I submitted a piece to the LA Times (I wanted to fail BIG!) late last week - and I got my first rejection e-mail today. Woo Hooooo!!!

As I hadn't expected to hear anything, except maybe their collective laughter of disbelief echoing all the way to the beach from downtown, this is going in my plus column.
Of course, the speed at which they replied could be taken a couple of ways. However, I'll choose door number 2 - and say, hey, at least they didn't leave me hangin'!
Be afraid, be very afraid... I'll keep pluggin' away like the hapless hack I am!
:)