"In this setup, you don't have to be the "right kind" Of course, you have to be the right kind. The right kind here is just those who have the money. All these societies you describe are basically the same : there is one ruling class based on whatever conditions you mentioned above (or others, like being of the right religion for instance), most of it maintains itself by exploiting those who are not from this class, a few fall in the low levels, a few climb the social ladder. Capitalism is no better than the others (of course, it doesn't build Goulags and concentration camps, but people protecting their copyrights and who "just wanted to make a living" let millions of human beings die of AIDS in Africa wheras they could have been saved). Ah well, this is off topic. Just couldn't restrain myself, this was so... Oh, well, never mind. Just to tell that I have a provider who lets me have access to 100 Mb free, no bandwidth limit. It's based in France, and you have to be a member to get this room, but I can host some files for people needing room. I agree with Dyalin : it would be great if artists could form a sort of organisation to defend their interest, to share ressoureces, to make their voices heard, or may be to get better at making money. Because, in the end, ockham is completely right : "there ain't no free lunch"... Compiler PS : no personal attack there, ockham. I just disagree with the particular point you raised, but I respect your POV and I don't claim to be "right", just to voice what I feel.