I could see where you were going with this, and would not have said something like, "sacred exchange" so eloquently. I think that it's important that we recognize the value in our time, and the work that we produce, and in that, others become aware of the value of others time... I've always been taught that you love those who you serve, and in serving you sacrifice. In this case it's a subscription fee, but it is a sacrifice no less so it does become more serious. Money makes commitment. That's why people don't show up to classes that they are auditing.

You, my friend, are on to something.

lovedove,
Lizzy

This means a lot to me Lizzy, especially knowing how much you value honesty, ethics and integrity. thank you

I am fairly new to your blog - I think I came across it when someone linked to the creative coconuts video - I remember being completely inspired.
Anyway just wanted to say hi. You have such wisdom and I'm thankful to have heard it.
I am someone who grew up wanting to do graphics, meddled in it for a bit (got a minor in it) but did not fall in love.
I have felt like an artist without a medium for quite sometime now and am currently going through a deep soul searching time. A big part of which is finding my way creatively.
Anyway - thanks again.

Marisa, I really enjoyed this post and your thoughts on the concept of creative exchange and how we use our energies as creative souls. Right now this is something I'm having serious inner monolugue with myself about because I have only so much energy and so choices have to be made about when and how I use my energy. I think it's just part and parcel of being in integrity to yourself as an artist. Thanks for bringing this up for discussion.

Being that I just did my first podcast a couple weeks ago, I can completely attest to there being a lot of love and time that goes into the making of podcasts and simply being creative. I, too, feel that purchasing a product or service absolutely solidifies a person's choice in priorities. For me, it helps support my path in knowing what I value and is better apt to keep me committed.

And I have much gratitude for you in valuing your work. I feel that very time you do so, you allow others to do the same with their work. That's what keeps me honest with myself... Everyone benefits!

xoxo, C

Marisa: you are so on to something....I have researched and researched blogs and how want to grow mine and I keep coming back to the ones like yours that are truly genuine and are telling a story that is part of you personally. I have very few blogs that I read everyday and I want it to remain that way. I am so excited to be a part of your community. This is where I want to be and I value what you and Sean are doing so much from the courses I have taken with you and I would pay for that value, honesty and creativity any time. I have also taken a couple of e-courses where you could tell it was about the money not necessarily about the content and that is fine for those particular people but not me. thanks for being so honest and keep doing what you do. You do it so well....

i have so sweetly enjoyed my first visit to your blog.
i adore your striped beings & all the other dear, dear
ones you paint into pretty pitter-patter existence here. lol!

Hi Marisa,
Thanks so much for this post. I appreciate how you really talk with your audience and speak from your heart. That is what is truly inspiring for me. Thank you, Heather

welcome and thank you Rachel!

thank you Sarah

Fabulous perspective as always! Advertising on my blog is not something I want to do but have struggled with that decision and what it means financially and where I focus my attention. Thank you for putting what I feel into words.

Hi there, thank you for taking the time to record this Marisa. I'm on the island with you and other creative souls and looking forward to connecting. Ill be at Squam too and CANNOT wait! Ill be in your class on Saturday. Thanks again for all you do to spark creativity and connect great communities of super people. :-)

Oh Marisa, Marisa. You always nail it. I was talking right back to you in this one... full on conversation. I did get cut off a few times, but that's ok 'cause you had so many great points!;) Seriously, you are onto where the future is and I'm scrambling to keep up. I can't NOT have full, fun content on my blog. I love what I do... but the $$ part is still a puzzle to work out. I think I have most of the pieces now and this video just clarified a little more. It was a busy summer of juggling and now it's the perfect time to sort out the future. Thank you, sweet friend.

I love your video's!!! Can't wait to watch it.

Very interesting thoughts here Marisa {as always}! It is incredible how much time we all put into our work---and often for free! I think you're right that people give more attention and energy to the things they pay for, or make more of a place for them.

It is an especially interesting push and pull though between trying to make money from pursuits on the internet, which has somewhat become the world of free (free content, information, etc). I think people automatically think FREE, when they think of the internet, but you're right that there are many people doing spectacular things for free and maybe it shouldn't necessarily be so. Maybe it's not always the best thing for giver or receiver. I also agree that each person needs to make his or her own choice about how to do things, and there is a special beauty to giving your talents for anyone to access. Thanks for the new thoughts!