Is it a good idea for an Affiliate Marketer to step out from the digital world and enter the real world?

This question often a proves a potential bone of contention because there is quite a bit of disagreement within the Affiliate Marketing Community as to what constitutes "Affiliate Marketing" and what crosses over into what some refer to as "Introducing". Those some argue that Affiliate Marketing in its purest form involves nothing more than to post a link online and leave it for potential end customers to see and click - after reading a blog post or watching YouTube video, for examples.

So, should affiliate marketing be strictly confined to a virtual world of essentially INDIRECT ACTIONS, i.e. relying on clicks from websites, blogs, social media posts, YouTube videos et cetera, or can it, and even should it, cross over into the real world of DIRECT ACTIONS, i.e. the affiliate calls potential customers, writes letters to them or even goes to see them face to face?

Is it OK to step out from the digital world and enter the real world? Or is that crossing some kind of line in the sand that offends the very concept of Affiliate Marketing?

Our view on this (and our view is based on decades of experience) is that if affiliates don't act in the real world as well as in digital-only world, then it will take them a lot longer (i.e. years longer) to get to the monthly income level which they aspire to: in other words, to earn a living from affiliate marketing (i.e. it's not just a so-called side hustle but is actually your main job) you must be prepared to interact with people by voice (at least) and not just remotely.

If affiliates can't or won't do this then yes, they can still be successful over time, BUT it will take longer. Ideally, all of the 3 major income streams mentioned on the homepage should be pursued.