Struggling Authors

Publishers treat writers like dirt.
Example: I send off a story to a magazine, following their guidance carefully. Whilst the story is 'out' I hold on any other possible outlets to avoid any sole rights problems.
10 weeks later the story comes back to me (in my own SAE) with a note to say that it does not fit within their current topics for publication.
How many minutes (seconds?) does it take to make a decision at that level? Does it require an editor?...... Who we are told are so extremely busy that they have very little time to look at authors' works (It's their job!!!!!!). The decision could be made by the man who delivers the printing ink.
So my story spends 10 weeks with no potential to earn a brass farthing whilst some lazy, precious, overpaid so called professional craps on his/her sources.
Why do we accept this state of affairs?
What can we do about it?

Please - no detailed explanations about why etc. I know why. I just do not think we should accept it.

Can I just say I sympathise?

Well done you for submitting a story to a magazine. I haven't got to the stage of submitting my short stories to magazines as yet. I've just been entering mine into competitions. I haven't won anything, but I enjoy having a theme to write to. Anyway, I do plan to submit a short story to a magazine one of these days. Will have to do my research.

Filthy lucre and art rarely mix well. Anybody who wishes to use an artform to make money will be treated like dirt. It doesn't matter if you're a musician, painter, actor, writer; the market is saturated and the demand limited and picky.
How many bored houswives have tried their hand at painting or writing?
How many starry eyed teenagers dream about a career in music?

It gets worse too. It's not just the editors and recording firms that treat you like dirt; there's a whole army of rip off artists, sharks and bogus agents who are out to make a quick buck on your aspirations and dreams.

My knowledge of the literary world is limited and stuttering but I could sing you a three day opera about the music industry; which is who you know and how much are you willing to pay. "Money talks and dreams can take the high road, so deal with it" seems to be the motto of the day.

Whatever, hang in there Gray there are some good guys out there, you just have to find them.

It's just a question of kissing the right frog, right?

Grayling, just read your very last line.
Oops.
Ah well, at least I got my tupenny's worth in and off of my chest. It's always better to let it out, don't you think?

I suppose we put up with it because there's nowhere else to go, unless you start your own agency/publishing house/magazine.

Life is hard but apparently childbirth is even harder, for a man that is.

I have sent off some work this week to a magazine. The Features Editor normally replies within a day or so, so as I haven't heard anything from her on this occasion, I think I can safely say that they won't be accepting my latest piece of work. Why can't they send an email to say, 'Thanks but no thanks,' or something to this effect? It doesn't take long.

I know, I know, I've got to get used to this sort of thing. I know Editors receive lots of work, and I'm not expecting handwritten letters from them, but email is so quick. It's a matter of manners.