My metal detecting has and will always be a Hobby not a business. ...
Grunter, I get what you are saying. And I enjoyed your post. And your sentiments *do* come up all-the-time whenever this subject (of this thread) comes up .
But the problem with the above quote/sentiments of yours , is that it seems to imply that :
"It's either one, or the other". But: Why can't it be both ?
In other words, it's as if you're implying
that if we charge for a service, or take a reward, or operate it as a profit-making endeavor, that:
It is therefore "
not a hobby". Or "
not done out of kindness".
Or that it fosters a "bad image" of the hobby. Says who ? In fact, sometimes persons are offended if you do NOT accept their tip, etc....
It is entirely possible to do something out of the kindness of your heart, for goodwill to mankind, and to-be-at-peace with your maker, WHILE AT THE SAME being entrepreneurial . They need not be exclusive of each other. Ok ?