"Thank you. 'Artist' is a word I avoid for the same reasons I hate to be called 'Doctor.' But I am an artist, albeit a minor one.  Admittedly most of my stuff is fit to read only once... and not even once for a busy person who already knows the little I have to say.  But I am an honest artist, because what I write is consciously intended to reach the customer - reach him and affect him, if possible with pity and terror... or, if not, at least to divert the tedium of his hours with a chuckle or an odd idea.  But I am never trying to hide it from him in a private language, nor am I seeking the praise of other writers for 'technique' or other balderdash.  I want the praise of the cash customer, given in cash because I've reached him - or I don't want anything.  Support for the arts - merde! A government-supported artist is an incompetent whore!  Damn it, you punched one of my buttons.  Let me fill your glass, and you tell me what is on your mind."