I think it depends a lot on the just who the affiliate is. I mean without the sponsor there wouldn't be affiliates, but it is sort of the 'chicken or egg' quandary.

I think sponsors should be more 'selective' in who promotes their sites, and affiliates need to also be more selective, to choose programs they can effectively promote, spend time working with.

I think that tools for marketing need revamping, so that not everyone and their dog has the same selling tools. It waters down the sponsor site, though some argue it brands them. I think what some sponsors are doing, being more selective in their affiliate base, dropping the one or two selling affiliates (like me for example) makes better sense.

A good affiliate, who pushes the site properly, well, is worth a lot more than some paid ads in trade journals or skin mags.

just my 2 cents :morning: