Just did my taxes...

[elfs]

After taking out the expenses for the publicity site, my take-home pay from writing last year was $99.39. That won't even buy me a damned battery, much less replace the flaming laptop. For what I published last year, that's 0.15 cents a word.

I mean, I have an average of ten new readers a day on my website-- who actually read one of the stories.. Set and Osiris, if one in ten actually coughed up a buck or two, I might actually be inspired to keep doing this. Let's face it, I've been writing for twelve years. Maybe this is just reality's way of informing me that I'm not burned out, I was just never very good at this to begin with...

Comments

[talisker.livejournal.com]

Your writing, Elf, is excellent and I for one have always wondered why you're not published. People are just cheap.

People are cheap.

[tonyawinter.livejournal.com]

I have wondered for some time now why you don't just set it up so that people pay for a subscription, or make some stories free but if you want more you have to pay or some such arrangement. Given their own moral compass most people won't pay. They may think about it, but lets face it a lot of people think of themselves as broke.

I wonder how many people would pay for an eroti-pass?
Monthly fee of 5 bucks?

[featheredfrog.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reminding me. I haven't read for years (but you HAVE produced some, errr. Intense visions in the past) and such.

You've also given me a wonderful "policy statement" about home pools and hottubs: I paraphrase it "Kid friendly daylight hours and whenever kids are present, oterwise and after dusk it's suits optional and WE never use 'em"

You've been paypaled a wee bit. Thanks for all your stuff.

You others: PONY UP already!!!

Woah Woah!

[http://users.livejournal.com/dominic-m-/]

Never very good at this to begin with?!?! Umm I dont know what to say... I really like your writing beyond all others thats a matter of fact,nobody writes the way you do. Sure people can say "hey I write like ELF" but then thats a compliment. I dont know what brought that along, I hope you dont have any "real" plans on quitting. I would like to say that if you do I and many many many many many other would be truly dissapointed, but then again these are your stories and you write them for yourself(I think). And about ponying up some cash Im quite sorry i really havent made a contribution(I would really really like to) but I have been really really broke (saving up for college). Give me time and believe me I will try and donate something halfway decent. Im sorry nobody donated more, just dont quit writing because you "THINK" you where never good in the first place. I dont know what else to say but I adore your writing.

make it easy

[glendower.livejournal.com]

Is there a prominent paypal link after every story?

[mouser.livejournal.com]

1) People went to lengths to track you down when you left halycon.

2) The only complaints I've ever heard about your stories was when I pointed a friend at them when she was kind of down and the first one she clicked on was (of course) "Goodbye, Donna" - I think the ONLY journal entry without some sex in it.

3) While there is a feedback you've enjoyed, I think the real reason you've been writing is because you LIKE it.



I'm still convinced I read a fanfic story you allowed, but for the life of me I can't find a copy anymore...

Here it is.

[http://users.livejournal.com/dominic-m-/]

Not a work safe link (but then again you shouldent be reading jouranal entries at work should you?The name is CHANGING BODIES CHANGING LIVES.

http://www.randomerotica.com/Stories/JourEntr/

Re: Here it is.

[mouser.livejournal.com]

...plus a glossary and index and a bit of early background on why Elf started to write. Very cool!

Thanks!

Re: Here it is.

[http://users.livejournal.com/dominic-m-/]

Yes but im not entirly sure on how accurate that glossary is.(probably wanna ask elf himself or just browse his website)

[darkbishonen.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I love your writing, but between my book bill and tuition I barely have enough for a doughnut at the end of the week. I would love to donate if I had the cash.

I really hope you don't ever stop writing. You pull me in and help me procrastinate. I spend more time reading your work than regular books from the library.

[lconover.livejournal.com]

Lack of profit and lack of skills are two entirely different things. I know that the opinion of a complete stranger probably doesn't count for much, but I'd personally like to say that I hope you keep writing.

I also know of at least three other fans of your work, besides myself - your site had quite a cult following at my college a few years back. However, I do also understand that broke college students isn't exactly a profit-generating audience.

Now that I'm gainfully employed, I'd gladly pay for a yearly subscription to your site. Perhaps you could suggest a reasonable amount as a monthly or annual contribution on your page, similar to what NPR does.

[sillydragon.livejournal.com]

Bah. I've been reading the journal entries since '93. I wouldn't bother if it weren't good stuff. }:)

On a side note, ever considered setting up some alternate way to do donations? Paypal hasn't exactly inspired me with vast confidence, but I'd still like to donate...

Where did the money go? :-)

[(Anonymous)]

Right now I've looked at the Journal pages, and at the bottom it sais:
The Journal Entries have been accessed 0 times since January 1st, 1996
Last update: October 4th, 2001

That should explain it. :-)))
Seriously... I've been reading your stuff since day one on Usenet. I keep coming back to it. I was worried when Halcyon packed up and relieved when I found you at Drizzle.

However, the sad truth is that people tend to consider anything on the web to be free. Donations to the providers of content that is freely available are rare.