Thanks for your thoughts, Schrodinger. Don't feel pressured to reply to this, incidentally (although feel free) - I just thought I would respond 
As an issue that has stuck out hugely in my mind in these recent days, I have to agree with some amusement on the "defensive bulwark," because of course I am shamelessly indulging in it too. However, I'd like to suggest that humility is a fantastic attitude to have regardless of whether it seems like cowardice in context, not only for its anti-elitism but for its welcome of positive discussion. The bulwark is therefore quite appropriate in a topic such as criticism of forums on a forum!
Schrodinger, I considered writing for my supper for many years but concluded it was too hard for me. Seeing my fiance at work has convinced me that anyone who can make a living from writing is perseverant and hardworking indeed, or else unreasonably passionate about the craft. I have certainly never taken writing courses or studied English past the age of 17. I could go on about how your dedication exceeds mine, but I think you get the point.
To bring us back to the original topic, I am one of, I suspect, many, who continue to write in their leisure time - YES, in a manner that will never be published, recognised, or otherwise made gain out of - because in all probability they could never keep up the lifestyle to make a living out of it even if they didn't post them on free forums under noms de plume, etc. If you can't make a living out of it, you might at least enjoy it while you still have the eyes, hands, mind and heart to.
(EDIT: That may shed some light on the apparently mind-boggling cost-benefit analysis.)
As an extra comment on this particular issue, I'd like to add that I have admiration for all writers, but especially (perhaps also pity) for freelance writers. What with all the personal charisma, networks, etc required, I am sure I could never handle it. I continue to have great respect for writers in any field, including your own. By the way, I think Beatrice and Henry make a most entertaining plot with lots of flexibility, and that someone should write a MapleStory fanfic of it someday - will it be you, Schrodinger?
Ultimately I am of the, perhaps unrealistic, opinion that no one gets exactly, or even grossly, what they deserve. Many people who cannot write make their millions selling books; some good writers never see the printed page. I think the safest way to deal with this is to realise that most things in life are unfair - a lot of the time we receive good things that we did not work for, as well as bad things we might feel we did nothing to deserve. No one will know this side of heaven, or nirvana, or deity, or whatever you believe has all the answers... I guess this means that if R. Kiyosaki continues to sell like the hotcakes he claims, I should try to learn the grace that lets him make his millions in peace!
As an issue that has stuck out hugely in my mind in these recent days, I have to agree with some amusement on the "defensive bulwark," because of course I am shamelessly indulging in it too. However, I'd like to suggest that humility is a fantastic attitude to have regardless of whether it seems like cowardice in context, not only for its anti-elitism but for its welcome of positive discussion. The bulwark is therefore quite appropriate in a topic such as criticism of forums on a forum!
Schrodinger, I considered writing for my supper for many years but concluded it was too hard for me. Seeing my fiance at work has convinced me that anyone who can make a living from writing is perseverant and hardworking indeed, or else unreasonably passionate about the craft. I have certainly never taken writing courses or studied English past the age of 17. I could go on about how your dedication exceeds mine, but I think you get the point
.To bring us back to the original topic, I am one of, I suspect, many, who continue to write in their leisure time - YES, in a manner that will never be published, recognised, or otherwise made gain out of - because in all probability they could never keep up the lifestyle to make a living out of it even if they didn't post them on free forums under noms de plume, etc. If you can't make a living out of it, you might at least enjoy it while you still have the eyes, hands, mind and heart to.
(EDIT: That may shed some light on the apparently mind-boggling cost-benefit analysis.)
As an extra comment on this particular issue, I'd like to add that I have admiration for all writers, but especially (perhaps also pity) for freelance writers. What with all the personal charisma, networks, etc required, I am sure I could never handle it. I continue to have great respect for writers in any field, including your own. By the way, I think Beatrice and Henry make a most entertaining plot with lots of flexibility, and that someone should write a MapleStory fanfic of it someday - will it be you, Schrodinger?
Ultimately I am of the, perhaps unrealistic, opinion that no one gets exactly, or even grossly, what they deserve. Many people who cannot write make their millions selling books; some good writers never see the printed page. I think the safest way to deal with this is to realise that most things in life are unfair - a lot of the time we receive good things that we did not work for, as well as bad things we might feel we did nothing to deserve. No one will know this side of heaven, or nirvana, or deity, or whatever you believe has all the answers... I guess this means that if R. Kiyosaki continues to sell like the hotcakes he claims, I should try to learn the grace that lets him make his millions in peace!