It had to happen on the ever-changing landscape of the Internet: making money working at home - in a home business while social networking with friends, writes Dave West.

Others have tried to combine aspects of the social networking phenomenon with an income stream. Some have collapsed and others are infuriatingly painful trying to generate commissions whilst having a chat with like-minded souls.

Lately a new breed has pushed the boat out - though their terms of membership may not please everyone, other than those who see the long-term potential of making an investment. I say investment because there is a monthly membership fee. After all you can't pay money out unless you are generating profits, as in any on or offline business.

If anyone tells you that you can receive pay without contributing something, then run a mile! No free lunch springs to mind! It just doesn't happen, unless the website owner is generating funds from some other source, such as on-page advertising.

Advertising revenue to pay members has also been tried. But the advertiser needs to know he is getting customers for his bucks. This requires that members go through the tiresome, mind-boggling ritual of clicking links and banner ads just to earn a few cents a time.

Social Networking Income

So, what does a webmaster do? The ideal would be to set up a social networking site that is easy to navigate, is attractive, offers an easily accessible platform to meet-up and exchange views . . . and pays a monthly residual income in return for a reasonably affordable monthly subscription - and referring a few friends to gain those commissions.

Would I participate in such a website where, for just referring three or four friends, this would cover my monthly subscription and move me into an increasing monthly income from that point on? Probably, all other things being equal.

Benefactoring Or Benefactored

The serious-minded will also want to consider the possibility of benefactoring or being benefactored, in order to build a sustainable business out of the social networking site. This would be more than helpful to anyone who needs a leg-up right at the start, should they have near-zero available funds.

Once in profit, an option could be to partly recompense referrals who show a willingness to put a little work in to build an income whilst pursuing their leisure time messaging. And why not? If true friendships are being built, then this can be all about teamwork and helping each other.

With so many people out there keen to make new friends and engage in regular chat, plus having a need in these recessionary times to make an extra income, this could just be the best thing to happen out there in a very long time.