[DennisP]

The author of The Martian started out publishing it as a serial on his own website. Seemed to work out pretty well.

[herge]

That might be the better argument. Sure, you might be skipping out on the handful of $'s that that small Taiwanese market might bring you, but would they have bought your published book anyway?

However, when Hollywood needs to film rights, they'll have to come to you and buy the license according to your terms.

[riffraff]

and not to forget: "fifty shades of gray started" out as a sexy internet fanfiction.

[6stringmerc]

Easily one of the most lucrative IP infringement cases in recent memory as well, but people walked away happy with pockets full of money so no hard feelings.