^^getting started online scams

^^Surfing the net, we will almost certainly stumble upon ads which exhort us to participate in online earning ventures. The question that immediately comes to our mind is: Can I really earn money on the internet? The answer, as most of you already know, is YES. But it never is as simple or as easy as these advertisements claim.
Self-Assessment
Earning Options
Selection Criteria
Online Earning

Where do I start?
Before joining any program, assess yourself.

What are your expectations or earning goals? You can go one step further by defining them within a specific time frame. For example, I expect to earn $100 every month. Of course, one must be practical when setting goals, and it’s always better to start slow when you lack experience.

What are you willing to give? Set the limits on how much time, effort and money you are willing and able to invest. This can help you in deciding which programs are worth joining and which will just be a waste of your time. Keeping these limitations in mind can also help you avoid putting in something you cannot afford to, as well as ensures you still have enough time for your normal day to day activities.

How do you want to be paid? Again, you have a lot of payment methods to choose from. However, valid options may be dependent upon your geographic location, as some payment processors are limited to certain countries only. To maximize earnings, check out and compare all applicable fees involved with each type, as well as its flexibility (funding and withdrawal options), popularity (acceptability online and offline) and reliability.

Once you’ve established your personal comfort zone, its time to go shopping!
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What are my choices?
^^^There’s an endless array of earning opportunities on the net. This would include but is not limited to:

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Affiliate Programs
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High Yield Investment Programs (HYIP)
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Paid to Click
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Paid to Download and Install Software
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Paid to Play Games
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Paid to Post in Forums
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Paid to Promote
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Paid to Read Email Advertisements (PTR)
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Paid to Review
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Paid to Display Ads on your Website
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Paid to Search
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Paid to Shop
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Paid to Signup
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Paid to Surf
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Paid Surveys
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Paid to Upload Images

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How do I pick?
Now, comes the tough part, choosing the programs to pick. Among all those programs that are being advertised, how would you know which ones to choose? Several factors have to be considered, most important of which is: Does the program pay?
This is the part where you have to do your research.

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Join any one of the numerous forums which discuss Get Paid To (GPT) programs. And just don’t read the posts, participate! Ask now to avoid regrets later. Each type of GPT program has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some tips for one type will not necessarily be useful for another. By actively discussing, you learn more, and can be of help to other as well. Plus, the friends you make may lead you to more lucrative earning opportunities.

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Take the time to study the personal websites which promote various GPT programs. More often than not, you will find useful tips, links and tutorials. More importantly, you may notice that some programs are being mentioned more often than others. At the very least, this signifies that these programs have paid these individuals, and can therefore be considered more reliable than others.

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After scoping out the possibilities, pick a group of programs you think are worthwhile and check them one by one. Personally, I use the following criteria in assessing prospective programs:

1. Website Layout and Design – At the very least, the Program Owner (PO) should have made some effort to enhance site attractiveness, especially if a familiar-looking template is being used. You must remember that anyone with extra cash can easily establish a fly by night PTR, autosurf or other GPT program.

2. Basic features, FAQ and Terms of Service – Study the program features and be familiar with the Terms of Service, especially with regards to Requirements, Services Offered and Compensation Details, to avoid unexpected and unpleasant shocks in the course of your membership. Are you qualified to participate? Keep in mind that some programs have country restrictions. Reading the fine print can save you from regrets later. Another thing you should note is if the site content is a mere copy of other programs’ content, or if it has been customized for the program. Check if the PO made provisions for every possible issue that may arise.

3. Program Sustainability – Analyze the program’s mode of revenue generation as this is where your income will be derived from. Is it feasible and sustainable? It is generally agreed upon that if something appears too good to be true, it usually is.

4. Support Features – A good program will always provide its members with several venues for communicating concerns, issues, comments and suggestions. Forums not only provide allow current members to give feedback, they also give prospective members a glimpse into the inner workings of the program.

5. Other Features – Does the program offer additional services/bonuses for participation?

6. Background – Try to research the Program’s history, look up the domain at WhoIs.ws or WhoIs.net. Identify the PO, and verify if he/she owns/has owned other programs. Search for discrepancies in address and telephone numbers. Even just the web hosting info can give you an idea of how long the PO plans to sustain his program.

After picking your finalists, sign up for your programs. Be careful though. Initially, when presented with the bewildering array of seemingly excellent programs, you will feel the urge to sign up for every one of them. Although this can be fondly viewed as a rite of passage for the GPT newbie, chances are you may be wasting precious time and effort that could be otherwise invested in more fruitful ventures. Do not spread yourself too thin. Less is more.
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I’ve signed up. Now what?
Now‘s the time for you to hold up your part of the bargain. Do what is required of you, and do it well. If you have time to spare, join your program’s site support forum to keep yourself up-to-date.

After some time, your perception of the program may change, as will your values. If you feel something isn’t working for you, don’t force yourself to continue. Cut your losses and move on. Consider it a lesson learned, and make sure to pass your info on to others. The GPT business is dynamic, and what was lucrative then may not be so now.

A reminder though, this is the stage where plenty become entrapped in the rigid daily routine of online earning. Don’t neglect your offline life! Get out in the sun, go shopping, play basketball, fulfill your obligations! Remember, this is just a means to the end, and not the end itself.

I’ve reached payout!
Congratulations! Many may still feel the need to go on, or to reinvest. But make sure you enjoy the fruits of your labor. After all that hard work, you deserve an extra-special treat!