[Wikipedia-l] Re: [associates at amazon.com: Amazon.com Associates program - your application approved]

[Jimmy Wales]

Karl Eichwalder wrote:
> Jimmy Wales <jwales at bomis.com> writes:
> 
> > Doing exactly what we're doing now, but including an associates link,
> > will reduce their income, not increase it, at least relative to the
> > status quo.
> 
> They wouldn't offer the "associates programm" if it would increase
> their income - one way or the other.

That's right.  The offer the associates program in order to induce
people to link to them.  They would prefer, of course, that people
link to them for free.  For a site is going to link to them for free,
they are surely worse of if that site links to them for money instead.

We certainly are bringing Amazon no *additional* benefit by linking to
them with an associates code.

It seems to me that for Amazon haters, the following ranking makes the
most sense...

1.  Don't link to them at all.  BEST

2.  Link to them, but make them pay.  2nd BEST

3.  Link to them for free.  WORST by FAR

--Jimbo