You realize, JA, that they are probably laughing at us "all the way to the bank". Laughing at how hard we work to build up our little communities (condescending tone) and how much we 'enjoy' our work - while they earn more in one launch than we earn all month or year.

And why should they care what people think, or what they like or dislike? Why should they worry about their reputation? After all, as one of them has proven, you can go as far as pleading guilty to internet fraud charges... and still come back as a rock star with no sweat.

And if you tie it into your "story" you could have people believing you're a hero... and handing you $3,000 - over the internet, even.

Amazing.

Something is seriously wrong with this market. And it's obviously not JUST the marketing.