad feedbacks on him. He(flr) still thinks he is the big guy around. Wake up dude! Your site isn’t as good as before.. just an opinion
@ A Concerned Trader – I think I saw your post on another blog and you are dead on. There is no traffic to be had…no green lights/red lights. Any shrewd business-minded person would jump at any opportunity to bring in traffic early and often. The only hold up is that there is no traffic.
@ Janice – Thank you for your comments, and you are absolutely correct. This is an advertiser driven business. Savvy advertisers can realize the potential of incentive offers through smart offers built around great products. A shady weight loss pill with a $1.95 trial offer is destined to have cancellations if it doesn’t work! However if you have a proven system that people will like (Such as Netflix, Blockbuster, LifeLock, etc), people will be far less likely to cancel, and the leads will be exactly what the advertiser is looking for!
Chris, I applaud you, and know you made the right choice. There are some great forums that have appeared due to the fact that, there is no business or integrity at the FLR.
I hope all traders will check them out, and find a new home, just as you & I have!! I will continue to follow you wherever you go. I love your sites, your great support, and you!!
Getting banned from FLR doesn’t matter anymore as most of the FLR traders have already branched out to other forums and will be sending refs to their favorite freebie sites. I love your sites and support. My support continues irrespective of this ban…….and it will be the same from most of the traders.
Thanks guys! I really do appreciate the comments…keep them coming!!!
Hi, I believe that what we are dealing with simply shows the age factor. I understand that the owner(s) of FLR are relatively young and well let’s face it there are so many brown nosers there that well anyone in their age bracket or let me rephrase that alot of people in their age bracket would develop a like “God” entity easily.
I believe the first mistake of most was giving into the unrealistic request. I personally do not see where the hell a forum dictates site owners who their sponsors will be after owners became owners so that they can own and manage their “Own Biz” which is the same right a Freebie forum has a well “But” never mix the Two. By the same token I have to add that I don’t see anything wrong with Constructive suggestions for Either side if there is something within their business that’s Negatively affecting it’s Users.
Forums should always remember that IFW sites are what Drives the Freebie industry not to mention they pay more than we as Traders do, so if you ask me “You don’t bite the hand that feeds You”.
The good news is that the Only ones who are going to get used and abused in this Situation are the bunches of Brown nosers which even though I don’t agree with anyone being handled I do think they go hand in hand.
I saw something on another post about them Re-directing threads and what not and I am pretty sure that with the dozen or so of New traders that went in there this past year and were getting 60 Referrals to over 100 from that place, I have to say I do believe it to be true.
Goody people like myself have no place in their World, no matter how good of an Asset you can be for treating their Newbies like a human being they rather Stand by and Up hold those who are Treacherous and Malignant.
I’m sure some users are still there simply because they started out there and hold good TR there otherwise they would be Gone.
One thing for Sure for those who Do not Brown Nose and Eat crap there are Definitely “No Referrals coming their Way from FLR”.
I have One thing to say to all those good people that are Still there and not getting anything. You don’t have to fix anything or Reword, if you’ve been in the Biz for a while…”You know what you are Doing”.
Unfortunately you got alot of mean people there who run the place and if they don’t like you there isn’t a Damn thing you can do about it. Forget about buying Stickies it won’t happen well atleast for the ones I’m describing.
Chris if people weren’t getting re-directed somewhere else all the Time, I would use you Eternally. I Love your Site and your Kindness,
All in all I believe that the Truth have gotten away from these people and somewhere along the line they will see their Flaws…just not Today
This is a Huge industry that is barely untapped by many, all the Malicious postings against traders in any forum is “Uncalled for and Un-necessary”.
It is Due to direct responses like this that perhaps at one time these Sharks climb up on TR but in the End the Forum gets left with a Really bad taste that Affects us All as the End result of all this on going Nastiness equals “No newbie traffic”.
Freebies 4 Me I thank you for doing what’s right by you as we who use your site or sites wish you always the best and success.
You always take care of us and we try to do the same for you,
Congratulations! Great to hear you kept your values and stood your ground and are now joining the rest of us also banned from FLR. It is actually a great feeling!
