We've been hearing for a while how AOL mistreats its bloggers as a matter of course. Maybe we've become desensitized after hearing so many stories about shitty goings-on at Engadget and the Huffington Post. But you should read this personal account posted at The Awl, because it's a smart, sad look at exactly how poorly AOL is treating their workers, concluding with a condescending mass e-mail that went out to freelancers on Wednesday:

Hi there —
Thank you very much for your contributions to AOL. As we have discussed on calls and in emails, going forward our editorial direction is to build a great team of full-time editors, writers, and reporters. To that end, we are reducing the scope of AOL's freelancer program.

Per the terms of your agreement with AOL, this note confirms the end of your engagement for content services effective Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Rest assured, you will be paid for your content and services through this date, disbursed to you per AOL’s regular payment schedule in late May.

We greatly appreciate your contributions and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please email freelancers@teamaol.com with any inquiries.

This letter probably went through several drafts to ensure maximum dickishness.