The editor is often in a similar bind, a freelancer paid by the word or per article, who doesn't really have an incentive to go beyond ensuring some minimum lev

The editor is often in a similar bind, a freelancer paid by the word or per article, who doesn't really have an incentive to go beyond ensuring some minimum level of quality. The publishing industry is just in a very bad place right now, mainly because it's so unprofitable for all but the biggest few players and the spigot of VC money has been turned off.