Chris,
This garbage has been going on for along time. Other forums have been picking up business and PPD has adopted A4F and not FLR anymore. Site owners are being extortioned and/or blackmailed in order to keep there sites on FLR and good traders get banned for no apparent reason. I once had a 1 day ban for saying “welcome to FLR” and because I didn’t click on the “quote reply” instead of “post reply” they banned me for spamming for one day and I was brand new so I didn’t even know I did anything wrong. What get’s me is the people who don’t know what’s really going on and they applaud “Gladiator” for all these new changes. It’s like the bad leading the blind! Your sites are some of the best out there and you always take care of us. Your sites credit good, you offer 2 guaranteed credits, your customer service is fast and helpful, and you pay super fast. That is a Grade A site to me! No matter what FLR does I want to applaud you and thank you for keeping the integrity of your business in tact and not bowing down to demands that would compromise that integrity! I love Freebies4Me!
I managed to fly under the radar for a few months after the first bans started happening. Mainly it was to satisfy my curiosity of what was going to happen with the “floodgates”, and what new BS was going to be shared as new features to the site. Fact of the matter is, you guys rock and I appreciate the comments. Keep them rollin!!!
And for those who have been clicking my sponsor ads while stopping by here, I appreciate your support!!!
I have popped onto FLR and I see that there are already changes taking place. Boy, Leo sure holds these traders on a tight leash. I can’t believe that all these people will follow him wherever he goes, like he is some kind of god. I just don’t understand the height of human stupidity.
I also took a good look at the networks and sites he is promoting now.
He has these sites listed as being owned and operated by the owners of FLR…
Sub-Forums:
FreeForAllMankind.com
Prizebook.com
MyReferralCash.com
MyTurnToEat.com
Jabooya.com
Cravem.com
But, Leo has a bunch of new networks on FLR that he says are “independant” freebie sites. What a joke!! Take a good look at the first 5 networks…these networks are also owned and operated by guess who…Yup…Leo and his lapdog, Gladiator. He just dosen’t want his loyal lunchers to know that 90% of the networks he has on his boards are his own! If I could figure this out, I am sure that any of these members could too, but they are blinded by Leo’s big promises of tons of traffic and the best networks around.
Here is the list of the “independant sites” he has listed…
Independent Freebie Sites
These freebie sites are owned and operated independently by third parties.
Sub-Forums:
BluRayFreebies – FLR Platinum Sponsor Owned by Leo
CavemanFreebies – FLR Platinum Sponsor Owner by Leo
DadsFreebies – FLR Platinum Sponsor Owned by Leo
FreeCollegeProject – FLR Gold Sponsor Owned by Leo
FreeFriendzy – FLR Gold Sponsor Owned by Leo
Free Treasure Chest
Freebiez-R-Us Owned by Leo
MoneyBonanzas – FLR Platinum Sponsor
PrizeAid
PrizeFast – FLR Gold Sponsor
V-Bux
WeDaBestFreebies – FLR Platinum Sponsor Owned by Leo
Wish4Free – FLR Platinum Sponsor
YattaPrizes – FLR Gold Sponsor Owned by Leo
ZipNadaZilch – FLR Gold Sponsor
So, that being said, take a good look at the REAL networks that Leo has on FLR besides the ones that he runs……
Free Treasure Chest
Money Bonanzas
Prize Aid
Prize Fast
V Bux
Wish4Free
ZipNadaZilch
It is possible that Leo may even own a few of these, but I can’t prove that yet. So, that leaves 7 networks that he has on FLR that aren’t owned and run by him. Geez, how dumb can people be??!! How does Leo explain where all of a sudden these new networks came from when he told his members a year ago that ALL freebie sites were just dying to get on FLR! Where were these networks back then?? They didn’t exist yet…because Leo had no use for them at that point. I am sure that all these changes have come about because of Leo’s greed and network owners that refused to pay his prices to stay on FLR. Once he took Project Payday for granted once too often, they dropped FLR like a hot potato! So, Leo had to do some quick maneuvers to keep him from losing all his members. That didn’t work though because most of his members left after traffic died back in March. Along with the members that left, the networks and sites started leaving too.
So, don’t worry Chris, you are in great company. There are tons of great networks that have no time for Leo and his silly antics. There are also tons of other forums online that will support your sites and send referrals to them. As far as I am concerned, Leo is just like a spoiled child, now that he doesn’t have all the traders and networks attention, he is doing everything possible to say “Look at me!” I know that I have much better things to do, so I won’t waste anymore time on Leo and his childish tantrums.
