WidgetBucks recently encountered problem tracking clicks for widgets that are configured to use the MerchSense products option. Before I continue, here is an explanation on what exactly is MerchSense :-

MerchSense™ is Mpire’s patent-pending contextual algorithm engine. It detects and analyzes the content of your website or blog to determine what product offers are most relevant to your audience. If you choose the MerchSense option when creating a new widget, simply place the code on your site and let MerchSense automatically provide the most appropriate ad content. MerchSense evaluates your editorial information daily, so, as your content changes, WidgetBucks will dynamically offer the highest-yielding products.

The reporting issue resulted in a loss of click data for specific widgets between November 16, 2007 and November 20, 2007.

Unfortunately, I used MerchSense for all my widgets and yes, I did not receive a single click during this period. At that time, I was not panic ..  well, I thought it is just coincidence that the ads did not generate clicks for 4 consecutive days. So with all the reasoning like shopping trends and all, I manage to keep myself calm and cool over this matter.

Then, came an email from WidgetBucks yesterday and AHHHhhhhh! what a relief :-

We have recently identified a reporting issue on your account relating specifically to those widget(s) configured to use the MerchSense products option (to identify which product set to display on your site).  The reporting issue resulted in a loss of click data for specific widgets between November 16, 2007 and November 20, 2007.  The issue has been corrected today and in the interest of ensuring you are properly credited for the missing click activity, we are crediting your account this evening to reflect a volume of click activity equal to the average CTR that each widget has received to date in November.  This credit should appear in your account by tomorrow morning, 11/21.

And today, the credit is reflected on my account. To be fair, WidgetBucks dealt with the situation well and I am genuinely impressed with them. Keep it up!

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