Duplicate Content, Replicated Websites, Noindex Type Question.. Need Advice Please

[floppy]

So I am working for a Multi-Level Marketing Company.  The members each get their own website which is a wilcard subdomain.  So we have

example.com (Main site)

mysite.example.com (Replicated)

They both are literally the same content and I have chosen to noindex, nofollow the subdomains, but as a SEO that presents a problem with linkbuilding.  However, the member only gets credit (think affiliates) if the click comes from their subdomain.

I don't want duplicate content penalties and I don't want the members to possibly lose out on a sale that would otherwise just be credited to the company if the link was redirected to the main site instead.

Did I make the right decision?

[floppy]

So using this method I don't need to include noindex, nofollow on the subdomain page?

[perfectweb]

I 100% agree with Dejan.

This will also ensure that the optional about pages are indexed in Google which could potentially bring more visitors to your site.

[krissy-cca]

Agreed

[Dan-Petrovic]

If I understand this correctly:

1. subdomain = affiliate ID
2. subdomain(s) content =  main content

In this case you can use rel="canonical" and point to main page. This will prevent duplication and sort out your link building worries.

[floppy]

I guess a sub-question would be is there ever any legit reason for cloaking?  I mean I would be redirecting the bots to the main domain that is indexed and has the exact same content..   Yea, I want to have my cake and eat it too.

[floppy]

I can't...  It basically pulls from the same database.  The only thing that changes per subdomain is an optional about me page and in the header is their name, email, bio pic, phone number.

[floppy]

Edit:  However, the member only gets credit (think affiliates) if the purchase / signup comes from their subdomain.