As a program owner, I've always wondered how so many programs can (presumably) shave any sales from their affiliates. I'm more inclined to GIVE affiliates sales than to remove them. Do you have any idea how fickle most affiliates are when it comes to revenue sharing programs these days? I'm not talking noobs either, even seasoned affiliates get antsy after a day or two of low sales activity.
Shaving sales may be a byproduct, but I think all the wacky promos are more a result of all the competition and a desire to get an influx of new affiliates and traffic into a program. Figuring out how to then make a profit off of the traffic is an afterthought.
