[adam-_-]

They're not explicitly sponsoring the blog post they are merely hosting companies that he trust whom happen to also have affiliate schemes. Why not benefit from a post like this?

If I were to recommend or talk about books I'd most likely use afiliate links to Amazon. Is that really suc a big deal?

As a blogger, there's really not much cash to be made to offset the time/money investment other than ads (which tech savy audiences are mostly blind to) or affiliate schemes.

If the affiliate links are disclosed I don't see the problem and am often willing to help those who produce valuable content.