How many times have we heard that the real enemy of an author is obscurity?
A billion people (give or take a few hundred million) have read Harry Potter without paying and Rowling ain't hurting.
A billion reads (and approvals!--don't forget that part of the wish!) means you have the visibility and reputation for a real long career. (Frank Herbert anybody?) Plus, you can make your money off the movie/tv rights and the sequels. Nowhere does it say you only get to write *one* book. Give the first one away free, cash in forever after...
If you're good enough to please a billion readers you're in Shakespearean territory. (Or at least the Three Stooges.
)
Money follows visibility, so get to eat your cake and have it too,
Thank you, djinn!