Maybe I just don't get it? (Score 1)

Ok I can see every one here is for OS. Maybe I just don't get it, so maybe some of you can show me the light. A lot of you seem to be saying that you do OS for recognition so that some company can see your work and hire you for your skills. Well what if you don't want to work for some company. What if you want to start a company and earn money from your software and work for your self? I guess what I am asking is. Is it possible to make money with an OS product? I feel that if I am going to put a lot of work into a product that a lot of people are going to use I should be able to make money off of it. I like the idea of releasing the source so others can learn, but I can't just say well here is my product, everyone can have it for free. It just seems to me like it is not possible for someone to support themselves by programming with the OS model.
Maybe there is something that I am just totally missing about OS and I am sure that someone will set me straight. But then again. That is exactally why I am writing this message. I want to know. I am curious.

Keith