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Labby, cute article, but the bottom line is the bottom line.

Real Writers get paid.
Not always, and not always a lot. I've had a few poems, some artwork, and one short story published, and the most I've gotten paid was $5 and change for the short story. But it was published. There are magazines you can submit your original fiction to that will print it, and if you're lucky you will get paid with a copy of the magazine.

If anyone is looking for publishing resources, I'd recommend http://www.spicygreeniguana.com for their list of webzines and print magazines. They do tell you which ones pay and which ones don't, but if you're just starting out, you'll probably have a better chance of getting into the non-paying ones. Just remember, the worse they can do is say no.

I believe there's a hero in all of us that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams. -- Aunt May, Spider-Man 2