For better or worse, none of my last three letters to The Economist have made it into the current issue, which appeared online earlier today. Written one after another with growing passion nine days ago, they turned out to be my swan song. For some strange reason, I was quite sure that one of them would make it into print. I am thus facing a funny mixture of emotions. On the one hand, I am annoyed with the editor for failing to reward my unexpected reappearance; on the other, I am elated that I have long abandoned reading the mighty newspaper, as well as that I have stopped writing my letters to the editor. Which of the two emotions is stronger, though? Not surprisingly, the elation comes on top of the annoyance, albeit only by a small margin. In retrospect, I could not but wonder about my confusion in the case one of the letters was actually selected for publication. Would I not be enticed to try my luck with such unexpected letters every once in a while? Hey, I am only human!

Addendum (December 9, 2016)

A couple of years later, I am glad that none of my last three letters have made it into print. Thus my belated thanks to the editor of the mighty newspaper, who made me a bit cross at the time. Ever since, it has not even crossed my mind to try my luck again. Which is why my swan song remains unsullied to this day. To my lasting joy, though, each of the three letters in question is a good read. As well as right on the ball. Alas, even editors of the best newspapers on offer are only human!