|
12:06:26 |
Webmama_Tina |
ok, today we are honored to have peggy o'mara, editor
and publisher of mothering magazine, on board as our
guest speaker! |
|
12:06:36 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Thanks, Tina. Great to be here. |
|
12:06:52 |
Webmama_Tina |
i can't imagine many people here not knowing who you are
peggy...but just in case...how about introducing
yourself and telling us a little of your background with
mothering and such? :) |
|
12:09:28 |
Webmama_Tina |
hang in there mamas, peggy may be typing |
|
12:09:29 |
Webmama_Tina |
:) |
|
12:09:38 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I am the mother of four adult children. Lally 30. Finnie
28. Bram 26 and Nora 22. The magazine was started in
southern Colorado by Addie Eavenson in 1976 and I
submitted an article and a poem that were accepted. I
then became an editor, but had three kids under five and
it just didn't work so I quit. Then Addie sold the
magazine to me in 1980 with no down payment, but I
signed a wicked contract. In 1980 the mag had a
circulation of 3000 and was a hippie, back to the land,
pregnancy and birth quarterly magazine. I've grown it
over the years just trying to figure it out as I went
along and provide the information and support I always
wanted as a mom. |
|
12:10:10 |
Webmama_Tina |
ah there she is :) |
|
12:11:20 |
Webmama_Tina |
Welcome to this week's Mothering Sponsored chat! This is
a moderated chat. Please make sure you read and fully
understand the Moderated Chat Instructions before
participating in this chat. Instructions can be found
here: http://www.mommychats.com/modrules.htm ...A
Friendly Reminder: Please do not post unless it is your
turn to ask a question. If you have a question, please
post a single ?" and you'll be added to the queue. Have
your question ready when your name is called." |
|
12:11:40 |
Webmama_Tina |
when you are done with your introduction, peggy, just
let us know you are ready for your first question. :) |
|
12:11:48 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
We have a circulation of 85,000 now and I'm happy that
we are reaching more people with the great ideas of
natural family living. |
|
12:11:54 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Ready Teddy |
|
12:11:57 |
Webmama_Tina |
:) |
|
12:12:02 |
Mod_Beckie |
Char ~ You are our first question |
|
12:12:02 |
Webmama_Tina |
ok beckster, line em up, LOL |
|
12:12:20 |
char |
Ok, Hi Peggy |
|
12:12:26 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Hi Char |
|
12:12:41 |
char |
I am wondering first if we are able to discuss issues
with the BOard today? |
|
12:12:56 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Fire away. |
|
12:13:24 |
char |
There have been alot of changes at MDC lately as I am
sure you know |
|
12:13:41 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
How would you describe the changes, Char. |
|
12:13:45 |
char |
I am wondering if you are aware of the impact some of
these changes have had to users |
|
12:13:52 |
mom4tot |
Hi |
|
12:14:00 |
char |
and thier views on the magazine |
|
12:14:00 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Could you describe the changes and the effect on
members. |
|
12:14:26 |
mom4tot |
Can't get in, sorry. |
|
12:14:47 |
lilylove |
hmm? |
|
12:14:52 |
char |
well for one, the Cric board and the fact that we are
not allowed to contain any links that may be graphic in
showing an actual circ? |
|
12:15:44 |
char |
also some of the censorship has gotten some members
quite riled as I am sure you know by th eamount of e
mails you have gottn in the past |
|
12:15:59 |
chris_rezade |
? |
|
12:16:13 |
char |
I am wondering how you feel about the Boards as a whole? |
|
12:16:44 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I think this is a reasonable restriction. It's the same
challenge we face in the magazine. In the early days we
were one big club and we had graphic birth images
because everyone was used to them. However, now, we are
more cautious because we have a wider audience.
Likewise, on the boards, we have a mix of people and I
don't think we have to hit them over the head with
imagery to convince them. |
|
12:17:15 |
Vonnie |
? |
|
12:17:59 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I take issue with the censorship criticism. We do not
intend and have never intended to be everything to
everyone. We are not an adult site. Children read it
over the shoulder of their moms. We are a parenting site
and the discussions in Talk Amongst Ourselves are
personal and optional in my opinion. |
|
12:19:07 |
char |
I am wondering why you didn't come to Cynthia's Aid when
she is obvoiusly under such fire from some members. |
|
12:19:16 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I love the boards. They are a vibrant, active community.
