Thanks, Zivah. I'm very glad I had that time in Venezuela, not only for all it taught me about global economics, but the fact that the country itself - as perceived today - was not the overnight creation of a populist Castro wannabe.

And I've certainly had stories that I feel were less authentic and impactful than this boosted. I wrote it in a bit of a rush when I was trying to fill the pub with material after launch, but I still think it hangs together OK as is, and I picked it because I know that readers' reactions have generally been really positive.

As I say, it's fair enough if Curation hold nommers' own stories to a higher standard than other writers'. I hadn't taken that into account, maybe.