WOW. It's been a little while since I voiced a controversial opinion here. As a result, I'd forgotten how nasty people can be. Some of the e-mails Lisette has received are not to be believed. There are some ferret-lovers out there who can be really cruel and ugly if someone's views differ from theirs. It always amazes me how hateful people can get, especially when the common thread that runs through the FML is a deep love of small, furry beings. I did receive one e-mail (Sam's post) that disagreed with me, but in a most courteous manner and he also offered me some things I hadn't thought about, or known about the publishing business. It was truly a constructive criticism of my post, and I deeply appreciated his courtesy as well as the information he shared. It was a great example of how civilized, educated people can disagree but remain friendly, calm, and respectful. The same people who are saying that I have no compassion or tolerance are, ironically, completely without tolerance for my views and their replies and insults are pretty much the opposite of compassion. Zen's post offers a mock "apology" for my supposed inability to comprehend the logistics of a "start-up business" and also remarks that Lisette's suffering is "inconsequential". Those statements aren't exactly reeking of the compassion and tolerance he then goes on to commend himself for. Modern Ferret is a "start-up" business? I was under the impression they've been around for over 7 years (since 1994, according to their website), won awards, and gained national recognition, which is why I suggested it might not be difficult for them to find willing help. They wouldn't have to relinquish creative control. Interns usually help with production and layout; they do not usually take over the business! Journalism students frequently take unpaid internships with magazines, and could provide some of the support needed when Mary and Eric can't do it alone. I was actually trying to make a constructive suggestion. I am not trying to re-design their business or suggest that they hand it over to someone else. I suggested that, given the regularity with which problems pop up for them, they need some help. Heck, if I lived closer, I'D be willing to help them for nothing, even if it was just grunt work that needed to get done! I didn't suggest that Eric and Mary's problems are not serious. As I mentioned, I have a close friend who has suffered from Crohn's for more than two years. I know that it can interrupt people's lives for months at a time. The suggestion I made (and am still daring to make despite the flames) is that a magazine this vital, this popular, and this necessary to the ferret community needs better planning in place. I am suggesting that they need to do more than just hurry up and start putting out a magazine again as soon as possible, and keep fingers crossed that no more obstacles arise. I actually understand business fairly well (being an MBA student, as well as a co-founder of a non-profit organization). My criticism is that it seems they have no plan in place for situations such as these. My suggestion is that they get one. It's a suggestion, and an opinion. It didn't deserve the expletive-adjective e-mails I got. I am not "against" Mary and Eric Shefferman, I do not wish anything bad to happen to them and I would be very happy to see Modern Ferret bounce back and become as successful as it was before. Lots of people need it and want it. I wish it well, and I wish the Sheffermans well. I just can't say that I think it's OK to take people's money and not deliver something in return, indefinitely. If I were close friends with the Sheffermans, then I too would probably also feel very defensive about their health and their reputation, and care more about their personal lives than their creative output. To those who sent me really nasty flames and e-mails (many were unsigned, which says a lot about the people behind it), I hope you never share an opinion that is different from someone else, and that person feels that they have the right to call you names and make assumptions and judgements about your character and intelligence. -Heather W. Having opinions and making suggestions, without malice, in Massachusetts [Posted in FML issue 3735]