We have a challenge now, I believe, because like the
mag, as we get bigger our audience is more diluted and
not totally purists. I want to strike a balance between
supporting the moms who are into natural family living
and teaching the new moms, but the emphasis should be on
support I think. |
|
12:19:30 |
Webmama_Tina |
peggy, when you feel you've finished answering a
question, just let us know by saying next question" :)" |
|
12:19:52 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Cynthia and I emailed every day and I am totally
supportive of her and the great staff of volunteer
moderators. Cynthia's authority on the boards is her
own, not dependent on me. |
|
12:20:01 |
lotusdebi |
? |
|
12:20:21 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
next question |
|
12:20:35 |
char |
ok thank you very much Peggy. Try not to be a stranger
to the MDC eh? |
|
12:20:42 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Tha |
|
12:20:43 |
Mod_Beckie |
Chris_rezade us next |
|
12:20:44 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
That |
|
12:21:10 |
Mod_Beckie |
sorry, toddler helping me type, Chris_rezade is the next
chatter |
|
12:21:28 |
Webmama_Tina |
:) beckie |
|
12:21:51 |
Mod_Beckie |
upcoming chatters ~ Vonnie & Lotusdebi |
|
12:22:03 |
Webmama_Tina |
chris_rezade, you still there? |
|
12:22:23 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I would love to be on MDC more, but time just doesn't
permit. But, give me the benefit of the doubt. |
|
12:22:37 |
Mod_Beckie |
I will add chris to the end, and I guess Vonnie can go
for now then :) |
|
12:22:38 |
chris_rezade |
Your mag is quite a talking point among my online
friends but I've never really noticed MDC what am I
missing? |
|
12:22:43 |
Mod_Beckie |
never mind, LOL |
|
12:22:43 |
Webmama_Tina |
ah ha there she is |
|
12:23:32 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Check it out. It's a great place to ask questions, find
support, meet new friends. MDC moms even get together
for local conferences. |
|
12:24:03 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
What's up with the next question? |
|
12:24:09 |
Vonnie |
hi ok |
|
12:24:16 |
Vonnie |
in regarding to Char's ? |
|
12:24:44 |
Vonnie |
i wonder if there is a way to add a section" where
Graphics or any general discussion can be done - for
example the gay issues, the circ issues, and all" |
|
12:24:56 |
mizliz |
? |
|
12:25:39 |
Vonnie |
i am very supportive of them to be able to have equal
access since they mother just the same as us but live
differently however for the circ part - for example my
boy is uncut and i would show why i rather it be left
that way so i am wondering if there isa |
|
12:25:47 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I've thought about that, but think they are well covered
on the boards. Queer Parenting, and of course, the Circ
board. Maybe some things you don't find on MDC would be
better for a private chat or board. |
|
12:25:50 |
Vonnie |
for those who wouldn't take offense and feel free to go
in |
|
12:26:21 |
Vonnie |
kids looking over our shoulder" though I think is our
responsibility and our decision whether or not we want
them to see" |
|
12:27:16 |
littleants |
? |
|
12:27:31 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
You must realize that the boards are a totally free
service that we provide. Only this year have we covered
the costs of running the site and the boards. We have
mostly a volunteer staff. We just can't do everything.
I'm not worried about the kids seeing the bleeding
penises, but it's just not appropriate for a board as
big as ours. |
|
12:27:56 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
And, you must have babies if you really think you can
keep older kids from doing everything you don't want
them to do. |
|
12:28:06 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Next question. |
|
12:28:07 |
Mod_Beckie |
Lotusdebi, your turn... |
|
12:28:12 |
lotusdebi |
Hi, Peggy. You say Cynthia Mosher's authority on the
boards is not dependent on you. Does that mean that
there is no oversight? That Cynthia is free to run the
board as she pleases? |
|
12:28:24 |
Mod_Beckie |
upcoming chatters ~ mizliz and littleants |
|
12:28:41 |
lotusdebi |
What about reports that members have been banned without
any warning, due to things as silly as sig lines |
|
12:29:02 |
lotusdebi |
What about the patronizing PMs that Cynthia sends with
veiled (or not so veiled) threats? |
|
12:29:20 |
lotusdebi |
What about Cynthia punishing people on MDC for things
they've posted on other boards? |
|
12:29:37 |
lotusdebi |
Do you support Cynthia's actions in these cases? |
|
12:30:05 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I love Cynthia Mosher. The integrity of the boards is
totally due to her long service. The rules and
regulations of the boards were written and created by
me. Cynthia regulates them on the boards. There is total
oversight, but her authority on the boards rests on her
position as Webmaster and Board Admistrator. That
authority was given her by me. It is useless for you to
try to undermine Cynthia's authority by suggesting that
she does not work at my direction. She does and and she
has my total support. |
|
12:30:48 |
lotusdebi |
Are you aware that many people have canceled
subscriptions to the magazine due to Cynthia's actions
on MDC? |
|
12:31:57 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
People cancel their subs all the time for everything we
do, but new subscribers love it. Our subs are growing.
