Is Affiliate Marketing Really Profitable? (Commentary)

Hello, everyone.  I have been using Affiliate marketing on and off for about two years and I have heard all the stories about it being a great way to monetize your blog without using Google AdSense or in addition to using the AdSense program.  So far, I have used two programs and I am really working hard to promote their links and I really seem to be running into a brick wall.  There are so many rules to these programs and I am following them to the letter. 

I have read so many blogs and tried to use their instructions on how to promote my affiliate links and to be honest with you, none of them are working. Clearly, I am not looking for a get rich scheme because I know that they do not work, but, I also feel that some of the rules of these programs seems to penalize you, if a relative or friend purchase something using your link.  I feel that there is no better way to promote than your friends or family because they will usually purchase products because of your reputation and they feel that you are trustworthy.

I am not going to say that the programs do not work, because I do see many examples of the programs working but the affiliate programs do not instruct you on the different ways to promote their program effectively.  I also have seen articles stating that the affiliate programs are scams.  I will be researching further to make the final decision, whether these programs work or whether they are a waste of time.

If you use any of the affiliate programs, please leave a comment and add your input about how these programs really work.