====== FTC affilliate disclosure ======

>...suppose the person works for the company that sells the product – or has been paid by the company to tout the product. Would you want to know that when you’re evaluating the endorser’s glowing recommendation? You bet. That common-sense premise is at the heart of the [[https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/press-releases/ftc-publishes-final-guides-governing-endorsements-testimonials/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf|Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Endorsement Guides]] (pdf). -- FTC((https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking#affiliateornetwork))

This wiki strives to illustrate/present options rather than make recommendations (glowing or otherwise).  A link to a product or service is intended to help reader research and not to endorse //anything//.  

Exception:  individual contributors may endorse/recommend but that should be done in an obviously-personal inclusion in the article.  "So-and-so recommends such-and-such".

Still, this is your affiliate disclosure.  If you follow a link to a retailer like [[https://amzn.to/2Np2DuL|Amazon]] or [[https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?+toolid=10001&LH_CAds=&_ex_kw=&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_mPrRngCbx=1&_nkw=van+OR+rv&_sacat=&_sadis=&_sop=12&_udhi=&_udlo=&i+cep_vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true&_fosrp=1|eBay]] the wiki or its contributors may get a referral fee from the sale.  It doesn't change the price to the customer.

Amazon wants to see these specific words:  //as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases//.

===== financial transparency =====

{{https://img.mousetrap.net/misc/amazonOverview202406.jpg}}

Notes:

  - this sheet tracks actual payments and not when the earnings were made.  This can result in blank spots when either $0 was earned, or when the payout minimum was not met ($10, IIRC)
  - the gap and negative number in 2023 is because a $154.94 was awarded then the buyer returned the product a couple months later.  The deduction slurped up all other commission earnings for a few months
  - the virtual server is priced in euros.  It usually ends up being ~$15/mo so I used that figure here instead of tracking currency exchange rates. 
  - in Feb 2023 I changed from taking the commission payouts as Amazon gift certificates to direct deposit.  There is little practical difference since I regularly order from Amazon, but one of my accounts waives the fee on months when there is a direct deposit.  
  - In 2024 Amazon started inviting me to programs that offer bonuses for meeting sales ~$1000.  I've met this 2x and have received 2x $30 bonuses (boni?) as of June 26.