I'm not afraid of losing subs because of controversy. I
don't like, however, this fantasy that you have to agree
with everything we do to subscibe. Get real. |
|
12:32:41 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Next question. |
|
12:32:43 |
Mod_Beckie |
Mizliz, your turn... |
|
12:33:05 |
mizliz |
Here |
|
12:33:12 |
Mod_Beckie |
Upcoming Chatter ~ Littleants |
|
12:33:13 |
Webmama_Tina |
you're up mama :) |
|
12:33:18 |
Webmama_Tina |
(mizliz) |
|
12:33:23 |
mizliz |
Off topic of boards |
|
12:33:37 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Any topic is fine. |
|
12:34:25 |
mizliz |
Looking at raising kids with my 1st twos dad deceased
and volatile soon to be ex with infant ...any advice
here...tactics...last name issues? |
|
12:35:33 |
Vonnie |
? |
|
12:35:51 |
mizliz |
looking to decrease disparity |
|
12:36:12 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Do you have male friends and relatives who can act as
other" dads? Look out for them. Find good male models,
friends for your kids. Last names could be your name or
a name you all choose or the dad's names. I don't know.
Check out the MDC boards for support." |
|
12:36:53 |
mizliz |
I was curious of you education..new to SF |
|
12:37:10 |
mizliz |
I've seen your bylines |
|
12:37:34 |
mizliz |
no offense intended here |
|
12:37:45 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
I have a BS in secondary education from the University
of Wisconsin, but most of what I've learned I have
learned from my children and this crazy magazine. |
|
12:37:56 |
mizliz |
thanks |
|
12:38:07 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
No offense taken. |
|
12:38:10 |
paxye |
Hi everyone! :D |
|
12:38:36 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Hi Paxye |
|
12:39:04 |
Mod_Beckie |
littleants, you're up if Peggy's ready |
|
12:39:09 |
mizliz |
I'm being food now... so I guess all for now |
|
12:39:10 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
ready |
|
12:39:19 |
littleants |
Hi Peggy, I love reading Mothering. I have a bunch of
Father's I know that want to know why there isn't
something similar for them and are interested in
starting a Fathering" magazine. With all your hindsight
wisdome, do you have any suggestions?" |
|
12:39:51 |
paxye |
Peggy... I just want to say thank you.... Mothering is
my escape in a very mainstream little town.... |
|
12:40:22 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
What a great idea. There have been a few attempts over
the years, but it wasn't until the commercial success of
Men's Health magazine. Have the dads checked with Joe
Kelly at Dads and Daughters. I would support this effort
in any way possible, but it should come from the dads
themselves. |
|
12:40:52 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
You're welcome. I hope we can have family centers in all
towns some day soon. |
|
12:41:01 |
Mod_Beckie |
Friendly Reminder: Please do not post unless it is your
turn to ask a question. If you have a question, please
post a single ?" and you'll be added to the queue. Have
your question ready when your name is called. THANKYOU!
:)" |
|
12:41:05 |
littleants |
Any suggestions on how to get a readership and do the
original funding? |
|
12:41:55 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Have someone call me to chat. Big questions. I would
suggest starting small with a newsletter and growing.
Kimber suggests taking tips from The Full Monty. |
|
12:42:32 |
Webmama_Tina |
LOL! |
|
12:43:01 |
Peggy_O_Mara |
Next question. |
|
12:43:04 |
Mod_Beckie |
Vonnie, you are up! |
|
12:43:06 |
littleants |
