I agree, Phil - great discussion.
I see affiliate marketing as a win/win/win situation - it really is a great business model.
It pays my research, publishing & consulting fee's... so my subscribers & clients dont have to!
I dont sell ad space in my newsletter, as I really do want control over the content - and everything that I include is something I feel good about. I think my readers know that about me
I recommend my own web host - the one I use and love - not the one down the road that would pay me double for a referral.
The great thing about it all is this: People know they can come to me for an honest and thorough consultation - or read my newsletter for the best tips I can offer (tips I am using myself every day) - and they can get all of this for free, along with the money-saving advice and referrals that I pass along to them (saving them even more money) - and I can afford the time to help each and every one of them... And the companies I recommend get new business at the same time! Like I said: a win/win/win situation!