Topic: Affiliate Marketing

The hosts discuss the development of a custom No Agenda microphone and the ethics of modern product promotion. They highlight the Amazon Influencer Program and TikTok Shop, suggesting that many creators are violating FTC disclosure rules by failing to clearly state when they are receiving commissions for product recommendations.

Amazon announced it is lowering affiliate payouts to as low as 1%, a move seen as a betrayal of the content creators who helped build the platform. Separately, the series finale of Star Trek: Picard was criticized for naming a Federation flagship after the Chinese explorer Zheng He, which some viewers interpreted as a sign of Chinese financial influence over Paramount.

Podcaster Jen Briney of "Congressional Dish" had her Amazon Associates account terminated for "incentivizing" purchases by telling listeners that using her links supports the show. Amazon's policy strictly prohibits encouraging users to bookmark links or stating that purchases provide financial support to a site. This highlights the precarious nature of relying on major tech platforms for revenue, as accounts can be closed without appeal or payment of outstanding fees.

Governor Jerry Brown signed a law requiring out-of-state retailers to collect sales tax if they have a physical presence in California, leading Amazon to cancel all affiliate contracts in the state. The hosts discuss the impact on their personal income and the constitutional implications of "taxation without representation" regarding online affiliates.

A frustration is shared regarding the Amazon Associates affiliate program, which reportedly does not allow direct linking to Kindle ebooks for commissions. This restriction is contrasted with the ability to link to physical books. The hosts suggest this is a control tactic by Amazon to limit the earnings of independent reviewers and influencers.