Hello all!
 
I can't resist commenting on the subject.  (Opinions are like cowboy hats;
everybody has one.)
 
I believe that compliments and support are due to Modern Ferret Magazine.
The reader should recognize that the magazine is a fledgling.  Yes, it is
not a whopping 100 (or 88) pager.  No, its articles are not extensive.  But
consider, _two_ people, both interested and concerned with ferrets and
ferret welfare, are putting it together.  Of course we readers hope that the
magazine will grow in size and scope, but without our (the ferret
community's) support, they will never grow.  We have to invest our belief
(and our money) if we want to see the magazine flourish.  Even the largest
of businesses started out as one or two people working with a vision of
something greater.  Check out some of the earliest issues of your other
favorite magazines; I'll bet they're not as "polished" as they appear today.
 
As for the magazine's style, I think that we need to consider that this
magazine features a "personal" style.  We're not talking mass-marketing,
generic, and faceless here.  Like it or not, at least this magazine dares to
have a personality.
 
In short, give 'em a chance.  Offer _constructive_ criticism, helpful
comments, and positive feedback.  I vote "yea" for Modern Ferret.
 
As for my criticisms, comments, feedback, I would like to compliment the
magazine on it's interviews and reviews.  They are an insightful means of
learning about other people and products in the ferret community.  The
medical articles are outstanding!  A forum of this sort is greatly needed
and appreciated.  Likewise, ferret owners would probably appreciate more
"how-to" articles (grooming, socializing, etc.) as well as ideas for toys
and games.  Club directors and members might appreciate some tips on
starting clubs, maintaining clubs, club activities, etc.  As for criticisms,
I can only offer one.  I would strongly recommend that the magazine be
distributed on schedule.  While I realize that the magazine must be very
difficult to produce with a two-person staff, it is essential to distribute
on a dependable basis in order to develop a regular clientel (i.e.  people
will look in the stores for the magazine to appear dependably every two
months) and to maintain a happy subscribership.  I'm sure many bookstores
will not carry the magazine if they cannot be assured that it will arrive in
a timely manner.  Can you afford an additional staff member or two?
 
Well, I can't say I was as brief as I intended to be, but I hope that I
offered some worthwhile insights!
 
Happy ferretting to everyone!
 
Gina
and
Paleface  (Look, mom, there's someone who looks just like me!)
[Posted in FML issue 1401]