buckworks - 4:19 am on Aug 7, 2002 (gmt 0)

<<I have great respect for your affiliate STUFF. >>

Thank you.

Regarding payment thresholds, it depends where you're starting from. For someone just learning the ropes, reaching the minimum to get paid can be a frustrating issue. A (for example) LinkShare merchant with a $100 payment threshold would likely be a much less satisfying place to start than CJ (or Performics, or a few others). As one becomes more established and more knowledgeable, it becomes less of an issue. And you know better what to do with the higher paying opportunities as you come across them.

As for finding a niche, I think you're right, that is a more realistic aim than trying to compete in some of the categories mentioned already. You can only expect to "own" a niche until the competition notices what you're doing, but it can be sweet to ride a wave while it lasts, and if you build a strong base you will be able to maintain a profitable presence in the niche for a long time. And meanwhile you diversify ...

What works for you or for me or Joe or Mary will vary a lot, because we all start from a different knowledge base (and learn different things along the way). Technical skills, writing ability, product knowledge, enthusiasms, degree of persistence ... there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. (Despite what some of the MLM folks would have us think, clones seldom get far).

The biggest thing is to try something, and see how it works. There comes a point where you can't learn from books or discussions, you have to start making your own mistakes and learning your own lessons.