I used to be a value player when neteller was around and other forums had DIFFerant book and contests. Fishhead tought me that contest winings (free and post-up), bonuses were same as cash to a gambler. in 2005 I'd say over 10K on contest winnings as well as in 2006 at about 20 forums. With all the 100 for 100 and 50% bonuses , I easily got another 10K from those each year as well. Also have a warddrobe of shirts and hats and other goodies and my mail box is full.
I have been at close to 500 books. Combine all that with good capping (and mod pay to boot, not here 3 other places) it was hard to lose.
Those days are somewhat now though.