I'm not saying that since the hobby market has expanded that vendors should give their stuff away.  What I was saying was that it is a different market demographic, and that usually software and content geared to professionals is much more costly (like Photoshop and Vue Infinite for instance).  If I created content that few people could afford to buy it wouldn't matter how much time and effort I put into it--there would be minimal return.  Whereas if a vendor creates something an average person could afford they would ultimately make more money through sales volume.  I dread to think how much money I've spent on content over the years--I value good content and good work and am willing to pay for it if I really want it.  If someone can get $500 for a new figure--more power to them--all I know is that I wouldn't be able to buy it and I think many other people on here wouldn't either.  There is a feeling I've gotten from some folk who believe that if something is given away it isn't worth having  and isn't good--I don't believe that one minute.  When Daz bought Carrara and lowered the price people complained because the price got cheaper and to them it meant it wasn't going to be any good anymore.  Bull.  Carrara is better than ever.

I can't tell you how many hours I have put into images that were published in  a calander, magazines and a comic book and I got absolutely zero money for it.  I did it because I loved doing it and wanted my artwork to get exposure.  All I know is I couldn't make a living from it--and it doesn't mean my work was crap either.