TorGuard VPN’s Affiliate Program: A Case of Broken Trust?
In the world of affiliate marketing, where trust and clarity are critical, the recent conduct of TorGuard VPN has raised eyebrows. As participants in their affiliate program, we at Tech Review Advisor have witnessed a troubling shift.
Suddenly, we’re dealing with unanswered support tickets, delayed payments, and a sudden halt in our recurring commissions. Most alarming of all are the erratic changes in their affiliate policies – changes that were neither communicated nor included in any prior agreement.
This lack of transparency and disregard for partners raises concerns about TorGuard VPN’s commitment to a fair affiliate relationship.
The Maelstrom of Miscommunication: Our TorGuard VPN Affiliate Program Experience
It was business as usual until the first cracks in our relationship with TorGuard VPN began to surface. Unanswered affiliate support tickets stretching back two months, followed by unexpected late payments, started ringing alarm bells.
This was not the organized, responsive affiliate program we initially signed up for, and it was quickly becoming apparent that something was awry in the TorGuard VPN ecosystem.
The Enigma of the Halted Commissions
Our surprise only amplified when we discovered that our recurring commissions, the lifeblood of our affiliate relationship, had come to an unexpected halt (see screenshot here). The reason, according to TorGuard VPN? Alleged inactivity on our affiliate account since April – an assertion that left us baffled.
Our platform has been consistently driving traffic towards TorGuard’s services, an effort that was now, inexplicably, going unnoticed and unrewarded.
The Contradictory Replies
As we sought to uncover the truth behind the halted commissions, we received two different responses from TorGuard VPN within a twelve-minute span. One suggested that our commissions were paused due to perceived inactivity, a claim contradicting our consistent referral efforts (see screenshot here).
The second response was even more baffling, accusing us of selling VPN accounts via unauthorized channels, a claim as outrageous as it was unfounded.
The Nonexistent Conditions
Even more troubling was the discovery that the requirement for a steady stream of user purchases, a key condition cited by TorGuard VPN, was not stipulated in the original Affiliate Agreement.
Furthermore, there was no indication of these policy changes on TorGuard VPN’s main website. It was as if TorGuard VPN had arbitrarily introduced new rules of engagement, blindsiding us and, by extension, other affiliates.
The Affiliates’ Lament: Examining Other Players’ Experiences with TorGuard VPN
Affiliate 1: The Plight of Higher Expectations
Our experience is far from unique. We turn our attention to Affiliate 1, who was blindsided by an abrupt shift in TorGuard’s commission structure.
From a comfortable and encouraging 30% commission, TorGuard dropped the hammer by reducing it to a meager 5%. The catch? Affiliate 1 was required to facilitate 10 purchases per month to maintain their commission status.
Anything less would result in this disheartening reduction, a stipulation that added pressure and uncertainty.
Affiliate 2: The Struggle with Arbitrary Rules
If the ordeal of Affiliate 1 wasn’t baffling enough, consider the narrative of Affiliate 2. Similar to Affiliate 1, they too found their commission slashed.
However, in their case, the commission fell to 10% unless they facilitated 5 purchases per month. One cannot help but question the disparity in these rules. Why the difference in purchase requirements for the same end-result? And why were these new requirements not communicated uniformly?
Comparing Apples and Oranges
Upon reflection, it’s apparent that the experiences of Tech Review Advisor, Affiliate 1, and Affiliate 2 are tinged with a common thread of ambiguity and inconsistency. None of us was spared the abrupt and uncommunicated changes to TorGuard’s affiliate policies.
Yet, each of us faced unique hurdles, from unanswered tickets and late payments to shifting commission structures. It’s clear that the absence of uniformity in these experiences only further fuels the fire of dissatisfaction.
The experiences of other affiliates only reinforce our own narrative of bewildering policy changes, arbitrary rules, and communication lapses. It appears that the TorGuard VPN affiliate program has embarked on a perplexing journey, leaving its affiliates lost in a labyrinth of inconsistency.
Whether this maze is intentional or just a product of internal disarray is yet to be seen. What’s certain, however, is the growing discontent amongst TorGuard’s affiliates and a collective clamor for clarity.
A Game of Guesswork: Probing the Inconsistencies of TorGuard VPN’s Approach
The Fluctuating Narrative
Navigating the labyrinthine world of TorGuard VPN’s affiliate program has been akin to a game of guesswork. From a staggering lack of clear communication to ever-changing rules, the affiliate program seems to be under the whims of a fluctuating narrative.