That is about all I have to say about that. I wish you the best of luck, Chris, I love your sites and will continue to support them!
Chris
It’s really too bad that Leo banned your network, You stand above the rest & offer your members an unmatched service by most. I guarantee you that NONE of the “flr sponsered sites” will come even close.
This industry is evolving and what matters is that the FLR has no hold on the freebie industry what-so-ever anymore. A year ago this would have affected everyone much harder, but with the backing out of PPD , the FLR is just another freebie forum and there are other forums that are busier, and want to benfit the community as a whole.
It’s too bad really… FLR was a staple in the industry. But this isn’t the first time we all have witnessed Leo up to his shady business tactics, and probobly won’t be the last. At least he can’t dictate… or try to dictate your buiness practices anymore.
This is just a turning point Chris… There is a LOT to come!
If you haven’t read it yet, please check out Shaz’ (RocketBills/CashParrot) blog. He talks specifically (with concrete evidence) about how some of the “independent” sites are actually FLR owned and operated.
http://bestincentiveaffiliates.com/2009/07/09/freefriendzy-com-freecollegeproject-com-wedabestfreebies-com-yattaprizes-com/
So sorry to hear you are no longer on FLR, Chris, as you are the main reason I have remained on that forum!
Love your sites, your excellent customer service, and your impeccable integrity. I just wish there were a hundred more site owners like you!
Joanna
Thanks for standing strong for YOUR business. You will gain so much more from your members as well as your business as a reward for not bowing down to King Leo and his stupid crayon made rules. He is a chump. I am a female and I think I have more b@llz than him LOL. What I don’t understand is, why does he want to take control of other people’s business when he claims FLR is the bomb and sites are banging down the doors wanting to get in. So far the only sites that have made it through the doors are his own bootleg sites that I would not send a ref to under no circumstances. He claims he is helping the sites with hosting so I guess that was to cover the fact that they are all showing up on the same hosting thingy on Whois search. But what I really really don’t get is, If these were truly new sites/site owners,which I know they are not, why in the hell would anyone send refs to sites that can’t pay a few dollars for their own hosting???? How can a site that hasn’t even been really established yet, afford to pay to play on FLR but can’t pay for their own hosting?That further shows just how stupid alot of members are as well as how very stupid Leo is. People are too busy praising him for doing little odds and ins to the site. It’s very weird to see traders always praising him. I’m like Shut Up Groupies!! That’s what they all seem like, a bunch of groupies going crazy over a washed up played out, wannabe rockstar LOL. Am I still a member?…Yes, but do I give a damn about Leo? Nope!! Not even a little bit.
Thanks for standing your ground. I personally don’t trade there but if I had, I’d follow you anywhere Chris. To hell with FLR for loosing you. Their lost.
As far as I am concerned Congratulations are in order here–you have now joined the ranks of the honest (Not that you weren’t always a great and honest site!!) and unemcumbered!! No one should be allowed to tell people how or what to put on their own websites!!
Hey, Chris!!
It appears that FFG was banned, too….eventhough I thought I was complying with ALL of the rules…but you really can’t tell since there are no rules published anywhere. Guess they can just run it however they want…..
Pretty dissappointed with the affiliate networks that they did allow, so I guess I am looking forward to getting back to the better affiliate networks myself. Our users will appreciate the better crediting and response times, I am sure!!
Go get’em!!
@ChristyC –
Thanks for the note…sorry you were banned. When I started seeing some of the subforum changes, it was quickly apparent that Leo was going to shut out all non-FLR sites. He had given me a preliminary ban, but I complied for a bit to see what was going to happen. Then the “automated” ban came along and we were gone. However, ironically since the ban, business has been up, albeit just slightly. Traffic is slowly (read SLOWLY) growing, but inidicators are a lot better than they were last month. I hope you have the same effect as well.
As for the affiliates, CPAUnderground is just HORRIBLE. They pay on time, but I have this sneaking suspicion that crediting is intentionally hit and miss. Vintacore is ok…just ok. However there are other affiliates out there that do not cater to Leo’s wishes that are far superior. I am still dumbfounded that an affiliate would forgo SO much cash and % of all future revenue, just for the less than stellar traffic quality that incentive sites have to offer.
Thats just wacked bra!
You have one of the BEST freebie sites around.