This project

[Brian Sorgatz]

Peggy Wilkins wrote:
>    - rigid adherence to historical formats and layout led to sense
>      of tiredness, lack of innovation; presentation of the content
>      makes it look uninteresting, irrelevant

I still like the idea of preserving some aspects of the format exactly as 
they are, for the same reason that historic buildings are preserved.  How 
would any of us feel if all the familiar landmarks of our home town were 
demolished within a year?  I am thankful that the first page of the 
Interview, for example, has not been changed at all, and I like to think 
that the experiments with sidebars on subsequent pages represent a decent 
compromise between tradition and innovation.

>- The cult of the celebrity:
>
>    - dependence on celebrity covers and content for sales means a loss
>      of self determination
>
>    - PLAYBOY's definition of who is a celebrity has been questionable:
>      tabloid journalism leads to poor perception of the magazine

I agree strongly with the latter statement above, but not necessarily with 
the former.  Fascination with celebrities per se is not a sign of decadence. 
Indeed, it may be somewhat hypocritical for us PLAYBOY fans to denounce 
it, since there has been a cult of celebrity surrounding Hef and the two 
Mansions for decades.  But PLAYBOY should try to honor legitimate 
celebrities rather than trash celebrities.  And certain venues, like the 
PMOY issue cover, must be reserved for non-celebrities.

>- Absentee editor
>
>    - Hugh Hefner used to take a deep personal interest in all the
>      magazine content, but has slowly given up control of all but a
>      few preferred features; the magazine has subsequently lost the
>      marked benefits of his directed attention

As I wrote before, Peggy may have considerable power to help change this, 
according to her earlier posts.

In addition, I support the most recent suggestions of Steve Sloca, Dianne 
Chandler, and Gretchen Edgren.

Brian Sorgatz