6 (six) sixth: Mark Lipinski and the Shocking Quilts

Have you heard the bru-haha about the newest issue of Mark Lipinski’s Quilter’s Home (March 2009)?  Basically it goes something like this:  Mark has published a cutting edge article on art quilts titled How far is too far? Shocking Quilts by Jake Finch.  JoAnn’s Fabrics and Crafts is refusing to display this issue because they are concerned that some of their customers may find it offensive.  Mark (being the smart and forward-thinking person he is) sealed each issue in a clear plastic sleeve.  Unless you tear the plastic open, you cannot peruse the magazine in the store.  I am sure Mark thought this would be prudent and appropriate packaging for this issue. Not so,  for JoAnn’s Fabrics.  If you are active on some of the online forums and discussion groups, you probably are aware that many are calling for a boycott of JoAnn’s Fabrics because of their refusal to sell this issue.  So for what it’s worth, here is my opinion on this matter:  the last time I looked this was a free country, Mark can publish his magazine however he wants to; JoAnn’s can choose what to sell in their stores; consumers can purchase any item they want in any store that sells it; I don’t see any problem….  I bought the magazine at Borders.  No big deal!  Let Freedom Ring!!  Yippeeee!  We are a free country and this is just a small case demonstrating that fact!  I am sure some are fuming at this, but come on!!  Boycott JoAnn’s Fabric stores??  Just because their marketing director does not want to display this issue?  This is what makes this country so great… we all think differently… What ever happened to honoring diversity?  For accepting people the way they are?  Come on ….  I say:  Go for it Mark!  Be strong JoAnn’s!  And to those boycotting:  get real.

(A note from Mark:   The issue that could not be sold at Jo-Ann will be sold at Sam’s Club instead this time around.)