Heck, I have problems asking my friends to help me with a website and/or art, mostly because I feel like I have nothing to offer in barter (since a paycheck is out of the question). For all I know, my very talented network is just dying to spend an hour or two doing something for me gratis, but I'm really hesitant to inquire.

Sigh.

It feels like becoming Cory Doctorow is kind of like becoming a Big Name Fan (a la Cassandra Claire): complete chance.