In the mail the other day came a SASE. Inside was the usual : we regret, we are unable, we wish you luck, blah blah blah ...

The SASE had been sent so long before the January 2006 postage rate change that it required three cents more than what I put on it. (No, they don't accept submissions by e-mail.)

From this publication's listing in another writing magazine's 30 Best Bets For Beginners (no comment on that):

"In our area of (name of state), many well-known authors such as (name of author and the title of one of her books) have graciously contributed to our magazine. What a high for a first-time writer to be published alongside such pros!"

Yes, what a high, if you live long enough. A first-time writer could conceivably spend a lifetime trying to get something published in this magazine.

The pay: one contributor copy. ONE. Not even a few extras to hand out. It's bad enough that they expect you to give your work away.

Why does anyone waste the time and postage submitting to places like this?