It is on topic, I just neglected to specify how it relates, sorry.
It used to be a midlist author would steadily sell books and publishers liked that. From what I've been seeing, that isn't the case any more. Quite a number of writers I like have been turning to self-publishing. They have successful titles through traditional publishing, but now they are self-publishing, either back titles, shorts, or new titles. While not necessarily famous in the general sense, this is a group with established names who are utilizing self-publishing to expand their available titles. Some are moving totally to self-publishing, citing the better royalty rate.
And I know several people who have had great success in self-publishing. The one name that comes to mind is Ruth Cardello. She's been approached by publishers, but turn them down because they can't offer the royalty rate she gets by self-publishing.
I would love such success myself, but I suspect that like so may writers, I will fall in the midlist range. While getting a traditional publishing deal may once have been an option, chances are that unless your book goes viral quickly, you will be dropped. With self-publishing I have a chance to get multiple titles out there, one of the keys to long term success.
While it is great to cite some famous people who have started or turned to self publishing, I think looking at the less famous, but well established writers to see how they are handling and utilizing the new self-publishing tools. David Gerrold is one in this category. While he is famous for Trouble With Tribbles, I don't think his non Star Trek books have risen above midlist. He is now publishing a variety of stories himself, including a few new ones.
And this is a very genre sensitive issue. Some genres haven't been as impacted as others. Some writers are still comfortable and work with their long time publisher. Some still publish full length works through their publisher, but have turned to self-publishing for their back catalog and short stories and novellas. Some have turned entirely to self-publishing (in particular a successful romance writer who used to work for Harlequin... can't remember her name right now).
I think it is important to consider all areas of publishing and look at successful writers, not just famous ones.