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What puzzles me is the number of people who, although not interested in participating as a slush reader, feel compelled to criticize the publisher for making such a request in the first place. The Clarkesworld slush pile has grown to the point where the few volunteers they have risk falling behind for any given period, and falling behind could delay the next issue... while dumping unread submissions might result in good stories slipping through the cracks.
Neil Clarke tried to be up front about what is offered, and what is requested, in his initial message. If it appeals to you, you know how to respond. If it doesn't appeal to you, you are under no obligation to do so. He is making each issue of the finished publication available to all, for free, online.
- M.D.B.
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