Quote:
Originally Posted by Moejoe
I think what you're describing there is the goal of 'what used to be' for many writers.
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Not really. It sounds I'm describing "what used to be" for
you. 
Now to be clear, I view your modified goals as completely legitimate. You write because you want to write, and you're satisfied with your accomplishments.
However, I do
not regard those goals as
universal. I have no doubt that many authors want their books to be read by as wide an audience as possible, to be compensated for their work, and to otherwise accomplish goals that require more than the solitary act of writing. E.g. C.J. Cherryh isn't giving her work away for free; she fully intends to earn a living as a writer. (Unfortunately,
her site also shows how you can benefit from additional resources, like professional web designers...)
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Moejoe
I know that I'd (and by extension any new writer) would need 10,0000 dedicated readers to make a living wage, and I also know that isn't going to happen for me. I'd have to give up everything I've gained over the last two years, a lot of my freedoms to get to the point where I could make a living.
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Again, this is your choice. But even people who share this choice do not necessarily share your goals or methods. For example, let's say I'm a doctor and I write a book of advice for sufferers of a specific chronic condition. I earn my living, and will continue to do so, with my practice; I have no real desire to build an ongoing audience for my works or to earn a living exclusively from my writings. However, I may not be the best writer, and can benefit tremendously from excellent editors; I have no idea how to market the book; I want to ensure its integrity; I don't want to spend months or years figuring out all the ins and outs of self-publishing, and so forth.
Also, many writers and artists hold the view that the filtering and editing -- or if you like, losing a portion of control -- is actually beneficial to their work. They regard editors, publishers and other intermediaries more as collaborators than as malevolent, manipulative and exploitative forces. Just as compromise is a part of life, editing is a part of art.