Regarding the Modern Ferret issue, I can see both sides.I am the owner of
a home based internet business designing, printing, & producing ferret
t-shirts AND I spend 12 hours a day running my storefront printing
business.I have also battled a long term illness, so I can sympathize with
the Sheffermans.I can easily imagine what a huge undertaking it must be to
produce a publication of this calibre, and the stress that goes along with
it.However, when you make the decision to start a business you have an
obligation to produce a quality product(or service) in a timely manner,
otherwise you will lose business or go completely out of business.  A wise
businessperson will have a backup plan in the event of unforseen illness
or accident.Good communication with subscribers in difficult times is also
important.
 
I have subscribed to Modern Ferret since the first issue and to be honest
it seems like more issues have been late than on time.Over the years, I
did not get all of the issues I paid for.  I am sympathetic, but this
gets old after awhile.Last year I decided not to renew my subscription.I
can understand when an emergency arises from time to time, but when it
continues over a period of years, its just not a good way of doing
business.  It is unfortunate that they have encountered so many problems.
Modern Ferret is a wonderful magazine, which reflects a wealth of talent
and creatively.  Hopefully they will be able to overcome their
difficulties and turn things around in the future.In the meantime, it
seems reasonable that some will choose to cancel their subscriptions and
they should be offered a refund .
[Posted in FML issue 3735]