A star is born! Gasp! It seems medium judges loved it enough to overlook lapses in rules.

The prizewinning essay is very ‘American’ in its flavor and form. Is it as hefty as a Hemingway story? No. Will I want to read it again? No. Does it deserve all that money? No. That’s my personal opinion. I’ve read stories on medium that are of far superior quality in every way.

Contests are like that, Jay. Medium cheapened itself a bit by creating what we call a ‘Tamasha!’ Publicity stunt. Hype. A tiny circus.

A rich lady got richer. Good for her. I’m cool with that.