I use mine because it pays my rent, and my car insurance, and I still have time for a regular job and school.
Plenty of programs pay great money, but obviously the more they pay the more competitive it is so the more time and or money needs to be put in.
go to johnchow website and see how much he made from affilates. http://www.johnchow.com/blog-income-report-june-2008/
Affiliate program can help you pay your next liter of fuel - that is if you have a car. There is no easy way. You have to invest time and money to earn money.
You need to sign up as an affiliate first.. then you help to promote selling products on assigned websites. Once someone buys the product, you'll get your commission. That's all affiliates about. It's like you are being a freelance sales person. If you decide to give it a go.. try links in my signature.
Affiliates programmes are used to earn more and more money. If you have more affiliates with you then you will earn lots of money. It is good for me.
It's funny how a general question about affiliate marketing can lead to stuff like productivity and generating remarkable quotes.