All Writers Are Capitalist

Before you crack my skull, let me flesh this out. There are basically two categories we fall in. There are those of us who claim to write for the love and opportunity to share to the masses. We will forever write and share, ever hopeful that someone will read our stuff. We give it away for free or post a meager price for our precious piece. 

Then, there are a few of us that will write, promote, and hope to have a minute of success when our work is finally complete. We want the almighty coin. We will work and sell hard for our precious masterpiece.  

I spend way too much time reading post regarding either one of these categories. I do not mean to get political and I'm not criticizing one way or the other. I'm not even sure what the opposite of a capitalist is. Its not socialism or communism by definition. 
Are all writers capitalist?

I have a hard time believing we are not all producing for potential profit. I know there is the argument about writing for ourselves and for the love of it. However, what If I told you your work was really good and there was a market for it? I want to share your masterpiece with the world and give you the profits; You would take it.

That's capitalism in its simplest form - for those readers outside capitalist America. (Private-Individual Ownership of an item with the means to produce and profit)
We may claim we are not in it just for the money, but honey, if someone showed us the dollar - we are in. If you are still not convinced...

Let's say your item is free. You want attention and readers because you are in a writing group and you are informing people of your gift. Let's say I set up a page to sell writing to the masses. With your permission, I offer your work on my sight. Its your work, your name, all credit to you. I have the suave of a salesman. I start making money on your product that credits you. Your proclimation was once, "I just want to write from the heart, not make money." My guess is, you wouldnt stand by and watch me make money off your work. You would want a piece of the action. Well, my friends...you are a capitalist. Why does it matter?
Cause I'm calling BS on the old lines about writing for the love of it and not wanting to make money. Get real with yourselves. It's ok for writers to be capitalist. 

What If You Suck @Writing?

Our writing groups are filled with the concern of, "Am I good enough." We may not be prepared for the hits, but we definitely put ourselves out there. Then, reality comes. We have the ever faithful encourager who push the positive notion that we are doing good because we write for the love of practice or hobby. 

What happens when someone tells us our writing isn't very good? 
Passion can lead to persistence but passion does not equal good. 
There are clearly levels of great, good, & greatly needs improvement. Criticism is hard to swallow. 

Anyone who starts something will get better at it. But, there comes a time when success is measured. Unfortunately, too may people give us the irresponsible statements..."You can be whatever you want to be; whatever you put your mind to..." Science and reality TV proves that not everyone is going to make the cut, no matter how much they enjoy the task.  Everyone is is not physically or mentally designed for the greatest of everything.

Writing is the same. We want our book to be shared by the thousands. We all have a few goals to achieve. In the end, success will be measured in numbers or simple accomplishments.

So, you discover you are not that good. This doesn't mean quit. Write because you love to write and your family loves your stuff. It really is fun to be lost in your own stories. But don't let it define you or discourage you. Something bigger is out there waiting for you to pick it up and run. 

So how do you measure success with writing?
1) Don't ask momma: don't just ask the pleasers in your life. They love you and will never hurt your feelings on purpose.
2) Seek wisdom: Seek the experienced opinion. Listen to the wisdom of those who have been around the block verses the wannabes who think they know all there is after crafting one book. 
3) Check all the factors - Are you getting better? How are you measuring success? Are you giving up early or just spinning wheels too many years later?