Early this morning I was able to duplicate the missing Spike issue on CMF Ads.  First we ruled out members disabling javascript.  Those using ad blocking software would not normally be accounted for by most analytic programs.  Then we ruled out server error, both the clicker and advertiser were being properly counted.  Turns out it was an IE8 issue.

The Problem: The Spike URL used target=”_blank” as part of the URL.  FireFox had no problem opening the links from Spike in a new tab.  IE8, however, would open each URL in a new browser window.  Unfortunately, if you clicked two Spike URL’s quickly it would use the same window, not visiting the destination page at all.  This caused Spike traffic to not be recorded, and the visitor using IE8 may never have even noticed.

The Solution: We changed the URL to force a new window for each link clicked, even those using IE8.

Compensation: Since this screw up was on our end we feel some compensation is in order.  Based upon the percentage of users using IE8, all those who have purchased a CMF Spike will receive an additional 10 free clicks for each blog.  Too bad some took the opportunity to spam members’ blogs with “CMF Spike being nothing but drop and run traffic” when they didn’t have all the facts.  This was an unfair attack upon CMF publishers.  If you don’t like Spike, don’t use it, but don’t dare use it for spam or heads will roll.  We apologize for any inconvenience this error has caused and will continue to improve all aspects of the CMF Ads network whenever an issue presents itself.