new to affiliate marketing

Hello;
I found your site while tweaking my first attempt at affiliate marketing programs. I opened a reseller business to sell hosting and found it to competitive. I have a web hosting site and one link off that site to my "affiliate page" with links from Commission Junction vendors.
I spent a bit of money advertising to test the waters on a popular pay per click program, but did not receive any sales in the two weeks I have had it going.
In a nutshell, I need some direction on how to create an affiliate website and make some money without paying out the ear for advertising. I am willing to pay for advertising, however, I do not want to exceed any profits. I am open to a new venture, as long as I can profit without digging through the "affiliate marketing zoo" on the Internet.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
bufhal

I can share a couple things that I have found out about affiliate marketing. Like yourself, I am also somewhat new. I have found that NO ONE is going to share or give valuable tips on affiliate marketing. That would be like having a store and giving your competition some sales space. Your profits become less! Now, what I can share with you is I have spent many hours each day after working a full time job to develope my web sites. Look at your competition and see what they are doing. That would be a good start.

Thanks for the feedback. I am going to keep the hosting site on the back burner and find a more entertaining venue. How are the Casino Gambling affiliate payouts?

you know...the whole purpose of a forum-whatever subject it is-is to share information: ups and downs, experiences thoughts and ideas. Otherwise, my silly little friend, what would be the point.

I do not disagree with you on the value of a forum. Just giving my observation on what I have found. Everybody will give bits and pieces of information. You need to compile all of the information to formulate ideas.

Thanks for clarifing cpucandy. Just wanted to know if there are certain affiliates to avoid at all costs-
I have heardthe pre-populated with products affiliates are worthless, for instance..
The affiliate websites usually want your money or a committment before you can see if they work.
bufhal

Well since I still in the early stages, I can say that I have not been screwed by any affiliate sites yet. Probably lucky. I have been trying to work with ClickBank, Linkshare, Commission Junction and Regnow. I am getting my first check from clickbank. I can let know about my experience after I receive it. If I had to say which ones that seem to offer a wide arrangement of products, I would say clickbank and commission junction. I found this link a couple of days ago that seems to be very interesting: http://abw.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=f...79&f=4406070493. (nothing in the link for referral or tracking purposes)