How Amazon & I Just Got Screwed by State Government
Just 5 minutes ago, I received an email from Amazon. To my surprise, it was an email informing me that thanks to the Illinois Government, Amazon will likely terminate my associates account. The reason? A new tax scheme that basically aims to eliminate affiliate programs. See the details here.
Note that if my Governor decides to be stupid and sign this (as he most likely will because he’s stupid), then I will lose a revenue source. What’s next? Clickbank?
This kind of crap makes me want to build a spaceship and leave this forsaken planet of ignorant asses who think they can control everyone and everything.
Tagged with: affiliate marketing • affiliate programs • affiliate tax • affiliates tax • amazon associates terminating account • amazon tax • il tax amazon • illinois tax scheme • unconstitutional tax scheme
Filed under: Making Money • News • Rants • UPDATES
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Twitter: HeyLiane
says:
What kind of state would want that to happen? That’s just plain cruel. Hope your governor would change his mind.
Liane | Blog Design Team´s last [type] ..Today is a Special Day
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
Google it. Amazon already pulled out of South Carolina apparently, and another state. It seems that it was a bad move because instead of collecting a “double tax” like they planned, they still get nothing because there aren’t any affiliates to collect from.
Twitter: TrafficColeman
says:
This is some BS..if I can say that?
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
Right on the money. Feel free to spell it out next time
Twitter: danischenker
says:
Try leaving the USA first befor leaving the planet
There are some nice places… Also to make money online… hehe
But of course I understand your reaction! This sucks big time!
Dani Schenker´s last [type] ..Rückblick 2010- Best of Internet
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
Nah, they cut off American heads in other countries. And every time I hear that an American has been kidnapped or arrested in another country for no reason, I laugh and ask why they went there in the first place when they knew better. Like those morons who were taken hostage by Iran.
Twitter: danischenker
says:
Ok… I am not talking about Iran
lol
How about a safe country? Like Switzerland or if this is too far away come to Costa Rica (I can help you out here, hehe)…
No kiddnapping
Dani Schenker´s last [type] ..Rückblick 2010- Best of Internet
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
Hmmm. I will think about it. Do they like Americans out there? I will consult with my team of bodyguards
Twitter: danischenker
says:
Don’t need bodyguards around here… And the girls like… the money… hehe
Dani Schenker´s last [type] ..Rückblick 2010- Best of Internet
Twitter: BloggersMarket
says:
Hi Brandon,
I miss my friends ……… however, I’m finished with the new site, time to catch-up. Actually, I built the new site to sell, because like everyone I have bills to pay also!!! As for your bills Brandon, I have really bad news …….. your state is broke and they are going to need you to bail them out.
Hey, I couldn’t help but notice your stand alone product “Blogging For Income”. That’s the next hard target not Click-Bank …… you should have known better than to place the word “Income” into any of your own products. Hell, you might as well paint a target on your Blog! The word “Income” means more money for your state! “Silly Rabbit, tricks are for kids” ……… and the state, not Bloggers!
Jeffrey Morgan´s last [type] ..Happy New Year !
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
They are going after JUST the affiliates man. Not the sellers. That’s why any state that passes the stupid law will no longer be allowed to have Amazon affiliates.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Brandon
Hope you had a nice Christmas and New Year
Why oh Why oh Why do these people make these stupid rules and try to ruin everything for everyone?????
It beggars belief!
I hope it doesn’t get passed, but from what you said it looks like it will be approved, you shall just have to move over here to the UK ha ha.
Sally
Sally Neill´s last [type] ..Go Ahead… Make Me Hop Onto Your Blog!
Twitter: rick_byrd
says:
Hey Brandon:
What worries me is that this is at least the 3rd state to have this issue happen. So I hope this does not open the door for other states to implement a tax. I know that some states have already rejected the tax idea. I hope that you have written the Govenor to voice your opposition to this bill. Maybe if enough people voice their opposition he will not sign it.
It never continues to amaze me how these politicians think or should I say don’t think. They are so concerned about either increasing or creating new taxes to pay for all these government programs. They never think about cutting out some of these programs and spend less money.
I could go on for quite awhile on this issue (I have written and re-written my comment several times and decided to go with the watered down version) but I won’t.
- Rick
Rick Byrd´s last [type] ..How To Optimize Your Time Blogging
Brandon, This is a bunch of BS. I hope it gets stopped since this is abso-f’n-lutely stupid
diane´s last [type] ..Why Are The DJIA Futures Always In The News
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
It won’t be stopped. The governor actually pursued this bill.
This is a little bit of “what the?”. Totally I’m confused why would they’ve done that.
John from Electricians in Paddington´s last [type] ..Electricians Paddington – Great Local Electricians Vs Average Local Electricians
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
Greed surpasses I.Q. most of the time. When people with a lack of an I.Q. get into government, then you have two things working against you…. Stupid + Greed.
Twitter: DennisEdell
says:
Yea someone really shot themselves in the foot. No one thought the company or companies…this time Amazon…would rather drop an entire state worth of affiliates then to pony up some.
Lose-lose for sure.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..Official Rules and Helpful Tips for DEDC’ Monthly Top Commenter Contests
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
says:
Amazon did the right thing. I would have done the same rather than taking it in the butt because of a greedy politician. This same Governor is the cause of a local community center closing programs within the past year because of budget cuts.
Twitter: DennisEdell
says:
Oh absolutely they did the right thing!
When saying, someone really shot themselves in the foot, I was referring to the fools behind the greed, not Amazon.
I just wish I could ee the initial faces when Amazon turns the table…..deer in headlights would be an understatement for sure.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..Contest Sponsors Linking to Money Making Pages – I Need Your Honest Opinion – FAST!
Twitter: BestMoneyBlog
says:
Can you sign up as an affiliate under a corporation that is incorporated in a different state? Then it wouldn’t matter because it would have nothing to do with Illinois.
That would be legal, and I can’t imagine it’s against Amazon’s rules.
Then again, is the cost worth it?
What say you?
Twitter: alanashwood
says:
Hi. Found you via Sally Neill.
Wow, this is nasty. This could become a viral problem if other states decide to follow suit. maybe some smart lawyer will decide that this is restricting the freedom to make a living. There must be a point of law somewhere here.
I’m in the UK, but it only needs some idiot who doesn’t understand it, to tell someone in Parliament who also hasn’t go a clue, and we’re all stuffed.
Good luck and keep us informed.
Regards
Alan
From The Magic Forest, England