I do know people who have decided to pursue their art independently, and have, after hard work, succeeded.

Personally, I find it troubling when I read that someone thinks that writers who work for organizations, rather than doing poetry or fiction on their own, are "selling out." I couldn't write fiction for eight hours a day; it's very hard work. Journalism is easier and more social, which I like.

However, I do support and admire people who go the independent route.