Associated Content is a web site that can be used to earn some serious money from. There are different methods but the articles can be exclusive meaning that it can only be published on the web site. There is also the non-exclusive meaning it could be published on another web site and there isn't anything that can be said that can stop it from happening. There is also the distributing option that is displayed for a specific amount of time. There are ways to earn money from it.
There is the first option in terms of the up-front payment option. It can vary from a specific amount based upon what they believe will draw. As far as what articles will draw consistently and can get up-front offers, it is all pretty much a guessing game. There are items that will warrant it that mainly involves topics that are generally not covered but mostly something they call evergreen topics. It is a guessing game on that but it can be done. As far as exact amounts go, it can range anywhere from maybe three to twenty but that is just a guess on that.
There is of course the performance bonus, which has the pages updated in terms of how many views shown. The minimum payout was actually about $1.50. Trying to figure out what will get the most views and draw consistently is a guessing game. There are some items that will draw well and then of course, there will be those that will not so much. This is something all you have to do is create the content and get the page views and that updates daily, which is a benefit considering it used a system of tracking page views.
Looking at another option, there is the Call for Content item though that can vary in terms of amount of money being offered. It is also one that can be determined whether it is exclusive or non-exclusive. Even then, it does vary but even that right now could see that there are items that are not paying up-front for the work right away. If anything, it just seems to be more of a case of just there for performance bonus only. It just doesn't seem to be a very strong option at this point but can turn into such in a later date.
In short, it can be possible to earn money but can it be enough to make a living off of it? That is something that can only be determined by the right topics and of course getting very good page views on articles. If you can get some real good views, then the amount of money will add up and will be payable the following month. It should be noted however that PayPal is going to be needed and also a resident of the United States for up-front payment.
In final conclusion, making money on Associated Content really isn't hard but whether you can make it into a reasonable income to survive off of is another story.