It is my understanding that this forum is for all things ferret (keyword "all"). ALL things ... ferret. This way everyone on this list finds something that matters to them. Some people only like information about medical issues such as adrenal disease. Others only like to hear about club meetings and other events. Some people like to find out where to get ferret supplies. Some members like to only read about ferret care and husbandry. Some look for special announcements and links to ferret news. But it all comes down to this ... The posts about a remote store on Tokyo, Japan that caters to ferrets is every bit as important as a post about an upcoming International Ferret Symposium. A poem from Risa, or a link to a 'tarded movie involving a ferret on YouTube is just as important as a post by a vet on this list. Art and expression are very "ferret" to me as our critters are also crafty and creative. Ferret people are commonly "different", and many of us are artists in one way or another whether it's acknowledged or not. Nobody wants to only read about hard core scientific facts. Nobody wants to only read about loosing our babies either. Likewise, nobody only wants to read silliness and stories. That is why we need everyone to participate and to contribute something. It does not matter what. This is what mixes things up and makes the FML appeal to people world-wide. Robin's and April's make believe wedding stories not only are fun for people to read and participate in (they have made it clear that they want people to post and join in), but they do have an eventual purpose. But what if there was no purpose to the silly postings? So what? Are you saying that the Rainbow Bridge posts are more healing to the heart and relevant than the funny wedding posts? You are so very wrong. So very wrong. I also wanted to say that included on the FML at times, are the lives and issues regarding members of this forum as it affects ferrets or the other members in some way. This forum is a community, not a robotic machine that only caters to hard factual information about the ferret. I don't just want to read about food recalls from Sukie. I also want to know if Sukie Crandall is ailing as well because it affects her animals, it affects others in the forum with how she can or cannot help them or contribute to Ferrets magazine, etc.. She is our friend, we are a community, so it matters. I can understand why someone would think that the wedding posts are stupid. Cool. I can understand if they were just curious as to why the thread has kept going on as long as it has, and why the interest in them. Cool. Glad they took the time to ask. Many people might not be clued in. But, I don't understand why someone would be offended by them, and I don't understand why they'd keep reading them if they bothered them. I don't mind hearing peoples opinions even if they are negative. I love questioning things. But I don't love coming to the FML and hearing someone put someone else down for their interest or for what they find joy in. [Posted in FML 5627]