Funny... your situation is very similar to mine, actually. I also have friends/acquaintances making big bucks with affiliate marketing, and I've dabbled in it myself, but I can never seem to muster enough enthusiasm to put much work into it. I can't help feeling like I'm not really adding value, though I do think AM can add value, if done right.<p>Also, I wouldn't be so quick to assume you're not acting rationally. Not robotic, certainly, but a rational human would consider the way his work makes him feel, etc. I realize this may seem contradictory, as rational/emotional are often seen as opposites, but we are human and we have emotions, so ignoring them entirely must be irrational.
In other words, working towards maximum profit is not necessarily rational.<p>I'm torn on appealing to base instincts... I believe it can enhance an experience, but I have a hard time stomaching out-right manipulation. Naturally there is room in the middle, but I guess it's up to each of us to draw that line for ourselves.