Two weeks ago, Cooks Source was just a tiny regional New England food magazine. Then its editor stole a freelancers article and haughtily dismissed her protests, drawing the internet's wrath. Now, it seems you people may have killed Cooks Source.

Cooks Source editor Judith Griggs, who is clearly not the most modern, media-savvy of magazine editors, posted a sort of shitty apology last week, and we figured that would be the end of it. But the internet's knife seems to have cut deeper; today, the Cooks Source website is graced with a long note—apparently written by Griggs (STANDARD COOKS SOURCE DISCLAIMER: You never know)—saying that this may be the end. First, though, the passive aggressiveness:

Honestly, some of you have been pretty mean. I have been busy for the last week, apologising to these business owners and helping them to get things right again. If my apology to Monica seemed shallow it was because I was angry about the harm she has inflicted on others on behalf of her own agenda.

So let me say this now: Monica I am so sorry for any harm I caused you. I never ment to hurt anyone, and I think I did a nice job for you, but the fact remains that I took this without asking you and that was so very wrong. Please find it in you heart to forgive me. I sent the check to the University and also, because so many people really need help, serious help, I am sending one to Food bank of Western Massachusetts (sorry, I got the name wrong the first time, even tho we did write an article on them).

And later, the dark news:

The bad news is that this is probably the final straw for Cooks Source. We have never been a great money-maker even with all the good we do for businesses. Having a black mark wont help...and now, our black mark will become our shroud. Winters are bleak in Western New England, and as such they are bleak for Cooks Source as well. This will end us. In the end if we did keep going, I would (very gladly) hire someone else to serve as editor and just continue my work with the towns. You should know that I did have an interview last week and the reporter grilled me seriously. I was able to show him all the promo books and articles we receive, all the photos we take and the "clip art" that is free for everyone. I also showed him those emails...

Thank you to all our readers, thanks to all our advertisers and writers... and to everyone who has been supportive and who has been a part of Cooks Source. To one writer in particular, Monica Gaudio, I wish you had given me a chance.

FIN

She's right: you people are mean.

[The full...piece of writing is here]