Mouthin' Off
Castigated by Coeur duh Alene
I read the article comparing Bozeman to Coeur d'Alene [Summer 2007]. I felt it was 'slightly' slanted. I'm sure many who conduct comparisons between different cities would agree, since Coeur d'Alene is rated in the top 5 on a consistent basis. The two that come to mind are USA Today and The View. But then again, these aren't large and influential media outlets, so maybe I shouldn't refer to them.
I'm sure Bozeman is a beautiful place to live and visit. It's just a shame that this type of comparison is filled with inaccurate information. Oh well, not every city can be rated number one... maybe Bozeman will get that honor in a few years.
Carl Jones
Coeur d’Alene, ID
To heck with your “large and influential media outlets,” Carl—we think for ourselves ‘round these parts. I’ve lived both places and I’m here to tell you, Bozeman kicks CDA’s butt. —Mike England
Bad Spellers, Untie!
I want to start by saying how much I enjoy your publication. It is a unique, laid back, and interesting—a great read. Unfortunately, I'm writing with a little (gentle) criticism.
In the Summer 2007 issue, you featured an article by Drew Page about the Baja 500. The article was about two local racers, who are friends of mine. I wanted to point out that Jamey Kabish's first and last names were misspelled as "Jamie Cabish." The article itself was great, and everyone was excited about it. BUT, why did you publish a picture of some random guy with a mustache? I mean, who is that guy, and why does he wear orange from head to toe? It would have made more sense to have an actual picture of the racers, or of the race.
Amy Smit
We have one word for you, Amy: Oops. Bad editors! We’ll be sure to flog the writer for his lack of attention to detail—but first we must point out that his last name is spelled “Pogge,” not “Page” as you wrote in your letter. Bad letter writer! As for the orange-suited mustache guy, what can we say? Internet poaching ain't like it used to be. —Editors
Doggin’ on Dokken
I simply must comment on your latest Outside Bozeman issue [Fall 2007]. Yours has always been a fine publication that continues to improve with each issue, but the fact that you had the cojones to criticize Wade Dokken in print is priceless, and long overdue. Having conducted two separate environmental assessments on the Bullis Creek Ranch prior to Mr. Dokken's ownership, I am quite familiar with the exceptional quality of this property. I have grown tired of everyone blathering on about what a fantastic, cutting-edge development this will be and what an incredible 'team' he has put together with Jane Goodall, Jack Horner, blah blah blah. You hit the nail on the head in your Champs & Chumps piece by asking just what he is preserving in his Ameya Preserve. Very, very nicely done, and thanks for putting into print what others seem to be afraid to. I hope you guys continue to be as outspoken in the future—it's a breath of fresh air! May I also say that I appreciate the balance you bring to your publication with your diverse articles. I know I'm not the only one who is somewhat conflicted with the complicated issue of wilderness vs. biking access, for example, and it is helpful to see such issues from more than one perspective.
Many thanks for your fine work.
A. Nonymous, Bozeman
I was just directed to Outside Bozeman’s “Champs & Chumps.” [Fall 2007] Thanks for putting the sham in front of your audience. I’m certainly not alone in my endeavor to expose Ameya for what it is and is not.
In your spare time, check out the claim of offsetting the CO2 footprint of all Ameya families (300+ of them) for their entire lives. I went to the Conservation Fund’s website and used their little CO2 calculator. Dokken can’t plant enough trees on 1,700 acres in North Dakota to offset the CO2 of 300 families like my wife and I (modest ranch-style house, no other homes, no children, don’t travel much), much less the CO2 emissions of people with multiple homes. The Cons. Fund’s model is very simple so my calculations were very conservative.
The false advertising needs to be exposed. Thanks for helping!
Pete Feigley, Ph.D.
Absaroka Ecological Consulting, Livingston
Glad to be of service. Also glad to hear that we’re not the only ones left who feel no need to kowtow to big-city money and propaganda. This is still Montana, after all. —M.E.
Making a Better Montana
My husband and I have been long-time readers of Outside Bozeman, and enjoyed your magazine long before we owned a home in Montana. I loved the beautiful photography, the interesting articles and the fact that I felt that the magazine captured the flavor of your great state.
Sadly all of that came to an end with the arrival of your latest issue. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew that had been a major change, and not for the better. First, you have a hunter on the cover and last page of the magazine. As big believers in catch and release, we were disappointed to promote what appears to be “sport hunting.” And “We are the NRA.” The magazine has turned into a relative of STUFF or the like, and has no one there noticed that the cartoons are bizarre and garish? The writers for OB seem to think that they are cool and their humor is irreverent—trust me, they are wrong in both cases.
I already knew that our magazine-reader relationship had come to an end, when I saw the article on “Truck Nutz.” I knew that our country had hit a new low for public respect when I saw the first pair on a pickup. I told my husband about it, and he was convinced I was making it up. I really can’t think of anything that could be more [in]appropriate or offensive, and the fact that your magazine is celebrating them is astonishing. And it is very difficult to offend me.
What are you thinking?
Sarah Miller
Bryn Mawr, PA
Let’s get this straight—you don’t approve of hunting, you can’t distinguish a serious article from a spoof, and you think buying a vacation house here makes you an infallible arbiter of Montana humor and good taste? And people wonder why we make fun of out-of-staters! You should discuss this with fellow immigrant and concerned letter-writer Terry Levine [Spring 2007]; I’ll bet you two would make great friends. —M.E.
Much Less Difficult to Offend
We just got the latest issue of Outside Bozeman [Fall 2007] and I wanted to send you a quick thanks for reviewing the SOLE footbeds. I’m glad you found them useful on your backcountry trips. Enjoy the rest of the hunting season!
BTW, congrats on your Best Magazine Award. We really do enjoy your magazine here—not a whole lot of pubs can pull off a story about bike hunting, ankle injury prevention, nudists, and truck nutz (awesome!) in the same issue.
Ian Anderson
Backbone Media
Carbondale, CO
Crazy for Carhartts
In the 118 years Carhartt has been in business, we’ve seen our clothes turned into wedding and prom dresses, corsets, artificial limbs, furniture, even coffin shrouds. However, the “Carhartt Thong” in your summer issue may well take the prize for the most innovative (and slightly disturbing) product we’re never, ever going to make.
For Montana women who prefer a little bit more body coverage, we are in fact launching our new Carhartt for Women line this fall. No thongs, just Carhartt durability and comfort in women’s fits and sizes.
By the way, we've apparently already had one retailer get a request for this...
John Mozena
Public Relations Manager, Carhartt, Inc.
Dearborn, MI
Hello, I am a member of the Missoula Artist's Shop. We have monthly shows of various themes. October is fabric, or apparel. Your Carhartt thong [Spring 2007] could be an interesting addition. This is last minute, however if you actually have a Carhartt thong and would be interested in showing it with us, let us know.
Thanks,
Steve T., Missoula
Something on your mind? Wanna rip us a new one, or tell us how cool we are? Send to [email protected]. Letters may be edited for spelling, grammar, and length.
