Recently read a story in an elite journal. One that pays a nice sum of money for flash. The writer is accomplished. Tons of comments from good writers. Long story short, it didn't work for me at all. Barely got through the opening paragraph. Bored me to death. 1/2

I thought maybe I'm just a bad reader. So I sent it to someone I trust. They immediately said I bope it gets better after that terrible opening paragraph. He didn't like it either. Writing is subjective. Elite journal don't always publish the best flash. 2/3

Smaller journals publish great stories as often as so-called elite ones. My point I guess is don't chase lit mags based on reputation only. Chase lit mags, small or well-regarded, that publish writing you love. Keep writing. Keep submitting.