Affiliate Marketing Secrets

I have used my hobbies to help bring in a little extra cash. Such as house plant and perennial work. But it doesn’t bring much in.
I have looked into freelance writing. I have done many articles for news papers etc… for free. But have never been paid for freelance as of yet.
Also I have seen for example: If some one is into photography and desk top publishing, some have ran photo contest for the best looking child, pet etc… There may be a charge to enter. But that is where they get there pay out money for first prize.
Others have let people enter there own photo to see if they qualify to be published. Regardless of how great the photo is, the person running the business says, your photo qualified. If you want a copy of the published book that contains your photo the price is insane. Could be $35.00 or even $80.00 for the published book. That is how the publisher makes the money.
What have you found that you have fun with and make money at the same time.
NO SPAM PLEASE!
No chain letters, stuffing envelopes or sending out fancy magazines with the promise of making a fortune. I do know that some people make money with affiliate marketing etc… But only people that are really computer trained have luck with that kind of thing.
I look forward to real answers. Not the empty promises of making money with a secret spam program that makes people so rich they can buy new boats, homes, cars etc… That is fraud!

I had been online marketing many affiliate programs, using articles and classified ads too. I just would like to seek a solution for answer. Can you help ?