Here is an article about getting the most out of affiliates I found: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=11918

The article states that the merchant

quote:

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monitor(s) Google search results for SeaEagle’s key terms and contact(s) any affiliates that appear too high in listings.

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But if these are not paid listings, and only from spidered result, how can the merchant restrict this?

Not sure, but I have a friend who recieved emails from merchants upset with his placement even though they were not paid listings.