Free Survey Lists and More

Testing New Producst for the Fun of It.

2009-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Why don't I ever get survey invitations that offer testing on linens like Sferra? I'm always receiving invitations for food and drinks, for cleansing products and even political issues. After a while, that kind of stuff gets boring. Yes, I'm glad that I am giving my opinion to curb creation of new products on the market. However, I really want to test comfort levels on beds and lighting fixtures and bed sheets or comforters. Ooooo!!! Wouldn't that be nice! Don't you think so?

What would be your favorite product to test, or one of your favorites? How about an iPod or some other electronic gadget. I'm sure there are survey companies that offer test products on these kinds of things. I remember running across survey lists that talked about this, but now I'm going to have to look for them. It's not for the money, but more for the fun of testing new products. Ultimately, that's why I've continued to do this.

Dieting Goals...Argh!!!

2009-01-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Now that we're in a new year and under a new administration, oh, and now expecting a new "bailout" to happen, I imagine you have also thought about dieting and diet supplements. I know I have. I am looking forward to my brother coming down in a few months and what can I say that I haven't already said. I have a new diet goal.

I know this is a blog where I talk about current surveys that I've done or even about companies that I think you should work with, but that's not really on my mind right now. I'm looking at my scale going up instead of down and that's so disheartening that I've decided that I'm going to stay away from the scale for a while. I am definitely looking to how my clothes fit as an indicator on whether I'm doing better or not. What are you doing?

Surveys vs. Blogging vs. E-commerce

2009-01-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

I have a serious confession to make. I'm sure if you've followed this blog, you've noticed that I talk less and less about completing surveys and more and more about building your own website. Well, my confession is that I have changed my business strategy and have taken survey taking practically off of my list of ways to make money. I still work with about four companies and get invites from umpteen survey companies, but in reality, this is not my primary way to make money.

Survey taking for me has become like taking cheap diet pills. Once they're done, I hope I don't have to take them again. You know what I mean? I use to spend so much time answering survey questionnaires until I was dreaming survey questions in my sleep. At the end of the day, I had little to show for my time.

That's not to say that others haven't found a way to make it work for them. It just isn't working for me. That's why I'm just keeping it as a small portion of my multiple income stream. Last year I think I made about $100 taking surveys. That's it. Now, $100 is good since it helped pay for little things I wouldn't have purchased without that money.

On the other hand, $100 is not nearly enough to pay bills. I had to find a way to make more. How did I do that? Blogging and Building Websites that sell. E-commerce. Drop Shipping. If you don't know what those words mean or what they entail. I suggest you look seriously into doing this.

You will need a little bit of HTML knowledge and Search Engine Optimization skills to get started. It won't happen over night. I am not going to lie. However, it does work. It has been helping me keep my family afloat. I don't know how long this will last or how long I will be able to maintain my current income stream, but I have been blessed and I know if you learn how to build an e-commerce website, you will benefit too.

Hire Help and Don't Look Back!

2009-01-04T04:28:00.000-08:00

I love having an online business, but this last quarter was such a bear that instead of thinking about hiring more people to help me, I was thinking about doing one of those small business for sale signs and getting out of the rat race altogether. It was WOW! I just can't come up with the words to describe it. I'm not happy that I haven't seen many sales come through the last few days, but I did ask for a break, and boy was it much needed. What's the point?

Well, as you know if you've been reading this blog, I think creating an online store or online business is the way to go. It has helped me over the last three years and it can help you too. However, once things really start getting busy, what should you do? How should you handle the crunch? Should you try to handle everything yourself? I can guarantee you from experience that that is not the way to go. Think about it ahead of time. See who you would hire, family, friends, someone you know and trust that can help you. Then when the time comes and you need help, you're not struggling all by yourself. Right?

I know I'm right, now I just have to implement my business strategy.

Taxes, Insurance and Spring Cleaning

2009-01-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

While I was busy looking to finalize my quarterly taxes for the year and checking out term life insurance here along with thinking about whether I should start adding a new benefit to having my own company by providing myself with health insurance instead of remaining under my husband's policy, survey companies continued to send me invitations to complete surveys. One such company is Mindfield Online.

