Writer's Fallout Shelter

I agree with you. I tend to either give my writing away but maintain control of it (simply because I earn my living writing already, and some of it I just do for fun and the gratification I get from others' enjoyment of it), or I expect some form of payment - and somewhat more than five bucks. That said, if you can get published by a known literary journal or print magazine that only pays in contributor's copies, that can be a decent way to break in. (It all depends on the respectibility of the market, don't you think?) After a few of those, though, you'll certainly want to set your sights on paying markets. I know there are those who will tell you not to "prostitute your art" that way, but honestly? Payment is very tangible validation, and a good encouragement to keep going, when you're starting out. EVEN if it's just five bucks.