There are some reputable CPM programs out there (ValueClick seems to be among the best), but there are surely plenty of scams out there. I just read about one program – RevenueResponse – that seems like a site you should avoid using.

What is RevenueResponse?

I first read about RevenueResponse in a post on DigitalPoint. Someone politely spammed the forum with his referral link while telling us about this great new CPM program.

Up front, the program seems fantastic. They advertise a CPM rate of $5. However, you read the fine print and it tells you you’ll earn up to $5 per thousand impressions. There is also a click-through requirement – if you don’t meet a certain rate for a two week period, your account could get canned.

This is reasonable, though. A guaranteed $5 CPM is fairly unrealistic, and any reputable advertising network will want to make sure the ads are displayed in a visible and click-able location. But does the network pay?

Proof of Payment from RevenueResponse?

After a little searching on Google, I haven’t been able to find any instance of someone posting a proof of payment from RevenueResponse. One person claimed they “always paid on time” – but his entire article was basically an ad spot for RevenueResponse.

If he’s trying to get you to click on his referral link, he’ll obviously claim that they make payment on time.

In the DigitalPoint discussion, someone posted a link to one claim that RevenueResponse is a scam. This fellow claims he is owed $400+, that RevenueResponse kept delaying payment, and that he still hasn’t been paid.

I’m often skeptical of these scam stories. People have posted stories about how PayPal cheated them out of money – but I’ve never had a bad experience with them. However, without any confirmation of payment from another source I’m prepared to believe this guy and not waste my time with the Ad Network.

Beware the Adware and Spyware

Something else to beware of is that RevenueResponse (and other disreputable ad companies) may use your site to launch adware and spyware on your users’ computers.

One user on DigitalPoint that signed up – but apparently didn’t earn enough to get payment – claims that the ad code launched some adware. I don’t feel like signing up myself to verify this claim, but it’s another negative point for RevenueResponse.

Bottom line, this place doesn’t seem worth it. They advertise ridiculously high rates – which means they either fall short or use underhanded means (like not paying publishers or installing adware on the users’ computers) to make good. If you’re looking for a CPM ad network, go with a reputable one. Avoid this junk heap.