I have been paid by this company in the past, but there surveys are long and drawn out, so I haven't completed any of their surveys lately. How do you find Mindfield Online? I'm actually thinking of nixing them from my list. It's not that they are not a good company to work for or anything like that. I just don't have as much time as I used to have.

Although winter recently started and spring is still a ways off, I find that with this new year, I want to start spring cleaning early. This year, when I start spring cleaning, I'm going to start with my computer first. I'm thinking of going through all of my old emails and just getting rid the ones I don't need. Actually, to make it easier, I can just transfer them all to an external drive just to have them, just in case.

Do you have any New Years resolutions or starts that you plan to make?

Burn After Reading

2008-12-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed all of the snow lately from West to East? I wouldn't be surprised with all of the snow you've had lately that you might need a
Seattle injury lawyer. Well, I found this website called washingtoninjury.com. They seem to have good information about lawyers in Washington.

Have you seen that movie with Brad Pitt, George Clooney and John Malcovich called Burn After Reading or something like that. The movie is actually pretty entertaining. I don't like the F-word that they use often, actually, almost too much, but apart from that it's not too bad a movie. Another thing I don't too much like is all of the screwing around people are doing on their wives/husbands. It's crazy, but it seems that this is the world we live in and that a movie can't be good without some of that junk in it.

There are some serious issues with people cheating on their spouses in this day and age. Anyway, Brad is too corny in this movie and George Clooney, well, what can I say about him. He's a jerk in this movie.

Frances McDormand is also in this movie. She's kind of pitiful, but a little ruthless too. She wants to get plastic surgery really badly and doesn't care who she steps on to get the money for it. Brad Pitt is her friend in this. I'm not sure where this is going to go, but I'm still interested, so we'll see.

Pinecone Research is Still Looking

2008-12-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

I received an email at the end of last week from Pinecone Research. They are still searching for survey takers, so if you're interested, comment at the end of this post and I can get you the link. It's only live for so long and they are an elusive company to join, but when you do, you won't be disappointed. They did have a decrease in their pay per survey from $5 to $3, but they do give you a chance to win sweepstakes on top of the $3, so I guess that is some concession.

I haven't received surveys where your diet is affected per se, like health related products such as Leptovox. I do get lots of surveys dealing with food. Lately, I've been getting surveys that involve my children. Those are pretty fun, because you get to know what your children really think about what they are eating.

Anyway, if you're interested, hurry up and send me a comment. I'll try to get a response out to you right away.

Mamma Mia - WOW!

2008-12-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

After writing in anther blog about possibly visiting las vegas nv, I thought about exotic places I'd love to see like Greece. By the way, have you seen Mamma Mia? I had no idea that Glen Close could sing like that. I mean she's a great actress, but she has such a depth to her abilities. Anyway, I think that if you like movies where there is a lot of singing, you just have to see this. It's almost as good as being on Broadway!

There is this beautiful song that I just love where the daughter and the mom are preparing for the daughter's wedding. The phrase that stuck me most was this one:

"Sometimes I wish that that I could freeze the picture and save it from the funny tricks of time."

and then of course, there's the song where she's singing with Sam, the character who is one of the possible father's of the daughter, about the winner taking it all and the loser standing tall...

This is really a great movie and touched some really deep parts of my memories. Sniff! O.K. I just had to tell you about that.

Car Insurance Survey

2008-12-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

Insurance has to be on everyone's mind these days. I can't wait to see what the new administration is going to accomplish in regard to health insurance. Just as importantly, car insurance is something that we all think about too. So here's a survey for you that I'd like to get your answers to since I have been pretty happy with my car insurance company for many years.

1. Which is your favorite car insurance provider?
a. Statefarm
b. Allstate
c. Geico
d. Nationwide
e. Prudential

2. Would you leave your current insurance company if you were offered a better rate for comparable service?
a. Yes
b. No, absolutely not. My current company deserves my loyalty.
c. Maybe, if I knew other's who felt very comfortable with the new company.

