Yes, the title of this post is a spoof on Andrew Hyde’s well-publicized campaign against spec work. However, it is also a relatively accurate statement on my feelings toward affiliate marketing. So, despite a solid conviction one way or the other — evil or not — here are my thoughts on affiliate marketing in more-or-less random order:
- It’s a decent way to make a buck. There’s no disputing that affiliate marketing makes money… the foundations of selling good products, then deriving increased profit from other people under you selling those same products, are solid, and financially benefits nearly everyone. I raise my glass to any entrepreneur who works hard, and achieves some financial security as a result.
- Most affiliate marketers are good people. While I have my reservations about snake-oil salesmen, I’ve found most affiliate marketers to be pretty nice folks… good marketers, who use specific tactics and hard effort to improve their businesses over time. That’s something I value, and again, something I raise my glass to.
However…
- Who’s on the other end? It seems like in their rush to make profits, most affiliate marketers will sell just about any hot product. I’ve seen hypnosis to cure smoking addictions, 101 fantastic tips to do such-and-such, and of course, the pad that you strap on to shock your abs while you’re sitting on the couch not exercising. I don’t begrudge a good marketer for finding a customer case for their product, but who is buying this shit? Where is the customer, and if you’re such a smart marketer, can’t you sell stuff to smarter customers?
- Doesn’t it lack honor? While I recognize the value in making a good living, and recognize everyone’s right to do so in the way they feel is right, I can’t help but think that most affiliate marketers lack honor doing so. Most are willing to sell any product to any person, as long as the profits are right. They don’t seem to care if the product doesn’t work (do they ever?), and they don’t seem to care if they have to con their customers into buying it.
These are my thoughts. But they’re just mine, and really, they’re just off the top of my head. I’d be curious to hear what readers of this post think, especially if you’re an affiliate marketer, or have experience with the industry. Join the conversation in the comments section!
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