It is my understanding that this forum is for all things ferret
(keyword "all"). ALL things ... ferret. This way everyone on this list
finds something that matters to them. Some people only like information
about medical issues such as adrenal disease. Others only like to hear
about club meetings and other events. Some people like to find out
where to get ferret supplies. Some members like to only read about
ferret care and husbandry. Some look for special announcements and
links to ferret news. But it all comes down to this ... The posts about
a remote store on Tokyo, Japan that caters to ferrets is every bit as
important as a post about an upcoming International Ferret Symposium.
A poem from Risa, or a link to a 'tarded movie involving a ferret on
YouTube is just as important as a post by a vet on this list. Art and
expression are very "ferret" to me as our critters are also crafty and
creative. Ferret people are commonly "different", and many of us are
artists in one way or another whether it's acknowledged or not. Nobody
wants to only read about hard core scientific facts. Nobody wants to
only read about loosing our babies either. Likewise, nobody only wants
to read silliness and stories. That is why we need everyone to
participate and to contribute something. It does not matter what. This
is what mixes things up and makes the FML appeal to people world-wide.
Robin's and April's make believe wedding stories not only are fun for
people to read and participate in (they have made it clear that they
want people to post and join in), but they do have an eventual purpose.
But what if there was no purpose to the silly postings? So what? Are
you saying that the Rainbow Bridge posts are more healing to the heart
and relevant than the funny wedding posts? You are so very wrong. So
very wrong.

I also wanted to say that included on the FML at times, are the lives
and issues regarding members of this forum as it affects ferrets or
the other members in some way. This forum is a community, not a robotic
machine that only caters to hard factual information about the ferret.
I don't just want to read about food recalls from Sukie. I also want
to know if Sukie Crandall is ailing as well because it affects her
animals, it affects others in the forum with how she can or cannot help
them or contribute to Ferrets magazine, etc.. She is our friend, we are
a community, so it matters.

I can understand why someone would think that the wedding posts are
stupid. Cool. I can understand if they were just curious as to why the
thread has kept going on as long as it has, and why the interest in
them. Cool. Glad they took the time to ask. Many people might not be
clued in. But, I don't understand why someone would be offended by
them, and I don't understand why they'd keep reading them if they
bothered them. I don't mind hearing peoples opinions even if they
are negative. I love questioning things. But I don't love coming to
the FML and hearing someone put someone else down for their interest
or for what they find joy in.

[Posted in FML 5627]