I'm a merchant and I email my affiliates. I just sent a Newsletter as a sort of "Reminder" why we are all here. Uploaded my featured products and uploaded more banners and text links.
I'd have to say, some affiliates really do sign up and don't do what they're supposed to be doing. I would gladly be of more assistance to each or any of which that would be more enthusiastic at the very least.
The tips mentioned above were very good and quite effective to some but sadly not to many. I'll definitely try them out, at least the ones I haven't done.
Anyway, I'm still here and sticking it out for that one good affiliate out there... or ten, that would be nice (sigh)