If so, then it seems like searching Google is becoming more and more like standing in the middle of a big department store wondering where to find the exit.

Long time lurker here, Just wanted to chime in here and first say thanks for your innovative work here on this blog, and on the web in general, its been fun listening in the last few years.

and second I am with you on the lack of good feedback on this release by Google. As a part time affiliate manager I was very excited to hear this news. A seamless package of Admanager/Affiliate/Analytics is a very potent setup and overall time saver (most affiliate networks are a real pain to work through).

My guess is the big players are still a little concerned about how much info they are going to commit to the Almighty G if they go with this package.

I could see Small business owners who are already running some adword campaigns jumping on the chance to do one time or short term affiliate offers (and gain a little link juice while their at it), without having to commit to a large term contact/rates.

-T