I have to confess that 2 years ago when I started my in house affiliate program
affiliate program I was a complete novice. The first serious affiliate to sign up found me by luck but he has brought in serious consistent money ever since.
My program has grown steadily, mostly by word of mouth since I do not promote it much.

Like all merchants I dreamed of the day the "Super Affiliate" came calling or emailing and took my business to the astronomical levels...