In that last sentence I guess I am partially agreeing with Jim. The 'making money' comments mainly come from armchair socialists.

Where I don't follow Jim is how it is OK for a shepherd make a few bob playing for a dance but not for a poet to get something for his efforts if there is market for them.

Related to that (but not directed at Jim's comments) I think when it comes to creative output there is a view amongst some (but not all) on the left that the songs are intellectual property and that 'property is theft'. It's a red herring but one that I think may be lurking in the muddy waters.