Who can I ask, or complain to about ...

shenanigans · #1 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 11:29 AM

the magazine being advertised on tv, aimed at children, which includes a real life insect in perspex in each copy.

I truely apologise if this thread is in wrong topic, or if it breaches any of rules (I have read them

), but whilst these 'bugs' are apparently bred in farms for this specific purpose, and are not endangered species, it offends me, as they are living creatures and it is not necessary.

I thought we were trying to get our children to respect life, and that the days of collecting living things for collections were dwindling out.

Any information or opinion would be appreciated.

(Mods - move me if I'm in the wrong place, delete me if this falls into the commercial rules bit, but please don't ban me.... is a genuine enquiry xxxx )

Kymba · #2 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 12:40 PM

Hi shenanigans and welcome to WAB

I have the magazine and in the information guide that comes with the first edition, If i have read it correctly they are preserved in the plastic Resin when they die naturally. They do not kill them. Most species do not have a very long life span.

wildone · #3 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 12:44 PM

Get in touch with Buglife, they may not be aware of what is happening. Also write to the Editor of the magazine.

wildone

shenanigans · #4 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymba

Hi shenanigans and welcome to WAB

I have the magazine and in the information guide that comes with the first edition, If i have read it correctly they are preserved in the plastic Resin when they die naturally. They do not kill them. Most species do not have a very long life span.

thank you for your reply. I'm not sure how I feel if they "die naturally", on the one hand - thats good, on the other hand they have still been farm raised. I think the advert shocked me cos I'd assummed collecting things like this was now a bit taboo in our society.

Will mull it over for a while I think.... but thank you for your time - is appreciated.

shenanigans · #5 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildone

Get in touch with Buglife, they may not be aware of what is happening. Also write to the Editor of the magazine.

wildone

Thank you ..... do I just google Buglife? will have a go xxx Ad been on again just now, and my 14 yr old daughter (a bug a phobic) has just expressed her distaste at it, so its not just me x

kshotton45 · #6 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 01:09 PM

I was surprised at the advert. Are they bred and kept in captivity while someone waits for them to die.
It seems a tad immoral to me.
It's too tempting to speed up their demise to meet the magazine orders.
I'm sure it's not in the best taste, and of course, there's money involved.

Keith.

shenanigans · #7 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kshotton45

I was surprised at the advert. Are they bred and kept in captivity while someone waits for them to die.
It seems a tad immoral to me.
It's too tempting to speed up their demise to meet the magazine orders.
I'm sure it's not in the best taste, and of course, there's money involved.

Keith.

Thank you... its not just me then! I have emailed buglife... and await their response. Interestingly the magazine is endorsed by the Natural History Museum!! Whilst I agree that educating and endearing insect life to kids is important, the inclusion of a real specimen seems unnecessary .... anatomically correct models would be just as good.

matt_xyz · #8 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenanigans

Thank you... its not just me then! I have emailed buglife... and await their response. Interestingly the magazine is endorsed by the Natural History Museum!! Whilst I agree that educating and endearing insect life to kids is important, the inclusion of a real specimen seems unnecessary .... anatomically correct models would be just as good.

I agree. I'm also not comfortable with the idea of this magazine giving away real specimens, whether they died naturally or not. It just seems unnecessary. It could also encourage kids to start their own collections of butterflies or other insects. I think they are far better ways of stimulating childrens' interest in wildlife.

Matt

kshotton45 · #9 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 01:30 PM

Ofcom can be contacted online. They're responsible for what's broadcast on TV.
Home page | Ofcom

May be worth trying.

Keith.

shenanigans · #10 (**permalink**) 31-08-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kshotton45

Ofcom can be contacted online. They're responsible for what's broadcast on TV.
Home page | Ofcom

May be worth trying.

Keith.

Thanks Keith

LOL.... having lived my 37 yrs never officially complaining about anything, I have complained to OFCOM twice in the last 12 months (hangs head a little shamefully.... big brother related !!)... will see what buglife say, may get hubby to complain to OFCOM for me, as they're just going to think I like a good moan if I contact them again

KT