>but there are thousands of flickr users who allow full size downloads and permissive license, why is this artists decision notable?
Probably that pros don't do that as much. It's another thing to give pictures for free when you're not selling them anyway, and another to give them for free when making them is your job.
Think of it like your cousin Joe vs Ed Sheeran doing a free concern at the local park.
Guess so. But whether it's CDs or live shows, the key point is that what this guy is doing is more "news" (or HNews) worthy because he is a pro with a good portfolio, as opposed to some amateurs giving their stuff for free.
I didn't use "albums away for free" because, seriously, hipsters and boomers aside, who buys albums these days?
Probably that pros don't do that as much. It's another thing to give pictures for free when you're not selling them anyway, and another to give them for free when making them is your job.
Think of it like your cousin Joe vs Ed Sheeran doing a free concern at the local park.