Here's how the Amazon Referral Program works. Every one in awhile, I will post a link to a book I've read or that I'm reading or that I think looks interesting. If someone clicks on the book and then buys it, I then get a modest percentage of the purchase price, which they send me at the end of the squatter quarter.
Sounds like a good deal right? It's not as good as it sounds, especially if, like me, you've elected to receive gift certificates instead.
In fact, it costs me more than if I didn't sign up in the first place.
Why?
They have the same marketing plan as your standard drug dealer: give them a taste and get them hooked. You earn just enough so you can't ignore it entirely, but not enough that the book is free.
And just to add insult to injury, they offer free shipping at $25. Of course, all the books are $15. With a shipping cost of $3.99, it makes sense to buy another book and go over $25. But like I said, they're all $15 or $20.
End result? I bought two books that I probably wouldn't have otherwise and spent $32.57 in the process.
So... while we're at it... can anyone suggest a good book (or two) to spend my $7.43 gift certificate on?
I'm debating whether I should get a good technical book - maybe something security related - or just some light reading. Or whether I should just get one of my legal textbooks.