My answers are:
1. Statefarm
2. No, absolutely not. My current company deserves my loyalty.

I wonder what the rest of you would say. Comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

Strange Emails in my Inbox

2008-12-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

I've been receiving some strange invitations in my inbox from survey companies I am unfamiliar with. I know that I put myself out there to complete surveys by signing up to many many survey companies, so it's not surprising when I get phone calls to complete questionnaires about tv furniture or my favorite restaurant or even emails from those companies who I agreed to work with.

However, I have decided that if I am unfamiliar with the company and how they obtained my information, I'm not going to complete the surveys. What if they are disguised identity theft people, you know! Even though the information I usually provide isn't too personal in nature, it's still enough of an intimacy that I'd just rather not take a chance. What do you think?

Your Favorite Diet Survey

2008-11-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

Many of you are thinking about holiday cooking coming up next week. You might have even put dieting on the back burner until after the holidays. On the other hand, others of you I'm sure won't stop dieting until the day of the big meal. My last post discussed possibly taking a survey on diet pills, but I'd be more willing to take a survey on your favorite diet, wouldn't you?

People come up with all kinds of ways to lose weight, but many of them just don't do the job. I'm sure you've heard of the onion diet, the cabbage diet, the grape diet and oh, the bean diet. I've tried two out of those four. I've also tried name brand diets like the South Beach diet, the Atkins diet and some semblance of Weight Watchers. Those worked, but temporarily since I didn't stick to them. My favorite diet by far is the Fit for Life diet since it's more like a lifestyle change and it's concepts have worked for me. What about you? What is your favorite diet?

Diet Pills Survey

2008-11-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

Have you been invited to complete a survey on the best diet pill? I haven't, but I'm sure that would be an interesting survey. I personally feel afraid to take diet pills. The last time I did that was at least fifteen years ago and I remember clearly that I tried Dexatrim. I think that's how you spell it. I remember that it didn't do anything for me. I remember thinking it felt like I was taking some pseudo form of diet pill, like a sugar pill. It was so little and tasted sweet.

I did end up losing weight, but I exercised and ate more healthy. Now I'm back to where I was all of those years ago, needing to lose weight and bummed out about it. I've been tempted a time or two to take something to help move things along, but I just don't dare. Oh well. Maybe testing diet pills isn't such a good idea. I'll leave it to the people who are willing to try anything. Are you that type of person?

I Didn't Get the New Watch or Purse

2008-11-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

In my last blog I hinted that I'd like a new watch or purse, but woe is me. I didn't get either one. I thought about going to Walmart and buying both for myself, but times are hard and money is tight. I know I'm not the only one in that boat. I've been using my credit cards for necessities instead of wants and that's a bummer. I have to reign myself in when it comes to spending since I'm so use to having just enough. Lately though, that's just not the case. I hope things turn around for us soon. I'm paying for my early overspending days now. I wish I didn't buy that new T.V. this past summer. I still owe money on it. :-(

Wish List - FreeSurveyLists.com

2008-11-16T03:56:00.000-08:00

It's holiday time again and survey invites in my inbox are in full swing. At this time of year companies are very interested in what consumers want, so it's not surprising. I would say that trying out new products is the most fun when it comes to taking surveys, but I won't complain about accepting money for the trial either. It's o.k. to get new products, but money talks more.

I'd like to try one of these Festina watches. In fact, being a stay at home mom, I haven't been tied to watches as much as when I used to work a 9-5ver, but lately, ever since my kid started going to school, it has become more important to wear a watch again. I've been relying on my cell phone. I have a few watches at the bottom of a drawer somewhere, but they all need new batteries. Actually though, it would be less expensive to just get a new battery instead of a new watch, but where's the fun in that?

I need a new purse too. Alright, that's not my wish list per se, but if someone's reading, yeah, I could use a new watch and then a new purse. :-)

Pinecone Research - Still the Best!

