Hi Scott: I clapped for this, but not because you're making the pub inactive, because that's a sad day for Medium (but a glad day for your mental health, which is way more important).

I should have clapped 50 times for all the work and effort you put into PS. I loved your editing, and I appreciated how you even talked me off the ledge on a couple of my more, hmmm, what's the right word... I don't even know. Stories that may not have been appreciated by a wide audience?

But more importantly was the actual editing. Anybody writing for you knew that you read every word and took the role seriously.

In my view, this is a huge loss for Medium, because Medium overall is full of a lot of rubbish. But good for you to recognize that volunteer work can be as grueling as paid work, with only the pat on the back as a reward.

I have a few pubs in my name that I am the sole writer for. The reason I haven't opened them up to other writers is because your efforts have been so evident to me. If you spend as much time on other writers as you do on my stuff, in my mind that meant that, inevitably, this day for PS would come. And obviously, you did spend that time, as did Katharine and Joel.

Since I know my work personality, I knew I'd treat any publication I run the same way, and I just don't have the stamina for it. Or, frankly, anything near the patience you have. I honestly don't know how you lasted this long. I can't even imagine my reaction if someone had said that about an image if I was editing. It wouldn't have been healthy, lol.

So thanks to you, Katharine, Joel, and all the other writers on PS who've contributed.

My readership has gone up a lot since I started focusing on PS, so that's appreciated, too. A part of your legacy will have been helping other writers get noticed. Someday, I hope the knowledge of that helps supercede the anxiety.

Take care and thanks again for all you've done for us.