Were paid indulgences compulsory prior to the Reformation?

Luther's 95 Theses were a refutation of selling indulgences on the part of the Catholic Church. Did he, or others, believe that the Church was saying that: - The only way to be a good Christian was to purchase an indulgence - Were indulgences a public or private matter (I mean, did you show them off)? - The sale of indulgences was a benign form of alms giving - The sale of indulgences were a form of extortion by the Catholic Church - The only way to assure one of salvation was through the purchase of indulgences - Neglecting the purchase of indulgences assured one's soul of eternal damnation How did Luther's viewpoint compare to that of the common man?