I've actually used a variation of that in some conversations with clients. they laugh but it doesn't sink in. too many times we're not taken seriously or considered as necessary as that plumber.

case in point is this past weekend Cape May NJ had its annual singer songwriter weekend. 150 acts performing for free all over town. great for the tourism business but what does it do for the guys trying to get paid for gigs?
Too many places now are having " Open mic nights"