I think tastefully done, affiliate links should be allowed. If someone doesn't want to read a post because they see an affiliate link, then that is their choice. And I wouldn't discount something just because there is an affiliate link attached.

For example, I have a post that I have just written that I plan to post on Steemit. It is two pages in Word. There is one affiliate link in the entire post, and I made sure that I noted that it was an affiliate link but that the reader can go to their local bookstore if they prefer.

I think most people are ok with affiliate links if they know ahead of time it is an affiliate link. I'm always amused by those people who feel the need to say, "I don't make any money on this recommendation," or "This isn't an affiliate link!" I'm mostly happy to support my friends who are affiliates of something they believe in, as long as they're not trying to ram it down my throat. Why would I want to give someone else the business when I can give it to a friend?

Anyway, that's just me and my thoughts on links here in Steemit.