Thanks Kristina. This story helps us non-winners (not losers) feel a little better. I tried to feel some kind of way when I read how long they've been on the platform, as I'm sure other long time Medium writers did too. BUT if I had won - after only being here for less than 6 months, I would be viewed as too new also, and some would have felt put off. So the bottom line is: The winner won because the judges deemed the stories worthy, and that's that. As envious as I am - I'm also happy and proud for this writer. I'll get 'em next time :-)