Part-time Hooker

The debate on whether one should be 'pure' or whether to create reproductions from one's originals is always on.
I have made reproductions, and will likely continue to do so. I have many artist colleagues who do, and then there's a few purists who don't.
And then, like a dear friend of mine who shall go unnamed to protect her 'guiltiness,' some only do when it suits them.
She was vehemently against reproductions and swore she would never prostitute her work -until she painted an old homestead. The family, naturally, loved the painting and many members asked for copies.
Since she didn't want to paint a dozen copies of the same painting - guess what she did? You got it - she made giclee reproductions.
I jokingly told her that she was only a 'part-time hooker' and we have laughed heartily at our secret little joke ever since - at least it was secret until now when I'm sharing it with the world.
Whether to do reproductions or not is a personal decision by the artist. As in the case of my friend, an artist is also free to change his or her opinion later if they wish to.
There are many factors involved in making any business decision, and choosing to do reproductions is almost always a business decision. Why is it that some artists feel they should suffer for their art and stay starving artists?
They have a gift and why not use that gift? That doesn't mean the artist has to compromise his or her subject matter or style, or anything else. It simply means that once the artist has created something, he should be able to share it with the world, and in doing so, if he makes a buck - more power to him (or her).
Would Tiger Woods turn down money? Does it make him any less gifted? What about Celine Dion or my personal favorite, George Clooney?
Money is a fact of life, and most artists like to eat.
If you're a purist through and through - more power to you. But, if you earn an extra buck from the gift you're lucky enough to have - never let anyone make you feel guilty for that, either.
I personally think there's room in this world for every type of artist and I applaud you all!