I was sitting in a restaurant reading the 4 hour Work Week and a woman came up to me to say how it changed her life. Great read.
Unfortunately I think many people look to online marketing as an instant solution to their economic problems or their unhappy jobs. It is an easy trap considering the numerous headlines promising easy money.
Any business requires due dilligence and hard work. Sure, luck helps but you need a sustainable formula and if the basic business concept is sound then work it and spend the time. Ultimately if done properly, some level of success will be the result. However, even when action is taken, most people give up.
Giving up and procrastination are the two behaviors that result in the greatest number of small business failures (especially internet marketing since the investment is nominal).