Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York

Nancy O'Dell recently graced the cover of Southern Beauty Magazine, albiet airbrushed or "sandblasted" as pointed out by Fern Siegel of MediaPost's Magazine Rack blog. Photoshopped cover girl's have never really bothered me--I completely understand a publications need to sell itself to the browsing potential buyer and isn't it just common knowledge that all magazines do this (even when they say they don't)? However I do take issue when there is a lame attempt to tear apart a new magazine with ramblings, that half the time, I wondered what the point was.

Ms. Siegel questions (rhetorically) how beauty can be "regional." I think she's missing the point. "Southern" Beauty is about that romanticism of the southern bell. Just as Garden & Gun Magazine is about the southern lifestyle, Southern Beauty looks to project the refined woman who possesses both beauty, charm, strength and wit. I understand that take on the magazine, I thought it was obvious. (And isn't Nancy O'Dell the perfect example?)

Ms. Seigel's insensitivity about the woman profiled in "Soul Sister" was unnecessary. Let me dust off my B.A. in Psychology for a moment and give her some insight that what this poor woman, who was blaming God for her fiance's second tour in Iraq, was doing is called a "coping mechanism"--no need for the sarcasm and pointing out the failings of man. Also, as someone who has various family members who have served multiple tours in Iraq (and the Middle East in general), I can relate to the sadness this woman feels, but her strength is amazing and Ms. Siegel's words? Inconsiderate. Also? The whole Soul Sister category is about women who inspire; how can anyone want to deflate their stories of fortitude?

All beauty magazines have their good and bad, and at one time when they were all newly minted on the magazine stands, they went through their initial growing pains; but raking one over the coals when it's not really warranted is just in poor taste.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it; what do you think?