This is really gonna suck if it goes thru and will do little if anything to help the failing California economy or to balance it's budget. All it is going to do is take money from the little guy cause for starters as Amazon is not based in California so any sales that the program leads to aren't subject to California sales taxes anyway.
I cannot say that I have been making lots of money from the program, but really if the state want to get some money to help pay their bills I can make a big suggestion (Legislatures) Cut those "fatcats" paychecks and remove the "perks" they seem to think they are entitled to cause they haven't been able to do their job in what over 10 years getting a budget in on time. Most of us "regular" people get paid on our performance. Why shouldn't they be held to the same standard. Yes, we passed the law that if they don't get the budget in on time they don't get paid (not sure why that took so long to do either). I think it should be added that when they do get paid they only can draw minimum wage too! Let's see how they like living on that.
I posted a copy of the email from Amazon below in case anyone is interested in reading it. As you can see I am just a bit "fried". I cannot really put any blame on Amazon though. It all goes back to the politicians (bunch of gov't criminals if you ask me)!
EMAIL/LETTER:
Hello,
For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of California residents. Unfortunately, a potential new law that may be signed by Governor Brown compels us to terminate this program for California-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers - including but not limited to those referred by California-based marketing affiliates like you - even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state.
We oppose this bill because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It is supported by big-box retailers, most of which are based outside California, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that we must take this action.
As a result, we will terminate contracts with all California residents that are participants in the Amazon Associates Program as of the date (if any) that the California law becomes effective. We will send a follow-up notice to you confirming the termination date if the California law is enacted. In the event that the California law does not become effective before September 30, 2011, we withdraw this notice. As of the termination date, California residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com , Endless.com , MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com . Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned on or before the termination date will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule.
You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of California. If you are not currently a resident of California, or if you are relocating to another state in the near future, you can manage the details of your Associates account here . And if you relocate to another state in the near future please contact us for reinstatement into the Amazon Associates Program.
To avoid confusion, we would like to clarify that this development will only impact our ability to offer the Associates Program to California residents and will not affect their ability to purchase from Amazon.com , Endless.com , MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com .
We have enjoyed working with you and other California-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program and, if this situation is rectified, would very much welcome the opportunity to re-open our Associates Program to California residents. We are also working on alternative ways to help California residents monetize their websites and we will be sure to contact you when these become available.
Regards, The Amazon Associates Team
