Since I mod and/or participate in most of the affiliate marketing forums, I am often asked by new affiliates about the best ways to get started or how to pick the best affiliate programs.

Here is a great thread with lots of good tips from larwee and Czar at the GeekVillage affiliate forums.

Newbie affiliate program selecting tips
http://www.geekvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26663