In which I sell out.

I've been doing some writing for a website called Associated Content, which basically pays you for articles featuring words people will search for, and then hopefully link to a website from. It's not glamorous work, but so far they have paid me decently, and since it's adding to my portfolio, I don't have much to complain about.
They've bought a number of articles from me, but so far have only published a few.
The first batch I turned in were all old term papers and such, since they currently are paying four dollars for any and all college-level research papers. It's not a bad deal, and is a quick way to turn old writing into cash. Plus, if you sign up and list me as a referral, I get two bucks when you submit your first article. So please consider it!
I sent in pieces that I didn't really care too much about, including one from high school, so I was a little weirded out to see some people post rather passionate comments on them, including: "The US is a REPUBLIC, not a democracy. A democracy is tyrrany (sic.) of the masses disguised as freedom. So please, peddle your wares elseware (sic.) you sell out."
I mean, wow. My first published work, shilled out for pocket change and already I'm being called a sell out. Is that awesome or is it depressing?
Now granted, the article was rather provocatively titled "Why Regulating the Internet is our Last Chance to Save Democracy," but it was written way back in early 2001 (even then I knew that the title was quite over-wrought) and the sources and information in it are horribly out of date. Another comment accuses me of spreading government propaganda in an essay that I dashed out in two hours for my Chemistry for Non-Chemistry Majors class.
I didn't really think of this stuff as the first work I've put out for mass-consumption, but I have learned a thing or two about how everyone has an opinion on the Internet.
They finally got around to putting up a couple of my new articles on pop culture, which seem to be faring pretty well. One got on this week's Top-Rated Content list, whatever that means! Anyway, here they are:

Smashing Pumpkins Reunite? (kyle, you are quoted in this one!)
Bill and Ted's Most Excellent Comic Book Returns!

Please take a look (since it will raise my clout with the website), and rate the articles if you'd like (especially if you're going to rate them well!)
I realize I am a sell-out, but it's only because food costs money and every couple of days or so I need to eat something.
xxoo