You might find this read well worth your time.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/opinion/13friedman.html?_r=1
Friedman is very insightful with regards to how lean times have changed the way people work. I have a good number of folks who are in the stock photography business – I’ve sold some work that way, and will likely refocus my efforts to build a good library again soon. Meanwhile, folks interested in that business best keep in mind that the times, tehy have a-changed.