I totally agree about trial and error, as well as doing some research and having some knowledge of the biz before going into it. I have learned some costly lessons but am finally getting to the point where we aren't making major bank, but are consistent at least
Our affiliates have been great, and have helped us along the way, and we do the same for them, (not their job to give us shit on a silver platter, just make us both sales ;-)) we never get into drama or cut throat and so far it's working! There are good people in the biz and some assholes, just a matter of sorting them out