A few weeks ago I signed up for the Register.com affiliate program for this very web site, Free Web Money and was therefore quite surprised when I recieved the following email from them...

We regret to inform you that Register.com has chosen to decline your application into their affiliate program at this time. The reason for this decision is one of the following:

* Inability to access Web site
* Web site not yet live
* Your application fits the profile of a previously fraudulent affiliate
* Inappropriate material on site

Please feel free to re-apply with Register.com whenever you feel you have addressed the aforementioned reason that applies to you.

The LinkShare Network(tm) also consists of hundreds of other Affiliate Programs. We encourage you to look for other programs that may be of interest to you. Simply log in to your account by clicking here (http://www.linkshare.com) and then clicking on a program category for additional merchant listings.

If you encounter any problems, or have any questions or concerns, please feel free to visit our Help section by clicking here (http://www.linkshare.com/help.html), or contact LinkShare at contact@linkcorp.net. Thank you for your participation in The LinkShare Network(tm), and we look forward to a rewarding partnership with you!

Best regards,

The LinkShare Team
http://www.linkshare.com

I couldn't believe it! Rather than throw up my hands and give up on their affiliate program, however, I instead responded with a short and polite message:

I believe that you looked at the wrong Web site when you reviewed my application. I'm talking about http://www.free-web-money.com/ and I explicitly talk about finding and registering domain names thereon, so I am unclear how it would be inappropriate? The other entries definitely don't apply...

Please advise,

Dave Taylor

This morning I was pleased to receive the following note back from their team, about a week after my response:

Hi Dave,

I have reviewed the site and I will approve you into the program. You
should be receiving an email shortly.

Thanks,
Melissa

Demonstrating yet again the value of engaging in a dialog with your partners and not leaving any stone unturned until it's clear that it's glued to the ground.

As with many things in life, monetizing your Web site requires patience and persistence. In the case of affiliate programs this demonstrates the value of identifying the companies with which you really want to have a relationship and then working to make that a reality.