And it is money that *validates* the writing, validates the time and effort and imagination and whatever else goes into the writing.

I think you have a point there, in that some writers might feel that amateurs intruding on their domain *and* giving away for free a product they sweat over, might devalue their work. That's the impression I'm getting from some of the posters on that blog.

But.

...ack, I'm not done but dinner's ready and my presence needed, be back later to write the rest of my reply.