It doesn't add up, either
1) This prog is on it's last leg and isn't paying properly anymore
or
2) One of the biggest marketing blunders maybe ever.
Whatever, affils are as jumpy as a flock of sparrows.. prob already flew.
You need a major reversal here or it will be disaster for your prog.
It should have been in the tos. That is proper procedure. There are some progs who dont allow bidding on certain names and/or on certain se's. But it is always spelled out.
Peace out and good luck with all this.
