Actually, I've been paid from survey sites over the years. I've also won prizes from them too. Some of the survey sites do charge a fee to join, but their payouts are higher. Most free sites have a max earnings of $3 - 5 USD per survey, if that, or award points (and it takes A LOT of points to earn anything worthwhile). I've seen some survey sites where there's a fee to join, but within a survey or two you've earned back your money plus some.
I'll see what I can find out about them and report back shortly...