[ggarnhart]

This is an interesting take — I don't disagree that these sorts of things happen, but in this case, the author clearly felt his work was paid for fairly.

I think one's own perspective is a pretty key regulator of what's fair and what's not. Perhaps not in the macro level, but on a case by case basis. Is the author's point of view incorrect in your eyes? Who else should be able to decide that, other than the person who experienced it?

[citizenpaul]

The very story tells upfront that he only needs money to pay college living expenses. This kid was almost certainly taken advantage of and used as a "weapon" against whatever company was making this software.

The company that made the software obviously felt that whatever they charged was the correct price for them to afford to live and continue doing business and pay their employees. This was more money than what this guy charged him, though its not stated exactly how much(that by the way is a clue). Also that they guy didn't offer him money but made him "choose" his price because he knows a young college kid is going to choose some random round number $100,$1000 ect. Which is less than a company needs to stay in business.

I've done plenty of tech business over the years and while I cannot prove it I know from experience this kid screwed over this company that was almost certainly getting nickle-and-dime'd by this man from the story. The writer says he was exactly stereotypical of a car sales guy, would you trust a car salesman?. They probably already did work he never paid for(again knowledge from past experiences). This guys description fits that behavior to a "T"