what does it take to make money

Get your words straight. You don't want to 'make' money; you want to 'take money that's already been made' (well, you want to "receive money which people freely give you in exchange for a service you offer"; but that's just 'talk' for 'take money that's already been made'). What you want to 'make' is "credit" (for the work you've done, for the work you've helped others do, etc.) Make lots of 'things you get credit for' ('articles' is the only thing I can think of ... also 'connections,' which increase the amount you might get with articles), making sure that you 'only write/post articles to your friends if they're good enough for your friends to write/post them to you (i.e. don't write anything you wouldn't stop and read yourself).

Work honestly the old fashion way. Even if you're looking for ways to earn money online, which should be "easier", it is a good way to do so, IF you find the right venture for yourself.