2008-11-15T04:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished my first survey for Pinecone Research under their new payment plan of $3 per survey and an entry into their sweepstakes. I'm almost positive I won't win anything, but they are still one of the best in terms of quickly paying their survey takers. The survey was typical at about 20 minutes long and was engaging enough to keep me going. I hope you have this same experience. I would have preferred the $5 in lieu of the sweepstakes entry, but the economy the way it is, I guess I'll take the $3.

Daylight Savings Time

2008-11-02T04:39:00.000-08:00

I have completed surveys on just about everything but the kitchen sinks, but do you know that something as interesting as Daylight Savings Time has never come up in my Inbox? That would be an interesting survey. I live in Florida, so we do change the clocks back in the Fall. In fact, that day happens to be today.

However, I recently read an article that said that Florida is planning on nixing the whole thing. A doctor in the article mentioned that it was not healthy for people to go back and forth with time changes and that it causes something similar to jet lag. The doctor mentioned that it takes at least 7 days to get use to the new time.

On the other hand, I've read many more articles that said that there are less heart issues during this time change since people are forced to rest more. What would you say if you were asked whether Daylight Savings Time is a good thing?

It's Cold, but Not Cold Enough

2008-10-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

As you might know, I'm on vacation. I came to the north expecting cold weather, but it wasn't all that cold. I was thinking I'd maybe see some snow...actually, I was hoping to see snow, but that was wishful thinking. I didn't see any snowmobile exhaust while up here and tomorrow I'm leaving, so I guess I'll have to make it a point to come up north next year during the snow days to get some snow sports in. Oh well, it was cold, but not cold enough. Wouldn't it be the bomb to see some surveys that allow you to test sports products, like speedboats or snow mobiles...Ooooo!

Doing a Survey on Baby Strollers

2008-10-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had to complete a survey on baby strollers? I've received test products for pampers, baby soap, even baby pictures, but never for a stroller. I'd love to test a product like that. My daughter is still using her stroller and it is so easy to navigate. I can't stand those $10-$20 strollers that make your back break from having to hunch down to push them. They were convenient when the kids weren't that heavy, but I prefer a much more ergonomic approach to strolling around with my little girl.

I'm 5'4", not too tall, so the one most important thing I'd look for if I needed a new stroller would be the way my back feels when I'm walking. If I have to hunch over just a little bit, then it's not good for me or my back. The heavier the kids get, the harder it is to push them. Lately, I've been walking a lot, so I've been using a stroller more regularly. If the stroller is high up so that I don't have to hunch over, it is so much easier to push and less distracting to other muscles that need my concentration while I'm walking. My little girl's stroller looks something like this Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel System. I actually found it while I was throwing garbage out. Some mom must have finished using it and just put it out near the dumpster where I live. It was practically new, so I felt pretty blessed. I don't know what it costs. Do you see how high up it looks like it is?

Anyway, what would be your favorite baby product to test out if you were to have a choice?

Pinecone Research is Looking For Members

2008-10-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

Pinecone Research is looking for members again. If you know of anyone looking to be a member, here's what I received via email today:

Do you know of households that would like to join the PineCone Research Panel? If so, please FORWARD A COPY of this email to each household you would like to refer so that they may click on the registration link shown below. That household should complete the registration form themselves and submit it. REMEMBER THAT ONLY ONE PERSON PER HOUSEHOLD MAY REGISTER. Multiple registrations of the same Household will void all registrations.

Comment below with your contact info and I will get you the link. These live links don't last very long, so be sure to contact me if you are not a member and if no one in your household is a member.

Ready for Health Insurance

2008-10-19T04:49:00.001-07:00

I have made great strides in my online business so that I believe I'm ready to obtain my own health insurance covered through my own company. I believe that in the long run, it will be more cost effective for my family and even better for me. For example, I'm sure that I am paying for stuff in my insurance policy that I don't even need. Is there a way to pick and choose one's coverage requirements.

