Is Affiliate Marketing Finished? Should We Just Pack It Up and Go Home?

What was once the wild west as far as internet marketing goes, is not so wild anymore.

As of December 1, 2009 the FTC is cracking down on all sites that feature bogus testimonials of individuals claiming massive financial rewards insinuating that all individuals who use said product will enjoy the same results.

Testimonials are a powerful selling tool especially in the copywriters toolbox, but when used unethically they can cause more harm than good and the FTC has setup guidelines to ensure that the "more harm" part falls on the shoulders of the product merchants.

In addition to the product merchants reaping the whirlwind of what could be an $11,000.00 fine, any and all affiliates who make false claims in an effort generate sales for the merchants product will be held liable as well.

So what does this mean for honest ethical marketers and affiliates alike?

No longer will they have to compete against "snake oil salesman" and marketers who will say whatever they need to say just to make a quick buck.

This means that individuals who are sincerely and desperately looking for a way to make money online may actually find one.

As well, with the FTC guidelines going into effect as of December 1, 2009 affiliates who market in an ethical and responsible manner will yield bigger results in the long run.

Is affiliate marketing finished? Hardly, but will you be able to pursue your own internet marketing business without any legal hiccups that could potentially rise from your marketing efforts?

Absolutely so long as you operate above board and leave the "snake oil" to the snake oil salesmen.