Hi tbartsports,
Welcome to WebProWorld!
My partner Linda Woods is the best affiliate management consultant I know, so I will send you to her site for some great articles on what it takes to build a successful program.
Read these articles:
Top 10 Tips to Run a Successful Affiliate Program
What’s Mary Kay Got to do With Affiliate Marketing?
5 Trends in Affiliate Marketing
http://www.partnercentric.com/pctogo.shtml
After you read them come back with feedback, ideas or any specific questions and let's discuss.