The payout scale changed dramatically in my opinion. It's no longer based on the volume of buyers sent Amazon's way from the affiliate's link. It used to pay out according to your numbers. The more you sold, the more you made up to 8.5%. Starting in March, the only payout scale changed to a flat rate percentage based on what you sold - specifically what category the item belongs in. Some categories pay quite a bit more than others like Amazon coins and luxury makeup. If your blog or website is not already themed towards luxe beauty items do you think your audience is going to click through your Amazon Associates link on your say so about a fabulous blush? Maybe, maybe not. I suspect it would seem out of place and like a money grab to your regular readers if you begin reviewing those items when you hadn't before. Worse, the flat rate percentage is much lower overall and a little confusing because some items seem like they could apply to more than category. The program used be a nice little earner for me but that's significantly dropped.