While AlphaChi's post was well-written, it essentially did not address my question. Anecdotal information is not always sufficient for making statements that could border on libel/slander. Attitudes on this list and elsewhere, including the publications of ferret organizations, reflect a bias against MF that is not presented as opinion. It is not that I am overly pro-MF, but I hate to see the political position of the ferret compromised by the inability of factions within the "Ferret community" (ie. the commercial vs. the private) to get along. If the problems certain folks have with MF are true and proof of some sort can be provided, then something should be done(other than badmouthing the business end of the ferret community like a bunch of anti-establishment children). The problem is bigger than just attitudes toward MF. The recent issue over vitamin A in Ferretone was another example. I realize that there was legitimate concern and discussion, but some of what I read equated to a building hysteria over vit A. Someone should do a study. I'd like to know what the facts regarding ferrets and vit A are. To read the list, you would think ferret owners thought the folks at 8n1/Four Paws, etc. were all trying to slowly kill off all ferrets slowly with vitamin A. There is a difference between misinformed hysteria and keeping corporations responsible. The internet can be an effective tool for disseminating information, but it can be a dangerous weapon as well, just ask Tommy Hilfiger. As far as MF and corporations go, business is apparently a bad thing, regardless of how AlphaChi claims to feel; what is wrong with ferrets as a business? I am all for holding businesses to high standards of ethical practice and in this case, humane treatment of their product, but business is a good thing. If MF is really engaging in unethical business practice, go get 'em...but we'd better have all our stuff well documented, or we will be doing ferrets the world over a disservice. If our concerns with MF and others continue to be nothing more than opinionated ranting and not informed and supportable fact, then all we are doing is destroying our credibility as ferret owners, and our discussions here reduced to no more than mere banter. If I'm wrong, enlighten me. If you're going to pelt me with opinion and conjecture, save it. [Posted in FML issue 1894]