You're trying to make money on the Web, and you've probably read dozens of sites and newsgroup postings about how to make thousands of dollars a month without any work or effort.

I'm sure it happens like that for a select few very driven people. However, most people probably do not rake in checks for $1000 a month just for getting their friends to surf the web.

You can set your sights on a more realistic goal, though.

Would an extra $20 or $30 a month cover the cost of your Internet service and maybe your local phone bill? If not, it will pay for lunch a few times a month - thus, lunch money.

You can make lunch money online from many sources. Companies will pay you for the time you surf the Web, for receiving targeted email, for listening to online radio stations, and for just visiting their sites.

Advertising pays for all of this. You pay for nothing at all. It's all free.

Plus, advertising pays for the prizes in online games, sweepstakes, and lotteries. The odds may be slim in most cases, but playing is always free.

You might not strike it rich, but you will certainly make a few extra dollars.

Are you willing to try it?