[Linda Buquet]

The traditional affiliate directory makes most of their money on 2nd tier commissions which I doubt is very lucative at all. Some of them also make money on paid ad spots on the directory. I view traditional affiliate directories as pretty competitive and hard to keep up for the amount of money you could make in return. That's just my guess.

5 Star is much different and is not a typical affiliate directory. I'm more of a consultant and do lots more than just put up a listing or a banner - plus my service is very exclusive and I turn away 99.99% of the programs that want to advertise on 5 star. I'm very selective and merchants have to meet a variety of criteria mainly centered around how honest they are and how pro-affiliate their commissions and policies are. So in my case I don't get paid per affiliate and I don't accept any 2nd tier commission. My clients pay for my service monthly.

Even though I have the rep to do a large open affiliate directory, I doubt I ever would. Don't think it would be worth the effort. Just IMHO. Actually I've thought about doing one just for the traffic and links, but I don't think there'd be enough money in it to do it just for the money. I'm not sure it would be that good of a place to put your energy.