The A4U forum has broken the news that the UK’s first affiliate network DGM has entered administration, the full details can be found here. DGM or Deal Group Media as it was originally known, was founded in 1999 and played a big part in establishing the performance model here in the UK.

Over the years it added a search business (web gravity) and an ad network, and clients have included Vodiafone, MSN and the AA. DGM was the first affiliate network that saw fit to employ me, despite yours truly mistakingly refering to affiliate marketing as affinity marketing throughout the entire interview.

DGM was a fun place to work, and I hope that a route is found through the present troubles. It should also act as a wake up call to the rest of the industry, performance marketing is becoming an increasingly harder place in which to make a return.

Rob, On-e.