Would You Compete In Another Fed If It Offered Prize Money

Up in Vermont there is not very meany meets and when there are meets they are very small and the entry fees are way to much. I wish with all the work most lifters put In they should win a little money I know you get a trophy but I would much rather get money at least I could use that.
Thank you
Josh "The Dude"Langevin

Competing for money has the ability to take the sport out of amateur competition. It can also disqualify you from amateur competition in some places.

if a lifter can make and place in enough meets over the course of a year to make a decent second income and grab some titles, i don't think they'll care about amateur competition anymore. this is one of the few sports where people take pride in remaining amateur over the course of a career. not everyone wants that to forever be the case, though.

Would lifters consider using gear if they don't, or new gear or no gear if they do, if it meant a chance at prize money?

Bodybuilders make $$$ in competitions...just look at the the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia contest - why can't powerlifters earn a living doing what we love to do?

Would you really call it making a living?

Unless your fortunate enough, you may be a flash in the pan and have a very short shelf life in terms of what the powers to be would be looking for in a long term champion. I'm sure you can name the last 3-5 body building champions due to the fact that between at least two of them, they reigned for the last 15 years.

Until it becomes a time when the Olympics (the standard bearer for amateur sport)deems it appropriate that amateurs are allowed to "rake-in" the same cold cash like professionals, void of sponsor support, would it become acceptable for those who seek similar recognition through powerlifting, to accept cash awards.

We already have pro ranks (WPO-WPC) which offer cash awards. Why not support those feds if pro glory is sought?