My first post, but I have been lurking and absorbing. I was laid off from my job as a Project Manager for one of the big banks here in Charlotte six weeks ago. Trying to decide what to do I decided to jump into affiliate marketing with my husband. I worked in eComm in online banking so I know User Exp and the ins and outs of web design but was having a really tough time getting the vendors I needed. Kind of like the chicken and the egg - I built great websites but without the right products there is nothing to sell. I need products to generate traffic LOL. I happened to stumble in here and saw that contacting the companies and explaining what you were doing could help. So far every company that initially denied me, once they saw the site and content and layout have approved me. We are off and running. Actually got my first commission of a whopping $0.36 - not much but it is something. Gotta start somewhere. LOL! I used to work 50-60 hours a week minimum and was stressed out and miserable. I am probably working way more now, but happy and when I wake up I cannot wait to turn on the laptop and work some more. Will probably have to go back to work soon - but we are hoping that within a year I can quit and do this full time. Many of the posters have encouraged me and helped fill the gaps and I cannot thank you enough. As part of my day now I put aside an hour to *study* I have learned so much already - thanks again! Jodie