This is one of the more frank and insightful pieces along these lines that I've read.

After glancing at a couple of Ryan's articles just now, there is a staggering difference between his remarkable resource/guide posts and what most make-money-online writers try to pass off as "ultimate guides." His effort and thoroughness are on another level, which probably explains (most of) the difference in results.

I was surprised to read that it's still his side hustle, though. Very prudent.

It's worth noting that most who make that sort of money from affiliate deals are in the make-money-online niche or something adjacent to it.

That’s not to say he’s disingenuous or his content isn’t helpful, just that profitable blogging is content marketing first, second, and third. I suspect many new web hosting customers are disappointed to learn that the hard way.