Another thing is that there are so many companies selling insurance that I'm unsure where to get a good health insurance quote from. On top of that, I was wondering how the next election would effect my health policy quote. I'm anxious to see how this all resonates with the insurance companies. I'd love to get better insurance for less. Wouldn't you?

Pinecone Research Confirms Change

2008-10-04T19:59:00.001-07:00

I'm still on hiatus from my survey taking days. I've done a few surveys here and there, but nothing to make money on. A recent novelty in the survey taking industry is that Pinecone Research has officially turned over to their new $3.00 surveys with sweepstakes entry. I wonder if the surveys are going to be similar or if they're going to be a little different now that they aren't compensating as much.

I'd really like to be able to try products like Ju Ju Be purses and clothes and stuff like that. I've only had those types of opportunities with my blogging jobs. I've reviewed cd's, wine, and even clothes. I've had opportunities to review jewelry as well. So, if you're not taking surveys, don't rule out blogging for cash. It's definitely brought in a consistent income for me.

NFO MySurvey.com

2008-09-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

As I said in my previous blog, I've been having trouble taking time out of my crazy schedule to complete surveys. That's why, when I received an email from NFO MySurvey asking what's going on, I was not surprised. The email was in the form of an invitation to complete a survey discussing why I may or many not be interested in continuing with NFO MySurvey.

Of course, they've been one of my best paying survey companies, so I completed that survey right away. I assured them that I was interested in continuing to receive surveys, but that my schedule and lifestyle have changed somewhat, so I can't promise that I'd complete every invite.

They have this linear motion way of sending surveys. I receive so many opportunities from them that I just can't complete them all. They take no more than 20 minutes or so, but it's just hard to take out that kind of time when I need it for so many other things.

Anyway, I'll keep trying.

Completing Surveys Downard Trend

2008-09-30T17:22:00.001-07:00

I haven't been completing many surveys lately, especially since I've been kind of busy with our online businesses. On top of that, I've been focusing on a weight loss goal of late too. I've lost 19 pounds and am working on losing more. In fact, I just have to share.

I have completely revamped my eating habits. I mainly eat fruits, vegetables and nuts and try to stay away from restaurants with tasty appetizers like yummy breads, fried shrimp, mozarella cheese sticks...O.K. I'll change the subject on that. But, truly, I'm so proud of the steps I've been able to take to change my health and my life and I'm looking forward to making even larger strides in a healthier lifestyle.

And so, that's the deal. I'm not completely done with completing surveys, but I do have lots on my plate.

Feeling Sick and Still Blogging, LOL!

2008-09-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

My children have been sick with colds for the past week and I think I'm coming down with it. I tried all I could to avoid the inevitable, but I guess no amount of washing my hands and eating lots of oranges did the trick. I think I just need to sit and dream of going to Brazil, maybe Rio de Janeiro. Yeah! I'm going to dream I have one of those all expense paid Brazil vacation packages that can do the "Calgon, Take me Away" feeling for me. LOL!

Oh well, one can dream. I'd really like to just curl up with a good book and some hot chocolate. Oh boy! When you start dreaming, you can't stop yourself!

Well, as I said, I'm just going to go relax and maybe watch a good movie and fall asleep. I'll blog another time.

Completing Surveys - DSL or Dial Up

2008-09-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

I've been completing surveys for several years now and have only had DSL since I started. However, I know there are some areas where DSL is still not available and wondered what those of you who have dial up experience when going from question to question. Does it take you a long time to go from page to page. One of the reasons I've done less surveys is because I feel the time spent and the compensation don't justify.

However, every now and then, just for the fun of it, I do complete a survey or two and I do get paid, especially if I get a Pinecone Research survey or MySurvey.com survey. I have awesome DSL service, so it doesn't take long at all to get from page to page. Also, when pictures are included in the surveys, which happens often, I have no problem viewing the pictures.

In fact, I've even heard that getting the right cabling, like CAT6 cable, could have a lot to do with the quality and performance of your DSL connection. I've also heard that about HD TV too, but that's another story.

Well, I'd love to hear your stories about Dial Up if that's what you use.