Why Affiliate Tracking Systems Return 200 for Paused Campaigns Instead of 404

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When an affiliate campaign is paused, clicks and conversions may still arrive, requiring a deliberate technical response strategy. Pixel tracking endpoints return HTTP 200 with a transparent 1x1 GIF for paused campaigns because browser-based ad tags cannot read status codes or alert anyone to failures. Returning 404 in such cases risks ad networks flagging the domain as dead and permanently stopping pixel fires, even after a campaign is reactivated. Postback endpoints, however, return HTTP 400 for paused campaigns because server-to-server callers are capable software that can log errors and alert developers, making silent acceptance of conversions a dangerous source of billing discrepancies. The asymmetric design ensures honest communication with capable callers while avoiding unintended consequences with passive, browser-based ones.

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