Money Speaks

Society has reached a strange point at the moment. There are so many people in the world who are creating things and offering them to the world, and the only possible way to survive is to be seen by a massive number of people. But at the same time, we are living in a time where nobody believes they should pay what something costs. We live in a world of constant sales and coupons and special deals. And that's only when we actually have to buy something because we can't find it for free online. (God help the fat cats when we find a way to download food and shelter.)

The point is, everybody wants money, and nobody wants to spend it. Money is simultaneously incredibly precious and nearly worthless. But in a practical sense, money is the most condensed support you can give.

Everybody wants you to be their friend or their fan on social media. They want you to spread the word so that thousands or millions of people will see them. But the reason they want to be seen is so they can make money, which will allow them to continue doing what it is they do (whether it be write stories, draw pictures, or make pizzas).

If you really support the creator, though, then spend money on them. Buy an author's book instead of finding it for free. Take pride in paying full price instead of looking for a coupon. Sure, word of mouth helps, but money helps more. And yes, I understand that times can be tough, and we can't always afford to spend money on the ones we support. You needn't feel guilty if you don't have a lot to spend. But if you are being miserly, yet still feel proud of having supported an artist, think again - you have basically given them the equivalent of a back-handed compliment.