I also am having hard time getting this perspective, but not for the love of money. On the contrary, being employed usually cuts down my effectiveness compared to doing the same task out of my own volition. In other words, I hate work, but I'll gladly do the same thing for free - if someone took care of bullshit concerns like having a warm meal and a decent place to sleep for myself and my younger siblings who are still in education. I believe lots of science-minded folks think the same - they'd love to do reasearch, but maybe they want to start a family, or maybe they have parents to support, or maybe they don't feel like being someone's slave labor.

I'm pretty sure his post was dripping with sarcasm.

I'd agree - I'd bet more people know the name Steve Jobs than Bill Buxton.

Er, he has posted elsewhere about advising his brother to take the money and go to Wall Street instead of doing science.

Personlly, I was disgusted as well (and I'm a scientist).

>as much as scientists might think of themselves, the world at large see's you as a tool used by politicians and entrepreneurs.

Just who the hell do you think we are?

The monetary rewards need to increase, but here's another perspective regarding your comment on the world seeing scientists as tools.

Scientists discovered the elements, the atom, DNA, semiconductors, etc-- beyond money or fame, these were tangible huge advancements for mankind. To follow in those footsteps and stand on the shoulders of those giants is rewarding.