This post is right-wing bull.

I'm sorry, Harry, I enjoy reading much of what you write but materialism oughtn't to prohibit me from enjoying it. That is the very nature and problem of capitalism and the materialistic ethos that is eroding any true sense of morality, compassion, caring, equity or promotion of equality as human beings as opposed to a delusional hierarchy which is determined by status, wealth and fame.

I am constantly faced with the abomination of: "Only paid subscribers can comment on this post", when I have been stimulated in thought and wish to acknowledge appreciation for an article or, more rarely, express my disagreement with some or all of its content.

We choose to write. We are not compelled to do so. In my view, we should also allow others to choose to read for they are not compelled to do so.

As soon as we connect our worth with a price tag, we effectively rule out the opportunity for anyone who can't afford that price tag to be denied the opportunity to hear and appreciate or respond to what we have to say. This is an example of inequity and that I don't condone.

Your justification is flawed. True artists, whether painters, sculptors, dancers, writers or whatever, become so because they are dedicated to their art and wish to share it with the world. They commit themselves to their work because of their belief that it is worthwhile, indeed, because it is their calling and they are driven to do it, not for extrinsic reward but for intrinsic need.

As Winston Churchill is reputed to have said: "What you get, gives you a living, what you give gets you a life." I, for reasons I won't divert to here, am not an admirer of Winston Churchill but I do believe that he had that right and that he truly made his mark believing that was what he was doing, i.e. giving - and not expecting any reward other than the intrinsic need and drive to do so.

I find it unfortunate and sad that you take the view you have expressed here. I thought you were a better man than that.