Zynga Tiptoes Back Into Offers

Zynga CEO Mark Pincus pulled all in-game offers in the wake of Scamville. At the time, he said “We recognize it is our responsibility to ensure that offers which generate a bad user experience are not shown with any of our games. Therefore, we are removing all CPA offers across zynga games until we can control their inclusion and presentation ourselves.” That was November 8, 2009, a little over two months ago.

Today offers are officially back on Zynga. In a new blog post, Pincus says they are tightly controlling which offers are accepted. Just eight companies are included: Netflix, Discover Card, Blockbuster, HSBC Direct, Gamefly, Book of the Month Club, SnapFish and The New York Times. More will be added over time after being reviewed by Zynga employees.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with Zynga putting these offers back online, and these companies are unlikely to engage in the type of scammy behavior that started the whole Scamville saga in the first place. Not all offers are evil.

I am amused though by Pincus saying about the companies “all of which have high Better Business Bureau ratings.” A BBB rating is nothing to be proud of. Video Professor, one of the more serious scammers, maintains an A rating at the BBB.