[jimbokun]

Is the affiliate-ness of the links made explicit?

If the author is making clear he or she will get a commission on sales through the link, I don't think "dubious" is a fair description.

Might actually be interesting to have a review site with both positive and negative reviews, but only include affiliate links with the positive ones. The links would signify an explicit endorsement of the product. Would make it clear the reviewers don't endorse everything out there, and somewhat tie their reputation to the quality of what they endorse.

Personally, I don't have a problem with people making money from content they create, as long as their transparent about how they're making it.