My artists friends on AnD, do you feel...?

I am wondering if any of the writers or visual artists (film, videomaker or actor) feel they are not getting the kind of respect they should get in terms of finding jobs or negotiating a job deal?

i dun remember how many times i have heard writer or actor or videomaker saying they are underpaid, or sometimes getting deferred pay they never actually receive.. go to websites like craigslist and you'll see so many ridiculous writing/film/video job posts...

and not to mention my own experience working on video production, like, theese stupid ass people who dunno shit about production requesting you to have all the professional equipments and work unreasonable hours for a small amount of money that is even not enuf for equipment rental.. or ask you to contribute "high quality" writings in exchange for what, merely a fuking writing credit on their profit making commercial website...

i am not saying money is very important (yes i admit it is important as we need to make a living), i can write or work on projects for free if it is for a good cause, but at least don't make me feel like i am treated like just a guy happened to be carrying a pro cam or a cheap alternative of someone u cannot afford to hire...

i remember i read some filmmaker's interview saying "filmmaking is for people who dun have a family burden".. is it true that if your father is not bill gates or steven spielberg, it is so difficult to start a career in this field?

well, i am not really feeling bad or being mistreated at the moment, guess i just suddenly felt the urge to say it (perhaps inspired by an entry on kit hui's blog i read), that i strongly feel artists should get the proper respect we deserve. we spend our time to invest on our equipments or refining our skills..even if you dont honor what we have, at least show some respect...

btw, just a side note, mid autumn fest is coming and i am trying to write a short and pointless story about the moon (but in chinese only...), i'll post it up when i am done with it...