Well, I did it! I told the editor that I don't need an answer for now, just wanted her to know that if the managing editor position becomes available, I'm interested. She said, "I figured that," and that's where we left it.
I feel really good about this. I'd been dreading talking to her and now that I've said what needed to be said, it's a huge relief! The next step is up to her.
I just have to thank you guys again for the support and encouraging me to speak up. For the first time in a long time, I've actually looked forward to coming into work. I don't know how much is actually going to change around here, but I feel good knowing that I at least did something and I couldn't have done it without you guys!
I think the managing editor knows his job's on the line because in the past couple of days, he's been around a lot more and is actually trying to be pleasant and communicate with people. This morning, he actually complimented me on a couple of stories I wrote for our next issue. That hasn't happened for a long time. Too little, too late, though, in my opinion.