Most of my herbs are ones I've bought from garden centres, or the proper plant ones from Tescos. I'd avoid using the cheaper ones that you're supposed to use straight away. They've always either died within a couple of weeks or had very little flavour, so they're not very cost effective.
The only one I keep on top of as far as stopping it going to seed is coriander. Blokey pinches the flowers off the sage plant because he says the leaves don't have as much flavour if they flower but I've never noticed (I do tend to use herbs like an extra veg portion though.)
I buried a pot in my garden (about 12" diameter) for the mint, everything else is just in the ground.
As well as a couple of types of mint we also have about 3 types of sage, rue, coriander, lemon balm, oregano, marjoram, chives, rosemary.
They're definitely not a lot of work, I'm a part time gardener and I easily keep on top of them. They're not in a particularly sunny spot, but seem very happy. I planted the coriander where I can see it from the kitchen window so I know when to chop its head off.
The only herb I never have any luck with is basil. The weather is too cold for it to live outside, plus they're very thirsty plants, and I forget to water it.
It's a shame because it's my favourite.