Go60Guy - 2:39 pm on Aug 7, 2002 (gmt 0)

I wholeheartedly agree that text links work far better than banners. Generally speaking, merchants would like you to use their banners because they believe they contribute to branding. Banners are not designed primarily to aid the affiliate, IMO.

One exception I've found is where the merchant offers affiliates an interactive search function. These can produce conversions.

Merchants who provide links to individual products or categories are the ones who "get it".

I also agree, that when you become a good producer for a merchant, its time to negotiate a better deal.