"Most Intriguing AC from Yahoo Writer" Monthly Awards Suspended

I tried sending private messages to everyone I thought might be interested in this turn of events. However, after about 20 minutes of sending to past winners and nominees, I discovered it was going to take all day to do it that way. Therefore, I'm sending the notice out this way instead.

After February, the monthly "Most Intriguing AC from Yahoo Writer" awards will be suspended; possibly permanently. I apologize for having to make this decision. I hope what is left of my faithful readers will understand.

Like so many others here at AC, the Google changes have hit my page views extremely hard. I can't even bear to look at my daily numbers these days. They have put me into a permanent state of depression.

Threrefore, at 61, I'm going back to work cleaning houses as I did when we first moved back to Virginia. It is hard, but honest, work and absolutely necessary if my husband and I hope to survive. Unfortunately, that will leave little time for anything else; hence the need to drop the most intriguing award program.

I will continue to write some as well as read as many of my favorites as I can. Should things change in the future so I can reinstate the monthly award program, I will notify everyone once more. At this point I don't even know if the year-end awards will see a fifth year. We'll have to wait and see.

I appreciate the support of those of you who have remained faithful to my writing. I absolutely adore all of the friends I have made here at AC. No matter what else happens, that will never change.

I wish everyone continued success and good luck. I'll be checking in on you regularly, like always. I hope you will do the same. If you don't; however, I will do my best to understand.

Again, I humbly apologize for being forced to make this decision. It isn't what I want. I know that we writers need support now more than ever. Unfortunately, there is only so much that any person can do in a given day and I'm no different. I hope you will understand.

Know this, despite Google's attempt to slander the writers and contributors of places like Associated Content, they are not 100 percent accurate. There are some outstanding writers right here at AC. You know who you are and don't let anyone - - ANYONE - - take that away from you! The truth will eventually prevail.

As for Associated Content itself, I applaud their leaders for having the foresight to see what others will not. I hope that things will turn around again and AC will continue to be a force with which to be reckoned.