Question: Why would a company agree to pay someone in stock options versus a salary?

"David Choe, the graffiti artist who painted the first Facebook headquarters, was paid in stock options … which should now earn him about $200 million."

Answer:

Because it costs them no cash, which start ups have little of.

It's an incentive,..If the company does good, you do good,..and you likely give 100% effort..

Stock Options,.. until they're sold are an investment, tax free,..Then certainly if sold,..Sold after a year at Long Term Capital Gains Tax Rate of maximum of 15%...

"wanna bet 10K Ah Hah Ha",..Romney-care.."14.7%"...Ah Hah Ha"