True paid surveys are unlike any other "get paid to" programs on the Internet. Why? Because the real paying sites are market research companies that work for reputable companies, political organizations, and entertainment companies to gather information. They aren't pyramids, investment opportunities, or trial offers, they are research. But they are real and they will pay you. You just have to know what to look for and what to avoid.

So why does the paid survey industry have such a bad name? There are a lot of sites out there that are scammers, spammers or just plain inactive. As an example. At last count, I signed up with more than 600 sites. After signing up with all of these sites, I had to weed through thousands of e-mails for supposed "surveys" and get off those lists that really were page after page of offers that wanted my credit card numbers. I had to deal with a fair amount of SPAM that suddenly began showing up.

That was all back in 2003. Today, there is good news and bad news. The bad news? I have eliminated about 550 of those sites from my list. The good news? I am still with about 50 of them and get regularly paid. In a good month now I am fortunate enough to make $600-$1,000 doing surveys, focus groups, testing products and doing surveys and doing paid taste tests.

Unlike many other get paid to programs, most paid survey programs aren't build on downlines and referrals. Do some of them have referral programs? Sure. Some of them pay nicely, some not so well, some get you drawings for sweepstakes and most don't pay at all for referring people. Each month, I make less than $50 off referrals. So sure, you can make money off referrals, but that isn't what surveys are about.

Can you make money taking surveys? Absolutely. I am to a point where I make at least $600 a month taking them. And most months it is closer to $1,000. I spend about 15-45 minutes a day doing surveys. However, if you have come across sites that promise you thousands of dollars a month for doing surveys, or even $350 a survey, look the other way. They aren't being honest.

Do I recommend signing up and getting involved? Absolutely. For two reasons. First, you are helping educate companies about their products. Put simply, you are making a difference. And second, the money can be great too.

But, like any get paid to programs on the net, there are some things you HAVE to know.

1. The cardinal rule of taking surveys online? Research the good sites, sign yourself up, individually with each of them and then you will know you are signed up and that your information is accurate.

2. Fill out your profiles completely and keep them up to date. Depending on the survey, any one of those questions could be the one they need to know to have you qualify.

3. Take sweepstakes surveys from time to time. I don't do all of the ones I get in my e-mail, but when I have a minute, I do take them. Lets those companies know you are out there and willing to be active. Even sweeps companies send out paying surveys from time to time.

4. Be honest. Again, the most important thing about online surveys is that you are helping companies make smarter decisions about their products.

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