"both the group paying her (Amazon) and Wikipedia refer to affiliate links as ads" I believe that the reason that Amazon does this (I have an account) was inte

"both the group paying her (Amazon) and Wikipedia refer to affiliate links as ads" I believe that the reason that Amazon does this (I have an account) was intended to get around the sales tax issue by calling the payments for advertising as opposed to something that a State could take as "reseller" and translate to a presence and have a stronger leg for state sales tax from Amazon (not relevant given the recent changes but it was back when this practice started).