Affiliate Programs JavaScript vs. HTML Linking Code

[Nova]

Have noticed a big emphasis on javascript over html for affiliate linking code over the last few years or so, and was wondering if anyone knew what was behind that. I've always been under the impression that javascript is much more risky because it's client-side and a visitor could easily have it disabled. What are the pros and cons, and why the push in favor of javascript?

 

[south]

They are encouraging the javascript because (most) search engine robots normally don't follow the links in them, while they almost always do with the html links, and if the search engine spider sees too many outgoing links to affiliate sites in relation to the amount of content on your site, chances are your site will be ranked lower, thereby decreasing your chances of sales, which in turn means less money for them. As far as users having javascript turned off, it's very rare nowadays. Nearly everyone has javascript enabled in their browsers these days.

Scott

 

[Nova]

Thanks, south

 

[HarveyJ]

There's also the whole issue with HTML links often getting stolen or railroaded by people trying to make a quick buck stealing your visitors, using malware to redirect said potential visitors.
ClickBank has real issues with this, but it's swept under the rug: http://www.keywordthinktank.com/public/adware/clickbank_adware.html

 

[Nova]

There's also the whole issue with HTML links often getting stolen or railroaded by people trying to make a quick buck stealing your visitors, using malware to redirect said potential visitors.
ClickBank has real issues with this, but it's swept under the rug: http://www.keywordthinktank.com/public/adware/clickbank_adware.html

I've always preferred html, but if javascript can prevent that url hijacking stuff then it's javascript all the way as far as I'm concerned, and the question gets changed to why aren't more affiliate programs offering it along with the html option.