today, everything is a commodity. If you can't sell what you do, then it has little value. Fanfic -- as a pursuit by serious people -- doesn't fit into this mode of thinking, which is why so many seem to feel the need to excuse it as merely a stepping stone to "real" authorship.

Here via Q_Q

That's an excellent observation, and very astute. I agree with you. It's hard to justify pursuing art or creativity for one's own pleasure when you could be out there "selling your own work." The idea being that if it's original fic (as opposed to fanfic) it's better, and that if you sell your original story and make a pile of money your work must be best of all.

It's a sad commentary on our societal values that if it doesn't turn a profit, it's no good.