It's not either or, as by using a search engine the OP can research some IM based MLMs and pursue both at the same time. Why the bashing of parallel types of home based businesses, when about 95% of people in either discipline fail to make good money? The MLM boards are likewise filled with people who say "forget IM, most people there don't make a dime," kind of like a mirror image of the above negative comments. I say stop the bashing, respect other people's choices, and get productive in whatever your endeavor is.