I received an e-mail (copied below) about Microsoft ending the paid referrals to new subscribers of adCenter.  I find this extremely perplexing because of Google’s dominance in this area, plus Microsoft’s bid for Yahoo!.  The number one reason for Microsoft to buy Yahoo! is so it can merge the two online advertising programs.

So why kill the one program that helps encourage people to use their online advertising?  At least this program encouraged me to list it and recommend it, whereas I never would have before.  Perhaps some of can shed some light on the subject.  Note that they are still paying for subscribers to their toolbar and virus service, two services that I will not be referring to any customers.

adCenter Affiliate Program to Close February 29, 2008
Thank you for your participation in the adCenter Affiliate program. Unfortunately, the adCenter offer will no longer be available after February 29th, 2008.

Any banner or text ads that you currently have placed and are receiving traffic will still be eligible for payout through February 29th. However, any traffic after this date will no longer be eligible for the coupon or commission payout. As of today, February 20th, no new marketing material will be available to current affiliates and new affiliates will not be able to sign up for the offer.

Final commission payout for any activity through the end of February will be processed and paid out in the month of March as usual. Please be sure to remove all marketing materials associated with this offer from placement by February 29th as you will no longer receive credit for this activity.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but hope that you will take advantage of other offers available within the Microsoft Affiliate Network including Windows Live OneCare and Windows Live Toolbar. You can find more information about these programs by logging into the Affiliate Account Center and selecting Offers from the left-hand side navigation.         
Thank you for your participation in the Microsoft Affiliate Network. Please let us know if you have questions.

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Melissa Witt**
Affiliate Manager
Microsoft Affiliate Network