This is the time in Revenue’s publishing cycle that all the stories for the next issue are flooding in. I’m furiously editing and fine tuning some fantastic articles and at the same time writing, reporting and researching some of my own features. It’s a very frantic but equally exciting time.

I love it when one of our writers files their story and it after reading it I’ve learned a pile of new, helpful information - despite the fact that the author and I have talked at length many times about the article throughout the entire process.

This week I edited a great story on why more merchants are denying affiliate applications. It’s got truly insightful comments from an amazing array of affiliate program managers, top-performing affiliates along with the perspective of those at the networks and other industry gurus.

In addition, the story also includes a sidebar on specific steps you can take to improve your chances of being accepted into a program before you submit your application. I think you’ll find range of perspectives enlightening and the application tips very valuable.

I’ve also been editing a piece on switching networks. This was a topic brought to my attention by a reader, which is often where so many of our best story ideas start. The feature touches on the problems and pitfalls as well as benefits and gives an idea of just how much work is involved in such a large undertaking. It’s clearly a disruptive move, but for some the payoff was well worth it.

I was also thrilled to edit the premiere of our By Design Makeover column. Pedro Sostre, a well established top affiliate with Commission Junction, who also owns Miami-based design firm Sostre & Associates, gave a homepage redesign to one of our readers and then explains each step. We’ll show you the “before” and “after.” The results are dramatic and stunning.

I can’t reveal with winner of the makeover. You’ll have to wait for the January issue of Revenue to check it out.

We also plan in future issues to follow up each of these “makeovers” to see how they really worked for the publishers. Having an eye-catching site is only good if you can convert visitors into sales.

There are many other interesting articles that are also in the final stages of writing and editing this week. There’s one that looks at the complex and controversial issue of Internet Taxation. I expect that topic will have people talking.

There’s another about what health and fitness sites are doing to attract more attention as well as a comprehensive look at the value of RSS feeds and how to prevent splogging. Even if your familar with splogging this piece will help you better protect yourself.

So far, I’m delighted with the range of topics and stories. But most of all I’m overjoyed there are so many people quoted throughout the magazine. We managed to jam-pack articles with tons of new voices, opinions and perspectives. You may not agree with what everyone has to say, but we make sure all sides get heard.

Okay, now I’m off to try and meet my own deadline for my story on how online marketers are leveraging podcasting.

Keep those great ideas coming. We love your input. lisap@revenuetoday.com