Have you ever thought of taking those online surveys that promise to pay you for sharing your opinion about a number of multiple-choice questions? It seems like easy money, right? I mean, how hard would it be to answer, say, 40 or 50 questions (sometimes less) on your preferences about a host of things, especially when there are no right or wrong answers at all.

Personally, I don't mind taking surveys of any sort because I have a naturally inquisitive mind, I guess. So taking an online survey for money is greatly appealing to me.

Lately, there has been a virtual explosion of these paid internet surveys that have seemingly appeared everywhere like mushrooms following a strong rain shower. If you believed them all, you'd make enough money to retire on in no time. I was interested to try them all and also a bit skeptical at the same time, but what did I have to lose as long as they didn't charge me anything? I guess that's one of the advantages of having a lot of free time on your hands.

Some of the surveys were just downright outlandish, while others, especially those initiated by major multinational corporations, asked too many things. Among the outlandish ones, I remember one particular survey that claimed that you can make several thousands of dollars a month just by answering surveys. Obviously that was a scam because, otherwise, everyone I know would be quitting their jobs and just answering surveys to make money.

After some research, I realized that the vast majority (maybe 99.9%) of these paid online surveys are nothing but scams. I came across so many complaints from people claiming that they took this or that survey and received nothing in return. And, when they do offer rewards, it is merely a chance to win something (i.e., you join a raffle) and not a guaranteed prize. Cash rewards are the rarest ones of all. Usually, if you do get something right away, it's a coupon or gift certificate or a free trial product that you may not even want.

It has become clear to me that most "survey for money" sites merely exploit the gullible and trusting among us. There is one survey I do enjoy doing, though. It's fun to do and I believe in their offer that you can actually win something based on what I've seen online. That's the regular survey by the NPD Online group. Their surveys are short and easy and, more importantly, fun to do. I haven't actually won anything yet, but doing them is a blast.