I read about Medium a week ago. I read it was a place to read and post fiction so, I joined. I’ve yet to read any fiction but, each day I receive notice of dozens of bits and pieces of verbal fluff, none significant, none artistic, few even well written.

Perusing most of what’s on Medium, I’m reminded of the advice many writing coaches beat into their students: “You must write, every day, whether you have a story or anything to say or not; you must write!” They leave unsaid the next command: And you must pay me $100 an hour to read your drivel!

This near universal advice explains overwhelmed editors and publishers’ reps refusing to accept unsolicited manuscripts and Hollywood readers refusing to read beyond the first page of almost all of the hundred-thousand scripts they get each year.

I emphatically disagree with those self-serving writing coaches. When you have no story and nothing to say, don’t write and, if you can’t restrain yourself, at least don’t inflict your tedium on the rest of the world.

I hope, when I finally decide to post something, it is more than tedium. If it isn’t, please tell me and I’ll apologize and desist.