The two inconsistent responses we received within a span of twelve minutes spoke volumes of the disarray within the company’s customer service. One moment we were chastised for perceived inactivity, the next, we were accused of selling VPN accounts via unauthorized channels.
An allegation, mind you, that is as baffling as it is groundless.
The Baseless Accusations
The unfounded accusation of selling VPN accounts via unauthorized channels struck us as particularly egregious. Never in our tenure as a TorGuard VPN affiliate had we violated the terms of the agreement.
We pride ourselves on adhering to ethical and professional standards, and such baseless accusations are not only damaging but also a breach of trust.
The Inactivity Paradox
Even more puzzling was the perceived inactivity on our affiliate account. Tech Review Advisor had consistently directed traffic towards TorGuard’s platform, a fact we could readily validate with empirical data.
Their claim of our inactivity flies in the face of our efforts, raising questions about the accuracy of their tracking systems or perhaps suggesting a more concerning lack of transparency.
In the face of these discrepancies, one cannot help but question the credibility and reliability of TorGuard VPN’s affiliate program. The sheer inconsistency in their approach and the lack of straightforward communication suggest a disorganized, if not dismissive, attitude towards their affiliate partners.
Such a convoluted state of affairs not only undermines the principles of affiliate marketing but also threatens the trust and collaboration vital to the affiliate-marketer relationship.
Unraveling the Enigma: The Mysterious Conditions Absent from TorGuard VPN’s Affiliate Agreement
The Hidden Changes
The cornerstone of any affiliate partnership is the Affiliate Agreement. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both parties, setting the ground rules for a fair and beneficial relationship.
However, in the case of TorGuard VPN, it appears that not all rules are as transparent as they should be. New conditions have mysteriously materialized, most notably the requirement for a steady stream of user purchases.
These stipulations were not part of the agreement we originally signed up for, leaving us perplexed and, frankly, feeling misled.
The Unexplained Absences
To add to the confusion, these new conditions aren’t visible on TorGuard VPN’s main website either. This raises a pertinent question: if these changes are so crucial to TorGuard’s affiliate program, why are they not communicated clearly and universally?
The absence of these changes from the Affiliate Agreement and the website signifies a lack of transparency and respect for the affiliate partners, creating a web of confusion rather than a clear roadmap for success.
The emergence of these unexpected conditions and their conspicuous absence from the Affiliate Agreement and the website is a red flag. It suggests a disregard for transparency and a troubling willingness to shift the goalposts without due notice or discussion.
The trust that binds an affiliate to a company is predicated on open communication and clear expectations. With its current approach, TorGuard VPN risks eroding that trust, leaving behind a disillusioned network of affiliates.
Charting the Fallout: The Implications of TorGuard VPN’s Actions
The Potential Phase-Out of Affiliates
The whirlwind of changes and inconsistencies in TorGuard VPN’s affiliate program has led us to ponder an unnerving possibility: is this a precursor to phasing out affiliates entirely?
The abrupt and inexplicable policy changes, coupled with the lack of communication, suggests a disregard for the value that affiliates bring to the table. This disregard could signal a strategic shift towards less reliance on affiliates, a move that would significantly alter the landscape of TorGuard’s marketing strategy.
The Impact on Tech Review Advisor and Other Affiliates
The effects of TorGuard’s actions reverberate beyond the walls of their own organization. As an affiliate, Tech Review Advisor has faced not only a sudden halt in our recurring commissions but also an erosion of trust in the partnership.
The same can be said for other affiliates, who have found themselves grappling with similarly baffling changes. The collective impact on affiliates can have far-reaching consequences, potentially discouraging new affiliates from joining and existing ones from continuing their partnership.
The Future of TorGuard VPN’s Affiliate Program
If this trend continues, TorGuard VPN’s affiliate program faces an uncertain future. The core principles of successful affiliate programs are transparency, consistent communication, and respect for partners.
Currently, TorGuard VPN appears to be veering away from these principles, setting the stage for an unsustainable affiliate program. It’s a road that could potentially lead to reduced partnerships, lowered brand trust, and a diminished presence in the market.
The implications of TorGuard VPN’s actions are far-reaching and potentially damaging. By alienating their affiliates and clouding their program in confusion, they risk unraveling the tapestry of trust and mutual benefit that should define every successful affiliate program.
As affiliates and observers, we can only hope for a swift resolution and a return to the values that make affiliate marketing a mutually beneficial endeavor.
