This is an essay by Steve Almond on TheRumpus.net about his decision to self-publish.

My favorite advice:

“Am I suggesting that every aspiring writer should run out and self-publish?

No way. Aspiring writers should spend their time and energy at the keyboard, trying to figure out how to make better decisions.”

Since Mr. Almond is no longer aspiring, and simply is a writer, he did run out and self publish.  Read the essay here.