I have only come across three arguments as to why people do not have their own dot.com's:

1) I Already Have A Site With One Of The Free Hosts.

Look at your site through eyes of a potential client. Do you think banner ads free web site provider puts on your page, enhance information you want your potential clients to see? Go to http://geocities.yahoo.com and see if this is image you want for your business.

2) I Can't Afford My Own Dot.Com Name And Site.

Really ? You don't need many of those "bells and whistles" included by many providers, so why pay for them. You could have your own dot.com registered AND hosted for about $30 a year. That's about cost of one fast food lunch a month. Do you really think this is too much to invest in your future? For an example, stop by http://bitshack.com and you'll see what I mean.

3) I Can't Design A Website.

We are not talking anything complex here, just a simple site will have dramatic results on your traffic, and sign ups. There are also an abundance of free web building programs out there. Go to: http://www.cas.psu.edu/docs/cashome/guides/htmllist.html and you will find plenty of free and low cost tools you can use. Remember you are talking about an on-line business, and this is one skill you should learn.

Let's talk facts. As more and more people spend time on web, they quickly learn that if they've seen one affiliate site for a company, they've seen them all. They also develop a dislike of "pop down" screens and banners of free sites. They also look with disdain upon free web space provided by ISP's, as there is no degree of permanence there

If they're going to do business on web, they want to deal with someone who will be around for awhile, and your own web domain and site is a good indicator. You at least are showing your prospects that you are serious about doing business on web, and are probably not just "testing water", hoping to make a quick buck or two.

Now - can you use a site that is not your own domain? While not preferred route to take, it is "head and shoulders" above link you get from affiliate program. Most ISP's give you web space free. Learn a little HTML code and you're in business. Or, if push comes to shove, hire someone to do it for you. Let's face it, if I see a URL that I recognize as an affiliate program, and I've been there before, I will simply "click away".

The old saying, that if a "salesperson sells themself first, sale of their product or service follows shortly thereafter" is certainly true. Establish yourself on web and in newsletters/ezines as someone who can be trusted, and is knowledgeable in their field. If people get to know and trust you, your recommendation to join your affiliate program will carry a lot more weight.

Now that you have control over your web page, you should have a guest book that visitors can sign. Now you have their email address. Folks, these are literally worth their weight in gold. You can now send them email about upcoming events on your web site, and not be accused of spamming.

Run a contest on your web site - prizes don't have to be off wall. An ebook (and there a number available free) can be your prize - and again more email address. Write a free newsletter/ezine and publish it on a regular basis - even more email addresses. As long as there is content of interest, they won't mind a gentle reminder to visit your web site.

Consider a "non-competing" partner to help you with site or to write articles for ezine. It makes no difference to you if there is another link to another affiliate program on your site. If they are willing to share work in return for link, it is to your advantage. The key here is "non-competing".

So - are affiliate programs a "boon" or a "bust"? If you simply join and sit back waiting for money to flow, it is later. If you are a "take charge" type of person and are willing to work a little, it can be a great opportunity.