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Writing: The Only Industry Wherein We Expect Professionals to Work for Free
And with A.I. edging in, it’s time we face the ugly facts
About fifteen years ago, I purchased an original painting from an artist I loved. It was a simple floral design carved and painted onto a 5"x7” block of wood. I paid $75 for it. That was a lot of money for someone who was struggling to make ends meet with three part-time teaching positions and no insurance. But it was worth it to me — and still is, because all these years later, I still smile every time I see it on my office wall.
I pay money to see theater productions and movies. I pay to see actors play their parts in dramas and comedies on streaming platforms. I pay for my food and clothing. I pay for medical care and home repairs.
Our economy is filled with people providing items or services that we all pay for — whether it’s an original painting or dental surgery. We have needs and wants and we are willing to hand over our hard-earned cash for these things.
But with one exception…
As a society, we have relied upon writers to perform many important tasks. Writers record our history, create beauty, reveal truths, and make sure we never forget the mythology that formed us. And yet…we don’t want to pay for their services.
