When my first article, "Senators: I'm A Little Confused", was accepted, I was overjoyed, even though I felt it wasn't my best work -- I was really only asking a question.

Next, my article "My Visit To The Newbie Center" made it into the Times. I was excited at first. I had had a small problem with someone and wanted to share it with Whyville. In fact, the person even admitted it was her in the BBS, and apologized. I was happy, but then arguments broke out.

You'd have to read the article to understand, but people were yelling at me and saying things like I just wrote the article to express anger. A lot of them completely missed the point of what I was trying to say. I only wanted to talk about my experience.

Then, my article "Trouble On The Moon" got published. I was happy again, but the surprise and joy of making the cut soon wore off. Once again, more arguments started, and this time it was over what I was trying to prevent. I wrote the article to stop fights and discrimination, but instead people started them, based on what I'd written.

I'm starting to think writing for the Times isn't worth it anymore. I can always write for a real newspaper if I want to follow my dream. Why work hard just to make people mad at each other?

Please post your opinions for me in the BBS. This may be my last article.

This is Kimker, signing off.

Editor's Note: I know it's tough, but don't let a few negative reactions be the reason you give up writing, Kimker! Believe me, it only gets tougher in the "real world" -- to be a writer, sometimes you have to have skin as thick as steel... and sometimes as tender as a heartbeat, if you're to learn what you need to learn, and say what needs to be said. Don't be afraid to question your story, yourself, and your readers. Not only is that important for writing, it's the Whyville Way, too!

If you do stop writing for us, thanks for your work, and good luck in the future!