Well done! I wish I could laugh about it. Instead, I've gone back to read the many pieces I've written to get writers to believe in quality over quantity, to believe in themselves, to ignore the competitive games and just write goddamn WELL.

I'm going to take my own advice. I'm packing up and getting ready to leave. I thought I could fit in here but I can't. I really hate what's happening here and I think I have to go before my resentment spills over and it gets ugly.

What would that gain? Nothing. So it's on me to take whatever talents I have and find that place where I can thrive. It's not here.

I don't mean to sound bitter. In many ways it's been a good experience, but now it's not Medium--they'll go where they want to go--it's me. I don't want to follow along.