I wasn't offended at all. Most of your commentary spoke truth to power.

I don't know your generation; therefore, I will speak from my generation.

I'm old school. I remember "CD-Roms." My first writing gig came from a trade magazine I found in Writer's Market when I was 16 years old.

Yes. I studied. I did the work. I was a grant proposal writer, blogger, speechwriter, ad runner, and ghostwriter.

Still, I am not prepared to say someone is not a "real" writer because everything has been redefined in our industry. I don't want to discourage anyone who may have real talent but needs direction.

You dropped so many gems, then it felt as if you picked up each one and hit people with them.

I've been so tired of the complaints; I wanted to leave Medium, again. But that's the hustlers talking "ish., you know. The ones that are in it for the bag, the money grab.

You've got the background and the expertise so if you say "not a real writer" a very talented writer may use your standard to measure her/himself.

And think about it, some of the old avenues where you paid your dues aren't available anymore.

Furthermore, Medium has not established itself as a publication. Medium has established itself as a social media network for readers, writers, and bloggers.

Bloggers are writers. A blogger may not have written a book or have the extensive and impressive background you have but he or she may be a "real" writer. Our industry has bifurcated in so many directions now, it's hard to qualify who is a "real" writer by the standards you've outlined. What you outlined were the qualifications of a Published Author.

Sorry, this response was so long. But hey, I'm a writer so...

We have a different view on this, but I appreciate your work. Thanks.