I would like to give my 2 cents on this.. I have been affiliate marketing in other niches for nearly 8 years.. mostly software and physical products. I get from a 6% - 18% conversion rate on these types of products with a refund rate only about 2%.

Then I started to jump in on the IM products and averaged about a 2% conversion on sales with nearly a 30% - 50% refund rate! Lately the IM market has been horrible which is leading me to focus more of my time with other niches.

I am glad CB is changing their policy, but I think it's too late as most people know it's too easy to buy and ask for a refund now.

As for the niches I am working on..

1. Health and fitness equipment (CJ.com and Amazon)
2. Small household appliances (Amazon.com)
3. PC Security software (CJ.com, One Network Direct)
4. PC Utility Software (Linkshare.com)

I also use many other affiliate networks, but these are the primary.

Hope that helps!

My suggestion.. jump on board with Amazon.com.. find products that cost $200+ to promote. After a while, you will be having $100+ days and the HUGE benefit is the sales last much long than just 1 - 3 weeks.. but for months.

It's pretty easy to get up to 7% - 8% commission especially around Christmas time.