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Dillon Picks January 2024
My favourite Medium articles from the most interminable month of the year
The recent Oscar nominations provoked tantrums by some who felt Greta Gerwig was robbed. Much as we at the Fortress Dillon enjoyed Barbie and respect Gerwig as a fine filmmaker, the official Dillon Empire verdict is the film deserves neither Best Director nor Best Picture nominations (more details on why here).
Those who were particularly vocal in their dummy-spitting reminded me of that most unpopular truth: Not everyone wins. And just as there are no participation trophies at the Oscars, there are no participation trophies handed out in Dillon Picks. If your article is selected for my monthly Medium top ten, you’ve not participated, you’ve won. What have you won? A seal of approval from the Dillon Empire, and that ought to warrant a smidgen of smugness.
At the same time, inclusion herein also renders you ineligible for Dillon Picks for another three months, to ensure a bit of variety. Except for my fellow Fanfare editors Sir Paul Combs, Sir Sarah Paris, and editor-in-chief Sir Eric Pierce, of course. As Knights of the Dillon Empire, they can be included as much as I damn well please. Why? Because as Emperor of the Dillon Empire, I make the rules. And no, you can’t be a knight, so don’t ask.