Lots of romantics in here, I see.
Hard work? Not really.
Talent? LoL.
Sharing is caring? No.
Help others and pray for good karma? Wtf?
Be the best? To whom? The vast majority of the audience is uneducated and artistically impaired.
Seems to me that one can easily bypass all the above, and with better results, just by bullshitting his way up. Results will be there. I have a few names of photographers that I DESPISE and yet, they think they’re great. They’ve got a following, too. Blogs, lotsa blabla, loootsa blabla... they make me sick.
The simple reality is that you do not choose Fame. Fame chooses you. As untalented, stupid, lazy ass working one may be. If Fame chooses you there is nothing you can do about it.
edit: typos