I wanted to consult with the Lab on this one before I commented on this thread
Basically Dan was showing you an example using (or equivalent to using) the 30DC Wordpress blog.
Which is hosted on his domain.
So you can use these yourself if you want to for your own keyword phrase. And it is free to you. Your call.
He was not in any way promoting or guiding you to use Wordpress - you can do this in other Hosting Domains that allow affiliate links.
As yes the WP.com terms of service do say no Affiliate links.
However there is nothing to stop you redirecting to a HubPage or Squidoo lens. The thing is not to have an affiliate link as per their terms of service.
As Ed explained on the video's and we have been saying on the forum - it is up to you to thoroughly read the terms of service (which you have) of the hosting platforms and discern for yourself based on what you know.
And the 30DC WP hosting platforms have been here for a while, and we recognize from feedback that there are a significant proportion of community members who are choosing to use their own hosted WP blog.
We are only promoting free options here. There are always paid ways to do something - which are often quicker and easier - hence why you pay for them
And at the same time - this strategy works incredibly effectively using a variety of free tools - there is a way you can use WP for free if you want.
We are not going to recommend any one hosting platform for the very reason, we do not want another stampede result (and understand it is human nature when you are learning, to go where you are pointed to/want to be pointed in a direction, etc etc...leaving the T experience in the annals of history
)
Best to you all
Caro