While I have never read any of the magazines in question, I am somewhat
disturbed at the tone the debate has taken. Several individuals have
insinuated that the original criticism of MFM was misplaced, and somehow
put the cohesiveness of the ferret community in danger.
 
I couldn't disagree more.  I don't doubt the hard work of those putting
together MFM (I was editor in chief of our daily campus newspaper --
exhausting work indeed), yet that does not place them above any criticism.
In fact, such concerns are usually encouraged in most media outlets,
allowing them to better tune themselves in to the target audience.  In
addition, all those pro-MFMers out there came out ahead on this battle.
Indeed, they had an excuse to stand behind their magazine, and probably
piqued the interest of many of those (like me) who had never seen, or even
heard, of MFM.
 
This happended not because critical comments were censored out of the FML,
but because BIG allowed dissenting views into this list, spurring healthy
debate on the issue.  Now, I can't wait to get a copy of all the
publications in question so I can make up my own mind on whether the either
or both the magazies are worth my money.
 
There may be other tough issues that we may be forced to confront as ferret
owners.  Let's not be afraid to use this forum to discuss them.
 
Markos (and Zoe, who woke up long enough to tell me she agreed)
[Posted in FML issue 1402]