In a statement to their members they say:

Dear Members,

Unfortunately, Frank Copa from Create-a-Click and Wayne Tickner have decided not to take over the CompanionBar program. After reviewing the current state of the Paid to Surf industry and the rates I was offering members, they decided they couldn't make a substantial profit to warrant the time spent on the program. Remember, we have been operating as non profit.

I completely understand and agree with them as I personally have spent over $15,000 on CompanionBar since it's launch in April. Although many thought the rate was too low, it was in fact very high considering the cost to advertise. I have been paying all expenses my self and just cant cover the costs anymore.

After looking at all the possible changes in advertising prices and rate adjustments, it just isn't cost effective to run the CompanionBar program anymore. However, I'm not going out like all the rest. I have always paid on time and I'm not going to change now. Everyone will be paid their full balance minus the $1.00 processing fee. As long as you have more than $1.00 owed to you from your earnings or left over credits, you will be paid by December first.

We are also reimbursing all advertisers for unused credits. If you are an advertiser and believe you have some credits left, please email me at webmaster@buildreferrals.com with the subject "Advertiser" and tell me your PayPal, e-gold or e-bullion address. We are only using these three methods of reimbursement. The accounts are free to obtain and can pay anyone anywhere in the world. We can't send out checks, so please give me one of those three.

We are also reimbursing for all debit cards. I will absorb the processing costs on all of the debit card payments, you will get your full $8.00 back. After all, this isn't your fault and you shouldn't be penalized. It's the least I can do for making you wait 3 months for cards that never came.

Just so we are clear, everyone who has a PayPal address in their profile will be paid by December first. If you are an advertiser, or you are owed a Debit Card, please send an email to webmaster@buildreferrals.com with the subject "Advertiser" or "Debit Card" and your PayPal, e-gold or e-bullion info. I will pay all Advertisers and Debit Card holders on December 15th, so you have a bit of money for Christmas.

I know many of you are disappointed. I'm sure you understand that I am as well. I have put tons of hours in each day for support, web design and programming not to mention the $15,000 spent since April. Unfortunately, I just can't afford the time or money to continue it.

I was hoping to import the new 500,000 BuildReferrals members into CompanionBar, but I have found no way to successfully defend against these cheaters and this would bring them out of the woodwork. The current ones are bad enough and obviously better than I am. I can't find anyone who can give me anyway to stop them. No matter what we come up with, they beat it the next day.

I want to apologize to everyone who supported CompanionBar. Please believe me when I tell you I gave it evey thing I had and more. I am very sorry.

Sincerely,

James Ventrillo

At least we'll get paid but this is a huge blow... what a great program gone :frown: