And that is true for every single writing cohort everywhere. It's true for artists of all kinds: painters, singers, guitar players-- very few will ever support themselves.

What you and so many others (including Ev) fail to understand is that publications were always a bad idea. Ev seems to see that now and is strongly emphasizing individuals. Read the blog and pay attention to what you read and, hopefully, you'll see it.

Ask yourself a simple question: grab a dozen singer-songwriters to form a band. What kind of success would you forecast? Their chances would be near nil, but any one of them MIGHT have a chance with the right stuff, the right luck, the right timing.

Publications are useless and harmful except as an organization method for individuals -- and THAT would be better done with tags!