To my longtime and dear friend,
I simply cannot take it anymore, today is already 1/6 and the reviewers at <name your favorite journal here> are still bumbling buffoons, unable to recognize true brilliance even if it were to hit them over the head! I'm done, I tell you, done! It's time to blow this popsicle stand. I'm moving to a cabin in the woods. Maybe I can even finally make it through the documentation for variation graphs (vg) while I'm out there. I really don't wish to be found but if you really need to find me, I've included a map to where I'm staying. You'll have to get help from my new animal friends to find me, and oh, you'll need the final passcode or there's no way I'm letting you in. You might be that last reviewer.
vg
Your friend, Disgruntled Postdoc
In case of emergency, remember the following:
A printable PDF copy is available, or you can stop by the Bayer booth for a printed copy.
The solution to the puzzle is a single English word:
Try not to look at these hints unless you get really stuck -- they count against you on the leaderboard!
Hint 1 - early puzzle
Hint 2 - mid puzzle
Hint 3 - late puzzle