11 Comments
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Peter Blum's avatar

Once again, you hit the nail on the head. Your EJ reminiscences and observations about the need so many have to criticize and humiliate made me smile (ruefully). Be the mirror! Reflect back what you perceive. Cheers!

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Billy Manas's avatar

You will forever be a wonderful presence in my life and I am truly grateful for you.

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Jann  Dolk's avatar

Yes, EJ is how I met you.! Such a true article and it paints a real picture of writing for Elephant. My current piece is my last. Gone are the days when I had 500 reads in a week, lots of hearts and comments. My latest was published Tuesday, it has maybe 67 reads today. It will likely make the newsletter this weekend and make it to 108. I see maybe 1-4 hearts, 0-2 comments. It is demoralizing. I will continue on Substack with my 44 free subscribers until September 1st. Then it's leave or turn on paid. At least i am writing and a lot, finding my voices...thanks Billy.

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Billy Manas's avatar

As it says in the Bible “ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” We all watched it happen. But none of that matters at this point. As Renee says “Keep writing.” We all see your dedication and commitment to the community we have and frankly it’d be a colder world without you.

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Jann  Dolk's avatar

Thank you Billy, and Renee. I will never stop writing, it's been a deep part of my life.

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Renee Fesser's avatar

Keep writing ✍️❤️❤️❤️🙌

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Renee Fesser's avatar

Good to remember these lessons. Good people lift other people especially colleagues. We might disagree yet we should respect. I want to write content that changes people’s lives. You Billy have done this. Your book is transformative.

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Billy Manas's avatar

You are such a kind soul. I wish we could sit down and have coffee and talk about ideas together.

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Renee Fesser's avatar

If I’m in your neck of the woods you will be the first.

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A.B.'s avatar

That is how we met. One of the best things about it. :)

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Peter Blum's avatar

You know I'm rooting for you to win a Pulitzer Prize someday...

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