Re: Low Pay vs. No Pay

[Chris <cud -at- telecable -dot- es>]

Actually, I think you can flip burgers for more than min wage in 
Manhattan and around...  I would certainly expect that to be true.  I 
would definitely *not* write for $10.00 an hour - the work's too hard. 
Data input, maybe.  Writing - no way.  You would do better finding a 
co-op or some political organization that needs volunteer 
writers/dtpers, and hope they bring in doghnuts once and a while.  And 
find a night-job flipping burgers, waiting tables, delivering pizza, or 
checking in guests at the local motel.  

I have done many types of work (all the above included), and I honestly 
believe the hourly rate I charge for writing is perfectly fair.  The 
work is hard enough, and consumes my off-time, too.  It requires 
specialized knowledge, and an ability to come up to speed with new 
technologies.  The project contributes to the employment of a good 
number of people, many of whom make more than I do.  The end result 
generally sells for a price that is at least commensurate with my fees. 
(From 1998 through 2000, the Forbes 400 companies increased their 
wealth by an average of 1.9 million a day.  I find it hard to believe 
labor is over-priced.)

This isn't to say I think the min wage is fair, BTW.  But that's another 
discussion, and I don't want to be castigated on the list.