I was joking about the money. However, some would say even the appearance of financial collusion compromises a journalist's integrity. Though I am not sure you consider yourself a journalist, you are now involved in the industry, if only in a limited manner. I view affiliate links as a negative tread in online news. They and click bait appear to compromise the quality of journalism in favor of sensationalism and infotainment.
So while I understand your reasons and don’t necessarily disagree with them, the trend you’re drawing from is distasteful.