Okay. Read it all.
Warning: I tend to use the indefinite 'You' and now-dated meaning of 'He' a lot in my rants. Please: Don't take this as direct reference to anyone. Only on a "Writers" thread would I think to preface my mumblings with such caveats. So go easy on me.
This thread could be simply be called "Forces of Capitalism" and my answer could be called "How to annoy artists and marginalise people"; that said dear reader let's drift on... Oh and "No," I couldn't afford a proof-reader, Editor, nor do I hold a BA Engs.
The Gist:
Coming from a musical background this all sounds remarkably familiar.
Floods of amateurs; no quality control; no upfront deals anymore; low royalties and just a few making money where 1000's are starving for their art.
Look at all art, not just writing when you consider the decline of the artist.
"Forces of Capitalism". Bummer. Either move to a politically-marginalised part of the world or deal with where you live.
I shall not prevaricate about the shrubbery, either write War and Peace and be prepared to run down the street naked promoting it or accept that someone else will.
Probably for less cash. Bah.
Alternately choose popular genres, I hear lo-brow porn wrapped up as 'arty' chase-games is getting good coin. Hugh Heff's not getting any younger either perhaps there is an opening for an all-new 'Johan Collins' or 'Jimmy Cooper' but somehow I doubt it.
Either sell-out or accept the chance that the whole world won't unconditionally love what you do anymore. Digital media has made art cheap, it's reality. For my part I refused to go 'Jive Bunny, C'mon!' and I live with the very real consequences of this every day.
Zero sympathy from me. Sorry. I will happily line up against the wall when you are King.
Please forward all disgruntled replies to David.Cameron with the Heading
"BACK UK ART AS AN EXPORT!!!" here
https://email.number10.gov.uk/Contact.aspx
It won't change anything, nor will you get paid, but at least someone will definitely read it. : )
* HAPPY FACE *