Yes survey sites do pay and you just have to find out the rite one which are offering high value surveys. I keep getting surveys but i dont take all of them. i just take those which i think have value for my time.
I have had some limited success with taking paid surveys for cash and actually recommend it. Now, there are some survey sites I have signed up for that really don't work at all, so if you see a survey site that looks cheesy, "run for the hills!" I have put together a list of the top 4 paid survey sites that have done well for me. There may be more than just the ones on this list, but these are proven survey sites that are making me money right now: http://www.squidoo.com/surveys-that-pay-cash
I think the main reason people fail at doing surveys for cash online is that they just get involved with the wrong companies. There are some real bone-headed companies that will just rip you off at any chance they get. The key is to use only reputable survey sites.
you make may a couple of dollars here and there however in my opinion your time would be better spent elsewhere