We still pay out thousands of dollars per month to affiliates, and our payouts are going up, month after month. We've been able to continue to grow by seeking out and finding fresh niches to promote with content people can't find elsewhere or get easily from any tube sites!
The key really from what I see across our programs is to find a unique niche to promote. Don't target the general porn niches that are overly saturated with tons of competition both from other affiliates and the free sites. Try something new and get outside your box, there is still money to be made and people willing to take out their credit cards to support you if you give them a reason to!