Anon writes:
 
>I am posting to just see what other people thought of the recent Modern
>Ferret issue with Tiffany Taylor.  I personally think that including a
>former Playboy Playmate, and glorifying the issue surrounding that, was
>done in very poor taste.  And, Modern Ferret seemed to get into too many
>personal issues of the Playboy Playmate's life.... And, I definetely
>wouldn't like my children reading this issue.
 
I didn't think there was anything offensive about the issue at all.  It
is obvious that Tiffany Taylor is a good ferret mom who is interested in
helping our community improve the perception of ferrets as main-stream
pets.  The article was written in a tasteful, unoffensive way.  The
photographs were also tastefully done, tho a little "glam" for me.  There
was no profanity, no nudity, and no sexually explicit language.
 
I wonder if the anon's problem with the article has more to do with
Tiffany's other publication experience than with what MF *ACTUALLY*
printed?  If that's the case, it is a dangerous line to walk.  Do we
choose to censor people in one forum because they have taken part in
another?  Following such a course encourages insular thinking which (at
best) borders on intolerance, and (at worst) leads to prejudice.
 
A Second Anon writes:
 
>I thought it was extremely inappropriate to have that stuff in the issue,
>and I have considered cancelling my subscription.  I want to read about
>ferret stuff, not that other crap.
 
Do you skip the articles about other owners too because it isn't *just*
about ferrets.  Personal interest articles are important.  They give us a
look into other ways of thinking, doing, and being.  The Tiffany article
illustrated that all kinds of people own and enjoy ferrets.  It was a fair,
even-handed piece that didn't glorify or malign Tiffany's choices.  It
simple showed her as a kind, compassionate ferret owner.  Take out personal
interest articles and all that is left is a dry, clinical text on ferret
health issues.  Important information to be sure, but probably pretty
boring too.
 
Fer Cryin' Out Loud, we're talking about FERRETS here.  They should be a
unifying force of fuzz that help lower stress and make us grin.  Lets all
try to show a little tolerance for what's different and celebrate the
diversity of life.
 
Cheers!
Matthew in VA.
[Posted in FML issue 2681]