New Developments: The Allegations and Our Response
The Allegations Against Us
In an unexpected turn of events, TorGuard has accused Tech Review Advisor of being involved in unauthorized reselling of its services. The allegations are specific – TorGuard claims that our affiliate account was used to facilitate these transactions through an Iranian Telegram channel (see screenshot here).
This is a serious accusation, one that carries significant implications for us as longstanding affiliates of TorGuard.
Our Unwavering Stance
We feel the need to unequivocally reassert our stance – Tech Review Advisor has had no involvement in the alleged activities. Our mission has always been to provide genuine, impartial technology reviews and direct our audience to quality services.
The allegation that we have participated in unauthorized reselling goes against everything we stand for and contradicts our ethical business principles.
The Impossibility of Verification
According to TorGuard, verifying the authenticity of our claim is not feasible. This presents a considerable challenge for us as we attempt to clear our name.
TorGuard’s stance not only negates our ability to resolve the issue collaboratively but also leaves us facing grave consequences based on accusations we fervently deny.
The Unforeseen Consequences
The repercussions of these allegations have been severe. TorGuard, citing its commitment to adhering to export control laws, has suspended our affiliate account.
This decision has been made unilaterally without offering us the opportunity to discuss the matter in depth, examine the evidence, or collaborate on a potential resolution. We consider this approach hasty and overly punitive.
Our Continued Efforts to Seek Resolution
Despite the obstacles we face, we remain dedicated to seeking resolution. We have taken steps to clarify our position and have challenged TorGuard’s decision, requesting a more fair treatment.
TorGuard has responded with an offer to payout the remaining balance in our account, a gesture that we appreciate but regard as an oversimplification of a much more complex issue.
Call to Action
Our journey has been bumpy, but we remain hopeful. We continue to call on TorGuard to reconsider their decision, reevaluate the evidence, and work with us towards a more equitable resolution.
While we understand the obligations TorGuard has towards maintaining its export control policies, we firmly believe that there are alternative ways to handle this situation – ways that won’t result in punishing innocent parties.
Questions from Our Readers
In the midst of these developments, we have received inquiries from our readers expressing confusion and seeking clarity on the issue. One of our readers posed these critical questions:
“hey guys, I’m really confused about this torguard affiliate thing. how did they end up finding your affiliate link in that iranian telegram group? did they come up with any legit proof?
even if they did spot your link there, how on earth did they figure that it was YOU who put it there?
imagine an iranian reseller did the same to that shill guy tom spark. would torguard react the same way then? this whole mess really makes me question if there’s some kind of weakness in torguard’s system.“
These questions echo our own concerns and reflect the perplexity we’re facing in this situation.
The Irony of TorGuard VPN’s Approach
In an interview with TorrentFreak, the CEO of TorGuard VPN, Ben Van Pelt, said:
“It is very frustrating to be falsely accused of something when there is a complete lack of factual evidence and a general misunderstanding of the technology involved.“
This statement seems quite ironic in our current predicament, as we find ourselves accused based on nebulous and unsubstantiated claims.
A Need for a Larger Platform
Despite our consistent efforts to communicate with TorGuard, we are yet to receive any response since their last communication on July 9, 2023. We have reached out on July 10 and again on July 12, 2023, but the silence continues.
While we continue to wait for a response and persist in our attempts to seek answers, we acknowledge the possibility of escalating this issue to a larger platform, if necessary. We believe in the power of transparency and fair dealings, and we are prepared to reach a wider audience to raise awareness about these questionable practices and our experiences.
The Final Verdict: Silence and Unanswered Requests
Despite our best efforts to communicate and seek clarity, we are yet to receive a response from TorGuard. This includes the request for our remaining balance, which Jason mentioned they were willing to send. We have seen our new tickets merged into the old ones, but without any subsequent action or communication from their end.
In the end, we are left with lessons learned and the understanding that sometimes, moving on is the only viable option. Had TorGuard decided to close their affiliate program for good and communicated the same with their affiliates, the situation would have been much more understandable.
But the decision to level accusations against us without providing substantial evidence remains a difficult pill to swallow.
For those of you interested in the detailed breakdown of our correspondence with TorGuard, we have included the full conversation from our last ticket here.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Ernesto, the founder of TorrentFreak, for his guidance during this difficult period, and to all our readers for your ongoing support.
Update July 27, 2023: TorGuard has finally paid out our remaining balance.
