Writer's Fallout Shelter

I've always approached this as if there's going to be a quiz at the end of the submission process. Like they're going to reject my work, simply because I don't know what article ran on p. 68 of the January 2003 issue...

No, seriously, it mostly means "don't be sending ladies' make-up tips to Playboy." Y'know? Understand the publication's needs and show that you understand them well enough not to waste their time sending something they can't use, asking them to BUY it. Courtesy, folks - just plain ol' courtesy.

And I can appreciate it ten times more, now, having interviewed job candidates who lack even the most basic skills listed as "requirements" for the job (I mean, wtf do they think "requirements" means?) It's okay if it's a stretch, but don't give me a totally blank look when I say "Word" and tell me you know how to use "Windows - is that the same thing?" Have a little compassion for others. Don't send that organic gardening article to a publication that's trying to get readers to landscape with ROCKS or synthetic grass.