The End as we know it

**"* C* <d*@sympatico.ca>**

This discussion seems to be focussed on the dilution of content and, dare I 
use this word, the purloining of our writing by nefarious nogoodniks. We 
have been very busy finding new vehicles of dissemination for our work; some 
of us have been more successful than others.

How many of us derive our income solely from writing? A lot fewer than a 
decade ago? Bunches and bunches less than 2 decades ago?
Let us be kind and assume that we are all of sufficient skill and ability so 
that talent is not part of the equation.
Judy's  question becomes, "Is there a sufficient market to support the lot 
of us?" (Don't yell at me through your computer, I know the answer is "No.")

I'm wondering if we should also have a discussion on the changing purpose 
for our writings. When I read the posts and check out the bios of the folks 
making those posts, I see that we are an amazingly diverse lot. Very few of 
us are full-time writers. (Which also begs definition within this context of 
professional garden writers)

Maybe in the upcoming bleaker months, it would be interesting to see a 
survey that looks at:

How much of our income is directly from garden writing;
How much of our income is from activities, e.g. lectures, presentations, 
seminars, secured as a direct result of our writing?
Do we consciously solicit those activities through our writing? ( as opposed 
to advertising)

If this is The End As We Know It and if The Means Justify The End then 
maybe we need to change the means.

Dan

Dan Clost
The Good Earth Columnist
Dan Clost's Greenscapes 

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