Linda, thanks for being the voice of reason without the needless whining. My views have dropped by 50% too but I also take responsibility for that. Haven't really had that viral article hit it out of the park in a while.
But I will shake my fists at the Medium Gods for my read ratios. I can't possibly suck this much. Your article made me realize that many people might be clicking on my pieces to make them go away. And I don't blame them. If a subject doesn't interest you...you should be able to dismiss it.
I think adding back the dismiss button would turn this bus around. Or at least get it back on track.