What, I get paid for this?

W.W. Norton Publishers have put together a sociology blog at www.everydaysociologyblog.com, and I was asked to be one of the contributors.

My first thought was "wow, I get paid for blogging?!" Heck, half the time I'm ready to pay somebody to read what I say.

Once I got over the surprise, I've enjoyed having some (smallish) value put on my creating stuff. I've always admired and been impressed by artists, who can take a lump of clay or paint and create something of beauty and value. (Maybe that's why I enjoy Sarah Stone's blog). This is my little version of that in that someone has put a monetary value on something I've written. I know that writing articles got me a job, tenure, merit pay, etc... but to have a direct write an essay-get a check relationship feels different.

I have a better sense of why people work so hard to get into the arts--to nurture the creative spirit. Not that I'm ready to become a waiter/writer, but still it's a fun thing for now.