Chris Carpenter's Google Cash started me - This was way before the Google 'Slap', of course.

You guys all seem to have hit it on the head. Here is my Simple Five Step Plan

1) Start with Selling Other People's Products

2) Learn Everything there is to know about SEO, PPC and who the Players and JV Partners in IM are.

3) Build a list, learn to share.

4) Build a product people really want or people really need.

5) Treat your customers with respect like people, not dollar bills. i.e. Be 'nice' to them. They pay the bills.

Paul