Comment by ssl-3

I used to be an Amazon affiliate, myself. I made a small amount of money with that program, by giving people Amazon links (with my affiliate tag) when I wanted to introduce an example of a particular product in a discussion where I thought it would be helpful.

I am no longer an Amazon affiliate. I no longer make any money with that program. I still give people Amazon links when I want to introduce an example of a particular product where I think it will be helpful.

Nothing has changed about the way I write or recommend gear, except for the present-day absence of an affiliate link. It was the same before I was an affiliate, it was the same while I was an affiliate, and it remains the same now that I am no longer an affiliate.

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"So why Amazon links when you could just link to the manufacturer's page instead," you may be asking?

That answer is simple: Because Amazon is consistent, accessible, and includes pricing.

Manufacturers' web pages too often have a profound tendency to be absolutely awful: It's a spectacle of moving images and flashing lights, noisemakers, pop-ups and fucking "SPIN THE WHEEL FOR A PRIZE!!!!" bullshit instead of -- you know -- information.

But all a person really needs as a jumping-off point is basic information. A description, some photos, and a realistic price is a good start.

That latter set is really all that Amazon provides. And that kind of simplicity is useful to me.

My ultimate motivation when I link a product is to be helpful to others. Affiliate or not, linking to Amazon furthers that goal of mine in ways that sending clicks to some Web analog of the Vegas Strip cannot ever accomplish.

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"So if you're so [euphemism], then why aren't you an affiliate anymore," you may wish to ask next.

That answer is also easy: Several years ago, Amazon demanded that I submit of all of my social media information in order to maintain participation in the program. I was not OK with doing this, so I ignored that demand. They subsequently kicked me out.