I spoke with the CEO for a brief introductory interview, then wrote a practice article for submission. After I passed that test, I had a fuller interview with the CEO and three senior members of the editing team.
To their credit, the CEO reached out to me a few days after the interview to explain that I would not be moving forward in the process, as well as specifics about what caused me to hit the wall, which I respect and wish other companies did that.
I give the overall experience a "neutral" because I thought the reasoning I was given for the thumbs-down was slightly faulty. It was mentioned that I had made "too many complaints" about previous employers and that it "raised red flags" on whether I would have "long-term happiness" in the office.
The only "complaint" I made was that I hit a wall with one company that seemed, from my vantage point, to be uncomfortable advancing into the digital spectrum. I did not speak ill of any company or co-worker -- I would never do that. I also emphasized that, over the last several years, I've dealt with a number of personal tragedies and issues (passing of a spouse due to cancer, temporary loss of custody of my daughter so she could live a normal life while I handled my spouse's estate and affairs, considering my next steps as a widower, mental health issues related to the above and other factors).
I just fear that those in charge of hiring made a broad stroke in labeling me as "unhappy" without understanding the facts. Sometimes, you have to look at the big picture before making such a broad stroke.
Regardless, I would recommend working at Digital Brands. They are good people who are working hard to deliver the best product possible.