Another view (from another coast): I'm a messenger/owner/accountant/mechanic/etc. for a worker-owned service in the bay area. We pay ourselves hourly (with bonuses) and split the profits at the end of the year. We don't get rich, but we don't make any lazy-assed boss or dispatcher rich off our labor, either. (dispatch from the road...thank you nextel). I can work half time and take home 20k+/year...not too bad for riding my bike around town all day.