I've observed this in every single online community, without exception. Paying those who provide the best content would provide incentive for them to stay and continue adding to the community. As it is, there is no counterpoint to "reaperx1983 just dissed me", "why did you delete my post, admin?" or "we've already posted about this a thousand times, lrn2search".

Historically, money provides that counterpoint.

But what do I know, I'm not CHRIS FUCKING ANDERSON, but my baldness is hotter, and I would like to own slaves, too.

The rate is something like 10-1000 of a penny per.*

To realize even a penny, you would have to post at an incredible rate.

*The rate is 1.5x for starred commenters.

Every startup has a grace period where heavy reliance on interns, equity labor, free beer labor, etc. is not shameful, even if it's not ideal. The rules are, you only have a year's period to do that at max, you must start paying everyone (even in minuscule amounts) the second you start showing profits, and YOU MUST NEVER EVER BRAG TO THE MEDIA ABOUT HOW YOU'VE FOUND A GREAT BUSINESS MODEL THAT DOES NOT FEED OR SHELTER YOUR WORKERS. Any attempt to breach those rules should be met with derision in the business community.

Beyond that, I think people know that the volunteer opportunities at good startups are often quite rewarding, more so than taking a poorly-paid internship at some Conde rag where they'll have you sit in a closet and do something awfully clerical the entire time.

Well, I was feeling pretty lousy about my colonial-era student loan induced indentured servitude. Until I read this. I am slightly better off than a serf – relief!