Despite the recurring theme of rejection with many of the pieces I submit, I find you still get the sense that you were (nevertheless) in good hands. In other words, you'd like to think that the editors who take the time to read your material and then leave generally ambiguous statements about your work, are not saying "no" without good reason. It certainly makes you feel all the more special when something does make the grade.
In some respects, I think my first accepted piece at McSweeney's (The Von Trapp Children Speak to a Geneticist) is a good example of this. It was fun to write, and it just seem so wonderfully tidy how each child's personality led to a pertinent yet somewhat controversial question. More to the point, the editor (John Warner) apart from saying "yes" to the effort, was actually responsible for (what I feel) is the funniest line in final edit of the piece. Take a look below and I think you'll agree. Credit should be given where credit is deserved, right?
Brilliant indeed.
LOUISA: Why doesn't anybody remember who I am?
GENETICIST: Alas, it appears that this is because you are the second child..."
Hey, wasn't Louisa the third child?
You know, you may be right. Although I could perhaps chalk it up to an added subtle jab with the joke. You don't get copy editors for these sorts of things.