Insight into Fabric Designers and Companies

I am sharing this info because so many of us love fabric.

What does it take to get from the designer's hand to my local quilt shop?  What sort of income do fabric designers make?  Do all companies treat their designers with respect?

Sure wish I knew which companies were #s 1-4.  I would support the companies that support their designers.

Here is the link to a great blog discussing An Inside Look At How Much Fabric Designers Earn, on While She Naps blog by abby glassenberg.