Can anyone explain to me why the affiliate networks are planning on switching to JavaScript links?

Here is part of a message I recieved directly from Commission Junction:

“The following information has been posted within the CJ Account Manager™ announcement section but we wanted to personally message these important details regarding the upcoming Link Management Initiative release scheduled for June 23, 2006.

Our Link Management Initiative is a program which will make it easier for you to get the most out of your advertiser relationships. This initiative will be released in multiple phases, with the first phase building the foundation for future releases through the following enhancements:

• JavaScript Link support”

Rumors are also flowing around ABestWeb about LinkShare considering the same path. This quote from Michael Coley (of Amazing-Bargains.com) about sums up my thoughts…

“During a followup phone call, they specifically told me that LinkShare had sent out two newsletters announcing that they were switching to JavaScript links. I know that LinkShare is planning on switching to encrypted links (and probably making them required), but this is the first I’ve heard about JavaScript links. Did CJ misunderstand something, or did all of the rest of us miss something? I find it incredibly amusing that CJ is apparently justifying their Lost Mind Initiative based on misinformation.”

It seems to be catching many people off-guard, and not many know what to think. Don Lieser (runs DFLSports.com) recently brought it to my attention, as I had not really paid a great deal of attention to it… So it seems I am with the rest of you who are not in the loop on this one. Those of you interested can follow this thread at ABestWeb. And I urge anyone with more knowledge to leave comments on this post, as well as on ABestWeb.
[tags]Affiliate networks, javascript links, affiliate marketing, ABestWeb, Commission Junction, CJ, LinkShare, Link Management[/tags]