See, it's all so simple

[R.G.]

One, two, three, four,
Don't have to drive into work any more...

http://www.edn.com/blog/1470000147/post/1630025963.html

And another thousand flowers bloom.

[drewl]

So does this mean you and some of the other genious' on this board are millionaires?
I want in!
I just have to design the perfect pedal!

That job thing of mine (although I'm surrounded by components) takes up too much time!

[Dragonfly]

yeah, but if I did all that I'd be rolling in money, and we all know that with riches comes headaches...i guess ill just remain poor.

[GibsonGM]

The sad thing (or I dunno, maybe it's neutral) is that this is how pretty much ALL net-based businesses start.  Good info, but not as simple as all that.  What about dissatisfied customers? Liability comes into play (esp. if you MAKE something for use, like a pedal or amp).  And you still have to file your taxes and pay your 15% SS income, even if you barely made enough to eat.

You could make some side $$, but I don't see retiring on this stuff.  My GF is a professional photographer (and I mean, pro, published in national mags for outdoors shots, etc.) and makes <10K per year at it, using the same method from that page + a business degree.   She still has her day job  ;o)   I'm a SE painter, and find all the paperwork to be a headache.   You'd really have to love what you're doing, I think!