As someone well versed in the affiliate space, I can say that a lot of the hate comes from the highly-visible low-quality affiliates out there. People associat

As someone well versed in the affiliate space, I can say that a lot of the hate comes from the highly-visible low-quality affiliates out there. People associate it with the most intrusive forms of online advertising including spam, toolbars, pop-ups/unders, misleading ads, annoying banners, and much scummier stuff. It also doesn't help that is a strong association and overlap with the "get rich quick" folks. There are definitely affiliates out there that add value, and affiliate programs in general can be a very profitable channel when managed properly. But there are MANY bad actors out there, and just as many eager newbies ready to take what they say as gospel based on promises of quick cash.