I have been thinking a lot about which direction I want to take this site. One of the things I am passionate about is music. My plan was to talk about new music on a regular basis, tracks I like, but also music that deserves a spot in my all-time favorites list.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to let the people who visit my site 'hear' the music I am talking about and give them an option to get the music if they like it as well. Here Apple comes into mind. Apple has a massive music platform via their iTunes program. My idea was to become an iTunes affiliate to be able to link to music I like (if available) to do what I described above.

When using Google, I found the following link on the Apple website. Here they state that you have to register for LinkShare.com to be able to become an Apple affiliate, so I went ahead and registered for an account. I was surprised to find that MTV networks and HBO also offer affiliation via this site, so I went ahead and registered for them as well (I love comedy, so a link to a standup comedy show might come in handy).

After wandering along the site, which is poorly designed at best, I learned that iTunes affiliation is only available to U.S. residents. If someone knows a good alternative, please let me know, it would be a shame if I couldn't incorporate this into the site.

Here's Apple's rejection e-mail:

Dear Nick Kusters:

We regret to inform you that iTunes has chosen not to accept your application for the iTunes Affiliate Program at this time.  This may be because:
 
-- The content is unrelated to iTunes
-- Your site is temporarily down or under construction ¿-please make sure to apply again after 2 weeks. 
-- A wrong or misspelled URL given in the application.  Please correct the problem and apply again.
-- Your site is aesthetically unpleasing
-- Your site promotes tobacco, alcoholic beverages or excessive drinking/drug use
-- Your site contains extreme religious content
-- Your site is international (with a majority of visitors based OUTSIDE the US. or written in a foreign language) 
 
If any of the above problematic criteria can be resolved, we look forward to your reapplication. 
 
If you plan to reapply in the next two weeks, you must do so at the following link because of restrictions by the LinkShare network.  Please reapply and we will gladly reconsider.
 
<snip>
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at itunesaffiliates@apple.com or contact@linkshare.com.  

Thank you for your interest in the iTunes Affiliate Program.

Best Regards,

iTunes Affiliate Team
http://www.itunes.com/affiliates