freelancing blahs

During my stint as a "freelancer", i realized a sad reality: you're only as good as your networking skills. As much as i hate to admit it, one cannot freely express one's self and make a profit unless one is exposed and (argh) connected to those who have the money and the ability to make things happen. (Oh god, my jaded personality is kicking in!)

Perhaps i still hold on to an idealism that with true talent, you can make it to the top. Expose your work, and as they say, they will come. *sigh* I guess networking prods it a little more... then again, it makes me question everything: how far can you take it and "network" without truly selling out? :-P