I am surprised that the Shefferman's seem to be above reprimand because they are of the "ferret community". And wasn't there JUST a discussion on the FML about a person who won an E-bay auction and didn't receive the goods after making payment???? Can someone explain the difference between THAT and MF? Oh, wait! Is it okay for the Shefferman's because Eric is sick? or is it because they are of the "ferret community"? I've been reading the Modern Ferret Debate with some interest. While I did not subscribe to MF, I DID buy it from the newsstand a few times after being told things such as "high quality educational, ***FUN***, I repeat FUN magazine here that helps ferrets". The first issue I picked up wasn't impressive in that it lacked professionalism. I felt like I was reading a *personal* diary complete with photos. I thought that maybe it was a fluke so I bought the next issue... again, less than professional in content. Honestly, I don't CARE what color Mary's hair is this month and I don't care that Eric thinks she looks good in this photo or that dress! Then there was the Halloween issue with the controversial photos with Harry Anderson. It was at that time that I threw up my hands. These people just don't get it! Now reading the recent posts regarding lack of timely printing and distribution, I am relieved that I didn't send them any of MY hard-earned money and I feel COMPASSION for those that did! Folks, it is unacceptable business practice (and illegal) to accept money and not deliver the goods. It's ILLEGAL to charge a credit card and not deliver the goods. That is called fraud! I imagine that the Shefferman's personal lives and financial situation could get *much* worse if people started holding them accountable for their (lack of) actions. I am not lacking compassion for Eric's problems but the world keeps spinning and time keeps ticking. It's time for Eric and Mary to show some INTEGRITY, character, honor, and business sense.... they should either refund money or deliver the magazines or send PERSONAL notes to all they have left hanging. And why were they still accepting money when they knew that they could not deliver a magazine? As for Lisette... Lisette, I am so sorry that you were the recipient of such abominable mail! What was written to/about you was totally unacceptable and reprehensible! I whole-heartedly agree with Steve Godun who said, "First, let's put to rest this whole thing about ferret owners having compassion (or not). I've read several messages for which the general sentiment seems to be "if you were a REAL ferret owner then you'd have more compassion and understanding". Levels of compassion and understanding have NOTHING to do with what sort of animal you share your home with! Compassion is defined as "Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it." --- says nothing about deep awareness being directly related to ferret ownership! Renee [Posted in FML issue 3736]