And that's the point. If something CAN happen or be used, it's a threat. How can being able to almost completely wipe out the human race within a matter of hours or days at the push of a button, NOT be the biggest threat facing this planet? The only equivalent threats would be cosmic borne catastrophes.
As Phil and KR have mentioned, there are many other benefits (and the occasional problem) with getting something published. So you aren't just "generating income for someone else", far from it. Phil summed it up nicely when he said "Time spent that benefits both oneself and others is never wasted."
You can have your cake and it eat it too. You can put a project up on your your webpage as well as getting it published. And getting it in SC or some other mag gives you large direct exposure to people who otherwise generally won't find your stuff unless they went specifically looking. And SC will pay you too, not a large amount, but a nice bonus.
While it may be a profit generating magazine, there are those who like to think of the aussie electronics magazine scene as a more of a "community" they grew up with, and therefore like to give something back in return for what they have gained over the years. Thinking you are just helping a magazine make a profit is a very narrow minded view IMO.
Sure, I agree. But you have to look at my critisim in context to "Peter K"s post at which my comments are directed. He criticised the magazines content, of which he claims to be quite capable of contributing to. He even mentioned he would be happy to contribute, but then chucked a hissy when he found out SC won't pay his consulting like fees (LOL!). Anyone who just criticises something but is in a position to help change for the better, deserves a serve in my book.
Dave.