Hi, Tony,

I genuinely appreciate what you’re doing — attempting to raise the bar by creating a place for articles free of advertising. What I don’t see is the correlation (or implication thereof) between subpar writing and an author’s desire to promote their work/grow their audience. It’s as if you’re implying that an author who seeks to grow their audience or promote their work should be vilified in some way. Perhaps I’m misreading your piece?

I’m a published novelist. I’ve been commissioned by medium (i.e. paid) to write stories for members, and I’ve been sharing my work (fiction and essays) on this platform for years. For free.

Recently, I started an email list because I want to see my work read more widely, and I’d like to gain an audience for a venture I’m starting. Wanting to grow my readership doesn’t reduce my work or my intention of putting it out into the world. What I’m saying is that there’s nothing wrong with the intersection of art and commerce — and I say that as someone who has to take on a marketing job to pay for my creative work.

I do wish you the best with your publication. No doubt you’ll share great work.

Cheers, Felicia