Writer's Fallout Shelter

Holly Jahangiri mentioned this in one of her (his?) replies to the thread "Submitting". I also have had many "serious" writers tell me point blank that writing for money is a kind of prostitution or blasphemy.

I don't get it. I never have and never will. I write to be read. Period. It takes time, money, research, skull sweat, and gallons of coffee in order for me to complete even a simple short story.

And then they expect me to write for free?

Granted, the bestselling novel thing has long eluded me, and quite possibly always will. At this point in my life I can accept that I will never be a well-paid writer with millions of loyal fans. It's okay. It didn't used to be, but it is now. However, that does not mean I don't want to be paid for my writing. So far, I'm just not skilled enough.

How about the rest of you? Does anyone here believe that writing for cash is criminal? If so, why?

Lattahs!
akurgal