All income producing online ventures bear SOME risk. Autosurfing for cash is certainly no different and should probably be considered amongst the most volatile of arenas. However, there are a couple of ways to reduce that risk and create your own comfort zone.

Most importantly, you should spread your "investments" out over as many autosurf programs as you feel comfortable with. You should also take the time to educate yourself in identifying the hallmarks of PTS programs that are not being administered professionally. When these strategies are employed, one may gain a valuable insight into the "mechanics" of autosurfing programs whilst maintaining a safe "investment" harbour.

Just as most autosurfers have, you will learn to develop an affinity with your favourite programs (those will most likely be the programs that consistently pay you...lol) and obviously an equally negative opinion of some others. The most important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to join or leave any program will largely depend on your level of exposure to accurate information (much of the information you will discover is highly opinionative and therefore subjective), but will soon develop almost into something instinctual.

When you come across a paid autosurf program you've not previously encountered, try searching the brief information that is usually on the main page, first, before going straight into the Terms of Service and/or the Frequently Asked Questions page. The first point you will notice is that some sites are good at providing full information while others are seriously lacking.

If these pages are highly informative, interesting and structured, then there's a reasonable chance that they will be around for a while. If either of these pages appears plagiaristic (from another autosurf) or doesn't correlate with statements made on other pages, you should probably avoid it.

Another way to ascertain a programs worthiness is to search the many and varied industry monitor sites and forums. There are a few online resources that allow you to gain background information about most domains too. A site such as http://www.whois.com has searchable information about website domain registrants. Keep in mind that this database is not conclusive as some webmasters may be using a friend or relatives' name and details or even have their personal details secured.

A certain avenue by which one program dominates over another, in my mind, is if the administrator of the program provides detailed reports on where their members upgrade money is invested and how the monthly payout commitments are going to be met in a timely manner. This move cannot be underestimated for generating credibility

Several things should soon become apparent after joining an autosurf program:

How often does the webmaster send out email updates?

How long does it take for upgrades to be added to your account?

Is the webmaster responding to emails in a timely and efficient manner?

Are the rules being changed frequently to the detriment of the members?

Are cashout requests being honoured in a timely fashion?

Most surfers would probably consider cashout policy as most important. When requesting a withdrawal, you will most likely want your cash as soon as possible. You may require learning some patience here.

Some autosurfs only permit withdrawals to be requested at the start of each month, but also need several days to transfer the required funds to their payment processing accounts. Waiting for periods greater than a week to receive your money is not typical, and should be closely scrutinized if it becomes habitual.

When properly administered, autosurf programs SHOULD have sufficient cash-flow to meet monthly withdrawal commitments within 7 days. If you do not receive your withdrawal request within 1 month from request (usually minus a withdrawal fee), there is a sure danger looming and it would be prudent to refrain from upgrading further into that program until such time as the admin gets their act together and makes timely payments with which to redeem themselves in the eyes of the members.

Of course, if all members did that then it would most likely spell "curtains" for any program, but, better to have it disappear earlier rather than later.

To summarise:

(1) Spread your investments out over as many programs as you feel comfortable with.

(2) Learn to identify troublesome behaviour patterns.

(3) Make sure you familiarize yourself with ALL program conditions of use.

(4) Seek others opinions but beware of personal agendas.

(5) Utilise online resources to assist you in making the best informed decision for you.

(6) Don't be afraid to ask questions of the Administrator - you may be surprised at how open they will be.

(7) If you have any remaining doubts after performing due diligence, it is probably best to forget it.

Happy Surfing!!